Yes, its that time of year again, when teachers everywhere struggle with the dilemma of telling parents what they think about their kids, without actually TELLING the parents what they think of their kids - fearing that the parents will smack them upside the head.
Here then, is my guide to what (some) teachers (not me, though) are really trying to say about little Johnny Smartarse, Penelope Pickanose, Bobby Bumblebutt and Vic Astushort-planks. (None of whom are in my class)
IT SAYS...Has made a significant contribution to class discussion...
IT MEANS- basically, your kid rattles on and on about utter shite for most of the time, usually until another kid smacks him or her in the mouth and they start bawling.
IT SAYS...Prefers to work as part of a group...
IT MEANS - You mollycoddle your kid, so they can't do anything for themselves, and rely on their peers to carry them the same way you do.
IT SAYS...is beginning to develop skills in...
IT MEANS - They can't do it. At all. The only way they can do whatever it is, is if the teacher walks them through it step by step, spoonfeeding them the answers.
IT SAYS ...is always enthusiastic about ....
IT MEANS - Again, they can't bloody do it. But they like to think they can. They are deluded, probably due to over praise from you bloody parents...
IT SAYS ...needs occasional reminders to stay on task....
IT MEANS - Your child is in cloud cuckoo land most of the time, and would be distracted by air. Cross out "Stay On Task" and change it to "Stay On This Planet.."
IT SAYS ...has a challenging mind...
IT MEANS - Your kid is a right bloody know it all, who thinks teachers are there to answer his constant whining enquiries instead of teaching the whole class.
IT SAYS ...needs to improve their presentation skills...
IT MEANS - Your kid writes like a spastic spider dipped in ink. Trying to read their scrawl is a daily soul destroying exercise in futility.
IT SAYS ...really needs to remember their PE Kit...
IT MEANS - Your kid is followed around by a cloud of stench to rival school dinner cabbage and garlic bread day. Wash their kit, for fucks sakes. And wash the kid.
IT SAYS ...is a delight to teach ....
IT MEANS - No one knows your kid's name because they sit at the back and say bugger all about bugger all. Wallpaper kid. Flatter than Flat Stanley. Put a personality on their christmas list, before its too late.
So there you have it. You know I speak the truth.
Daiz xx
Monday, 2 July 2012
Saturday, 9 June 2012
An Interview With The Spoilt Brat that is Prometheus.
(There might be small spoilers, but no endings given away or specifics - If in doubt, wait til after you see it, you big girl!!)
An Interview With Prometheus –
Daisy Connolly is granted an exclusive Interview with the film itself. Is it a flawed entity surviving mostly on Daddy’s Good Name?
DC- Its great to talk to you at what must be a very busy time, and I’m betting the overwhelming attention you are getting right now is somewhat daunting.
P – Well, its always great to feel wanted, you know. From my very conception I’ve been lucky enough to feel that sometimes aching need from my creators, and the public.
DC – One might almost say that possibly, you have been afforded a little too much, too soon, compared to films that have had to fight more for the recognition. It might even be said that you have suffered from that age old problem of believing the hype. Maybe?
P – There was always that fear I guess, that I might not be able to please those who so looked forward to my creation. But I guess you can never please everyone, right?
DC – Riiight. Still, if ever there was a gold medallist in the waiting, it was you. The promise of answers to questions fans have had about your family of movies – Previously known to us all as the Alien Trilogy plus the fourth black sheep one, and the gypsy cousin that is Alen V Predatorn – its had a lot of pull, and you have therefore had a very privileged creation. 130 million is a tasty inheritance to build on...
P – Yes, I never really had to worry about the money too much, which meant the vision could be realised. But that can be a burden in itself – and there was always a sense of trying to produce something that ticked all the boxes.
DC – Do you think you possibly over stretched the vision at times, because of your privileged dynasty?
P – Hard to say, we certainly packed a lot in there, but whether I can hold onto the fans on my own – I’m gonna have to wait and see. I think I may be relying on siblings to follow for the full realisation of this particular cinematic Oddysey.
DC – there are more films planned of course, and one of my personal criticisms might be that you do indeed fall somewhat short of expectations on your own. That you will NEED the back up of the films to follow – We maybe only have one Bee Gee here, and its therefore a little churlish to point out YOUR flaws until we have, as it were, got Wind And Fire to add to your Earth.
