Of Ye Olde Tymes And Men In Tights

There's nothing like losing yourself in a good historical romp.  One with sword fights and men in tights acting all manly and swoony.

Or maybe that's just me.

Either way there's something about getting lost in the past, whether through a book or a TV show that is immensely addictive.   Even better with the TV shows you get even more swoonish appeal with the likes of  Jeremy Irons, Tom Hiddleston and Henry Cavill to name just a few.

And if you want to know more about some of these real-life people and the times they lived in there is also a ton of non-fiction for you to wade into.  True stories of scandals and mysteries and love affairs and deaths that will make you realise that the past was definitely not an era of the staid and strait laced.

It almost seems fitting then that there are 2 events coming up in Auckland that celebrate this - The Pop-Up Globe Theatre which will be showcasing a series of Shakespearean productions and The James Plays, which is screening as part of the Auckland Festival.  So why not check them out.

After all you can never have too much of a man with a sword...

Reality Bites: An Indiana Jones Fantasy

In the AU of my life - that's Alternative Universe for those not in the know - I'd like to think that I was writer or a bookstore owner or even maybe an archaeologist.

Like Daniel Jackson from Stargate, a space traveling archaeologist or even better Bernice Summerfield from Doctor Who, a space traveling, time traveling archaeologist.

I can see myself now, covered in dust and grime, uncovering some amazing galactic discovery that would change the universe with a handsome bad boy space captain by my side.  You know the kind, the one with the sexy grin and the snarky attitude.  Hey it's my fantasy after all and if you're going to dream why not dream big.

Since I'm not an archaeologist or even a historian I have to settle to watching others.  Those that can't... watch or something like that.  And let me tell you there are some amazing documentaries around, so if you're like me and are something of a history buff with a secret yearning to carry a bull whip and act all Indiana Jones then why not check out some, if not all, of the titles below.

Vikings presented by Neil Oliver

The world of the Vikings has always intrigued me, maybe because I have my very own Viking, so learning about these warrior people was something I've always wanted to do.

Even better, presenter and archaeologist Neil Oliver really knows his stuff and makes it all come alive.

A History of Scotland by Neil Oliver

Not only an archaeologist, Neil Oliver is also a Scotsman so it was probably only natural that he would do a documentary about the land of his birth.

Personally I could listen to him all day just for his Scottish accent alone.  A man with brains and a sexy accent. Pretty much a winner really.

Andrew Marr's History of the World

A fascinating look at some of the lesser well known aspects of world history with some insightful parallels made between the past and what is happening in today's world.

This is history through a journalist's eyes and well worth watching.

Beneath the Sands : Ancient Egypt Revealed

Egypt.

Land of the Pharaohs. The Spinx. Lost treasures and curses. Death on the Nile

Agatha Christie is totally to blame.

Although I could do without the death & murder part.  The 1920's clothes on the other hand...

Origins of Us

Archaeology is much more than the history of the world.  It is also the history of us.

Where did we come from?

Why are we the way we are?

How did we evolve?

Mankind The Story of All of Us 

The History Channel is made for people like me.  I could, if I had the time and the access, pretty much watch it all day.  Luckily I don't because death by history overdose might just raise a few strange queries.

Instead I can drip feed myself all courtesy of the libraries dvd collection.

The Crusades

Knights and swords and battles, The crusades is an era of history that captives the imaginations of many.

It was also an era that was bloody and brutal and with no true winner and the outcome of this echoes throughout history right up to today, with the implications effecting both the West and East and all over one little city, Jerusalem.

I can see for miles and miles and miles...

As you probably know by now I love a lot of different shows but one show really got my attention in 2013 and turned me into a obsessed fan.  And by obsessed I mean OBSESSED. And yes it warrants capital letters. Because this show is that good.  And yes I am completely and utterly in love with it.  And it's all thanks to Tosca.  She's to blame. 100%

Of course this show has to share the love... just a little.  Because as in my usual obsessive way I am also addicted to other TV shows as well.

So what did you fall in love with in 2013?

Teen Wolf

That this show doesn't screen here in New Zealand is quite frankly gob smacking.  I just count myself lucky that I have awesome, amazing friends living in the USA who send me episodes.  Bribery really does work wonders.

Suits

Another new love and one in which my partner has also now become completely hooked on.

Marathoning the same show twice in the same year?

