Emad's Blog

January Madness

2012-01-28T20:24:00.000Z

Konnichiwa!

DAMNIT JANUARY I HATE YOU.

So yes, I have been away because...well, take a wild guess... University exams! Bloody exams. The examination culture in this country is just absurd.

I have been doing literally nothing interesting. Revision in my room with the help of green tea and other nibbling. EMAD WILL GET BACK TO THINNESS SOON. I have made a personal vow to "stop the talk and walk the walk" or however you say it. I have a pile of colourful medium-sized t-shirts that need to be worn again as I have slowly but continuously expanded after leaving school a few years ago. This already sounds familiar to a certain Hummus' latest blog post...

But that's because exams are war! Students versus lecturers in a waffly verbal battle of the written word. That didn't make sense but my point was certainly made. My exams are over but I do have a wonderful 10 minute RECORDED interview (dictaphone or camcorder, which one - still not known) this Friday which will technically complete exam season. But the usual "sit in silence and do this you wussies!" has been completed. I think I've said this two or three times already but I can't read what I have already typed.

However, unlike the world of Hummus, I have not received my results back in lightning speed. It could be up until the beginning of March when I receive the news of imminent failure/success - DAMN YOU UNIVERSITY MARKING. And the fact I have to wait for the board of examiners to meet for the school of biology AND chemistry. Maybe even the school of agriculture, food and rural development (the school that "manages joint honours students). That's what you get for taking a joint honours course I guess.

I've typed 3 full paragraphs already? Jees. So yes. Erm...I watched Moneyball and it was awesome? And it's strange how Melissa McCarthy AND Jonah Hill are now Oscar nominees?

Yeah. I need to get back to living. But oh wait. I have a pretty full Monday and Tuesday next week. And then what's that Emad? You have 5 lectures and then labs on the following Monday giving you a "9-to-5" day without a break? Oh. Glad I'm not in your shoes.

I'm not cranky. Now where is my Xbox damnit!

I have changed my background to (I think) a photo of daisies. Because I am a "sensitive flower". Thank you biology teacher from 6th form!

HOMELAND. If there is ONE televisual show you start to watch and immediately finish due to its awesometicity, it's Homeland. I cannot stress how awesome this is. Do not read up too much about it as it may spoil it for you! All you need to know is that Damien Lewis (of all people...) plays a marine who was held PoW by a bunch of terrorists for years and years, comes back to America safe and sound, but Clare Danes thiiiiinks something fishy is going on. Just watch it folks!

Okay so that was the only interesting thing I did in the past few weeks. But I am back now! And so many films to watch, books to read, weight to lose, games to play, lectures to attend blah blah blah. Here's to 2012 etc!

Sweet dreams.

Emad.

A Peek Through the Keyhole

2011-12-21T23:55:00.001Z

Konnichiwa!

I did start typing this (or at least open) using Microsoft's Windows Live Writer as I've always wanted to try the software but it's too late in the day to make an attempt. But it shall become a favourite! I just know it. Or you know, I shall use it here and there. If only they released one for Windows Phone...

...And speaking of Windows Phone, I have a new mobile! Yay etc. Nokia. And I'm back on Orange. Talk about nostalgia etc. And having used Apple-ness, an Android phone, my beloved (yes!) Palm Pre and now Windows, I have to say, Windows is surprisingly the best.

It's strange that many people continue to think Microsoft as a company that doesn't "get" design and user experience for ordinary folk like you and I when it simply isn't the case. Unlike the other types of phones I've had, it's not slow. Jees, why do some phones have to be more advanced than my laptop yet take me 5 minutes to send a text message! And I have a phone with a battery now. So yes, the main things have been covered in this comprehensive review of mine.

Hello! So I saw a strange indie film named Another Earth last week (yes, with Luke). And crikey, that was strange! And good. And damn the good/bad ending! But do watch, and avoid reading too much on it beforehand so as to avoid spoilers. Definitely one of the most interesting films I have seen this year.

University is in hibernation mode. I am home for this "holiday" i.e. revision season. Damnit. But hopefully the work will pay off for both you and I, you reader-person, you! Arrived home on Saturday after being picked up by the parents, woo. This saved the need to carry/damage my well-kept biology AND chemistry books.

However, before their arrival to the colder, darker location that is Newcastle, you may have noticed (if you visit their website that is...) that the Guardian had a telethon for various charities this weekend with maaaany of their writers answering calls, including the editor. And Zoe Williams, an excellent journalist/columnist, answered my call! Yammered away for a good 15 minutes, it was super-awesome to speak to such an excellent writer. You should have done the same! I was hoping for either her to answer or a certain football/sport writer...ahem!

Another film was watched! The third instalment of the Harold & Kumar series of films. Now, my brother and I said two weeks ago that we'd go see the film despite the decent reviews, indicating that it was good but nothing as good as the first (or even the second). My rating will increase over time but deary me, that was just bad: 2/10. One for the successful lambasting of the useless 3-D that is implemented in today's crappy films (3-D is utterly pointless, but you don't need me to tell you this). And another for the one joke that made me laugh. Yep. But still, go see it - it's much better than Tintin.

So we come to a close for this post. I'm glad we've examined my feelings and personal thoughts today. Maybe we'll look at something similar next time.

This song is AWESOME.

Sweet dreams.

Emad.

Five Stars

2011-12-05T22:38:00.001Z

Konnichiwa!

Work, work, work, work and even more freaking work. Or bloody work. Because it is so painful blood starts pouring from all areas of the body. Argh!

So yes, university is going well. Kinda. These last two weeks (will) contain so much work. Mini-tests, assignments, learning logs and a stupid amount of structural chemistry which should quite frankly be banned! Ahem. Organic chemistry all the way, right? Just curly arrows! But it too is very difficult, pfft!

Nothing particularly interesting has happened recently apart from despising the political right even MORE. Who doesn't! They even hate themselves!

Speaking of politics, I saw Tom Watson MP on the ride home on Friday. I know, very cool for knowing who he is. But thanks to the old lady sat next to me who was half asleep, I could not approach him. How fun! Maybe next time.

Literally nothing dramatically interesting has happened recently.

I went home this past weekend and worked and had my nephew ruin clothes I was wearing with food. You know, the usual. At least we've moved on from urine. Boy that was fun.

And...just...yes. I saw a robin last week. That was fun. Also...

HOW COLD IS IT?! Oh God. So damn cold. Just horrible!

OH. Should be getting my new phone soon! And it will be a Nokia! And on Orange! Just like the old days! How expensive is O2, SRSLY?

Anyhow, things have just been plodding along. Yawn. And I apologise for giving you that yawn! But yes, I shall update my blog when I make it all boyish by talking about nothing but my new phone when it - hopefully - arrives.

Listen to? Jesse McCartney - Beautiful Soul. Not my suggestion. I barely like this song...ahem.

Sweet dreams.

Emad.

Totally Not Typing This During Question Time

2011-11-24T22:55:00.001Z

Konnichiwa!

Let's start off with the biggest story: I went to the White Rose Centre again! I jest, that isn't the most interesting thing that has happened to me this past fortnight but let's face it, it is DEFINITELY worth mentioning nonetheless. And yes I did have a milkshake whilst I was there. From the GOOD place upstairs.

Contrary to what some people think, Parks & Recreation is the best show so far this TV season. Community has also returned to being excellent and damnit Office, how can you remain this good after 7+ years?! Anyhow, James Spader is a legend and we have not decided to watch The Practice after all... (Boston Legal was indeed awesome and everyone should watch it! Now! Especially if you can get a season for only £5 like I did a year ago.)

Also contrary to what some people think...damnit, I have forgotten what I was going to say here. Damn you Question Time. Next!

I had an ECG test yesterday! That was weird. And took an entire hour! How can a hospital open its cardio-respiratory department for only THREE hours each weekday! Insaaane. Anyhow, that was interesting. And calm down my millions of fans/readers, I am absolutely fine, no need to worry (but I won't be revealing my medical history on a public blog now so...yes). Hello!

The nephew bit my face! Yes, as part of his hugging and touching my face, he decided to help his teeth develop by attempting to bite my cheek. These babies are violent! Having said that, he very much enjoys his jumping/jumperoo/whatever-you-call-it toy. Most definitely did not record a video on my phone for my amusement.

The trains! They are still horrible, nothing new to report here.

University! The thing that takes up most of time. Going well. We shall see how it goes in the future...! Well, what can I mention. That the most expensive book I've had to buy at £52 is only 220 pages, yay. And that...well, you know, it's going on. Oh! I have the opportunity to write a personal development plan as...well, I say "write" - it can take any form I like. A standard report/essay thing, a physical model that can be made, a short story, anything! How a short story would be written to fulfil the given criteria of a personal development plan...you tell me. But I am looking into a video! Yay etc. How would I even edit the thing.... These are the questions I am pondering over before I decide what to do. Wow, I have bored you all, let's move on! Or in fact, a picture!

Mr Spader himself!

Oh, that's what it was what I wanted to say earlier. Contrary to what some people might think, I will indeed read Jonathan Franzen's "Freedom" and Steve Jobs' biography as well as those seven books I was able to buy for less than £11 online. (Pristine, new hardbacks! Pristine I tell you!)

I need a new phone! My contract is up soon but for some reason I cannot find a contract that even MATCHES my current tariff let alone one that is cheaper. That's O2 and every other network for you (but especially O2 because they are literally thieves - BOOM!), ahem. Suggestions?! The new Nokia is something I saw in person two days ago. Very nice...!

I think that covers it for now. I will blog again soon! Hope all of you are doing well!

This is great! It was played as an intro to The Verge's podcast a week or so ago (The Verge is a great tech website, read!) - and I listen to maaaany podcasts. Anyone else??

Sweet dreams.

Emad.

Let's Future-Think This Out

2011-11-08T23:41:00.001Z

Konnichiwa!

So Emad, what have you bee up this past week? Good question Emad, let's go through it as chronologically as possible.

The last inorganic chemistry lab experiment took place last week! Hooray! It was horrible and good in that weird way practicals are but Aron and I slung it out and we now know what it is like to be in the middle of a war zone. In a university laboratory...ahem.

What else! Another careers event attended in order to boost my learning log and also help me in the future - psychometric tests! Yes, they're awful and useless. Remember taking secondary school entrance exams with "non-verbal reasoning" sections? Or the famous UKCAT? Yes, stupid! Because when you guess you can get a higher score so...that explains that. Okay fine, some of them are good, but others are just flat-out ridic-!

Biology assignments! Two out of three now done for one of the modules. An in-class test this week. Other biology module: first assignment this week. So work is indeed being thrown this way constantly. Keep it coming Mr and Mrs Lecturers, you're going DOWN PAL! In a friendly, non-threatening manner, woop!

Oh, IT WAS EID: THE SECOND! So much fun, as always. Went home of course, the usual celebrations with food took place, as well as banoffee cheesecake, which I think I've only had literally once or twice. Still excellent of course. Even if the place I bought it from is in that bad place close to where I live. (Defend it all you want in the comments section you person!)

The nephew, now 6 months old, threw up milk after the Eid prayers when I arrived home. So fun! But he is wonderful as ever, and according to the conversation I had with my sister today, is a fan of the Very Hungry Caterpillar book and accompanying soft toy I bought him a little while back. So woo to that! However, he is also a fan of eating phones so...not sure what I should upgrade to in the next week/month. Nokia, anyone? It looks good! And we hate Android! (And Blackberries...yes, I said it again MAN!)

What else. Oh, I visited the White Rose centre for the first time in AGES. And unlike someone who just goes for the ice-cream and other food items, I went for other reasons.

Ah, just remembered: it was also my grandmothers' birthday a few days ago! So a giant chocolate cake was presented/shared on Eid in the afternoon! And the funny moment occurred when everyone sang their term of address for the grandmother during the happy birthday song. Mother, grandmother etc etc. The value of family is always being enhanced, which is a good thing.

And this is a good time to mention (because I did NOT forget) that our very own Hummus is 21! I know! Old! But we congratulate her on reaching this age in good health and what not and wish her another splendid 21 years and many more beyond. Here, here!

We now arrive to Tuesday evening. Lectures. Computer practicals. Notes being made, How I Met Your Mother and Bored to Death being watched aaaand...The Adventures of Tintin watched at the cinema! Luke and I paid a visit. We agreed it was good but nothing great or bad. So...advice: watch something else. Like Ides of March (which I still want to watch!) or if you just want to have fun, Tower Heist, because we all need another bloody Eddie Murphy film! Damnit. The Tintin cartoon was AWESOME. My brother and I loved it. Moneyball soon. And Take Shelter. So...keep your Canadian-themed calendars open!

I think this is the point where I leave for bed so farewell to you all and I hope to blog veeery soon with nothing interesting to say whatsoever, as all I will be doing is reading textbooks and making notes this weekend. Hooray!

Sweet dreams.

Emad.

Oh Please, Take Even MORE Time Why Don't You

2011-10-29T09:49:00.001+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Where to begin with my apologies. How about wiiiith, oh yeah, I started working over the summer but had to leave after a few days to take some resits... So that was fun. Well, revise for the resits.

And a little while later (after passing, PHEW), university started! And we didn't have internet for a while and....blah blah, "all that matters is we're here now, safe and healthy" etc. Ahem. So glad I've been able to explain this absence of mine in such an articulate manner.

So HELLO! Reclaimed my blog, and here we are. University. Stage 2. What's so interesting about this year is that I HAVE A HUGE NUMBER OF BOOKS IN MY ROOM. And only TWO are fiction! Damn this. Anyone want to share their uni book bill? Last year all my chemistry books were given for free and all I needed to spend was £52. But THIS year? £140-ish. Woo!

Oh come on Emad, you can start off your first blog post in over 2 months with something more interesting than your reading list bill!

Fine, what else...

I made this pizza ages ago! Yay!

And I saw this HUGE snail in my garden, also ages ago! (Seriously, the picture doesn't do justice to how disgustingly big this thing was...)

Good 2011 films I have seen since my last post...hmm, Drive! Twice! AWESOME. Just superb. Crazy Stupid Love! Contagion! Ides of March soon I think... Maybe I saw a "summer blockbuster" but it was so good I have forgotten. Oh, Bridesmaids. Aaand...yep.

Summary time: Drive is sensational, no questions. From the opening scene and credits all the way to the final moments, this stylish and violent film is a new favourite. Ryan Gosling and Albert Brooks are brilliant. Crazy Stupid Love is hilarious, especially with that excellent cast. Contagion was great, with tense moments throughout, especially as it didn't feel dumbed down at any point. And Bridesmaids was good but considering the raves it was receiving at its time of release... It's still good! Just not as good as The 40-Year-Old Virgin or Knocked Up.

So, university. Stage 2. Of 3. So far, good! Chemistry labs, despite seemingly to take the world to complete each one, have been 80+% so far, so woo to that. But the work load is just enormous. Which is why I have been continuously updating my podcast playlist. How about that. And my current library loan count is...11. I think. Just pfft! But the enjoyment is still there. As is the case with the "Developing Graduate Skills" module where we were assigned to write a job description of the profession we intended to get into after we graduate, along with a covering letter and a CV. Totally didn't sleep at around 3:45am the other day with a 9am start. So fun! Medicine thoughts. Also fun. But you know, postgraduate biology (not the chemistry...!) looks fun too!

Steve Jobs passed away. Hmm, sadness. I've been looking forward to reading the biography ever since it was announced, this makes it even more interesting to read. But new life emerged in technology in the form of Nokia! Totally into getting a Windows phone, finally.

Oh, there was an Eid about two months ago! And there is one next week. Ah, time flies...

So once again, my apologies but I am definitely alive and all the rest of it. To the bloggers whose blogs I read: I have been reading them! Along with fascinating textbooks. And I promise to have interestingness updated here on a more regular basis, ahem.

If there were other interesting stories to share, I apologise but I have forgotten about them. Meaning you shouldn't know I have/had them to share. Creepy!

Oh, and a final note: I made an attempt at kidney beans and rice last week! Because I am indeed a fan of kidney beans. However, there was a tiiiiiny problem with the end result. How can I say this... It tasted un-nice? So yeah... I did take a picture but...just no!

I leave you with this great song. It was going to be a Westlife one but what can I say, I'm just too upset to talk about it. Instead I am listening to them as I post this. With tears streaming down my face. Further sadness.
<p>&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;Itwas</p>

Enjoying the Cold, Wet, British Summer...

2011-07-13T23:44:00.002+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Where to begin etc. Well, the delay in blogging = I had no computer! It died! But I have a new one now! Yay! So a sad farewell to Tinge of Red indeed. My new computer is still nameless... But it took a little over a month to get my new computer from Currys. Shall go through this anecdote in my next post!

And I have a new phone! So gadgets all around. My Palm Pre Plus was slowly dying and then just...gave up. Interesting sidenote: it took 9 weeks for O2 to get their act together and give me a replacement. Yup... But hello Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc! Excellent hardware with crappy (SERIOUSLY crappy) Android. Fun! So O2 are...well, let's not use angry words now. Upgrading in 4 months' time is going to be fun...

I HAVE MADE THINGS!

Virtually a solo task. Wonderful, chewy and soft cookies! Note: buy plenty of chocolate chips so you don't have to use your stash of huge Galaxy chocolate bars. I won't name this person. But her name begins with an "h"... Anyhow, the recipe is from here: ...okay, looks like I cannot find the website where I got the recipe. DAMNIT etc. (UPDATE: It's here!) But anyhow, splendid cookies, seriously. Just don't use a giant plastic spoon to lightly mix the dough as it eventually becomes one giant slab and therefore the spoon will snap and your mother may be ticked off slightly... Ahem!

Shockingly, everyone liked them. Better than that attempt of making banana chocolate chip muffins last year with very little sugar... And I have to point out the photo does not do justice here! I was in a hurry trying to get the second tray out of the oven before they became un-cookies. I don't think the camera was even in macro mode.

What else has been happening... Crikey, it's been so long. I am back at home of course, as my last post was the day of my last exam.

Erm...Portal 2 is an amazing game as is Crysis 2??

