4th Year Of Secondary School

     Today officially brought me into my 4th year of high school,the first year that I shall be given an end of year exam. How daunting? My first day back after the Summer Holidays was surprisingly entertaining; I found it strangely easy but also enjoyable to get back into a normal routine. After a Summer of boredom, I was relieved to reflourish my friendships and that my day was not spoiled by anyone who has a tendency to irk me. My gratitude was expressed towards the continuity of my favorite teachers, and where a gap was left at the end of my third year, I was given an excellent teacher for Biology. As well as another teacher for Geography and the same teacher for PSE (Personal and Social Education); this teacher in particular did take me for Geography in second year and though I find them to be a good teacher, they are no my first choice. 

     Otherwise, I still have an excellent selection of teachers as I did last year, and I shall try not to decide on which day is my favorite (subject wise) until I have experienced a full week of school. Not a lot of effort was required of me today, which is always a good thing, though my mind was somewhat concentrated on the school blazers. I myself, do not particularly wish to wear a blazer, I do not see anything wrong with the uniform just now and I feel they are just wasting time by trying to enforce an addition to the uniform. 

     At this moment in time, I do find myself a tad befuddled; leading up to the beginning of fourth year, I was unaware whether blazers were compulsory or not? Then I met with my friends whom I walk up to school with, they were all wearing blazers, but this was no surprise as they already dressed like so for some time now. They informed me that it was compulsory and that before the end of third year, a uniform letter was handed out; I was unaware of this as well as hoping that the first point was false. On arriving at my Registration Class, I was disappointed to discover, that after three years of the same registration teacher and two years as a French teacher, I would no longer come to their classroom at 8.55am. Instead, I received a perfectly acceptable new teacher who has just joined the school in the Geography department.  The point still stands though, that it felt like an end of an era, and that I felt closer to the end that I was the beginning. Anyhow, after an hour of registration, sorting out the usual letters handed out at the start of every year, the teacher went through the uniform and we were told that blazers were not compulsery, I advanced to Music later on, where I was informed by my teacher that she had a discussion with the head teacher, and it appears that pupils must acquire a blazer by the end of the month.  Although, the rest of the day, from teachers and pupils, I had gotten the impression that they were not compulsory? Who knows, it is the first day back so everything is still to be completely sorted, so I shall wait a few days until I come across some concrete information on the topic of the blazer. 

     Another thing that didn't make my day a perfect day, was the introduction of the "warning bell"? It is simply a bell that sounds exactly the same as the real bell, and is set off five minutes before the actual bell to inform us it is coming. In the grand scheme, this is understandable for before school begins, as well as break and lunch time. Though I recall, leaving Music for break, then as I walked through the social area with my friend, the bell went off again and we puzzled over whether break had just started or finished? If I am not mistaken, I remember it activated during a class, then when we advanced to the next class, the bell went again; proving that we had left too early for the next class. My scheduling for class is pretty acceptable, the only main problems is that, last two periods on a Monday, I have PE (Physical Education), followed by the dreaded French. As well as the fact that Monday, Tuesday and Friday, begin with the evil antagonist that is Maths. 

     Overall, I had a very enjoyable day and my anxiety is at some level, when looking into the near future and seeing the terrifying exams. Hopefully, I shall have a good year, as last year turned out to be quite successful both socially and educationally. My classes are acceptable so far, so I do hope that the good fortune will continue at least until the end of this week. If you enjoyed reading this, then great, otherwise.... well I don't care, I must sleep now. 

                                                             Geronimo!  

                                                              Stephen

Review: Cloud Atlas

     The film Cloud Atlas is an adapted version of the book, written by British author David Mitchell. Critics describe it as: "one of the bravest and most ambitious pieces of film making for years". As well as "an incredible feat of filmaking". Released in October 2012, with Tom Hanks and Halle Berry leading an all star cast, this review is rather late, but today is the first time I have watched it with a blog. Six timelines, six stories; everything is connected as characters meet from one life to the next. Past, present and future their actions generate consequences. Cloud Atlas combines science fiction, action, mystery, drama and romance together tremendously. 

