Introducing Tea & Coffee
It's Monday. Mondays suck. To get through Monday, I recommend lots of Tea or Coffee, as your tastes may lie. In fact, why not have both? My treat.
You could have Tea & Coffee in bed...
...Or in a hammock...
...Tea with your breakfast...
...Or without even leaving your bed...
...Just make sure you don't get Tea & Coffee all over your jacket on your chair.
(Click the images to view them at a larger and fluffier size.)
Youtube Time
Hello internet friends,
I was taken for a surprise holiday to Aberdeen this weekend. In them middle of writing up a post about our adventures, but it's taking it's time so until then, have some of the random internet amusements that have been keeping me occupied.
Better Book Titles improve on popular novels by making their contents a lot more obvious. Jane Austen's Fight Club is exactly what it says on the tin.
The new Old Spice ads, the fastest growing online viral video campaign we've seen yet. Receiving 23 million views after 36 hours, the star went on to record personal video replies to over 136 questions and comments over 3 days, with the questions picked out from those asked by fans on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and other sites.
Then there's the Double Rainbow guy, who's gets very excited about the weather. Then it was turned into a song by the group behind Autotune the News.
That's all for tonight. Feel free to share your own internet amusements in the comments.
Websites and Wild Parties
Just back from another driving lesson - just little trips with family, I don't have the money for proper lessons just now and I'm still lacking far too much of the basics to bother anyway.
Again, nobody died! Not even the rabbits that plague that bit of road. I managed to go right round an area of road, corners and all, and to swing round a lorry. Most importantly, I figured out how to break! Most important thing I didn't know: Taking your foot off the accelerator a bit when coming off the clutch stops it speeding out so much and makes it a lot easier for my nervy self. As for things I'm still really bad at, I drive too close to the centre of the road and I haven't quite fixed my habit of trying to break with my left foot. It's all just a matter of practicing until I get comfortable with these big metal death machines.
Still, it's progress! I am excited, even if driving still seem's too expensive to be within reach.
A few links of a writer-y interest today: a query from the Batman was sent to agent Janet Reid. Janet Fitch gave a few good tips of writing - they're fantastic, but a bit too technical to worry about when doing the first draft so I think I'll be printing out a copy for using when I'm at the 2nd draft. Finally, a page that tells you what famous author you write like. There's been some controversy over it's preference for white male authors, and going by various reports it seems to be based on keywords instead of a genuine formula. I gave it a few chapters from my WIP and got: Chapters 1 + 2 are William Gibson, 3 + 4 Dan Brown, 5 Douglas Adams, 6 Stephen King.
In non-writing news, the first trailer arrived for a movie about Facebook, "The Social Network", with one of the founders played by Justin Timberlake. The trailer soundtrack is a creepy choir cover of Radiohead's "Creep". Everytime I mention this I have to explain that I'm not joking. The founders themselves have responded to state the obvious - that it's heaviliy dramaticized and there wasn't really that much sex involved in building a website.
It actually looks like a decent movie, though. I think I caught a glimpse of them sitting on Facebook while some wild party rages on around them, so rock on boys. Tell it like it is!
Now I'm countting down for the announcement of "Don't Be Evil", chronicling the decent of a start-up search engine as it goes from letting us all find what we need to know on the internet to sending out spy cars to stealing personal info through wifi. I'm waiting, Hollywood.
Speaking of the writing side, this week I've been hopping between scenes a bit. Aaaand I cut out my entire first chapter to speed up the pace, which I really shouldn't be doing in a first draft. But I shouldn't be doing any editing in the first draft. Still, I'm really liking the results and looking ofrward to finishing the full draft so I can start slimming it down and giving it a sharper form.
Oh, and I watched 'Shutter Island'. Really wasn't impressed by the first wee while - a retro-cheesy style going on and really irritatingly over-saturated colours. It turns out it was irritating mer on purpose and had a few tricks up its sleeve. It's a great movie, and it's extremely difficult to peg exactly how it's going to end - definately worth a watch. It also has a few nods towards 50s-60s mental illness treatments, which are always fascinating because they're so inhuman - those are 'The Bell Jar' and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' years when they thought depression could be cured by shoving an ice-pick through your eye-socket and wiggling it around until y0u either died or lost most of your mental functions. You don't really have to add anything to make a horror movie out of that.