P – (smiles and nods nervously)
DC – Still, it might be useful to look at the task that faces your siblings – its always been said that the second and third child would benefit from the mistakes made with the first. – So, what the hell was the thing with Guy Pierce in old make up? That seemed like a bizarre and confusing choice. Did it have a point?
P – Possibly... I believe he did some sterling work pre-birth on the internet, which established his purpose – viral stuff.
DC – Ahhh right, so he was kind of an indulgence then, like an inappropriate candy bar to spoil the child maybe. Scope there for your siblings to sort that little glitch out I guess. Moving on to the Vickers character – you seem, overall, to be far less concerned with character and storyline, and far more concerned with the bluster of special effects and shock moments to see you through. Vickers is a great example of underdeveloped characterisation. In fact, she is so 2 dimensional, she could be the alien universe’s very own Flat Stanley. Which made her eventual fate even more ridiculous. Hopefully, future siblings will have more time spent on aspects like characterisation, which will of course make for a more rounded experience, instead of the shallow petulance that you are, at times, clearly guilty of.
P – I have flaws, and of course we can’t be good at everything, can we. (Smiles through gritted teeth)
DC – Absolutely. But perhaps characterisation is an area to be looked at for the future, in order to avoid the sort of issues that faced other overstretched film dynasties, such as the Star Wars Saga, and the Matrix Series. Now, its always nice for the public to leave with questions, but what we hope for usually is that they are not of the “What The Fuck Was That All About??” sort. Do you feel that maybe too many important questions were just left hanging? Or is that something else you are expecting your future siblings to address?
P – Yes, that. The Future siblings thing. Any questions will be answered in future films I’d guess.
DC – Really? Are you sure? Because people will be really narked if it all finishes up like bloody “Lost” and turns out to be Jesus again. Seriously.
P – (long nervous pause) ....I will pass those thoughts on. (looks at feet)
DC – Right, well, now all that is addressed, I just want to say thanks to Prometheus for taking the time to talk to us. On a positive note, Prometheus is well worth a look. Just bear in mind that its an over indulged, over privileged, sometimes lazy piece that will leave more questions than answers, and that quite frankly could have used a little more strict discipline growing up.
P – Wait, what? Do you know who I am? Seriously, can she say that? I’m leaving now...
An Interview With Prometheus –
Daisy Connolly is granted an exclusive Interview with the film itself. Is it a flawed entity surviving mostly on Daddy’s Good Name?
DC- Its great to talk to you at what must be a very busy time, and I’m betting the overwhelming attention you are getting right now is somewhat daunting.
P – Well, its always great to feel wanted, you know. From my very conception I’ve been lucky enough to feel that sometimes aching need from my creators, and the public.
DC – One might almost say that possibly, you have been afforded a little too much, too soon, compared to films that have had to fight more for the recognition. It might even be said that you have suffered from that age old problem of believing the hype. Maybe?
P – There was always that fear I guess, that I might not be able to please those who so looked forward to my creation. But I guess you can never please everyone, right?
DC – Riiight. Still, if ever there was a gold medallist in the waiting, it was you. The promise of answers to questions fans have had about your family of movies – Previously known to us all as the Alien Trilogy plus the fourth black sheep one, and the gypsy cousin that is Alen V Predatorn – its had a lot of pull, and you have therefore had a very privileged creation. 130 million is a tasty inheritance to build on...
P – Yes, I never really had to worry about the money too much, which meant the vision could be realised. But that can be a burden in itself – and there was always a sense of trying to produce something that ticked all the boxes.
DC – Do you think you possibly over stretched the vision at times, because of your privileged dynasty?
P – Hard to say, we certainly packed a lot in there, but whether I can hold onto the fans on my own – I’m gonna have to wait and see. I think I may be relying on siblings to follow for the full realisation of this particular cinematic Oddysey.
DC – there are more films planned of course, and one of my personal criticisms might be that you do indeed fall somewhat short of expectations on your own. That you will NEED the back up of the films to follow – We maybe only have one Bee Gee here, and its therefore a little churlish to point out YOUR flaws until we have, as it were, got Wind And Fire to add to your Earth.
P – (smiles and nods nervously)
DC – Still, it might be useful to look at the task that faces your siblings – its always been said that the second and third child would benefit from the mistakes made with the first. – So, what the hell was the thing with Guy Pierce in old make up? That seemed like a bizarre and confusing choice. Did it have a point?
P – Possibly... I believe he did some sterling work pre-birth on the internet, which established his purpose – viral stuff.
