Vazza's Place

And so, the end is near…..

2012-01-01T01:58:00.001Z

The end of 2011 is nigh, so it's time to reflect on the year that been. There's been the usual highs and lows, good times and bad. There's been laughter and tears (and some of those tears have come from laughter!), get ups and put downs too many to mention.

There's been changes positive and negative, relationships made and broken. There's been a host of new people in my life, some who have become good friends. Other's have been lost and, in some cases, refound.

There's too many people for me to mention, but you'll know who you are. To anyone who's believed in me these past 12 months, thank you. To those of you who have supported me through thick and thin, thank you. It's meant so much. To the ones who have listened when I've moaned, whined or generally complained and never uttered a word, thank you. To those that have put me down, thank you. I'm now a stronger person for it. And finally, to the people who make the world a little brighter, thank you. Keep shining your light into the world.

I'm already looking forward to 2012 with plans already in place. Some of them might be crazy, but you only get one life. And sometimes being that little bit crazy helps. Bring on 2012!

PTC/PTR Sites

2011-12-30T22:08:00.001Z

I know what your thinking. How can you get paid for sitting around clicking and viewing websites? Well, you can, and I have some here to recommend to you. the first lot are those that I have used and successfully been paid. The second are those that I have been using and yet to receive payment (because not yet reached payout or there is other terms around it) or that I’ve just started using.

Many of the programs use Paypal and/or Alertpay to payout with may working in US Dollars.

Successful Payments

*Site Name*	*Locality*	*Received To Date*
Archerfish	UK & Ireland	£13.00
AdPaid	International	$28.70
Wordlinx	International	$126.89
Linkgrand	International	$35.00
Neobux	International	$62.67
You-Cubez	International	$17.00
MySurvey	?	£22.00

Currently Using

*Site Name*	*Locality*
Advercash	International
ClixSense	International
PTC Box	International
Clicksia	International
Clixtiply	International
Adf.ly	International

You can also have a look on Marketing Pond for other programs too!

Vhari x

December Update

2011-12-27T23:15:00.001Z

Well, it’s been 2 months since my last update so might try and squeeze as much into this as possible (not that there is much to squeeze!)

Well, we visited the Hobby event in Glasgow at the end of October. It was good going round and seeing what was happening. We did buy some beads as well as some books on seed beading and new tools to undertake kumihimo (it should come with a warning that it’s very addictive!). We also bought some other daft things too. The good thing is that the next one fall the weekend of my birthday in March so already looking forward to it :D

Been out and about with the jewellery, selling bits and pieces once again getting the name out there. We’ve already been invited to a couple of events next year but it’s all down to dates now. We’ve also fulfilled our first big order! 50 charm bracelets (with word that there might be further orders)! So very chuffed! Bring on next year! Have started a re-design of the site which should hopefully launch early next year :)

Been a very quiet few months for music…okay so that partly a lie. Managed to catch John Barrowman and Only Men Aloud, both of which were very enjoyable (I’m now glad that I’ve seen Only Men Aloud’s version of Don’t Stop Believing live after seeing the performance last year(?) on the TV for Children In Need)

So that’s all for this installment. See you on the other side of the year :D

Vhari x

October Update

2011-10-16T12:05:00.001+01:00

Hi all

Well it’s that time of the month again, although there isn’t much to report to be fair.

Apparently trying to wing my abilities isn’t working at present in finding a job. Had applied for an admin-y type job but no success. I’m pretty sure that people look at your qualifications (which mine are kind of all health related due to original plans for a career) and they’re not interested in hearing what experience that you have that you could bring to the job. Seen another job the other day so going to have a bash at that. According to my mum, it’s below me but I think that it would be good start if I get it, to give me some retail experience and dealing with the public and get my confidence back up. Then I could always hope that the world will be my oyster!

Our site (Handmade by M & V) has been up and running for the past month, and, whilst it’s so far not generated any sales, we are getting the visitors. We had over 600 unique visitors to the site in it’s first month, which I’m happy with. And we’ve had plenty of feedback from people saying that they’re impressed with the site, so hopefully this will lead to future sales. In attempt to see if we can’t drive more sales, we’ve also taken up a Folksy shop (that you can visit here) to showcase some of the items. Again, in the short time we’ve been there, we’ve had a number of views on the items, which in my mind is a good thing. Really need a job that Monday to Friday and then have the weekends free to attend craft fairs etc.

Looking forward to the end of the month as the Hobbycraft event is back in Glasgow at the SECC. It’s a year since we went to the first event and now my mum and I try to go whenever they appear to go and look at what’s on offer.

I’ve also learned that I really need to keep a note of the competitions that I’ve entered so that when i get a call to tell me I’ve won something, that I know what they are actually talking about. Had that experience at the end of September with tickets for Clyde 1 Live…a competition I’d totally forgotten that I had entered (well, it had been a Sunday at work when I entered…that ‘s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!!)

Anyhoo, that’s all from me this month. Till next time!

Vhari x

Clyde 1 Live @ SECC Glasgow 30th September 2011

2011-10-01T17:14:00.001+01:00

On the 30th September 2011, Glasgow based radio station Clyde 1 took over Hall 4 of the SECC in Glasgow to bring a myriad of the UK’s hottest stars to stage together for one night only. So who was on the bill?

Olly Murs
First to take to the stage was Olly Murs, who despite coming second in the X-factor a few years ago, has been quite successful. He performed a few songs including Thinking Of You, Busy and current single Heart Skips A Beat inbetween talking X-Factor (seeing as he host The Xtra Factor), his new album and of course, his forthcoming tour. Overall he was good but not an act that I would rush off and see.

Sugababes
As many will probably know by now, none of the original line up remains. But Heidi, Amelle and Jade came out and performed a few past songs (About You Know, About A Girl, Push The Button) as well as new single Freedom. Sadly though, it sounded as if they were out of tune with the older songs, only being able to properly sing material since they’ve been together.

Cover Drive
This is a new group hailing from Barbados who only performed two tracks for their slot, forthcoming single Twilight and their debut Lick Ya Down. Not sure what to make of them but expect to hear more from them in the future!

Giving the stage crew time to set the stage up, presenter and DJ George Bowie took up the decks and brought the George Bowie Experience to hall 4 and got the crowd jumping and singing along.

Matt Cardle
Following George it was last years X-Factor winner Matt Cardle. Apparently he’s only been playing his new material up North. He played a solid set including his new single Run For Your Life and also constantly on guitar, which he looked more than comfortable playing.Of course there was the obligatory mention about his debut album coming out. It was good to see and hear him live and not just on the TV and it has shown he is able to play in the flesh but not someone I’d rush to see.

Nina Nesbitt
Jim Gellatlyintroduced this singer who hails from Edinburgh but has major labels chasing her. Discovered on YouTube (where she posted covers of artists including Ed Sheeran, Example and Mumford & Sons). She performed a cover of Little Lion Man before performing her own song Glue. The crowd seemed to get behind her too. Look forward to seeing/hearing more from her in the near future.

Pixie Lott
Victoria Louise Lott aka Pixie Lott came to the stage performing hit track Boys & Girls, following it closely with ballad Cry Me Out. Forthcoming single What Do You Take Me For came next (with her admitting before starting that tonight would be the first time that she had performed the track live). Debut Mama Do followed with much participation from the crowd. She ended the set with current single All About Tonight that once again got the crowd involved. Another solid set from a great young artist.

Dappy
It didn’t take much to get the crowd excited when it became obvious who the next act was going to be. Dappy (probably better known as being part of N-Dubz) came on stage. Performing only two tracks including number 1 track No Regrets, the crowd was wild including a surge forward at one point when he came down to the barrier. Not much to write home about.

Jessie J
After another short set from George Bowie, the main event of the night began with the one and only Jessie J. Starting off with a slow version of Do It Like A Dude, she suddenly burst into a full familiar version of the song, sending the crowd wild. She explain that tonight was the first time that she had performed with two shoes on after she broke her ankle a few months ago, using the excuse that Nobody’s Perfect. Dedicating the ballad Who You Are as a thank you to everyone who had voted for her for the various awards throughout the year, showed another string to her bow. Finishing the set with Domino, she invited anyone who was backstage to come join her on stage (though no one did!). But the track seemed appropriate to finish with. Even in that short space of time showed why her shows have sold out!

Looking at the event as a whole, it was interesting to see these artist together even though in general I wouldn’t go see these artist normally. Some acts could have done better and might have been better if some of the newer acts had a little more performance time. It probably didn’t help with the heat in the hall and that as as a space appeared there was a push forward as people tried to get closer to the stage. Maybe I’ve been to too many civilised standing concerts…

Photos © Vhari Lannigan

Olly Murs: Official Site
Sugababes: Official Site
Cover Drive: Official Site

Matt Cardle: Official Site

Nina Nesbitt: Official Facebook
Pixie Lott: Official Site
Dappy: Official Site
Jessie J: Official Site

September Update

2011-09-03T14:13:00.000+01:00

Hello hello hello. I can't believe that I've not properly updated this in....well, a few months :) Where to start...

Probably the best place would be back in July. First week of July I was going to see Alex Cornish in Glasgow. And as if anything ever goes without complication! See, that morning, my brother got delayed on the train due to flooding at Dalmarnock station. And knowing what the weather was supposed to be like, it was an automatic panic to work out a 'what if' plan (it's at time's like that I wish that I had the confidence to drive into Glasgow...would solve soooo many things!) Anyway, successfully managed to get in and out without any issues. You can read the review of the evening here. Oh and I do highly recommend seeing him & co live and buying his albums (I'm sending him the bill for me saying that. He just doesn't know it yet...).

Mum and I took up a stall at the a local church car boot/fun day selling our jewellery. We knew ourselves that we probably wouldn't make much due to the prices of some items (well, you tend only to take a few pounds to a car boot....unless you're on Bargain Hunt or Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is) but still managed to successfully sell a nice amount which has since been reinvested back into the jewellery. We’ve now got a little site running for out self-funding hobby @ www.handmadebymandv.co.uk

Somehow my brother and I managed to survive a week alone whilst our parents were on holiday. It was really strange though because the dog was in kennels (apparently she needs time away for the family too)

And talking of parents, I made a huge mistake for their anniversary. I saw a To Me To You figurine that I really liked, and, with an agreement with my brother, I bought. The day before the anniversary, I discovered that the figure I had picked up was already in the cabinet! Turns out I had bought the same figurine LAST year for the same occasion…Guess I know why I liked it! I’d like to add that both times that I’ve bought it, it was the last one in the shop so I’m obviously meant to have it

Not having too much luck on the whole full time job front. It's still seems to be that everywhere is still looking for experience...and once again I say, how do you get experience if you can't get a job? Did try my hand on wining my abilities...well, if you don't try... Also putting the whole photography thing on hold at the moment. If I want to do the course, then I need to pay my own fees, add to that the expense of the equipment and probably books on top of that...Did considering doing a 3 month course which basically acts as an introduction to the course, but still not sure about that. I think my confidence has taken another dent.

AND...to add to that, as you might have seen in my last post about my PS3 dying, I'm thinking that if I hadn't got mine repaired, then the price drop wouldn't have been announced...Sod's frickin' law!!

So, that's it from me this month. Guess the past couple of months have actually been very quiet in comparison to some other ones.

Until next time

Vhari x

Oh No! YLOD! Who You Gonna Visit? Techbytes!

2011-08-18T20:13:00.001+01:00

So here’s the scenario: I’m just daunering through the Playstaion Store whilst downloading a demo on the PS3 when, without warning, it turns off, beeps and flashes it’s wee red light. So assuming it just having a hissy fit, try to turn it on, for it to turn on, beep and turn back off. Yes ladies and gentlemen, my 4 years & 130 day old 60GB launch day PS3 has fallen victim to Yellow Light Of Death (YLOD) syndrome.

It was quickly online to find somewhere that could repair for a reasonable price. After all, a brand new PS3 is just out of the question at the moment, it’s not back compatible and my fattie just so much better than the slim (minus the hard drive space mind). After much trawling, comparing and deliberations of whether to try the hair dryer trick (which was quickly scrapped as knowing my luck I’d kill it well and truly!), I stumbled upon Techbytes and, after much reading reviews (that were mainly PC related with a few consoles thrown in), I decided to give them a try.

After explaining what I thought was wrong with it, a few more questions seemed to point that I was right. Handing it over, price and an explanation of their turn around time was given along with a book in receipt (they scanned the console's serial no) so if needed, I could check on the progress of the repair. I was pleasantly surprised to be notified 2 days later via text that my console was ready to be picked up, despite having been told that it might have been longer due to high demand.

The receipt I got when I picked the console up detailed what exactly had been done to the console and for the price (£69 for YLOD repair at the time of writing), it was worth it (compared to the price of purchasing a new console). Considering that the repair is covered for 3 months, I don't think that you can go wrong. Have since had it up and running for the past few days checking for myself that everything is alright (even though they’ve already tested it), although I am now paranoid about backing everything up, so it’s the last thing to get done before switching the PS3 off. If you’re in the Glasgow area, then I have no hesitation in recommending these guys to you.

Techbytes Glasgow

* Parts of this post will be appearing on review sites, so don’t worry if you feel you have a case of Deja vu :p *

** Normal ranting service will resume soon! **

Alex Cornish @ 13th Note, Glasgow 6th July 2011

2011-07-12T02:17:00.001+01:00

Alex Cornish returns in 2011 with his 3^rd album, No Shore (released back on the 13^th June). Of course, when you have a new album to promote, there's only one thing to do; go on tour of course! The two week tour of the UK kicked off at the 13^th Note, located in the Merchant City, Glasgow.

In support was Paul Gilbody, who also plays double bass in Alex band. You might know him from working with such artists like KT Tunstall, Horse & . However, this time round he was showcasing his own material whilst being a one man band via loops (and having read his site and with him recently having bought a ukulele, I wonder if he plays the kitchen sink too!). It was a great little set from Paul who did apologise for not having any cds with him but encouraged people to sign up to his mailing list.

It wasn't long after Paul finished that, after a very brief tidy up of equipment, that Alex and co. took center stage.

Opening with Scotland The Brave, it was soon followed by Don't Hold Me Back (which recently featured in episode 4 of The Big C). Now we're treated to material from the new album in the form of Open Your Eyes, Always A Way and Skyline Of Paris.

Alex explains that he's been lucky with having songs used in shows, thanks mainly by people sharing copies (and I'm guessing not the legal kind!) of his music. This then leads into The Shame (that featured in Private Practice). At the end of this, Paul, Simon and Bevis leave, leaving Alex alone on the keyboard to perform I'm On The Right Side.

2 tracks from the debut album, Until The Traffic Stops, come next in the form of The King Of Hearts and This One's For You before jumping over to No Reason from the current release before back to the debut for Untied then back to This Is The Point, featuring a little violin loop. Assuming the end, they leave, but those present in the small, but intimate venue started chanting and after a brief absence, all return to perform Won't Be found. Before the last track, we're told about being invited to the Saturday Sessions and how Dermot O'Leary is actually quite knowledgable about music (and not just X-Factor!). He explained how artists are supposed to do a cover and how difficult it was to pick one. In the end, he picked Dire Straits Brothers In Arms and it is this that
Alex and Bevis perform to end the gig.

It's a rarity to see and hear an artist who sounds as per the recording and having experienced Alex live 3 times in different sized venues (twice as support and now as headline), it is always a constant performance that is delivered. There is the feeling that more people should know him and his music. Best is wished in everything that Alex, Paul, Bevis, Simon & Gavin (the sound guy) do! For tickets and tour details, check out the official site (details below)

Photo © Vhari Lannigan

Alex Cornish
Official Site
Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Buy @ Play.com

Paul Gilbody
Official Site

June Update

2011-06-12T20:26:00.000+01:00

Hello hello. It’s that time of the month again. There was no post last month due to the relative quietness of it all. So let’s cram to months together.

Let’s start with April shall me. Unexpectedly I ended up seeing Clare Maguire at Oran Mor on the 15th April. Tickets became available again and I wasn’t going to miss out again. Add to that meeting an old friend I haven’t seen in a year plus getting to meet Clare at the end of the night and you can say that it was a fantastic night . You can read the review of the night here.

Roll onto May and the first gig of the month was Kerry Ellis & Brian May. It was a great night especially being able to see two great stars on one stage. Brian May makes it looks so easy at playing the guitar lol. Again, see the review here (complete with pictures).

Our next venture was for the Cancer Research UK Race For Life on the 22nd May in Falkirk. It was a little soggy (or maybe that’s putting it mildly) compared to past events. But what made it funny was when we realised at the start line we (and I do include a few others) were in limbo between the runners and the walkers, so we started our own we group of power walkers. Despite the conditions, my mum and I made it back in a respectable 45 minutes, just 20 minutes behind the first runner to cross the line and 5 minutes off our time last year. Overall, we managed to raise around £600, most of that being made up of the costume jewellery that we sold for sponsorship (people thought that it was a great idea because they were getting something for their money).

On the Wednesday, we went to see Mike & The Mechanics in Glasgow at the Clyde Auditorium. It was a great night despite the poor turn out and despite the numbers, those present still managed a fantastic singalong with Roachford and Tim Howar…And of course, Mike rutherford who just makes playing the guitar like a walk in the park. Check out the complete review here.

Thanks to my over jealous spam folder, I missed out on an email from an artist informing me that they’ve used an image from a set back in August last year for their press release and hoped that I didn’t mind. Mind? Hell no! To say I’m in shock is an understatement, but it’s given me that little boost that I think that I’ve been needing recently. Maybe photography is something I should consider a career move into!

Well that’s all for this month.

Vhari x

Mike + The Mechanics @ Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow 25th May 2011

2011-06-11T23:21:00.001+01:00

It’s not often that a group for 25 years, but one such group is Mike + The Mechanics, who return in 2011 with a new album, The Road and a tour, which rolled into Glasgow on the 25th of May.

Supporting the main act was Scarlette Fever, who, for a change in support acts, actually had the same sort of sound as the main act. Powering through a strong set of songs from her album Medication Time including Crash & Burn, Black & White, Good Day. and Cheating Man For those that wished, there was an opportunity to buy the album and meet the artist at the interval whilst the stage was set up for the main act.

The show opened with the title track from the new album, The Road which introduced the two new vocalists Andrew Roachford and Tim Howar. Mike Rutherford welcomed and introduced himself and the band, before heading Beggar On A Beach Of Gold which was interesting to hear Tim Howar take lead vocals on, but he did the song proud. This was straight into Get Up, before slowing it down to beautiful version of Try To Save Me which Andrew Roachford on lead vocals and keyboards. From here it was a couple of older songs from the extensive catalogue; Nobody Knows, Another Cup Of Coffee and I Don't Do Love.

If I Were You (from the album, Rewired) is next and Mike explains that when the song was original written, it was done so to be sung as a duet. Andrew takes the male while Tim takes on what would be the female section. There's a slight detour here as Roachford performs one of his own songs, Only To Be With You. From this it's straight into Follow You, Follow Me and I Can't Dance, not Mike + The Mechanics songs but songs from Mike's “other band”, Genesis.

Next is a song that probably everyone knows and maybe one of the most well known Mike + The Mechanics, and that is The Living Years. It doesn't take much for the audience to join in with the backing singing on the chorus. After this was another well known song, being Over My Shoulder and I Need A Miracle. All left the stage and, as is customary, the chanting began to get the group back on stage.

On coming back, Andrew Roachford performs his song Cuddly Toy, that finally got everyone to their feet for a little dance. The night finished with what, Tim Howar explained was a traditional ending to a concert. This is of course, Word Of Mouth, which ended up with lots arm waving and singing along in traditional Scottish behaviour.

Overall it was a fantastic night, let down only by the number of people who turned out for the gig (only the stall appeared to have been sold). For those who hesitated in going, it was their loss. Andrew and Tim, although being new to the group treated the back catalogue with the respect it deserved whilst bring their own unique twist on it to make them theirs, and the new material sounded fantastic live. The one complaint; why does Mike Rutherford make playing the guitar look like a walk in the park? If you get a chance, do get to see them live.

Photos © Vhari Lannigan

Kerry Ellis & Brian May @ Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 12th May 2011

2011-05-29T23:51:00.001+01:00

Take one West End star and add one rock legend and you get a fantastic pairing. We are of courses talking about Kerry Ellis and Brian May, and to have both on stage on the one night is a chance not to be missed.

In support was new band Vintage Trouble. As a support act, they weren’t bad though it is hard to describe who they sound like. One description that was heard was ‘James Brown on speed’. Powering through a set of several songs, the audience seemed to take to them. After a short interval to allow the setting of the stage, the main act began.

Or at least, so people thought. After a little light show and introductional interlude, the band appeared from either side, before the familiar opening chords of Dangerland on electric guitar from Brian May before being joined by Kerry Ellis. It didn’t take long for Kerry to make her mark on the audience of the concert hall. To follow up the opening number was I’m Not That Girl (taken from the musical Wicked). From here, she thanked the audience for a warm welcome and thanked Dr. Brian May, causing a cheer to go up.

I Can’t Be Your Friend (This Can’t Be Over) followed by the well known Shirley Bassey song Diamonds Are Forever which showcased her range beautifully. Now it was Brian’s turn to address the audience and ask for permission for both him and Kerry to perform a few Queen tracks along the way…as if anyone was going to object! To start off they performed Somebody To Love and Crazy Little Thing Called Love. At the end of this, Kerry disappeared off stage leaving Brian to play a solo piece. He ten swapped electric for acoustic and a stool, to perform a song ‘written by a good friend called Freddie’. He then went onto mention how Freddie may be gone but he would live on through his music, both getting a rousing applause from the audience. Brian then played Love Of My Life ably assisted by the entire audience.