Oh, I saw a "full" dead cat on the side of the road a number of weeks ago. It was horrible. But it wasn't squished with its insides all over the road which is what usually happens with hedgehogs and foxes etc. Just nasty nevertheless...

Emmy nominations tomorrow? Bored to Death, Community and Parks & Recreation have to be there! And Joel McHale...

I have a lot to read. A heck of a lot. And when I last went to HMV I decided to buy another book like an idiot too. Damnit.

Oh, I have a new cool pair of trainers! This is pointless but worth mentioning because it took me weeks to decide which pair to buy. Very fun.

Hmm...I'll be blogging very soon so maybe I'll be able to remember something more interesting.

I was in a car accident! I think the third or fourth where I've been a passenger... Anyhow, everyone was fine and it was the other person's fault, so don't worry. Moving on swiftly! Ha, I apolgise. But yes. Erm...we are all indeed fine. Woo to that.

Oh, I had 6 Oatabix biscuits/pieces today? Yup, every diet needs fibre... I beat my "record" I set only the other day of 5. ...Look, I need to lose weight people!

Okay I'll stop. But I'm back! And still alive! So hello to you all once again!

Sweet Dreams.

Emad.

Yet Another Escape From Exams: Part MMXXVII or Something...

2011-06-08T18:35:00.001+01:00

Konnichiwa!

So what's happened? NOTHING. That's what.

Well, exams. And GAWD, what a pain in the ass they are. Every year. Well, every 6 months.

So how were these exams in the end Emad? Put it this way, when I was saying goodbye to a friend today after our last paper, he said "Well...see you at the resits". Fun! Having said that, stupid statistics remained stupid as I (along with many others I'm guessing) passed the module based on coursework alone. Fun, also.

I am TWENTY! So damn old, I dislike this! Anyone else care to join me? The only significant thing about how it was ruined THIS year (usually it's exams of course) is how it was celebrated. I had a break (ha, I say break...) between my exams of around 9 days so I went home. And for the first time ever, my family actually surprised me with a mini-party! This was fun because there was cake.

More exams after that when I came back to Newcastle. Blaah...what else (yes I am just stream-of-conscioussness-ing this, I had an exam today damnit!)...

Oh, Luke and I paid another visit to the cinema today (straight after the exam, ahem) to watch X-Men: First Class. How bad is it? It's pretty decent! James McAvoy, yet another acceptable Scottish person, ahem! Michael Fassbender looked pretty much like Ian McKellen by the end of it all. And my oh my. I won't spoil anything by giving the details but there's possibly the most disturbing death scene in a film even in this 12A-rated picture. Kevin Bacon who plays...that helmet guy (I'm seriously refined...seriously) goes through a Saw-like death. You'll be astonished as to how a 5-year-old can watch this with an adult.

Well I would blabber on about much more here but I seriously cannot think of anything interesting to say. That's what exams do to people. RACIST! Etc. Meh, that was pretty lame.

I may not have a photo of my desk with work-in-progress written all over it like certain people due to lack of a good camera right now... But I shall leave you with this!

Yep, totally my style of music...but this is seriously awesome, and a perfect post-exam season song.

Now, I must pack and tidy up before finally returning to the promise land that is West Yorkshire. Time to have some green tea again. Hopefully get a new replacement phone. And...yeah.

Storyville documentaries! AWESOME. Right?!

Sweet dreams.

Emad.

A Temporary Return

2011-05-22T19:58:00.000+01:00

Konnichiwa!

WOW. I'll explain my absence in three words: DAMN YOU EXAMS! And they haven't even started yet! They begin on Wednesday and end on Wednesday the 8th of June. Hopefully the day I'll also be going home too. And the day I'll be updating my blog also. Hopefully. Ahem.

So, revision galore, blah blah blah. Easter break finished at the start of the month. The most significant event during Easter? Erm, nothing. Apart from becoming an UNCLE. HOLY FUZAZZLE! (Privately newly coined term making its first public appearance. And by newly coined I mean I saw it on a website and is part of my idiolect/sociolect. Thanks!) The baby has been seen and held but not so much, thanks to, yes, exams/revision. Basically, any happiness is suppressed around this time of the year thanks to exams. Again, thanks! But the sister and my brother-in-law are all doing very well as is, most importantly, the baby. I'm not a female so I feel it's not masculine to indulge in a "cute" way into this story...! Ahem. ...Yeah...? Anyhow!

Starbucks! They had a frappuccino thing (half price!) between 15:00 and 17:00 every day for around 10 days which finished today. Despite wanting to go for the last 7 days in a row, I only did so twice. Did anyone else take advantage of this? ...This was a monumental story people! Ahem.

Accommodation! For next year! Has been sorted! Finally! (This is an exclamation mark-heavy post, I agree.) In the strangest way. Because I was arranging viewings and talking to multiple possible-housemates only a week ago and then during my last visit home (I went home the Wednesday before last up until Sunday one week ago) I was able to sort out a viewing of a pretty darn big flat literally next to university on Tuesday. And sorted all the paperwork out Wednesday a few days ago. YAY. It's so close, once you leave the place you can see a university building straight ahead. SCORE. (I had to phrase the sentence carefully there so as not to name the building and give my address next year, ouch!)

But speaking of viewings and accommodation, I have a huge "PFFFT" to mention. The Wednesday I went home on the 11th, I arranged a viewing. I had to use the metro train. I arrive at the other station 15 minutes before the appointment, knowing I'll be on time. I see a missed call from the estate agents, and I assume they're just making sure I haven't forgot the viewing. And what was the actual reason? OH. Someone else had paid the admin fee and signed to rent the house next year. Well thank you for the early notice. Douchebags. Oh dear, this is becoming one of those ranty-posts, something I hate on other blogs. Apologies.

Next topic: Huddersfield Town! Just to make this post more masculine and what not, let's talk about football. So, they're through to the play-off next week! Okay that's enough.

Wednesday! I went with a friend (at his request, as I would never pay to watch this film...) to the cinema to watch Pirates of the Caribbean...what is it called again, On Stranger Tides? Oh who cares, it was horrible. And incredibly unsuitable for the younger audiences who'll go see it. No euphemisms in that film at all, nope. Worth mentioning is the fact that when we went into the screening, no lights were on at all. So we decided to use our mobile phones to slide into our seats. And the creepiest part wasn't that the small pre-screening lights were not on, but that after turning our phone camera LEDs on, there was someone already comfortable sitting. BEHIND THE SEATS WE HAD RESERVED. Totally did not remind me of the Blair Witch Project...(which you should watch). So yes, avoid Pirates of the Caribbean: We Haven't Squeezed the Franchise Enough Yet. Even you Hummus...!

Totally did not cross that off the list I have next to me of things I want to mention in this post...

Sainsbury's! Well, not the supermarket itself but when I went to the local one in Sunny West Yorkshire and used the cash machine before leaving, there were £30 already dispensed. Of course, I handed it in store after not being able to find the guy who last used it but I mention it because...well, how can one not pick up all their requested money from a cash machine? Weird!

Michael Buble! I have finally come around to admit I like his music. And did not buy the special edition of his album from Amazon after listening to "Hollywood" on the radio coming back from this supermarket trip last week...

My phone is still being messed up somewhere and I am still using my old Sony Ericsson C510. I mention the model number for all you tech junkies there.

And finally, who can remember California Dreams?! Neither can I really because I was too young but I semi-remember because of my older brother and sister who used to watch it "back in the day" and what not. And here is the wonderful theme tune to end this post! I shall return in the near future. As will Hummus, who decided against updating her own blog today. Don't worry, this is not being frowned upon...nope. Again: DAMN EXAMS I HATE YOU.

Sweet dreams.

Emad.

The Easter Break Which Is Simply Not a Break Whatsoever!

2011-04-07T01:33:00.003+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Wow, it's been a while! Where to begin...!

Well university continues to be challenging, fun, interesting and altogether hard work. But it's going well so far! I think...!

Two really annoying chemistry tests took place in which pretty much everyone didn't exactly shine. There was also the very interesting non-biochemistry test which wasn't graded in any way but I attended so I could obtain the answers in order to have a mark scheme when I do the test in my own time during revision. So forward thinking, woo! ...

...And then more chemistry labs have started. OUCH. These are going pretty well for the fact that experiments are being set up, and during the 30-50 or so minute waiting time, general catching up and conversation takes place with those around me. And by that I mean my lab partner. And we have yet to fully even screw up an experiment so ha to you! Whoever you are...

What else... The inorganic guy is annoying. Aaaand... Well, you know, biology and chemistry. What more is there to say! Oh, the statistics is great as 50% of the module is assessed by coursework and the remaining half by an exam. Of the 3 (out of 5) pieces of coursework marked so far, I am totally rocking it! Etc. (I'm cool, so I'll try to use such terms...) Moving on...

Easter! The break! Or so they say. I had a terrible cough in the final week beginning last Monday on the 28th of March and trying out various cough medicine until I decided it was all pointless and I should leave for Easter a day earlier than intended. So I've been back since last Thursday - virtually a week!

I've been catching up with my Xbox... Look, it's not childish or anything, it's very serious these days! The gaming industry is worth so much more than the music or even the film industry these days! So ha! Ahem...

Work will be commencing very soon. But what's been incredibly annoying (although it seems to have finally died down) is the Asian thing of "oh, we're just visiting and won't leave for another 2 hours" unexpected visits. WHY! Please stop! Thank you! But we all do it... I say "we", I mean "you" etc...! Ahem!

New layout! So cool, right?! Blogger really have got their act together in allowing blogs to offically to look good. HINT HINT, you person out there reading this...! Yes, you! Change yours! ...To the same one I have! Or let me choose!

I (finally) watched "Saving Private Ryan" thanks to someone's request. And wow, is that film good or what. Damn you Tom Hanks for still being a brilliant actor. BUT! I watched "The Thin Red Line" a day or so ago, which was released the same year and was also an awards-y film but is usually always overlooked. And WOW, why the hell is it! I think I'm in the (smaller) "The Thin Red Line" is better camp. It's just so brilliantly shot! Even if Jim Caviezel is in it, whose face, yes, pisses me off (and many of yours I suspect). (Note: I'm occasionally allowed to act like I have hundreds and thousands of readers! But I am aware the number probably isn't even in double figures...!)

On Sunday I was able to watch some of the Power Rangers Movie! "OMG" etc. So yes, enough on that because it's such an important childhood memory to many of us.

Oh, I downloaded Max & The Magic Marker for the iPod! Woo! It's such a fun game which I already have on PC. You should all get it! And then tell me how to get past that one damn level which I can't get through. Here comes YouTube help...!

And then there's Limbo! Finally had the courage to buy it on Xbox Live. Very eerie. And I also bought Beyond Good & Evil! One of my all-time favourites. Okay I'll stop now because I can actually see you're all about to bang your heads onto your keyboard because I'm putting you to sleep.

I have finally started reading Lloyd Jones' amazing "Mister Pip" for a second time! I still can't believe I've only read it once but remember so much. Including that one particular sentence which we all remember because it's so disturbing and horrible for the storyline. Yes Hummus, THAT one!

I think we can call that a post, phew! Did it suck? Oh I don't know, it's past 1am! "Gimme a break" etc.

Oh wait, also watched "Hot Fuzz", again by someone's recommendation. A very good film, but I won't go into it because I know the whole planet/many people have already seen it. And my recommendations of "Into The Wild" and "Garden State" have been successful! TOLD YA etc. Thank you HMV for £3 DVDs... I intend to go there soon. And how good is "Shattered Glass"! Always wanted to watch it but never got around until I saw it on the wonderful iPlayer. AND "The Usual Suspects"! How have I only seen this film once! So good! Woo!

Still such a great song!

Oh, and the George Foreman compact grill is a charm. Hello paninis!

Sweet dreams.

Emad.

The Long Awaited Post Which Ultimately Is....You Know, Just Another Post

2011-03-12T13:15:00.001Z

Aloha!

WOW. Where to begin. Naturally, with the Oscars.

Seriously? (Nevermind the ceremony itself, that was utterly shite.) Of this year's ten best film nominees, I have seen (so far): 127 Hours, Black Swan, The Fighter, Inception, The Social Network and the eventual best film winner. I can say with complete confidence every one of those films (and most likely the others which I am yet to watch) are much, MUCH better than the bore that was The King's Speech. SERIOUSLY?! Jees.

Which brings me to say that there is no point in me making a list of my favourite films of the past year when I can tell you the numbe one spot is the same as the top spot of other (sane) people: The Social Network.

Moving on. I received my exam results! And they were pretty good. Which is a good thing. I felt that the main thing going against me in the exams was the simple fact I haven't been tested academically in any way for a year, so hopefully this was a stepping stone to continuous improvement. Because this is a blog. Where people talk about their opinions and their goals in life and how they feel and...yeah, there's my sentimentality, ahem!

Having said that, two mid-terms took place this week. In fact, both on Monday. In fact, both back-to-back, 12:00-14:00. And they were brutal. But thankfully I've been getting some pretty darn good coursework marks which are providing some high nonetheless. Woo? Yes!

Next. The Liverpool lecturer is a YouTube person. He shows clips from the web which have nothing to do with the work but tries to relate it to the theory which is trying to teach. Yeah. No. Then again I despise physical chemistry, which brings me onto my next point...

I have chosen my modules for next year! Hopefully it all goes to plan. A brilliant thing about being the only person on my course is that I can, as the degree programme director says, "make my own regulations". So any optional modules which I reeeeally want to do? They can become compulsory and the university will have to timetable it for me regardless. WIN. I am looking forward to how painful the new "joinh honours" career development module will be next year. As well as metabolism. And practical biochemistry. But especially NO physical chemistry. So much fun.

Which brings me onto my next topic: open day! Yes, I volunteered/hired myself to help out with the open day which took place on Wedensday. Which was fun. Because the tour did not involve walking against strong winds and heavy rain near the end. I'm sure all those prospective students are withdrawing their offers now as we speak/I type.

I've blabbed on quite a bit but of course so much has taken place in the past month. The beginning of yet another work frenzy (though I finally conquered the chemistry lab reports very late at night yesterday, YAY!), the progression of life and the new, deeper interest into podcasts. I have no idea why I listen to them - some of them are great though. Doug Loves Movies, The Nerdist, This American Life and of course, The Guardian's Football Weekly. Ahem. I even have/had one or two from Piers Morgan's CNN (shite) show because yes, Charlie Sheen was a guest not so long ago. Ah dear. That man needs help. Along with Hummus. Those are the two people I really want to help. (And no, no "how dare you" comments, THANK YOU!)

Despite the temporary hiatus of all major shows, one (finally) started its third season: Parks & Recreation! And I am glad I have converted you Hummus.

Roger Dodger is brilliant, with a truly superb cast led by Campbell Scott.

It's Kind of a Funny Story is much better than the reviews I have read but there's one thing I instantly noticed before reading those reviews which mentioned the same thing: Zach Galifianakis is utterly amazing in this! Yes, THAT comedian, in terms of his acting in this film. Wow. Take a peek yourselves some time soon.

Interesting tech news? Think I'll pass over iShite 2. But Nokia and Microsoft! Wow, very much looking forward to my upgrade. (I hate you HP. I'm with you now Saf, even though it's still the best OS.)

Listen to? Lullatone - "Elevator Music", the entire album. So much fun listening to the whole thing. And it's free, so you really have no excuse people. The link is there in the name. DO IT!

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Music Part 2

2011-02-16T21:21:00.000Z

Konnichiwa!

Broken Bells - "Broken Bells". James Mercer of The Shins and Danger Mouse. Exactly.

Portugal. The Man - "American Ghetto". This helped me on the train and bus rides to and from work last year - through thick and thin etc...!

Arcade Fire - "The Suburbs". Most peoples' album of the year. I know "Neon Bible" was one of mine when it was released a few years back. Welcome back Arcade Fire I guess.

Heartbeat Hotel - "Fetus Dreams".

Jake Coco - "I. Live. To. Love".

Scott Pilgrim Vs The World OST

She & Him - "Volume Two".

Vampire Weekend - "Contra". To many people, Vampire Weekend's self-titled marked a new favourite album with brilliant songs all around. (I still say "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" is one of my all-time favourite songs.) Somehow they managed to bring a slate of songs just as good on "Contra", which was a difficult task to begin with, let's face it.

Blackbird Blackbird - "Summer Heart".

Paula & Karol - "Overshare".

Real post coming very soon!

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Frijj & Music

2011-02-06T23:09:00.002Z

Konnichiwa!

So, back to lectures. This has been extraordinarily entertaining. I now have a new lecturer for every single module apart from the one. That Heather...

And it has - as expected - not been a pleasant first week of semester two! I say this because of the ABSURD chemistry lab sessions, which are similar to those of a different module and took place last semester: they suck. They suck because once again nobody has any idea what they are supposed to do. At all. There is a microscopic light at the end of the tunnel as the person who actually runs the thing was present on the second day and was of great assistance.

But seriously, fix it.

Semi-rant over. What else has taken place... Exams are still over! Wonderful... The weather has been sucky. I finally got around to watching Enter The Void. I couldn't watch the entire 2.5+ hours of it but I was able to watch enough. Disturbing and visually brilliant. That is all.

Another interesting event from the week was the dickery displayed by some of these new lecturers. (And yes, I am aware I should have stuck this paragraph after the first but what the hey.) Especially one whose name I don't remember and do not want to look up. He dropped the f-bomb twice which were amusing, yes, but there was clearly a creepiness to the whole thing. And let's not even forget that other lecturer who continued the lecture last week in the dark when the lights decided to randomly die. That was interesting...

Oh, and the timetable has been an utter mess as well. Especially this coming Tuesday. 9:00 start, 17:00 finish, with a 1 hour break somewhere in between. Insane.

I miss cereal.

....This is because my refusal to buy milk as I did indeed take up Tesco's offer of reduced Frijj milkshake. Damn them and their fake elitism. I should return to going to the Co-op. Even if the cashiers are evil.

Nonetheless, damn you all for charging for carrier bags.

And now, time for 10 of my 20 favourite music albums from 2010. I will most likely reveal the remaining 10 in the next post. They are...

All Night Chemists - "Meet Me Again". A splendid album that shows just how well-produced independent music can be. And this has nothing to do with me studying chemistry - that would be very Lund.

