The Written Podcast: Energy Drinks

We've all been there, unable to keep your eyes open due to tiredness. Either at work or at home, trying to concentrate on something is a hard thing to do when you're tired, and the more you will yourself to concentrate on whatever it is you're doing, the worse you become. Your eyes begin to ache and all you want to do is snuggle beneath the covers, roll over, and get some well-earned rest. When you're at work, however, curling up into a ball under your desk wouldn't go down well with your boss, so you resort to the only thing that will keep you functioning properly, and that's an energy drink.

There are many different energy drinks on the market these days, some expensive, some mid-range, and other vert cheap, each one packed full of sugar and caffeine. That heart-racing mixture will help you get through the day.

There are many different brands of energy drink, each with their own quantities of sugar and caffeine, you can almost line them up in how effective they are, or in order of "how tired you have to be before you drink this brand". You could also put them in order of how popular they are in the UK, but the two brands I know more than any of the others are, "Red Bull", and "Lucozade". Red Bull is, without a doubt - pardon the pun - the most active energy drink brand as the company sticks its fingers into so many different pies, sponsoring monster truck rallies, motor cross racing, formula one racing and world rally championships, along with many more. Lucozade is a gigantic company, but it doesn't show itself off as much as Red Bull, and both have different levels of effectiveness when it comes to eradicating tiredness.

Lucozade has a far more gradual impact on the body that Red Bull. It has been recommended by many that Lucozade is good for when you're ill, to help keep your body going instead of giving into the lethargic feeling that comes with being ill. I drink it when I have a cold or when I'm feeling worn out. It is my go-to drink for when I need a pick-me-up. It has been a long time since I've drunk a Red Bull. There is no gradual increase of energy when drinking that, but instead, when my body started extracting and processing the sugar and caffeine, I almost went into overdrive. Lucozade also helps you calm down as well once your body has processed what it needs to, so you don't drop like a rock falling through the air, but with Red Bull, it doesn't even know the meaning of the world gradual. When I had finished the can, a couple hours later, I dropped like a tonne of bricks. I went from going a hundred miles an hour to zero in a short space of time. I went straight back to how I felt before I had that Red Bull, whereas Lucozade will eventually return you to that state, but it will gently ease you back into it, allowing that extra time to keep going, build momentum so when your body has finished processing the drink, you have a fighting chance to continue.

But there is one energy drink that is even more effective than Lucozade and Red Bull, and it's available in your own home. Water. If you haven't drunk enough water and you're naturally tired from a long day, you can feel even worse. Water can and will help more so than any energy drink can, although Lucozade is a close second as I do resort to that when I do feel slightly rough around the edges. Water is what our body functions on more than anything else. You can survive longer without food than you can water, and it escapes your body with every little movement you perform and every word you speak, dehydrating you droplet by droplet, making you tireder and tireder. Water is extremely powerful stuff; it'll give you all the energy you need.

Right now, as I'm writing this article, I am struggling to keep my eyes open. I could do with a bit of energy to finish this off. Water will help, but so will the other two. However, water has the special property of helping and not keeping me from getting some sleep afterward. Lucozade and Red Bull, if consumed whilst I write this article may dislodge my sleeping pattern as my mind would be racing as it's trying to process all the energy the drinks released whilst I'm not moving at all. Water will also help you sleep better, and give you the necessary energy to keep writing. But, in times when you're feeling rough, sometimes Lucozade keeps you standing. Red Bull is also there, but only if you want to run laps around the building; but prepare for the comedown, it would be highly dramatic.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Film of the Week: Bill and Ted Face the Music

29 years after their Bogus Journey, Bill and Ted return to our screens with yet another amazing adventure across time and space. Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter reprise their roles and Ted “Theodore” Logan and William S. “Bill” Preston alongside William Sadler who returns as Death. In the third installment, Bill and Ted have spent years trying to fulfil the prophecy detailing they are going to write a song which would unite the world, and they get caught up in yet another adventure where, this time the stakes have been raised and it’s not just about uniting the world, it’s about saving all of time and space which had already started to collapse around them.