Kerry then returned to perform an acoustic track with Brian called I Loved A Butterfly. From here, Kerry performed the Queen track Save Me, which she admitted that there had been extra lyrics written just for her. Disappearing from stage, Brian now reminisces about how he first met Kerry, the audition for We Will Rock You and how she set the bar for the character of Meat and she had made No One Buy You (Only The Good Die Young) her own. This would be the next song for her to perform followed by You Have To Be There. A quick stage strip and it was onto The Feeling’s I Love It When You Call.

Another quick disappearance and outfit change and she’s back to perform the rocky Defying Gravity. The next two songs would get the audience up on their feet and doing what Glasgow does best; singing along. These songs would be We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions. Kerry, Brian and the band left the stage and the chanting begins. The band returns with Brian personally thanking the audience for welcoming them and reminding him why he loved Glasgow. Kerry comes back on stage to perform Anthem (from Chess), finishing on a high with the Queen classic Tie Your Mother Down.

For many, this may have been the first time that they had seen and heard Kerry live. To see and hear both Kerry and Brian on the same stage was a wonderful experience. Kerry was vocally stunning and lived up to everything and more than you hear on the CD. And Brian showed that he’s still got it…but why does he have to make playing the guitar like a walk in the park? A very enjoyable night and highly recommended night out.

Photos © Vhari Lannigan

Kerry Ellis
Buy @ Amazon.co.uk

Brian May
Buy @ Amazon.co.uk

Clare Maguire @ Oran Mor, Glasgow 15th April 2011

2011-04-17T17:43:00.001+01:00

Having been tipped as 2011 next big thing from various lists, and having already supported Hurts and The Script on their respective tours, Clare Maguire finally steps out on her first headlining tour, her only Scottish appearance on this tour at Oran Mor in Glasgow on the 15^th April. Support on the night was provided by Jonathan Carr (who admitted himself, it was a last minute gig).

Hailing from the county of Lanarkshire (making this almost a 'local' gig for him) Jonathan appeared on stage with just himself and his keyboard. It would be easy to class him in the same genre as Jamie Cullum as he powered through a half hour set of his songs including Daisy Buchanan, Not The Cheating Kind (which he explains was difficult to explain to his girlfriend as the song is about a guy who cheats but tries to say he doesn't), The Joke's On Me (where he recounts performing the song and John Mayer inviting him to record the song as well as performing guitar on it) and Love's On It's Way (which he encourages the crowd to download so he can earn 50p from each sale).

Also included in the set is a cover from 'the other gig in Glasgow tonight', and proceeds to perform Adele's Rolling In The Deep and a song that he and Lou Hickey (of Codeine Velvet Club fame) wrote called Perfect To Me. During his set he also mentioned how he was hoping to have his own headline show soon complete with band. Not that he was touting for business. All in all, it was a great warm up to the main act.

After a quick stage re-arrangement, it was time for the main act. Using the intro from the album, Are You Ready? to bring the band and backing singers on stage, it leads into Ain't Nobody using the Breakage's Suck It Up remix as inspiration (many may recognise it from the most recent Renault Clio Va Va Voom advert). It's the first time we get to hear the voice, and if her voice was 'under the weather' as she mentioned on twitter, it didn't seem to show. From here it was straight into current single The Shield And The Sword and then onto Freedom.

During the songs, Clare travels up and down the small stage in small steps that as a fan, you' be worried that she's going to fall over (whether due to the tight little black number she wore, the shoes or a combination of both). You're Electric, I Surrender and Sweet Lie are all up next, the energy and power not dwindling from Clare, the band or the crowd. Break These Chains follows. She then mentions how she recorded as song for the Chase & Status album and performs that very song. Of course, it Midnight Caller.

Before moving on she announces how she first played Glasgow supporting Hurts and how she love the venue she's in (“great food, great drink”). She slows the tempo down with the beautiful ballad Bullet. The slowness doesn't last though as she heads into Burn before announcing her last song, The Happiest Pretenders. During this, she climbs off the stage and walks through the crowd as she sings. In an unusual move, the crowd just seems to part to allow her through, no ambushing her or anything. She ends the song back on stage and everyone leaves the stage. Cue the crowd to start chanting (they've already been told earlier in the night that The Last Dance was coming up)

After a few minutes, Clare returns with guitarist Paul, who she takes great pride in announcing that he's Scottish, getting a cheer from the crowd. The pair then perform Trouble In Mind before asking the crowd if she should bring the band back, to a resounding cheer. Clare apologises but the next song is new so no one will know the songs, but asks the audience to stamp their feet and clap their hands. The song is Mess You Around (which she revealed later on that it's likely to be on the new record). There's almost a feeling that you want to whip your head back and forth and maybe a little head banging.

The night ends on a high with what is probably her most well known track, The Last Dance, which gives the crowd a chance to sing along (as if they haven't the whole night) and go a little mad.

Clare Maguire is one of those artists that to truly appreciate her voice, has to be heard live. As said previously, Clare had posted on twitter that her voice was tired and that she apologised. However, she didn't need to. It's hard to imagine what her voice live when 'not tired' sounds like. Maybe one small draw back was that the venue was small, so whilst it was an almost intimate setting maybe the true potential is shown better in a slightly larger venue. Time will only tell. Still, catching Clare live is well worth the ticket price. If you've been impressed from what you've heard from the studio versions, then you won't be disappointed.

Photos © Vhari Lannigan

Buy Light After Dark @ Amazon.co.uk | Download Light After Dark @ Amazon.co.uk | Buy Light After Dark @ Play.com

April Update

2011-04-09T10:47:00.001+01:00

Hello, hello and welcome to the monthly update. Not really much to really report this month. It’s been a very quiet month oddly.

Let’s start at the beginning of the month. It was of course my birthday where I got presented with a new laptop as my other one is starting to do funny things. Of course, it comes Windows 7 which is taking a bit of getting used to with all this pinning on the start menu malarkey. Getting there slowly. The old laptop is still good for certain things at present (like carting to work to stem boredom) and I’ll probably keep using it until it finally gives up the ghost.

Of course, the start of March also saw the biggest earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. I don’t think that I’ve watched the Japanese news channel as much as I did afterwards. Of course, the UK channels were reporting on it, but somehow, it just felt more accurate hearing it from Japan. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who were and still are affected by this disaster. You can check this post for details on how to make donations to organisations who are providing aid.

March was also when tickets for John Barrowman’s tour went on sale. So now I’m headed off with my cousin and cousin-in-law to see him on the final night of his tour in Glasgow…which we’ve since discovered is probably a deliberate ploy seeing as he’s returning to Glasgow in panto at the Clyde Armadillo in December alongside the The Krankies in Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates (which I now have tickets for as well)

Of course, still been trying to raise funds for Race For Life (and see the previous post, The Kindness Of Strangers). Might have to take drastic action and use the ability to post a video to plead my case. If you’d rather not see it get to that stage, then please, please, PLEASE sponsor me by clicking here. Let me give an example of what your money funds: £10 could provide 300 glass slides to allow scientists to analyse cell and tumour samples in detail under a microscope. So go on! Dig deep and help fund research into cancer!

Till next time kiddies!

Vhari x

The Kindness Of Strangers

2011-03-19T10:21:00.001Z

So as you might have read in the previous monthly post, you might know that I’m taking part in this year’s Race For Life on the 22nd May at Callander Park in Falkirk. So in an attempt to raise some funds for the cause, I uploaded a few signed items onto eBay and published it on twitter to try and get some interest.

So the listings came to an end, but I wasn’t online at the time. When I eventually came back online, I saw a message on twitter saying that someone had bought the item and donated to my online sponsor page as well.Needless to say, I was shocked as I don’t know this person and they don’t know me, but the money is going to a good cause. So I openly thank that person.

Oh and if you still wish to sponsor me (I’ve still some way to go), then you can visit my online sponsor page (the quickest and easiest way to make a donation) by clicking this link here. I’m aware that there are a lot of things going on at the moment, but if you have a spare few coins, please consider donating.

Huggles

Vhari x

Links For Donations to Japan

2011-03-15T01:50:00.001Z

As you’ve probably all heard and seen by now, an eathquake now marked as being at a magnitude of 9.0 and a subsequent tsunami devastated entire areas of Japan. The stories and images coming from the country are heart breaking. Many of the humanitarian charities are now running appeals for you to donate to. These are just a few that I’ve come across, allowing you to donate to ones that are close to your heart. This is by no means a definitive list, but these are official ones, mainly from the UK. If you are from elsewhere in the world, then please either navigate from the British sites to your country’s site or locate one from your country.

Save The Children
Shelterbox
British Red Cross
Oxfam
Salvation Army (through Just Giving)

Also, search engine Swag Bucks, the site that allows you to earn credits (Swag Bucks) as you search, have just recently started accepting Swag Bucks as donations. Visit the blog to see more information regarding it.

Please give whatever you can. Remember, every little helps!

Regards

Vhari x

March Update

2011-03-06T11:18:00.001Z

So February has been and gone so it's time for the obligatory blog update.

First off, I need to apologise. I noted from the last update blog that I would make a post regarding the fish pedicure and then noticed that I didn't. So let's get that out the way first.

So, fish pedicures seem to be the latest thing for people to be trying and having seen it on a visit to Glasgow at Christmas, I was a bit worried about it as I have tickly feet. But seeing as my mum was also interested in having a go, I decided that I would get her a 20 minute session for her birthday.

After much deliberation over where we should get it done (there are at least 3 places in Glasgow city centre), we settled on Beauty Feet Fish Spa (visit their site here) Before you're even allowed anywhere near the fish, there is the obligatory health check questionaire before you have your feet washed and checked. Assuming that you pass all that, then you get to meet the little fish. You literally sit with your legs dangling in the tank. It's a very odd sensation from the fishes 'eating' the dead skin that varies from person to person. Some say it feels like little electric shocks, other like little bubbles. It doesn't take long for you to sort of become desensitised to the sensation except when they start on a new area unexpectedly

20 minutes might not seem a long time, but what these little Garra Rufa (also known as 'Doctor Fish') can do is amazing! The session finished with having your feet dried and mosturised. For the price, it was definitely worth it so much so that I already have vouchers for the next session!

Next up was getting to see and play with the brand new Nintendo 3DS at a preview event in Glasgow (see this post for further details of the event). It was a great night to see what all the hype was about but I'm not completely convinced that it's worth the price tag that it's currently got with it. I think there's still a few things to get sorted out first and they'll probably be ironed out by the time the second version (which we can probably guess will be slimmer and lighter) comes around in about a years time or so.

In the same week, I went to see James Blunt live in concert for the first time in the Armadillo. Again, full details are in this post here. Was a great little night out and fortunately, with my brother working that night, my parents could go out for a meal to celebrate my mum's birthday.

There was a bit of bad new at the end of the month though. I got a letter to tell me that due to a high response, that only those with the suitable experience would be getting shortlisted for the job that I had applied for. Felt a little disappointed but think that I'm just going to have to set up my CV on these job sites and let a job come to me!

Oh, and on a final note, I'm once again taking part in Cancer Research

UK's Race For Life in Falkirk on the 22 May. Once again, I've got my online sponsorship form up and running and would love it if you could sponsor me :D My page can be found here. I'll also have some signed items up on eBay in the coming days to try and raise some funds as well.

Right, think that's all this month. See you soon!

Huggles

Vhari x

James Blunt @ Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow 17th February 2011

2011-02-19T21:17:00.001Z

James Blunt released his album Some Kind Of Trouble back in November 2010. In February 2011, he began a 13 month world tour kicking it off at the Clyde Auditorium (known locally as the Armadillo) in Glasgow.

In the support slot was Brooklyn based group Wakey!Wakey! Amidst the banter (which ranged between talking about crowd size, being invited to join James and talking about the audience in the gallery seats ('saving their money for beer...they're my kind of people') they played a half hour of music, much of which can be found on their album Everything I Wished I'd Said The Last Time I Saw You. Having not heard of them before the show, they were actually in league with James in the style of music.

At 9pm, the main event began. The house lights went down and the intro music began (it was something very old western film sounding) allowing the band to come on stage and start playing So Far Gone. But there was no James. That was because he was running down the aisle, hi-fiving members of the audience and then jumping up on stage to get the show on the road. From So Far Gone it was straight into Dangerous, both of which are taken from current album Some Kind Of Trouble. From the 3^rd album, it jumps back to the debut, Back To Bedlam for Billy and Wisemen. Near the end of Wisemen whilst singing the lyrics 'where are you now', James belted out 'Glasgow!'

After this, James welcomed everyone to the show and thanked them for their support. He warned the men that if the women had told them it was going to be a sedate night, they were wrong. He encouraged people to get up and dance if they felt the urge, but said he'd get the miserable stuff out the way first.

Fans were treated to the beautiful ballad Carry You Home, the first song in the set from the album, All The Lost Souls which led to SABS (that's Swaying Arms & Bodies Syndrome). From this, another track from the same album, I'll Take Everything, which James jumping from guitar to the piano. It was this song that seemed to get the crowd in the singalong mode. From one power track to another, it's Out Of My Mind up next.

Now the pace comes down a little as James once more takes to the piano and performs Goodbye My Lover alone, again the crowd in full voice. Still on piano but joined once more by his full band, he performs No Tears. To end a trio of ballads, it's back to the guitar and a performance of High, once more ensuring a singalong from the audience.

Once more James addresses the audience and tells them that it's rumour that the further away from London that you get, the better the singing gets, and that he hopes the audience will prove that. But not right now. Now he wants us to get up and dance to the brilliant Superstar dropping the tempo with Same Mistake. Now James has no instrument to hide behind as he performs If Time Is All I Have, resulting in more cases of SABS.

How do you follow something as beautiful as this? Only with what is probably you're biggest single to date. Yes, it's You're Beautiful with James being almost drowned out on the second verse with the explict line 'F***ing high' being belted out by the Glaswegian crowd. So Long Jimmy follows it up.

The tempo is raised to the rocking I'll Be Your Man during which, James leaves the stage and runs through the crowd, hugging, hi-fiving and kissing members of the audience. Once back on the stage, we encourages people to the stage. Well, don't mind if we do James! At the end of the song, he leaves the stage and everything is dark. Cue the obligatory chanting.

True to form, James returns to the stage and begins to tell how whilst writing the album, he inadvertently wrote a 'celtic' tune, and he'd like to play it for us now 'if that's alright'. Like the crowd are going say no? The song that he is referring to is Into The Dark . This is followed by the first single from the latest album, Stay The Night. Finally, the set comes to a close with the song Turn Me On, Coming to the end of the song, James climbs on top of the piano and pretends to be surfing. Really, health and safety will have you for that!.

Overall it was a great night with a mixture from all the albums so that there was something for everyone. Although James was only on for approx. an hour and half, the 21 strong set made it seem much longer. Here's to that the rest of the tour as is good as the first night.

Photos: © Vhari Lannigan

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Nintendo 3DS Pre-launch Event @ The Lighthouse, Glasgow 12th February 2011

2011-02-13T01:31:00.001Z

The Nintendo 3DS is the latest offering from in the hand held console marketing. The 3DS isn't released until the 25^th March but lucky individuals have been invited along to pre-launch events to see the and experience the console, long before it's launch and one such event took place in Glasgow at The Lighthouse.

The event was split into different 'rooms'. The first room showed how far the Nintendo hand held consoles had come over the years before being introduced to the 3DS, but more importantly introduced Streetpass by use of an interactive pad. In the basic sense, with the 3DS in sleep mode, you're able to swap information with other 3DS users (like playlists, gifts for Nintendogs etc). Next it moved on to the first scene room.

To go along with the 3D element of the new console, two of the games coming to the console were brought to life. The first was Street Fighter. Alright maybe nothing to write home about (a little fight scene of course) but you were then able to take photos.

Next we're brought into the next room, where we're faced with a guy, torch in hand along with gun telling us to get on our knees. Now he tells us his name is Chris Redfield...yes welcome to Resident Evil. With hands on the person in front (great way to get to know people by the way) Claire Redfield leads us through a darkened room...complete with leg grabbing, arm tugging T-virus infested zombies of course. Back in the light, it's video time with footage of the titles confirmed for the 3DS. Alright, we get the picture.

Now we get onto the good stuff. The actual hands on experience with the console. And now we see what the hype is around this. At first the 3D effect is very odd and it can take a bit getting used to after flicking between the flat and 3D you do see the difference it makes. It feels like someone is dragging the background away from you. It really comes into it's own on the likes of RIDGE RACER and Asphalt. A new addition to this console is circle pad, which you may find you're attracted automatically to it instead of the d-pad (directly below it). It feels a little more natural using it than the d-pad.

The last room was trailers (running on 3DS's of course) and the pre-installed software. Of the pre-installed software, the Augmented Realities (AR) game really caught the attention. Using the dual cameras on the back of the 3DS you focus on a card and play the game that unfolds before you. The interesting thing about this is that you have to move AROUND the card. One of the other games that they had on show was Super Monkey Ball 3D. To play, you tip the 3DS in the direction you want it to go on (if you're familiar with sixaxis on the PS3, you'll already know how this works). It was also interesting to see 3D video playing on the 3DS.

So having seen it, what's the opinion? It's probably one of the first ads that is right; seeing IS believing. Until you've actually tried the games then you can't truly appreciate the hype. However, there is one little issue. Anyone who has seen a 3D film will know that depending on where you sit depends on the effect you experience. The same goes for the 3DS. Depending on the position of the screen and how you look at it depends on the 3D effect which can distract from the game. Apart from this it is looking like a solid little console although price could put people off.

First Post Of 2011

2011-02-04T23:30:00.001Z

So this post is well overdue, and I do apologise for that. Things have just been a little crazy over the last few months leaving me with little time to write.

So December came with lots of snow...lots and lots of snow! Seriously I've never seen as much of the white stuff as I had over the past few months! It actually put a weekend at stake because of it. Just before Christmas, I got to see Hayley Westenra (see previous post) and the wonderful Shakira in concert. Shakira was absolutely brilliant. Was a little like a giant Zumba class for me and my mum as we danced the night away. Just sorry that the tickets weren't for the standing section were we could have had right proper boogie. Most of her songs were in Spanish, which didn't really bother me as I think I've became adjusted to them thanks to Zumba. All in all, it was a good way to finish a year of music for myself. Fortunately, the tickets were a competition prize and included was a stay in the CitizenM hotel in Glasgow, so need to really worry about the snow.

Inbetween the two concerts was the station Christmas fundraiser. That was fun as I was dressed as a fairy in training (that was my excuse and I'm sticking to it) and it did seem to do the trick in that when people saw me, they started laughing and smiling. So it was a success (at least in my head). Also, that week, I finally did my Classical Crossover show and felt proud of it. The first half felt a little awkward but the second half I felt a little more relaxed. I might do it again sometime but it's a lot of preparation.

So January came and it was back to looking for a job. And I swear that someone placed a dream job in the paper just for me! So I've applied and now it's just a case of waiting to find out what's going to be happening.

This month I've already put myself through a fish pedicure (which wasn't as bad as it seemed and a further post will follow on that!). And now I've just discovered that I'll be previewing the Nintendo 3DS next weekend at a exclusive event in Glasgow. Can you say excited?! Also coming up is James Blunt in concert which will be the first time that I have seen him live.

That's all for the moment. Speak to you soon!

Huggles
Vhari x

Hayley Westenra Christmas Wishes Live @ Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (17th December 2010)

2010-12-20T21:48:00.001Z

On a bitterly cold December evening, a large crowd filled the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for a performance from New Zealand born Hayley Westenra. Before Hayley though, there was the National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCoS) Renfrewshire who performed two songs before making way for the main act of the evening.

At first the band and the Raven String Quartet appeared on stage before the drummer began playing on the snare. This was to lead into the opening number of The Little Drummer Boy. This was followed by the beautiful yet haunting song Veni, Veni Emmanuel. After this, she welcomes the audience to show and jokes about how they were worried about getting into Glasgow because of the snow, but the biggest problem was getting out of London. After asking the audience about Christmas shopping, she confesses that most of hers is done through duty free.

Introductions out the way, the music continued with the well known song, The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire). She introduces the next song explaining that it originally started out as a poem, but throughout the years has been put to different music and that this arrangement is based on a traditional Irish tune. The song is Love Came Down At Christmas. After this, she introduces her special guest, Thomas Oliver (usually seen in the Welsh male choir Only Men Aloud). He performed two songs; a almost swing version of Winter Wonderland and the Austrian song Still, Still, Still.

Hayley returns to perform a song that she's kept a hold of since performing with the Boston Pops a few years ago, the song being The Little Road To Bethlehem. Before she has a chance, the NYCoS Renfrewshire choir return to the stage to accompany Hayley on the last two songs of this half: The Coventry Carol and When A Child Is Born.

After an interval, it's straight back into the music with Carol Of The Bells and the Corpus Christi Carol. Silent Nightis next, but only after Hayley explains the history behind the song. After this, she introduces the musicians that join her on stage before adding a few mentions to people, particularly her guiarist Andy's mum, who's birthday it was (cue, Andy to give a sort burst of Happy Birthday on the guitar).

Getting the show back on track (because she's knows people are watching the time very carefully!), she introduces a track from the album, Winter Magic that she wrote called Peace Shall Come. At the end of this, she leaves the talented Raven String Quartet to play a little medley of songs including We Wish You A Merry Christmas and The Sailor's Hornpipe. During The Sailor's Hornpipe, the audience began to clap along, almost taking the quartet by surprise. Whilst the song itself does get faster and faster as it goes on, it almost felt as if the girls were deliberately getting faster, trying to lose the audience in the clapping. Fortunately, the audience kept up and in time right to the end.