DC – Ahhh right, so he was kind of an indulgence then, like an inappropriate candy bar to spoil the child maybe. Scope there for your siblings to sort that little glitch out I guess. Moving on to the Vickers character – you seem, overall, to be far less concerned with character and storyline, and far more concerned with the bluster of special effects and shock moments to see you through. Vickers is a great example of underdeveloped characterisation. In fact, she is so 2 dimensional, she could be the alien universe’s very own Flat Stanley. Which made her eventual fate even more ridiculous. Hopefully, future siblings will have more time spent on aspects like characterisation, which will of course make for a more rounded experience, instead of the shallow petulance that you are, at times, clearly guilty of.
P – I have flaws, and of course we can’t be good at everything, can we. (Smiles through gritted teeth)
DC – Absolutely. But perhaps characterisation is an area to be looked at for the future, in order to avoid the sort of issues that faced other overstretched film dynasties, such as the Star Wars Saga, and the Matrix Series. Now, its always nice for the public to leave with questions, but what we hope for usually is that they are not of the “What The Fuck Was That All About??” sort. Do you feel that maybe too many important questions were just left hanging? Or is that something else you are expecting your future siblings to address?
P – Yes, that. The Future siblings thing. Any questions will be answered in future films I’d guess.
DC – Really? Are you sure? Because people will be really narked if it all finishes up like bloody “Lost” and turns out to be Jesus again. Seriously.
P – (long nervous pause) ....I will pass those thoughts on. (looks at feet)
DC – Right, well, now all that is addressed, I just want to say thanks to Prometheus for taking the time to talk to us. On a positive note, Prometheus is well worth a look. Just bear in mind that its an over indulged, over privileged, sometimes lazy piece that will leave more questions than answers, and that quite frankly could have used a little more strict discipline growing up.
P – Wait, what? Do you know who I am? Seriously, can she say that? I’m leaving now...
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
I will KICK you in the twinkly fairy gif in a minute, beeyatch...
No but seriously.
I went on facebook once, and someone had sent me a cartoon semi sexy goth fairy with sparkly wings, spouting some shit about following your dreams and valuing friendships. Then it said some other stuff which I found frankly threatening - some bull about posting this as my status to show some other shallow halfwits that I care about them. Like if I don't post it, it means I'm a dried up friendless bitch? (sucks teeth)
Is that what its come to, people? That posting some overly elaborate, gaudy facebook bauble that Helen Steiner Rice would balk at is the thing to do to show the world you care?
Why the cock do you have to tell the whole bloody world anyway? Just tell the people that matter, surely. And even then, you likely don't need to say it. They possibly know. On account of you being there for them when needed, or helping out with the crap times by making a brew, or lending a fiver, or giving them a lift somewhere, or letting them borow your mascara - that kinda shizzle.
But the sparkly fairies though? Hey, if you LIKE those sparkly vagazzle headfucks, all power to you. I'm not gonna judge. I'm just pointing out that they are not really my thing, and the demands for reposting as my status willy nilly is frankly just ill thought out.
It *could* make you look like an eight yr old who is desperate to get everyone in her class to sign her My Little Pony Autograph book that she won for being a swotty and doing her homework first. Not saying it definately does (it does) but it could. (does)
Sooooo, how bout you keep the glitter bukkake to yourself where I'm concerned. I mean I don't come to your wall and post my stuff. Mainly because it may have long words and complex concepts, fewer pictures, and none of those animals with mahoosive eyes that look like they are suffering from some weird Mekon disease.
And once again can I stress that if that *is* the sort of thing you go for, please don't feel any the less for it.
Just don't tar me with the same shallow girlchild tweeness.
Kidding, its sweet. (twee)
Love you. (but only in a throw away, facebook stranger way, natch. Don't actually come to my gaff.)
Daiz xx
I went on facebook once, and someone had sent me a cartoon semi sexy goth fairy with sparkly wings, spouting some shit about following your dreams and valuing friendships. Then it said some other stuff which I found frankly threatening - some bull about posting this as my status to show some other shallow halfwits that I care about them. Like if I don't post it, it means I'm a dried up friendless bitch? (sucks teeth)
Is that what its come to, people? That posting some overly elaborate, gaudy facebook bauble that Helen Steiner Rice would balk at is the thing to do to show the world you care?