Whilst the pair get wrapped up in that adventure, their daughters try, and help the best they can by pulling together history’s greatest musicians, and their wives go off on an adventure of their own as they feel Bill and Ted is getting a little too wrapped up in trying to fulfil that prophecy. Samara Weaving plays Bill and Joanna’s daughter, Theadora “Thea” Preston and Brigette Lundy-Paine plays Ted and Elizabeth’s daughter, Wilhelmina “Billie” Logan, and they both have the same characteristics as their dads. Samara and Brigette’s performance were hilarious throughout.

In this film we do finally see the song performed which does unite the world and saves both time and space. The thing is, however, I am split down the middle between whether I should like and dislike the ending. Narratively, it makes sense that their daughters were the ones to produce the song, and Bill and Ted performed on stage. Whilst they don’t necessarily write the song, they do perform it, alongside their daughters who were the ones to produce the song. The prophecy stated that Bill and Ted were destined to write a song, referring to “Billie” and “Thea” respectively. What splits me down the middle was, as a fan of the series, I really wanted Bill and Ted to be the one sto write and produce the songs; that’s what I’ve been waiting for, for the past two movies, and this one doesn’t deliver on that. It also cuts to the end credits rather abruptly after the song has been performed, although we do get a brilliant scene with old Bill and Ted rocking out one last time.

Even though I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place regarding the ending, the rest of the film had me laughing. It’s in keeping with the previous installments’ wackiness. It was awesome seeing Keanu and Alex play their iconic characters one more time. The overall film is inoffensive, over the top, and my favourite part was when everyone was questioning how a robot can go to Hell, and yet it was never explained how that was even possible. I thought maybe the robot would be revealed as being an actual human inside a robotic suit, or a robot that had developed a soul throughout his journey with Bill and Ted, but no, he’s just a robot and it’s never explained how it was possible he could go somewhere no robot has ever gone before.

If you’re a fan of the two predecessors, I do highly recommend Face the Music as it does recapture the charm the other two had, and will have you in stitches before the first half hour is over.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: Dinnerladies

Series one, Episode one, When you think about a sitcom set in a canteen, some may wander where the humour is? But the script is/says it all. With the mix of characters of all different ages and intellect, including ‘Flipper’ sorry Philippa (Celia Imrie), I love this in the script.In this episode Jean (Anne Reid) has her daughters wedding to plan, well she did have.

Episode two, There is a royal visiting the canteen. With the staff trying to work out who it is, after we see an insight into their lives outside of the canteen. Of some of the characters. Anita (Shobna Gulati) has an issue with her underwear. I like the amusing way Tony (Andrew Dunn) sums up his staff serving the Royals their dinner/lunch. Now it turns out Stan (Duncan Preston) has met Prince James, The Duke of Danby (Simon Williams). Also of course they all have to practice the curtsey. Anita still has an underwear dilemma. They do like their toast in the canteen. It is amusing and I like hearing of Bren’s (Victoria Wood) solution to Anita’s ‘Nipple’ problem. It is interesting to see everyone making an effort for the visit. I love how they portray the Royals yes, as Royals but very much human like the rest of us. Well Twinkle (Maxine Peake) don’t know much and Anita shouldn’t have said that. Now Bren is left holding the fort and she could get more than she bargained for. What she does, the deal she makes for Stan is heart-warming to see, if only ‘Fifty percent of the perfect evening’.

Episode three, Ok se we have Dolly (Thelma Barlow) needing an unusual ‘Knob’ on her blanket box and a mother asking Bren where her ‘Clint’ is? And with the TV crew wanting to look around the factory, with the possibility of making a documentary on working people. What could possibly go wrong? Well loads and no one wants to go on ‘Kilroy’. But there is an amusing, if a little of the wall, interview thrown in, well it seems good old ‘Harry from packing’.

