I don't think I'm overstating things if I say that there is a perception amongst many British people that the press and media in America are quite insular. And arrogantly, we like to think that we are better informed. But actually I'm beginning to think that that's not the case at all.

Firstly, a disclaimer: I almost never watch television news reports because I hate the presenters, and I only rarely read a newspaper (although my husband does bring home the Daily Mail ,but that's more in the nature of Heat magazine with the odd rant about how public sector workers are going to bankrupt the country. Because public sector workers don't pay taxes, or work for their pay or contribute to their pensions like everyone else does. Oh wait, except we do.).

But on the four days a week that I go to work, I listen to the Today programme on Radio 4, which I'm sure likes to think of itself as a very serious news show, and hear several headline bulletins throughout the day.

And yet, if it weren't for things I've seen people tweeting about, I'd have absolutely no idea that the whole Occupy Wall St and all the other places it is going on, was happening at all. This seems like it should be a big news story to me, and yet I haven't heard a single mention of it. This afternoon there was a passing reference to the 'anti-capitalist protesters' camping outside St Paul's Cathedral. But only because apparently tourists and worshipers don't like having to walk amongst the tents to get to St Paul's. There was nothing about what is actually being protested about, or the wider context and global nature of the protest.

Listening to the BBC you could be forgiven for thinking that the only thing that has happened anywhere in the world for the last fortnight was Liam Fox's travelling companion fiasco.

...where you think you must have upset/offended someone but you really really can't think what it is you've said/done, only they seem a bit off with you? And actually it's probably nothing to do with you at all, you're just paranoid, but you can't help it niggling at you?

No? Just me then.

I expect everyone except me has already seen this, but in case you haven't...

Both times have been in 3D even though it's a pain having to wear the glasses over my own glasses! I tried to see it in 2D both times, but last week it was only on in 3D in Brid and last night the 2D was sold out! So I don't know if it was some trick of the 3D but in several places I couldn't help feeling that Alan Rickman looked a lot like the Face of Boe! He was excellent though, and I shall be trying to say eq......ually whenever possible. I cried a little bit, ( do I really need to cut for spoilers? Just to be on the safe side then )

Hi, I'm still here! Going on holiday on Saturday and I can't wait, a whole week off work!

Anywho, I just read this book : Man's World by Rupert Smith.

It's two separate narratives that are woven together very cleverly. It's quite clear from the beginning how the two overlap but it's not too horribly contrived. They are the stories of two gay men, one set at the end of the 1950s and the other in the present. I enjoyed the historical one more, simply because I found the characters more appealing, but also because it is about the development of a relationship and Michael's tentative coming to terms with his sexuality and I like first time fics. The present day plot-line covers any number of gay 'scene' cliches and most of the characters are objectionable in someway, but it all ties together so nicely at the end that I can't really find fault. The writing is skillful and the plot moves along at a good pace. I really recommend this book, I'm quite tempted to read it again.

Incidentally I checked out the author's website to see what else he had written and to my surprise he also writes erotic fiction as James Lear and wrote 'The Back Passage' which I found so disappointing a couple of years ago. Man's World is a much better book, though with a great deal less sex!

http://www.freesparkle.com

I hope you had a wonderful day. I'm so sorry to be late with this, but yesterday just disapeared in a black hole somewhere! Anyway, I've cobbled together a small fic for you. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to use the 'Spreadable Butt' prompt from so long ago, my brain wouldn't cooperate, but I hope you like this anyway.


Title: Let him now speak
Author:Vickyducky
Word count:
Warnings:One use of strong language
Rating:PG 13

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

( Let him now speak )

If you found a magical stone that could keep one person young forever, would you keep it or give it to someone else? If the latter, to whom would you give it?

To be honest, I think I'd drop it down a well or something. Imagine always being young while all around you the people you love, your friends, your family, your children, age and die. It sends shivers down my spine.

And how could I wish that horrible fate on anyone else? No, I'd lose it as quickly as possible.


Actually, I've had a thought. I'd give it to one of those poor children who have progeria so they could stay young while they're supposed to be young, with the proviso that they handed it onto another sufferer when they were about 50.

Well, I'm not dead, although I did nearly drown in self-pity at one point! Anyway leo_draconis is hosting a H/D Shared Bed fest and astonishingly it inspired me to write this ficlet, although I've a feeling it isn't at all what she was expecting/hoping for. But, for what it's worth here it is:

Warnings: none
Rating: G


Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

( Draco lay still... )

We took the decs down today (no other chance really between now and Twelfth Night) so it feels as though Christmas is really over for another year. It was unusually placid and incident free this year, everyone got on with each other.

Had a nice weekend at my Mum and Dads'. Saw both my brothers and my sister-in-law and nephew and new niece and also one of my oldest friends who now lives in Paris but was home for Christmas.

Logically I don't believe in astrology, but I like to read my horoscope, especially the twelve month ones you get in the papers at this time of year. Apparently Jupiter and Uranus enter Pisces (I'm a Pisces) tomorrow, and it will be momentous. Can't wait!

Happy New Year all, whatever 2011 holds I hope it's a good one for all of us. Wishing you much love and happiness.

I wanted to make my first post using my new iPod touch. I was a bit skeptical when P first asked if I'd like one for Christmas, but I love it! Internet access in my handbag! Or pocket. And he up/down loaded BGJW to it for me so now I have Johnny Weir wherever I go! Which I realise is some people' s personal idea of hell on earth, but each to their own.

D has been out on his new bike already and my fears that he would be disappointed with his presents were completely unfounded - he practically burst with excitement.

The goose is going in the oven in 10 minutes and the family will arrive in about 4 hours. Now that I can sit in a corner catching up on all the Christmas fics I haven't had time to read, I hope I won't feel the need to escape into the garden, like I usually do. Especially as it is -6 centigrade and lots of snow on the ground. I suppose I could always build an igloo!

Anyway, tl;dr I know, so I hope you have a very Happy, relaxing, enjoyable Christmas Day.