Sublime Scintillating Spaniard

‘…I traced the general points of middle height, and considerable breadth of chest. He had a dark face, with stern features and a heavy brow…’[i]

‘…A ray fell on his features … the eyes deep set and singular…a tall, athletic, well-formed man…’[ii]

All great beings fall; none are infallible. The mighty Achilles at the artful hands of Paris, the ‘Infernal Serpent’ Satan in his rebellion against Milton's 'Awful Monarch', and the heroic Fall of Adam and Eve. Classical and epic allusions aplenty, this 'fall' was one of graciousness: on the eve of his defense of Wimbledon, Rafael Nadal, calmly, though sadly, withdrew from the most remarkable and cherished event on the tennis calendar. This occurred only three weeks after his attempt to win the clay court title of the year for the fifth straight time. Chasing this record, Rafael Nadal lost out. But, it is on the occasion of this loss that it seems about time to acknowledge the achievement of this young tennis player and the incredible impact he has had upon the sport.

The annual ATP tennis awards given out in March, culminated a fantastic year of men's tennis. The man who led the year 2008 was none other than Nadal. One of the most respected players on the ATP tour, Andy Roddick, spoke out about how underrated he is as a tennis player. He specified the fact that the complete quality of his game goes unrecognised due to his being predominantly known for his heavy, powerful groundstrokes. It is his forehand which perhaps marked him out when he first made an impact on the tour in 2005, but any player who has the task of gaining the top spot in men's tennis from one Roger Federer has to have improved his game immensely. This was the task to be undertaken by the young Majorcan native.

Firstly, I would like to account for the remarkable achievements of Roger Federer, a man who rose to the top of the tennis world to dominate men's tennis after the likes of Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. At the final Grand Slam of 2008 Federer captured his thirteenth major trophy, in doing so, he accomplished a huge feat, leaving himself only one Grand Slam title behind Pete Sampras. Federer successfully equaled the feat, winning the French Open, and completed his quest for a Grand Slam and a win on every surface. On the course of his tennis journey Federer has gained tremendous amounts of praise for the high quality of his play, and has been likened to the great Bjorn Borg - especially having equaled his record of five Wimbledon titles in a row. One of the prevailing comments is on the balletic nature of his game. And it is impossible to argue with such a view. His ability to glide across the court with such precise footwork is a spectacle to admire. He has already secured his place as a legend of the sporting world, and the sheer high standard of his game ensured that his position at the top of the world ranking could only be relinquished to someone whose tennis would come close to his at the height of his career: Rafael Nadal.

Nadal’s early successes were signs of what would come in future years. He took part in the Davis Cup final against the USA in 2004 and made a firm mark upon the spectators and critics alike: he won against the world number two Andy Roddick. During that year, he had been unable to participate in the French Open and Wimbledon, but this would only add to his desire to win in his first attempt the following year in 2005. Approaching the French Open, he won in Montecarlo, Barcelona, and Rome. Such victories made success in Paris seem possible. On his French Open debut, the nineteen year old Nadal charged through on his hopeful path to the final. Ferrer and Federer lay in his way along with Gasquet and Grosjean. He beat the Frenchmen, but whether he could beat Federer in the semi-finals was another matter. Federer was not of much concern, and the nineteen year old achieved a place in his first Grand Slam final. Four sets and the trophy was his.

In 2006 the clay court tournaments belonged to Nadal once again. This time he defeated Federer in the French Open final, securing his supremacy on the red brick. This year, though, he would prove to all his critics that he could play well on other surfaces too. Nadal, perhaps unexpectedly, had achieved a place against Federer in the Wimbledon final. He took the only set off the grass court king that he lost throughout the entire tournament. Nadal had shown his ability to be masterful on the hallowed green turf.

The next year would follow in similar suit. Nadal won the French, beating Federer in the final for a second year running. The pair met once again in the Wimbledon final, but this time the match told a different story. Nadal was not to be left behind by the reigning champion. The world number two challenged the world number one to five sets of brilliant tennis. Federer won his remarkable fifth consecutive Wimbledon trophy, but the world knew that Nadal would be back again. Shortly after the final, the great Bjorn Borg made a daring prediction that Wimbledon 2008 would have a new champion in Rafael Nadal.