The wonderful Thomas Oliver appears back on stage followed by Hayley for a duet on the the song I'll Be Home For Christmas. Next we're treated to a traditional Maori carol called Te Harinui as well as the traditional Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. After a brief thanks, she explains the song and also that this will be her first Christmas away from home. At first she'd warmed to the idea but realised what she'd be missing, explaining that it is Summer in New Zealand after all. On a positive, she might get to experience a White Christmas. It is now she realises that she doesn't have her sleigh bells and explains they're essential to the next song. It leads on to her asking if anyone has any spare. Cue someone from the NYCoS choir to rattle a set and her asking them how they knew they'd be needing them. Fortunately, Michael the drummer/percussionist produces some and so it's onto Sleigh Ride.

All With You is next and is another track that Hayley wrote for her last album. Finally, she sings, what she believes is either the most popular or most well known, she can't remember, Christmas song. That is O Holy Night. With it being the last song, she leaves the stage. But no house lights come up. Is she coming back on?

Of course she is and once again, is joined with Thomas Oliver on stage. She invites the audience to join her in a spot of carolling with the song The First Nowell (which, for those who had purchased the programme, had probably realised something like this would happen). As the band start up, the audience is still seated, causing Hayley to stop and get the audience standing. After all, she's standing and it's good singing posture. So everyone is the standing singing three verses of the carol, meaning everyone present could claim that they'd sang with Hayley Westenra (a tweet from Hayley later on would reveal she thought Glasgow rocked the carolling). This brought the evening to a close.

Overall, despite being cold outside, it was a fantastic atmosphere in the main auditorium. Hayley was engaging with the audience, if appearing shy and a little embarrassed when people clapped at the end of her songs. She is one of the few artists around who sounds the exact same live as she does in studio recordings so you don't sort of feel cheated. You get what you pay for and it was certainly worth every penny of the ticket price.

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November Update

2010-12-12T11:52:00.001Z

Hello all. This is a little delayed (and December's will be early) but better late than never :)

So November. After fretting about the whole graduation thing, it went without a hitch! Well, except for feeling like a fraud of course. But both me and my dad graduated on the same day and we've got the pictures to prove it :). That night was brilliant because my whole family (gran included) all went out for a meal to celebrate.

This month of course was also my mum's Christmas. Yes we went to see Here Come The Girls (aka Lulu, Anastacia and Heather Small) at the Clyde Auditorium at the end of the month. Crazy thing was we had to park at the BACK of the SECC and the WALK all the way through it to get to the Auditorium. I should note that I didn't realise that the Britain's Got Talent auditions were in town but I'm still looking for Simon, Piers and Amanda lol.

Anyway, we were sitting in the stalls (a first for a gig seeing since we are usually sitting in the front circle) to the right hand side and when the night started, I swear we ended up in the boring section! Eventually I just had to give up and get up and dance! It was a good night and my mum seemed to enjoy herself but said she didn't think she would go back. I don't think there was the same atmosphere in the Auditorium as there was in the Royal Concert Hall last year.

In other musical news, I've got another gig already planned for next year. Mike & The Mechanics are releasing a new album and going on tour. So I've got a pair of tickets for near enough the front again and my mum is very happy (I did apolgise to her that it was the middle like I hoped but I did my best).

So still to come in December is Hayley Westenra (which I don't know

what to make of this cause it will be the first gig that I've went to of this kind. I assume that it's going to be very sedate) and of course Shakira (so we'll make up for the sedateness of Friday on the Sunday).

Shockingly, I haven't done a show on the hospital radio for over a month! But it's not been my fault. Weather has stopped me getting there but it has given me time to perfect a special show I'm planning on the the genre of Classical Crossover. It will challenge my linguistic skills as there are titles in Italian, French and Japanese(!) but I think I've been needing a challenge. Although the next time I suggest it, someone shoot me!

That's all for this update. More at the end of the month

Huggles
Vhari x

October Update

2010-11-07T13:17:00.001Z

Hi all and welcome to another monthly update :D

First off, graduation is looming, although I am now convinced that the Uni couldn’t organise a piss up in a brewery! Apparently I should be getting to go to graduation after all because of the award I’m being given. But they’ve decided to make an exception as now all the stuff gone through. It means that I will be the very last person to be called on the day.

Personally it makes me feel like a fraud to be there. I know my dad’s graduating on the same day but it doesn’t feel right…

As for the job hunting, I applied as a Christmas temp for Argos and never heard anything back. Have stopped looking for the time being and there probably won’t be anything until after the Festive period anyway.

In the music department, I ended up being all gigged at the end of the month. As a bit of a laugh I entered a competition to win tickets to go to the album launch of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. When I hadn’t heard anything back by the end of the week, I’d assumed that I hadn’t won. But on the day of the gig, I got a call to say I had won! It was a really good night although my ears were ringing for a few days after it.

Then on the Thursday night, I saw Amy Macdonald at the O2 Academy. You can read my review of that night here. Then two nights later, it was the turn of KT Tunstall at the Barrowlands. Again, you can read the review here.

So in November, I go see Here Come Te Girls in the Clyde Auditorium…well, it’s not really me. It’s my mum’s Christmas present. And now in December I’m also going to see Hayley Westenra at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, and that’s forming part of my Christmas too! I end my musical year off with Shakira (if the tickets ever turn up that is!!)

November is of course the month of fireworks and poor Meg is absolutely terrified this year. Now before you start saying get tablets or get a DAP plugin, we’ve tried them. It doesn’t touch her. In fact, the plugin had more effect on US that it did her. Besides the bomb shelter (aka the coffee table in the living room) she’s also taken up residence in the upstairs toilet…Now only we could teach her to use an indoor toilet and how to flush it…

Anyways, that it from me this month. Speak to you soon :D

Huggles

Vhari x

KT Tunstall Live @ Barrowland Ballroom (23rd October 2010)

2010-10-25T20:27:00.001+01:00

It's been a while since KT's last proper tour (she did do a small solo tour earlier this year performing tracks from the latest album, Tiger Suit) but tonight she arrives in at the infamous Barrowland Ballroom as part of her current UK tour.

First on stage in a duo from Sheffield called Snow Club. They’re a mixture of guitar, drums and vocals. They may have been more interesting if they could be understood (the loudness of the instruments drowned the vocals in some songs) and had made an attempt to show some enthusiasm up on the stage.

However, the general feeling was that they were just there (they openly admitted that they didn’t have a set list and even asked the crowd what time it was so they could, on the wing, decide how many songs they could perform). In honesty, had there been a decision of whether to give the support a miss, then this would have been one of those moments. Once they left the stage, it was a all hands on deck to get the stage ready for the main show. The lights dim and the show is ready to begin.

The band appear first followed by KT who apologises for being late but she’s been away ‘writing some new shit’ and she hopes we like it. From that, we’re straight into the first track of the night, Glamour Puss. This leads straight into Unmmannaq Song. She takes a break to speak to the crowd and introduce Come On, Get In, a song about get on with it after getting dumped. Funnyman, from the last album Drastic Fantastic is next. Next she asks if there are any freaks in the venue, with many putting their hands up. She then adds what’s more worrying is those that didn’t answer. This leads into the first single from the new album, (Still A) Weirdo. At the end of this, she apologises for the beatboxing in the album version. People told it was a good idea and it wasn’t.

Another favourite Hold On follows but not before she introduces us to her band. After this, the band leaves KT on her own and she performs a new version of Other Side Of The World, which was brilliant. She then into the her debut song Black Horse & The Cherry Tree, which she sets up or, try to set up through the loop pedal. Unfortunately, the crowd are really into in and going a little too quickly. She tries speeding it up but admits it sounds a bit like a rap, so takes it down again. During the musical section, the band returns to help her finish the song off. Songs Lost and Golden Frames are next followed straight after by Difficulty. She brings the pace down a little with the last track on Tiger Suit, The Entertainer.

The slow pace doesn’t last as she throws herself into Saving My Face, with the crowd joining in and generally have a great time. Madame Trudeaux comes next after a short explanation behind the song. Push That Knot Away, the first full studio version that fans were introduced to and forthcoming single Fade Like A Shadow (first single in the US) finishes off this little segment. The band and KT disappear from the stage and the crowd start chanting, clapping…generally making a grand noise until KT and a member of her band return to the stage.

As they’re starting the next song, KT announces that this song is back by popular demand and she does read what we write sometimes. The track turns out to be Heal Over. As the song progresses, the rest of the band returns and she tells us that a question gets asked frequently is what sort of music inspires her and her answer is the 80’s. She wants to sing The Voice, but doesn’t have a bagpipe player, so she opts for the Erasure track A Little Respect. The night ends on a high with the fantastic Suddenly I See. Once the stage is empty, the crowd once again try chanting but the house lights come up and everyone realises that it the end of the night.

Overall, it was a great night. The Barrowlands is a great little venue and has seen some great acts over the years. The support act didn’t live up to the main act and felt as if they just been picked 5 minutes before they went on stage. Of the main event, KT was fantastic and, compared to the last big gig (held in the SECC) this seemed much more impressive. The tracks sound perfect live, if not, slightly different but that’s what seeing an artist live is all about: experiencing the music how it should be: live.

Photos © Vhari Lannigan

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Amy Macdonald Live @ Glasgow O2 Academy (21st October 2010)

2010-10-23T14:11:00.001+01:00

The Scottish weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of those that turned out to see Amy Macdonald at the O2 Academy in Glasgow as she tours the country on the aptly named Love Love Tour (which is also the name of her current single).

First stop, the merchandise stall. Yes merchandise. Available to purchase on the night were T-shirts, mugs, bags, song book, programmes and Live CD. Unfortunately, the CD was not of that night’s show but of the first night of the tour, recorded in Manchester.Still, a whole show across 3 CDs for £20…Now it’s time to take up position for the rest of the night.

First to enter the stage is not Alan Powell as for weeks have been touted both on the venue site and tickets. No. He’s no longer appearing. Instead, we’re introduced to Pete Lawrie, a singer/songwriter from Wales. To break the ice with the audience, he politely announces that his mother is from Scotland and asks if that qualifies him as Scottish. He powers through a solid set including the tracks, How Could I Complain, Jimmy and the Birds On Fire (which is about falling out with friends and not getting back in contact) and current single In The End (also the name of his forthcoming EP, released at the end of the month).

No sooner is he off the stage than the stage crew are in prepping for the main event. A quick turnaround and the main lights go down, the crowd goes wild and it’s on with the show.

The show kicks off as many of her gigs have recently with An Ordinary Life. Although tonight there is something different in the sound of the music. Maybe it because it’s the usual foursome (Mark (Guitar), Sam (Drums), Ben (Bass) and Shannon (Keys)) are joined by an additional multi-instrumentalist Owen Parker. From this we go straight into the rocking Poison Prince. After this, Amy takes a moment to properly speak to the crowd and thank them for turning out and talks about how the home crowd is always the best. Continuing with tracks from This Is The Life, we’re treated to L.A. and the one of the first tracks Amy ever wrote Youth of Today. Next we’re onto current single and tour name Love Love which leads us into the ever popular Mr Rock & Roll, which in all fairness, does end up sounding like a giant singalong.

Giving the band a chance to prep, Amy tells us about how she is constantly asked about what it’s like being a WAG, to which, she responds that she doesn’t see herself as one. This leads us onto Footballer’s Wife. After this she tells us about a performance that they made where the person responsible for booking them obviously hadn’t heard the song that they would be performing and how it seemed a little controversial seeing as the event was a beauty pageant and the song was This Pretty Face. From this we go into Don’t Tell Me That It’s Over which gets the crowd going from the very first note.

Announcing that she’s going to slow it down a little, we’re treated to the beautiful Troubled Soul and Give It All Up. Once again the crowd get going with Next Big Thing. Now we’re given a tale about how she gets to travel and do different things from singing the national anthem at Hampden before the Scotland/Spain game to performing in Luxembourg with an orchestra at the weekend. This of course leads to the song from which the current album’s title is taken from, No Roots. The next song is Run which, as Amy recalls seeing The Killers in this very venue and being inspired to write the song. Again this is another singalong for the crowd. From this, they go into Spark.

Now she tells about how Glasgow always gets a bad reputation for it’s binge drinking but how, if it hadn’t been for it, that the next track would never have been born. This track is the title track to the debut album, This Is The Life. She finishes with the track What Happiness Means To Me. Again the crowd sing their hearts out and at some points one would swear that Amy was about to start crying. At the end of this, she shouts goodnight and herself and the band leave the stage. It doesn’t take long before the chants of ‘Amy! Amy!” begin. Soon, she returns to the stage and performs her version of Bruce Spingsteen classic Born To Run. This once more has the crowd singing along with her at the top of their voices. The final song of the night is Let’s Start A Band which brings the night to close on a high.

Overall, the night was a complete success. The songs sounded different and this is more than likely down to the inclusion of the additional band member Owen. The live versions of the songs never sound the same and some are given a little change from the album or usual version. Her chat or ‘banter’ as would be said in Scotland, broke the night up so that it wasn’t just constant music. The little anecdotes give the fan an insight into what inspires Amy to write her songs. With a good mixture from both her albums, the set list ensured that there was something for everyone. The crowd appeared to be really enthusiastic joining in with the songs and generally having a great time. Hopefully the rest of the tour will go just as smoothly as this night did.

Photos © Vhari Lannigan

Pete Lawrie (Official Website)
All That We Keep EP
Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
How Could I Complain EP
Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
In The End
Download @ Amazon.co.uk

Amy Macdonald (Official Website)
This Is The Life
Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk

A Curious Thing
Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.com

August & September Updates

2010-10-05T00:11:00.001+01:00

Don’t ask me why there was no update for last month. To save time, too are being crammed together!

August:
It’s the end of the month, therefore, you know what that means…yes it’s time for my monthly update.

First off, job hunting…still not found anything but won’t be detered. Will keep looking :)

Right, now that’s out the way, let’s move onto the fun stuff. Pearl and the Puppets second single (or first according to Pearl!) came two days early. More to the point, both singles were signed! Happy days! Of course, these were ordered before any instore signings were mentioned. That didn’t stop me heading into Glasgow to meet her and get a single ‘personalised’ :)

In the same week, I headed off to see Amy Macdonald in Edinburgh at The Edge Festival. Never been to the Corn Exchange before so it was a bit of an experience. Supporting was Alex Cornish who I’ve seen before so it was great to see two great artists in one night. Even stopped off to see him at the end of the night and buy his album. Amy was great too, especially with the banter between songs. Looking forward to seeing her in Glasgow now!

I don’t think that there is anything else to mention at the moment. Not been up to that much. Speak soon!

September:

Another month, another update so here we go:

Job hunt still on going. Can’t seem to find anything that’s jumping out at me…maybe it’s time to start work for myself lol

Won another prize to add to my prize list this year. This time it’s a set of Orianthi plectrums (if you have no idea who I’m talking about, check her out here) Was shocked when I found out cause it was one of these, sign up for the mailing list to be in with a chance and normally I never win these sort of things!

Bought my mum’s christmas present (I know Christmas shopping already) but she’ll be getting it in November. I’ve got tickets for Here Come The Girls (Anastascia, Lulu and this year it’s Heather Small) in November. Having seen it last year, it should be a great night out. Just means for the second year in a row my mum probably won’t be getting anything on the 25th December this year. And talking about tickets, I also got a ticket to see KT Tunstall in October and James Blunt next year. Have seen KT twice previous but James will be a first so really looking forward to that (and it’s the second row bang in the middle :D)

So the parents away and that means that I’ve got a mammoth task ahead of me; to paint my room. It’s badly needing down (well, it has been 5 years) so thought I’d take the opportunity to do it while they’re away. Will report back next month with the results!

Oh and finally, I’m proud to announce that, although a year late and not exactly the qualification that I was looking for, I’m graduating :D Go me!

Anyways, that’s all for now! Toodles!

Vhari x

Amy Macdonald Live at Edinburgh Corn Exchange (18th August 2010)

2010-08-19T11:57:00.001+01:00

The Edge Festival (formally known as T on the Fringe) brings well known acts and those just starting out a platform to perform to their fans in some of Edinburgh’s well known venues.

This year, Scottish singer/songwriter Amy Macdonald headlines the festival with a show in the Edinburgh Corn Exchange. For those that have never been to the venue, it’s situated just outside of the capital in Slateford. It’s split into several areas, the Exchange being the largest.

Although doors opened at 7pm, it wasn’t until approxiamtely 8pm until the support act came on. This came in the form of Edinburgh singer/songwriter Alex Cornish (website here). He kicked off his set with his last single, Scotland The Brave before heading into a track called Don’t Hold Me Back. After introducing himself, he introduced a song from his new album called The Shame. This was followed by Untied and the set rounded off with the beautiful Chimney Pots, both taken from the debut album, Until The Traffic Stops. Chimney Pots in itself is a beautiful thing to watch come together as Alex records segments of violin music there and then with the use of a loop pedal.

Having seen Alex live previously (January 2010 at Celtic Connections supporting Sandi Thom), it was nice to hear the songs as they almost appear on the album and was a differing sound to what Amy has to offer.

After a quick rearragement of the stage for equipment and set up of instruments (during which event staff were handing out free water to anyone that wanted it), it was time for the main attraction for the evening.

As with many of Amy’s sets since the release of A Curious Thing, things kicked off with An Ordinary Life before heading into the rocking version of Poison Prince. After this it was a welcome and thanks for coming before introducing the forthcoming single Love Love (which she reckons we should start hearing quite soon and if we don’t, to phone and complain). Next on the list is the beautiful rocky ballad Give It All Up which was immediately followed up by Next Big Thing.

Next she introduced Youth Of Today, the song that she ever wrote and said that she still finds it strange to perform it live even now. This was followed by the debut single Mr Rock and Roll, but not before she mentioned that if she hears one of her songs on the radio that she has to listen to it as she wants to see what he DJ says about it and how when it goes straight into another song that she gets annoyed. There was also discussion regarding how someone had nominated Amy as an emergency step in model for the Ultimo Bra, which she quickly quelled any idea by saying ‘the clothes are staying firmly on’

Singles Run, This Pretty Face and Don’t Tell Me That It’s Over are up next followed by the ballad Troubled Soul to bring things down a little. Solo time and the audience is treated to Amy’s current cover of the moment, Born To Run. Rejoined by the rest of her band, Spark ‘s up next followed by L.A. at the end of which she if anyone makes shoes as her boot zips always end up open by the end of gig because she moves around the stage as much. Moving on, she introduces the track from which the album name comes from (No Roots) and tells the tale of how her mother originally suggested 2010 as a title and Amy rubbished only to find Prince using it a few weeks later. Oddly enough, the crowd join instead of talking over, which has seemed to be norm at many other venues.

Another tale of false identity, the Wrath of Jo (aka Mum) and how the occassional binge is good for you and it’s into fan favourite This Is The Life. She brings things thing to a calming end with What Happiness Means To Me before leaving the stage for a brief moment. The crowd start chanting and it not long before she returns complete with band. She announces that she’s appearing on Ken Bruce’s Radio 2 show next week and how as part of it they’ve to perform a cover of a great British song. For this, they’ve choosen Aztec Camera’s Somewhere In My Heart and apologises as this is the first time that they’ve properly played it so there might be mistakes. If there was, it wasn’t noticed. The evening finished on a high with Let’s Start A Band.

Overall it was a fantastic night with Amy appearing to feed off the energy of the crowd and band. Breaking the songs up with her little tales (which also included finding a more alcoholic country than Scotland and the nerves about dueting with Ray Davies), she also showed that she’s aware of what’s happening with the crowd, enquiring live from the stage about someone who had fainted before continuing with the set. The set was a great mixture of all her material, ensuring that there was something for everyone. There is one thing though; although she might have sold over 3 million records worldwide, she can’t play hide and seek as she was spotted before appearing on stage.

And as for the crowd: it seems that now the songs have been out for a while that more people are willing to join in making the night almost like one huge night of karaoke.

Of course, while the evening was about the music, it also comes down to the event staff, responsible for making sure that everyone has a great time safely. They continued to hand out water to anyone that wanted it throughout the set and acted quickly to ensure that the person who took unwell was taken away and looked after. A successful night for all concerned.

Photos © Vhari Lannigan

Alex Cornish (Official Website)
Buy Until The Traffic Stops @ Amazon.co.uk
Buy Call Back @ Amazon.co.uk

Amy Macdonald (Official Website)
Buy This Is the Life @ Amazon.co.uk
Buy A Curious Thing @ Amazon.co.uk

Pearl & the Puppets Instore Performance at FOPP Union Street (16th August 2010)

2010-08-17T02:22:00.001+01:00

To celebrate the release of new release “Make Me Smile”, Pearl and (most of) the Puppets performed a short set in FOPP on Union Steet in Glasgow before meeting fans and signing copies of the new single.

As mentioned at the start, most of the Puppets were present for this gig. Drummer Puppet was missing meaning that the renditions of her songs were going to be a little different from usual.

The set kicked off with Lower Ground before heading into debut single Because I Do which she dedicated to her grandad who was present at the performance. This was followed by Mango Tree. All these songs featured on the Because I Do EP released earlier in the year.

Current single Make Me Smile was next in line along with the B-side, Inside Out. The set was finished with fan favourite Kisses which also meant that it was ukulele time! It also meant that it was time for Pearl to complain that she couldn’t do two things at once but also mention that some people already knew what song was coming up.

As mentioned previously, it was a little strange to hear the tracks without a drum or box drum, especially with the two singles, however it was nice to hear songs in a different context than the same thing over and over again.

Despite the time of the instore performance (5.30pm), the tiny ground floor was packed, with some people heading to the second floor and sitting watching from the second level. Compared to other performances, the crowd seemed quite sedate however did show their appreciation at the end of the songs and no shortage of people wanting to meet her afterwards.