Episode four, Well everyone is in a mood the canteen is in chaos but the question Jane (Sue Devaney) asks Bren is an amusing end to all the mayhem. It is a nice idea ‘Bring your mother to a tea party’ just don’t ask Stan, oh dear too late. I like the explanation about ‘Tuna ‘n’ sweetcorn. Well the mums and dad have arrived. It is lovely to hear how Twinkle is a ‘Good girl’. Also well yes, no head equals dead. Bren’s grandma not! And also well saved on Twinkle’s behalf, you could say one less mother.

Episode five, It’s the office christmas party time with ‘Say what’, ‘Pardon’ colour blindness and ‘I’m from’ well somewhere beginning with the letter H, this is not clear, the party is well shall we say ‘Interesting’ Bren looks great though. Now this is interesting, I don’t know if it was deliberate or not but normally we see the canteen women having their somewhat sometimes unusual conversations at a table and now we see at the party where the men characters are doing the same, having their own version of conversation. Which just goes to show/high-lights that men are really no different to women. Well maybe the topics of conversation, but mostly the same. Good old ‘Chips’ it is a bit of a cringe that alcohol at a workplace party is not a good recipe for Jean and for Tony. I also really don’t think Dolly would have to worry about not fitting into a shed. It also looks lucky that there are in fact 3 ways to Babs (Kate Robbins) wherever she is from. And that is not Stan, that is Tony.

Episode six, it is sad to hear that Tony is in hospital. Now we have/meet Tony’s replacement. Just what they need a long winded job's worth, she is irritating. Jean should really wear her ‘Specs’. The sheds are quiet now the canteen is quiet but they won’t be quiet for long. Good old Stan, but sadly, you could say the position of ‘Lighthouse keeper’ has been filled. And then there was Bren, difficult yes, it is an ‘UNDERSTATEMENT’. It is nice to see them all lined up behind the counter, but it is now nice to see the others are back. Dolly is her normal self I see. It is also lovely to see Tony and heart-warming to hear Bren tell him ‘No probs’. 

Series two, Episode one, I love the connection between Bren’s love life with a driving instructor and a ‘Sudden stop’. Jean’s reference to what Dolly has as her own on her cruise is really funny. The connections keep coming. The date in the title of this one is significant as it is the night that you can conceive a millennium or as Bren amusingly miss pronounce it as ‘Milnellium’  baby. Now the work experience girl has arrived, Sigourney (Joanne Froggatt) she is sadly, not the most brainiest of people so far. Stan’s ‘Bollards’ have been busy. I like Bren’s informative description of the reproductive procedure. Now Glenda (Sue Cleaver) has delivered the bread and Sigourney has noticed something though that ‘Why are the painters bringing the stuff in already if they are not painting the canteen until the weekend?’ We now meet Bert (Colin Edwynn) . He is not good with faces or names but with food yes, and now a long ladder is jammed. Anita asks an insightful yet amusing question and it turns out so does Betty (Katharine Page) the belly dancer. It is becoming quite a morning and for Philippa, she is starting with too many ladders, tongue in cheek. Bren is really angry and cross, it is nice that Bren doesn’t ‘Bear grudges’. It is all a tangled mess with wives, waterworks and a ‘Dip me nets’  exciting day off. And no there/they are doing ‘Toast’. Now it is good to see all the solutions found.

Episode two, It is nice to see the thank you Stan gives Bren also the question was referring to ‘Tea and coffee’. Oh no ‘Mad Jean’. I like the idea of Bren going on holiday. I don’t like that Jean is so understandably distraught. It is nice to listen to Anita. I know a fortnight is a fortnight but young love is young romance. Peggy (Linda Bassett) to the rescue. ‘Worse’ Bren’s mum Petula (Julie Walters), her news is debatable. Bren can go on holiday. I like this but poor Steve (Steve Huison). 