The semi-finals at the Australian Open 2008 illustrated Nadal’s capabilities on all surfaces. But for the first year in some time neither of the world’s top two tennis players could win a title in the first part of the tennis calendar. Then came the European clay court tournaments, and forward charged the clay court master. Nadal won Montecarlo, Barcelona, and Hamburg, sending warning signs to all the players out there that he was on as good form as ever. At the semi-finals of Hamburg he needed to win against Djokovic or else his world number two ranking would be wrestled from him. But in true style he beat Djokovic and went on to take the title from Federer. The French Open trophy was just waiting to be lifted by the Spaniard for a fourth time. He won with an impressive feat, not losing a single set and demolishing Federer in the final: 61, 63, 60. Borg’s record had been matched. Questions were buzzing around the tennis world: would the two meet again at the next Grand Slam? And could there be a future change at the top of the rankings?

The success story continued. Nadal played at Queens in Britain. And for the first time in history, the winner of the French Open won at Queens too. Nadal impressed all with his rapid change from clay to grass. Only Wimbledon was waiting. He eased through matches, far more easily than in previous years. The British hoped for an exciting clash with Andy Murray in the quarter finals, but the match proved a display for the power and exquisite shot making of Nadal’s game. Nadal won convincingly in three sets. Murray spoke after the match and said he had simply been outplayed. He stated that if Nadal played the way he had during their match, he could go on to win the title.

The semi-final won, all that was left was to face a familiar opponent in the final: Roger Federer, King of Grass. Critics and spectators alike, hoped for a brilliant clash of two phenomenal players. But could Nadal knock Federer off his pedestal? The first two sets surprised everyone. Nadal won them comfortably 64, 64 whilst showing magnificent shot making and stunning the crowd. What had happened to Federer? Would it be a three set win for Nadal? No, it wouldn’t. Federer fought back winning the third and fourth sets. It was in the fourth set tie-break that two shots were played defying all explanation: Nadal’s exquisite forehand, and Federer’s beautiful backhand. They were sublime. Out of this world. Two of the greatest shots in the game. How was it possible to make such beautiful shots? The match had yet to go on. Two sets all, into a deciding set. Neck and neck, the two astounding players battled to 7-7. And then Nadal broke. Could he serve for the match. One match point. Squandered. His fourth match point of the match: Federer hit the ball into the net. After four hours and forty-eight minutes of play, rain breaks and virtual darkness, Nadal lay down on his back, arms stretched out: Wimbledon had a new champion in the twilight. Cameras flashed, the crowd cheered; they had just witnessed a great sporting spectacle. A rare spectacle, when the two giants of the sport perform phenomenally in an epic clash. Nadal was finally able to lift the coveted trophy. And in the dark he did.

To add to a wonderful year of tennis, Rafael Nadal was guaranteed to rise to the top spot. And so he did, the day after he won the Olympic gold medal for Spain. He had also helped the Spanish team to the Davis Cup final, and although unable to participate due to injury, Nadal was able to bask in Spain’s victory over Argentina.

After more problems with his knees, causing him to withdraw from the year end Masters Cup, Nadal returned at the beginning of 2009 with great prospects ahead of him. A Grand Slam on hard court would confirm his being in the presence of the giants of the game. After a five set match with compatriot Verdasco, culminating in a win for Nadal, he returned shortly to face Federer in the final. The match, not as great, but reminiscent of their Wimbledon final took five sets to complete, with the Spaniard victorious. Critics were stunned as to how this twenty-two year old could play two such taxing matches back-to-back and perform supremely in both. Nadal joined the company of the tennis greats.