Why the cock do you have to tell the whole bloody world anyway? Just tell the people that matter, surely. And even then, you likely don't need to say it. They possibly know. On account of you being there for them when needed, or helping out with the crap times by making a brew, or lending a fiver, or giving them a lift somewhere, or letting them borow your mascara - that kinda shizzle.
But the sparkly fairies though? Hey, if you LIKE those sparkly vagazzle headfucks, all power to you. I'm not gonna judge. I'm just pointing out that they are not really my thing, and the demands for reposting as my status willy nilly is frankly just ill thought out.
It *could* make you look like an eight yr old who is desperate to get everyone in her class to sign her My Little Pony Autograph book that she won for being a swotty and doing her homework first. Not saying it definately does (it does) but it could. (does)
Sooooo, how bout you keep the glitter bukkake to yourself where I'm concerned. I mean I don't come to your wall and post my stuff. Mainly because it may have long words and complex concepts, fewer pictures, and none of those animals with mahoosive eyes that look like they are suffering from some weird Mekon disease.
And once again can I stress that if that *is* the sort of thing you go for, please don't feel any the less for it.
Just don't tar me with the same shallow girlchild tweeness.
Kidding, its sweet. (twee)
Love you. (but only in a throw away, facebook stranger way, natch. Don't actually come to my gaff.)
Daiz xx
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Daisy's Top Tips for avoiding the ol' Black Dog
* Not to be taken too seriously
** No, fuck that, take it seriously, it really is life or death for some...
Its that time of year again - annoying gits gloating about their New Year Resolutions while you are struggling to even get up in the morning. Weather is gloomier and darker than Eeyore's Cellar, and all that shit you left til after christmas so you could leave work early for the party is coming back to haunt you.
So, what can you do to avoid that big black dog of doom from metaphorically humping the leg of your emotional wellbeing?
Here are a few simple and obvious strategies and tips from yours truly.
1 Fuck the diet. I said fuck the godamned diet!! You need those treats and carbs for a little while longer. Low blood sugar to a depressive is as dangerous as stairs to old folk.
2 Avoid contact with maudlin, neurotic teenagers. Maybe send the young pretenders to camp or something, or ask them to stop at a friends house. The last thing you need is someone whining that their black nail polish has run out when you are struggling not to pick up the shiny sharp objects...
3 Type "cheerful news" into youtube and record some on a loop, then play it on repeat instead of the steaming pile of gloom currently all over the news channels.
4 Open the bloody curtains for gunness sakes!! All that dark is NOT good for you, you are not bloody Nosferatu.
5 Sod it, go and get your hair done, or a tattoo or get something pierced. It'll be a talking point at least, and get you out of the bubbling quagmire of doom, innit.
6 If you don't own a pet, get one. Nothing pisses all over the twattiness of life like a kitten going mental for a bit of fucking string. Alternatively, youtube search for kittens going mental for a bit of string. Result!!!
7 Don't set any new year resolutions until it is daylight when you wake up in the morning. Trust me, this simple rule will keep you from living in Satan's Ballsack of Guilt because you broke your resolutions within a week.... (its still the New Year right up to next christmas as far as I'm concerned - plenty of time for New Year resolutions when the sun is shining.)
8 Drink a shitload of water. Supposedly, it will keep you hydrated, and when you are hydrated, your brain will be working better and your whole body will feel more alert. My theory is that it actually dilutes the depressing inky blackness to a far less scary slightly muddy puddle.
9 Try to avoid too much time on your own, there is indeed safety in numbers. This one applies to Zombie Holocausts too. Bonus.
10 Get out of the house. Not in a "creepy haunted voice warning you should not ignore" kind of way, but in a "get some fresh air before you turn into that bloke in se7en in that room with all the air fresheners hanging from the ceiling" kind of way.
Right, there's ten things to be going on with. I know its all bollocks anyway and life is a pile of steaming shit and no one is a bigger loser than you etc etc but... Give life a chance to spark again and I wish you all the luck in the world getting through to the light and the end of the tunnel for another bloody year.
Much love and affection to all my fellow sufferers - Daized.
** No, fuck that, take it seriously, it really is life or death for some...
Its that time of year again - annoying gits gloating about their New Year Resolutions while you are struggling to even get up in the morning. Weather is gloomier and darker than Eeyore's Cellar, and all that shit you left til after christmas so you could leave work early for the party is coming back to haunt you.
So, what can you do to avoid that big black dog of doom from metaphorically humping the leg of your emotional wellbeing?