Episode three, There is, and it is nice to hear about all the holiday talk. The pieman (Graham Turner) is a bit strange. It is really sad to hear about Stan’s dad. I know planning a funeral is sad, however, it is amusing to hear the Dinnerladies planning one. I have mixed feelings as to whether I would actually want them to plan an actual funeral. It is good that Bren is the voice of reason, well almost. It is somewhat depressing to hear of Philippa’s loosely called holiday plans, ‘Barmy’ even. More holiday talk and yes, an adapter plug for abroad will come in very useful. It is heart-warming to hear one, that Stan has planned his dad’s funeral and two, that Jean has sent a letter. It is devastating regarding Bren’s holiday money, despite Bren saying ‘No’. It was all down to Stan’s timing.

Episode four, Glenda  really shouldn’t be out. It is clever that as this program is set in a factory in Manchester that they incorporate an aspect of the local area, in this case ‘Strangeways’ prison. Jean has had a good time. I like Malcolm (Himself). Now we hear a blood donor van is coming to the factory. Philippa is fed up, we will see what happens later. I don’t like the effect the ‘Holiday photos’ had on Bren. It is sad to hear that Bobbie (Tina Malone) is quite shy, it seems Stan has found a friend. Philipa has a way with words, great script, also it turns out Mr Michael (Christopher Greet) has a way with words also. The script about phobias and change is brilliant as to who Bren is talking to. Richard is human, the nurse is not a nurse and Bren is definitely not pregnant. It is funny to hear about a sash window.

Episode five, The Dinnerladies are christmas shopping and the christmas tree should arrive. Tony and Bren haven’t arrived so far. No not any of them well one of them, well two. Philipa has had a good time. This is amusing. Not so much as to where the christmas tree decorations/lights are. I love the two scripts going on from a ‘Cup of tea’ to a ‘Tea bag’. Dolly is digging a big hole for herself, this is so amusing, poor Dolly. Anita shouldn’t be given the wrong information and it is debatable as to what is christmassy and what is not. And Anita ‘Didn’t get Mistletoe’ Oh dear, ‘Wrong word, wrong plant’. This is so funny to watch. Bren has a way with words but it does the job, they get their christmas decorations back. It does sound a bit sexest about how to turn on Christmas tree lights. That’s Brens Christmas all sorted this is heart-warming to hear and watch until Martin (Brian Stephens) arrives.   

Episode six, We find out who Martin is and it turns out it is all good and amicable, too friendly according to the other Dinnerladies. I love Tony’s script when he arrives for work. Sometimes, ‘Bacon’ can be more important/informative than anything else. What with Anita’s choice of christmas music, a suspect reason for getting married and Jean’s dodgy underwear, the christmas period at the canteen is looking interesting. It’s Christmas eve, ‘Sooty’ (A children’s character/program created by Matthew Corbett) 007 James Bond (Created by Ian Fleming)? This is so funny with a great script. HMV (A retailer owned by Doug Putman) has a lot to answer for and you can request anything you like as long as it is ‘Jingle Bells’ (By James Lord Pierpoint). Bren ‘That’s today’ yes, he must ‘Peel his sprouts the night before’. The script is brilliant, all the arrangements, it is sad that Bren gets the wrong end of the stick. It is annoying to see Bren’s mum, Petula, turn up and no they are one, not welcome and two, will not be ruining Bren’s christmas. I didn’t know HRT (Hormone replacement therapy) helped with the memory. ‘Bren from Tony’ in the secret santa, oh dear. It is good to see Stan save the day in the end. I like that it has all been explained and the ‘Etch a Sketch’ (Invented by Andre Cassagnes) is a lovely fun idea, and that is one cold santa.