His great qualities carry beyond the game itself; his attitude both on and off the court make him a figure revered by critics, other players, and fans alike. The anecdote of his uncle and coach Toni warning him not to ever break or smash a racket is well known by all. Tantrums are absent from his on-court game. His loss at the French Open this year showed to all sports fans the admirable nature of Nadal’s character and attitude:

It is not a tragedy since as I say it had to happen one day. It is something I have to live with and that's it. I played really bad, very short, not agressive enough (or not at all) with out any calm and on top of that he played well.

With Nadal’s withdrawl from this year’s Wimbledon it is more than possible that Federer will regain the top spot in the men’s rankings. But Nadal is clearly not phased by this. As he said himself, tennis is a game; there are victories and there are losses. Players must be able to accept all that comes their way, and to accept it graciously. We can only admire Nadal’s attitude. Steffi Graff recently commented in an online German magazine on his immense passion for the game:

If you watch Rafael Nadal play tennis, you can only respond with amazement and great admiration. He is an incredible athlete with so much discipline, so much concentration and someone who likes to put a lot of passion into every point.
Words fail to come out of me to describe his game appropriately. I've rarely seen anyone who approaches a ball with so much attention. With such passion and joy that it makes it great fun to watch him. With him, you can associate everything that makes tennis so beautiful.

We can only hope that Rafael Nadal will always show this passion and respect Graff attributes to him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Worthwhile reads:

Simon Kinnesley, Rafael Nadal puts success down to home comforts and a quiet life,

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/tennis/article6455384.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1

The Rafael Nadal Blog, http://timesonline.typepad.com/rafael_nadal/

---

[i] Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre

[ii] Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights

Ravishing Restoration Romp and Tantilising Tennis

I intended to wake up much later this morning. But did that happen? No. I wake up at quarter past six. How ridiculous. The one morning of the week I don't need to get up early. So, having woken up early I attempted to doze for a bit a longer. This didn't really work. I then decided I would check out what happened in the tennis yesterday absolutely convinced that Nalbandian would have beaten Nadal. To my surprise the match was still playing with Nalbandian a set and a break up. So, I've just been making various minor adjustments to my blogs whilst keeping a check on the live score - yes, that is how sad I am, watching live scores on the internet. I don't actually have any means to watch tennis, until it gets round to the British part of the 'season'. Anyway, somehow, Rafa managed to claw back the second set and then go on to win the third 6-0. How does he do it? He really is an amazing sportsman. He's the player I would most love to watch, even more so than Federer I think. His energy is just phenomenal. Actually, I watched the England-France rugby last weekend. It was great to see England look vaguely like a team. I just hope that they can build on that. And, nearly forgot, I watched the Liverpool vs. Man U highlights. It was so satisfying to see Liverpool kick their asses. Torres and Gerrard are awesome. I'd pretty much lost my interest in football until I watched that match, well I've never entirely lost interest in football, but it was greatly irritating me. The match reminded me what I love about football. And this year, I am determined to get a ticket to watch Liverpool play. I've been saying I would like to see them since I was ten. I think it's about time! I would love to see a rugby match too. A cricket match would be pretty good. A tennis match would just be bloody wonderful.

Anyway, moving on from my sports rant, if you're wondering what the hell my title is about then I shall now explain. This week for my Renaissance to Restoration module I've been reading The Frolicks, a small, relatively unknown Restoration play by a woman called Elizabeth Polwhele. AND, this is the best part, I've been reading Wycheley's The Country Wife. I finished them both yesterday and I have to admit that I love these types of plays. The Country Wife especially. There is something so irrestistible about it. I suppose it's slightly odd considering the plot consists of a lot of womanising. But, when you have a main character called Horner, it's so hard not to love. I found myself on the verge of laughing out loud at several points of the play. I think the fact that Horner manages to convince virtually all the men around him that he's a eunuch and then procedes to play around with four women right under their noses is enough to result in a few giggles. And, of course, the classic case of double entendre and sexual innuendo: the china scene. I won't explain what happens, 'cause it's worth having a look at this and I wouldn't want to give the whole scene away. But, I'm pretty sure you have an idea of what goes on with the word china. Aside from the extremely humourous side to the play there are pretty dark elements too. If it's seen as a portrayal and /or critique of Restoration society then it reveals some quite sinister truths. There's the relationship of the country and the city, the role of women within marriage, the role of women within the city, and so on and so forth. Altogether a fantastic play (doesn't beat Shakespeare but who does?).