     Without a doubt, it is my absolute favorite film. The unique idea sells itself. One of the things that especially makes the film so enjoyable, is the similarities between different timelines that makes the viewer realize how ingenious it is. Each timeline being practically a different genre, is to show that the charterers can still be linked across time despite the circumstances. Another thing, is the tremendous monologues for some of the characters; allowing us a brilliant insight into the characters mind and follows with some good character development. Cloud Atlas entails some very creative speeches, some extremely heartwarming but also heartwrenching. Not forgetting the amazing talent of the actors/actresses and the makeup team, with every actor/actress playing more than two character and some looking completely different to each other. Some of them even change race and/or play a character of the opposite sex, giving a believable performance.

       Each timeline had such an enticing storyline, that they each felt like six different films which is the genius of the movie, as they succeed in combining all six of these together to make one epic film. Throughout the film, we see some of the things that connect the characters. .The two most noticeable things, is the comet birth mark on many of the characters and the "Cloud Atlas Sextet". Cloud Atlas is mainly about reincarnation and for people to become better or worse through different life cycles; the birthmark is an indication of a soul passing through another body but the fact it is a comet, also indicates something scientific but mythical about the whole process.  The Cloud Atlas Sextet is a piece of music created by one of the characters, and is used to link together stories. 

      I'd rather not go into full detail as to what each of the timelines entail as that would take some time and you would be very tiered of having to read so much text. Instead, you will just have to take my word for it when I say this is an outstanding film that is an absolute must see. It is quite a complicated film, you may have to watch it a second time to fully understand it but it is well worth it. If i had to rate it, it would for sure be a 10/10. 

                                                        Geronimo!

                                                          Stephen

    

     

Nerdfighter Forever

     Since February of this year, I have been a part of the wonderful group known as "Nerdfighters", created by Vlogbrothers.  The two participants being author John Green and his brother Hank Green. The title Nerdfighter, means Nerds that fight, usually against popular people. As well as fighting to increase awesome and decrease world suck. Nerds whom take pride in being Nerds and instead of being made of cells, organs and stuff, they are made of awesome. Being such a popular group for millions of Nerds, many smaller groups follow under Nerdfighters. The one of which I am a member of is "We are Nerdfighters".        
                  During my time as a Nerdfighter, I have met a great number of amazing people who I hold as my  dearest friends and on my list of favorite people. The number of interests shared between the group is unbelievable, and has given me a large number of people to obsess with over different genres of fiction. Whenever I am in the company of these fantastic people, I have nothing to be sad about. I can honestly say, that within this group of people, I have found a second family. I know myself that other members of the group feel the same way, and that if we were mad enough (check) and had enough money, that we would all live together in a big house so we could be happy forever.

     Although, there is no story without some evil plot twist. Despite the fact that every so often the group has a gathering in Glasgow Central, a large number of members are not situated in the city. Located in other parts of Scotland, most of them living just a bit under an hour away from Glasgow. This proves it to be difficult for us to meet as for some, the train tickets are considerably more expensive that those who already live in Glasgow. So they are unable to sum up the money to buy train tickets for every gathering.
   The group has been able to meet on a regular two week basis on most occasions. Though to my sad regards, around a month ago, a dispute between the members occurred. No one was 100% clear as to what exactly happened, but most members agree it to be "a lack of communication" between the group. After every gathering, members of the group and the number of people at each gathering started to increase, so many people found it inevitable that such a big group would fall out at one point. Ever since then, there has been no official gatherings. Some members have left the group chat on facebook, but not  the actual group itself and two of the members have completely left.

     The majority of the group are still communicating through facebook and the group is slowly rebuilding. We are yet to have another gathering, but I am confident that one is just around the corner and we shall return to the normal schedule. I highly advise any Nerd to join Nerdfighters as I am quite certain that you will make some wonderful new friends as I have. DFTBA (don't forget to be awesome).                                                                  
                    Geronimo!
                     Stephen
         
   