Episode seven, New Years Eve 1999/2000. ‘Mayhem’ in Manchester, and a lot of innuendo. Philipa is so ‘Middle aged’ demanding. Anita has arrived but not ‘That way’. So ‘When is the next millennium?’ I suppose they can be a bit too expensive. It is lovely to see Bren happy despite the ‘Strangeways’ tour. Philippa is stressed. Also there are all sorts of things people don’t like, but Dolly does like ‘Carpet’ it seems. Also each to their own in the ‘Worship’ stakes. Well Bobbie is not the one for Stan, although this is for comedic effect, it is sad to hear of a split. The traffic, a riot and the city centre is closed. I cannot see the comedy in this episode as I could in others. This could have been done better with not so much disaster. It is strange what you can find on a ‘Fire escape’. Jean has her own miss identification story. I am glad the comedy is back amongst the millenium/new year nostalgia stories. The mix is a good balance. Now Jean’s ex Keith (Peter Lorenzelli) has turned up, yes, they do go ‘back a long way’ but Keith still has only a small car ‘Wallpaper table!’ Tony you had to join in didn’t you?. This is so funny. Pals? Jean and Stan. This episode is all full of predictability: a baby versus pies versus a hospital drip. No explanation needed. ‘Happy new year’.

Episode eight, Tony ‘Can’t do it anymore’. There is a new girl starting and the ‘Breadman’ Norman (Adrian Hood) has developed a new inconvenient ‘Phobia’. This is amusing but silly to hear. With Glenda yes, Dolly and Jean have missed something. Stan and Jean? Now Christine (Kay Adshead), I don’t like her, neither does anyone else. It is lovely to see Anita and the baby, but she is revealing just a bit too much. Christine keeps digging a hole for herself. Bren cannot live with her mother. I like the idea of Anita coming back to work. This is becoming a busy episode with ‘Viagra’ and an early ‘Social worker’. Oh no Dolly and Viagra, this is so funny to hear Dolly’s reaction, a clever script as well. Dolly has seen the light with Christine. This is nice and amusing to hear. Well played Bren the placebo, psychological approach. It is lovely to hear Philippa’s and Tony’s conversation and Viagra has a lot to answer for. 

Episode nine, I like Bren’s summing up of ‘Scotland’. It is sad that Bren is uncertain though. It is a big step. It is nice to hear about the future plans of the ladies. Now seeing Stan and Jean interact is lovely to watch. ‘Self clear’ could cause problems. There is going to be a ‘New uniform’ Tony is so funny he really doesn’t care about the questions he asks. The ‘Toaster is on the blink’. I like how Jean describes her and Stan’s relationship. Who ordered an old lady? Well not Dolly I see. This is so funny to hear about her uses. Bren’s mum Petula now arrives and explains everything. No, I can’t see the channel four program ‘Countdown’ making anyone cry. ‘A creature of habit’ and ‘Self clear’. Although I don’t like what or how it is said to Stan by Philipa although the use for an ‘Anti tank gun’ is amusing to hear. I do like that Philippa has found her back bone/honesty. I do think Tony loves Bren. Yes, I like, he can have a hot pudding. Jean likes watching ‘Totally Trivia’ (Henry Kelly, himself) and Bren is on. I now love the breadman Norman and oh yes, ‘Film’.

Episode ten, and final episode, It is nice to see Bren and the rest of the ladies not being honest with each other. Also if Anita did want to get ‘Yogurts’ out it might have been more interesting than the sad/bad news Jane delivered. Poor Twinkle, smiling, was just a little bit too much of an overload. Also with all the questions, drugs and Tony’s speech, Bren is also feeling overloaded I believe. It is good news for Glenda. It is all happening, but where is Bren? Norman! Out Bren in. Bren’s mum Petula told the truth. Yes, I agree ‘Peculiar’ It is lovely to see ‘The living Will’ was profitable, they had to be quick and it is amusing, it is also lovely and fun to hear of all plans the characters have after the canteen closes.       