Yeah that's me.

Obsession really should just be my middle name.

Sherlock

Benedict Cumberbatch is a God.

And if you haven't seen him before (and surely you have) then you just have to check out Sherlock.  Because this show shows how good he really is.  Then again he is amazingly and awesomely good in everything I've seen him in

Person of Interest

This show just keeps getting better and better with each season. What started out as a procedural crime show has turned everything on it's head.  It's a crime show, an action show, a drama show and even a sci-fi show - well of sorts.  It's also brilliant.

Gutsy and raw and no-holds barred with great characters and great supporting characters too. Even the dog is awesome.

Elementary

It took me a couple episodes or so before I really got into this show.  But once I did... well there was no going back really.

And yes in case you were wondering you can love both Sherlock AND Elementary.  Because both shows are wonderful and yet different to each other that making comparisons between them is just silly.

Justified

Give me a man with a gun and a bad attitude any day.  

Especially when it's a man like Raylan Givens.  US Marshall, sharp-shooter, straight talker with the worse taste in women.

That the Season 5 is about to start as got me all kinds of excited.  With shows like this and the ones above TV life has never looked so good.

Marathons: A Pure Indulgence (Part 3): Something to Laugh About

There is nothing better than ending the night with a few episodes or so of your favourite comedy, especially on a cold, wet and depressing winter's night.  No matter how often you watch them they can always make you laugh.  Humour luckily never gets old... or boring.

Which is just as well as my partner and I are currently on our third re-watch of The Big Bang Theory.  Yep you heard right and in-between we've also worked our way through Will and Grace, How I Met Your Mother and Caroline In The City.  Next on our list is Spin City. 

After that who knows. Maybe you've got a favourite to recommend...

Black Books

If ever I had my own book shop it would probably be just like the one in Black Books.  And in all honestly I would be just like Bernard Black.  The foul-mouthed, drunken owner who loves books and hates his customers. Personally I can't blame him.  After all who would want to give up all those lovely books to complete and utter strangers. 

A book shop without patrons... except me.  Heaven.

The Big Bang Theory            

Soft Kitty song.

Really that's all I have to say.   Because soft kitty says it all.

If you don't know what that means then you just have to watch the show to find out.
 
Frasier                                  

"Dr Frasier Crane, psychiatrist and radio host navigates single life while coping with the day-to-day eccentricities of his family and patients."

This show never fails to make me laugh and it's easy to see why both Kelsey Grammar (as Frasier Crane) and David Hyde-Pierce (as Frasier's brother Niles) were nominated for a plethora of Emmy's during the show's 11 year run.

I feel another marathon session is called for...

How I Met Your Mother

This show is "legen...dary."  And if you've seen it you'll know exactly what this means.

Though it's about Ted and the story of how he met his wife the real star of this show for me is Barney Stinson, a serial playboy who uses trick in the book and more to get what he wants. Barney is sleazy and funny and romantic and... well the perfect bad boy,

Community

"Smooth talking ex-lawyer Jeff Winger has got a lot to learn, and he’s come to Greendale Community College to avoid every bit of it. Unfortunately for Jeff, he’s not the only misfit to enroll here."

 I've got this show on my To-Be-Watched list.  It sounds like just my kind of thing.

Miranda

Miranda and I are like this *me crossing fingers*

I adore this show and can only hope that they do another season. 

Because I need to know.  I have to know. 

That's got you curious. Hasn't it?

Outnumbered

Family life.

Watching this show you'll be grateful that yours isn't as half as insane.  Or that your kids aren't smarter than you.  Because in the Outnumbered household the kids are the true masters.

Veep

Life as a politician is never easy, especially if you the newly elected Vice President.

Balancing family life, political agendas and the demands of the President are just the beginning

30 Rock

Liz Lemon's, head writer of a live variety show, life is turned upside down with the arrival of a network executive who seems determined  to interfere with every decision she makes.

For a woman with sass and sharp wit and a mean pair of glasses Liz is just the kind of woman who isn't going to back down...

The Vicar of Dibley

The Dibley Parish Council don’t know what has hit them when the new vicar arrives in the village. Because Reverend Geraldine Granger  is not only young, trendy and bubbly but also a woman.  She is also looking for love.  Will a certain tall, dark and handsome stranger be the one?  