Peter Capaldi is the Twelfth Doctor

     After many longing weeks of speculations on who would take on the role as the Twelfth Doctor, after Matt Smith performed magnificently as the Eleventh Doctor, our prayers have finally been answered. Peter Capaldi is the man to take on the role of the iconic hero, and I'm certain that I speak for many of us when I say, fantastic! Peter is a brilliant actor, having appeared in the fourth series of Doctor Who, episode two "Fires of Pompeii", as well as "Torchwood: Children of Earth". Not only is the man himself a Whovian, but he has put himself in the record books as being the third Scottish actor to play The Doctor.
     The 55 year old Glaswegian, award winning actor, stared in the BBC comedy "The Thick of It",  he has appeared in the BBC Two drama "The Hour" as well as having been seen on screen in the film "World War Z". This Autumn, he will appear in the forthcoming film "The Fifth Estate" and the Disney film "Maleficent". Capaldi is also in the middle of filming a new BBC drama series called "The Musketeers", set to be broadcast early 2014.
     So it appears that it may be another few years, until the decision is made to change the Doctors gender or colour. It is of my personal opinion, that when the sad day in the hopefully distant future comes, that Peter Capaldi will pass on the TARDIS keys, to someone different. In the majority of cases, Doctor Who excels at change, and there is no good reason that The Doctor couldn't be black or female. If such a decision were to be made in the future, it would open up a huge range of people to take on the role and help assure another 50 years of Doctor Who. Everyone has had that Doctor that they weren't too sure about at first, then once they got used to them, they couldn't bare without them. The only things that should concern anyone about a new Doctor, is that the actor or actress is talented and is written well.
      My congrats still go towards Peter Capaldi and I look forward to his time as The Doctor.Now fans can only wonder what kind of Doctor he will play, as well as what his outfit will be and his catchphrase. It is to my understanding, that according to some rumors, the Twelfth Doctor is to be revealed as very dark and I think Peter would be perfect in that kind of role. My trust in Moffat is not altered, and I am certain he will  think up another lovable incarnation of The Doctor.  I wish both of them  all the luck in the world and I look forward to the wonderful journey ahead of them.

Geronimo!

Stephen 

Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor

Sunday 4th August 2013.
     Two days. Two days until the Twelfth Doctor is revealed to us. As other Whovians have been doing, I too, have been speculating over who could possibly take on such an iconic role. So I decided that I would post it on my blog, to give you an insight on who I think should take on the role, as well as my thoughts about the live broadcast and other topics that surround the mystery of the Twelfth Doctor.
     First things first, let's take a look at when the theories began to go topsy turvey. Before, we were just perfectly innocent Whovains, enjoying another excellent series of Doctor Who, with no idea Matt was leaving so therefore little speculation on who the next Doctor will be. On 18th May 2013, as the series 7 finale "The Name of the Doctor" drew in ever so closer, fans went crazy whilst constantly speculating over three things: what the Doctor's greatest secret could be, whether his name would be revealed and  the answer behind the mystery of the impossible girl. The latter, was the first to be answered; Clara turned out to be echos scattered across the Doctor's timeline, and then later John Hurt was revealed as the Doctor, but was somehow his greatest secret and somehow not the Doctor? "I said he was me, I didn't say he was the Doctor".So it seemed it would be another 50 years until we find out his name.  Fans were then left with one of the greatest cliffhangers in Who history. Whovains all over have debated about what Doctor he could be; to this date, his most popular titles are "The Forgotten Doctor", "The Twelfth Doctor" or "The Eight and a half Doctor". In June, after fans speculated plenty on who Hurts Doctor could be , the sad news was released that the wonderful Matt Smith, who took on the role as the Eleventh Doctor for four years, will end his run as the iconic hero on December 25th 2013. Merry Christmas from the BBC. The speculation on who the Twelfth Doctor could be went well over-proportion, leading up to the live broadcast this Sunday.
     Before the new Doctor is even revealed to the public, there are a lot of questions about what the new Doctor will be like. What clothes will they where? What changes in personality does the new Doctor have? Will they be tall, short, fat, skinny? Will they have brown hair, blonde hair, or for the sake of The Doctor's sanity, will the last of the timelords finally become... ginger? The list goes on and though these may seem like trivial questions to some people, they are very important questions to us die hard Whovians. Though the greatest question, for this Doctor especially, is whether the Doctor will be male or female? Very early into series 7, there were speculations that after 50 years, the Doctor will become a woman. Many interviews later, it started to sink into fans that Moffat didn't seem fixed on it, but he was open to having the Doctor change his gender. In just two days we will find out, whether this evil genius has decided to play it safe and keep the tradition of the Doctor being male, or if he has taken one of the biggest risks and made one of the biggest changes in Doctor Who history? Then once the secret is out in the open, we will enjoy interviews from some of the beloved actors who have played the timelord, as well as companions, celebrity fans of the show and of course Matt, Jenna and Moffat. Hopefully with some hints about Matt's last two episodes and the Twelfths Doctor's future.
     Now we have reached the point where I inform you of my on personal opinion on what path Steven Moffat should have taken when choosing the next incarnation of the Doctor.If I am perfectly honest, I couldn't care less if the Doctor becomes a man or a woman. We live in a day and age where woman are considered as equals to men, more than they ever have before. So why shouldn't a woman take on such an iconic role? Not that women aren't considered equals in Doctor Who, as there are a wide range of important female characters.  As long as the person that takes on the role is an excellent actor/actress and that they are well written, that's all that should matter.  Well because Moffat is the one in charge of the next Doctor, I think think we can tick off the latter. If he does decide to make such a big change to the Doctor, it is a very big risk as a lot of fans are not supporting the notion of a woman Doctor. To assure that fans continue to love the show as they have previously, if not more, the actress must already have an acting ability up with the standards of David Tenant and Steven should be very careful how he writes her. The reason that I think they should be very cautious, is because this would be the first time they have done this. In the past the showrunners could be more relaxed about it because they already had a system that worked. This system has went on through 50 years, so Wovains have gotten too attached to the notion that the Doctor is a man. So if they do choose to make him a woman and she is a success, then they can be a bit more relaxed when choosing the next female Doctor. Though if they decide to keep him male, I think it would be a good idea to make him black, or even Asian if they found a good actor. So that we may prove to some of those idiotic critics that the show isn't racist.
     Many actors and actresses have been rumored to have been offered the role, many of which, I myself was not pleased with. Though there were those few actors that I couldn't resist thinking "what if they were the Doctor"? One of my favorites, was Benedict Cumberbatch; sadly, there is a zero chance that he would want to play the Doctor. After thinking about it for a while, I don't think it would be right anywayy. One actor for two VERY popular shows? Also, seeing as Doctor Who has more episodes and is a bigger show altogether, that would be both Benedict and Moffats main priority. Since Sherlock fans have been waiting for about two years just for a third series of the show (which I understand is in the middle of being filmed) they might have to wait even longer for a fourth series.

