Monday 30 April 2012

Review of The Lorax Movie

I was recently asked if I would be interested in review this new movie. Sadly I was unable to attend but  asked a lovely young friend Kate if she would take on the task. This is her review and I think it sounds like a great movie. So thank you so much Kate for filling in for me she did a wonderful job.

'The Lorax' is a new film out this year from the brilliant mind of Dr.Seuss and the wonderful animation styling of Illumination Entertainment who also bought us the joys of 'Despicable Me'.

The film is an adaptation from the original book that was written and illustrated by Dr.Seuss in the 1970's; however, with the combination of an amazing animation company such as Illumination Entertainment, a voice cast including Zac Efron, Taylor Swift and Danny Devito and produced by Universal Pictures, you know that the adaptation has done the book and the creativity of Dr.Seuss justice.

The storyline to the film is relatively simple, which is understandable considering the target audience of this film is children, however, whilst watching the film it wasn't only the children that I heard laughing in the audience. This film is a film that anyone can enjoy; the use of imaginative characters, scenes and dialogue all contribute to create a film with depth, character, creativity and a moral that is nicely disguised underneath a facade of colour and humour.

The audience is grabbed straight away as the film opens with a town singing session that helps to explain the way the characters in 'Thnedd-Ville' have lived ever since the trees where chopped down and the air was filled with smoggy fumes. It doesn't take long though for the story to get started as the audience is shown the world that once was, a world where there was trees that are full of colour and softer than silk and the eventual downfall of this once beautiful and peaceful forest through the hands of 'The Once-ler' (Voiced by Ed Helms), the inventor of the Thneed that inspired the idea for Thneed-Ville. The Once-ler stumbles upon this beautiful forestry after travelling around trying to find the perfect material for his future invention that would make him rich and famous, and once he spots the trees, he knows he’s about to make it big time. However his plans are interrupted when he chops down just one of the trees, and in the dramatic fashion that only animations can create, a Lorax appears (The Keeper of the Trees) to warn The Once-ler of the dangers of cutting down this forest, unfortunately in true money grabbing spirit this warning has no effect on The Once-ler once he realises how popular his product will be, this leads to the demise of the forest and of the way of life for the creatures that inhabited the forest. 

Now, you can tell if a storyline has an impact on an audience simply by sitting through a screening with an excessive amount of children all aged 5 - 10 sitting around you, with their complimentary packs of popcorn and their balloon creations that they had obtained from the people in the foyer earlier popping throughout the entirety of the film, so these were some pretty content little children, however, when it comes to the crux of the story where the audience is shown the devastation The Once-ler has created, a single child in the audience somewhere behind me starts to sniff and snivel and eventually starts to cry as that last tree is cut down and falls dramatically to the ground. To me, that was a sign that this film could be understood by these children and they could understand what was happening and the effects of what The Once-ler was doing, even if they can't comprehend the entirety of the film or the moral, they still have a vague understanding which I found quite impressive. 

This film surprised me, I wasn't expecting to enjoy the film too much but it had me laughing away at the humour they had included in it and it had me feeling sorrow for the poor creatures who had their home destroyed by The Once-ler, through animation they have created a film that allows you to escape to an alternate and weird world and witness a unique way of getting across the moral for keeping the environment a cleaner place. Personally, I enjoyed this film far too much for someone my age and it reminded me why I wanted to get into animation; it was moving and motivational as well as visually beautiful and wonderfully animated. 

Sunday 29 April 2012

A to Z Challenge Z is for ....

A to Z challenge Z is for zig zag!  Well I made it my friends a quilt block for every letter of the alphabet. I would not think it possible to do but I did. I really enjoyed finding out about my own subject, as well as reading all your posts and comments also. If anyone would like me to do a  tutorial on any of the challenge blocks let me know. I really think I shall make a sampler quilt using all the blocks I have named. That would be fun. Please keep coming back even though the challenge has finished and well done everyone.

ZIG ZAG



Saturday 28 April 2012

A to Z Challenge Y is for .......

A to Z Challenge Y is for Yellow Dervish which is a very exotic name. It comes from the turkish word "darvis" meaning poor. Maybe the early pioneers found this out and made a block. Quilts were often made from what they could find, so the words meaning could have been just right.

YELLOW DERVISH


Thursday 26 April 2012

A to Z Challlenge X is for .....

A to Z Challenge X is for X's and O's. I thought I had hit the wall with X so when I found this block I was over the moon. Could not find any history but maybe it was a lady expressing her love

X'S AND O'S

Wednesday 25 April 2012

A to Z Challenge W is for .......