I have to confess to wanting to see the film The Young Victoria. I just cannot get enough of period dramas. The fact that Emily Blunt is a relatively attractive actress playing a non-attractive queen doesn't really bother me. I saw a trailer for it last weekend when I'd gone to see Benjamin Button. I can't believe Paul Bettany's in it. I didn't even recognise him, just picked up on his voice. He's in the most random range of films.

Anyway, I think I'll leave it there after rabbiting on for a while. I'm going to try and write a letter to one of my friends in the hope it gets to her by Saturday otherwise she will go back to uni next term and find a very outdated letter waiting for her.

Adios, for now...

Just Pondering...

It's been a while since I've written anything on here. In fact, it's been a while since I've written anything at all. I seem to think of things whenever I don't have a pen or paper with me, or my laptop in front of me. And when I do, I have work to do and thus have zilch time to write. However, as of now, that has changed, obviously, as I'm actually sitting here, at home - and I mean home home, not university - with my laptop in front of me, writing. In fact that changed yesterday when I came up with few more ideas for my novel. I say 'my novel' as if there is just one. There are several, all just as incomplete and, ultimately, just as crap as each other. This one, for the time being, is called Emily - no title has been decided upon.

Anyway, after several months of not choreographing anything - well, there were a few dances I started and never finished - I began choreographing a dance a couple of days ago, and it is, amazingly, going somewhere. For the first time in about five years it's a solo dance. It's pretty good to have free reign on what goes into the dance. I chose a Stereophonics song, a bit random, I suppose. But, I love the music and it just seemed right to do it.

I'm absolutely in love with the Stereophonics. Something about the music - I think a combination of Kelly Jones's voice, the lyrics and just generally the style - seems to suit my ear. I keep listening and listening and have not got at all tired with it. Weird. It's rare that it happens. I've only ever been like that with Coldplay. I still am like that with Coldplay. Other bands just don't seem to cut it. Well, some of their music does, but not song after song after song.

As a final thought before I head off to my bed - it's calling for me now - 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'. I went to see it tonight and I have to admit to being impressed with it. I thought Brad Pitt, despite being damn irritating in real life (not that I know the guy), was pretty good and Cate Blanchett was excellent as per usual. What most grabbed my attention was the story itself. I'm going to have to read Fitzgerald's original short story to satisfy my curiosity - fitting word, I suppose. I enjoyed The Great Gatsby. More than enjoyed it, I think. Although, Tender is the Night didn't have the same effect on me. Lack of sympathy for the characters, I feel. But with Gatsby I actually felt something towards him.

Anyway, I really must go now before I doze off right here.

Au revoir, for now...

Sublime Scintillating Spaniard

‘…I traced the general points of middle height, and considerable breadth of chest. He had a dark face, with stern features and a heavy brow…’[i]

‘…A ray fell on his features … the eyes deep set and singular…a tall, athletic, well-formed man…’[ii]

All great beings fall; none are infallible. The mighty Achilles at the artful hands of Paris, the ‘Infernal Serpent’ Satan in his rebellion against Milton's 'Awful Monarch', and the heroic Fall of Adam and Eve. Classical and epic allusions aplenty, this 'fall' was one of graciousness: on the eve of his defense of Wimbledon, Rafael Nadal, calmly, though sadly, withdrew from the most remarkable and cherished event on the tennis calendar. This occurred only three weeks after his attempt to win the clay court title of the year for the fifth straight time. Chasing this record, Rafael Nadal lost out. But, it is on the occasion of this loss that it seems about time to acknowledge the achievement of this young tennis player and the incredible impact he has had upon the sport.