 Another one which did interest me but wasn't at the top of my favorite list, was Daniel Radcliffe. Starring in the film series that become a world wide phenomenon, as the young wizard Harry Potter for 10 years, probably from the fifth film on wards, I began to notice how talented he was as an actor and how much potential he had. My greatest worry for Daniel, as I'm sure others have felt for him as well as towards Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, is that they might be typecast. For anyone who doesn't know what typecast means, it is when an actor/actress, is assigned to the same type of role. Which makes it difficult for them to get a role in different types of genres, so they don't like to stick to one role for too long. As has been part of the reason for Matt and David's departure of  Doctor Who. Daniel, Emma and Rupert are prime examples of this, not to say they haven't had any different roles after Harry Potter, but not a lot to my knowledge.  So a big show like Doctor Who, could really help Daniel as an actor.

     At the top of my  favorite actresses to play the Doctor list (if they have made such a decision) would be Lara Pulver. Despite the fact that I have only seen her in the first episode of Sherlock series 2, "A Scandal in Belgravia", I was stunned and amazed by her performance. Not only was the story magnificently written by Mr Moffat himself, but Lara give a wonderful performance, full of cleverness,, humor and just ticked all the boxes for a strong willed female character.  I know that she would be hilarious in Doctor Who, but I also believe she would be excellent at sad moments as well.

If  we were to keep the kind of tradition, and the Doctor remains to be male, I think now is the time that he should become black. As I have said before, so we can prove to the critics that show isn't racist (which doesn't really need proving anyway), but there is a black male actor who I would love to play the Doctor and that is Idris Elba. Even though I have only seen series three of the show and not the previous two, the way he portrays the main character Luther in the BBC crime drama "Luther", is absolutely amazing. The type of character itself, I find really interesting; the rough hero who always have the "good cop, bad cop" question weighing on his shoulders. He is very talented and according to some rumors, the Twelfth Doctor is meant to be a very dark Doctor, so I think Idris would be fantastic in that kind of role as he has already proved in Luther.

