Adrian Mole

With being back home comes the pleasures of reviving old memories. Recently I've been spending a lot of time with my older books. I came across my absolute favorite series today and they revolve around Adrian Albert Mole by the English author Sue Townsend.

Adrian is probably one of the most awkward characters I've read about and I love all his books. Things don't always work out for him and he really is a loser, but a lovable one.

The books are his diaries as he's grown:

- The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 4/4

- The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole

- True Confessions of Adrian Albert Mole

- Adrian Mole The Wilderness Years

- Adrian Mole The Cappuccino Years

- Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction

I've read all except the last two which I didn't even know existed so I'm looking forward to them. If you haven't read any of his books make sure you get them NOW no matter who you have to flash. You won't regret it.

Reasons to take a Gap Year

- The whole experience thing: all that "extra perspective"

- Seeing the world: it really is a big place... too big to rely on paid vacations

- Getting over your fear of spiders, heights, strangers, curry...

- Strengthening your skills.. or for some of you gaining skills

- It's fun!

- "Finding yourself"

- Helping someone else out by volunteering... really it's the least you can do if you're not working...

- Who's hiring?!

Don't:

- Go on your gap year with a mission to find Mr or Mrs... or Mr and Mrs Right, because you will be disappointed...

- Spend a month somewhere and pretend to be from there (you know who you are)

- Get stuck in the gap

And you know what, our parents should fund it, considering it's their generation thats to blame for this useless economy.

With all it's $$ it Wouldn't Hurt if the UAE had...

- More yoga studios

- Better communication and promotion of the entertainment industry

- Cinemas dedicated to indie films

- Signs that read "show skin at your own risk of being raped by a million eyes"

- Less malls that look alike, I mean if it's too hot outside they could recreate a park inside... or Soho

- American Apparel

- Wholefoods

- More casual sushi restos

- More than one playlist on the radio stations

.... just some food for thought

Astronaut Ice-Cream!

One of my favorite things to do while I lived in Boston was taking a visit to the Discovery Channel store where time always passed by so fast without me ever noticing. Among the many random gadgets and toys I'd find there I became obsessed with Astronaut Ice-Cream. This freeze-dried space-food tastes so yummy and has such an interesting texture it's easy to stuff your face with. The one package had 3 flavors to it - strawberry, vanilla and chocolate, can't get any better!

Unfortunately the store closed down the last time I went to get my fix but I did some research and the ice-cream can be ordered... trust me it's worth it.

Local Playwriting Competition

I thought I'd start updating my blog with entertainment news that goes on around the UAE. If anyone happens to know of anything interesting please let me know!

In order to celebrate their 25th anniversary this December, the Dubai Drama Group is holding a playwriting competition called Act Up! to attract talent with an interest in theatre to come up with either a monologue, 2 person scene or one act play. The specs include a maximum of 4 characters, scenes or monologues to be 5 minutes, while full one act plays can be 15 minutes in length. The theme involves life in the UAE be it local or expat life.

The winning entry will receive extra recognition on the evening of the performances so it's a great way to get exposure, who knows what opportunities can arise out of it!

Deadline for submissions is before the 28th of August. For more info check out the site at www.dubaidramagroup.com.

*Free Headshots*

To anyone looking for a photographer to take headshots and such, contact Konrad Brattke, a very interesting German who will keep you entertained.

Konrad is a recent graduate from Hallmark Institute of Photography and is currently looking to build his portfolio so he's willing to work for free... for now. He has an eye for a wholesome photo that takes you to the image. He does work primarily in New York and Massachusetts, so if you're an actor wanting to build your portfolio, or if you just don't mind photos of yourself (which you probably don't... no you're not vain) you know what to do!

View his portfolio and find contact info at www.konradbrattke.com

The Uniform Project

Growing up wearing a uniform to school until the 7th grade made me hate the concept and want to burn all my old uniforms.... come to think of it I might have done just that. Even though I see the benefits of a uniform, I wouldn't have minded mine if it didn't look like an outfit worn by the cleaning staff of a hotel. Yes there were always those girls who knew how to shorten their skirts and make their uniform mirror fashion trends... I was never that girl.

However, a friend of mine brought this really cool and inspiring concept to my attention recently that makes wearing a uniform not look like such a bad idea. The Uniform Project is a fundraiser to raise money towards uniforms and other educational expenses for children living in Indian slums. Sheena Matheiken, who executed the project had a friend design 7 identical dresses for each day of the week. This dress was designed to be worn in many ways and during all seasons. She also plans on accessorizing it with hats, belts, brooches and many more.

Anyone can donate with either money or old or newly designed accessories. Check out the site: http://www.theuniformproject.com

Lykke Li - Time Flies

Currently an obsession of mine...

July '09 Playlist

MySpace Music Playlist at MixPod.com

This is What - Horse Feathers

Navy Taxi - Kate Nash

Black & Gold (Sam Sparro cover) - Adele

Broken Chair - Chris and Thomas

Home to You - Po' Girl

One of Those Days - Joshua Radin

Crazy for You (Live) - Adele

Finch on Saturday - Horse Feathers

Your Love - Emma Burgess

Silent Sea - KT Tunstall

Love & Liberte - Gipsy Kings

Toxic - Yael Naim

Guns Are Drawn - The Roots

Come As You Are - Emilie Simon

Untitled - Horse Feathers

June '09 Playlist

MySpace Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Silk - Shaun Bartlett*

Skinny Love - Bon Iver

Never Stops - Deerhunter

Timetravelling - Shaun Bartlett*

Use Somebody - Kings of Leon

Blood Bank - Bon Iver

The Re-Arranger - Mates of State

Two Way Monologue - Sondre Lerche

Never Say Never - The Fray

You Are Free - Mates of State

Sex on Fire (Remix) - Onramp

Addicted - Serge Devant ft. Hadley

*Thanks Yazzy, love them!