The annual ATP tennis awards given out in..., culminated a fantastic year of men's tennis. The man who led the year 2008 was none other than Nadal. One of the most respected players on the ATP tour, Andy Roddick, spoke out about how underrated he is as a tennis player. He specified the fact that the complete quality of his game goes unrecognised due to his being predominantly known for his heavy, powerful groundstrokes. It is his forehand which perhaps marked him out when he first made an impact on the tour in 2005, but any player who has the task of gaining the top spot in men's tennis from one Roger Federer has to have improved his game immensely. This was the task to be undertaken by the young Majorcan native.

Firstly, I would like to account for the remarkable achievements of Roger Federer, a man who rose to the top of the tennis world to dominate men's tennis after the likes of Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. At the final Grand Slam of 2008 Federer captured his thirteenth major trophy, in doing so, he accomplished a huge feat, leaving himself only one Grand Slam title behind Pete Sampras. Federer successfully equaled the feat, winning the French Open, and completed his quest for a Grand Slam and a win on every surface. On the course of his tennis journey Federer has gained tremendous amounts of praise for the high quality of his play, and has been likened to the great Bjorn Borg - especially having equaled his record of five Wimbledon titles in a row. One of the prevailing comments is on the balletic nature of his game. And it is impossible to argue with such a view. His ability to glide across the court with such precise footwork is a spectacle to admire. He has already secured his place as a legend of the sporting world, and the sheer high standard of his game ensured that his position at the top of the world ranking could only be relinquished to someone whose tennis would come close to his at the height of his career: Rafael Nadal.

Nadal’s early successes were signs of what would come in future years. He took part in the Davis Cup final against the USA in 2004 and made a firm mark upon the spectators and critics alike: he won against the world number two Andy Roddick. During that year, he had been unable to participate in the French Open and Wimbledon, but this would only add to his desire to win in his first attempt the following year in 2005. Approaching the French Open, he won in Montecarlo, Barcelona, and Rome. Such victories made success in Paris seem possible. On his French Open debut, the nineteen year old Nadal charged through on his hopeful path to the final. Ferrer and Federer lay in his way along with Gasquet and Grosjean. He beat the Frenchmen, but whether he could beat Federer in the semi-finals was another matter. Federer was not of much concern, and the nineteen year old achieved a place in his first Grand Slam final. Four sets and the trophy was his.

In 2006 the clay court tournaments belonged to Nadal once again. This time he defeated Federer in the French Open final, securing his supremacy on the red brick. This year, though, he would prove to all his critics that he could play well on other surfaces too. Nadal, perhaps unexpectedly, had achieved a place against Federer in the Wimbledon final. He took the only set off the grass court king that he lost throughout the entire tournament. Nadal had shown his ability to be masterful on the hallowed green turf.

The next year would follow in similar suit. Nadal won the French, beating Federer in the final for a second year running. The pair met once again in the Wimbledon final, but this time the match told a different story. Nadal was not to be left behind by the reigning champion. The world number two challenged the world number one to five sets of brilliant tennis. Federer won his remarkable fifth consecutive Wimbledon trophy, but the world knew that Nadal would be back again. Shortly after the final, the great Bjorn Borg made a daring prediction that Wimbledon 2008 would have a new champion in Rafael Nadal.

The semi-finals at the Australian Open 2008 illustrated Nadal’s capabilities on all surfaces. But for the first year in some time neither of the world’s top two tennis players could win a title in the first part of the tennis calendar. Then came the European clay court tournaments, and forward charged the clay court master. Nadal won Montecarlo, Barcelona, and Hamburg, sending warning signs to all the players out there that he was on as good form as ever. At the semi-finals of Hamburg he needed to win against Djokovic or else his world number two ranking would be wrestled from him. But in true style he beat Djokovic and went on to take the title from Federer. The French Open trophy was just waiting to be lifted by the Spaniard for a fourth time. He won with an impressive feat, not losing a single set and demolishing Federer in the final: 61, 63, 60. Borg’s record had been matched. Questions were buzzing around the tennis world: would the two meet again at the next Grand Slam? And could there be a future change at the top of the rankings?