Brett Harris - "Man of Few Words". Nothing particular to say here other than this is a great, well-rounded album which you should all acquire and enjoy! You can even get it for free so just...do it!

Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross - "The Social Network OST". It was so bizarre watching this masterpiece film whilst also noticing the clearly brilliant music aiding each scene. I'm not particularly a fan or care for film music despite acknowledging its great importance but this was something that simply could not be ignored.

Maroon 5 - "Hands All Over". (The album art may be deemed distasteful by many so I opted for this one instead.) Nothing but great excitement when I listen to any of the songs from this album. I always thought of Maroon 5 as one of my favourite bands. This album confirms it.

Peter Sobot - "A Story of Flight". This a sensational album. There, I've said it. Every track here sounds so different from the last yet here is a musician with a clear sense of style, energy and substance. I won't mention anything about Peter Sobot as a person here in this post because the music is capable enough of cementing a deep view of how talented this artist is.

Beach House - "Teen Dream".

Painted Palms - "Canopy EP". From the opening track "All of Us" you just know you're in for quite the thrill ride. This is music like you've never heard it before. And trippy!

Mosquito Fleet - "All Those Who Wander Are Not Lost".

Best Coast - "Crazy For You". I guess I'm still a fan of so-called "surf-rock/pop". Damn you for being so good Real Estate...

Purple - "The Purple Record". I know nothing else of this duo other than the two names appearing at the bottom of the link provided and that they're possible Berkeley University students. But the number of plays registered for "The Nymph Song" on my iPod are incalculable. To an extent...
I did something today I usually reserve for never: I stayed in bed until...well, for some time. This was in honour of Hummus. You have no idea what this means to her...! (Note: this is a good thing!)

Listen to? Anything from the above list. Links have been provided on the album art/artist names.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

The Celebration of the Return of Life!

2011-01-31T19:43:00.000Z

Konnichiwa!

EXAMS ARE OVER. For now...

This is a non-post just to confirm this fact. The exams themselves were awful. Painful. Just plain bad. Maths on Friday afternoon was particularly painful as were the negatively marked multiple choice questions on numerous of the papers. Damn their existence.

Just to let you all know, a certain Hummus finished her exams before I finished mine. Just saying.

Today was insane - back to university indeed. But I've been compiling a list of my favourite albums/films of the past year so hopefully I should be deciding soon and sticking them up for all of you to decide how much you disagree! Ah, blogs are fun.

And I'm out.

Listne to? Braids - "Lemonade". Excellent.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

A Pause During Exams...

2011-01-19T20:14:00.000Z

Aloha!

Exams are still here. They're not going anywhere for now...

30 Rock will keep me going. DAMN YOU EXAMS.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Yet Another Year

2011-01-11T09:51:00.001Z

Konnichiwa!

It has been almost a month since I last updated this thing. Let's blame it on exams!

I can't remember anything specific that took place in the holidays as all the events felt as if they took place in a time of their own after 2010 and before 2011 i.e. I don't know where to start!

I visited my dad's best friend's house. This is only being mentioned as I finally had a fizzy drink for the first time in YEARS. I was forced to. Eww. And I think it was Pepsi Max. See, I can't even remember which one it was! All I do know is that Diet Coke is the best of the Coke/Pepsi varations - NOT normal Pepsi like someone will undoubtedly suggest. Pfftt!

Also...an Xbox was bought! Yes, we finally replaced our Xbox! I didn't get much of a chance to play. That'll be in 2.5 weeks' time after my exams. But...yeah... The 4GB variant. Much smaller. Black. ...Yeah...ahem.

What else...hmm...

I have been revising. LAAAME. So that covers that I think. 6 exams in the next 2-3 weeks. My first set of exams in a year. Meaning they could end up being an utter disaster.

David O. Russell's 1996 screwball comedy "Flirting With Disaster" starring an excellent ensemble cast led by Ben Stiller and Patricia Arquette is probably my new favourite film. Although I shall rewatch that other particular film soon, ahem...

Two seasons of Boston Legal were acquired on DVD. I watched a big chunk of the middle of the series and had never gone back to it despite it being a complete delight to watch. Don't know why I didn't revisit it earlier.

I can't think of anything else that's interesting at this point. Simply put: many things happened during the holiday and that kept me away from blogging. There. Done. Boom.

OH. I have so far watched only the pilot of Felicity, the now-finished series that ran from 1998 to 2002 starring Keri Russell, and it's brilliant! It was apparently an excellent series which I never got around watching in the past. Not when it originally aired, as I was only 7-years-old, but after that. And now I'm back to "looking into it" almost 10 years after it ended. Wonderful. (Also, just looking for an image to place from the show and I stumbled across another blog whose author also just started watching the show, 10 years out...!)

I shall be posting my year-end list of favourite albums/films within the next 1-2 months. Damn you exams.

Well I can't give a year in review because 2010 was such a blur beyond comprehension.

Starting with resitting A2 exams. My cousins' weddings. UCAS (i.e. HELL). Getting my first job. Working at my first job. A2 exam results and the following shite-storm. The summer. Leaving work. Starting university. And now the new year...

2011, your move...

(This was just as awesome. Actually, it's even better.)

Likeness of Podcasts, Dislikeness of Studying Genetics

2010-12-13T23:48:00.000Z

Aloha!

WOW. Have I been meaning to update my blog or what. The Blogger page has been up and ready to go as a tab on my Firefox window for quite some time. Over a week. Epic fail. But university holidays are coming. More importantly, time to revision. ...Meaning blog posts! I hope...

So let's begin with the horrendous trip home on the train on Friday the 3rd, 10 days ago. Brutal. Snow was still several inches deep. Hard, solid ice had been formed underneath the snow cushion on roads. And pavements. And rail tracks. This visit home was not going to be an easy trip. And it wasn't...!

Trains were delayed and cancelled and services had changed and more delays and blah! Friday afternoon. I'm ready. I KNOW my actual train is not running but there is a different service heading out soon. It's snowing outside. I call the taxi office. A 30 minute wait. I head out on foot at around 16:00.

As soon as I arrive at the station I am able to find the one train heading to Leeds. And so begins 2 hours of being compacted into a sardine can. Not cool. And once I arrive in Leeds, the one train that goes to the place I need to go to (usually I would catch a direct train from Newcastle but nope, have it your way WEATHER) has been delayed. By 40+ minutes. This service takes around 10-15 minutes. Why. The. Face. (I can assure you, the weather was far worse in Newcastle than it was in Leeds/West Yorkshire.)

By sheer luck, a relative (very relative relative) caught me in sight and had already called for back-up (his dad) to pick him up. And I now had a free ride! So, usually it takes me a little over 2 hours to get from my room in Newcastle all the way home. This time, a mere FOUR hours. And a damn 3 hours to get back on Sunday evening. Pfft.

So that was fun.

Last week itself was pretty interesting. I scraped a pass in a maths test. Damn that module. And...yeah etc. OH. The best chemistry lecturer carried out an excellent card trick on Friday - this was fun!

I'm veeery much looking forward to being at home for 3 weeks from Friday/Saturday. This week is turning out to be interesting already though. After all, I've already rewatched Home Alone 2, how much better can it seriously get? (This is in continuation of my last visit home where Mrs Doubtfire and the first Home Alone were watched for the 10,000th time. And yes, they are indeed SUPERB films, thank you.)

Earlier today I had yet another disastrously painful chemistry practical session followed by a student-staff committee meeting where I was finally able to bring the nature of the lab sessions up. Finally. And...damnit, I just want to get home as soon as possible! This term/semester has run its course!

Oh, with regards to the title of this post. Well, the genetics module has been annoying recently. Two pieces of work were handed in, each worth 15% of this one-semester-only module. Fun. And podcasts! For once I had the courage to click that annoying section on the horrendous tool that is iTunes. The best podcast series? Run by this man...

James Richardson on some football thing run by the Guardian. The one reason I listen to it: Gazzetta Football Italia. A brilliant Saturday morning show that used to air on Channel 4 which my brother and I used to watch. Highlights of excellent Italian football. Just splendid. And Channel 4 used to air live games as well. These were the days before they became shit and became a channel that airs nothing but "controversial" and "shocking" shows. Pfft. Also: Transworld Sport used to air before/after Gazzetta. I think it was before. Ah, wonderful. Well, weird as well - remember Lazio winning their last Seria A? Ha!

Anyhow.

Listen to? Taylor Swift - "Mine". Heck, just watch it...

Post-Celebrations and Yet Another Return (This Time to the Darkness of Academia Again)

2010-11-24T23:38:00.001Z

Konnichiwa!

What has happened since the last time I updated my award-winning blog? A heck of a lot.

Last week, the chemistry lab sessions began. 3 hour blocks cemented on Monday and Tuesday afternoons. Truly painful! And they're nothing like biology practicals where we actually know what we're doing. Here we are left all alone asking one another "Do you know what we're doing?" and the answer is usually a "no".

Tuesday's was truly painful as a handful of us including myself finished almost 30 minutes past the 3-hour mark (OUCH) and had no choice but to miss the following biochemistry lecture, especially considering it would take 5-10 minutes alone to walk to the building where it was taking place. Damn chemistry.

And the same almost happened only yesterday as well, but let's leave that for now/forever.

Anyhow, I went back to my flat and then straight to the station on Tuesday evening last week as I was celebrating Eid at home with la familia. Or should I say, going to my brother's graduation ceremony at his university on Eid day. Yes. He always spoils things damnit.

But it was fun! And surprisingly, we did not feel a true sense of urgency (i.e. Bourne-ness) due to it turning out to be a spectacularly pleasant day. (We thought the whole plan of Eid being on the same day was going to press us for time.)

As for the ceremony itself, I must say, it was rather delightful and ceremonial. Much better than my sister's ceremony (but we're still proud of you, ahem). Also: I was able to mentally revisit the painful sixth form trip by entering the wonderful Harold Wilson building (it was raining outside and we needed protection).

Interesting highlight: the absence of the chancellor of the university. Interesting highlight: the presence of the chancellor via a pre-recorded video projected to us all:

And yes, Patrick Stewart was on the Starship Enterprise at the time, clearly.

Since then? University-ness, an incredible amount of work and the drinking of Frijj once again.

Also, I rewatched The Dark Knight in all its glory not too long ago and intend to do the same with what is still an utter masterpiece: Requiem For a Dream. Yes I said it...

Other interesting news: the maths module has begun. The lecturer is an outright dick, it is safe to say. Nothing to add to that really.

And it snowed ever so slightly last night. And then this morning. And for the most part of this evening. Walking to campus tomorrow is going to be painful. Especially with the fact I'll be going back and forth three times. Damn the spreading out of lectures. However, "the decision" will be made tomorrow/Friday morning with regards to making an intermediate visit to the home land.

Listen to? Spin Doctors - "Two Princes". One of those songs you may have heard before but never had a title or artist name to it. I was made to listen to it not so long ago by Hummus. And again not so long ago. Great song.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

A Return From Mini-Hibernation

2010-11-12T23:55:00.002Z

Konnichiwa!

Insaneously busy to blog. I regularly leave at least 6 or 7 tabs open at the same time on my Firefox window (no, nothing dodgy). Blogger has been a tab for pretty much every day for the last 3 weeks. Damnit! Also, I blame the fact I went home for the last two weekends.

It was only last weekend when I decided to keep a note of anything interesting I came across to blog about (on my awesome phone, yes). Thing is, most things I shall mention will be from last week onwards anyway, ahem.

I went home! And as soon as I arrived I saw my sister at work. This was fun. Then the day/night moulded into one and eventually it was Saturday morning. By this point I had already unpacked my PSP and was playing Lumines and Wipeout Pure again. Oh yeah, I AM COOL. And I'm still playing it every now and again - it's right here on my desk in Newcastle. So I've already acted on what was mentioned in my last (and awesome) post. Fun fact I missed: when I was watching that Monk episode on my PSP, it was at an insane time in the morning and the only reason I was watching it at that time in the first place was due to a wedding party thing taking place in the house across the street (in Birmingham). You know what I mean. Moving on.

So I went to White Rose for the first time in months. Of course, ice-cream and a smoothie was had. Also, tiny poll: do you like or dislike smoothies? Any replies in the comments will be welcome.

The main reason the trip was had was due to my sister needing to get a new phone. Glad I could help. It was concluded the Samsung Monte was best suited (note: this was at the Orange shop, so no Pre Plus was available, don't worry). I made sure she didn't get an Android phone. And Windows 7 isn't good to go on phones yet. Therefore, the right decision was made. (Sidenote: I am now apparently a 24-hour tech support line to some people.) What was really bizarre was mindlessly seeing what music was pre-loaded onto the display iPhone 4 handsets in the store. And crikey, did it look like my own iPod for a while. Relient K. Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Black Kids. And a TONNE more, it was plain freaky.

We should be getting a new Xbox soon, thank the lord. Whenever my brother and I are ready to cash in that gift card, ahem.

Not last week when I went home but the weekend before, I swear the taxi driver who took me back to my flat from the station looked like David Fincher. Strange considering the mentioning of The Social Network on this blog. But I concluded I make such associations all the same. "X looks like Y" etc.

Anyhow, big thing I missed out last weekend when I arrived home: fireworks were...exploded...done...had? Whatever the verb. At the grandparents' back garden along with the cousins. Very fun. And yes I did hold a sparkler, but only because there was a surplus and all the kids were holding one at the time already and my brother and cousin were lighting up far too many! So boom, defence.

So, Friday night, bonfire night, around 23:00 when everything was winding down, blah blah. My mother was downstairs watching television in one room, my dad in the other doing the same and my brother and I were upstairs. I think I was showing him some of the perfume-d card samples that with this month's Wired. And then all of a sudden...we heard my mother screaming. My brother and I raced downstairs. We're in the reception and there's a guy. About our age. Just standing there. Silently. (We hadn't locked the doors just yet.) What was all this about? He was "drunk as a skunk" etc. So much that he just strolled into someone else's house.

My dad and brother took him outside to try to see if he was indeed alive inside that body. The only thing they got out of him was that he lived on the same road. Completely. Frikking. Drunk. Or high as a kite or something. Metaphors. So that was Friday.

We've already covered Saturday, about going phone-shopping. Well, Saturday evening I finally got a haircut. Was full-on hobo, seriously.

Hummus is TWENTY. WHY THE FACE. Insane. It's much more difficult to believe than Saffy being 20 somehow.

This week: work. An insane volume. Mainly freaking about a 30 minute biochemistry test which didn't count towards anything yet I ended up writing 6 pages of notes for it on Wednesday night. Nailed it, to some extent. And seriously, how can one person in a pair of lab partners get a lower mark than their buddy despite doing the exact same lab report! Jees. Even if it was a fraction the first time and one full mark yesterday. Damn you Alix! I jest. I just hate the PhD students marking our work now, pfft.

Erm...yeah. Lectures. They were interesting along with the 2 hour genetics lesson in a basement type classroom yesterday. Today we were scheduled for 3 hours in a computer room. Looking at atomic orbitals. For inorganic chemistry. Exactly! PAINFUL. The great escape took place this afternoon as two people left after 1.25 hours. (We completed the work damnit!) Oh, what's that Miss EP, you have indeed seen The 40-Year-Old Virgin? GOOD!

I should stick an image here to make this post more colourful. *Bing.com*

YouTube video instead. I have indeed posted it previously - it's so AWESOME!

Listen to? Maroon 5 - "Just a Feeling". I have concluded "Hands All Over" is an insanely good album. LISTEN. The reasoning behind the link itself? A video of the song playing with the album cover would not be cool. Because the album cover is...slightly...distasteful. Ahem.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Emad Vs The Books

2010-10-24T23:02:00.000+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Such a life-changing title, I know.

The week was flat-out insane. I was pretty much on campus for the whole of Monday, even Tuesday. Damn long days. And then the pizza meet and greet...thing, which lasted only 2.5hrs on Monday evening, straight after double microbiology. Insaaaane. The other days just fell into place.

Yorkshire people exist in Newcastle!

So glad I've got that out of the way. Since then I've just been writing up notes and reading and blah blah (which is a phrase I'm using ALL the time now) and...yep.

Well (discourse marker), The Social Network.

It's one of the best films I've seen. Certainly the best film I'll see this year. There isn't a single thing here to complain about. I even listened to the soundtrack all the way back to Newcastle on the train. Mesmerising.

I'm not sure whether to ramble on as to what this film is about as most of you will all know. Maybe I'm just finding another excuse to voice my opinion on a film and yet again avoid a full-fledged review. Actually, that is the case. Hooray! But on a serious note, this is indeed spectacular stuff. The script is sensational and contains equally matching performances from Adam Garfield, Justin Timberlake and the superb Jesse Eisenberg. Hello Oscars. My brother said it was "very, very good" but thought my reaction was too far. Pfft.

I want to play Wipeout Pure on the PSP again. I don't know why - maybe I'll take my PSP back with me to Newcastle. (Currently I'm in Newcastle - shall be going home for the weekend on Friday though, woop.) Just remember that weird, great feeling of getting the PSP on its release day. Thursday 1st September 2005. I can't believe it's been over 5 years since then. Insane. And I remember having to sit in a car park having bought it as my brother bought this sleek Sony Walkman hard drive player. Maybe I'll show a picture of it to him on Friday when I go home to remind him. An innocent time perhaps.

Ah, and then staying over at a (nice) cousin's in Birmingham for a night or so in the summer of 2006. I remember this having checked the Monk episode "Mr Monk and the Class Reunion" was first shown in August 2006. (Thank you Wikipedia.) For some reason I remember having that and another Monk episode saved on the PSP. Strange.

Oh, and I remember this weird day in the spring of 2007. I must have been off school due to illness but I remember it defined the period where I cemented some sort of music taste. Sherwood and Melee. They went hand in hand at the time for some reason. And they remain two of my favourite bands to this day. It was an insanely bright, sunny day. And I remember having to leave the house for a moment whilst in my PJs. Damn my good memory.

Funny thing about the PSP in 2005 - two years later, I end up caving in and buying an iPod. Technology just moves on and on.

