My favourite Myths/Legends/Historical events

The Titanic

As human beings we feel fear and/or fascination in the name the unknown, and quite frankly when it comes to space and the ocean's floor my fear often outweighs my curiosity. There is, however, something about the horrifying disaster that was the sinking of the RMS Titanic that strikes me. The thought of the once illustrious marvel of a ship (now a grand crypt) lying at the bottom of the Atlantic along with it's treasures makes me feel awe just as much as it sends shivers down my spine.

The Trojan War

Helen Of Troy: the famous face said to have launched a thousand ships; the world's most poignant beauty conquest, a wooden horse, a divine spat and a war that could have resulted in the foundation of the Rome, this was the Trojan War. Arguably the most well known and discussed war in ancient times, the myth (or is it???) has been given some credibility through the discovery of the site of Troy. Unfortunately more than one city of Troy was built on the site (8 in total) and we have only guess work, assumptions and faith to tell us which of the Troy's the famous Troy was and whether such a war actually took place in history.

Nessie: 'The Loch Ness Monster'

Ahhhh Nessie... Scotland's beloved mythical sea creature and one of the most highly debated modern myths in existence. 'The Loch Ness Monster', affectionately dubbed 'Nessie' has been said to be a surviving Plesiosaur and is the subject of a multitude of sightings and scams. The long necked loch dweller is also the star of TV shows, movies and expeditions made by those that believe in Nessie or want to profit from the myth. Today the myth still catches the eye of tourists and it is among my favourites.

[SPOILER POST] Glee Spoiler speculation: Seven people, Seven theories

Recently a Glee Spoiler has been released after Dianna Agron tweeted this picture with the caption 'at work' and it was confirmed that they were filming a car accident scene

The fact that Dianna tweeted this suggests that she could possibly be involved in the crash or connected to the person who was. So here are my theories of who could be in this crash...

1. Quinn
One of the top candidates considering who tweeted the original photo. This would be an interesting way to wrap up her storyline, whether completely (via death) or by injury. Quite frankly I think killing off Quinn's character would be too sudden and extreme for Glee but Quinn still takes the top spot for most likely victim in the crash
2. Shelby & Beth
Obviously Quinn is heavily connected to Shelby and Beth through Beth's adoption so that would explain her presence. If Shelby died it would be a good plot device for keeping Quinn in Ohio if she chose to stay for Beth. A death would also provide a parallel (since Glee is so fond of those) to Season 2, which also featured a wedding and funeral episode.
3. Artie
If Glee went the flashback route this could always be a flashback to Artie's accident, possibly brought up while Quinn is driving Artie to Regionals rather than his dad this season. It would explain Quinn's presence and there has been talk of a Quinn/Artie relationship going somewhere in the past. Of course this is also possible without Quinn if she is not involved in the accident at all and were being thrown for a loop.
4. Rory
A possibly obvious candidate if the powers of Glee have decided to give Damian a quick exit
5. Santana
One of the most unlikely and far fetched candidates but possible. Santana's always talked about living on 'the wrong side of the tracks', would that be the city or rural? If it was rural Ohio it would explain why she was driving in that area.
6. Cooper Anderson
As the episode this scene is being shot for is assumed to be 'Big Brother', the episode where Blaine's brother Cooper Anderson is being introduced, it could very well be him. We haven't been told which side of the crash Quinn would be on (if she is) she could have been the one responsible for the crash if she hit Cooper.
7. Burt Hummel
a drive to Washington gone wrong? Another unlikely candidate since Burt has been victim to a near death incident on Glee already and both Burt & Mike O Mallay are much loved members of the Glee verse but still plausible. It would also again bring up the question of who is going to run the tire shop which I've been wanting addressed again.

Some of these are completely unrelated to Quinn but the trick of a actor having nothing to do with he scene being on set, or tweeting photos for someone else, has been done before.

The weirdest feelings a Glee scene has ever given me

So I am perfectly comfortable with saying that I was born with Turner's syndrome (which affects people in different ways; abnormal height, hearing loss, inability to conceive etc etc) so I have seen my fair share of hospital rooms, sickness and operations. Strangely this scene gave me really strange feelings (mostly not Klaine related) and I probably shouldn't have watched it at night.

Just the distant, tired and spaced out look on Blaine's face makes me feel like I'm watching Blaine going through pre-op before a serious surgery and it just reminds me so much of times when I was in similar situations. He's only hurt his damn eye but I felt like I was watching something far more intense. The addition of the music ('Ben') over the muted clip probably added to the atmosphere. I can't describe what was running through my mind while watching this clip it just took me to a very personal and slightly creepy place. It definitely says a lot about Darren's acting skills because he moved me here in quite a few ways, from an unbiased perspective.

From a biased perspective as a fan of the Kurt & Blaine relationship this looks like it will be a beautiful moment for the couple. I can't wait for the Michael Jackson episode airing in about an hour :) as you were.