Featuring Dawn French at her wonderful best and Richard Armitage (or RA as his fans call him) sigh...

Marathons: A Pure Indulgence (Part 2): Land of Fire and Ice

As I mentioned yesterday I absolutely love marathons and my current fetish seems to be for all things Scandinavian.

Personally I blame it all on The Killing.  That gripping murder mystery crime show which everyone is talking about.

I've been wanting to watch this show for absolutely ages.  But I kept putting it off... until recently.  And now that I've finally gotten around to watching it I've found myself hunting out further Scandinavian delights to add to my current winter marathon session.

There is just something about these shows that is so good and all are highly addictive, especially for a crime addict like myself.  For a good, eerie thriller you can do no wrong with a touch a Swede or Dane.  Tall, blonde, enigmatic men with an air of mystery and sadness and intense gazes that are guaranteed to melt your heart.

Vikings it seems are the best.  Then again I'm probably biased.

Wallander   

A Brit playing a Swede seems a unlikely thing but Kenneth Branagh manages to convey the loneliness and isolation of Wallander, the main character of this BBC adaption of Henning Mankell's books

Moody and haunting this British made version perfectly captures the quiet beauty of Sweden.

The Killing

A surprise Worldwide hit The Killing  captured the imagination of millions who can't seem to get enough of this Danish crime show.

Sadly only 3 seasons were made.  But 3 seasons are better than none

I'm currently half way through the 1st season and loving every minute.

The Bridge                       

"The body of a woman is found in the middle of the Oresund Bridge between Sweden and Denmark. Half the body belongs to a Swedish politician and the other half to a Danish prostitute. A bi-national team of inspectors is put together to solve the crime."

An American version is due to start screening in the US soon.

Borgen

"A political thriller set in the world of high-stakes Danish politic.  Birgitte Nyborg becomes Prime Minister of Denmark through a political fluke and has to learn the ways of power, quickly. She's an altruistic public servant in an old boys club and must master the art of the deal overnight, manage her image and perform the impossible juggling act of maintaining a family life."

 The Eagle: A Crime Odyssey

"In Denmark, a special unit is set up to fight cross-border crime throughout Scandinavia and to establish operational links with similar teams around the world. In Copenhagen, charismatic detective Hallgrim Hallgrimsson (called "The Eagle" for his unerring intuition) assembles a team of crime fighters equipped with the most advanced technology and high-tech weapons."

The Protectors

"In today's violent world, the lives of many politicians, industrialists, heads of state and other VIPs are often endangered. To counteract these threats, the Danish Intelligence Bureau established the elite Personal Protection Unit - a force of competent, quick-thinking and dedicated bodyguards. This Danish crime series centres around the lives and missions of these specialists, the people they protect and their enemies."

Headhunters

"Roger Brown appears to have it all as but, he is living above his means and is stealing art on the side. At a gallery opening he meets Clas Grev. Not only is Greve the perfect candidate for a position that Roger is recruiting for; he is also in possession of  one of the most sought-after paintings in modern art history. Roger sees his chance and starts planning his biggest theft ever.  But soon, he runs into big trouble and it’s not financial problems that are threatening to knock him over this time…"

Jackpot

"Oscar Svendsen wakes up, terrified and bloodied, a shotgun in his hands, in what was once a respectable strip joint near Svinesund, Sweden. He is surrounded by eight bodies, and police detective Sol r, who is convinced of his guilt, has a gun aimed at his chest. Reluctantly Oscar starts relating the incredible story of four men who won top prize in a soccer pool and suddenly found themselves a million kroner richer."

Attenborough

David Attenborough documentaries are some of my favorite things in the world. Not only does it involve watching TV, which is the great love of my life, but it also makes you smarter! (Actually I think all TV makes you smarter. My current obsession Supernatural  has taught me a lot about how to kill demons. Which is 1000000% relative to my life). Check out some of David's wonderful documentaries below:

Africa 
This is the world's wildest continent as you've never seen it before - an intense sensory adventure from the
Atlas Mountains, through the Savannah lands to the Cape of Good Hope and from the Roof of Africa and the Kalahari to where the dark rainforests of the Congo meet the Atlantic Ocean. Each episode shifting the focus onto a different region as it contrasts the epic power of the landscape with the dramatic struggles of individual creatures living there

Attenborough: 60 Years in the Wild 
Sir David Attenborough has been at the forefront of natural history film making for over half a century, witnessing an unparalleled period of change in our planet's history. In this unique and important series he delivers his testimony in a trio of spectacular films, focusing on three areas which have transformed most profoundly over his career: film making, science and the environment. During his extraordinary career he has seen, first-hand, more of the natural world than anyone else and witnessed how our remarkable planet has changed more rapidly and extensively than ever before.