It's weird how songs can remind us of certain places or moments in our lives. Or the other way round. I have a feeling Heartbeat Hotel's "Fins of a Shark" will remind me of my sister's wedding day simply because I was driving alone in the car behind my brother and had a random mix of songs on the USB stick in the stereo. That was a great day.

Still think this film is awesome.

I'm certain I had one or two other intense moments of nostalgia to share but may have floated away from my mind. If they return, they'll be in the next post.

I'm glad I was able to reduce the tab number on this Firefox window from 15 to 11 during the typing of this post. Ahem.

This was a special post.

Listen to? The Shins - "Weird Divide". Though I think you should also Know Your Onion! Aaaand I can't put a link into the preceding "Know Your Onion!" line there because there isn't anything on YouTube. Search/listen to it on Grooveshark.com! It's great.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Emad Awesome Vs The Clock

2010-10-17T23:29:00.000+01:00

Konnichiwa!

I did not have a life this past week (minus the weekend, where I went home and ate rice and replenished my soul). Main focus: Thursday.

It was scheduled to be the lightest day of the week: two hours of lectures, one after the other in the same building (different theatres). In, out, boom, done. Or so I thought.

I had a microbiology worksheet to complete using software only available on certain computers on campus PC clusters. And by "worksheet" I mean a pack of 11 sides about...stuff. With a billion new words included. Excellent.

Building number one. I find the computer room. A lesson is taking place. That's a no-go. This was repeated for buildings two and three.

Building four: victory. However, it was the computer room in the medical school. Which just depressed me. Anyhow, after around 1.5 hours, we were all deported out of the room due to some maths test taking place there.

Back to building one - tutorial/lecture still taking place. So building five it is. And crikey that was a nice computer room.

All in all, despite having 2 scheduled hours of official work on the timetable, I was on campus from 9:30 in the morning up until 16:45 in the final moments of the afternoon. Flat. Out. Painful.

So, this weekend composed of rice. And now I'm back at university.

However, I watched The Social Network. Opinion in the next blog.

Listen to? Relient K - "The Lining is Silver". One of my favourite songs. I still can't believe it was originally on one of their non-EPs/a B-side track.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Ordinary Day

2010-10-08T00:57:00.000+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Wake up. Shower. Oh cool, I like those socks. Elavator. Cue amusing Grey's Anatomy scenes in mind.

Walk, walk, walk. Through the other university. Hello students of this other university.

Marks & Spencer. Elitism in sight. Damn BHS and Frankie & Benny's. High streets. Pfft.

Cross with the green man. Or with other people and the red man so as to avoid getting run over/dying all alone. Hello! How are you? Building. Lecture. Technical problems again. Yawn.

Cross the roads again. Lunch. Soft food. Damn infections and reliance on antibiotics. I like that song - it'll be my on-repeat-all-day song for today.

Back to the flat. Eat. Drink. Work. And further work. Let's just skip the work part.

The union building. Hello society. Oh how are you doing? Yeah, me too. See you soon.

Oh wow, You've Got Mail. Excellent. Palm Pre Plus. Skype. Hotmail. University mail.

Rinse and repeat.

Ah, Taylor Swift.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Just Two Minutes

2010-10-01T23:49:00.004+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Wow gehts people? This has been an insane week. I would say this was mostly due to the whole freshers-ness and what not. Wrong. This has been primarily due to a wonderful ulcer or general mouth problem which has been pissing me off all week. Heck, I don't even know what he problem is! So...fun trip to the dentist is planned this weekend.

The weather has been clear skies with death pouring from the clouds. Only two days in this entire first week at Newcastle have provided sunshine. Yep, we're norther than we usually are now. I now imagine Scotland is constantly covered by a giant cloud of some sort. Splendid stuff.

So doing a joint honours course certainly has its benefits. The one main benefit is not having very many friends due to the divide between the two subjects. A lecturer summarised this perfectly by saying we awesome people just fall into the cracks between the two subjects. Yeah...not good. Especially when I purposefully left the whole "I hate people" spiel/mantra on the backburner and force myself to become more sociable. And by more sociable I simply mean sociable. Heck, my new tutor said I came across as very sociable. This is a worrying development...

I met my tutor this week. He is male...and...yeah. Moving on.

Scott Pilgrim Vs The World is an astonishing film. I don't think anyone will ever see anything like it. You've heard about the computer game references and general psychodelic visuals, now see the film. It's out there to make everyone in the audience feel like a 6-year-old again. The best thing I've seen all year, even if it isn't one of those mopey, depressing Oscar-like dramas. Everyone's just sick of them! 10/10.

Buried is a great, inventive thriller. Ryan Reynolds. Buried alive. The film takes place mostly in real-time as he tries to figure out who confined him to a wooden box underground. I can't believe I said this earlier in the week and I can't believe I'm going to repeat this but Ryan Reynolds is startlingly good. The ending is quite something for the brain to digest. 9/10.

It was cold. Wet. Windy. Utterly miserable today. And after all the into BS, I decided to get my free books from Blackwell's on campus and then return to my flat. What a brilliant idea Emad. Even the lady in the store ripped a thick plastic bag with that pile of thick textbooks, what makes you think you weren't going to end up walking carrying huge books in your arms? I just about managed. My left hand was numb for the following 30 minutes. Not cool.

Anyone else, there is a length application process for that, ahem.

Listen to? CSS - "Let's Make Love and Listen To Death From Above". Haven't heard this in years and still excellent music.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Back In Newcastle

2010-09-25T23:50:00.001+01:00

Konnichiwa!

ED Miliband?! Not David?! Seriously? Damn union votes. Go away.

I have been meaning to update my blog every single week day of this past week. And I could not.

...Because I was out buying things and packing and all the rest of it for university!

So, despite feeling eww-y for the past few days, I arrived at Newcastle today safe and sound. Ish. The journey was painful due to the ridiculous 50mph zones. Seriously guys, why!?

And then the damn sat nav pissing us off (my dad, brother and I) as it was not exactly clear in leading us to the accommodation hall after registering at university.

I wanted this post to capture the chaos of packing and getting ready to go and what not but also leave some spiel about how I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life and all the rest of it.

But thanks to the chaos itself, the post was delayed and clearly that was enough to capture the spirit.

Actual interesting stories coming up in the future I think. Adventures in Newcastle...

Listen to? Maroon 5 - "Misery".

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Trippy Music

2010-09-12T21:45:00.000+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Wow. What a week indeed! I'm not sure if there's much I can elaborate on other than the fact...

IT WAS EID! This causes huge excitement followed by a huge phase of expressing this excitement by not doing much for long periods of time.

What happened before Eid on Friday: plum pudding was made. This was award-winning, as some people would say. And more things were bought for university. Such as an oven proof dish set. WOW.

What happened following Eid day: confirmation that I seriously do buy most of my clothes from Gap. Damn I am so cool. And Hilary Duff's "Dignity" album was rediscovered.

So, Eid itself. Same for most people. The slow burning morning followed by prayers and several hours of meeting/greeting relatives, cousins and other people we all dislike. Which on that logic we can conclude everyone really does hate everyone. Well that's just me. Anyhow. Then of course, the small doses of food, ahem.

Oh, and money? What money! A record-low haul. Not that it should be about the money of course, ahem. It's hard being retired.

HELLO BRIAN! Start writing damnit...pfft! As we should all, quite frankly. And you shall visit ME

Less than a fortnight to go before la university begins. How fascinating. At least I'll be safe knowing I won't have to think about leaving 3 days into the first week this time round!

More plum pudding will be made very soon. What was made today? Something out of Morrisons' magazine, how wonderful. Boiling cabbage is not fun at all! But butternut squash is certainly very fun.

And now for an awesome song involving a singer whose vocals clearly seem out of place for the way he looks but still, win-win nonetheless. Click here. Damn their removal of the embedding code.

Oh, and on a more serious note: get listening to Arcade Fire's new album, seriously!

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Hating People Even More. Or Simply Continuing to Hate People.

2010-09-03T21:09:00.001+01:00

Konnichiwa!

So, prayers at the mosque yesterday (Taraweeh). The guy standing next to me was so disgusting it was beyond belief. Burped every 2-3 minutes, scratched his ass, checked his nails and picked his nose. WTF! (Which stands for "why the face?" according to Phil on Modern Family.) Seriously dude, have some standards, eww! And he did one more thing which I am too horrified to even note down on this post but have informed 1 or 2 of you readers. Just...let's move on...

I HAVE MY CAMERA! Finally. I ordered it on Saturday. Today is Friday. Thank you, online retailer (no it was not Amazon because they're excellent and it was not Play.com because they take longer).

Amusing anecdote: the shipping status for the camera has been listed as "processing" ever since I ordered the camera up until 21:30 last night when I received a tracking number by email (thank you, God). This had me incredibly annoyed on Wednesday and I decided to call this company. Terrible sound quality of the automated service. It first stated a 17 minute waiting time before I could get through to speak to someone but did offer the option of hanging up, calling back again and having the same place in the queue. So, I called a short while later. New waiting time? 32 minutes! So I hung up and called back: 8 minutes. This time I waited a while before realising nothing was happening apart from lame music in hideous quality. So I hung up and called back: FIFTY MINUTES. Yes. You take the piss, www.simplyelectronics.net. I should have just paid the extra £10-20 to get it from Amazon.

So it is indeed awesome. The Samsung ST1000. It has everything I wanted in a camera: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 720p HD recording in H.264, GPS and to top it all off, a capacitive touch screen. Noice Samsung. And the GUI really surprised me. Sometimes all cameras can mega suck here.

I haven't used it too much yet of course but first impressions? Excellent! The image quality is preeeetty good despite some noise appearing on high ISO levels but pretty much on par with my old Kodak (which has passed away) and thankfully there is no image tearing or anything like that on video mode at 720p HD. Phew. Ahem.

And then Apple have done their usual "we need more money from our iPods" September keynote. No surprises apart from how horrifying and useless the Nano is. I intend to replace my iPod Touch for the new one with the camera incredibly soon. This will leave me with 3 cameras: Palm Pre Plus, the Samsung camera I just bought and the iPod itself. Oh I am no stalker...

So I actually made something today. INSANE. Tuna pasta. (Yes, "big tuna" equivalent from the Office etc.) It was going to be tuna and tomato pasta but I was rendered physically disabled after cutting a quarter of an onion. DAMN THOSE TEARS!

Before:

After:

And it was nice! I am genuine pleased and surprised how well it turned out. Come over next time to have some!

Wet dreams.

Emad.

The Blog Post Where I Mention the Fact I Have Actually Ordered a Camera...

2010-08-29T13:18:00.000+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Yes. I have finally ordered a camera, after the process started a liiittle while back. In fact, it's the camera I started the shopping process with. Epic, epic fail then? Maybe. Hopefully I'll share how awesome it is when it arrives in a few days time.

Thank you Ramadhan. My entire bodily functions have completely messed up in the order and schedule. It is not fun having a stomach ache once every 2 or 3 days! Argh. But there's something about the month where suddently everybody becomes weird. Yes, no other word to describe it. And the daily timetable just goes out of the window as well, regardless at what time of the year one is fasting! Brilliant stuff.

Oh, I did not look through old Emad-child photos yesterday. VERY disturbing! And apparently "cute". This word continue to piss me off.

Something I am (FINALLY!) going to resurrect, despite it not being a Friday - things that summarise the week:

It is indeed hilarious to be on the receiving end of drunk texts. HILARIOUS! Even better than the one or two times I received drunken blog comments, ah dear.
I am not wearing purple. Yep. Noteworthy.
It is very amusing to converse to one's aunty in the comments section of a blog. On the off chance said person is reading this post: Hello Aunty Em! (Yes, just to tick Humaira's clock even harder. And by clock I mean heart, which is already having to manage with all the sugar she is piling down, ahem!)
The word "cute" is still as annoying as ever.
The dolphin process is going smoothly but not as quickly as I would hope. My goal is simply to wake up several stones lighter in weight, ahem.
Angry Birds is so brilliant I have it both on my Palm AND my iPod Touch. Still, nothing beats the music of Mr Space. WOW.
The Kiersey/Myers-Briggs personality indicator is SO damn interesting, right Hummus - I mean INFJ? Nothing beats an INTJ though. Yeah. You're welcome!
LIBOX is awesome! So good that I was able to access all my media files from my Touch without a problem and also my (awesome) Palm Pre. AND I was truly able to make someone watch the following awesome show...

Community is so damn good.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Hard Work

2010-08-24T18:39:00.000+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Community is the best show on television...

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Thoughts on Events

2010-08-17T19:08:00.000+01:00

Konnichiwa!

I made banana and chocolate muffins yesterday! All by myself! Well, my mother supervised me by checking if I was placing enough dough in each muffin case etc. But nonetheless, solo!

They looked similar to this random image I found via Bing.

I jest. They looked slightly...darker. And uneven. The worst part? They were pretty darn...tasteless. One genuinely feels like crying in a fail situation such as this. ARGH! "I poured my blood, sweat and tears into this" - literally! Meh, of course not. Better luck next time? I intend to be a master of this recipe before I depart for university. And I will most certainly share an image of these golden wonders once the time arrives. You will feel the need to bite your monitors, that's how good they will be.

Something like that.

So I was walking to the garage and had to wave my arm in order to remove a random fly near my face. And then my robotic body (think Terminator) detected the fly was touched by my index finger on my left hand. Why I mention this? I looked closer to see a random deposit of bug juice left there. Yes I most certainly went back into the house, washed my hands and then went on my way to the garage again. Eww. Or "nasty" as some people would say. Avoid touching flies people!

Wonderful anecdotes here.

My brother asked me the same thing again. "Don't you think it's your destiny not to study medicine? You've just been unlucky two times in a row, you're clever enough to get offers". I don't know whether I should even get into this again. Ouch. Third time lucky in two years' time? We'll have to wait and see I guess.

Sigh.

I need to clean my room. And my wardrobe. And my bookshelf. And my desk. Well, my room as a whole.

And as I stated in the comments section of the last post, "Weight Loss" is the best episode in the entire run of "The Office" (SO FAR). BETTER than "Stress Relief". Yes, I've said it. I'm just hoping Rhys Darby takes over Steve Carell's role at the end of this season. He was hilarious in Flight of the Conchords!

Other moments such as this. Or this. Or you could just watch the whole episode. In fact, that is my advice.

Oh, I still haven't found a decent camera to buy yet. HELP!

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Uncanny

2010-08-15T21:23:00.001+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Please awful neighbour, do not play the theme tune of Beverly Hills Cop three times in a row in your car in your driveway when you've never pissed me over with loud music before.

Damn you, Good Will Hunting for being so damn good.

So, Ramadhan has begun! This is wonderful. If you are clinically obese.

Once again, the mosque my family and I follow are back to their unusual ways. Such as closing fast 35-40 or so minutes before everyone else. Seriously, what the fudgsicle?

...Hmm...apart from this, my week hasn't really been interesting.

Just that my insomnia is being rearranged a little where before it used to be between around 1:00 until 8:00 and now it's up until midday.

How dare BBC Click say Pirates of Silicon Valley was a bad film! It was ace and nominated for a slew of Emmys! Douchebags.

I bought a wireless mouse. This is fascinating as we all know the other interesting things that would be bought and worth sharing are rechargeable batteries. Oh yeah.

So...yeah. I seriously hope I actually have something to post sometime in the next few days.

Oh, Saf looks like an Indian Justin Bieber. This was amusing.

Let's give this post some relevance:

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Reverse Starvation

2010-08-08T18:39:00.001+01:00

Konnichiwa!

People. Too many of them. I hate people. Well, most people (who I get on well with, ahem) know that I generally dislike people. Hello psychotherapy!

But this past week has literally been insane. LITERALLY. I was invited to dinner what, 3 times? 4? I don't even remember. Still in a state of hyperglycaemia. Of course, la sister got married recently but seriously, invite the rest of the family as well? This protocol should end here. It's torture!

...As is the case when people come over to have dinner at your own house. Ah dear.

And no we did not leave the house at 19:00-ish to eat dinner at a restaurant and then end up eating just before 23:00. Sigh.

The children mentioned in the previous post have in fact left. However I completely forgot to mention the fact we had no electricity for 24-48 hours. I say no electricity. We still had hot water, gas and the lights up and running. The rest was what mattered! Well, that is an over-reaction, yes. I would definitely want to shower than keep my (awesome) phone fully charged. Some people reading this right now are too aware of my OCD.

Oh, and I went to play snooker twice in two days. Insane. I won a frame! This was enough to delight me. As was the case earlier today when I came behind only my brother in 10-pin bowling. Damn him.

Hmm, what else...

It's been an incredibly hectic week. My memory has served well enough for this post. Unlike the goldfish memory others have.

I received the best spammed-up blog comment a few days ago on a post created 1-2 years ago. Of course, it's about a certain...enhancement drug. Ahem. I didn't approve it of course but if anyone wants a chuckle, feel free to ask to see it. Or just look in your email junk folder.

Get Him to the Greek is surprisingly a good film. Not great, just very good. For some bizarre reason I would recommend it, especially considering how good Russell Brand is in the film.

I think we're done here for now.

Listen to? The Killers - "Somebody Told Me". Still insane as ever!

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Extra Cinnamon

2010-08-01T11:40:00.000+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Having to travel by train. To Manchester. Which, as you know, is always fun. Pfft. And it's much more fun when ridiculous "self-serving" machines fail. Yes, you accept my money but refuse to give me the actual ticket? And then decide to return the money (without a ticket) all in pound coins. Fucking genius.

And it all started with supermarkets. The machines just do not work! And have terrible touchscreens! AND they all have the same GUI meaning the big chains using them are clearly buying them from the same company all the way back in China. Or Vietnam, something like that. Well, highly likely anyway.

Thanks to a certain Michael I have rediscovered a treasured Something Corporate fans. An updated remix to be added on their greatest hits album as a bonus track.

There's something incredibly refreshing about rewatching certain parts of "The Parent Trap". Yes, not all of it! That is my defense.

I am having great difficulty in trying to find a new digital camera. Serious difficulty. I've mentioned this before I think. My Kodak Z885 is slowly dying. It is/was great: 8.0MP, 5x optical zoom, a string of auto-adjustment settings, anti-shake-ness and ISO still startingly high even today. Sigh.