Overall it was a great little event and it’s great to be able to see an artist in such an intimate way. It’s also a great way to interact with the fans.

Photos: © Vhari Lannigan

Links
Myspace | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

Buy ‘Because I Do EP’ @ Amazon.co.uk | Download ‘Because I Do EP’ @ Amazon.co.uk
Buy ‘Make Me Smile’ @ Amazon.co.uk | Download ‘Make Me Smile’ @ Amazon.co.uk

July Update

2010-07-31T09:53:00.001+01:00

Hi all. It’s that time of the month again so let’s get straight on with it!

So what’s been happening this month? I all honesty, not a lot. Spent most of the month looking for a job but sadly doesn’t seem to be anything going at the moment that doesn’t already need experience in that particular area. Still at least I still have my weekend job so that‘s bringing in some money and there’s eBay too :p

Saw Pearl & The Puppets in Glasgow at the Apple Store before they headed off to T in the Park. Was a great little evening. You can read the review here or here and see photos on flickr here.

And talking about freebies, seems that I’m having a run of good luck recently. So far, this year

Won tickets to see Amy Macdonald in Glasgow in March
Family pass to Edinburgh Zoo (which I offered to a friend of the family as I couldn’t use it)
Irn Bru Retro Bruzil Shirt
Found £75 whilst clearing out
Won tickets to see Shakira in December

Well, they say that you need to be in it to win it. To be honest, I don’t give a second thought when I enter competitions. Guess it’s because there’s the thought of ‘it will never be me’ so when I find out that I do win, it is a bit of a shock :) Here’s to entering more competitions :D

I do have one more thing I need to get off my chest and that I’m surrounded by delusionals! Seriously, why do people think you can just snap your fingers and get where you want to be? Now I’m not saying that it’s not good to have dreams, by all means it is, as it gives you something to focus on. But at least be realistic! I mean, we’d all like to be famous but it doesn’t happen overnight. Allow me to give you an example:
Person A thinks that Artist X can do no wrong. Person A thinks that if they can get the rights to Artist X’s music to feature in a movie they’re planning that it will somehow making that artists career out with Japan/Korea and that will repay all the pirated discs of Artist X’s music.
Now, as much as I and other fans of Artist X would like it, we’re pretty much resigned to the fact that we aren’t going to see Artist X out with Japan/Korea, at least, not for the foreseeable future. Plus, Person A seems to make out that they’re the only person doing any promo…sigh, I sometimes wonder why I bother reading those types of posts….

So what have I got lined up for next month? Well, going to see Amy Macdonald through in Edinburgh at the Corn Exchange. Never been to this venue before so hoping that I can find it alright. I’m led to believe that it’s near Slateford station (it had better be otherwise I’m in trouble!!)

Well, think that all for the moment. Speak to you soon :D

Regards
Vhari x

Pearl & The Puppets Live in Apple Store, Glasgow (8th July 2010)

2010-07-09T00:04:00.001+01:00

Pearl and the Puppets is a band from Kirkintilloch, Scotland and comprise of singer/songwriter Katie Sutherland (aka Pearl) (vocals/guitar/ukulele), Blair McMillan (drums ), Gordon Turner (guitar), Scott Clark (bass) and Michael Abubakar (keyboards). Her songs have already been used by brands like Vodafone (Australia), Orange (Romania) and Victoria’s Secret (US)) long before any release here in the UK.

Tonight short performance to a packed Apple Store (located on Buchanan Street) comprised of 7 songs and lasted for just more than 30 minutes. The evening started with her admitting that she didn’t expect as many people to turn out to see her and recording the occasion with a photo. Then it was straight into the music with Honey before having a small ‘chat’ as she tuned her guitar. Then it was into her debut song, Because I Do getting the fans into a sing along followed by Mango Tree, both of which appeared on the debut EP. She then introduced and announced that Inside Out would be the B-side to her forthcoming single. The song itself has got a nice melody and rhythm that you’ll soon find yourself swaying along to.

Next in line was Kisses where the ukelele comes into play for the first and last time for the night. It’s something odd to see someone playing the ukelele but there is no effort shown. It’s a shame this is the only song with the ukelele. There’s a lovely sound from it. Then we’re into a more upbeat and, as announced, loud song Better Days. The set was rounded off with the new single (or as she’d announced it, the first single) Make Me Smile with the fans once more getting into the swing and clapping along.

All things considered, it was a great little gig, and no complaints can be made seeing as it was free. This may well have been a warm up for the weekend (where they are performing at T in the Park) and if so, then the festival goers are in for a treat. Fingers are crossed that big things are on the horizon for this band.
Photos © Vhari Lannigan

Links
Myspace | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

Buy Because I Do EP @ Amazon.co.uk | Download Because I Do EP @ Amazon.co.uk

June Update

2010-07-03T13:55:00.001+01:00

Hi all

Hope all my readers are well. There’s not really much for me to post this month as I’ve already posted most of it in the form of my holiday diary:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
So there’s only really what’s been happening since.

Found out that there’s a possibility of appealing my finals due to administrative error. But have decided that it’s the last thing that I want to be doing. I don’t think I could go through it again mentally. I’d probably end up being sectioned or something like that. I just feel that it doesn’t matter what I do, it’s never going to be good enough so I might as cut my losses. So now looking at getting a full time job. Problem is that the jobs that are out there, they’re all looking for experience in that particular area (it’s mainly managerial stuff). At least I still have my weekend job so at least that’s still bringing some money in. I have heard that my dad doesn’t want me working in a shop…but if need’s must…

I’ve arranged a couple of night’s out in the coming months. Seeing Pearl & The Puppets live in the Apple Store in Glasgow on the 8th July. Haven’t been to a gig there for nearly 2 years. Then in August it’s off to Edinburgh to see Amy Macdonald at The Edge Festival (previously T on the Fringe). And then in October I’ll be seeing her again in Glasgow (although I have no idea where the venue is…well, I have a rough idea but that’s about it!)

Keeping up the Zumba classes. I absolutely love it! Although have missed it for the past fortnight due to an unarranged cold. Seriously, it’s the middle of Summer and you’d swear from my cold that it was the middle of winter. So plan is back to Zumba on Wednesday and take it easy. I’ll know my limits and it’s just about building myself back up to where I was. I am looking forward to seeing what the prices are going to be like on the zumbawear site that’s (finger’s crossed) opening soon in the UK…not that' I’ve seen anything that I would probably buy anyways

Well, that’s it for this month. Ta ta for now :D

Regards
Vhari x

Holiday Diary – Day 8

2010-07-03T13:26:00.001+01:00

Hometime! Although it does mean an early start again today :( Not a morning person. Final checks that we’ve got everything and left nothing behind. Had some unoppened items that we handed over to the couple that were across the road from us. Better they get used than go to waste.
On the road and somehow we’ve managed to find our way back to the airport without much trouble. Handed the car back to be told that the car should have been handed back into a garage on route to the airport…that wasn’t what we were told when we got the car! Now got a long wait for check in and my nerves are starting to build. Now beginning to wish that I had packed the Kalms!
Desks been called and OMG! Are all these people going on our flight?! Our seats aren’t pre-booked so desperately crossing my fingers that I get to sit next to a least someone!Ok, panic over. We’re sitting together. Now through security…really need the travel sickness tablets now, though having doubts that they will work this time cause of the time factor. Feeling sick with nerves now as we’re in the departure lounge. Maybe it’s a bit of heat and noise as well. I seem to be the only one panicking!
Finally on route home. Brother and I end up playing a game of I spy (I know childish but so much fun to take my mind off things while the seat belt light is on) Managed to nab some sleep somehow :s
Didn’t appreciate the landing. Seemed to loose my stomach several thousand feet ago. Took ages to get off the plane and then had to go friggin’ Passport Control. Could they go any slower?? Bag and now wait for a bus to go and get the car.Just hope they remember what side of the road to drive on…

Holiday Diary – Day 8

2010-07-03T13:23:00.001+01:00

Holiday Diary – Day 7

2010-06-15T13:02:00.001+01:00

It’s the last day in Portugal. Spent the morning busy packing. Still annoyed though that I haven’t been able to find the traveller’s cheques. Went to Vilamoura again just for another wander. Did see one of the most hilarious signs out side a pub though: An ad for a Husband Crèche! All the wives had to do was buy him a pint and they’d provide the colouring books and sport. Took the opportunity to check my results again. Not want I wanted but not disappointed though. Drowned sorrows in a can of original Irn Bru (I bought it in one of the shops…almost made it a week without giving into temptation…sod it!) Visited an archaeological site which was home to a grand mansion during the Roman times. Something strange about walking around here…
Went to dinner at Rui’s tonight. Nice to have a family meal out. Wasn’t too expensive either. Wanted to hang around the Sete Cafe purely just for the atmosphere. Also considered hanging about for the sunset but it looked like rain.
Sod’s friggin’ law! It’s cleared up! Raced back down to town but missed the sunset. *sigh* Oh well, an early start tomorrow so off to bed.

Holiday Diary – Day 6

2010-06-15T12:48:00.001+01:00

Way too early a wake up this morning: 3am!! At first I thought that it was the villa at the back of us but it turns out that it was the villa to the side!! I wanted to get up and shout at them (in my mind was something between the lines of keeping up international relations and the nightshift sketch from Chewin’ The Fat). The whole carry on when on for a whole hour!! Turns out that it’s only 8 girls but it sounds like 28!
Been overcast and rainy again. Seems to be a trend at the moment where it clears up later on at night. Headed off to the crazy golf and played 2 rounds (the place has two different courses). It’s kinda become something of a tradition when we’re on holiday that we’ll find a crazy golf/mini golf park. Goes back to about 1997 I think. Anyway, turns out that I won the second round as well as getting two holes in one…somehow the threat of getting thrown in the pool has come up again :(.
After dinner back to playing 500’s again…cards are against me tonight :(. Don’t know what it is but feeling sleepy again…think the sun’s having an effect on me…

Holiday Diary – Day 5

2010-06-13T21:19:00.001+01:00

Not much to report today. Been raining so no outing to Quiteria market. Weather has cleared up though (reminds me of home) wo headed into Vilamoura to a place called Sete Cafe in order to check my results. Only cost 1,50€ which I think is quite reasonable. Nothing up but did manage to check three email account, results and get a number for my charge card all within 15 minutes. Very impressed. Had a look at some restaurants for our meal out of Friday.
Spent the evening between watching The Simpsons and playing 500’s. Never played 500’s before in my life and yet somehow I keep winning…being threatened with being thrown in the pool because of it…

Holiday Diary – Day 4

2010-06-13T21:11:00.001+01:00

Today’s the day (Hmm…sounds a bit like the Dolmio ad). Today’s when I take part in the Dolphin Emotions. Really nervous but at the same time, really excited too! I’d chosen to do the morning session so had to be there for the park opening.
First stop for me was registration. Was given safety instructions to read while I was waiting and then had to sign at the bottom. Times and that were explained to us and then we bought an extra spectator ticket.
Took in the Wings Of The World (Birds of Prey) show (the one show that we missed the last time we visited). Very good, very educational. Headed off into the aquarium where we found Nemo. Last section of the aquarium is still a work in progress. Wandered around some of the outdoor pens before heading off to the meeting point at 11am to meet the other 7 participants in the group.
We were taken to the changing area where we were given a bag with flip-flops and towel (ours to keep) and choose between a wetsuit or vest. We all opted for the wet suits. With regards to wet-suits…straights have been easier to get out of than trying to get into a wet suit!! Once we’d all fought with our suits and locked our personals away, we were led up to the ‘Lagoon’ where we were given a brief overview of dolphins and what ‘behaviours’ we might be doing with them. Then, it was off to meet the dolphins.
Group wise, I ended up with 3 Portuguese and with Mickey the Dolphin. After being introduced to Mickey by having a kissing session, we delved into a stroking fest. It’s a really strange sensation to stroke a dolphin. It’s kind of like stroking melted rubbery plastic. Time for the first encounter which was either going to be a waltz or hand push. Hand push was to be mine which is really strange to have yourself pushed around in a circle by a dolphin. As a group we sent Mickey to do some of the behaviours that were seen in the show.
Time for the individual moment with the dolphin. For me, I got to hug Mickey. I don’t know how many of you will have tried hugging a dolphin but my god, it isn’t easy! Lots of hugging, kissing and stroking and then it was to the final encounter. For our group we got to do Foot push with board. In the basic sense, you hold onto what can only be described as a board used to train young kids to swim and then have two dolphins pushing you by your feet through the water. I admit it, I gave a yelp when they started push but it was a yelp of fun (trust me, the photo says it all!). More kisses and the session was over. Getting out of he wet suit was almost as difficult as getting into the damn thing, but once changed pre-ordered the DVD and then it was lunch.
A recent addition to the park is a 4D cinema in which a film called Planet SOS is shown. For those who have never heard of 4D, you watch the film in 3D and there…physical implications during it (that’s all I can say). Having learned from having see Avatar in 3D, we choose the middle. It was hysterical watching the reactions of the people in front with animals and other bits and pieces flying towards you. Despite the fun animation, it did get a serious message across. Had some time to kill before the Dolphin show so we walked round and ended up picking up my photos and DVD (these were 15€ each or if you bought both it only cost 25€) Photos were worth the 15€. Worried about seeing the DVD though :s. Caught the dolphin show. Not much has changed in it in 8 years. Got to see Sam (the father of all but one of the dolphin’s born at Zoomarine). Caught the Seal and sea-lion feeding and then saw their show. Decided to give the parrots a miss this time round and head home.
Stopped in at Algarve Shopping on way back to pick up a few food items for the next few days (this also involved us trying to decipher what plain naan bread was). Back home watching Simpsons and House with Portuguese subtitles…maybe it’s time to watch the shows with just the subtitles…

Holiday Diary – Day 3

2010-06-13T15:22:00.001+01:00

Another ‘lazish’ day. Been in Vilamoura for a look around. Also booked my Dolphin Emotions experience as well as the other tickets for Zoomarine. Excited now as I’ve waited since the LAST World Cup to swim with dolphins and now I’m going to get the chance to do so. Feeling guilty about the price though.
Tried to follow signs for another internet point. Still trying to find the ruddy thing despite following the signs! No matter, already scoped out a few down at the Marina.
Ventured into the pool this afternoon. Attempted to get onto one of those lilo things…I swear, attempting to get on one of them should be a task on that Total Wipeout show!! Eventually managed it and spent most of the afternoon snoozing on it. That was, until I fell in. Not a pleasant wake up call!
Started to play Professor Layton & Pandora’s Box today. Between that and CSI Deadly Intent: Hidden Cases, should keep me going although I seem to have hit a block on the CSI one… Guess I’d fail as a CSI then…

Holiday Diary – Day 2

2010-06-12T23:01:00.001+01:00

‘Lazy day’ today due to the early start/late bed yesterday. Apparently our Rep was out to visit and was surprised that most of the family was still sleeping. Apparently she didn’t need to pass on too much because we’d already been to the Algarve before.
It’s brunch today, comprising of sandwiches and crisps. Then headed down to Vilamoura to try and find a small fishing net to use to remove the leaves and stuff from the pool…and admired the big boats in the marina as well. Had a few quick glances in a few shops as well as scoping out the internet points (for quite a serious reason).
Spent most of the afternoon in the shade of the balcony. For moi, sun + me = nono. Ventured to the pool edge in the late afternoon for a ‘paddle’ (just to get some sun as well). Sadly ended badly with a playful splash ending up as a complete soaking.
Started to read the Terry Pratchet book Good Omens. After seeing the TV adaptions of The Color Of Magic and Going Postal, thought I might delve into some of his work. So far so good. Only found one English channel on the TV and that’s Fox although it does have Portuguese subtitles (I think if I watch enough I’ll know Portuguese aswell).
Would appear that I am sunbunt despite having creme plastered on at various intervals and seeking shade. Oh well…pass over the aftersun gel please!

Holiday Diary – Day 1

2010-06-12T22:46:00.001+01:00

Day 1
4am start. Not good for someone like me who is not a morning person. It also doesn’t help that I have a fear of flying so, that coupled with little sleep not helping matters at all.
7am-ish we arrive at the airport after dropping the car off it at it’s destination for the next week. My fear is really starting to kick in now after checking in and probably wasn’t helped by the guy at check-in. So after a spot of breakfast. downed two travel sickness tablets. WARNING: Kalms + Travel sickness tablet make for very sleepy person. Kept wanting to fall asleep while waiting to board. People must have thought I was crazy as I kept walking up and down the same path for what seemed like hours.
Once we’d boarded I was terrified, even though I was sleepy. I am thinking by this point that having pulled an all nighter might have been a good course of action and just slept through take off…As soon as it was safe to do so, got the DS out and stuck on some music which seemed to do the trick of tipping me over the point to sleep.
Coming into Faro airport, I didn’t realise that we circled round and over the Atlantic (I think it’s the Atlantic…It’s water anyways [at this point I stress the last time we visited Portugal, we arrived at night so I didn’t know any better]) and then came in for landing. After the whole rigmarole of going through passport control (Faro has some of the new hi-tech passport scanners that works on facial recognition meaning no queues…assuming you can get them to work that it!) we headed out to get the hire car. So three cases in the boot one in the back with me and the brother.
Now a word of warning to all passengers who are picking cars up from the airport and making their own way to their accomodation…DO NOT assume that the instructions you have are right! By following the directions that we were given, we ended up heading for the Spanish border (at which point I have to ask would it not have been cheaper to fly to Spain rather than drive). Fortunately, having been this road before, we kinda knew what we had to do to get to where we were going. Somehow (and God only knows how we managed it) we ended up on the road that, according to the directions we had, we were supposed to be on.
Finally we arrived at our villa for the week. First thing we notice: lemon tree (nice bit of fresh lemon in our coke :D). Once we worked out how to get the key out the safe, we entered. First impressions: nice but there were obvious faults like huge chunks of plaster missing, lights hanging (literally) by their wiring etc etc. Once we’d chosen rooms, I spent the rest of the day basically sleeping off the rest of the tablets.
Later that night we headed out to the Algarve Shopping to pick up some food shopping etc. Now, the last time I was in Portugal, Algarve Shopping appeared to have just been dumped in the middle of nowhere. Now it appears to have blossomed! Quick round in there and back to the villa to catch some much needed sleep!

PTC Update

2010-05-29T13:16:00.001+01:00

Just a quick update on my PTC experiences. The sites that are listed below are the ones that I use most often and are not extensive. Totals received are an overall:

Paid by:
UK
ArcherFish: Received £10.00
Lightspeed Panel: Received £45.00 (£35 Paypal / £10 Amazon)

International:
WordLinx: Received $96.89
LinkGrand: Received $20.00
NeoBux:Received: $52.67
YouCubez: Received £10.17
AdPaid : Received $20.67

New programs:
ValClicks

Huggles
Vhari x

May Update

2010-05-29T13:07:00.001+01:00

It’s the end of the month and therefore it’s time for my monthly update.

First off, Uni. I re-sat my exam again on the 17th. Was happier with the responses that I wrote although not truly convinced that I have done enough to pass it. Too scared to look online to see if my results are online yet. Don’t really want to be upset the week of my holiday. Will need to look at it at some point though.

Still keeping with the Zumba class to the point that this week saw me taking on another class. So now it’s 2 hours per week but I’m really enjoying it and think it’s a great way of getting fit :D

Also this month got see Sandi Thom in concert in Glasgow in support of her new album, Merchants and Thieves. A fab night out and gave me a chance to catch up with some old friends I haven’t seen in absolutely ages. I’d heard some of the album back in January when she played Celtic Connections but somehow, every time I hear the songs live, they seem just that little bit different. I’m still trying to work out how people could sit at the back of the small venue though…The photos of the night are here on flickr. Not got any other gigs lined up at the moment although very tempted to maybe get a ticket to see Doctor Who Live in October. Sounding very like the event that they held in Cardiff for Children in Need a few years ago. Oh, but this week I’ll be going to see the Cirque Du Soliel’s Saltimbanco in Glasgow. This time though, sitting in the front row of the tiered seating after last years fiasco.

Race For Life: well, last weekend for my Race For Life event in Falkirk and yes, I did dress as a pink fairy. Weather was gorgeous but was approx 24 degrees! Not particularly god when we reached a hill I’ve dubbed The Eliminator. This hill was the only way to get to the 3km marker and I really did think at one point I wasn’t going to make it. However, successfully completed it alongside my mum in a spectacular 45 minutes! That’s 5 minutes off our time from 2 years ago. A HUGE thanks to everyone who supported and sponsored us. There’s still time to make a donation if you want. Click here to be taken to my online sponsor page

That’s it for this month :D

Regards
Vhari x

April Update

2010-05-02T11:37:00.001+01:00

So another month has gone by so that means that it’s time for my monthly update of what’s been going on in Vhazzy Land.

First off, the bad news. I heard that the information that I was given regarding the resit was wrong. Apparently I’m not sitting in August. No…I’m sitting the 17th May!! Not amused about it. Plus my hearts really not in it, so not really sure why I’m even bothering to sit the damn thing anyway (well, neither would yours if you been through the crap that I have with this whole exam). SO we’ll see what happens, although not hopeful.