Mum's Monday: shirley valentine

The theme song played over the opening credits ‘The girl who used to be me’ sung by Patti Austin, by Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman and Marvin Hamlisch is heart-warming to hear, you have to really listen to the words but the meaning is clearly there.

Shirley Valentine (Pauline Collins) has arrived home, I like and find it amusing that in the script she, what's known as, ‘Breaks the fourth wall’, in this case by talking to it, which is fun to hear.

I feel sorry for the enforced ‘Vegetarian dog’ I just knew Shirley would put it right, but sadly, now there is ‘No steak’ on the ‘Thursday tea/dinner’ menu.

Kids, hey, they have to fly the nest and make their own way in the world at sometime. They have to make their own choices and it is amusing to hear what Shirley thought of her son’s loosely called his new place he has found to live in.

Good for you Shirley Valentine you have to stand up for yourself sometimes. And now she is off to ‘Greece’. She is married yes, ‘Not joined at the hip.

Well the school reunion was an enormous shock, Marjorie (Joanna Lumley) is certainly ‘Top class’ and she does travel. So Shirley was partly right.

No, Joe (Bernard Hill) is not going to Greece. This part is not nice to watch but for the nature of this film it wouldn’t be right for Shirley to have the perfect marriage and life. Also it doesn’t go too far but far enough to set the continuing story up.

Yes, Shirley, go to Greece!! Go! Now I love the thought of ‘Rock’ talking Greek and only understanding the Greek language. Greece is great. Sadly, the Brits on holiday in the dining room want it to be more like ‘Spain’ and with ‘Chips’ on the menu. I like seeing Shirley know her stuff though and impart her knowledge. I also like seeing Shirley’s dream come true, well sadly, almost.

I am glad that Shirley is going out on the boat, and Dougie (George Costigan) and Jeanette (Anna Keaveney) have a new, I want to say ‘Playmate’ this is fun to watch this part unfold. It is nice to watch that Shirley has a great day out on the boat.

I like how this film shows a lot of aspects of the Greek way of life including a wedding. It really throws you into Greece in more ways than one.

I like that Joe has had a ‘Wake up call’  and now he is in Greece I also like that Shirley is nice enough to say that Joe ‘He needs a holiday’. I like how Joe and Shirley start to, I hope, reconnect.

Mum's Monday: His Perfect Obsession

The start of this film highlights that if you are on the phone walking in the street, you have to be careful. It also shows that if a person loses one or more senses, in this case Abigail (Ali Skovbye) is blind, their other senses are heightened to compensate.

This is very dark, the accountant Bart (Brendan Murray) is a seriously strange and dodgy character. Allison's (Arianne Zucker) husband has a low opinion of Bart. This is quickly building tension.

People have opinions of the profession of accountancy, like it is boring. This film goes a long way to change my opinion of an accountant. I suppose everyone has their breaking point, but I would say that yes, he is a little too obsessed, for anyone or any profession.

I sense there will be more victims. I know who I first thought, but now I don’t think the mother will be one of them, but others may be. And what is this obsession with Mike’s Sugar Shack?

The actor who plays Bart is a really good one; he swaps from good to evil in it seems a split second. Some things take longer in the manner of speaking or in the time it takes for just a click. Lance (Seann Gallagher) is in trouble in more ways than one.

A dinner but not a date, a present but not The Beatles. In any other circumstances a little patience would be needed but this is not a normal circumstance or people just don’t connect with other people. Oh! It is really tragic he was just pushed too far. This has gone too far, further than I thought as I did mention before. This does make me now question ‘Where now?’

The tension is building, and it is horrible to watch. This is an awful part. I am now glad someone Ben (Scott Gibson) the barman is on the case.

Yes, Bart certainly paid attention; it definitely is not the right way of going about it though. I like Ben. He is very astute. Yes, oh no! Sadly, no escape.