Some cousins have come over to stay. With multiple children. Joy of joys.

So yeah, I have nothing of great significance to share. Simply: "I am still alive" etc.

Listen to? Easton - "Us". Bandcamp never fails. This is one of the best new songs I have heard this year.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

P.S. I pretty much finished this blog post on my brother's computer as my laptop (with the tinge of red) has gone away to be repaired. However, to actually close the post and publish it, the iPod browser was apparently not good enough. And then the webOS browser was acting up as it was a post I had already started. Damnit, I need my laptop.

Pam Berry

2010-07-26T00:34:00.000+01:00

Konnichiwa!

So, I'm done. Done with answering calls for now.

Nothing wrong with working in a call centre, let me just put that straight. Some people wouldn't be able to handle it. Heck, the fact that so many people leave after a day or two explains that, as does the fact that there are ridiculous targets only a fifth or sixth of the workforce can actually achieve. I'm glad I didn't have to be placed in either of those categories.

I did not have a single problem talking to customers. Many of them were just straight up douchebags. It's just simple: how can those people who have not paid for services they have used complain? Jees. Illogical.

Why I left? Well, university starts soon. But there were some changes taking the place. And not for the better. The entire culture at the place was not a rewarding or even a happy one. Don't get me wrong, my manager and (most of) my colleagues were great. But there were some huge penises lying about doing nothing, remaining flaccid. And they were managers! Jees. I guess that's why I am pretty darn content with having got out of there unscratched.

One thing that annoyed the shit out of me (and others)? People who called with their lines cut off begging to have them open so they can use their Blackberry Messenger. Which is fine until they refer it simply as "BB" or "BBM". "I need my BBM". No you fucking do not. And get a real phone. RIM make every single one of their Blackberry phones look the same. That is some achievement. And they're all fucking shit. Phew. That's that done.

Some of the best music I have heard so far this year:

Purple - "The Purple Record"

Broken Bells - "Broken Bells"

Heartbeat Hotel - "Fetus Dreams"

Many others but I'll share them with you all in detail at the end of the year/early next year.

Things left to do before university begins? Get rid of this huge fucking whale size. And learn the guitar. Oh, and complete a story partly based on/"inspired" by my time at the call centre. Thank you Brian. I just hope it will actually be funny. But I want it to be more than a simple comedy involving a few grumpy people lounging around waiting for phone calls whilst just throwing f-bombs and c-bombs at one another. Even if it kinda was like that at times.

Listen to? Textbook - "Desperation Free". So damn good. I can't belive I have never shared them before but this one song is one of my all-time favourites.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Dreaming...

2010-07-22T00:09:00.001+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Inception.

Christopher Nolan's best film? Something like that. Or just extraordinary.

If you have any questions whatsoever, you can ask on the new Pushme widget. Which I have delayed in adding to this blog for months. But use it! Hooray!

Two days of work left...!

Wet dreams.

Emad.

New Rooms

2010-07-16T20:58:00.001+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Oh I am indeed blogging from my phone. I'm just so awesome I guess really. Go Palm Pre Plus! Amusing sight today: someone with an iPhone 4 on the train from work. I wonder if they had any reception issues...(spoiler alert: they did). I jest. There really isn't that big of a problem with the iPhone 4. Just a tiny bunch of moaners complaining.

Well there isn't really much to update in terms of any recent events since my last post. The only thing discovered was that it can take a customer under 2 minutes to become abusive and force a customer services worker to drop a call. Wow.

The main reason behind this blog post was an idea sprung by my parents, specifically my dad, which is whether it would be possible/a good thing to study abroad. Which is a huge "wow".

It's such a bizarre feeling to imagine myself studying abroad. Alone. Lost in a foreign (and possibly non-English speaking) country. I can just picture myself wandering aimlessly and feeling like I'm in a timeless place. No familiar faces and no familiar places.

A step as great as this would feel as if one had started a new life. Just previous experiences waiting to collide with inexperience. As much as it terrifies me that this could well be reality (if I took the seriousness of this opportunity further), it excites me even more.

This reminds me of a kids show my brother, sister and I used to watch when we were younger called The Odyssey. In truth I only remember watching an episode or two. It was about a teenager who was living through recent events in his life whilst being stuck in a coma. It fascinated me, and still does. Maybe I should watch the whole thing again? Anyway, I remember certian scenes of the protagonist strolling through streets glazed in bright yellow sunshine as if time really did stand still. Incredibly strange I remember this when thinking of the possibility of moving abroad.

But it's just a possibility for now. I'll stick with England for a while. I'm pretty content, however much life overseas appeals to me.

Well, that's it for a very personal post this time round. I say "very personal" when really, it's just another set of opinions. How would you feel if you were going to/had/have the opportunity to study abroad?

Ah well. Time will tell how life shapes itself.

Listen to? Sherwood - "Song In My Head". One of my favourite songs. (Disc-lamer: despite it actually being a cool video, I first heard this song well before the album was released.)

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Cloud

2010-07-12T23:22:00.001+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Wie gehts?

Damn work. Monumental news for today's post: I have handed in my notice of resignation. Well, I handed it in last week. I end my term in office on the 23rd of July. This was actually tough. Well, not tough. Just a strange thing to do considering this is my first real job. It felt strange. Almost nostalgic. Something about the place. Not that I have a desperate longing to stay there or have enjoyed it so much I would want to be there full-time, all the time or anything like that. But generally bizarre.

Where's Freud when you need him? Then again he'd link it to some deviant attraction he enjoys. Sick bastard.

Customers saying they're from Al-Qaeeda. Customers not understanding their native language (English). Customers swearing for no reason. One can never underestimate the stupidity of humanity as a whole. Amen.

Operation Starvation. Now I've blogged about it, I shall start it. Fasting next month should definitely speed up this process. Slim starts to university. Unlike a particular fat friend of mine, ahem.

Damn Gamestation and their selling of Portal for 99p. ...I should have bought it anyway...

It was only this past week I listened to some old school Blink-182 for the first time ever. And by "old school" (which I am not cool enough to use as an everyday-phrase I can assure you) I mean the albums Cheshire Cat and Dude Ranch. Just like any other artist before they hit the mainstream: the songs sound rough, edgy and completely brilliant. Reminds me of The Rocket Summer's older songs. Or Melee's Everyday Behaviour. Ouch? Because so many of you wonderful readers also listen to those bands too, ahem.

Watching "American Pie" 1 & 2 again was incredibly satisfying. And thanks to iPlayer I was finally able to see the depressing "The Diving Bell & The Butterfly". Depressing, but exceptional. And then I watched Julie Delpy's "2 Days in Paris" which was just...brilliant. I'm pretty sure I have only seen her in Before Sunrise/Sunset. Great film anyhow - "look into it" etc.

As is the case with the film I watched only a few hours ago. "Greenberg" starring Ben Stiller in a brilliant role. For some reason I've avoided Noah Baumbach's previous films "The Squid & The Whale" and "Margot At The Wedding" but clearly I am missing out. Of the few 2010 films I have actually seen this year (and possibly until I see "Inception"), Greenberg is the best so far. Exceptional.

Brandon Flowers' first solo single is nothing but brilliant. As expected.

Watch this...

Wet dreams.

Emad.

The Astronomer

2010-06-29T19:10:00.001+01:00

Konnichiwa!

To all my thousands of readers, I do apologise sincerely. *Cue sincere apology.*

Someone's wedding has kept me uber-busy beyond normal life hours. Damnit.

So yes, it was my sister's wedding. Wonderful. I don't know exactly what to say about it. It was in a restaurant? And it was fun? But it was hot. Incredibly hot. And what was so wonderful about the whole thing was that all the males were scrambling to keep a note of the latest score between England and Deutschland in the football World Cup. Everyone whipped out their iPhones/equivalents (yes, Palm Pre Plus...) and left the BBC score page on refresh all day. That or some random live video stream of the game itself. The result was dire. No, nobody was going to cry at all...

Speaking of sport and crying due to the result of games: TENNIS. Andy Roddick, why do you do this? The match was shocking. Not due to Roddick playing bad. But due to the random guy whose name I have already forgotten and refuse to look up playing so damn well. Roddick is out. Nadal has had scares. And Federer is lucky to still be in the second week, jees. And no, no I did not cry and drool myself to sleep.

That's another thing: the wedding has had strange physical effects on me. And before anyone brings it up in the comments, no, not homosexuality, crikey. But I had a few sips of a fizzy drink for the first time in years! No, not a whole full glass or anything. This will take me another few (dozen) years. Yes, it was Coke/Pepsi or whatever the brown stuff is now called. See, I've become such a foreigner to the whole drinks thing I am not sure what it was I was drinking. The only thing I have become a foreigner towards. As I did indeed stick my England flag on the inside of my bedroom window. And yes, it will most definitely go down today... Sigh.

Where was I? Oh yes, the drinking. Ahem. I do remember a few weeks ago (well, a fortnight or something) where I was offered a Pepsi or some sort of drink and was about to take the leap in drinking this...drink. But I was physically not able to, such is the extent of my OCD. Oh, meeting new people is fun...

I took a random picture which I thought was great:

And then I took this picture of my AWESOME new guitar picks:

Yes, Blink-182 guitar picks. Yes, I am now going to avoid buying anything with my hard-earned monies. Apart from a new camera which I am still looking into. Any suggestions will help. Minus £200, ahem.

I am in the process of re-watching the first two American Pie films. Maybe even the 3rd one. And then of course, the best film ever made, Wonder Boys. Disagree with me at your own risk! Pfft!

So yes, my Palm Pre Plus is amazing.

And now I have some more tennis/football-watching to attend.

Listen to? Scouting For Girls - "This Ain't A Love Song". The only good song from the world's most unbearable band.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Bright & Sunny

2010-06-16T20:28:00.001+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Wow! Two weeks. No, I have not been on holiday - quite the opposite. Work, work, work. Yop, these are the summer posts of this blog.

The football World Cup! As a non-friend described, all males are required to watch this event and give advice to the players and managers whilst talking to friends during the game. The advice nobody will listen to. ...But is most certainly correct.

"Youth In Revolt" is quite an impressive film. Not something I intend to watch so soon again - far too sexualised to focus on telling the storyline. However, Michael Cera and the ensemble cast are excellent. Watch.

I won't mention the horror story of the maggots. I'm just going to write a short novel about it.

Yes, there's only one reason for this post: PALM PRE PLUS!

It's a fantastic phone regardless of what a certain short person says/will say.

I think it's pretty clear webOS is a brilliant piece of software - not just a rival to the iPhone OS but a clear match, if not a winner. The UI for the iTouch devices certainly make it the best touchscreen still available on the planet but deary me, even with the smaller screen size on the Pre+ it still looks better. ...And damn this iPhone 4.

I'm still trying to get used to the device...ahem. But I can blog from la phone! Hooray! Finally, I may be able to return to frequent updates again.

It's very satisfying to be able to watch the football games whilst working. At work.

...And it's very satisfying to tell people to "STFU" when they call in asking to speak to the "highest paid person on the floor". Fuck you.

Just a post to state that I am alive I guess: I am alive!

Listen to? The Dirty Dishes - "Deer In Headlights". Coolie.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Dreamweaver

2010-06-02T17:49:00.000+01:00

Konnichiwa!

So, I took the courage and watched a depressing indie film. "The Visitor", starring Richard Jenkins. Yes, iPlayer. And it was surprisingly good despite being obvious in many, many ways.

...Who am I kidding: nothing has changed recently. Damn work. Oh yeah, go ahead and introduce 10-hour shifts. Nothing wrong with such duration if your job didn't entail answering the phone all day to frikking idiots. Uber-sigh.

But I have become white!

Why yes, I will explain this. I have recently restarted playing tennis against my brother. We're such experts we decide not to serve in the normal way and just start each point with groundstrokes...

That's one activity which has left me branded semi-white. And then on Sunday? Swinging at a local golf driving range. So...not actual golf! (That's my defense.) But it is an incredibly fun activity. I was very pleased with my shots considering it was the first time ever I had used a golf club. Yes, I did indeed hit 2 or 3 200+ yard shots. Yes, that was indeed the result of 2 or 3 hits from a total of 90 balls...

The viewing of 30-40 minutes of "Independence Day" amused me. And no matter what someone will surely say in the comments, no, it is not a good film per se but watchable if one's brain is left at the door.

Nothing else exciting enough to report for now. I have been following the French Open. Yes, I am uber-sad about the exit of Andy Roddick. In disbelief with the exit of Andy Murray. And thrilled with the exit of Federer as the slam is surely wide open. Damn you Soderling for finally winning! (Go away Saf...)

My Xbox is dying. I do not want to send it off for repair... By the way, Rez is a brilliant game. Feels like a futuristic dance.

...My laptop is dying. For some reason it decides to overheat. All the time. And one of the USB slots has died. However I am fine about this, as the cost of newly released Adobe software assures me I buy cheap electronics and software. ...Seriously, what the fuck! Adobe, you really do not expect people to pay of £600 for Photoshop CS5 do you? Or £1,700 for the full Adobe Premium package? Jeeeees. No, I do not actually have any intentions of buying any of their software. Phew.

I leave you with a clip from one of the best episodes of The Office - "Stress Relief".

And here's another clip from the same episode!

Listen to? Colonizing The Cosmos - "The Phononauts". Yes, I agree. It should be with an s, not a z. Still, weird but wonderful stuff.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Diplomat's Son

2010-05-26T23:58:00.001+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Certain university students not bothering to revise? Crikey. How I am desperate to return to the student lifestyle.

I'll make this quick.

LOST! ZOMG etc. (Spoilers ahead.) What an amazing finish to a truly transcendent television series. The storyline was most definitely capped off emotionally. Structurally? I think everyone will be heading back to the first series to see what happened and when.

So, there was a certain special event/national holiday earlier this week.

"Hot Tub Time Machine" was watched. And I have to say, it is indeed disgusting, vile, nasty and crude: but also an excellent film. Yes, excellent. Approximately on par with last year's "The Hangover". It's incredibly satisfying to see a great ensemble cast led by John Cusack in this film. I can't really say anything more as the best parts of the film are highly inappropriate. Even for this blog. (Not really but surely you can understand, ahem.)

Immediately after this, we (the grand entourage of 3, including myself...) stepped out of the cinema and decided to walk straight back in to buy tickets for Steve Carrell and Tina Fey in "Date Night". (Sorry, no "Iron Man 2" just yet!) Satisfying film - stick with Carrell's other films and The Office for the time being.

Also: I would publicly like to thank a certain savoury dip for sending me possibly the best poster I have in my possession. Well, second/joint first.

So I have now shared with you certain events and opinions. Blog updates will increase in frequency - so prepare to be amazed by this blog as frequently as before once again!

For now...

Looking

2010-05-20T21:18:00.000+01:00

Konnichiwa!

I know, I know, I know. I am truly, truly sorry. I have left all of you, my millions and millions of fans, out in the cold recently. Well, expect the blog to be back to its usual best very soon. As in now, ahem.

So, the general election-ness is over. Some people have been left confused. I know someone who is a member of some left-wing party, voted for a centre-left party in the election and are now thinking of joining a completely different left-wing party. Weird!

Work. Is painful. I cannot wait to escape. That is all.

I am considering joining Formspring if Hummus and Saffy also join...

Not a lot has been happening recently.

I bought Alan Wake. It is amazing - the kind of game only a professional writer could produce.

Lost is looking set to produce a brilliant climax on the national holiday that is Monday.

How I Met Your Mother is brilliant.

Visiting a park with mon familie was the true highlight. And on a weekday, wow.

I received a one-sentence letter from an institution I now fucking hate.

Meet The Parents was finally watched. And yes, it is great. Well, the first half was where the true genius of the film was present but overall, an excellent film. I cannot believe I had been pushing back to watch this film for years now. Naturally, there are a hundred dozens remaining.

A book will need to be started once again soon.

And the weather has now transformed into damn summer. We must protest!

And that is all for now.

Listen to? The Heyday - "Turn Me Around". Brilliant.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Unconsiderations

2010-05-09T22:51:00.001+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Well, my fate was sealed. And it wasn't good. Apparently a handful of pencil pushers - who cannot even do that properly - forced my life to continue on a different path. Through no fault of my own, I will not be studying the course I want to study, at the university I want to attend. It's not a catastrophe. Life will happily go on as planned. Just another type of event in life which could be interpreted as unfair. But I'm sure there will be an explanation some time in the future. When that will be, I wouldn't know.

As for the sealed copy of Gray's Anatomy. Fudge. I would like to think this is just a delay to something I will probably still be wanting to do some time soon in my life. I will live another day to do just that - open the book itself.

So yes, I now hate books! Of all kinds. Except for guitar learning books. Yop, I have ordered a picture encyclopedia of guitar chords. Yes. Even I didn't think there would be such a thing as an encyclopedia for guitat chords. Crikey.

Money has also escaped due to gaming requirements (yes, it is a requirement), car insurance (damn this classification of mine as a student and current young age - which thankfully will increase soon!) and further use of public transport. Which will be back in full swing from tomorrow for at least a week

Book which I shall read on public transport: "Critical Mass" by Philip Ball. It was cheap and it was from Borders, ahem.

I see myself as leading the Green Party society at university.

Which reminds me: the election! Jeeeees. Acting as a teller outside your local polling station is incredibly boring. So boring it is beyond comprehension. Astronomically boring. But I realised I still had my common sense when I felt like saying "erm...please shut the fudge up?" when a Labour councillor and Conservative councillor candidate were arguing like two school children in a frikking playground. Repeat: Jeeeees.

But yes, it looks like we will have a certain David Cameron as our new Prime Minister within the next few days. After all, we just can't go on like this.

So I see someone still hasn't changed their horrendous blog layout. (Note: nope, not I as my layout is AWESOME.)

I recently bought Aggressive Inline on Ebay! This is incredibly personal! Possibly the most personal I have ever been on my blog! (Yes, disregard the first part of this post.) This game is almost 8 years old and has been an uber favourite of mine. And my brother's favourite.

Is this long enough yet?