This month also saw me starting to attend a local Zumba class. And I have to say that it is as much fun as it looks! I first heard of Zumba one late night on the screenshop where they were offering a package which I was really keen on getting. Instead though, I found a local class which I was really nervous about but the woman who takes it is completely mad! The great thing about the class is that no one is really paying attention to what you’re doing and you’re all just having fun as you try to work out the steps (yes, even someone with two left feet could do this!) The other great thing is that because it is as much fun, you don’t realise that the time is passing. I’d unfortunately had to miss a fortnight due to a really bad chest infection, but going back last week, I managed to get 30 minutes into the class before I had to sit out one routine. The thing was that it didn’t feel like 30 minutes. So it’s true: time flies when you’re having fun! I’d highly recommend the classes to anyone who’s looking for something a bit different from the mundane fitness classes that are out there. Plus, you’re under no pressure to do absolutely everything. You just do what you can :)

I was invited through to Edinburgh recently to see Alphabeat in concert. Now, I’d never really dabbled in the music of Alphabeat, so thanks to the wonderful Spotify, I managed to listen to most of their work before the gig so I at least had some idea of what I was letting myself in for. Supporting them was the wonderful Pearl & The Puppets (myspace.com/pearlandthepuppets) who is one of the few artists that I’ve heard that sounds identical live as they do on CD. Hopefully they’ll be successful (will hopefully be meeting them the first week in May :D) As for Alphabeat…well they were good, but by go, someone needs to sedate Anders SG! Lighting wasn’t fantastic for photos (even the professionals were complaining) but you can see some of the photos here on flickr.

On a good note, I’ve reached my target for Race For Life! There’s still time to sponsor me (the more money the better :) and it is for a good cause too). You can donate to my total by visiting my sponsor page here. Still got a few items to put up that will hopefully help raise a little bit more money. Just under a month for me to get some serious training in…you know that it’s just not going to happen, don’t you? Still, I’ve decided that on the day I’m likely to be dressing a Pink fairy (but this will all be dependant on the weather of course and knowing Scotland, the weather can change without warning!)

Think that’s about it for me this month. Might have another post at a later date giving you an update on the PTC sites that I use and whether I’ve earned any more since the last post :p

Regards
Vhari x

March Update

2010-04-01T18:35:00.001+01:00

Not really got much to report this month. It’s been pretty quiet (unusually) so lets get down to business.

The car: So after nearly a month of chasing they finally took the car into get repaired. At the time of writing I still don’t have it back and have been lumbered with a Peugeot 207. Don’t like it. It’s far too big. Hopefully it won’t be too long before it comes back and then I can get rid of it. Although, I won’t be seeing an of the money at the time. See, my brother’s taking on coaching which will set him well for his course. The problem is that he needs a car so I’ve told him that I will loan him the money to get a car of his own, but that he has to pay it back…maybe I should stipulate that I need to go on the insurance lol.

This month saw me get back into something that I have longed to do for the past 5 years…Radio presenting :) I now have my own two hour slot on a Tuesday night. It’s been a bit daunting with things going wrong and stuff, but I guess that is to be expected. Have to learn somehow.

Fundraising for Race For Life is going well, if not a little slow. Sold a couple of rare Sandi Thom CD’s last time and signed copies of Amy Macdonald and Gabriella Cilmi’s new albums. I’m really struggling to think what else I can do to raise money…oh that’s right, YOU, yes YOU reading this could help! Nip over to my online donations page and make a donation (it’s completely safe, honestly!) Donate at http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/vharilannigan1 . Oh and while I mind, the Race For Life chairty single is out on the 26th April and available to buy in Tesco and from iTunes, all funds going directly to Cancer Research UK.

And speaking of music, I won a pair of tickets to see Amy Macdonald at the Classic Grand in Glasgow the last week. It was classed as a warm up for her UK tour and was brilliant. I was right up the front and could have almost touched her. Will be a night that I won’t forget. I wouldn’t have even entered the competition but thought what the hell. It took me three attempts to send the email mind you so guess it must have been third time lucky.

Think that’s been everything for this month…until next time

Regards
Vhari x

February Update

2010-03-01T21:45:00.001Z

Hi all and welcome to the monthly edition of Vazza’s Place.

Where to start. Well I guess it should be with the sad news that I’m not graduating as a nurse…at least, as it stands at the moment. Apparently all the module papers have had to be rechecked due to new guidelines and well, the result of it is that they’ve given me another resit. But in all honesty I don’t think I could quite possibly put myself through that again. Any sane person would have said enough was enough after three attempts but this would mark my 5th. I emotionally and mentally cannot do it. My heart just isn’t in it any more…I’ve already started to think about what else I could possibly do and narrowed it down to computing or photography, maybe even Media with Radio…who knows.

Moving swiftly onto the car…It’s been one thing after another with this car ever since I got it (maybe something to do with the fact I bought the car on Friday 13th???) and last week topped it when my brother decided that he didn’t like the taxi in front and hit it.So now we’re awaiting it to go get repaired and once that’s done, it’s going. My brother’s not even being offered it, it’s going. Yes I’m upset about it cause it’s the first car that I’ve actually bought but it’s just getting too expensive to run now (my brother owe’s my parents nearly £1000 because off the damage that he’s done to it)

My fundraising efforts have begun from my Race For Life. Sold a few items on eBay and more to follow…maybe I should do a week of covers on youtube…nah that would probably chase people away instead of getting people to donate. Speaking of donating, you can do so via the wee widget below

Anyways, I think that’s everything from me for this month. Might have an update to the whole PTC sites things to follow at some point in the rest of the month. I’ll see

Regards
Vhari x

January Update

2010-01-29T23:30:00.001Z

Well, first post of the new year so…HAPPY NEW YEAR!

So what’s been happening this month. Well first off it’s got to be that I sat my finals again for the FINAL time. Slightly relieve though cause the changed the pass mark…I only have to pass one question instead of both. So fingers crossed that I’ve done it this time

I also did a first this year. Attended a gig as part of Glasgow’s Celtic Connections festival. Alright, so it was Sandi Thom, but she was showcasing her new album Merchants & Thieves. I’d already heard a couple of tracks back in November when she was supporting The New Beautiful South but to hear others as well as some old songs was great. Still wondering whether to go in May when she returns with her Merchants & Thieves tour…

Another first just this week was that I saw Amy Macdonald in concert! Again, it was another showcasing of her forthcoming album, A Curious Thing (Released 8th March 2010) and it’s sounds great :D Maybe a little rockier than This Is The Life, but I’m sure that it’s going to do just as well as the first all over. Oh and it was my first time at the Barras (or to give it it’s full title Barrowland Ballroom)

So that pretty much sums up this month. Not a lot done! Well, except that I’ve not signed myself up to do the Race For Life this year (think it’s only right after everything my family have been through this past year)and you’ll of course know that I’ve got some auctions set up to raise funds as well :) More on that later. But in the mean time, if you want to sponsor me, please do so @
http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/vharilannigan1

Regards
Vhari x

The End Of The Year Blog Post

2009-12-31T17:00:00.001Z

Normally I would be writing my December post for this but seeing as it’s New Years Eve I might as well do my summary post instead.

2009 will not go down as one of my particular favourite years. Anything that could go wrong did go wrong. And I think it started with the final written exam. Changing a course in your final year isn’t really advisable seeing as it probably means that you are missing out of things that you should have done in your final year that that now appear early in the new version of the course…have I lost you yet? Add to that the unability to sit my first attempt of my acute oral due to paperwork errors and then having to re-sit the written paper another twice, fighting for a resit next month…Sometimes I wonder why I don’t say f*** it…

My car has seen more damage this year than it ever has. A small bump in February meant me not being able to basically use the car for almost 2 months between it going back and forwards to the repairers. In the end I moved insurance companies and now never see my car cause my brother is now on the insurance. And he has a bill for 158 GBP sitting in the garage for it already…

It’s not all been doom and gloom though. I’ve seen a whole host of artists live and being to some fantastic events that includes:

Saw Errol Brown on his farewell tour
Saw Sandi Thom on her Homecoming Tour / Supporting the New Beautiful South
Lionel Richie on tour
Cirque Du Soleil’s Quidam
Finally saw Nerina Pallot in concert
Saw The New Beautiful South and shocked myself by how many songs I actually knew
Saw Lulu, Chaka Khan and Anastacia all in the one night in Here Come The Girls
Got up close and personal with some of the outfits and creatures from the new series of Doctor Who

So what’s planned for 2010? Well so far…

Will see the touring version of We Will Rock You next week in Edinburgh
Planning on seeing Avatar in Imax 3d :D
Seeing Sandi Thom / Alex Cornish at Celtic Connections
Seeing Amy Macdonald at the infamous Barrowlands as she showcases her forth coming album
Seeing the Cirque Du Soleil show Saltimbanco in June when it arrives in Glasgow

Of course, I hope that 2010 is the year I can say I will qualify as a nurse but that remains to be seen.

So from this blog, I guess the final thing to say is thank you for reading and to wish you all the best for 2010. And hopefully you’ll pop back to see what other shinanigans I’ve been up to or moaning about :)

Regards
Vhari x

PTC Update

2009-12-02T17:08:00.001Z

Just a quick update on my PTC experiences. The sites that are listed below are the ones that I use most often and are not extensive. Totals received are an overall:

Paid by:
UK
ArcherFish: Received £5.00
Lightspeed Panel: Received £40.00 (£30 Paypal / £10 Amazon)

International:
WordLinx: Received $76.89
LinkGrand: Received $15.00
NeoBux:Received: $43.24
YouCubez: Received £6.22
AdPaid : Received $20.67

Other Sites in use @ present:
AdverCash [International]
ArClicks [International]

The UK sites have paid once, the International sites have paid me on multiple occassions whilst the last list is sites that I am using but have yet to receive payment (merely because I haven’t made the minimum amount)

Huggles
Vhari x

November Update

2009-11-30T01:18:00.001Z

So the end of another month and what have I done?

Well, to be perfectly honest…bugger all.There’s not much that I could do really. So you can bet that this will probably be brief…or brief-ish…..

So the start of November saw myself and my brother being abandoned at home whilst the parents went off on a week’s holiday…less that amused as it meant me missing the firework display the local council always puts on however….well, I’ll get to that point nearer the end of this blog :) So yeah, I’d to stay in with the dog as she gets terrified of loud noises that she can’t see where they’re coming from. And no, we can’t give her valium, it doesn’t touch her. So yeah, pretty much been in the house on constant dog walking duty (that dog is like clockwork at the moment; 1pm and she starts pawing which her asking to go out).

Other news is that I’ve started getting back into doing a show on the local hospital radio. It’s only an hour (supposedly) and it’s really just to get the hang of the system, which only after a couple of weeks is starting to fall into place. It’s strange but at the same time bizarrely natural, as if I’d never left. Anyway, the hour is a great laugh and I think I’m starting to settle back into but probably feel a little uptight because I’ve got someone in the studio with me. Probably if I was on my own it would run a little smoother but that will come with time I suppose :)

Eventually decided that I was going along to see The New Beautiful South at the 02 ABC in Sauchihall Street, Glasgow on the 23rd. Sandi Thom was supporting and have to say that she was sounding ace on the night (despite the hint of a sore throat). But it was one of those nights that…you know when you feel right out of place at something…well, this was it for me. I swear I was the youngest there, but then again many of the folk there would remember the group the first time around. But have to say that I was surprised by how many of the songs that I actually knew. Probably the strange thing for me was seeing what I can only describe as a T in the Park/Glastonbury/any other festival scene with people jumping up and down, arms in the air etc etc. Really very bizzare. But well worth the money. They were on for about an hour and a half.

So yes, I said I would explain about the fireworks thing at the start. Well, for those of you who have had their heads buried in the sand and didn’t know, 2009 has been Scotland’s Year of Homecoming. That is, we’ve been celebrating 250 years since the birth of The Bard (aka Robert Burns) with various events taking place throughout the country. Well, the 29th saw the closure of Lanarkshire’s Homecoming events, with a grand finale of the Scottish Firework’s Championships finale in Strathclyde Country Park. They were absolutely beautiful although I have to say that my favourites had to be the last team from County Durham (with hearts and butterflies!) Still waiting to find out who won though.

So there we have it, that’s my November. Here comes December where again very little is happening…well, except that I’m going to see Anastacia, Chaka Khan and Lulu in Glasgow all in the one night in a week’s time. I’m sooo excited, particularly to see Anastacia but I think it will be a good night all round. And I need to get myself out to see the Doctor Who exhibition in Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum…and visit Hamley’s…and see what’s happening at Glasgow’s Winterfest….hmm…wonder if I can talk a few friends going ice skating outdoors….

Regards
Vhari x

While I Gently Weep...

2009-11-12T01:34:00.002Z

It's 1:35am GMT and here I am writing a blog. And you're probably wondering why. Everyone else is asleep in the house and I'm here, not even on my own laptop. No, it's given up the ghost. BSOD (for those who don't know what that means its Blue Screen Of Death...that screen that appears when something MAJOR goes wrong...or the computer is trying to protect itself) So sent and email off to someone for help although I already fear the outcome from it.

But it only now that I'm alone I realise what today is. See, today, I should have been graduating. I say should cause, if you've followed my other posts you will have seen that things haven't exactly gone quite to plan this year. And I do place some blame on those heads who thought that it was a good idea to change our course in our last year. Why not let us finish as we should have and then change it? No, they couldn't.

See I had a plan. When I started on my course there was two options: a diploma and a degree. I was always encouraged by my parents to go for the degree but after the 2 year where we were introduced to research, I realised that I couldn't manage the degree. So I would have opted for the diploma (although I probably would have had the points to do the degree) and then come back afterwards and make up what I needed. But no, at the end of our second year we were told we would have to do the degree. So there I was completely scuppered. To be honest I don't know how I managed this year, I really don't. The only time I felt happy (apart from once) was on placement.

So yes, followers of this blog will know that I failed the written paper twice and had headed for a third attempt (by this time I had already passed everything else). And you know that theory of third time lucky? It's all a lie! Or maybe it was just because I had something else on my mind. Up until I entered the exam I was fine. And one word threw me. Cancer.

I can cope with pretty much anything thrown at me but as soon as it's family, forget it. Everything goes out the window. See I had a member of family under going testing at the time of my exam. And all of a sudden, all the what ifs come to mind:
What if it is?
What if they need chemo?
What if it's too late?
Seriously, try writing an exam with that and more going through your head every time you stop to thinking about you're next sentence.

I think I just existed after that. It was that...limbo of not knowing what to do...I probably was depressed...maybe still am, I don't know. Even though it's all over, the what ifs still haunt me. Maybe it's because I couldn't talk to anyone. It was kept very hush hush until we knew truly what was going on.

So finally after weeks of not knowing with regards to the exam (I appealed their decision) they said I could re-take it. But that re-sit isn't until January. Which as you guessed it, means I missed graduating with the other members of my class. There's a pain in that, that no one could probably truly understand unless you've been there. You've spent three years of your life with these people...only to fall at the last hurdle, which means you're left behind. What makes it difficult is that I can't accept shifts for the fear of working with someone I've been with who is now more senior to me.

I should have known that people would only post pictures. It's only natural that they would want to share their joy with the world. But it only makes it harder. Sure there's still the chance of graduating...but it will be with strangers and somehow, won't feel right.

There is one thing keeping me going though. Should I successfully navigate my way through this re-sit (which if I don't my life won't be worth living!), I should graduate this time next year with my dad who just has to finish writing his dissertation for his Masters. You see there's a bit of a laugh in this. 5 years ago, my parents graduated together with the same degree (it was the 5/5/2004 which was a friday cause they then drove 250 miles to Aberdeen to spend the weekend with me cause I couldn't make their graduation). And if things go right this time, again it will be two members of the family graduating together at the same. Probably not as rare as married couples, but still special none the less.

This is assuming I haven't killed myself in May/June taking part in a Cancer Research UK's Race For Life. Yep, looks like I better get into training for it. Now what did I do with that Wii Balance Board............

Huggles
Vhari x

October Update

2009-11-01T19:20:00.001Z

It’s the end of the month so that means that it’s time for the monthly update.

Uni
Finally somebody has seen sense and upheld my appeal to resit my exam so in January I’ll be resitting my finals paper in a last ditch attempt to complete my training and become a fully qualified nurse. Apparently the other excuse is that I only failed so that I could graduate with my dad next year (when he will graduate with his masters that he’s spent the last…few years working on).

Other news
So not much else has been happening this month. Seen Nerina Pallot earlier in the month (see this post for further details) and in short, well worth the money. And already there’s rumours that she’s touring in May next year, visiting places that she didn’t this time. Hope that it’s true! Also on the music front, I still don’t know whether or not to go and see the New Beautiful South at the end of November...

I’ve also finally managed to unburden myself from my previous car insurer. Actually, I didn’t have much choice. See I couldn’t actually afford to manage the car on my own any longer, so against my better judgement, I’ve had to add my brother to my insurance and now…well now I never see the car! Next week won’t be so bad because my parents are away and that means my mum’s car is being left behind and seeing as I’m on her policy…well at least it won’t rust away next month. I just hope that my brother remembers what petrol is…

My pet complaint this month though has got to be eBay. Love it or hate it, you have to admit that it the place to be to pick up a bargain. But last week, I was trying to understand why my listings weren’t automatically re-listing like their supposed. It turns out that now, selling any media (e.g. CD, DVD etc) that you need to offer FREE POSTAGE! Now the last time I looked, you had to actually pay to post something…So it’s been really frustrating having to go throw all the listings and update them all (although admittedly, it basically a copy and paste job for most of them into the new layout). We’ll see how long this lasts before I jump ship and find somewhere else to list. Got a few alternatives lined up already…

Christmas is only something like 8 weeks away but I’ve already got myself covered. As of November 2^nd 2009, I will have officially bought all my presents for Christmas 2009. So no daft dashing around shops in December looking for presents (yes all my shopping has been done via the internet so I guess Visa has been very happy). The other reason that I’ve had to do it so that I can work out my finances seeing as I have a couple of imports coming at the end of November so need to make sure that there are plenty of pennies available to pay for that. Although now I’ve heard the previews for one of the albums coming, I’m not so sure now…then again, that’s why we have iTunes

Well that’s all for now. Off to try out Wii Fit Plus now

Regards

How far…

2009-11-01T19:17:00.001Z

How far would you go to see an artist? What would you spend? But more importantly, would it be worth it?

Here’s the scenario:
Artist X is performing one gig in the UK…actually it’s in London. It is also the only gig in Europe. Artist isn’t particularly known. Would you go?

See I was up for it until I ran it through my personal event questionaire, it goes along the lines of:

· Who
· Where
· When
· Ticket Price
· Transport?
· Accommodation?

By the time I’d done transport and accommodation, I was already at £200. Now I don’t know about you, but I draw the line there. Now other people will say that they would do anything to get there, from saving to then borrowing the reminder. But if I was to go, I’d fund it myself. I’ve had to borrow twice but have always managed after repaying the borrowing to remain financially independent. I don’t like asking for money…I see it as begging (except when it’s for a good cause, that’s a different kettle of fish and nothing to do with my finances). But to go to London just isn’t financially an option for me.

Now I’ll open admit that I’ve spent nearly £200 on tickets in the past but that was for good reason:

· The tickets weren’t for me but for someone else
· For an artist who is brilliant live
· For fantastic seats (4 rows from the front and in the centre)
· I knew the location
· I knew the transport
· As least I knew where I was spending the night!

So I don’t know. Will I be gutted about not going? Probably. But at the same time, I think I’m being sensible about it. It won’t be the first time that I’ve missed out on a gig because od the location and it certainly won’t be the last.

Regards

Nerina Pallot, Oran Mor, 7th October

2009-10-11T14:47:00.001+01:00

So, as I said in a previous post, it’s been three years since I last met Nerina (and she was doing a gig in the infamous King Tuts Wah Wah Hut but didn’t know that at the time) but decided at the 11th hour that I was going to see her…well who knows when the next time could be, right?

So yeah, on Monday the 2 cd version of her album The Graduate (read my review here) dropped through my door on release day(Play.com did something right!!) and ended up being played all day and added to discogs.com too. Anyhow, Wednesday came and headed off to Oran Mor. Now I knew roughly where it was (It’s a converted church, on the corner of Byres Road and Great Western Road, across from the Botanic Gardens..you get the idea on my directional skills :p) So I’d never been here so didn’t really know what to expect. Anyway, got through and first stop is the merchandise table where I bought 2 cds (the theory being if I left it till the end of the night then there would be none left) and then took up position for the rest of the night. (Note: don’t stand next to a speaker. Speaker + music = deafness)

So her warm up was Jonathan Jeriamiah who wasn’t actually bad (I don’t understand why people choose to miss the support acts at gigs….really I don’t) and played a number of tracks.

So after him and a short break while the stage was set up, the main event started. Opening track was The Right Side which got everyone in the mood (not that I think anyone needed any encouragement) onto Everything’s Illuminated! Then she started the banter that was to continue throughout the night. From then on she played Geek Love before being left on stage by the other two members of her band to play God Of Small Things (available on her Junebug EP and as a bonus track on the iTunes version of the album) before geting the guys back to give perform the forthcoming single Real Late Starter. Another bit of banter where she claimed that she ‘tends to get a bit bored’ and she hoped ‘her husband hadn’t heard that coment’ and varied a version of It Starts before performing When Did I Become Such a Bitch. This was followed by Everybody’s Gone To War, which had the venue singing along to as she donned the electric guitar was the second time that night.

After this, Nerina returned to the piano for I Don’t Want To Go Out. The final song of the night was a medley of songs by Elton John (this after an explanation that she had tried to edit her Wikipedia page to say she was the illegitimate love child of Elton and Kiki Dee…which lasted 24 hours before someone changed it so this was what she would have grown up with). After this she left the stage with the band only for the chanting to start. After a few minutes the threesome returned for her to play It Was Me and finished on a high with Sophia. At the end of this she stood up to a cheering venue which ended in tears.

Deciding that there was no point in trying to leave when everyone else was, I hung back. And I’m glad I did as Nerina came out to signed CDs….well, I’d paid my ticket so I was passing up an opportunity.