I've managed to develop a throat-destroying cough in the space of starting and finishing this post, ow. Time for some Covonia, and possibly sleep. Na-night!
Today, I Didn’t Kill Anyone
Tried out driving a car for the first time today. As I expected, it was TERRIFYING.
On the bright side - I didn't crash, and nobody died!
As expected, I am terrible with gears and too nervous to do things like reversing or moving in anything that isn't a straight line. I also learned that the accelerator is way more sensitive than I expected, and getting your feet on the pedals correctly is weirdly complicated. Managed to stall once or twice, and got the 'kangaroo petrol' shuddering effect when I panicked and took my feet off everything at once, slammed the brake an awful lot because I haven't yet figured out that 'going into neutral and stopping' business.
Having decided that curbs are full of dynamite and will kill me if I get too close, I resolutely refused to go near them and ended my lesson pulled into a lay-by refusing to try to turn. Then other half Dave took to the wheel and soundly showed me up with going round in circles, turning, and even reversing! Changing gears! Feh. Men.
Got a bunch of stock back today as well, some a little worse for wear (and therefore unsaleable) which I'm not pleased about, but there's still a lot of things I'm excited about. Mostly, gold tasseled bookmarks! I love bookmarks. And these ones have tassels! And gold bits! Even gold foil embossing! They should go up in the shop soon after I change a few things around.
Right now, though, I'm off to finish a mug of tea and split my time between editing 'Saint' and working on an SVQ I'm doing with work. Hope all of you guys are doing good. <3
New Domain!
Picture from Balncra Arts
Hello everyone,
The new domain, emmamaree.com, is just about finalized - still got a few tweaks to do before we redirect everything over, but from here on out all links to the used-goods.net/forbidden_knowledge/ blog redirect to the relevant posts on emmamaree.com. If you link to the blog at all, please change the address.
I hope everyone likes the new site design. The blog posts are now on the main page for all to see, and the design now integrates a bit more closely with the forum and the new store.
Some picture-laden stories from Edinburgh will follow shortly. We were hoping to go to Inverness' rock night Alternative X this weekend, but unfortunately (at no fault of the organisers) the Ironworks won't take Citizencards for ID so my fiance got refused entrance.
I could rant for a while on the messy situation regarding IDs where in most places you need a passport (which is unwise to carry about with you) or a full driver's license (which I have no chance of affording at present). Government PASS-marked cards like Citizencard should be accepted in most places, according to their site, but it barely ever works so they're a bit of a waste of money. A few people have suggested provisional driving licenses, but it seems a bit hit-and-miss who accepts those? Comments are welcome there.
Never mind, though - Hi-Ex next weekend! Quite excited about my first visit to the Highlands' Comic Expo - it should be great seeing some of the more indie publications advertising there, and the artists themselves. Also, Stormtroopers! <3
Update: Alex has pointed out that the provisional driving license should be accepted in most places. However, Ironworks remains an exception to the rule.
It's All About Werewolves
It's been a while since I've blogged, sorry 'bout that. Aside from the obvious events affecting things, I started training for a new role at work at the start of the month. Since then I've had most of my energy sapped by traveling and trying to take in new info. The days are short and hectic, and the weather is awful.
I was planning on getting some writing done tonight, but that didn't work out. Haven't had the time for it in quite a while, which always bothers me.
I did manage to skive on the internet a bit instead though, finding out that plagiarism is still about, especially by famous people.
Also, either the Twilight fans have discovered I'm not part of their cult, or I'm being trolled. I really can't tell but it made me laugh. I'm not the only target of Twihard ire lately, either.
Aside from that, I've been watching brilliant British supernatural comedies and playing my favorite game series.
I've had too much time to think, worry and reminisce lately. I blame the snow.