I don’t as yet know what the plan is but Allison asking her alert blind daughter Abigail to remember a certain smell sounds like a very clever plan is being forged/developed. I see the plan and it is a good one. I just hope there is enough time.

It is annoying to see every lead turn into a dud. The question Bart asks, I would say the answer to is, well if you look at the individual battles and a whole war, he is not ‘Stupid’ in the battles, but in the war his stupidity remains to be seen. Although ultimately committing any crime is ‘Stupid’ overall.

It has beautiful scenery and the river/rapids. It could, I hope, work in Allison’s and Abigail’s favour. Handcuffs. Just a little calm and out. It is sad to realise Abigail’s limitations but lovely to see her being rescued. I hoped that would happen. I like how Allison is manipulating the situation. They say you should liaise and connect with your kidnapper for a possible better outcome as I hope to see. It is a tense moment I hope justice is served, well done Abigail. A nice ending.

Film of the Week: Palm Springs

Seemingly countless films have utilised the time-loop storyline, and whilst each story is different in their own way, the one thing that remains the same is the character's journey from living through whatever day is is they're going to be stuck on, and then going through the emotions when they do find themselves trapped within the time-loop. Groundhog Day is one of the most popular films featuring this form of time travel, and Palm Springs, a new film which came out last year, will soon be equally in popularity as time goes on as it reinvented the way the time-loop storyline is told.

The film does include that moment where a character discovers they're trapped within a time-loop, but unlike most other films, it doesn't open with them, but instead with someone who has been trapped within the loop for a long while already. The film flits between two perspectives, creating a refreshing take on the way these stories are told.

It's unclear how long Nyles (Andy Samberg) had been trapped in the loop before Sarah (Cristin Milioti) finds herself trapped, but his bland approach to life, understanding how things work, and not wearing appropriate wedding attire implies it has been quite a while. Having Nyles explain how the time-loop works to Sarah when she becomes trapped is a unique way of helping the audience learn how there world works. And when we're up to speed, they then begin to follow the step-by-step guide every other film follows, but instead of one person following the list, we have two people, who can bounce ideas off one another, participate in different activities, and make for a funny montage moment. Sarah follows that list: Lives through the day, stumbles upon something extraordinary which subsequently gets her trapped within a time-loop, wakes up the morning of the same day and become increasingly confused about the fact that she knows she's lived through that day before, but no one else seem to remember. Whilst flitting between perspectives, the majority of Sarah's list is seen from Nyles point of view.

Andy and Cristin's chemistry makes the entire film entertaining throughout. Their fast-paced banter keeps the film rolling without missing a beat. It slows down when it needs to, and speeds up when it needs to, and explains just enough when it needs to, creating one heck of a funny film which refreshes a formula which has been followed religiously for years.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

This book has a strange interesting start; first it mentions nineteen years before Nora decides to die, this is tragically weird and then it goes on to mention that quite correctly that Antarctica is the driest place on earth regarding rainfall. The snippet of information about the acid rain on the planet Venus is also interesting to read. There has already been some depth showing also some good research having been carried out by the author.

Now 19 years later there is some tragic news for Nora. This is already a sad and again a strange book, but it keeps me wanting to read, which is a sign of a good book.

Now if things couldn’t get any worse. From what I have read so far I am beginning to understand the reasoning in this book regarding Nora.

Now the name of this book and the point of it really starts to get going. I believe that despite Nora’s efforts she could be in some sort of coma. This is only a speculation from what I have seen before in programs like ‘Life on Mars’ with John Simm.

Sometimes yes, in moments of shocking grief you don’t need to say anything, just be there. Then of course sometimes things do need explaining and the Midnight Library is open for business and it looks like it is going to be very busy with Nora. 

The only way I can describe some quotes in this book is an in-depth look at life. An example of what I am trying to say is when it mentioned about getting married, ‘That you just grab the first person closest to you at an appropriate age when the music stops like a game’. The description about events/things that can happen in life is like an in-depth philosophy. 