Here are a few simple and obvious strategies and tips from yours truly.
1 Fuck the diet. I said fuck the godamned diet!! You need those treats and carbs for a little while longer. Low blood sugar to a depressive is as dangerous as stairs to old folk.
2 Avoid contact with maudlin, neurotic teenagers. Maybe send the young pretenders to camp or something, or ask them to stop at a friends house. The last thing you need is someone whining that their black nail polish has run out when you are struggling not to pick up the shiny sharp objects...
3 Type "cheerful news" into youtube and record some on a loop, then play it on repeat instead of the steaming pile of gloom currently all over the news channels.
4 Open the bloody curtains for gunness sakes!! All that dark is NOT good for you, you are not bloody Nosferatu.
5 Sod it, go and get your hair done, or a tattoo or get something pierced. It'll be a talking point at least, and get you out of the bubbling quagmire of doom, innit.
6 If you don't own a pet, get one. Nothing pisses all over the twattiness of life like a kitten going mental for a bit of fucking string. Alternatively, youtube search for kittens going mental for a bit of string. Result!!!
7 Don't set any new year resolutions until it is daylight when you wake up in the morning. Trust me, this simple rule will keep you from living in Satan's Ballsack of Guilt because you broke your resolutions within a week.... (its still the New Year right up to next christmas as far as I'm concerned - plenty of time for New Year resolutions when the sun is shining.)
8 Drink a shitload of water. Supposedly, it will keep you hydrated, and when you are hydrated, your brain will be working better and your whole body will feel more alert. My theory is that it actually dilutes the depressing inky blackness to a far less scary slightly muddy puddle.
9 Try to avoid too much time on your own, there is indeed safety in numbers. This one applies to Zombie Holocausts too. Bonus.
10 Get out of the house. Not in a "creepy haunted voice warning you should not ignore" kind of way, but in a "get some fresh air before you turn into that bloke in se7en in that room with all the air fresheners hanging from the ceiling" kind of way.
Right, there's ten things to be going on with. I know its all bollocks anyway and life is a pile of steaming shit and no one is a bigger loser than you etc etc but... Give life a chance to spark again and I wish you all the luck in the world getting through to the light and the end of the tunnel for another bloody year.
Much love and affection to all my fellow sufferers - Daized.
Friday, 30 December 2011
Winning - no, not Tiger Blood, Daisy Blood!!
Here's what I know. This time of year is really hard for people like me. That is people who identify with any of the following -
Slightly mental, self absorbed, prone to paranoia, on medication, bi-polar, introspective, intellegent, overly self-critical, too confident/lacking confidence (Its a see-saw) self destructive, prone to depressive thoughts, prone to manic thoughts, think too much, worry too much, control obsessed, bloody idiots.
I just get really stupidly worrysome about the year to come, and then regretful and guilty about the tiniest of issues from the year just about to finish. Then there's the gloom. Its so pervasive at times, and hard to shake. I think to myself "Don't think about the small stuff, you know like that time when..." and Oh shit, I'm thinking about it again and dwelling, and being a dick.
Its been a bit different this year though, so maybe my usual pattern isn't quite so tram tracked into predictability. Medication helps. Supportive people help. Positive attitudes help. No really, I was hugely cynical, but have been kind of "Well, it'll either be shit or not, so fuckling get on with it" this year, and I'm pleased to say that mostly, its NOT been shit.
And behold THIS revelation - I think it was down to me. I did it. I was making good choices. I was stopping myself from getting too negative. I was fighting it. And I have been winning quiite a lot. Not in a Ohhh crap, I'm definately mental, Charlie Sheen Tiger Blood kind of way - in an Actually I'm bloody good and my biggest gripe is with the dicks who don't see that! kind of way.
This year those eejits have been the enemy, not me. I don't know exactly when I made the change, but I did. I don't know if it will last, either, as I'm still VERY skilled at destroying my achievements from the comfort of my own tiny mind. But I'm going on fighting next year, because someone has to stand up for me, especially since it seems everyone else is gonna be busy fighting to keep themselves above water, eh... ;)
Slightly mental, self absorbed, prone to paranoia, on medication, bi-polar, introspective, intellegent, overly self-critical, too confident/lacking confidence (Its a see-saw) self destructive, prone to depressive thoughts, prone to manic thoughts, think too much, worry too much, control obsessed, bloody idiots.