You have no idea how difficult it is to find a US to UK transformer/adapter thing for my yet-to-be-used guitar amplifier. Damn the strange American style 3 pin plug!

Yeah, this is definitely long enough now. (That's what she said.)

Listen to? Dan Black - "Yours". Ridiculously bizarre music video. (I still hate music videos.) What on earth is it with the gun? Jees. And the guy on the left bouncing around looks like Naveen Andrews from Lost. Very much so. Still, an excellent song.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

New Motion

2010-04-30T23:57:00.002+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Work, work, work. In fact, I tried helping a customer who couldn't pay his bills of £400 and after 40 minutes and full detail of outlining an arrangement where he can pay the amount off, I apparently wasn't very helpful. And the call dropped. Fucker.

Nothing interesting has occurred. Apart from the fact Ubisoft are the biggest group of twats on the face of this planet. Yes, I did indeed have to exchange my copy of Splinter Cell after possessing it for only 8 or so days and having around an hour of it left to play. Pfft. Alan Wake in two weeks it is.

Just look at it!

Okay, I really need to stop this from becoming a gaming-only blog. Ouch.

The election! How exciting is it? I was just baffled as to why Susan Kramer was on Newsnight a short while ago when she could in fact lose her seat, despite the massive Lib Dem surge in the polls. Still sticking with Green, people? Ahem. But it's about time the ridiculous two-party system has been broken up in some way. And that's simply a neutral point I am making there.

The Office! Hilarious episode this week. However, Parks & Recreation was at least 12 times funnier (yes, I worked it out, glad you asked). A clip from a previous episode...

Oh, and Bandcamp.com is in fact one of the best websites in the world. Despite having used it to visit individual artist pages previously, I decided to troll through the website for the first time ever only last week. And let me confirm with you, I have downloaded at least 10 albums from a large handful of different artists. Brilliant stuff people. In fact, my end-of-year best albums list will contain hardly any established mainstream artists.

HP bought Palm!

Okay, this update was to confirm that I am indeed alive.

Verdict on the new template? Better than the fail on that other person's blog. Ahem.

Thank God for a full weekend off work.

Listen to? Jake Coco - "Loved By You". Yes, one of the new artists. And a great song from an assured album. Well worth the listen people.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Cherry Picking Girls

2010-04-25T00:35:00.002+01:00

Konnichiwa!

Despite knowing academic studies will resume (but still uncertain as to the location) in September, I can officially declare that I received my first ever pay slip from my first ever job! This is an achievement, as I can't declare just yet in the open as to how I feel about said job. All this customer communication...ah dear.
"Emad, Emad. You're a superstar". The strangest "thank you" I have received from a customer yet. Not that I complained at the time of course...

I cut the nail on the little finger on my left hand quite a fair bit too far on the side yesterday. This has induced sharp pain. Just thought I would share...

TOM CLANCY'S SPLINTER CELL CONVICTION!

It is indeed brilliant. I was (and still am) a big fan of the previous games in the series which stuck true to precise stealth techniques and slower gameplay. But the same way in which Mass Effect 2 took a leap in its series from an action-oriented RPG to almost a full-on action game, Conviction does the same with Splinter Cell, making sure the series is just as good as any other in the gaming world. If you own an Xbox 360 or a PC with the minimum requirements, you must buy this game! Ahem. Let's leave gaming short and move on.

So apparently it was too dangerous to fly. But then the amount of money being lost was increasing by too large an amount and therefore the rules have been changed so it's now safer to fly through volcanic ash? The wonders of how science can be interpreted and manipulated. Glad HIGNFY pick up on it.

The election! I have to mention this as it feels like I've been doing nothing but working and following almost every inch of the election campaign. Except of course, John Prescott. Yes, smug Lundism, I agree.

Thank God we're finally moving away from this ridiculous two-party system. Not that it should even exist, frikking voting system. Still, Green Party! Ha...

Saturday night Newsnight was brilliant because Jeremy Paxman took a certain c-bomb down on his own policy. Ouch.

Okay, okay. My life. Well, still waiting as to what on earth is being discussed about me (if anything?!) by men in dark suits carrying briefcases. Who am I kidding, the personal tutor I had for my very short time at university in September looked like a straight-up hippy. Which is cool! And also slightly unsurprising as he was a university lecturer...but still!

Anyhow, bizarre tangent which nobody will understand really. Anything else interesting Mr E? Anything at all?

On my life, unfortunately not. Succumbing to damn capitalism. In the mean time, here is a disgusting site I discovered via a certain tech site. I know some of you will find it appealing... YOU should be the whales, not I. Although I can say progress is indeed being made on that front. Hooray!

Oh, fuck a certain university in the south. Oh yeah, literally dudes.

And just to clarify, the new iPhone looks shite. Thanks for agreeing with me Mr Saffy.

Listen to? Portia Conn - "I Don't Care". The poor man's version of "Bad Day" but still catchy, wussy uber-pop which will indeed appeal.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

P.S. When was the last time I watched Wonder Boys?!

Threat Level Midnight

2010-04-15T23:44:00.001+01:00

Aloha!

I need to become a dolphin.

Damn Sony Ericsson! I used to own one many years ago and surprisingly, beyond belief and despite hating their crappy products and Sony in general, the piece of shite lasted quite a while. My current phone? Exactly one year. And the sad thing is that I may have to keep it for even longer! Damn you Microsoft for not releasing Windows Mobile 7 ASAP.

Apparently this iPad thing has been delayed. Can someone please care to explain what on earth this is? I think it's made by Orange.

Broken Bells' first/new album is amazing. James Mercer of The Shins, what else would you expect?!

Sam Fisher is coming tomorrow. Oh yeah. I hope that's interpreted correctly... Yikes.

Opera Mobile?! On the iPod Touch? Let's not even go there dudes and dudettes. And I know some of you will be glad to know we are not going to go there.

Arron is too lazy to register to vote. Don't make the same mistake! Okay this blog is becoming far too political after those two sentences...

So, did anyone else watch the first ever Prime Minister debates? Interesting, I have to say. All policy, none of the bullshit like there is in US debates. Clowns. I think there is a general consensus a Mr Clegg is leading the pack. Whether I agree or not, is something I most definitely will not reveal on this blog...!

University accommodation...ahem. Just saying that I received an email from one of the universities I've applied to informing me of the change to their accommodation office telephone number. Nothing else. Nothing else whatsoever.

I completed Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2! Indeed I shall begin to play it again soon.

LOST!

Where is The Office?

I have a guitar amplifier! But now I need to buy a US-UK plug converter. Damnit.

Yop, it's quite clear this is one of those "list" blog updates. Easy to digest. That's what she said.

Listen to? Jimmy Fallon - "Idiot Boyfriend". I can't believe I've only listened to his 2002 comedy album "The Bathroom Wall" only now. Jimmy Fallon was hilarious on SNL. Listen. To. This. Album. Now! Okay, maybe that's just my enthusiasm but I do highly recommend it.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Recreation

2010-04-08T22:02:00.001+01:00

Aloha!

So, the election begins.

It's going to be interesting, there is no question about it. It's all slightly pathetic and childish at the moment. I don't care what certain company executives have to say about a tax they would naturally dislike.

Predictions anyone? Most people are saying a hung parliament simply because that other party might gain some serious seats. Ouch? No way. Oh, and the Greens? We're hanging in there, don't you worry mister.

The most interesting individual contest has to be between Zac Goldsmith of the Conservatives against the incumbent Lib Dem Susan Kramer. That is going to be one tight-ass race. Should I have bought Zac Goldsmith's book "The Constant Economy" for half price at the Borders closing down sale in December? Meh.

Despite taking the same morning train to work for the past month, it was only yesterday I was able to take a seat and place my ass for that same journey. Hooray for public transport.

Oxbridge Boat Race this past weekend! How exciting. I enjoyed it.

Not as much as I enjoyed watching a certain Guttenplan in the University Challenge final on Monday! Wow. Just, wow.

Work is taking over. I cannot wait to restart university in September. I should be there right now! Damn this mass conspiracy. I'm sure there's an Illusive Man behind it all, a la Mass Effect 2. Yes, the game. Ahem.

I cannot wait to see...

Listen to? Eolune - "Canvas". Reminded me of Yeah Yeah Yeahs and other strange electronic/alternative rock. Great stuff.

Oh how badly I want to use Posterous.com for blogging yet keep my blogspot URL. If you figure out how to do so, please share!

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Masterpieces in Progress

2010-03-30T17:41:00.000+01:00

Aloha!

Some of you may know the latest crisis taking place. "Big whoop". I would rant at great length with multiple f-bombs but for the first time ever I am blogging from work (break). Hate the word "blog" being used as a verb. Eww.

It all comes down to my apparent idiocy with certain school examinations. Fuck them.

It's raining outside... Anyone want to join me?

Well, one or two of you may be aware I have now fully thought out the storyline to my upcoming opus. I also have a title but I'm unsure about that right now. The work on the opus itself shall commence very soon hopefully, with a deadline before I start university. Wherever that will be, whatever I'll be studying...

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has still not arrived. Just as a disclaimer: it will be my first CoD game since Finest Hour released many years ago. Ouch. It's quite pointless as the only time I've actually touched my Xbox in the past two weeks was due to the completion of the latest Splinter Cell demo. Yes, I intend to buy it in a few weeks' time.

I finally did it: I bought the first season of The Wire on DVD. Yes, apparently the best ever television series. And after 4-5 episodes, I can confirm it is indeed brilliant. Surprisingly, Dominic West can indeed carry an American accent. Well, that's what I thought. But there are simply far too many things that are done so damn well I won't even begin to rattle them off one-by-one on this blog. All I shall say is: watch. Every single episode. Just...not before I do. There are 5 seasons/60 episodes in total and I haven't even reach a tenth of that. Not just yet.

Waking up at 5:40am is depressing. But yes, it does exist people. I didn't think it did either unless you were fasting or staying up VERY late.

Spike Jonze's short film "I'm Here" is the best I've seen all year. 30 minutes you should most definitely spend.

Chuck Palahniuk's "Diary" is weird. Extremely weird. And now I am currently reading what seems like a Grey's Anatomy-style book by...someone. The book itself is called...something. Clearly I haven't read much of it jsut yet - 35 pages. A tenth. (Which seems to be the number of choice lately, not "3 and 4". Ahem...) Apparently it's yet another "international bestseller". Which, you know, says something about "international bestsellers".

Speaking of awful but ridiculously popular books, I came across someone who has actually read a Lauren Weisberger book in full. OUCH.

And now I must leave in order to make an attempt at maintaining my balance on a fully packed train...

Wonderful.

Listen to? Paper Route - "Enemy Among Us". Excellent stuff. And my previous recommendation was very much liked! Woo!

Wet dreams.

Emad.

The Restart

2010-03-25T19:50:00.003Z

Aloha!

Indeed, Skype.

Fucked.

Listen to? Portugal. The Man - "The Dead Dog". Excellent. From one of the best albums of the year, no question.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Waytansea Island

2010-03-18T21:06:00.000Z

Aloha!

So, I started work this week. On Monday. Result so far? OUCH.

5:50-6am wake-ups are never a common thing for moi. The trains are ridiculously busy even at 7am and not your usual 16:00-17:00 rush-to-home hours.

Tuesday morning. Train. Fully packed and being forced to stand next to the door. In front of my face, some smelly construction worker complete wearing his fluorescent green jacket. And despite knowing the rules that you rarely initiate conversation on the train, decides to randomly blurt out, "Beckham will still end up playing in the World Cup don't you think?" Douche.

No, I do not want to take out any private health care regardless of however much staff discount I can get. Go away.

And no, I do not want to buy a large £1 bag of sweets. Go away.

Tax forms. Jees. I don't think I have ever actually touched one in my life.

Chuck Palahniuk's "Diary" (still have no idea how to pronounce his name, despite repeated sayings via Hummus Dip) is pretty good in its own way despite not really making complete sense 50 pages in. Hopefully that changes.

Public transport is awful. And expensive. Change this.

I have still not played my guitar in the past few days since starting work. I hope this changes after this blog post.

And well...I have nothing interesting to say apart from that. Work, work, work. Apparently I should "think about the money" only.

Until then, it's Sam Fisher demo time...

On Your Marks...

2010-03-12T20:13:00.001Z

Konnichiwa!

Let's keep this short. Expect coarse language.

Firstly, the road. As in the road I live on. It's a main road, ridiculously busy at times but generally easy to get onto from the driveway. Recently? Oh dear. Road works. Everywhere. And today they seeped onto the entrance of the driveway and pretty much locked us in. Tossers.

And it's not very nice to hear people swearing on the road from your own bedroom. They will need to shut the fuck up soon or I will literally kick their ass. Literally. Tossers. I couldn't give a flying shite kite if they're two or three times the size of me.

And then? Oh, of course. The day I got my results. Yesterday. I took the biggest risk of my life to take certain exams and what happens? Nothing, that's what fucking happened. On one paper: a grade E? An E?! What the fuck is that?! I have never in my life got such a grade. Clearly there is a great conspiracy to fuck me over and I am absolutely certain they totally fucked up. Most of my papers are hopefully going to be remarked accordingly. Tossers. Don't you dare give me anything as low as that. Fuckers. So, results technically haven't arrived and there is no news on that front. Yesterday was just a farce.

Apart from that minor quibble, a fine week.

I successfully completed Assassin's Creed 2 and traded it in as part of my Gamestation card. Crikey, I hate those.

I restarted Mass Effect 2. Had barely touched it despite it saying I've played for 2 or so hours already. Pfft.

Apatow films were rewatched in the build-up to "results" yesterday. The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Pineapple Express. Oh yes. However I do want to rewatch 2009's Star Trek but it requires "committment".

The Hurt Locker won best film at the Oscars. Boo-hoo. Half of those films nominated were utterly shite. Try to sit through them.

"Inspirational" speeches were made.

A second Chuck Palahniuk book shall start soon in the form of "Diary". I still don't know how to pronounce the dude's surname.

Work begins on Monday. Oh dear Lord.

A diet of cereal, milk, juce, fruit and bread will keep me going for the weekend. It WILL work. This is because I simply cannot go to the gym. Thank you road working people.

Time to read Wired!

And to show you how frustrated I actually am, here is that anger manifested in a song...

Reservation Man

2010-03-08T22:08:00.000Z

Aloha.

Clear & Present Danger

2010-03-04T22:17:00.001Z

Aloha!

Well, it's been an insane week, in so many ways for so many reasons.

I want to focus on my university interview that took place yesterday at a certain institution which resides pretty far from home.

FOUR hours = the time it took to get there. In fact, it was 4 hours and 6 minutes. Insane. You have no idea what that can do to a person who leaves the house at 8:20 in the morning for an interview in a place they've never visited at 14:10!

The interview(s) itself went really well. Three separate 10-minute interviews. The first one was definitely the strongest. I guess time will tell as to whether all three interviewers liked moi. Most likely not, as that is la case with everyone/everything.

After the interview, two other candidates and I were given a mini-tour by two of the nicest people one could meet. Why do the nice people only show up in such situations but not when you need them!? Ah dear.

Climate Research Unit? Ahem. But the one residence hall we were able to see was just ridiculously nice from the inside. Nothing in particular about it being an en-suite or anything like that (because it wasn't). But the fact that it was practically next to some of the science buildings and had a fine view from what seemed like a glass-only kitchen/social area of the nearby lake. Yes. As in a large lake practically next to campus.

Now? Now, the wait has truly started. Today was not very productive - especially as I was too tired to go to the gym in the morning. That's what happens when you return home at 21:00. Ouch.

So next week shall be truly disturbing. Truly disturbing.

I leave you with an awesome song.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Slow Rush

2010-02-25T10:49:00.001Z

Aloha!

Pure on the Xbox 360 is the second best racing game I have ever played (oh yes, gaming story). There's just something irritating and brilliantly boring about playing the racing "simulation" games such as Gran Turismo that really take out the fun in playing. Maybe I'm wrong if I eventually play Forza 3. But the reason why Burnout stands out from others in the genre is due to the great arcade feel and sense of rushing speed that actually turns the game from some simple ordinary racer to a God game.

Of course Pure doesn't have any "takedown" mode a la Burnout but really delivers in pure gameplay. I don't know why I waited almost 18 months before buying it. Damn my lack of Xbox-ing in the past two years. But it has returned again. Brutal Legend awaits downstairs after this blog post. No I have not even removed the plastic seal since it arrived yesterday in the mail.

In other news, I am the owner of the world's smallest stick. Precisely: USB memory stick. Interesting.

Again: How good was LOST?!

The "What I've Learned This Week" segment should hopefully return when I attend university, wherever I will go in the end. So certain bloggers: do not dare to steal!

I almost died yet again whilst in the car. This time it was going to be my fault. Or rather, the sky's fault. Yes. The icy roads on Monday morning didn't help the car brake very well, causing me to almost anal the car in front. Noice.

There is 60-something-year-old gym pervert. Just no, mister.

The Vicious Kind is a good film.

Wonder Boys will be rewatched before results day.

Chelsea lost. Interesting.

The Rocket Summer's "Of Men & Angels" album is incredibly good. I think it's Bryce Avary's best effort yet and most likely to end up as my favourite album of the year. Excellent stuff.

Also: I am still disliking people.

I apologise for the lack of real update yet again. Busy, busy, busy...

But now: real music:

Candidacy

2010-02-19T15:08:00.002Z

Aloha!

So I almost died again this week. Again, whilst I was driving. This time a GIANT truck did the widest turn in automobile history and almost smacked the front of my car. Ouch. And the painful thing about this was that I was waiting for it to turn and move so I could drive away. Not good people. I was reminded of this ordeal on Wednesday when a lorry carrying TWO huge containers was trailing ahead of a double decker bus and a tow truck with a bashed Renault Megane dangling off its ass. Where was I? Behind all three of these vehicles of course...

5 out of 6 days in the gymnasium so far this week. Interesting.

I FINALLY ordered and received the world's greatest poster. Yes, a film poster for Wonder Boys. Only 10 years old. Crikey. But it is indeed amazing. THAT kind of amazing.

How good was LOST this week!?