All in all, it was a great night and excellent value for money. I just hope that she won’t leave it another 3 years before she’s back in Glasgow

Regards

A Little Grumble…or two…or

2009-10-03T14:52:00.001+01:00

So…I’ve been thinking recently (cause I have a lot of time on my hands at the moment with one thing or another) why do I bother with places that no appreciates the effort that you put in?

I mean, maybe it is because I have time to think about it, but when you’re the first to post information and then someone comes along and posts the exact same thing and THEY get the credit…why bother? And it’s not the first time that this has happened, it’s been a few times recently and it’s getting more common. Of course, there are the places where you are providing information and people couldn’t be more grateful…

I think I probably know the issue round one of the sites concerned. You see, they’ve started a requests thread for what they deem ‘individual’ tracks and I won’t be a part of it and it’s probably cause I’ve spent the time and money on tracking down albums/singles/promos etc so that I can happily say, I have them legally. See, I have a theory that it starts off as ‘individual’ tracks but ‘individual’ tracks lead to ‘full albums’ and more. So where do you draw the line?

My argument is that the tracks are out there if people were to look. Yes it may take time, but the tracks are there, hidden in the last corner that you would be looking for. So why should they get them handed to them on a plate? And that’s how this post came to be. It was a post basically doing an Oliver (“Please Sir…can I have some more?” or more to the tune of “I didn’t get any” in this case") You know, if you want the track, YOU go and find it or better still, by the album it’s on! At least you’re guaranteed better quality than a rip and guaranteed that it won’t have a virus and you have some physical item to adore…

That’s what I don’t get. Physical CD’s come with booklets containing pretty pictures and usually (mostly) lyrics. If you download the track from a.n. other source, you don’t get that…which leads to the moans of “Can I have lyrics to…” NO. If you’d bought the album in the first place you wouldn’t need to ask would you? And I don’t buy the, “But it was released in…” crap. Why do you think eBay and places like that have survived? Better yet, form a buying group. Some sites will offer discount on large purchases. Think of the savings! And only one postage (assuming of course that you live roughly in the same area)

You then have to wonder why some artists are turning their back on the music industry because of illegal downloads (Lily Allen is one that comes to mind at the moment). People moan because their favourite artists don’t make music because of poor sales…ever think what that download from the torrent site did? Is it any wonder that unsigned artists are doing it for themselves; releasing their music on sites where to get a full song you pay the price or making that they are the only place to buy from so cutting out the middle man.

In this day and age there are plenty of places to buy music legally either on physical or digital format (and if you’re really smart, legally from other countries too) Look around for the best price before commiting yourself to a deal. Ask people for advice on sites that look too good to be true. Some may well be but others are that little jewel hidden in the sand that is the World Wide Web, I’ve come to know that myself. Ask for recommendations. People are never long in suggesting somewhere and it just be the difference of paying an arm and leg for something where somewhere else is selling it cheaper.

Alright, rant over. Feel much better now

Regards
Vhari x

September Update

2009-09-27T11:33:00.001+01:00

Well, I’m about to lump to updates into one seeing as I didn’t update this in August, but there’s just been so much going on in my own personal life that things have gotten a little fuzzy.

Uni Life
Well, ended up at third sitting for my finals paper. And once again failed it. So now having to go through the appeals process to see if I’ll be allowed another attempt at it or not. So here I sit, in the middle of a void not knowing what’s going to happen. If they don’t hurry up and tell me, I think I’m going to end up going mad. Well, maybe I’ve already hit that bit cause it’s just recently hit me on what I’m going to be missing out on this year. At my lowest, I have considered suicide, and that isn’t like me at all. Then again, maybe that has been compounded with everything else this past month.

In other news:
So yeah, the whole I-don’t-know-what-I-am thing means that I’m pretty much stuck in the house. I has meant that I have been able to get all those listings for eBay that I’ve been putting off for absolutely no reason, although I have a feeling that I am going to move the items that aren’t selling elsewhere. I’ve got a few ideas on where to move them to to see if it works out :)

Organised a few things for myself to go to as well over the next couple of months. First up is the Basshunter signing in Glasgow on Tuesday. I can’t believe that it’s been over a year since the release of Now You’re Gone –The Album- and now he’s releasing his second one, Bass Generation. Got a feeling that it’s probably just going to be a signing though instead of a performance and signing (judging from the fact that he’s got a later signing in Newcastle @ 6pm). Hoping that it might not be as busy though cause the signing is at 1pm instead of the 5pm like the last time.

Then in a week later, I’ve finally decided that I’m going to see Nerina Pallot. Doesn’t seem like 3 years since I last met her but I haven’t actually seen her live in concert as such. Saw her at a signing though so looking forward to finally seeing her live. Haven’t been to the venue before though so that will be an experience :D. Then I’ve got the decision on whether or not I’m going to see The New Beautiful South at the start of November. I think I’ll wait and see the financial situation first as where they’re playing, I’ve been to before and didn’t think much of it. Then finally in December, I’m going to see Lulu, Chaka Khan and Anastacia together in Here Come The Girls in the Concert Hall in Glasgow. I’ve managed to secure seats on the area floor so hopefully plenty of room to get out and dance! So hopefully lots of photo opportunities!! :p

Well don’t think there’s much else to mention at the moment. Next update will probably be next month :)

TTFN
Vhari x

PTC sites update

2009-08-09T17:03:00.001+01:00

Just a quick update on my PTC experiences. The sites that are listed below are the ones that I use most often and are not extensive. Totals received are an overall:

Paid by:
UK
ArcherFish: Received £5.00
LibertyCash: Received £3.00
Lightspeed Panel: Received £30.00 (£20 Paypal / £10 Amazon)

International:
WordLinx [International]: Received $66.15
LinkGrand [International]: Received $10.00
NeoBux [International]: Received: $35.13
YouCubez [International]: Received £6.22
AdPaid [International]: Received $ 14.01

Other Sites in use @ present:
AdverCash [International]
Clickz.Me [International]
Buxify [International]
ArClicks [International]

Huggles
Vhari x

June Summary

2009-07-05T11:38:00.001+01:00

So yes I know it’s July and usually I update this blog on the last day of the month but there’s been a few things for me to take care of this month, hence the delay in getting this update done.

June did not start off well. Customs have finally caught me. Well actually, they caught me once before but I had expect it, but not for this order….actually…two orders with a week of each other! I’m guessing that it’s just with the current economic situation and they’re needing the funds for the Christmas party :p *runs*

Uni life…well, I sat my management oral and was nervous as anything despite it being the second time around (I would have said third but that’s another story). The good news that overall I got an A for my management placement. Now I just have to get through the acute oral and the actual written exam (which I am sitting for a third time!! Third time lucky anyone?) and I should be fully qualified :) Then all I need to do is find a job…easier said than done.

So the last week in June I was off on holiday which was kind of strange. I mean, we were only going down to Centre Parcs Whinfell Forest in Cumbria (and I don’t mean that in a bad way btw) but usually if we were going away as a family, we would do just that. Unfortunately this time, it wasn’t to be. My brother was working the day we were leaving so it ended up that my mum and I went ahead in one car with some of the bags with my dad and brother to follow later on that night.

So yeah, I’d been to this place before a few years ago (then it was under the name of Oasis Whinfell Forest) so I knew kinda what to expect. But as I said, with it being just my mum and I at first it was strange. Although we had fun as we ended up watching Mamma Mia and singing along (back door open!!) with it to pass the time. I now understand why so many people love Mamma Mia. Absolutely hilarious (well, except Pierce Brosnson’s singing!!).
So we had already planned our activities but we didn’t actually know what it was that we were going to get to do but no problem. So we got all the activities that we wanted in the end
which ranged from:

Archery (sadly we weren’t allowed to stand with apples on top of our heads….and probably a good thing lol)
Court for a few rounds of Badminton
My dad and brother signed up for the badminton tournament that was running.
Painting pottery
Meeting Owls
Birds of Prey experience for me :D

In between this we had been at the pool and managed to get a game of ten pin bowling in too. Most of the evening were spent playing pool (….or maybe in my case, getting utterly beaten at pool! I can’t play to save myself!) or playing Air Hockey (now I have a half chance at that :D). We ended up going out for dinner to the lovely Chinese restaurant Yangs for the holiday meal (it’s kind of a tradition that we go out for a meal when we’re on holiday) and it was absolutely brilliant. Cost nearly 100 GBP (but granted that it was 10 GBP per head deposit, but it wasn’t actually that bad) it was worth it :).

So on the Saturday my brother was leaving (because he was working later on in the evening) which meant leaving me and my dad in Cumbria. So the previous day I’d booked myself in for a painting pottery session. I forgot how relaxing painting was! You had an hour and a half long session and it was just…peaceful. There was no stress. God why isn’t there anything like it here in Scotland or at least, near by to me? So yeah, that was the morning. Later in the afternoon, I officially killed my laptop. Not as in it wouldn’t start up, but more killed the screen. Where most computers suffer from the Blue Screen Of Death, mines suffers from White Screen of Death. I now have that laptop set up as a desktop and have it plugged into the television at home. Anyway, that night went off to meet some owls including a Barn Owl, European Eagle Owl, a four week old European Eagle owl chick (who was just a big bundle of cute fluff!!) and a Bengal Eagle Owl. The evening was more geared towards kids I feel but it was nice just to get out the house for a bit.

Of course, Saturday night was the season finale of CSI: New York (I always get confused with seasons and series, but it turns out that seasons is because that how the American market works whereas in the UK you’ll stick it on at any old time) and was desperate to find out what was happening (damn trailers!!). But at the same time, I was beginning to wonder where my mum was cause I knew she was coming back down, but she wasn’t back and it was going on 10pm….

Then we got a text saying that she was in the car park so we decided to walk round to meet her (cause we basically right next to the car park). So we trotted round and as we get nearer, I see my mum and someone else…my brother had come back for his last day, sacrificing attending the last running event of the season (and trust me, it was a sacrifice!!).
Sunday I was up and off to my bird of prey experience and loved it. Coming face to face with these birds was just absolutely magnificent, more so when we got to fly them :). One of our other family traditions is to play mini golf. This all started when on holiday in Malta a good number of years ago and has sort of just continued so that when we find a mini golf course, we play it just for fun….I haven’t seen as much cheating in my life! But it was all a bit of fun :D We ended the night in the Lakeside Inn for another meal (strangely enough it was only meant for a main meal but we somehow managed to get a dessert out of it as well). The rest of the night was spent getting things packed for leaving on the Monday.
So yeah, it was a good week away. I should mention that we didn’t take the dog with us. She went on her own holiday to the kennels. And once again this year, she came back to us as if she had never been away. I actually missed her this year more so than last year.

So I think that’s everything for this month. Not got much planned for the forthcoming month so there might be less to write :D

Regards

May Update

2009-05-31T12:06:00.001+01:00

Well I know it’s nearly the end of the month, but what a better time to post an update.

Cirque Du Soleil: Quidam
Saw this just over a month ago and I have to say that I was slightly unimpressed with it...at least not with the show but with the seating arrangement. When you pay 185 GBP for three tickets 4 rows from the front, you expect exceptional views...we saw very little of what was happening on the stage. Aerial was fine, stage wasn't. I ended up buying the DVD of the show from HMV (cause I wasn't paying 20GBP for the same version on the night) to see what it whould have looked like. Have noted my disappointment on the official site but it seems that quite a few people have been saying the same frm other venues in the UK. Not a show that should have been done in the areas...BIG TOP PLEASE!! Apparently Varkai is the next show to reach us and that is one that I am desperate to see, even if it means going on my own!

Exams
Re-sat my written exam on the 18th. A little bit happier with but will need to await the results to come back before I know how I’ve done completely. As for the orals, well the Community one couldn’t have gone any better. As for the Acute….well, I never got to sit it properly. All because I didn’t have something signed :( So I’ve had to go through mitigation to try and get that sitting squashed so that when I do the resit, Confused? Yeah, you will be.

Other News
I’ve got my first interview for a job the first week of June. I’m scared stupid! Although I think I’ll do ok. Time will tell I guess :)

Huggles
Vhari x

I finally understand why…

2009-04-12T11:22:00.000+01:00

.....those people in the Confused.com ads (you'll only know what I'm talking about if your in the UK) are so happy. Cause they really can save you money! I was checking for new insurance the other day and god! I was happy

And why am I looking for insurance? Because the company that is repairing my car will have had it three times and I'm guessing that this time, they're going to write-it off before it gets back to me!

I saw Lionel Richie this week live in the Glasgow SECC. Love him live And well worth the 160 GBP that I paid for the tickets 6 rows from the front. More to the point, I was sitting right in the middle of the stage The pictures are on my flickr Account

Next week I go see the Cirque Du Soleil's Quidam. I'm soooooooooooo looking forward to it Have been since October last year when I booked the tickets. Four rows from the front

I managed to get my hands on the rare and exclusive Shaymin pokemon for Diamond/Pearl on Friday (without cheating I might add!) not had a chance to use it yet Do have Platinum already pre-ordered for the exclusive Giratina origin forme figure

So monday it's back to the grind stone as I start my final placement. And now I realise that I still know nothing for my exam that I have to resit

Oh well. I don't think there much else for to say at the moment.
Huggles
Vhari x
Huggles
Vhari x

Utada – This Is The One & BoA – The First Album [REVIEWS]

2009-03-16T18:25:00.001Z

Utada – This Is The One

Release Date: 14.03.09 [Japan]/24.03.09 [US Download]/ 12.05.09 [US Physical Release]
Buy From Amazon.com

You may be familiar with the name if you’re a fan of the Kingdom Hearts series as she wrote and sang both the Japanese and English theme songs for the last two games. This Is The One is the second English language from her and as the title of the album says, this could be the one that does it for Utada.

The album has been produced by Tricky and by Stargate so already you can have an idea of what it’s going to be. The previews that were heard before the album’s release does not do the album any justice! The opening song [On & On] is upbeat and easily danceable and sets the scene for the rest of the album. There’s an nice sampling of the piece Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence in track 2 [Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence – FYI] something a little unexpected, however, the sampling is done perfectly and doesn’t ruin the original piece as sampling can do. There are a few ballads thrown into the mix [Apple & Cinnamon, This One (Crying Like A Child) & Come Back To Me (The first single from the album)] which breaks up the more upbeat songs. Tracks 7 & 8 [Dirty Desire & Poppin’] provide the kind of song that you would expect from their titles and may their lyrics may take some fans by surprise. To round the album off we have the latino sounding Me Muero which brings the album to a close on a high.

Many people have compared the album to her previous release Exodus, however, the two should be viewed in their own lights. It’s obvious that there has been some learning curves since that release and this album is possibly what fans were hoping for from the start. Overall, it’s a well put together album should hopefully make the american market sit up and take notice of one of Japan’s most successful female artists.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BoA – The First Album

Release date: 17.03.09 [US] / 18.03.09 [Japan as part of BEST&USA]
Buy From Amazon.com

This is another Asian artist who is making her debut in the West this year with her first English album. It’s been spoken about some time but this year it finally happens. For many, she will be complete unknown, but for the thousands of BoA fans around the world, it will be a gift.

Having heard previous English versions of some of her Korean/Japanese songs, I had hopes for this. Sadly though, those hopes have been dashed.

The first single [Eat You Up] had no lastability. It was irritable with the digitalisation of BoA great voice and almost monosyllabic lyrics. The melody itself was great. Just everything else that ruined it. At Youtube Live this year she performed this and another song from the album [Look Who’s Talking] and without all the digitalisation, the songs sounded alright. Maybe there’s hope yet….

I was wrong. The next song to be released as a clip was I Did It For Love feat Sean Garrett. Again, the melody’s good, but there’s still the very digitalisation of the voice. Are they trying to hide something? This time around, the video is actually watchable (at least from what has been released so far).

So now the albums upon us. Is it any better?

In short, not really. If the digitalisation of BoA’s voice was not part of the song, then I think we’d have a winner and I feel this is what really drags the album down. Opening tracks I Did It For Love and Energetic do nothing for the start of the album and could have been done by any artist out there today. Track 3 [Did Ya] Do my ears deceive me? No digitalisation! Yes, we finally hear BoA own voice and by god is it good. Her English is much improved (if compared with earlier English versions of her Korean/Japanese songs) Very upbeat and dancey. Has the album just been saved? Looking Who’s Talking next. Still sounds as good as the night she performed it on Youtube LIVE in Tokyo…Did we mention that a certain Miss B. Spears wrote this track? Eat You Up’s next, think I’ve said enough about that one already. Track 6 [Obsessed]…it was nearly alright, but it’s back with a vengence. A digitalised voice! NO!!

Touched’s up next. This doesn’t sound too bad. Love the music box sounding parts of it. And lyrically it’s fine too. Another winner! Scream is a cover of a song done by German group Monrose. Knowing the original, this is as bad as I thought it was going to be. Considering that original is sang by three, this still sounds good with BoA singing solo. Another tick. Girls on Top is a translated version from her Korean album of the same name. Slight digitalisation, but it actually fits with the song. Another tick. Track 11 [Dress Off]. For some reason, I’m reminded of early Megadrive soundtracks listening to this. Can’t really describe this one. Filler track comes to mind at the moment. Last track Hypnotic Dancefloor. Listening to this make me quite queasy and I don’t know why. I can’t decide whether it’s the vocals, the melody or the whole thing. And it finishes…where’s the next track? Hmmm….seems a little unfinished.

Looking at the album, there’s nothing there’s nothing special to it. It could have been produced by anyone currently in the market. There’s nothing that catches the attention and makes you want to check out the rest of the album. For a debut album into one of the hardest markets, I don’t think that it’s got the strength to standout on it’s own. I feel it’s going to be one of those albums that will just stay in the open because of the fans. Other than that, it’s just going to slip under the radar.

Huggles
Vhari x

Update

2009-02-14T00:05:00.000Z

So, here’s my first OFFICIAL post of 2009. What’s there to tell?

Completed my community placement. Was kinda sad to leave it as I feel by the time you get into the placement, it’s time to leave.

Have received provisional results for the exams in January. Currently passed my OSCE (that is Objective Structured Clinical Examination) however failed my finals. Oh well, in the words of Meatloaf “Two out of three ain’t bad.”

Started my Acute placement. Seven weeks of orthopaedic receiving….the joys!

Saw Errol Brown at his Farewell Tour when it came to Glasgow. Great night had by all who were there (my theory is that the men were at the football (Rangers Vs. AC Milan) and the woman were at the concert.

Caught Sandi Thom when she came to Glasgow with her Homecoming Tour. Brilliant night if not a little different as for most of the songs, she wasn’t really playing, just singing.

There’s talk of me doing the Race For Life this year again, but sadly the closest one to me is Glasgow and I really don’t fancy running round Glasgow Green at 9.30am on a Sunday morning. Then again, doing this means I get out of the Busking For Cancer event this year :D

My car’s had a little accident. And it wasn’t my fault (cause I wasn’t driving at the time). Fortunately, the person who caused it has accepted all responsibility for it and have to say that Direct Line have been fantastic in the speed of getting everything sorted out from arranging for the car to be picked up and taken to be repaired (it looks like there is a dent on the bonnet, but don’t know what’s going on underneath :s) to arranging my hire car. And everything’s been organised with the various companies that I’m dealing with too all in the space of an hour! Can’t ask for better than that, can you?

Think that’s all for the moment

Huggles
Vhari x

Goodbye 2008. Hello 2009

2008-12-31T00:42:00.001Z
So as 2008 draws to a close it times for me to look back and see what this has brought and what 2009 will bring.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2008
I've not done as much photography as I would have wanted because of time constraints and course work etc
I completed project:ANCHOR that will be hanging in the local church at least for the next 10 years or so (I hope longer!!)
I experimented with new materials and failed miserably (the charred remains of sculpty are proof of my failures!)
I found a new love of emotion making (and friends on Messenger have met most of them lol)
I've been to some great gigs this year…alright….four of them were Sandi Thom…sue me!
Met some artists this year at in-store performances (and made some great friends from it along the way :D)
I busked to the public in the streets of Glasgow all in aid of Cancer Research UK
I've spent far too much time online when I should have been doing other stuff!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2009
Want to do more photography!!
Seeing Miss Thom in concert in Glasgow in February
It's Scotland's Year of Homecoming!!
If all things go to plan, I'll graduate from University with a BA in Adult Nursing!
May be busking on behalf of Cancer Research UK again!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Anyway, just to finish off just want to wish everybody whether you passed by or whatever, a HAPPY NEW YEAR AND A PROSPEROUS 2009! (and if you don't celebrate just now, accept it for when you do!)

Huggles
Vhari x

CALLAGHAN'S SINGLE LOOK AROUND NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD

2008-10-26T14:13:00.003Z

Callaghan single Look Around is now available to download from iTunes and 7digital indie Store.

Every download will help Callaghan to achieve what may be deemed the impossible: enter the UK Top 40.
The whole point of this campaign is that the public can decide what is good enough to make the UK and just the likes of Simon Cowell and reality TV. Callaghan has no manager, no PR budget and no record label. All proceeds from the single will be donated to the charity Live Music Now. Did we mention that all she needs to get into the top 40 is 2500 copies of the single to sell?

Everyone who signs up to the newletter will receive a free download of her version of Over The Rainbow nearer the time.

Visit her official website (www.callaghaninfo.com) to hear a clip of the single and sample some of her work and let’s make this lass’s campaign a success!

----------------------------------------------------------------
Official website: www.callaghaninfo.com
Myspace: myspace.com/callaghanspage

HELP CALLAGHAN REACH CHART SUCCESS!

2008-08-17T13:48:00.004+01:00

I’m posting this to get people interested in the campaign that this artist is running.

Callaghan, a talented and unsigned artist is bidding for top 40 chart success and needs YOUR help.