A to Z challenge W is for wild goose chase. Quilters would often look for pattern in nature. They were on their farms and maybe watched wild geese flying past, and hey there was a block. Pioneer women used their artistic ability to make wonderful quilts.

WILD GOOSE CHASE



Tuesday 24 April 2012

Warner Bros Blogger's Day - London



I was invited along to Warner Brothers Bloggers Day in London.  I was greeted by a friendly receptionist who gave us our passes and directed us to the Warner Brothers Screening Lounge.  Here i was greeted by numerous TV screens showcasing some of the latest streaming technology.

My first stop was the Ninendo 3DS stand where i had the chance to play the game Green Lantern this was an enjoyable side scrolling game, with a great 3D effect.

Next to this was a life size model of Batman from the latest game Arkham City and I only wished this could of been a freebie to take home

I then browsed demos of both the Playstation 3 and Xbox360 that were separated by the giant penguin Happy Feet from Happy Feet 2

I was then shown a great new website called UltraViolet which is an online streaming service that you get free when you buy certain blu ray discs.  At the moment when you purchase a film with a digital copy you have to go via Itunes to download this to ypour devices. 

With Ultra Violet the concept is you buy your blu ray disc and your digital copy is a code that you enter via their website and that film is then available on your online account.  In the future you will then be able to watch that film via ipods, iphones, tablets, computers and ultra violet enabled TV’s.

This is a great free addition you get with all your films and this means you won’t have to trust the children with your precious blu ray discs.  This also means you are able to stream your films from anywhere with an internet connection.  Lovely for those weekends away when your stuck in doors in rainy weather.

From here we moved on to checking out some of the latest Ipad games including Lego Harry Potter 5-7 Years which is a funny retelling of the Harry Potter films using Lego characters.  This is incredibly engrossing and amazingly funny.

The next Ipad game was scribblenauts which is a clever game where you have to complete each level by creating tools to reach a star.  What makes this game so clever is that you can use anything to reach your goal by typing the name of the object you wish to use.  For example if the star was in the tree I could type the word ladder and a ladder would appear for me to use to climb the tree.  Anything is possible with this game as i found out when i created a grappling hook, helicopter and space ship to reach the goal.  Its engrossing for adults but could be an good tool for teaching children how to spell.

We were then shown a demonstration of blinkbox which is a cheap way of saving yourself having to go to the video shop.

The service allows you to stream some of the latest films from your games consoles, tablets and blink box enabled TV’s.

The quality was amazing, great buffering times and reasonable pricing.

We were then led into Warner Brothers Cinema screen to a welcoming demonstrator of the upcoming game Lego Batman 2 DC Super Heros.

Much like other Lego games this is a funny telling of Batman stories, the difference with this sequel is it features a wide range of DC characters from Superman, Green Lantern to the Batman Universe. 


As a first for Lego games all characters are voiced and the graphics are some of the nicest seen yet in a Lego game. 

Something to look forward to is the open world aspect demoed briefly.  Looking forward to seeing this around June-July and will make a great adults game which is also perfect for kids.

Thanks to Warner for a great day out!

Please note: we were not paid for the day but given a goodie bag when we left.

Monday 23 April 2012

Car insurance and beyond

Car insurance and beyond – protect your car in every way

For some, the car is purely a utility tool. It’s there to get from A to B and nothing more. For others, the car is a prized possession to be vacuumed and washed with warm soapy water every weekend. Whatever they might think of their car, every driver is inconvenienced when it’s out of action.
Whether you use your vehicle for work, the school run, shopping or just the occasional chore, if it breaks down, gets stolen or is involved in an accident then it’s a serious problem – a logistical nightmare, even.
Fortunately, with a little attention you can significantly reduce the risks of being left in the lurch without use of a car. Just a few pointers will keep you on the road instead of the train.

Anti-theft

Having your car stolen is horrible, so don’t give thieves the chance. You can protect yourself by getting an immobiliser and alarm fitted, which could also reduce your car insurance costs as an added bonus.
Leaving valuables in full view will also encourage smash and grab crime so lock your valuables out of sight – or, better still, don’t leave them in the car at all.
Making sure your car keys are stored in a sensible place at home also reduces the risk of car theft. Don’t leave them where opportunistic thieves could spot them from outside. So instead of leaving your keys on the table by the window in the hall, why not chuck them in a drawer?
If you’ve got an older car without modern anti-theft devices, then a steering wheel lock or gearstick lock could be a worthwhile investment. They normally come in bright colours, so crooks don’t even need to break the window to discover they can’t take your car!