Hope everyone is dressing warm. Eat porridge!
Because you always read my blog.
You were always going on about Snog frozen yogurts and Hummingbird Bakery cupcakes, all these brilliant sounding things I'd never tried. You told me that if Dave and I ever went down to London, you'd show us around.
I was looking forward to that day.
There's a new series of Doctor Who around the corner. The best thing about it would have been your blog posts on it, picking out every reference to the classic series. Now we can't look at a Dalek without thinking about the life-size one you were so proud of.
I've spent so long looking for the right words for this, but nothing does you justice.
You left your life unfinished.
Best of 2009 – Part 2
Continuing with the second half of my personal picks of 2009...
Best Handheld Game of 2009
"The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks"
"Spirit Tracks" and all of The Legend of Zelda's "Windwaker"-style games make me happy. The style and stories make them an instant cure for a bad mood.
"The World Ends With You" was actually my utter favourite I played in 2009, but it was released in 2008. It still gets a sly mention, though.
Runners Up: "Professor Layton: Pandora's Box", "Persona DS"
Best PC/Console Game of 2009
"Batman: Arkham Asylum"
"The Secret of Monkey Island" remake could have won, except that up against TLoZ is feels a bit short. Sorry, Monkey Island - I still love you.
My gaming life tends to be a mix of playing games for myself, and watching games being played by others. I'm quite happy to sit and watch someone go through a good game - I've seen a lot of people playing through "Batman: Arkham Asylum" now and it hasn't gotten old. It's nothing to do with the brilliant Batman graphic novel of the same name, but still provides an excellent story and stays very true to the series.
Runners Up: "Assassin's Creed 2", "Plants Versus Zombies".
Best New Webcomic 2009
If you're a webcomic fan and haven't heard of HiNaBN yet, you're not trying hard-enough. This quirky story of a hyperactive paranormal investigator, narrated by the zombie following him around throughout it all.
Difficult to describe, just go read it. ;P Best typography since Sarah Zero and best layout work of any comic I've read.
Runner-Up: "The Meek". With smooth lineart and gorgeous artwork for the start coupled perfectly with a smart, planned plotline, the Meek is a professional, beautiful and funny work. I can't wait to see how it unfolds in 2010. (Contains stylised female nudity.)
Take some of the greatest rock classics ever recorded. Add pyrotechnics, PVC and vampires. The end result is "Vampires Rock", a tongue-in-cheek musical featuring songs by Meat Loaf, Rainbow, AC/DC, Alice Cooper, Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Queen, White Snake, Bonnie Tyler and Cher.
It was exactly as much fun as it sounds (meaning very fun). Steve Steinman is an incredibly funny and charismatic bloke who constantly banters with the crowd. Once the crowd starting getting involved it became a great fun night, and a great way to celebrate my birthday.
Runner Up: Circus of Horrors
. . .
No TV Show of the Year this time round - nothing that really stuck out for me. Being Human wasn't on this year (though it may end up my show of 2010) and Mock the Week, while and integral part of my evening, is mid-series and not new at all.
Still, this was a fun excercise in picking out what stood out for me. This year I'll be aiming to add in a bit more live shows, a console GOTY that I've actually played instead of just watched, and a 'Graphic Novel of the Year'. That, and read some new books other than the ones sent to me by publishers to review. Good times. =)
Best of 2009 – Part 1
I've finally started piecing together my highlights of 2009. I'll be splitting this up into at least 2 blog posts - this one includes best album, movie and book. The next post will include best game, live event, TV Show and webcomic.
Obviously this isn't an expert link - it's restricted to only what I've seen, heard, read or played and to my own personal tastes. Your milage is going to vary, so leave a comment with your own "Best Of"s, suggestions for what I've missed out on, or a link to your own blog posts about it. You no longer have to be a registered site member to comment which should make things easier.
Best Album Of 2009
Biffy Clyro's "Only Revolutions"
I love Biffy Clyro. A lot. They're Scottish, they've got strong catchy melodies and beautiful lyrics, and since they broke out in the music scene with "Puzzle" they haven't set a foot wrong. "Only Revolutions" takes things up a notch without compromise, and without losing the style that got them where they are.