Her new single ‘Look Around’ is released on the 26^th October 2008 via iTunes UK. The whole point of this campaign is that the public can decide what is good enough to make the UK and just the likes of Simon Cowell. Callaghan has no manager, no PR budget and no record label. All proceeds from the single will be donated to the charity Live Music Now. Did we mention that all she needs to get into the top 40 is 2500 copies of the single to sell?

Everyone who signs up to the newletter will receive a free download of her version of Over The Rainbow nearer the time.

Visit her official website (www.callaghaninfo.com) to hear a clip of the single and sample some of her work and let’s make this lass’s campaign a success!

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Official website: www.callaghaninfo.com

Myspace: www.myspace.com/callaghanspage

2008-07-24T11:52:00.000+01:00
Well, not a lot to report sadly. I have two weeks left and I have done bugger all recently In saying that, did go to see Basshunter do a live instore performance and signing and have to say that I now rate him as one of the most genuine people I have met so far. And I can't say that about most. And well, the instore performace gave me a chance at snapping moving shots (I recently bought a book called How To Photograph Absolutely Everything and I tell you, it's the best 17 GBP I've ever spent!)

The other good news is that my dad finally got around to buying filters for his lens.YAY! Don't actually know what ones but I think I may be able to capture that rare thing called a Sunset again Oh happy days!

project:ANCHOR....yes, well, I was going to leave this to be ironed after the board was covered with whatever material I can afford, but last night it got knocked so decided that enough is enough, and once I've repaired that wee bit it is going to HAVE to be ironed! A mammoth task but I'm not letting any more of it be knocked out of place! I'll be making sure that I've got before during and after pics (and they'll be posted on the project:ANCHOR blog )

Until next time kiddies (Always wanted to use that line lol)

Huggles
Vhari x

July's Update

2008-07-05T11:36:00.003+01:00
So I'm 4 weeks into my placement and meh, it's alright. Nothing to write home about really. I'll be glad when it's all over to be honest. On a lighter note, I received my first A for an essay in two years! I'm over the friggin' moon! It's the first one that I've done and had very little input from my family. As for the other 2....B and a D! Plus 83% for the statistics

So updates wise, well, I added a few photos from the Sandi Thom gig I was at to flickr (see here) and it was the weirdest thing ever, watching from the side of the stage. It's the first time that I've actually had a large number of pictures come out from a gig as well (I think there was 36 in the end). My little Kodak is brilliant (except for colour shots which I'm still useless at. Sepia and Black & White shots I have to a T but colour action one I still need to work on. Already eyeing up a replacement. But I'll still be taking the Kodak to gigs and signings (and I have another signing to come too ) Hoping my dad's camera returns in time for two weeks time so I can take a trip either off to Glasgow or Edinburgh (haven't decided yet...quite fancy Edinburgh Zoo) and then it 4 weeks until I go on holiday so maybe a chance to do some snapping as well

As for project:ANCHOR (see here) well if I'd stop running into problems I would probably get it finished. If it's not running out of boards, I'm running out of beads (and that was my own fault cause I changed what pattern I was going to use so there was more black than I had planned for which resulted in an emergency order being placed...) Hopefully it will be finished this weekend....3 weeks work and god knows how many beads.

Well that it's for now

Huggles
Vhari x

Some recommended Paid to Click/Read websites

2008-06-26T19:00:00.006+01:00
So for the past year I've been using a number of paid to click/read sites to give me a bit of extra money. These are the ones that I've been paid by and ones that I am currently testing:

Wordlinx [International]- Been using this one for a few months and have received two payments from them. Number of ads varies day to day as they do appear at various times throughout the day. Also able to op for paid emails Payment via paypal

Linkgrand [International] - Takes slightly longer to reach the payout of $5.00. For each link, you will earn $0.003 (therefore it requires you to click 10 links to make $0.03). Payments are made via paypal.

Archerfish [UK & Ireland only]: Payment can come either as paypal, amazon gift certificate or moneybookers. Have received my amazon gift certificate.

Other Sites currently being tested:
Buddypond [International]: This comes from the same webmaster that own
marketingpond.com . Payment comes in the form of PayPal, Cheque, Money Order, Visa Gift Card, WalMart Gift Card, Amazon Gift Card or E-Gold. Works closely with Paypal.

NeoBux [International]: Currently just started using this one. Click the link to see more details :D

You-cubez.com [International]: A little hard to understand the concept of this one, but giving it a try anyway

Foxcash [International]: Again, another one that I've just started using but appears to be a simple case of click, allow the timer to run out and hey presto you have credit.

Hope these bring you some money :)

Huggles
Vhari x

Tempus fugit

2008-04-30T21:54:00.002+01:00
Wow I can't believe that's another month through already. Seems like time is really flying by. So what's been happening since I last posted. Well, I've finished my 5 week placement in the medical ward and I have to say that I toughly enjoyed it. I feel much more confident in my own abilities than I did when I went into the ward. I loved it so much that I've left my name and number in case of any bank shifts that might crop up.

So now I have a week off, but first have to try and survive the fuel crisis over the next few weekends...what crisis? *breathes deeply* an then I can try and focus on my essays Or I might just go to Glasgow to do some photography...I'll see what the weather does first

God I just remember, I went to see the Cirque Du Soleil's DELIRIUM at the start of the month and OMG! It was fantastic! Alright, maybe being the second row from the front might have been just a little too close to the stage, but I really don't mind. The costumes, the music, the acrobatics...It was a feast for the senses...I'm so hopeful that maybe there will be more shows up this way after the reception they got for that one. Also been to see KT Tunstall too (I should have just taken a permanent parking space at the SECC this past while) and while it was good, I don't think I'll be back to see her live. By the sounds of things I was one of the few people who manage to get pictures out of the concert

Anyways, I've had a creative idea and it all seems fine in my head but whether or not it will physically work out is a completely different story. So the idea revolves round the Boys Brigade and the fact that it will be the 125th Anniversary of the organisation in Scotland sometime between now and next year...but fear not, when I finally work out what it is that I am doing I'll make sure that it's documented :D

That's it for now

Huggles
Vhari x

Decisions, decisions....

2008-03-03T23:23:00.006Z
Yep, it's decision time. Had a few things running through my head about what to do about certain things and only getting answer to some. The points will probably form song titles :p

1. Should I stay or should I go?
This corresponds to two points. One is whether I stay or whether I go from a site that I love but recently, because I do conform, and think everything is great and what not, it feels as if everyone is turning against me. It's stupid considering it's all about an album and people are starting to get excited because the release dates getting near, and yet...I don't see what the excitement is about. I think it's probably got something to do with when the album was announced, there was all this hype, but as more and more was known about the album, it's fallen quiet until now. It's probably got something to do with the fact that several of the songs leaked as full versions from the artists site and I stupidly listened to them. And now people are giving me a hard time because I have done my versions of some of the songs and have started along the lines of 'who do you think you'd rather listen to' etc.

2. Stay
Well for this one, I've had a friend trying to convince me to stay somewhere that I was thinking of leaving, claiming if I go, she'll have no one to keep her sane...like I do keep her sane just now? I would have said she is beyond help but that's another matter...

3. Everything's Gonna Be Alright...
I suppose if I can get through everything that's going on at the moment then that is a good thing. I guess maybe I'm letting everything get on top of me and letting it drag me down. I feel as if I'm in a constant state of confusion, not know what I want or where I want to be. I don't know what's wrong with me, but the things that I used to find joy in, I no longer do. I find myself on severe moodswings going from a high to being really depressed and wanting to crawl into a corner and die.I don't know what it is, but I wish I could snap out of it before something happens...

TTFN

Vhari x

So I've finally figured....

2008-02-26T22:05:00.003Z
I've come to the conclusion that parents are a species that are not to be translated or understood. Why do I say this? Well, next week I go to see the wonderful Sandi Thom (www.sandithom.com) live for the first time and because it's Glasgow, and I'm going myself and I'm meeting two complete strangers, my mum has a hairy canary (my dad is just sitting nodding :p). Anyways, I was asked by someone who I have met once to go and see Amy Macdonald (www.amymacdonald.co.uk) this Friday but I've basically decided that it is far to far to go. I mean it,s four trains (two in, two out) and Glasgow on a Friday night. Anyways, because I have actually met this person, my mum's alright with it...eh? Like I said, I don't understand parents.

In other news, I'm needing to have a good long hard look at myself. I need to look at where I've been, where I am and where I want to be. After I've done that, I can give myself a good kick up the rear end and get on with things. I don't know what's worse; knowing that I'm doing nothing or the fact that I'm not doing anything to stop myself from not doing anything. Really need to get into gear especially with the essays that I have to do. In saying that, our presentation is nearly complete (seeing as I did the introduction video for it at the weekend so just need the odd bit and piece from the other members to sort that out, and that's another thing taken care of. So enough ramblings about that.

On a sadder note, it appears that I have become a victim of art theft :( .Really I don't know how to take this; be furious it has happened or be happy that someone actually thought my work good enough to steal? Well, I've started taking steps to sort it out so it's just a matter of time. Not really had much in the way of art at the moment, too busy concentrating on other things! But thinking of going to Glasgow on Friday taking my dad's camera and see what I can shoot :p

Now I really should be getting ready for my simulation class tomorrow and knowing what it is that I am supposed to be doing (like I ever know what it is that I am doing?)

TTFN (Ta Ta For Now)
Vhari x

It's been a while.......

2008-02-17T00:01:00.000Z

Wow, it’s been a while since I last posted here, LOL. And a lot has happened since then.

First off, the university course. Yes you read right, University. I am now a student at the newly formed University of The West Of Scotland (www.uws.ac.uk) and since last posting have been out of placement to the surgical ward and theatre. I have to say that I actually enjoyed it. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be…well, except from now appreciating how a patient feels with the lovely common D & V bug. So I’ve passed that and the two essays that I was waiting to find out about (thank god because I can’t imagine what I’d do if I had to re-write them!) So after a three week break of doing bugger all, and I mean that (okay so I did a shift to bail my mum out…again!) I’m back doing the medical section of the course and already I’m worried. 4 essays (all due in at the same time) a MCQ (that’s Multiple Choice Question) oh and something to do with maths so I am completely screwed with that…

As for autographs and who I’ve met, well, I’ve now met the Proclaimers and for the second time, met Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan (stars of Chewin’ The Fat and Still Game). As for other autographs, I’ve managed to secure two beautiful female singers autographs. These are Giorgia Fumanti (http://www.myspace.com/giorgiafumanti or www.giorgiafumanti.com) and Callaghan (http://www.myspace.com/callaghanspage or www.callaghaninfo.com ), both of which I came across on myspace. Please check them out and if you like them, show them your support.

Music wise, well I’ve already mentioned two artists that I’m supporting on myspace. Another is Absolute, a German rock band (who sing in English) who released their debut album last year but have been releasing new material on a site called musicnation.de. You can check them out at www.myspace.com/absoluteyou or www.absolute-online.com .

Then we move onto Jade Valerie (previous AKA Jade of Sweetbox) who releases her first full album, Bittersweet Symphony on the 5^th March. It’s sounding different to the mini-album, Out Of The Box with more balldesque songs but still containing the beautiful lyrics that we have come to know. Visit her at www.myspace.com/jadevalerieofficial or www.jadevalerie.com .

This year I’m also going to see two artists (at the moment) in concert. The first is Sandi Thom (www.sandithom.com) who is doing what is billed as ‘intimate’ gigs to promote her second album, Pink And The Lily. I decided that maybe I should make the effort and see her before she plays the likes of the SECC and tickets are more up the £25 mark instead of the £10 that this one is costing me. The next is KT Tunstall and seeing as it’s been 4 years since I last saw her perform live, I guess I should take the opportunity to see her once again.

The only other big event this year is that I am going to see the Cirque Du Soleil’s DELERIUM when it comes to Glasgow in April. I’m so thrilled that I’m getting a chance to see one of their shows. I’ve always admired them and the fact that I’m getting to see it at all is a chance I wasn’t passing up. I was hoping to take part in this years Cancer Research UK’s Race For Life once again, but it appears that there isn’t a race taking place where I’ve taken part for the last two years and with me working at the weekend it isn’t convenient for me to take part in any the others, so I guess that I’m just going to have to give it a miss and hopefully next year it will be back :D

Well that’s it for the moment

TTFN (Ta Ta For Now)

Vhari x

Hi all!!!

2007-11-01T09:31:00.000Z
Hey all

How are we all? I know that it's been a while since I last wrote a pot but things have been a little crazy. I've been out on placement again for my course and now I'm back in college...university...well, I don't really know what it is anymore. I'm back in a higher education facility anyways lol.

I've been a busy person heading out to Glasgow to meet artists, take photos and generally just enjoying myself. Been to see Amy Macdonald play the new Apple Store in Glasgow, CATS at the Edinburgh Playhouse and then Donny Osmond at the Armadillo.

On top of this I actually have an essay to write but I'll get around to it at some point before Monday lol. I have been considering raising money for Children In Need via singisodes. Don't know what a singisode is? Well, I'll let you think about it for a while :p

Huggles
Vhari x

Updateness

2007-07-08T23:13:00.000+01:00

*Sighs*

I can’t believe that I’ve nearly completed my first year of Nursing. It doesn’t seem like last August when I started. I think I’m going to be sad when I leave placement on Thursday (assuming that I’ve done everything and it’s all right). Still it means that I’ll have more time to do other things now

So what are my plans? Well, I plan on making the most of it and travelling to Glasgow and Edinburgh, looking for photo opportunities. My main plans are to go to the gardens in both cities and see what I can do. I might also take a trip to the zoo (god I’m such a child) and maybe the place that’s local to me called Amazonia and see what’s there and maybe arrange to face my fear of spiders for charity (if they do that sort of thing)

Writings wise....I might actually post one of the reflections that I’ve done on this placement re: learning disabilities. The only problem is that I don’t know where I should put it so it may start in scraps until people can suggest where maybe it should go. As for Nira, my fanfic character....I last left her in multiple situations: hanging from the Clydebuilt Crane in Glasgow for dear life, contemplating suicide and....the list is just too long, however, I have actually killed her off! YAY! I might post some here. If not, they’ll be on my fanfic blog which hasn’t been updated since the year dot.

Until the next time
Vhari x

Race For Life 2007

2007-05-25T13:15:00.000+01:00
d theWell last night (thursday 24th May 2007) was the Cancer Research UK Race for Life 2007 event that I was taking part in. There was worries about the weather as it had been raining all day and had started again just as we arrived at Strathclyde Country Park. The concern was last year when we went at 7pm, it was absolutely mobbed while this year, despite the high numbers, there appeared to be at a lot less. Conclusion on this issue: the weather put people off.

Anyways, everyone who was taking part was gathering on one of the many grassy areas as the announcer was talling people about safety issues and people that had to be thanked etc etc etc., allowing people to arrive and find people if they were taking part as a group. Not long after 7.30pm, they started the warm up, which I always think of as a joke because you can ever really hear properly and never really see properly so you end up doing whatever with every one else (but at least there are others making an arse of themselves too).

After the warm up, they tried, and I do say tried, to orgabise the groups i.e. runners and walkers, but everyone just seemed to be going with the runners (obviously to get to the front of the rest). So then there is the infamous countdown from 10 that signals the start of the event. By the time we got through the inflatable starting line, 4 mins had past! So noting the time we actually past, we set off to do our best time wise, but with the numbers it was hard to stick to the paths so most of the route was spent walking on the wet grass. Everything was going fine (except for the moments of congestion on the paths, causing my mum to have at one moment "walk rage" and me running down a hill and unable to stop lol) until we got to the last 500 meters (although it wasn't 500 meters because someone had put it in the wrong place). This was where I decided to twist my knee. I was in agony but had decided that I hadn't come that far to quit and that I could see the finish line. I've never been so glad to cross a finishing line in my life. The good thing is that even with my knee injured, we still managed to complete the route in an hour, the same as last year.

By last night, my mum and I had managed to raise £300 together, £200 short of our target. But still it's better than nothing. There's still time to sponsor us, and help us get a little closer to our target. If you'd like to, please go to http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/vharilannigan and donate there. Every little helps.

Now there's just the little thing about preparing for next year :)

Huggles
Vhari x

A tiny rant

2007-05-04T00:25:00.000+01:00

Well, as you might have previously read, I’m taking part in this year’s Cancer Research UK/ Tesco Race For Life in Strathclyde Country Park in Motherwell, Scotland. Did a little bit of training the other day but with the weather being as it has been in Scotland (it has been unusually sunny) we didn’t get very far. 4 km and we called it a day (plus we were walking round somewhere new and didn’t really know it since it has all these wee paths and what not) but still it’s start.

But as you can see, so far things in the money side of things are going alright

So yes in order to reach my target I have been selling a few items on eBay but at least I have been selling and indicating that that’s where the money is being headed. But what gets me, is the people that have made listings simply to ask for sponsors! Now it’s one thing to be selling something and using the money for RFL but making a listing simply for sponsors…And I know I shouldn’t be complaining. It’s all going the same way, but there has to be something in the policy that should prevent that.

Anyways, if you’d like to donate to this cause you can do so by clicking this link

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/vharilannigan

or if you’d like to donate in another way (Paypal, cheque, postal order) please contact me at vhazza[at]gmail[dot]com

Huggles

Vhari x

Updateness

2007-04-06T18:27:00.000+01:00
Well it's been a while since I updated this so maybe it time that I should

Well, I headed off to Edinburgh to see the 20 Years of Pixar exhibition. And to be honest, I was a little disappointed. I thought there would have been more than there was but of what there was, it was good. Although some of it I had seen via the bonus features off the DVD's. Then it was a quick wander round the rest of the National Museum of Scotland (Dolly's looking a little..stuffed) and then headed off home. Was an alright day out I suppose and considering it the first time in a while sinc I got the train lol.

So what have I been up to apart from that? Well, not a lot. Experimenting with a new method in artistic side of things i.e. polaroids (and I've probably spelt this wrong) in the use of wallpapers (yes I've been in one of those moods). Seems all my energy is going into that. Although I have been doing some writing after entering a competiton I realised something and I feel the only way that I can deal with it is to write about it. Then of course there is the coursework...*screams silently* Oh and at some point I have to fit in some training for th Race for Life this year...this is just not going to happen.

Anyways, enough from me
Huggles
Vhari x

Updateness

2007-02-12T00:03:00.000Z
God it's been a month and I haven't updated this....this is bad, very bad. I feel I've been neglecting everything this month: here, my blog, my sites, my fanfics (well lets face it, my characters dead, she isn't coming back and no one will persude me otherwise. Querying whether to finish writing the "what if" series), my duties as a moderator...all bad.

Even worse was that I just found that phase one of pre-ordering the almighty PS3 in GAME was on Saturday....now my only hope of getting one on release day is pre-ordering online....*sigh*

I'm just not in the arty mood at the moment. I don't know what's worng with me. I mean I've been doing a lot of AMV's recently (all which are on youtube. If you can find me, you deserve a :cookie:) but nothing arty. *sigh* I'm really low just now and I don't really know why. Maybe it's the prospect of going back to college and knowing that in five weeks time I'll be out on placement again. Maybe I'm just hormonally depressed....*sigh*

Anyways, lets hope that something good appears here soonish

Vhari x

Spending Spree....opps!

2006-12-10T20:19:00.000Z
Hi all

Well, I got the first good bit of news this week....I am 50% less of a personal online shopper! YAY! Only problem now is that I'll probably have Visa on at me asking why I haven't been spending as much as I usually do. Although I definately think that I made up for it tonight. I think I've managed to spend approx. 100 GBP in one night....not good (although one of them will pay for themself by the end of next year...that's how I'm looking at it). Someone should remind me that I'm a student and then maybe I wouldn't spend as much....aye, right and pigs fly :p

I'm back out on placement as of the 11th and to be honest, I can't wait to get back there. I've missed it this past week (I've been back in college but as far I could see it was a waste of time). Only another two weeks and then I'm on holiday for two...well, I say holiday but Tuesday wil define that since I may be resubmitting my essay on communication after the New Year...well I tried and that's the main thing :)

Hopefully I'll post something before the New Year. We'll just have to wait and see

Christmas Huggles
Vhazza x

Updateness

2006-11-30T21:59:00.000Z

HAPPY ST. ANDREWS DAY!

Well, I’ve been in placement for 6 weeks and I am loving it. I’ve got a feeling that I’m going to miss it, and that’s only because I need to spend a week in college…..not fair. Not fair at all . Everyone’s been so nice and everything and I can’t complain about any of it. Well, except of the fact that my portfolio is just going nowhere . Anyone want to take me up on this offer?
I've been choked with the cold this week as well. The world could have ended on Tuesday and I wouldn’t have known as I was out for the count. 14 and a half hours I slept for. I must have been needing it as I only sleep when I’m ill. Now that I think about it, I’ve worked 30 days without a break. God I must be mad! But then again, I guess I should remember that I am a poor student. Even so, that doesn’t mean that I should work until I am absolutely knackered.

Now onto this monthly rant. WHY are people putting Christmas decorations up JUST NOW?!? I mean, isn’t it supposed to be 12 days before Christmas that trees etc go up and then it’s 12 days after it? Alright so there are exceptions i.e. the council decorations have to go up because of the length of time and preparation that is required but not domestic ones. There should be a light pollution tax introduced for those who insist on having “lightshows” for a display.

Oh well, I guess that’s about it from me at the moment. Maybe I’ll have more to post in a few weeks time

Huggles

Vhari x

A little update

2006-10-27T21:23:00.000+01:00
Hi all

Well that's it. I've been on placement for one whole week and I think that I'm going to enjoy it. Everyone has been welcoming and accomodating. Yes it's been early starts but it's been worth it. All I'm doing at the moment is basic nursing care, but we all have to start somewhere, no? I think I'm definately going to make the most of every opportunity that I can to learn something. I can't believe that this week has flown in as fast as it has. And I can't believe that I only have another 9.5 weeks in placement. I'm already sad :(

Huggles
Vhazza x

Three Things....