Anti-crash

Regular checks on your tyres (for air pressure and tread) and lights are a must for road safety. It might also be a good idea to keep some salt and grit in the garage and some de-icer in the glove box. Winter driving is a lot safer if your visibility is top notch.
Remembering to leave yourself sufficient time for routine journeys is also important. One more ‘snooze’ on your morning alarm isn’t worth breaking speed limits for. Many accidents happen on familiar roads, and driving to work while you’re still half asleep could be a quick route to a car accident.

Insurance

Every now and then Lady Luck leaves your side. On these occasions, you need to be adequately covered by your car insurance. Consider all the features and extras you need for your car insurance, such as a courtesy car and child car seat replacements.

Fortunately, with a little attention yous an added bonus. 

Leaving valuables in full view will also encourage smash and grab crime so lock your valuables out of sight – or, better still, don’t leave them in the car at all.

Making sure your car keys are stored in a sensible place at home also reduces the risk of car theft. Don’t leave them where opportunistic thieves could spot them from outside. So instead of leaving your keys on the table by the window in tCar insurance and beyond – protect your car in every way

For some, the car is purely a utility tool. It’s there to get from A to B and nothing more. For others, the car is a prized possession to be vacuumed and washed with warm soapy water every weekend. Whatever they might think of theosts as an added bonus. 

Leaving valuables in full view will also encourage smash and grab crime so lock your valuables out of sight – or, better still, don’t leave them in the car at all.

Making sure your car keys are stored in a sensible place at home also reduces the risk of car theft. Don’t leave them where opportunistic thieves could spot them from outside. So instead of leaving your keys on the table by the window in the hall, why not chuck them in a drawer?

If you’ve got an older car without modern anti-theft devices, then a steering wheel lock or gearstick lock could be a worthwhile investment. They normally come in bright colours, so crooks don’t even need to break the window to discover they can’t take your car!

Anti-crash

Regular checks on your tyres (for air pressure and tread) and lights are a must for road safety. It might also be a good idea to keep some salt and grit in the garage and some de-icer in the glove box. Winter driving is a lot safer if your visibility is top notch.

Remembering to leave yourself sufficient time for routine journeys is also important. One more ‘snooze’ on your morning alarm isn’t worth breaking speed limits for. Many accidents happen on familiar roads, and driving to work while you’re still half asleep could be a quick route to a car accident.

Insurance

Every now and then Lady Luck leaves your side. On these occasions, you need to be adequately covered by your car insurance. Consider all the features and extras you need for your car insurance, such as a courtesy car and child car seat replacements.he hall, why not chuck them in a drawer?

If you’ve got an older car without modern anti-theft devices, then a steering wheel lock or gearstick lock could be a worthwhile investment. They normally come in bright colours, so crooks don’t even need to break the window to discover they can’t take your car!

Anti-crash

Regular checks on your tyres (for air pressure and tread) and lights are a must for road safety. It might also be a good idea to keep some salt and grit in the garage and some de-icer in the glove box. Winter driving is a lot safer if your visibility is top notch.

Remembering to leave yourself sufficient time for routine journeys is also important. One more ‘snooze’ on your morning alarm isn’t worth breaking speed limits for. Many accidents happen on familiar roads, and driving to work while you’re still half asleep could be a quick route to a car accident.

Insurance

Every now and then Lady Luck leaves your side. On these occasions, you need to be adequately covered by your car insurance. Consider all the features and extras you need for your car insurance, such as a courtesy car and child car seat replacements.


Sunday 22 April 2012

A to Z Challenge U is for ......

A to Z Challenge U is for Union Square this block can also be know as log cabin. It was very popular In America during the civil war. These quilts were often made and raffled off to raise money for the Union Army. This pattern can also date back as far as Egyptian tombs, were the mummies were wrapped.

UNION SQUARE


Friday 20 April 2012

A to Z Challenge T is for ......

A to Z challenge T is for Turkey Tracks, which is a very old quilt block. I guess some old time pioneer lady sat and watched her turkeys and thought she would name her block after them. I think its great that someone used their imagination to do this.

TURKEY TRACKS


A to Z Challege V is for ......

A to z Challenge V is for Vermont.I tried to find more history but lucked out. I would think it comes again from homesteaders and the state they were in. It was often that these pioneer women would sew to keep busy, and for practical needs. Months could past getting ready for these long trips west. Such a lovely rich history.

VERMONT


Thursday 19 April 2012

Twinings White Tea Review


Twinings white tea review today as a little difference from my A to Z Challenge on my blog for you today.
I was asked to try this out and really as a big tea drinker, it was a pleasure to do. I have to admit I did not know about white tea, but found out that it is the young tea so very fresh .
I got mine at my normal supermarket and was pleased to find it was not over expensive, which for many these days is something to think about. I must say I was confused at first as to if I should milk or not, but maybe that's just me being old or something. I decided that plain was the way to go and really enjoyed my new type of cuppa. I think it would be nice and light and during the warmer summer, if you could make it and let it go cold. You could add lemon slices and maybe ice for a very nice drink.
I think as a tea drinker its often a type or brand you stick to and doing this has made me move out of my comfort zone. I already drink other Twining products so really I should not be surprised that I enjoyed, White tea.
So no pressure but give it a go and see if you enjoy it just as much.