 Finally, if the Twelth Doctor was to continue as a white male. At the top of my list of  white male actors, is an actor who as of this week, joined the top of the list for rumored actors to play the Doctor. Peter Capaldi is a brilliant actor, and has shown this talent of his in examples such as the enticing "Torchwood: Children of Earth" as well as in Doctor Who, series four, episode two "Fires of Pompeii". Peter would do well at an angry Doctor and I would be very interested at what kind of Doctor he would be.

     There you have it, that's my opinion on everything connected to the Twelfth Doctor. I hope you have been enlightened by this post and maybe it has helped you form your own opinion on who should play the Doctor. Thanks for reading. I anxiously wait for the truth to be revealed and hope that it will be at least a nice surprise.

                                                                Geronimo! 

                                                                 Stephen .

   

A Nerdy Guide To Glasgow

Are you a Nerd looking for a place in Glasgow where you can feel like you have found a second home? If yes, then great but if no, then surely by the title of this post you should have guessed this is not for you. Unless you plan to show it to a friend or relative whom happens to be Nerd, then you are welcome to continue reading. Though the interests of  Nerd-kind  reaches a notable length, a lot of these interests are shared with the majority of Nerds, which makes it easier for myself to compose this Nerdy Guide to Glasgow. Every destination that has been included in the list, are places that I feel are at the top of the  must see list, for a Nerd in Glasgow. 

Waterstones- Any Nerd that is in a dire search for a book shop as magical as Hogwarts (in the muggle word at least), or as comforting as hearing some mad man say "trust me, I'm the Doctor" then your search is at an end. Waterstones is a fantastic book shop with hundreds of books at reasonable prices. The pictures of Waterstones to your left, are both in Glasgow Central; the top one is literally a couple of minutes outside of the train station at 174- 176 Argyle Street and the bottom one is at 153-157 Sauchiehall Street. The interior layout of the shops are just lovely and well thought out. Not only do they sell an excellent range of books, . but also some stationary as well as kindles. If you still require some convincing, I should probably mention that inside the shop, is a costa cafe! So you shall be able to enjoy the luxury of siting in a comfy chair, with maybe some tea and biscuits at your disposal, whilst you are lost in the imagination of the writer and are surrounded by a multitude of books. What else you could ask for?


CEX- This stands for "Central Entertainment Exchange", a second hand goods shop that buy, sell and exchange a range of technology and entertainment products. These include: mobile phones, video games, DVD's, Blu-ray movies, computers, digital electronics, TV's, monitors and music CD's. For a second hand goods shop, the quality of their products are considerably higher than you might initially think. The shop is located, literally a few seconds away from the Waterstones in Argyle Street. Any gamer who is looking for all of the most recent games in CEX, you may be out of luck. Though it is surprising how recent some of the products they sell are;  some of their products in their stalls are ones that have been released in the current year, depending on what time of the year you visit the shop, but more likely the year before that.  There are also many games or DVD's from a number of years ago and remain to be of good quality. One of the main reasons that sealed CEX a place on my Nerdy Guide to Glasgow. was the fact that you are able to donate to a good cause through the shop, when selling a product to CEX either in store or online. Whether you wish to donate the full value of the product or just some of it, it will be donated to the charity of your choice. Though if you give 100% of the value of items in one transaction, then CEX will add 10% on top of that to your chosen charity. It is a brilliant shop and I would recommend it to anyone.

Forbidden Planet-   A science fiction, fantasy and horror bookshop. As well as books, Forbidden Planet sells  comic books, graphic novels, manga, posters, a variety of toys and other collectibles.The only thing about the shop that I would consider a "problem" is that it is quite a small, cramped shop; especially if there are a lot of people inside it. Otherwise, it is a very good shop with merchandise based on a varied amount of our favorite hero's from Doctor Who, Star Wars, DC, Marvel and so much more. Located at 168 Buchanan Street, it is very close to the Glasgow Royal Convert Hall, almost directly opposite from another place in this list, and ins't that far from the Waterstones in Sauchieall Street. It is definitely worth a visit.                                                
Game- From the title, you should already have deducted that this shop sells games; video games to be precise. Along with consoles and accessories. Game is another shop which allows you to buy and trade in your items. In return you are given a voucher to match the value of the products that you have traded in. So it is quite useful when trying to save money. In Glasgow there are three Game shops; one is found in the St Enoch Center on the ground floor, the second is on the first floor of the Buchanan Galleries (a couple of seconds up from Forbidden Planet) and the last one is situated across the road from CEX. It is the place to go for gamers who are looking for the most recently released games as well as some good prices as well.