2006-10-20T23:14:00.000+01:00

There are a lot of things that are getting to me at the moment, some worse than others. Here’s a run down of the top 3 (in no particular order):

1. Bus timetables and fares that change on a SUNDAY!

Just where is the logic in this? I mean, most normal people don’t get the bus until the Monday morning, so when you’re waiting for the bus to get you to work / school / college on time and you don’t that it came FIVE minutes ago and the next one isn’t for another TWENTY minutes…..and then there’s the fares….I mean, you get on the bus and it’s asking for exact fare and then you’re told “fares up by x”. That means that you’re then fumbling around in your purse / wallet to find the extra change….

2. People who don’t use indicators in cars

WHY don’t people use them to tell you where they are going? I mean, come on, we are not psychic people (well I am only one day of the week) and the worst offenders are those coming round roundabouts. You’re sitting waiting to move and this car comes round. You can’t move because you don’t know where it is that they are going and if you do, it’s a fanfare of car horns that greets you.

3. Shops that have CHRISTMAS items out now

I want to ban Christmas stock from coming out until at least November. I mean, come on. We haven’t even had Halloween or Bonfire Night and you want to celebrate Christmas? In saying that, it would appear that George Square in Glasgow has been given its Christmas lights already and some might say that there is a reason behind it but I don’t care. I want to get though the first couple of celebrations first before having to think about that…

Updateness

2006-09-25T19:28:00.000+01:00
Geez, I can’t believe how fast the time has flown in. It’s now been seven weeks since I started my nursing course and I have to say that I am enjoying it. I think that I’m enjoying it better than I did my last one. Maybe it’s because I feel that this is where I truly belong. The stuff that we’re doing just now is basically revision for me.

I’ve got an essay to write for November but I haven’t even made a start on it yet. Well, that’s not true. I have kinda started on it but not officially…..if you can translate that, please tell me what I just said.

I feel I’ve settled quickly and according to my parents I’m happier than I was when I was doing my other course. And yeah, I’d have to agree. The only thing I’m unhappy with is the fact that it takes me an hour each way by bus. But the good thing is that it’s quite cheap for me to get a student all day ticket and does me for the four buses that I need to get (two buses there, two buses back) and not a lot of people know that.

Anyways, enough from me. Until the next time

Vhazza

This Months Rant: Lily Allen's Smile

2006-07-14T21:32:00.000+01:00
Well, where do I start this month? Probably with that....that song that's at number one in the UK! Lily Allen's Smile.....Has anyone seen the video? It's sickening! They show some poor guy getting beaten up, having laxatives put in his coffee/tea and then having his flat....trashed! They'll show that, yet Scottish group Texas had their video for the single Summer Son banned because it had lead singer Sharleen...I believe the word was "romping" around a bed with a guy. So it was suggestive, that's all and anyone below 16 who caught on to that should have their mind washed out with carbolic soap!
And then the last part of Robbie William's single Rock DJ was banned because it showed him throwing parts of his flesh at those going round him... So we'll ban that sort of thing but show a video that, yeah alright, it's common in society today I admit, but surely we don't need a reminder of it on a music video or even giving those ideas on how to get revenge....of course, those of those who have even thought about, have already had these ideas and disregarded them.....right?

Meh, time for me to get off my soap box again. I know I'm probably the only person who thinks this.

Huggles
Vhari

This Month...

2006-06-20T16:42:00.000+01:00
So it’s almost been a month since I last updated this, but unfortunately I’ve been busy. Busy with work, busy with life. Nothing ever gets easier. As time goes along, it only gets harder. So where do I start? It’s hard to find a beginning in these mixed up thoughts. I suppose it should be that I’ve been out meeting famous folk again. This month it was Sandi Thom (www.sandithom.com) when she did a short performance and signing in Borders, Glasgow to celebrate the launch of her debut album, Smile…It Confuses People. That was the first time that I’d heard her live and I would say that it’s made me want to go and see her doing a gig. She’s a really nice person and I wish her all the best come what may.

And now to the rant from last month. Still spam but somehow the forum still standing. Now it appears that there has been a filter added so that if you use a naughty word, it gets ****ed. Okay, so that’s one way, but that’s not going to stop people still clicking and see what’s there or the fact that it will also degrade the forums further. And no today I find that someone who is rarely on another forum I visit has been made a co-admin. I’d love to know how they justify that, but then that could be made to look as if I am just nit picking or that I’m unhappy that it wasn’t me. There’s no point in arguing it though. I know what I’ll be told; it’s not my forum and therefore not my decision. And yeah, they’re right but still, I don’t like the idea that people are added and no one knows unless they look the members list (and who does that? Really?) I wonder what that guy did? Sweet talked his way into I probablyt. I know that there is at least one Super-mod on it who got it because his little unknown band has a section and then he kept going on and on about it. Seems to me that unless you’re very friendly with the admin that you get squat. Yeah, that sounds about right.

Oh well, that it from me for now

Hugs tugs and jelly bugs
Vhazza

Out of place?

2006-05-23T18:53:00.000+01:00
They say that is after that you get to know a person that everything starts coming out. And I can safely say that I have learned that today. While visiting on of my favourite haunts, I came across a topic that on first glance I though “Why is something like that here?” and as I read it, I discovered why. To cut a long story short, someone wanted to know how to remove copy protection to “rip” the CD and someone else suggested a 3rd party program in order to do that. So my initial reaction is to state that I didn’t think that it was quite appropriate for it to be discussed (considering that it was on a group’s official forum and that some of their albums have copy protection) and then suddenly everyone has turned on me and seems t me that, really they don’t care what they discuss. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe it’s because I can reason it out to myself why it’s wrong and everything but that no one wants to listen to it and instead say that I am “making a big deal out of nothing”. Some of them have tried to tell me that it’s alright to make a copy, but most folk know that but surely there is a reason for it to copy protected. Yeah, it’s there so that people don’t copy it, sell it and make thousands (well almost) while the companies lose out, but to discuss something so openly…go figure. That place is going to the dogs because there is no one there to moderate it constantly. They only appear if you contact them and, really what’s the point? It’s still there two/three days after it until they can “get around to it” Oh what’s the use in moaning? No one ever going to listen and nothing’s ever going to change there. I can foresee a falling of a forum

Mad World

2006-05-02T11:40:00.000+01:00
Hello

Well where do I wish to start? I’m having a few mad turns this week. The first is that I signed myself and mum up for the Race for Life, although it’s going to be more of a walk for us than a race, but anyway to get to the end and raise money for a worthwhile cause. My second mad turn is that whenever I see my brother, I want to start dancing with him. At the moment I start singing “Come Fly With Me” and I think he’s just going along with me to keep me happy. Well, at least he’s doing something right for a change.

I’ve been looking at way of downloading music. I currently have an account with mycokemusic but I’m looking at alternatives. We did have Napster, or at least, the program was on the family computer when we got it, but it was removed because we never thought that we would use it…of course, now we want to use it. So that means that we’ll need to download it again…sigh…like I have nothing better to do. The only good thing is that I just need to go 5 minutes down the road to buy credits for Napster. Oh well, I suppose that’s something else I can look into when I’m not busy….

Hugs tugs and jelly bugs
vhari

Missing: One Mind

2006-04-30T22:08:00.000+01:00
Well, it's unofficial but official at the same time. Ive decided to sign up for the Tescos/Cancer Research Race For Life. And now I have just under a month to get up to speed. Something tells me that I should have been thinking about this a long time ago and not just tonight. Oh well, at least I won't be alone. I signed my mum up for it as well, so at least there will be two of us suffering the day after it hee hee.

I shouldn't worry. I'm pre-booking beds in Casualty for afterwards (I reckon that I am going to end up there one way of another lol). We've got a target of £150 between the two of us but hopefully we'll get more than that (since we have three work places to go around begging for money lol)

Hopefully between now and then, I'll write more

Hugs tugs and jelly bugs
Vhazza

Review: Sweetbox ~ Addicted

2006-03-08T20:53:00.000Z
Release Date: 1st March 2006
Label: Avex Japan
Rating: 4/5

Originally titled “Bold and Delicious” (thought to have been changed to stop confusion with Ayumi Hamasaki’s work), “Addicted” has been met with mixed views, with some believing it to be a huge step backwards and comparing it to Jade’s first Sweetbox album “Classified” and saying that it isn’t as good as good as previous albums like “Jade” and “Adagio”

In truth, “Addicted” should be viewed in it’s own light. It is a mix of what fans have heard before (with sampling of classical pieces in the tracks “Here Comes The Sun” and the title track “Addicted”) as well as what appears to be a new direction (“Bold and Delicious” and “Ladies Night”. There is a good mix of ballads (“Every Step”, “Happy Tears”) as well as more upbeat songs (“Graceland”, “Bold and Delicious”, “Ladies Night”) and a gospel sounding track (“Vaya Con Dios”) not heard since “Adagio” (“Testimony”)

It’s no surprise that the Limited Edition first press cover had sold out and that it has been charting well on the Oricon daily charts. Overall, it’s good to see Sweetbox heading in a new direction, or at least, testing the water with a new style. They haven’t jumped completely in at the deep end and it could be seen as an easing into what is to come. By giving fans what they have been used to and mixing it with a new style, it will hopefully please old fans and possibly attract new fans as well.

2 Sweetbox Reviews

2006-02-04T17:18:00.000Z

Sweetbox ~ Jade Silver (Avex Japan). Rating 4/5

Before Raw Treasures, there was this. Not exactly raw, but acoustic versions of what I can deem to be the highlights of the Jade album plus one new song, Not Your Doctor. It's good to hear the songs being played differently to that of what you hear on the finalised studio album, and in my opinion, you cannot truely respect an artist until you have either heard them perform live or heard acoustic sessions, and this certainly delivers. you can tell that Jade and co. simply had fun while recording these tracks. Also on the first disk are remixes/alternative versions of the some songs which round the first disk off wonderfully. The DVD includes the videos for the three of the songs which fans have probably longed for. There is only one draw back on this album and is not to do with the music. It is, in fact that the DVD is region 2 meaning that unless you live in Europe, including France, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Arabia, Japan and South Africa, or have a multi-region DVD player, you may have some difficulty in viewing it. Apart from that, a wonderful collection of songs and videos and a nice addition to the collection

Sweetbox - After the Lights (Special Christmas Packaging) (Sony BMG Korea) Rating 4/5
The version of After the Lights has been repackaged to include a seperate cd featuring the four christmas songs that were original first found of the Japanese release of this album. Looking at the After the Lights on it's own, it basically has the same tracklisting as it's Japanese counterpart, minus the Christmas songs but plus two previously Japanese released songs Don't Wanna Kill You and Crown of Thorns (Greatest Hits) and the European version of the wonderful Killing me DJ (Best of 1995 - 2005 Europe and Killing me DJ single). Each song on the album is full of emotion and sung in only a way that Jade can convey that emotion. If you haven't already bought the Japanese version of this album, then this, in my own opinion is the better buy.

Hugs, tugs and jelly bugs

vazza x

Latest Update

2006-01-24T20:34:00.000Z
Where do I start with this post? I guess it should be me admitting I know what I did last Friday (sounds like a good film title doesn’t it?). I’ve now admitted to myself that I self-harmed. I don’t know why I did it, and I don’t even remember why, I just know that I did. I suppose I can refer to them as battle scars now, as they’ll always be there to remind me.

On another point, I am very impressed with the service that I received with a site that I use to buy CDs. I place an order on a Sunday and expected it to take a few days or at least a week, but it got here on the Thursday. Of course, there was one little hitch: The postman. Why is it that there is a doorbell but they never use it so they leave a little card to say that you need to go and pick it up from the sorting office, which is 30 minutes away from me. I’m telling you, I deserve my own parking space down there for the number of times that I have had to go and pick items up from down there.

On another plus note, I finally got round to going to the bank to speak to them about an account to use with PayPal. With any luck, everything should be set up by the end of next week and it soon it will be world domination for me. <Insert evil laugh here>

The only thing I am really worried about is next Tuesday. I have an interview for a course and I am really nervous about it. There’s a written, a mathematical and then an interview part to it. Oh god, please let it all go alright.

That’s all for the moment

Hugs, tugs and jelly bugs

Vazza x

New year, New Rant

2006-01-12T23:44:00.000Z
God, I can’t believe that I didn’t post a merry Christmas or a happy new year message here….oh well better late than never.

So where do I start this year? Well, let’s start with the New Year. We had family up and got the Buzz! for the PS2, which was a laugh considering that some people had had a little too much (and no one of them wasn’t me). And of course, I’ve heard that I have an interview for the Nursing course that I applied for, so fingers crossed for that at the end of the month. My baby (that’s marble the rabbit btw) is doing well and still as cheeky as ever. The other night I went to visit him since he stays with my Gran, although I am trying to get him into our house, and ended up having to share a chair with him. And when I say share, I mean share. He didn’t want to lie happily in my arms, no he wanted to sit on the chair beside me and curl up close. Oh he’s not daft. He curls up next to me to keep warm. So while ever other person has to fight for a seat with a cat or dog, I fight for one with a rabbit.

Online wise, not a lot really. Seems that a whole community is out to get me at the moment. Maybe because I am facing them with the truth and, to quote a movie, the name of which I forget they “can’t handle the truth”. Had a laugh at someone’s picture gallery. If there is one thing that I have learned over the years it’s if you are going to take pictures from another site, then for god’s sake make sure it’s not got a web address plastered across it. I mean, how obvious do you want it to be?
I’m also beginning to feel that there are imitation sites out there. There is a site of which I help occasionally….alright, a lot, that started with all these really great features….and then amazingly these other sites start appearing with the same sections. Now obviously, the webmaster isn’t going to object to this, and well…to a point, neither do I, since we will always be the original and best (anyone wants to dispute this, bring it on) but I just feel that all the hard effort put into it has kinda gone down the drain so to speak.

Life on eBay is going well. I’ve been selling quite a bit and I am looking forward to expanding globally once I get to the bank and speak to them. I got a feeling a few items that don’t sell here may do better in other countries. I just have to remember the whole paypal thing and what I’ll accept payment wise and that I am not responsible for customs charges…

Anyways, I think that is all for the moment.

Hugs tugs and jelly bugs
Vazza x

Review: Sweetbox - Raw Treasures Vol. 1

2005-11-29T15:18:00.000Z

Whether this was a planned release or due to fans requesting something like this, Raw Treasures certainly delivers.

As the title suggests, this is an album of demo songs some of which didn't make it to the final versions of albums. It's an interesting look at what goes on behind the scenes as it was. Though by listening the album, it makes you wonder why songs which did make it didn't get kept the way they were originally written, and as for the last tracks, it makes you wonder what to expect from the new album, due to be released next year.

Can you fault the album? Well, not really. As it is an album of demos, it shows the good and the bad. For fans who have been followers of Sweetbox, this would be a good addition to the collection but I probably wouldn't advise it if this was the first encounter.

Hugs, tugs and jelly bugs
vazza x

Rant.....

2005-10-15T17:55:00.000+01:00
For this post, I am going to go for a major rant because I am seriously ticked off enough now and it’s to do with people on message boards. So if you are offended by the following then my apologies.
It started a few weeks ago with someone coming onto one of the boards that I belong to, asking for help to design a band logo. Now I gave my best attempt and their response was that they were “looking for something more professional”. Then why come to a board and ask? Haven’t you heard of the Yellow Pages? Or know someone who knows someone else? Anyways, that was the start of it. The next part was that it was discovered that someone was impersonating as a celebrity and that most folk knew about but wouldn’t let it drop. Well of course impersonation going to take place, it’s the internet! Anyone one person wouldn’t let it drop and continued so now I’m holding back and speaking my mind.
On another site you are able to post your own site as long as you “close the thread” after posting. I went on to see if there was any new site and find that some…very amateur singer has posted her site and is all “Oh I want to be a singer and I will be once I do X,Y and Z”. I think they’re living in a world with rose coloured spectacles. Hello! Wake up and smelling the burning coffee Sweetie! Anyways, instead of posting and closing everybody else is posting….or should that be drooling…slobbering….pretty much everything and saying she has a good voice. I feel that it’s one rule for some and another for everyone else. Okay some people will say that I am being strict and in that last case, jealous. Me? Jealous? At least I can appreciate how difficult it can be to get into the singing business. Anyways I don’t like having one set of rules and then everyone else doing what they want. I’ve been considering for a while for leaving that particular site, and probably if they read this, they'll never speak to me again, but it’s probably because I’m much older than them that I am easily ticked. I’ll see how the next few days pan out….

Hugs tugs and jelly bugs
Vazza X

Update

2005-10-05T21:18:00.000+01:00
Well, I finally got my forms filled in and sent away...only to the one for the nursing has been sent back to me because I forgot to send something. Doh! So got that to finish off and then we'll see.

On the art front, I'm starting to get more into it. I have 3 seperate images that I would love to do in Photoshop, the only problem is that I don't have a scanner anymore, so awaiting one of them. Then again, I decided that i wanted to do larger images, so headed out and bought an A3 sketch pad which means I need to color them . I still haven't found images to uses as reference for my fanfic inspired image, although about 5 minutes ago, I did find an image to reference something else for another of my fanfic images, so yay on that front.

On life itself: Well I've been asked to do a 3 song set at an up coming charity night. God only knows why I've been asked, I mean its not like I'm a celebrity or anything, at least, not yet anyway. So the night has been put down as a buffet/karaoke/caberet/disco. It was my mum who's asked me to go but I said i would only do it if I could take my own music along, so shes had to say yes to that but it will also mean that i will be able to play one song on my guitar as well. Yay. Highly considering playing Read my Mind by Sweetbox and maybe possibly Madonna's Frozen but haven't decided yet but I have plenty of time. Its not till the 11th of November .
Well thats all for this issue

Hugs, tugs and jelly bugs
Vhazza x

This week just got better

2005-10-01T16:12:00.000+01:00
Well after the crappy start to the week, things have started to look up. One I remembered that I was going to see Donny Osmond tonight (Full report tomorrow) and secondly I got my name on the radio. Now to let you understand, I had threatened to phone in and ask for a request but I bottled out of it and decided to send a text to the presentor who was on about Donny Osmond. So the concert got a mention and then they asked for people to text in with famous people that they had met. So I did and my message was reda out. I'm about oh.......5000 feet off the ground. A year ago I wouldn't have dreamed of doing anything like that but now that i have I think I will do it agin sometime :)

Hugs tugs and jelly bugs
Vhari

This is not my week.......

2005-09-28T16:02:00.000+01:00
I'm three days into this week and already I've decided that this is going to be one of thoses weeks. First off, yesterday I had items to post, so I headed off into town with the car and had to park in the back of beyond. Then it was a 20 minute in the Post Office since it was a bank holiday on Monday. So eventually got served there, then headed to the bank, which wasn't to bad. Came back home to discover that there was a parcel for me but it was too big to fit in the post box...I had only missed the postman by 5 mins!! So, after that decided to hang the washing out, and it was "Where did that rain come from?"
So today, I get my parcel to find out that its my copy of Final Fantasy 8 that I bought on eBay (I have a copy of it already but I ruined the FMV sequences by copying the video files :s) to discover that it is in fact the Playstation one that has died....:(. No shame to it though but this week cannot get any worse...can it?

Do Not Worry...I Have Not Died

2005-09-17T22:18:00.000+01:00
Things have been slow here in Scotland. And I don't know why. Maybe its to do with the fact that seem to have come to a stop with filling out my application forms for courses and jobs, I'm suffering from writers block on the Beast Wars Fanfic Front (Haven't written 22 parts.....yeah I'm suffering.....) and basically having done no art is the last......*counts fingers*....well.....long time....Have had inspiration in creating a concept image for the final chapter of my Beast Wars fanfic though. Problem is that really I would have to go out and buy the statue of the character I want to use but I don't have the money to do that, I need a side/backview of the character that I want to use, but those pictures are few and far between.....I might need to use my imagnation then.

The only other thing that I have been up to is creating Sweetbox Fan Wallpapers for a fellow friends Fansite (which I seem to be doing more and more on, not that I am complaining) and also creating Final Fantasy AMV using Sweetbox's music........Hmm......maybe I need to see about that.

On a plus thing, I ordered two Sweetbox cd's from yesasia, which should be here at the end of the month. Yay!

Think that's pretty much it at the moment.......*thinks long and hard*......yep. Please do leave comment....I won't feel soo alone then

Hugs, tugs and jelly bugs

Vhazza

Review: Sweetbox ~ Best of 1995 - 2005

2005-08-20T20:53:00.000+01:00

Usually when people see “best of” it means that the artist/group is about to disappear from the music scene. Not in this case. This is a celebration of the 10 years that Sweetbox have been around. So what is on the CD? Well, it mainly features songs from the albums done by the current frontwoman, Jade Villalon, but the European version also features the songs Booyah(Here we go) and Shakalaka. There is a new version of the 1998 classic Everything’s Gonna be Alright, European versions of Killing me DJ and Here on my own(Lighter Shade of Blue), alternative versions of For the Lonely, Everytime, Crazy and Cinderella plus a previously unreleased song, Tour de France.

Overall
For a best of album, it isn’t so bad. The mixture of songs is good, but if the truth be told, Europe didn’t get the best deal. Japan received a different track listing and got more new songs while the Korean version basically also got the Jade: Silver album as they received another CD with acoustic versions of some songs. Basically for fans it means having to order in CDs from other countries in order to have all the songs. This will once again occur when the new album, currently planned for release in the spring next year in Japan.