I just get really stupidly worrysome about the year to come, and then regretful and guilty about the tiniest of issues from the year just about to finish. Then there's the gloom. Its so pervasive at times, and hard to shake. I think to myself "Don't think about the small stuff, you know like that time when..." and Oh shit, I'm thinking about it again and dwelling, and being a dick.
Its been a bit different this year though, so maybe my usual pattern isn't quite so tram tracked into predictability. Medication helps. Supportive people help. Positive attitudes help. No really, I was hugely cynical, but have been kind of "Well, it'll either be shit or not, so fuckling get on with it" this year, and I'm pleased to say that mostly, its NOT been shit.
And behold THIS revelation - I think it was down to me. I did it. I was making good choices. I was stopping myself from getting too negative. I was fighting it. And I have been winning quiite a lot. Not in a Ohhh crap, I'm definately mental, Charlie Sheen Tiger Blood kind of way - in an Actually I'm bloody good and my biggest gripe is with the dicks who don't see that! kind of way.
This year those eejits have been the enemy, not me. I don't know exactly when I made the change, but I did. I don't know if it will last, either, as I'm still VERY skilled at destroying my achievements from the comfort of my own tiny mind. But I'm going on fighting next year, because someone has to stand up for me, especially since it seems everyone else is gonna be busy fighting to keep themselves above water, eh... ;)
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Kudos to Susan Boyle..
.. She seems to have got herself sorted.
I remember crying me eyes out at her audition, and following her story with mixed feelings.
I was truly worried for her - she seemed such a fragile person, vulnerable and so exposed. People jumped at the chance to take the piss out of her obvious difficulties in behaving appropriately in the limelight, or her total lack of self awareness, or her less than attractive appearance, or her mental weaknesses and temperament.
She was such an easy target, but perhaps that worked both positively and negatively for her. On the one hand, she was ripped apart without mercy by comedians and commentators, who took advantage of the fact that people really didn't 'get' her and were therefore very ready to laugh at her rather than with. On the other hand, that meant she was always in the news and her name was everywhere. It made her "fame" implode, really, so that whatever you thought about her, you certainly knew her name.
Susan was just strange enough to be held up for ridicule, but not so obviously disabled that it would be seen as inappropriate. But should it have been? Would people have been so ready to take the piss if she had been blind, like Andrea Botecelli? or if she had a more visible problem, like having Downs Syndrome? The trouble with Susan was that her difficulties, though absolutely obvious, weren't pinned down to anything that people would feel meant you shouldn't take the piss. So despite it being really obvious that she had learning difficulties and some odd behaviours, and that she struggled with her mental wellbeing, she came in for some horrendous media bullying.
Hearing more about her life just made alarm bells ring even louder. All her life she had been bullied. She had struggled with friendships and relationships, she had relied on and been supported by her parents, and therefore was completely at sea when they were no longer there. Was our hunger for reality TV now going to chew her up and leave her to perish?
Well, it seems not, and I am really heartened by that. I'm heartened that, for whatever reason, people all over the world chose to take her onboard despite all the name calling. They decided to buy her records. They decided to hold her up as a symbol of their dreams. They decided to support her regardless of her weirdness, because that's what they would want people to do for them. And it seems there were bloody loads of people who took this "do as you would be done by" attitude. Loads and Loads of people who were themselves challenged in some borderline way that made them the butt of easy jokes, targets for bullying, vulnerable to the harshness of critics who jump on the slightest imperfections. Loads and loads of people who saw something in Susan and the reactions she got and decided it wasn't fair, and it wasn't how they would behave.
That's got to be a hopeful thing in this day and age. That people will make someone like Susan Boyle their superstar - spend their money on her records instead of some of the other cynical money grabbing pop products on the market.
But I still had niggles - for all that fame, pressure and change, what was SHE getting out of it. From what I'd read and seen, she didn't give a toss for the money. Watching the documentary tonight about how she was coping with the changes, I got a better idea. Seems that the biggest thing she is getting is company. Knowing that there are people out there - Loads and Loads of them as I said earlier - who actually don't think she's a bit weird, who don't see her as ugly, odd, old, fat, thick, different, but instead see her as JUST LIKE THEM!! So, like she said on the doc, the biggest thing she has now, in spades, is kinship. To feel that she's the same, not different. To no longer feel lonely.