Runners Up: Muse "The Resistance", Placebo "Battle for the Sun". Brand New's "Daisy" could also be worth a place here once I give it a good play-through.
Best Movie Of 2009
"Up"
There were a lot of great movies this year, but when it comes to a balance of story-line, style, characters and soundtrack "Up" has to be my choice this year. A heart-string tugging return to brilliance for Pixar.
Runners Up: "Coraline" was a brilliant comeback for traditional claymation, and though "Avatar"s story gets a lot of slack it's beauty, special effects and skilled use of what's normally a gimmick have made it a game-changer for movies to come. "District 9" was another close one.
Best Book Of 2009
This wasn't my best year for reading. I've been short of time to get through my own tastes, or any of the critically acclaimed newcomers like "Wolf Hall". Instead it's been a stream of stories forced into following the "Twilight" formula.
Not the best quality genre to pick from, but I have to restrict my choices to what I've read.
"Hush, Hush"
My favourite new YA of 2009, "Hush, Hush" a smart plot backed up with solid mythology, relatable characters and absolutely brilliant dialogue with sharp innuendo throughout. When other YA books are sticking to the formula Fitzpatrick unashamedly breaks out of the mold with her strong-willed protagonist and far from perfect love interest.
No book is perfect and it does suffer a bit from sledgehammer hints (inserting the words 'angel' in at every opportunity while the protagonist spends far too long figuring it out) it doesn't stop the story from being completely gripping from start to finish. I can't wait for the sequel.
Nairn Blogs
Oh my! I'm just back from my usual check of the Gurn From Nairn to see if anything exciting has happened in the town, like a new shop of a stray sofa, and I find a link to this blog on the sidebar. :O
Being a bit of a fangirl of the Gurn, with it's psychic predictions of Nairn goings-on, reminders to go to events that I still forget to go to, and shadowy network of 'unreliable sources', it adds a bit of excitement to the seaside town.
For newcomers, this blog is part of the main site of myself, author and amateur artist Emma Maree Urquhart. I caused a bit of a stir in 'ness after having a fantasy novel (and later, a sequel) published at the age of 13. It sold well, though I never made any money from it due to the less than reputable publishers who took a lot of money from budding writers in the Highlands and further out.
I moved to Nairn with my fiancé chiefly for the cheaper house prices, though I think it's beautiful as well. =) I now work in IT and continue work on my next novel, when I'm not being a crotchety hermit getting angry at Nairn youths for sitting on the bin.
This blog is for cryptic updates on my writing, reviews of anything and everything, sketches and artwork, and guilty fan admissions of the likes of 'Ohmygod I'm in love with David Tennant'.
In the spirit of local news, I should say that the heater is broken in the certain Nairn IT consultancy firm where I work. I've been surviving on tea and porridge and looking enviously towards the areas covered by the portable heaters they bussed in from Inverness. Arguments have erupted over which is a better warming drink, coffee or tea. You can leave a comment with your pick, but if you don't say tea I will reach out of your computer screen and slap you.
Hopefully, it'll be fixed when I get in tomorrow. Then I can shift my focus to solving the mystery of the dissappearing Ian Rankin books, which were ordered from the book club but failed to show up with the rest of the order! Egads.
Now, before I wrap up this blog post - there's a movement among Nairn blogs right now to get the word out about local blogs, so here are my picks:
The Gurn From Nairn - The Alpha Male of the Nairn blogosphere (did I just use that word?), it knows all.
My Nairn - MyNairn offers some very well-written posts about goings on in Nairn, from rising prices to rising tides.
Where Mountains Meet The Sea - I've only just discovered this blog. It's very beautifull and artistically presented, with stunning photos.
Do you have a blog I haven't mentioned? Local, personal or otherwise, feel free to link to it in the comments. 
I haven't seen any Inverness blogs out there, so I'm curious if some will make an appearance.
E.Maree
xoxo