Entertainment: Podcasts

In the last couple of years I've gotten involved as a podcaster listener, absolutely loving the feeling of community, entertainment and fandom enjoyment that comes with it. Here are a few that have stood out to me for several reasons, and if you're involved in the Glee, Harry Potter and Hunger Games fandoms you'll want to listen to these. Each of these are available for free download on Itunes and Hypable.com, so if you like my review head over and listen :)

Glee Chat

As the most recent addition to my array of fandoms, I thought I would cave and begin the hunt for a Glee podcast to indulge my love for the show with. I found and listened to a grand total of three and Hypable's 'Glee Chat' came out on top. It falls under the 'new and hot' category, but at less than a year old there is no feeling of mediocrity or anything that suggests it's as amateur as it's little infant legs make it seem. The chemistry and balance held by a fresh and likeable cast of hosts allows the show to flow easily and makes you feel like it's been around a long time. With an bunch of humorous, informative, and interactive content (including news and episode recaps), as well a high quality production/hosting crew, any Gleek can enjoy this. The show is run on rotation by host John Thrasher and co-hosted by Coty Chanley, Jessica Oneal, Megan Stoll, Mitchel Clow, Natalie Fisher and Roxanne Clarke. If you want to be entertained while listening to a group of people that are proud to have you in their audience then you've found the right place.

Mugglecast

In contrast we have the long time running world renown Harry Potter podcast Mugglecast, adored by a cult fandom of Potter fans. It is the foundation of my love for podcasts and without it I'm not sure I would ever have gotten into this medium of communication. It's one example of a fantastic (it is also the very first) 'Andrew Sims' brand podcast, catering to any and every need a Potter fan could possibly have, from news to book discussion. What's kept people coming back is the collection of short, entertaining and informative segments, keeping the show current and involved with it's audience. With a simple, professional and well planned out show structure, the show manages to stray from feeling automated and scripted due to skill and spontaneity brought to the podcast by fans, for the fans. Hosted by Andrew Sims and co hosted on rotation by Micah Tannenbaum, Eric Scull, Matt Briton, Laura Thompson, Ben Schoen, Jamie Lawrence, and Elysa Montfort, Potter heads can't go wrong with this podcast. Andrew notes this in the first episode but if you haven't read the books you may want to, since Mugglecast discusses a lot of spoilers. (Actually if you haven't read Harry Potter I am in shock and you should do that before anything but to each his own)

Hunger Games Chat

In case you've been living in Atlantis, space, Narnia, under a rock or any other place where word of mouth and media marketing might escape you, then you've probably heard of the Hunger Games. It's an incredible young adult trilogy by Suzanne Collins which is literally 'Catching Fire' within it's audience as excitement for the movie release heats up. Seeing this podcast on Hypable I thought I would invest myself in yet another fandom and have a listen. As another 'Sims' brand podcast, I came into the first episode prepared for quality entertainment and I wasn't disappointed. It's zany, funny, analytical, enthusiastic and informative, from a blow by blow discussion of the latest trailer to the Capitol's nail polish line, you'll be satisfied. Like Mugglecast this is probably not one for new listeners who haven't read them you might want to give this a miss until you have, as details are discussed at length and spoilers are aplenty. It's brand spanking new and has already fast tracked into my top three so if you are a fan I couldn't suggest this more. It's hosted by Andrew Sims, Richard Reed, Nick Meyers and Selena in a collaboration between Mockingjay.net and Hypable.com

Notable mentions:

Due to living in Narnia (New Zealand) where perfect internet connections are apparently non existent and air dates for American shows are mystical creatures, Smash is one show I won't be able to catch. However I want to promote Smash Chat, the new work of my Twitter friends and Glee Chat hosts Jessica Oneal, Coty Chanley and Mitchel Clow. The TV show Smash premiere's on February 6th and has been hailed as 'the adult Glee' so if your interested take a listen to 'Smash Chat', I can guarantee you'll be in for quality entertainment.

Hunger Games Fanmix: Night Lock

Download Here

Harry Potter is totally a kids series [sarcasm]

So people believe that Harry Potter is a childish series. This is true because an everday child..

1. Watches a madman murder their parents, and attempt to kill them, at the age of 1. (Harry)
2. Is forced to hear the dying words of their parents when you grow up (Harry)
3. Lives with physically and emotionally abusive family members for the majority of their life. Suffering starvation, neglect and being locked up repeatedly (Harry)
4. Is raised by their grandparents because their parents were tortured into insanity and will never recognise or communicate with them again. (Neville)
5. ^^ Has said torturer taunting them with things such as. 'How are mum and dad'? (Neville)
6. Faces slander and ridicule by corrupt news sources and a corrupt government (Harry)
7. Is forced to go on the run for their life at 17 years old, with only a radio to tell if anyone you love is still alive.
8. Is forced to carve lines into their arm in their own blood by a corrupt teacher (Harry)
9. Watches their friends and family being tortured and killed in front of them.
10. Is forced to wipe their parents memories of their very existence because alternatives are worse (Hermione)
11. Is mentally tortured with images of their worst fears and regrets
12. Fights in a war

A series made of preteens. Right?? Right??

Poem: I Miss When

Mummy I miss the days when my only cares were who stole my dolly,

And feeling okay took just your hugs and a lolly

Daddy I miss the days when you would lift me where I couldn't reach,

How to and why are things you can't teach.

Baby I miss the days when our road of bliss was bump free,

When my heart was unlocked because you had the key.

Baby I miss the days when no other woman was reflected in your eyes,

Dinner and movies or nights under skies

Friend I miss the days when our tie of friendship could never be severed,

When laughs and smiles alone kept us tethered.

Over miles of ocean and continents of land,

From todler to senile our friendship would stand.

Mummy you helped me hold on like you helped me to stand,

You left me with the strength of dry eyes and 'I can'

Daddy I can reach on my own now, my ladder is raised to the skies,

Baby our time gave me faith in 'true love never dies'

Friend you showed me theres always someone to dry my eyes,

Someone to bring me through malice and lies.

- Simone P.H