Kingdom of Plants 
In this sensational series, shot over the course of a year, Sir David Attenborough explores the lives of plants and their fascinating world, from the most bizarre to the most beautiful. Using pioneering techniques in 3D macro and time-lapse photography, he traces them from their beginnings on land to their vital place in nature today, exposing new revelations along the way. He moves from our time scale to theirs, revealing the true nature of plants as creatures that are every bit as dynamic and aggressive as animals. And he does all this in one unique place, a microcosm of the whole plant world where some 90 percent of all known plant species are represented: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

The Blue Planet 

Chronicles the mysteries of the deep, coastline populations, sea mammals, tidal and climatic influences and the complete biological system that relies on and revolves around the world's oceans.

Somehow I've become obsessed with Game of Thrones

'Long ago, an enigmatic event forever changed the seasons in Winterfell. Thus the land was blessed with lush summers and simultaneously cursed with harsh winters. Now, Winterfell's borders are being increasingly encroached, forcing the prominent Stark family to defend its kingdom from enemies both old and new, including the rival Lannister House and a legendary demon.'

I resisted as long as I could, I scoffed as my friends discussed weather Jon Snow or Robb Stark was hotter, I avoided even opening the books simply because they're so long but it was pointless; Game of Thrones has got me hooked.

I started off watching the first season while on sick leave from work. My first impression was that this show was a bit grim and rapey for my liking but as I kept watching I suddenly found myself thinking about the show all the time and planning what each character should do in order to claim the iron throne. Within a few days I had finished the first 2 seasons and filled my time waiting for the start of season 3 by arguing with friends about why Robb Stark is such a babe.

I've started reading the books now so I would say that the obsession is in full force. I invite you to join me and daydream about what a great couple Jon and Daenerys would make.

This month I'm Loving...

Moonlight walks which aren't nearly as romantic as they sound.  This is probably due to the fact that they have been undertaken at the ungodly hour of  5.30 am.

I mean really, how can anything be romantic when you're walking in the dark still half asleep. Still the moon light does make everything look pretty and glowy which is always a plus and even more importantly it helps me to see where I am going as I navigate my way around the estuary, so really I can't complain. Moonlight and water, the crisp early morning air and the company of my other half.  It's all rather lovely.

This month I have once again discovered a realm of new things.  Lots of new music, as usual.  This time courtesy of Spotify and Twitter discussions. Both of which I can just get a tad carried away with and easily spend a few hours perusing. (i.e. wasting time).

Along with the music there are also some new authors and a TV show that I have fallen in love with.  Life, as they say, is pretty damn good.

Halcyon / Ellie Goulding.

I just adore Ellie Goulding's music.

From the lyrics to her voice there is so much emotion in her songs and each one seems to speak directly to you. 

This, her second album, is just great.  My favourites are Figure 8 and Only You but I also recommend that you check out her first album Bright lights too.

Sounds like this / Eric Hutchinson

A very new discovery for me - like just last weekend - and one that I picked up, completely randomly, from a certain actor on twitter who raved about him.  And I'm so glad I checked him out as I have just fallen in love with this guy's music.

It's a little bit reggae, a little bit Jack Johnson, a little bit soul and utterly feel good.

Picking a fav song is hard as I love just about every one but Ok It's Alright With Me is one that stands out.

Nobody / Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

"15 year-old Claire Ryan has always felt invisible, which causes trouble when she instantly connects with 17 year-old Nix, who really can become invisible and has been sent to assassinate her."

There are so many great teen books out there and this is one that I just couldn't put down.

Don't you just love books like that.

Guardians of stone / Anita Clenney.

"As a relic hunter every mission Kendall Morgan accepts carries certain hazards, but her boss's latest is proving to be the most dangerous yet."

Now I'm not generally into paranormal romances but this one was actually quite good.  Perhaps because the romance aspect was quite minimal so that it mostly came across a bit like Relic Hunter/Indiana Jones adventure.