Anyway, screw the money she has made, the fact that people around her have made it possible for her to perform, make records, travel, make appearances etc with as little stress and worry for her as possible is a good thing. The fact that its still doable to be a megastar despite having issues like those that have held you back for so long, that is a good good thing.
So, good on you Susan. Here's to you, and those around you supporting and enabling. And here's to a world that buys your records and says "Yes you can" to your dreams. I like it.
I remember crying me eyes out at her audition, and following her story with mixed feelings.
I was truly worried for her - she seemed such a fragile person, vulnerable and so exposed. People jumped at the chance to take the piss out of her obvious difficulties in behaving appropriately in the limelight, or her total lack of self awareness, or her less than attractive appearance, or her mental weaknesses and temperament.
She was such an easy target, but perhaps that worked both positively and negatively for her. On the one hand, she was ripped apart without mercy by comedians and commentators, who took advantage of the fact that people really didn't 'get' her and were therefore very ready to laugh at her rather than with. On the other hand, that meant she was always in the news and her name was everywhere. It made her "fame" implode, really, so that whatever you thought about her, you certainly knew her name.
Susan was just strange enough to be held up for ridicule, but not so obviously disabled that it would be seen as inappropriate. But should it have been? Would people have been so ready to take the piss if she had been blind, like Andrea Botecelli? or if she had a more visible problem, like having Downs Syndrome? The trouble with Susan was that her difficulties, though absolutely obvious, weren't pinned down to anything that people would feel meant you shouldn't take the piss. So despite it being really obvious that she had learning difficulties and some odd behaviours, and that she struggled with her mental wellbeing, she came in for some horrendous media bullying.
Hearing more about her life just made alarm bells ring even louder. All her life she had been bullied. She had struggled with friendships and relationships, she had relied on and been supported by her parents, and therefore was completely at sea when they were no longer there. Was our hunger for reality TV now going to chew her up and leave her to perish?
Well, it seems not, and I am really heartened by that. I'm heartened that, for whatever reason, people all over the world chose to take her onboard despite all the name calling. They decided to buy her records. They decided to hold her up as a symbol of their dreams. They decided to support her regardless of her weirdness, because that's what they would want people to do for them. And it seems there were bloody loads of people who took this "do as you would be done by" attitude. Loads and Loads of people who were themselves challenged in some borderline way that made them the butt of easy jokes, targets for bullying, vulnerable to the harshness of critics who jump on the slightest imperfections. Loads and loads of people who saw something in Susan and the reactions she got and decided it wasn't fair, and it wasn't how they would behave.
That's got to be a hopeful thing in this day and age. That people will make someone like Susan Boyle their superstar - spend their money on her records instead of some of the other cynical money grabbing pop products on the market.
But I still had niggles - for all that fame, pressure and change, what was SHE getting out of it. From what I'd read and seen, she didn't give a toss for the money. Watching the documentary tonight about how she was coping with the changes, I got a better idea. Seems that the biggest thing she is getting is company. Knowing that there are people out there - Loads and Loads of them as I said earlier - who actually don't think she's a bit weird, who don't see her as ugly, odd, old, fat, thick, different, but instead see her as JUST LIKE THEM!! So, like she said on the doc, the biggest thing she has now, in spades, is kinship. To feel that she's the same, not different. To no longer feel lonely.
Anyway, screw the money she has made, the fact that people around her have made it possible for her to perform, make records, travel, make appearances etc with as little stress and worry for her as possible is a good thing. The fact that its still doable to be a megastar despite having issues like those that have held you back for so long, that is a good good thing.
So, good on you Susan. Here's to you, and those around you supporting and enabling. And here's to a world that buys your records and says "Yes you can" to your dreams. I like it.
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Letter to my mum.
Dear mum
Eee, I can't believe its been two years. Sometimes seems like yesterday I was up at yours, showing you that little notebook PC for looking at photos on. I know this letter is on the internet, but we were talking about getting on the internet last time i saw you, so I figured you'd have found a way to check things out down here by now. Unless all this afterlife stuff is bullshit, in which case its a mute point. Sorry about saying bullshit. Anyway, I like to think you are always on facebook these days, checking out our gossip and catching up...
I've done lots on the house recently - you'd not recognise the place! Had the hall stairs and landing carpets done, new kitchen and kitchen floor, new bathroom floor and ceiling, new bedroom. The bit you probably didn't like was me cutting down all my lovely trees and bushes and having it all gravelled over. Still, it does look neater now, and you can see in through the windows if you are ever... in the area. :)
Rob's out of work at the mo, which is a bit sh.. rubbish. Hopefully it won't be for too much longer, but things are tough for lots of folk at the mo, and in the grand scheme of things, we are doing OK. Still, keep your eyes peeled for us, and if you do have any sway, fate wise, then feel free to sway things our way.