I attended a job interview yesterday. It went uber-well and I was semi-confirmed yesterday but earlier today, I received official confirmation via phone. Yay! My very first, fully-paid job. Win.

The Bourne Conspiracy on the 360 was completed this week. Finally. Therefore I traded this satisfying piece of gaming along with Mass Effect and pre-ordered Alan Wake. The game that has been in development for 5-6+ years. But Alan Wake actually looks set for its May 21st release date, thank GOD.

A brilliant story idea has come to mind but the ending is nowhere near in sight. A block to some extent. Anyone else had a similar problem?

And just how good is the film Dodgeball? Exactly. Awesome.

Listen to? Maroon 5 - "If I Never See Your Face Again".

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Hallucinations

2010-02-14T15:30:00.000Z

Aloha!

So do you still have to lock the bathroom door even when nobody else is at home? Just as thought-provoking as the tree-falls-in-the-forest situation.

Well, I almost died this past week. In a supermarket car park. Because according to some people it was my fault for approaching a give-way at 0mph whilst they race past at 20mph or so. I'll avoid dropping a hundred f-bombs here. That fucker.

My thumbs are aching for two reasons. One: the chord-playing on the guitar. Ouch. And despite the quick effect gym visits are having on reducing my expanded size, I still have whale-size thumbs. Two: beating the computer on hard difficulty in Top Spin 3 really takes a while. First time doing so today took at least 30 minutes. A second ouch.

I am still jobless 2 weeks (well, almost) since my exams finished. Wonderful/"let's drink to that" etc.

I can't remember the last time I ever watched a short film. The Snowman perhaps? Anyhow, a technology news website I often visit posted an article how a film based around a world filled with logos of giant corporations was going to win this year's Oscar for animated short. It was available for a while online to stream and I think it's definitely something you should watch. There's just something fascinating about seeing Michelin Men go after Ronald McDonald.

Listen to? Angels & Airwaves - "Shove". Their new album "Love" is available to download for free from their site. "Check it out" etc. It's pretty good.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Second Era

2010-02-09T19:36:00.002Z

Aloha!

Just how amusing was the ending in this past week's The Office episode? I can't embed it into my blog but here's the link for all you rabid Office fans.

So things have been terribly exciting recently. Ahem. There was a wedding which I had to attend. This was truly fascinating. And today I visited the newlyweds' at their house.

Therefore this blog post is pointless apart from two things. One: I received my uber-awesome Aria STG003 electric guitar today. Oh yeah. That's right. And it's a COOL salmon pink, not some bright/shiny pink which would make it look like a toy. And it's certainly not a gay pink like one person has suggested. Damn them. I would be trying/playing right now but thanks to my separate ordering strategy, I will be receiving my picks tomorrow. Fun.

The second reason? To share one of my favourite songs, a little over a decade old now. Len's "Steal My Sunshine". I hope you're able to remember it. If not, more reason to watch the video. Nothing better than uber-pop sometimes...

Hopefully a more interesting post later in the week.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

350

2010-02-05T22:53:00.000Z

Aloha!

A ridiculously busy week. Ridiculousss. It makes you ask "what the fuck was all that about?" - it has just been hectic.

Well, the job centre is indeed a truly haunting location, there is no question about that. I was a job centre virgin until Tuesday. "Tough times" indeed, as there were at least a dozen people there looking for some serious work. And by "serious work" I mean they were much older than I am and aren't exactly going to university in September. So, the job search begins with zero experience. Fantastisch.

Assassin's Creed 2! I was quite baffled by how good this game actually is. I avoided buying it because I knew it shares the same engine as Prince of Persia and assumed it was a fast paced half-stealth/half-action game. How could I ever be so wrong. Almost everything works in this game. It's taking up more time than Mass Effect 2 but hopefully I can play them both in equal amounts. Let's aim for completion in both... Ahem. End of gaming news.

LOST! MIND-RAPE continues. (Spoilers ahead.) First flash-backs, then flash-forwards and now bizarre alternate realities of the events the characters go through had/if the plane hadn't crashed. Bizarro by anyone's standards. I watched the video posted by IGN of the staff's reaction to the final season premiere and they pointed out the true genius of the characters John Locke and Jack Shepherd meeting in the airport after their flight had landed, sharing their philosophies (man of faith vs. man of science) without colliding head-on in a confrontation. Brilliant. And the masterful acting by Terry O'Quinn portraying John Locke and monster-infused John Locke.

If the previous paragraph went over your head because you don't watch Lost, take some advice from the majority: watch/catch-up with the best series on television right now. Even if it is the only show you will continuously watch. Hell, I don't watch much television but I make sure I don't leave Lost waiting for more than 24 hours after it becomes available.

Sometimes, weddings can be plain fucking awful.

I joined the gym. For the first time in 4 years. That was the last time I was overweight. Well, that's an understatement - I was a whale at that moment in time. Hopefully I'll be back to my normal self within a month. Thanks to constant revision and sitting at home, I have reached levels that are truly annoying. But here-here to a stupid amount of will-power!

The new edition of Wired is (so far) brilliant, once again and I am soon (as in after this blog post) to start Jeffrey Young's and William Simon's biography of Steve Jobs - "iCon". Let's see how this goes...

Owl City is in pole position in the music charts with the wrong song.

Oscar nominations = What. Theeee. Fuck. The Blind Side? The Blind Side? One of the 10 best films of the year? Don't fuck around with people, seriously. And everyone knows it's going to be between Avatar (just...no) and The Hurt Locker (excellent) unless there is a cataclysmic split in the vote and something appearing in the 3rd, 4th or 5th positions on most people's ballots wins. Maybe something like District 9? Ah dear. Hollywood and its awards. Almost every single one of them are incorrect.

Peter Travers (movie critic for the Rolling Stone) is the person I now listen to for films, and not because I always agree with his opinions (I don't). The dude is just hilarious. See for yourself. Why do most critics and journalists kill us all with their boredom? Jees.

...This month's edition of Chemistry World arrived this week. So...that'll be interesting to read.

Okay I'll stop.

Listen to? Owl City - "The Airway". A real Owl City song.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

/Compression/

2010-02-01T14:25:00.001Z

Aloha!

Wow. That was a truly horrendous journey but finally the end has come. And I think I have failed in spectacular style, all on the last day. Ouch. And it was cold inside and outside the examination room. PFFT.

I don't really want to update my blog right now as I am uber-tired (3 hours of exams does that to you) but I will list my top 10 favourite films of 2009! In alphabetical order as I could easily change half of them for something completely different.

(500) Days of Summer

It's quite simply the best film of this genre, equalled only to Annie Hall.

Adventureland

I can't think of any "coming-of-age" films that work well. Garden State comes to mind, but even that was quite obvious in its storyline and was saved by, yes, Zach Braff. But Jesse Eisenberg is great here, even more low-key than Michael Cera. But he's not the only thing that makes this film a one of a kind.

Bright Star

John Keats. The poet. I never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever like period films. Somehow, I not only tolerated Bright Star but consider it to be some strange visual masterpiece, showing great images without a need for overblown special effects with limbs exploding and human heads falling off et all.

District 9

It takes great courage to produce a fascinating film with complexities throughout whilst at the same time taking huge risks. The faux documentary style, excellent special effects and strangely surreal atmosphere make this one of the best sci-fi films ever. (And if someone says it's The Matrix...just don't go there...)

The Hurt Locker

I remember watching Taxi To The Dark Side (one of the best documentary films ever) and found it not only exceptional in how it presented its ideas to the screen, but also remaining apolitical and striking down on human emotions. The Hurt Locker does exactly that if not better. Definitely the best thriller of the year, nothing is more tense than watching a bomb disposal squad in the heat of the desert simply trying to do their job.

Moon

I wasn't sure whether to include this film. It's small, it's bizarre and relies heavily on yet another brilliant Sam Rockwell performance. But despite this being a one man show (aided with a robot voiced by Kevin Spacey), the ideas in this film surpass most sci-fi films be far, even the ridiculous testosterone-filled Avatar (which, yes, was okay in the end).

Star Trek

It can be quite a revelation when a film based on a popular franchise not only serves its most loyal fan base but also to the masses. JJ Abrams does that with Star Trek, and he does it in style. First Spider-Man 2, then The Dark Knight and now Star Trek. I actually hope this is a growing trend.

Up

There is no question the first 15 minutes of this film are its best. But like Pixar's Wall-E, the visuals once again never fail and make us realise sometimes special effects in live-action films alone are not the only way to amaze us. I'm talking specifically about the moment our character's house flies away with the help of hundreds, thousands of brightly coloured balloons. I thought this was exceptional.

Up In The Air

George Clooney is on quite the role. Sure, he was popular and people liked him before but he has never really dug deeply into dramatic films in his "boy-wonder" years, with the exception of Three Kings. Syriana, Good Night & Good Luck, Michael Clayton and now Up In The Air. But the true champion of this film isn't either Clooney, Vera Farmiga or Anna Kendrick. Jason Reitman has only made 3 films in his career so far: Thank You For Smoking, Juno and Up In The Air. I am not sure if this is his best work but there is no question this is a film for our time.

Where The Wild Things Are

Some people think the ten-sentece, picture book has been utterly ruined. ...How? There was obviously no film to be seen yet something Spike Jonze has created is the kind of children's film you simply do not see in the cinema. Usually it's some special effects-filled crap. But here is a film that jabs you in the heart, as it is indeed a film about childhood, not really a film for children.

Other films that I would have no problem including: Avatar, Inglourious Basterds, Precious, In The Loop, The Cove, The Hangover, Julie & Julia, The Lovely Bones, I Love You, Man.

Well, that was interesting. (Like my use of the colloquialism there? Discourse markers all the way.) I apologise if any of you were bored by that. It would possibly be because other films such as Avatar are for some strange reason being touted as the best ever.

Oscar nominations tomorrow. Sure, Avatar will lead the pack. But the re-introduction of 10 best picture slots will prove to be interesting. District 9, Up and Star Trek will all hopefully make the cut. (500) Days could even make the cut. But if by some bizarre miracle The Hangover is included, I will not be happy. Most people won't be. The Apatow films (The 40-Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) didn't even receive screenplay nominations. Truly shocking stuff.

I will be happy if Neill Blomkamp makes the director's cut for District 9. Invictus should hopefully be in sight only for Matt Damon's supporting nomination. Sandra Bollocks should just stop making films. But hopefully we will be surprised tomorrow. And by "we" I mean me. You don't have to act interested! But most of these silly awards are always decided beforehand - predictability for sure. Just look how Wall-E was ignored!

Oh, and it was painful watching Andy Murray cry yesterday. Ouch.

Now, at someone's request...

Makes Me Wonder

2010-01-26T14:06:00.001Z

Aloha.

Damn Roddick! Ah, the Australian Open and the complete randomness that comes with it. Though it would be interesting if both Federer and Djokovic lost - there would be a new first-time Australian Open and first-time Grand Slam winner in the running. I predict Djokovic or Murray for now, simply because I despise Federer. Ahem, sorry there Saf, you're wrong once again. But time will tell...

And now, the definition of uber-cool.

Though I still think "She Will Be Loved" is their best song. Not "Sunday Morning" like some people. You know who you are, jees.

Yonder North West

2010-01-24T09:15:00.004Z

Aloha.

And we enter the second week of Death Fortnight.

But I can see the opening.

Excellent stuff.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Extortion

2010-01-14T23:50:00.005Z

Aloha!

I thought I would post an update just to keep my blog alive (it's constantly dying if not dead - nobody reads this thing!) and I thought I would finally share the whole ordeal of my iPod Touch replacement in full online.

Now, a few of you already know about the tragedy inflicted upon my old iPod Touch. Nothing wrong with repeating the story, ahem.

Late October of 2009, my iPod had been tortured. Specifically? Water-boarding. Ouch. But I knew not to worry as I had a continuing "WhateverHappens" guarantee from a certain consumer electronics chain known as Currys. This meant that regardless of what fault develops in my iPod, or how it occurred (a manufacturing fault or accidental damage), it would be repaired or replaced. Sounds great right? Yeah...

I call the customer service line, known as the "Tech Guys" (i.e. the fucking useless) and was told I would be receiving a pre-paid package to place my iPod and send off, and promised I would hear back from them within 10 business days after sending off the iPod. Hesitation within the Royal Mail could be to blame as to why I hadn't heard after 2 weeks, so I call and was told that the iPod was "beyond economical repair" and will receive a new one directly from a company sub-contracted to carry out the repairs, Equinox Limited.

The next day (in mid-November), I receive the same iPod with a list of repairs carried out. At first I felt deceived but knowing that my previous iPod had possibly been repaired, I decided to recharge and reset the returned iPod before checking its condition. And? The touch screen wasn't working.

Further phone calls were made, especially regarding as to why I hadn't received a new iPod as promised instead of the previous, damaged one. So, I was told to request another pre-paid package and later sent my iPod again. It then arrived back a second time in early December. The same iPod, the same faults - despite it being returned with a second note stating the screen had been replaced.

Completely infuriated, I decided to pay a visit to my local Currys store, damaged iPod in hand as well as the repair notes that came with it. I act pissed off - because I am - at the customer services desk where I was told I should send it off a 3rd time round for repair. And at this point, I was ready to throw a huge hissy fit as to how I had been treated but my brother told me to cave in. There it was - I sent my iPod off a few days later for a THIRD time.

It takes several weeks for them to get their act together but on New Year's Eve - almost 2 months after the break down - I receive the same, broken iPod with the same faults and almost identical "repair" notes. Utterly frustrated. I decide to immediately call the hopeless customer service line and start off when answered by saying, "Hi there, I'm just calling to congratulate Currys for being utterly useless and successfully returning my iPod Touch for a 3rd time without any successful repairs". Jackasses.

I was told to call a different phone number a few days into the new year (possibly to be tossed around like garbage a few times more) but I stuck to my guns and continued the phone call by saying those solutions were just not good enough and that my local store should get a heads up I was going to visit later the day and wouldn't leave without a new iPod. So, I decide to pay a visit.

Luckily, the same customer services helper was manning the desk again and instantly knew why I arrived. A phone call later at the store, I was told I would get a call later in the day to pick up a new iPod. As I lived fairly close to the store, I concluded this was just about tolerable as my damaged iPod had been written off by that point and had to receive a new one via some vouchers (why, I didn't even bother to ask - I simply couldn't care less about the company by this point).

Strangely enough, they couldn't even get this right. Nope, I received no phone call in the afternoon of that day and was told by some hopeless figure behind a phone somewhere else my vouchers hadn't been "cleared" yet through the "system". Erm, what?

Saturday 2nd January, I call and was asked to pick up my new iPod. And? That my previous warranty service was cancelled and I could take out a 3 year "Instant Replacement" cover at a much lower cost. So that's the solution - enjoy being fucked around for a while and receive specialist treatment later.

I know I've gone through a long typing marathon to share something some of you may already know but there's nothing more interesting to read than customers being messed around like dirt by capitalism. I just hope some people will be able to put their foot down even sooner than I did.

And now feel inadequate!

Hello Wired

2010-01-08T10:43:00.003Z

In Sync.

2010-01-05T21:54:00.007Z

Aloha!

I was informed to go for a one-word post due to not really having time to update my blog properly. And I'm not going to do that exactly. I'm going to go all Oscar-y.

The PGA (Producers' Guild of America) unveiled their 10 nominees for best film of the year today. Wow. Delighted to see District 9, Up and Star Trek in the pack. I was genuinely surprised An Education made the cut. Not exactly a great film.

Anyhow, I won't unveil my favourite 10 films of the year as that takes time, and I'll create that post after exams. For now, time to go to fantasy-land and say which actors I would personally want to see nominated. Of course, that's not the same as predictions, as most nominees have their places locked despite Oscar nominations being unveiled in a month's time. Silly pre-cursor awards allow stuff to be clearly and unsurprisingly nominated. No fun in that.

I've done this before on my blog - not last year (damn that Slumdog Millionaire) but the year before. I think it originated from a discussion with Hummus Dip and Brian about how out of touch the Academy Awards are with mainstream audiences. Sure, they've bumped the best picture category to 10 this year but incredibly lame artsy crap always finds its way there. And there's nothing wrong with independent films: Half Nelson, Away We Go, Rachel Getting Married, Snow Angels etc. Just that the wrong indies get the attention and nothing from the mainstream is ever ranked as highly. Especially last year when The Dark Knight ruled the box office and Wall-E was just...well, wow.

Ah well, here goes nothing

Lead Actor

George Clooney - Up In The Air
Joseph Gordon-Levitt - (500) Days of Summer
Max Records - Where The Wild Things Are
Jeremy Renner - The Hurt Locker
Sam Rockwell - Moon

Lead Actress

Abbie Cornish - Bright Star
Melanie Laurent - Inglourious Basterds
Maya Rudolph - Away We Go
Gabourey Sidibe - Precious
Meryl Streep - Julie & Julia

Supporting Actor

Matt Damon - Invictus
Chris Messina - Away We Go
Jason Segal - I Love You, Man
Stanley Tucci - Julie & Julia
Christoph Waltz - Inglourious Basterds

Supporting Actress

Vera Farmiga - Up In The Air
Diane Kruger - Inglourious Basterds
Anna Kendrick - Up In The Air
Mo'Nique - Precious
Julianne Moore - A Single Man

Yes. So that was an interesting exercise, one which you all will surely appreciate. Ouch. No mean comments! My blog will return to semi-interesting when I have time to actually update. In the meantime...

...Hope that this special gem replaces one of PGA's nods come Oscar time. Star Trek...pfft.

(Note: I'm glad this thing only took 10 minutes. Hooray to poor blog updates!)

Year In Review

2009-12-29T09:19:00.013Z

Aloha!

I'll try to be as chronological as possible with the following events from the year.