I certainly enjoyed it enough to want to read the sequel... when it comes out.

 Crewel : a novel / Gennifer Albin

"For generations, Spinsters have worked the looms and determine where people live, who they marry, and even when they die. Gifted with the rare ability to weave time with matter, Adelice is exactly what the Guild is looking for, but Adelice is about to unravel the deadliest one of all, a sinister truth that could destroy reality as she knows."

I loved this book.  Interesting sci-fi/fantasy books are always great to read and teen books seem to do this so well.  This one reminded me a little of Tamora Pierce's series Protector of the Small and also a little bit of Graceling and even The Giver.

Saturday night widows : the adventures of six friends remaking their lives / Becky Aikman.

"Struggling to forge ahead after becoming a widow at 43 and forced out of grief counseling because she wasn't sad enough, Becky Aikman starts her own widow's support group."

It might sound like a depressing read but this book is a heart-breaking, funny, realistic book that gives an honest look at what it is to be a widow, especially at a young age.

Having been there myself I could relate to this so much.  It's a wonderful tale of recovery, of hope and of moving on - and even maybe finding love again.

Throne of glass / Sarah J. Maas.

"Celaena, a daredevil assassin, is offered a chance of freedom from the salt mines where she has been imprisoned.  The only thing is she has to face the deadliest thieves, assassins and murderers in the land..."

I love kick ass heroines and yes Caleaena does sometimes come across as an arrogant, vain, brat and yes the story does have some flaws (another romantic triangle?  Really?  Can we just move on from those, please.) But this is still a great read.  Caleaena is a tough, pulls no punches kind of chick and the story pulls in you.
 
Miranda 

I *adore* Miranda but if I'm being completely honest, I have to confess that I've only recently become a convert to this wonderfully funny show.

I know!  Surprising - isn't it.

But I really thought that it wasn't my thing, despite never watching an episode.

It's my mum who got me into it.  And I'm so glad she did.

I love Miranda.  In fact we could be twins, since we are both klutzy, get nervous trying new things, are hopeless at relationships and love bopping around to music...except of course I'm not 6 foot 1.

What I liked about 2012

A friend pointed out to me that as a blogger it was expected that I do a 'Top 5 of 2012' blog post. I like the sound of this and it seems fairly straight forward so I thought I'd give it a try; really it's just an excuse for me to be opinionated. 

So here is my top 5 Albums, TV shows and books and my top 10 songs for 2012. They're in no particular order and some of them aren't even from 2012 but I discovered them this year so I think that counts. 

Songs  
It was so hard to only pick 5 songs so I cheated and picked 10. It was still tricky deciding but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. There's a lot of country music on this list but I think that just reflects what a great year it's been in country music. Also, I don't like dub-step or most of the stuff they play on the radio. 


Better Dig Two – The Band Perry
Southern Comfort Zone – Brad Paisley 
Kiss Me – Ed Sheeran
Treacherous – Taylor Swift
Who Am I Drinking Tonight – Eden’s Edge
Cruise – Florida Georgia Line
Pontoon – Little Big Town
Hell on Heels – Pistol Annies
Here I am Alive – Yellowcard
Bonfire - Childish Gambino

Albums  I picked this list by choosing the albums that I put in my car stereo and they stayed there for a long time. Seemed a fairly straight forward way to choose. 

+ - Ed Sheeran
Red - Taylor Swift
Hell on Heels - Pistol Annies
Camp - Childish Gambino
Edens Edge - Edens Edge

TV  
30 Rock will always be my favourite show so that was a no-brainer. Community and P and R too (I really like NBC comedy). I still don't understand American Football but I've loved watching FNL and as I re-watched all of Buffy this year (and it was awesome) so I couldn't leave that off of the list! 

30 Rock
Community
Parks and Recreation
Friday Night Lights
Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Books
TFIOS is hands down the best books of the year Oprah, Time Entertainment, The NY Times and I say so.Also,  I never realised how much I like dystopian novels until I compiled this list. 

The Fault in Our Stars - John Green
Poison Study - Maria V Snyder
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
The Perks of Being A Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky

So there it is the cliché blog post about my favourite things of the year. Hopefully you like some of this too and if you've never heard of some of it that's okay! Make sure you check it out. I promise I have excellent taste.

Merry Christmas.