Hamleys- Please understand, that it was not my intention to include Christmas trees into the top picture of Hamleys.  Therefore making you all depressed, by reminding you it is still five months and twenty four days until Christmas. It was the best one I could find. Yes I did count how long it is until Christmas! Why shouldn't I, it's a wonderful time of the year that goes away so quickly. Anyway, this shop is one of the worlds best known retailer of toys and in Glasgow, it is located on the third and top floor of the St Enoch Center. With two entrances, one of them is seconds away from the Waterstone   in Argyle Street and the other is right beside some of the seating areas for the food courts. For children of any ages, or for anyone who is still a child at heart  but cannot get the Kids Go Free train ticket. Any type of toy you can think of, Hamleys will most likely have it. Whether it's action figures, arts and craft, soft toys, outdoor stuff, vehicles, dolls, build it, or preschool toys, you'll find it here. A place as fun as Willie Wonkers Chocolate Factory (though I would advise that you don;t eat any of the products as I do not believe that they are edible).                              

Mr Ben- Here we have a lovely vintage shop, located at King Court, 101 Kings Street. Within contains a diverse amount of items of both time and fashion. Such as old fashioned cameras, kilts, skirts, trousers, shoes, dresses, jewelry, etc. It certainly is a shop full of stylish clothing and other interesting items. I have only been twice, but it certainly is a place that I would suggest to someone who is in search for old looking, but stylish clothing. You wont regret paying a well worth visit to the wonderful Mr Ben's.

Paperchase- Almost directly across from Forbidden Planet, Paperchase is the perfect for the stationary nut or arty person to go to. Full of stationary, gifts, gift wrap, cards (as well as personalized cards), art materials and  collections. Beautifully laid out with a great cafe upstairs. The shop is a great place to go to if you are starting you ambition to become an artists, looking for stationary for your first day
back at School, College or University and if you were just hoping to sit down and have a nice cake.  Speaking of cake, *leaves room to get cake then returns ten minutes later*. Anyway, what was I talking about... Ah yes, it is a fantastic shop and it is very difficult for any Nerd to just leave Paperchase.

Riverside Museum- Previously known as the Transport Museum, before being moved to the River Clyde, at 102 Pointhouse Rd; the museum is known as Scotland's Museum of Transport and Travel. Winner of the European Museum of the Year Award, when moved to it's new destination, it was given a brilliantly unique, quirky design. Inside all the cars, trains and other examples of history in the museum are well laid out and a great place for people to visit for fun and educational purposes. With a  wonderful cafe as well as outside food stalls and seating areas. Behind the museum is a Tall Ship in fine condition after being refurbished by the Clyde Maritime Trust; inside they have created a wonderful cafe and gift shop, as well as some play areas for children. All over the ship are some information points, giving you an idea f what sailors lived like in their day. I myself have visited it many times ever since I was very young, when it was at it's original place. I enjoyed it so much, that I decided to do my fourth year work experience there this November. It is a great place to visit.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum- Since the 2003-2006 refurbishment, the museum has been the most popular free-to-enter visitor attraction in Scotland and the most visited museum in the UK out with London. Located within Argyle Street in the West End, on the banks of the River Kelvin. It is a wonderful place with examples of history spanning over hundreds of years. Different types of old art can be found, as well as to size modals of different animals (including dinosaurs). As well as models of war airplanes, with many examples of British history and Egyptian history.  Not forgetting the "floating" heads. There seriously is so much interesting stuff that I can't simply describe it all too you, you need to see it for yourselves. It's that good.

Thank you so much if you bothered to read this whole thing, and I sincerely hope that this has helped at least one person in some way or form. So that this hasn't just been a complete waste of time because that would be quite depressing. These are all wonderful places, you must visit them!

Geronimo! 

Stephen