A to Z challenge S is for ......

A to z challenge S is for shoo fly. Named after a wild plant, first started in 1850 and became very popular in the late 1800's. It reflects farming life and has another name "A hole in the barn door". The flower was called clover bloom. The juice from it was mixed with milk to attract flies. The flies would drink the milk and it would kill them, so came about the name "shoo fly".

Wednesday 18 April 2012

A to Z Challenge R is for ........

A to z challenge R is for Rail fence. Very simple with lots of variations. Others include Roman Stripe, Beggars block and cat and mice and basket weave both of the last are names used by the Amish. Another name for this block is spirit of st Louis.

RAIL FENCE

Tuesday 17 April 2012

A to Z challenge Q is for ......

A to Z challenge Q is for Quills and Arrows. No history to be found but I would have thought the arrow part from hunting and maybe quills which was used for writing ??? Great name and a find as Q was not easy and at one point I thought I had hit rock bottom lol. So with thoughts of  writing and bows and arrows I leave you with

QUILLS AND ARROWS

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Monday 16 April 2012

A to Z Challenge P is for ......

A to Z challenge P is for peggy sue's braids. I picked this block as like many others I just loved the name. I tried to find out more but was sadly unlucky. So enjoy it just for its great name and would be great to use in any quilt.

PEGGY SUE'S BRAIDS

Thursday 12 April 2012

A to Z challenge M is for ....

A to Z challlenge m is for Maple leaf.  I was not able to find any history but I would have thought is orginated from Canada. I would love to know if any out there has more history than me. Its a nice simple block to look at and has a huge variation with colour and so on.

MAPLE LEAF


http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/


A to Z challenge L is for ......

A to Z challenge L is for Lady of the Lake.  This block was named after a poem by Sir Walter Scott in 1810. The old time pioneers loved Scott when they heard of his heroic stories. The women gave him the onor of naming a block after his famous poem.
It was very popular and used all over. Its one of the few that does not have another name.

LADY OF THE LAKE



http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Wednesday 11 April 2012

A to Z Challenge k is for ...

A to z challenge K s is for Kansas Star. Once again I could not find any history but I know its a well used and old block. I think this one would be great in a quilt and you could make endless different ones depending on colours used.

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Tuesday 10 April 2012

A to Z challenge J is for ....

A to Z challenge J is for Jewel box. I could not find any historical information but I am sure there must be. You can make this block with beautiful colours or in plainer tones and it will look great either way.


Monday 9 April 2012

A to Z challenge I is for .....

A to Z challenge I is for  Indiana Puzzle which is a very old civil war block. Often they were made as the ultimate show of early recycling. All sorts of things were cut up and made into quilts. When times were tough women also made them to raise funds or to give as gifts. There is much love in every quilt made.


Saturday 7 April 2012

A to Z Challenge H is for ......

A to Z challenge H is for Hourglass.This block reminds me of the  old glass ones, that people used for time keeping and had quilting parties instead of sending texts!

HOURGLASS





Friday 6 April 2012

A to Z challenge G is for .....

A to Z challenge G is for Gentlemens Fancy. I could not find any history of this block except that its been around a long time. I picked it out because the name really tickled me!

GENTLEMANS FANCY



Thursday 5 April 2012

A to Z challenge F is for ......

A to Z Challenge F is for  Friendship star. This lovely block is super easy to make. Its a very old block patten which has been used for 100's of years. It was often made as a farewell quilt to friends or relatives. Many emigrated west and you never saw them again. You made a quilt to remind them of your love!
For me that is what quilts are all about!

FRIENDSHIP STAR




Tuesday 3 April 2012

A to Z challenge D is for ..

A to Z challenge D is for  Double nine patch. This block is one of the earliest forms of patchwork. It can be made into endless vaiations, because the 9 squares may also be made up of smaller pieces. This is the first one I made for my first little mini quilt.

DOUBLE NINE PATCH





A to Z Challenge C is for

A to Z challenge C is for ...... Churn dash which has been used in south carolina for over 150 years. Combining triangels and rectangels and blocks. Some say it looks like the old fashioned "churn dasher" that used to be used to turn milk into butter. Its a very simple block to make but it looks great in a quilt.

CHURN DASH