Sally is growing up fast. Even has a boyfriend. He's called Dave but we call him goat boy. Still doing amazing at school, and I'm just so damned proud of her. Can't believe how bloody sensible she is really - I reckon you are influencing her from afar!! She's at North Chadd still, but in sixth form doing Art, History, Media and some others. She's certainly loving the Art - definately making you and me very proud there. :) The work she did for her GCSE's was amazing - she got 9 by the way, 7 A's a B and a C, miles better than I did. But you probably knew that already :) Keep an eye on her, won't you...
Me, I'm doing alright. Keeping going, trying to get things that bother me sorted out, and keeping my head above water for the most part. Things do seem to be a bit less of a drama these days, although I still have huge black days when I lose perspective a little bit. They're fewer though, and I feel like I'm generally less scared of myself these days.
Oooh me and Degs are going on a cruise at Easter - from New Orleans. It's going round the western Caribbean - Mexico, Camen Islands, Jamaica - Its keeping me going through the tough bits at the mo.
Miss you. At the most stupid times as well, like at half term. I taught myself how to tie this special knot that is used in the latest bracelet craze - Shambala bracelets. Found myself thinking lots about you, your crafty ways. All those ponchoes and bedsocks and stuff came flooding in - I even found that crochetted bikini thing you made me. Bet you are knitting away wherever you are. I made lots of lovely bracelets and I could almost hear you approving from afar.
Love you, mum. Never said it enough, but then nobody ever does really. But I do. Still. And always will.
Take care,
Debs xx
Eee, I can't believe its been two years. Sometimes seems like yesterday I was up at yours, showing you that little notebook PC for looking at photos on. I know this letter is on the internet, but we were talking about getting on the internet last time i saw you, so I figured you'd have found a way to check things out down here by now. Unless all this afterlife stuff is bullshit, in which case its a mute point. Sorry about saying bullshit. Anyway, I like to think you are always on facebook these days, checking out our gossip and catching up...
I've done lots on the house recently - you'd not recognise the place! Had the hall stairs and landing carpets done, new kitchen and kitchen floor, new bathroom floor and ceiling, new bedroom. The bit you probably didn't like was me cutting down all my lovely trees and bushes and having it all gravelled over. Still, it does look neater now, and you can see in through the windows if you are ever... in the area. :)
Rob's out of work at the mo, which is a bit sh.. rubbish. Hopefully it won't be for too much longer, but things are tough for lots of folk at the mo, and in the grand scheme of things, we are doing OK. Still, keep your eyes peeled for us, and if you do have any sway, fate wise, then feel free to sway things our way.
Sally is growing up fast. Even has a boyfriend. He's called Dave but we call him goat boy. Still doing amazing at school, and I'm just so damned proud of her. Can't believe how bloody sensible she is really - I reckon you are influencing her from afar!! She's at North Chadd still, but in sixth form doing Art, History, Media and some others. She's certainly loving the Art - definately making you and me very proud there. :) The work she did for her GCSE's was amazing - she got 9 by the way, 7 A's a B and a C, miles better than I did. But you probably knew that already :) Keep an eye on her, won't you...
Me, I'm doing alright. Keeping going, trying to get things that bother me sorted out, and keeping my head above water for the most part. Things do seem to be a bit less of a drama these days, although I still have huge black days when I lose perspective a little bit. They're fewer though, and I feel like I'm generally less scared of myself these days.
Oooh me and Degs are going on a cruise at Easter - from New Orleans. It's going round the western Caribbean - Mexico, Camen Islands, Jamaica - Its keeping me going through the tough bits at the mo.
Miss you. At the most stupid times as well, like at half term. I taught myself how to tie this special knot that is used in the latest bracelet craze - Shambala bracelets. Found myself thinking lots about you, your crafty ways. All those ponchoes and bedsocks and stuff came flooding in - I even found that crochetted bikini thing you made me. Bet you are knitting away wherever you are. I made lots of lovely bracelets and I could almost hear you approving from afar.
Love you, mum. Never said it enough, but then nobody ever does really. But I do. Still. And always will.
Take care,
Debs xx
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