Naturally, exams started off the year.
Arron had become my bro.
Everyone had university interviews.
Nothing but Bishop Allen was being listened to.
Somehow, snow cancelled one day of school.
One teacher (HER) overtook another (The Lund) in terms of manifesting pure evil. *Avoids heavy swearing on his blog*
Sarah Lacy was bought. Her book...
January exam results came out extremely positive. Highlight of the year, without question. And UCAS had finished tormenting us all until August.
School was slowly becoming pointless as teachers were making us "revise" in class.
I was labelled as a "grumpy old man" through a mug via the Brilliant Brian.
The last A2 exams (or so I thought).
Summer.
The end of summer. Ouch.
University and awesome flat mates, not forgetting Henry the hoover.
Frantic emailing, calling and trips to unknown lands (yes, York).
The return to home and the opening of A2 notes and folders. Thrilling.
And that has been that ever since.

So, I can confidently say 2010 will be very, very different.

Avatar in 3D was spectacular.

Where The Wild Things Are was even better. Quite easily one of my favourite films ever.

And Wonder Boys never fails me.

No Faceberg, I do not want to become a fan of "stamp collecting" or "little boys". Seriously: fuck off.

I was extremely happy to see Plants Vs Zombies in physical form at a HMV a fortnight or so ago. If you have a brown/orange note to spare, buy that. You will not be disappointed.

Hello Katherine.

No Hummus, there is nothing wrong with disliking snow, especially if you have to spend a revision break clearing it up on a big driveway (that's what she said).

Peter Travers' latest video was completely hilarious for some strange reason.

That's all folks! =D

Listen to? Angels & Airwaves - "Hallucinations".

Wet dreams until the new year!

Emad.

The Twenty 2009: Part Two.

2009-12-22T16:03:00.016Z

Aloha!

Yes, I made a snowman properly - along with my brother and sister - for the first time in my life. Big deal, pfft!

Yes, Borders has officially died. Still, sudoku calendars for 2010 = yes.

Here are the remaining 10 favourites from the year.Bishop Allen - "Grrr..."

I'm pretty sure anyone who bumped into me whilst I was listening to my iPod at the start of the year in school would have interrupted a Bishop Allen song. The debut "Charm School" had an exceptionally firm and grounded sound which continued into Bishop Allen's "The Broken String". I think the band have done exceptionally well to move in a new direction musically. "True or False" proves this. But let's listen to "Dimmer"...

Deas Vail - "Birds & Cages"

This small rock band is/was touring with Owl City. And: wow. There's something definitive and unique to their songs which make you instantly recognise, "Yes, that's Deas Vail" - presuming you've heard the dudes beforehand. I think it's quite extraordinary to realise this band is still a group of unknowns. Vocalist Wes Blaylock and supporting vocalist Laura Blaylock are two of the most emotionally-brilliant and harmonious singers I've heard.

John Mayer - "Battle Studies"

People found this quite polarising. I have to agree - Mayer doesn't take the risk (with a highly successful outcome) here like he did with "Continuum" yet he's not appealing to the masses (with a highly successful outcome) like he did on "Heavier Things". But Mayer is talented enough both as a musician and a songwriter to get my vote. Although I won't force you to watch the video to "Heartbreak Warfare" - great song, horrendous video.

Owl City - "Ocean Eyes"

Pop. Real, auto-tune pop. Adam Young has definitely gone down several notches by writing about visits to the dentist in order to go more mainstream instead of writing excellent melodies in his previous efforts, "Of June" and "Maybe I'm Dreaming". And the new version of "The Saltwater Room" is definitely below par here. But surely some credit is due somewhere.

Tegan & Sara - "Sainthood"

2007's "The Con" ranks as one of my favourite albums and I was highly skeptical about this release. But somehow, just by the smallest of fractions, "Sainthood" one-ups the duo's previous effort.

Girls - "Album"

Brilliant. I would never have guessed lead singer Christopher Owens hadn't listened to a mainstream artist until he was a teenager. Clearly gifted, Girls scatter around the darkest corner of the room. They remind me of Eels, which could never be a bad thing. At the time of typing this blog, I could easily cut the crap and just name Girls' debut effort as my favourite album of the year.

Passion Pit - "Manners"

You will not be able to describe this band and I cannot even say which other artist they sound like. Truly original creations that keep echoing in your mind long after you've finished listening to them. This should make any end-of-year list with ease.

Phoenix - "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix"

France. ...Exactly... But somehow these guys not only "pull it off", they do so with immense style and modesty. The album contains of ridiculously great indie-rock riffs but these talents are put on the definitive show that is "Love Like a Sunset Part 1 & 2". Be impressed.

Real Estate - "Real Estate"

A highly impressive album that feels like Pastels & Tenniscoats collaboration in terms of how easy it is to absorb this material. Eventually, it'll grow on you and you won't mind, because you'll realise why you're enjoying the moments. It's the only album I am yet to force on others.

The Antlers - "Hospice"

This is obviously a rich album packed densely with ideas. But it's the manner in which the band dance around their mellow sounds whilst touching sensitive topics before displaying their musical talents. Risky, but you realise it never is when it almost always works for the entire 50 minutes.

I was *this* close to putting Glee: The Music - Volume 1 as part of my list but I realise that's mainly due to my liking of the great show. I have missed out some other great albums that I could have easily placed here: Manchester Orchestra, The Dangerous Summer, Dan Deacon, Ingrid Michaelson, Cartel, 1997, Eels, Flight of the Conchords, House of Heroes, The Rocket Summer, Wolfmother, Chester French, Meg & Dia, Single File etc etc. You get the idea. 2009 was a great year for music.

2010 = Motion City Soundtrack, Melee, The Rocket Summer, Vampire Weekend, Backseat Goodbye, Eels and many more. Time to wait.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

The Twenty 2009: Part One.

2009-12-17T00:27:00.020Z

Aloha!

F it. Here are the first of my 10 favourite albums of the year.

Pastels & Tenniscoats - "Two Sunsets"

An excellent collaboration album between, yes, Pastels and Tenniscoats. Almost every song here is soft in tone yet elusive and captivating. Hardly anything is classified as "indie pop" in my books, and in others', but this one ranks right up there with any other album of this genre. Very easy to take, easier to enjoy.

Sherwood - "QU"

Sherwood's uber-poppy "A Different Light" changed my music habits drastically 2 years ago, along with Melee's second studio album. I then realised Sherwood's best work came in the form of "Sing, But Keep Going" as not just pop, but indie rock. Here they're able to mix both the charm and high gears of music creativity which I personally thought would be very difficult after already having excellent previous albums. This band always surprises.

Colourslide - "Colourslide" (Re-release; Originally released in 2007)

I always find myself coming back to Blink 182's "Asthenia" to hear the awesomesauce guitar-ness throughout what I consider to be their best song. Colourslide's "Lost Again" does this despite being the first song on the album. It's a brilliant setup to what has to be one of the most original and thoughtful albums I have heard in years. It reminds me of For Sake of Forward, an excellent band who released their debut in 2006 but have retreated into the woods. I hope Colourslide stay around for good.

Relient K - "Forget And Not Slow Down"

Relient K keep moving forward and forward. They don't necessarily change from album to album in a huge noticeable way, but that's not a bad thing. In fact, I did listen to their "more Christian Rock" self-titled debut, followed by "The Birds & The Bee Sides" and a considerable change can instantly be heard. Here they find new ground yet continue to do what they do best. The quality of their music never surprises me.

Rob Thomas - "Cradelsong"

I hated Rob Thomas. In fact, I still dislike him for some strange reason. Maybe I'll conclude because I can't find the exact nature of said reason, I withdraw my comment of disliking him. His self-titled album did pull the pop buttons but died out after a lot of buzz in my opinion, especially considering the magnitude of his name with a band commitment. But here he solidifies his brilliant ability as both a musician and a songwriter. Almost every song on this album is exceptional, from the snappy "Real World" to the slow epics of "Cradlesong" and "Fire In The Mountain". One of most well rounded albums of the year.

The Summer Set - "Love Like This"

This is where the raving uber-pop admirer steps in. Definitely something that is *extremely* light, even in the most serious of considerations, there's no doubt the young members of The Summer Set are some of the most gifted musicians in pop music today. It reminds of Paramore, who are still young. Personally, between the two, I stick with The Summer Set. I listened to their previous 900 EPs before finally spiralling to "Chelsea" on this debut album. This was a long time coming.

The Temper Trap - "Conditions"

I'll be quite honest on this one - I was going to exclude this out and keep the soundtrack of (500) Days of Summer intact on my list. But I realised "Sweet Dispositions" was the main song, along with Mumm-Ra's "She's Got You High" that left me sticking with the soundtrack. The Temper Trap's debut album is haunting in sound yet it avoids clashing into negative emotions with great lyrics and a unique sound - mostly due to the vocals. A rewarding album.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "It's Blitz!"

It's become increasingly difficult to think of positive adjectives to describe Yeah Yeah Yeahs every time I listen to them. Their last album "Show Your Bones" was excellent though definitely not as strong as their debut "Fever To Tell" or EP "IsIs". Here they're almost bending the rules of becoming more appealing to new listeners yet keeping their unique sound. "It's Blitz!" clearly draws out a new electro-rock path for the band but it almost sounds as if such a change was in the band's nature. Leading single "Zero" is excellent though personally, I prefer "Dull Life".

Grizzly Bear - "Veckatimest"

This album has to be one of the most unusual I have heard all year. Almost matching the releases of Dan Deacon and Chester French. Though they are classified as an indie rock band, their original slow, chugging pace reveal the true excellence of their lyrics behind some excellent, well-crafted music. This was a no-brainer.

St. Vincent - "Actor"

How many singer-songwriters bring out such rhythmic pulses yet exude excellent lyrics? Not very many, it has to be said. Truth is, Annie Erin Clark is a musical genius. That's what I think, personally. Nothing can be more pleasing than seeing a brilliant songwriter have so much freedom with their material personally that they experiment in ways that haven't been done before. Not all solo artists have to sound depressingly acoustic talking about...well, nothing. St. Vincent proves it.

Note: The Rob Thomas music video was playing perfectly fine a while ago until the label was clearly being a huge cock. Surf online for a listen to any of Rob Thomas' latest songs.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Black Rainbows

2009-12-15T22:27:00.003Z

Aloha!

I've been holding off updating my blog. The mountain of work to climb in the next 5 weeks is enormous. Well, that's how I'd like to imagine it is as slacking is an absolute no-no!

Also, I have decided: the favourite music albums thing is just a no-go. I've decided to scrap the shortlist I posted earlier and just list my 20 favourite albums of the year after my exams have finished. So now I know all 2 of my readers will have something spectacular and exciting to look forward to on the 1st of February.

It's incredibly silly how the Christmas number 1 single "battle" has been over-analysed by many. I read the comments of a newspaper article online with one person saying they bought Rage Against The Machine's brilliant "Killing In The Name" to introduce excellent, older music to a new generation. That job has certainly been done.

Khaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner" is a very good book. I'm not sure to declare it as excellent as some people make it out to be just yet. Time will tell on that. I've always wanted to read it and was on the verge of doing so until a certain biology trip last year in which teachers started to discuss it during a certain wonderful 100 mile walk (I jest, it was a 99 mile walk). They weren't speaking negatively of the book - they were praising it. But...teacher-association stigma, nein?

After reading the book, I decided to watch the film. Which...is quite good. Clearly not as good as the book yet I wouldn't say it's a bad adaptation. I thought the pivotal moments from the book could have been better translated on screen.

But don't let that deter you, good stuff all around I say. Now, Sarah Lacy...

I've been keeping up (compared to SOME bloggers, ahem, I won't mention any names) recently but don't be surprised if blogging activity decreases. I will hopefully still be alive so in case you care, do not worry missy.

In the meantime, a real Christmas/winter song...

Girl Inform Me

2009-12-09T23:43:00.013Z

Aloha!

Title = A song by The Shins. I'm liking them all over again, again. That sentence just reminded me of Tropic Thunder.

Well, here are some of my favourites...

"3:10 to Yuma" (2007) - Dir: James Mangold; Christian Bale, Russell Crowe

"Adventureland" (2009) - Dir: Greg Mottola; Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart

"The Last Kiss" (2006) - Dir:Tony Goldwyn; Zach Braff, Jacinda Barrett

"American Beauty" (1999) - Dir: Sam Mendes; Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening

"Superbad" (2007) - Dir: Greg Mottola; Michael Cera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

"Man Push Cart" (2005) - Dir: Ramin Bahrani; Ahmad Razvi

"Network" (1976) - Dir: Sidney Lumet; Faye Dunaway, Peter Finch, William Holden

"Before The Devil Knows You're Dead" (2007) - Dir: Sidney Lumet; Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke

"Quest For Fire" (1981) - Dir: Jean-Jacques Annaud; Everett McGill, Ron Perlman

"Annie Hall" (1977) - Dir: Woody Allen; Woody Allen, Diane Keaton

Listen to? Sherwood - "What Are You Waiting For?" Excellent.

Wet dreams.

Emad.

Rainshower

2009-12-04T23:51:00.002Z

Aloha!

Did I mention on Monday, someone bought £970 worth of alcohol at Tesco before my turn at the counter? Alcohol poisoning, here we come... Uber-ouch.

I feel like I should have mentioned something about my long stay at university a few months ago. About how there was a dude who looked almost exactly like Timothy Olyphant staying in the same hall. And how on one occasion when I was on my way back from campus, the bus driver beamed a smile and looked exactly like a certain Roberto I know. Perhaps I should have asked him whether or not he likes Flight of the Conchords... Ahem.

Music! The overall draft list consisted of 44 albums and EPs including 17 new artists (or ones I had never heard before which is effectively, the same thing) i.e. wow. I've had to leave out some great new and seasoned artists, such as Ingrid Michaelson, Cartel, Flight of the Conchords, Forever The Sickest Kids, House of Heroes, We The Kings, Alphabeat and Eels. But as with any end-of-year list I create, I do want to state that all is relative as I would be very comfortable swapping things round over and over again as I enjoy all the artists in my library.

The Twenty:
Bishop Allen - "Grrr..."
Chester French - "Love The Future" (New artist)
Colourslide - "Colourslide" (Originally released in 2007; Re-released 2009)
Deas Vail - "Birds & Cages"
Jack's Mannequin - "The Dear Jack EP"
John Mayer - "Battle Studies"
Manchester Orchestra - "Mean Everything To Me"
Noah & The Whale - "First Days of Spring"
Owl City - "Ocean Eyes"
Relient K - "Forget & Not Slow Down"
Rob Thomas - "Cradlesong"
Sherwood - "QU"
Single File - "Common Struggles"
Tegan & Sara - "Sainthood"
The Dangerous Summer - "Reach For The Sun"
The Rocket Summer - "You Gotta Believe EP"
The Summer Set - "Love Like This"
The Yelling - "The Yelling EP"
Wolfmother - "Cosmic Egg"
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "It's Blitz!"

I do want to add Holiday Parade there, just to include another uber-pop band. But there we are. It sure is going to be difficult to narrow things down to a final top 10...! But an excellent year ahead in music from the word go in January. New albums from Motion City Soundtrack, The Rocket Summer, Melee (perhaps), Eels, Backseat Goodbye, The Shins (possibly), Arcade Fire, Everybody Else, Fountains of Wayne, Head Automatica, The Yelling (possibly) and of course, Vampire Weekend. And Blink 182 will resume recording. Quite a list. 2010 will be excellent.

For now...

Featurette

2009-11-30T23:38:00.007Z

Aloha!

So, Eid has come and gone.

This gave me 2 days away from revision! Who am I kidding, I did do a little bit of work, admittedly. But the rest of the time was spent family-ing, xbox-ing to dangerous levels and generally being busy with random stuff.

Now, let's focus on the gaming part. I totally kicked severe ass on Halo 3: ODST on Live whilst getting my ass kicked equally severely against my brother on Pro Evolution Soccer. Damn. Gaming has returned to a low level now, and actually exists. I think this is a good thing. Instead of the console being all alone, unused and unwanted in the living room. And this is all a good thing as I ordered Borderlands today...

(Oh, and I watched the 4 minutes of "exclusive footage" of James Cameron's Avatar streamed via Xbox Live. It looks sensational.)

And speaking of spending money, I visited Borders today. Still can't comprehend the fact that it's closing down but the reason is quite simple: selling books at RRP prices won't get you anywhere these days. Especially if one can order Sarah Lacy's book all the way from Texas and have it arrive at their doorstep for £5 or so. And I WILL read that book before the year is out. I've postponed all serious reading until after exams because let's face it, the best thing to read right now are revision notes. Clearly they compile together to create a wonderful, thrilling novel. Ouch.

A certain special DVD edition of Wall-E was bought for just £3 (I actually felt bad knowing this was a closing down sale after I picked that up!) and a certain best-selling novel which I will hopefully have read by the end of the week and shall be able to unveil. Noice.

In my time off from revision during Eid on Friday and Saturday, I decided to rewatch some classics. LA Confidential starring Russell Crowe, Kevin Spacey and Guy Pearce. I can't believe I had only watched this film on two occasions before my 3rd viewing. And you may be thinking, "Surely Emad, watching a film you like very much twice is sufficient, is it not?" No! It's quite brilliant (the film) and brilliant to see just how good this film really is. Yes that does indeed make sense. The fact that all the characters are fleshed out to be three-dimensional despite the complexity of the script - being an intricate noir/crime police-procedural - is truly an excellent asset with the array of characters making the ensemble, including the 3 (yes, three!) leading roles of the actors I've just stated. Wonderful stuff. You must see this.

The other film I rewatched was Mrs Doubtfire. NOBODY can say this is a bad film. In fact, as far as I am aware, nobody has ever told me they dislike it. If you're reading this and you do in fact dislike Mrs Doubtfire, do not say so in the comments. At all. Ever. "End of" etc. I'm pretty sure the huge readership of this blog will fiercely criticise you in the comments anyhow.

I still can't kick over the fact I didn't really give my "Best of 2008" list for music albums real justice. So I intend to create a rather lengthy shortlist of my favourite albums within the week. Of course, January exams will force me to non-blog non-posts for a fortnight or so at the start of the new year and hopefully upon my glorious return on the 1st of February from the depths of the abyss, I shall reveal a concise list of my favourite albums of 2009 from those selected in the upcoming blog post. I know. Fascinating stuff kids.

And to finish off on a musical note... Ben Stiller in Jack Johnson's "Taylor" video. A time when musical agreements truly came into fruition. Yes I said it.
Yes. You're welcome.