Now let the pub life with Dan begin. It is sad that already Nora has to. It seems, hide her knowledge. This is the first look at Nora’s, what could have been life. So, as I can already see some cracks, I don’t think this is the one for Nora long term.

I realise with so many different scenarios in this book I feel that one, I won’t get bored with it and two, it will be from what I have read so far a loosely exciting but definitely eclectic read. I know I have also only read the first scenario so far but I already think I know what the outcome will be. However, yes, Nora has to try what could have been her other lives and I will see if she also comes to the same conclusion I have. It is intriguing and also sad about Nora’s cat. 

Now let Nora’s Australian life begin. This turns out to be a tragic outcome. There does seem to be a thread running through this and I do get the feeling, even after just three lives experienced that the books in the library are trying to tell/send Nora a message leading to the final outcome I believe it does. However, it gets there I do yes, just want Nora to be happy.

I love how this book questions ‘What is success?’ and no it is not always about making money. It can be any number of self achievements. I like this part and of course agree with it. 

So now let the fourth and successful life begin. This part has unanswered questions regarding ‘Portugal’ but I like the part about life being a ‘Tree’ even though this is a bit sad in Nora’s case. 

Now let Nora’s life in the Arctic circle begin. Now this is an interesting one, when Nora is actually faced with possible death in the form of a ‘Polar bear’. She realises that she doesn’t want to die and this has the, I want to say that to me, the amusing opposite effect of what is required to get back to the library. I feel a long try out of this ‘Cold’ part of Nora’s life for her to get through. It was mentioned that some of the, I want to say, trips could be short or long so this could be a long one as said.  

Wow yes, Hugo does sound intriguing. It is a surprise to know what Hugo has been doing. It is one of those moments where you don’t realise that it is now obvious and inevitable that Nora would come across such a scenario, but you just don't know, but should, until you do.

Oh wow, first on a clock with hands you cannot see a hand move mid tick, as said in this book, the author is very insightful, I mean where does he learn this kind of information and the fact that Hugo said that if Nora had gone or goes back to the ‘Library’ the one still standing there talking would say something close to the common phrases ‘My mind has just gone blank, what were we talking about?’ This is amusing to read in its simple cleverness.

Now let Nora’s band life begin. I don’t know why she doesn’t search online for information on the band. You can find everything you need to know, even lyrics for songs and even clips of songs/tunes. There are a few, for me and Nora, unanswered questions in this part so far.

Sadly, I had a feeling this part was going in the direction that it did. For a good life Nora would have to sacrifice too much. It just goes to show no life can be, it seems, perfect so far.

It is an ‘Eye opener’ to read that Nora has been trying to live other people’s dreams. So yes, it is about time she did what she wanted to do.

So many lives, you could say, mostly a book consists of one story. Yes, this book is about Nora Seed, but there are so many stories that the author has come up with all crammed into one book. This is a lot but interesting. I just hope Nora settles sooner rather than later. It is, I feel, getting close as she is, it seems, wants to have a stable life.

Sometimes, and certainly in this case, ‘The simplest things are the best’ yes, I do believe the ‘Coffee date’ went well. The game is a clever/inspired idea as well, very informative. However, remembering some information is a good idea before you jump to a conclusion that your husband is a mass murderer. This part is amusing to read. 

I can see how Nora was scared as yes, her existence in her situation is precarious. I like the life also Nora is now living and feel her nervousness of losing it. 

It is sad to read about Mrs Elm also it is sad to read about all the things Nora wasn’t involved in so the outcomes of the situations turned out very different. Nora may think she didn’t matter but she certainly did in a good way in her, what is known as her ‘Root life’ also known as her original existence. I hope she can get back to that life.

This book highlights that you don’t always see what is perfect right in front of you until you almost lose it. Here’s to Nora Seed’s next, her real life truly and rightfully her life, new set of her perfect opportunities.