The success story continued. Nadal played at Queens in Britain. And for the first time in history, the winner of the French Open won at Queens too. Nadal impressed all with his rapid change from clay to grass. Only Wimbledon was waiting. He eased through matches, far more easily than in previous years. The British hoped for an exciting clash with Andy Murray in the quarter finals, but the match proved a display for the power and exquisite shot making of Nadal’s game. Nadal won convincingly in three sets. Murray spoke after the match and said he had simply been outplayed. He stated that if Nadal played the way he had during their match, he could go on to win the title.

The semi-final won, all that was left was to face a familiar opponent in the final: Roger Federer, King of Grass. Critics and spectators alike, hoped for a brilliant clash of two phenomenal players. But could Nadal knock Federer off his pedestal? The first two sets surprised everyone. Nadal won them comfortably 64, 64 whilst showing magnificent shot making and stunning the crowd. What had happened to Federer? Would it be a three set win for Nadal? No, it wouldn’t. Federer fought back winning the third and fourth sets. It was in the fourth set tie-break that two shots were played defying all explanation: Nadal’s exquisite forehand, and Federer’s beautiful backhand. They were sublime. Out of this world. Two of the greatest shots in the game. How was it possible to make such beautiful shots? The match had yet to go on. Two sets all, into a deciding set. Neck and neck, the two astounding players battled to 7-7. And then Nadal broke. Could he serve for the match. One match point. Squandered. His fourth match point of the match: Federer hit the ball into the net. After four hours and forty-eight minutes of play, rain breaks and virtual darkness, Nadal lay down on his back, arms stretched out: Wimbledon had a new champion in the twilight. Cameras flashed, the crowd cheered; they had just witnessed a great sporting spectacle. A rare spectacle, when the two giants of the sport perform phenomenally in an epic clash. Nadal was finally able to lift the coveted trophy. And in the dark he did.

To add to a wonderful year of tennis, Rafael Nadal was guaranteed to rise to the top spot. And so he did, the day after he won the Olympic gold medal for Spain. He had also helped the Spanish team to the Davis Cup final, and although unable to participate due to injury, Nadal was able to bask in Spain’s victory over Argentina.

After more problems with his knees, causing him to withdraw from the year end Masters Cup, Nadal returned at the beginning of 2009 with great prospects ahead of him. A Grand Slam on hard court would confirm his being in the presence of the giants of the game. After a five set match with compatriot Verdasco, culminating in a win for Nadal, he returned shortly to face Federer in the final. The match, not as great, but reminiscent of their Wimbledon final took five sets to complete, with the Spaniard victorious. Critics were stunned as to how this twenty-two year old could play two such taxing matches back-to-back and perform supremely in both. Nadal joined the company of the tennis greats.

His great qualities carry beyond the game itself; his attitude both on and off the court make him a figure revered by critics, other players, and fans alike. The anecdote of his uncle and coach Toni warning him not to ever break or smash a racket is well known by all. Tantrums are absent from his on-court game. His loss at the French Open this year showed to all sports fans the admirable nature of Nadal’s character and attitude:

It is not a tragedy since as I say it had to happen one day. It is something I have to live with and that's it. I played really bad, very short, not agressive enough (or not at all) with out any calm and on top of that he played well.

With Nadal’s withdrawl from this year’s Wimbledon it is more than possible that Federer will regain the top spot in the men’s rankings. But Nadal is clearly not phased by this. As he said himself, tennis is a game; there are victories and there are losses. Players must be able to accept all that comes their way, and to accept it graciously. We can only admire Nadal’s attitude. Steffi Graff recently commented in an online German magazine on his immense passion for the game:

If you watch Rafael Nadal play tennis, you can only respond with amazement and great admiration. He is an incredible athlete with so much discipline, so much concentration and someone who likes to put a lot of passion into every point.
Words fail to come out of me to describe his game appropriately. I've rarely seen anyone who approaches a ball with so much attention. With such passion and joy that it makes it great fun to watch him. With him, you can associate everything that makes tennis so beautiful.

We can only hope that Rafael Nadal will always show this passion and respect Graff attributes to him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Worthwhile reads:

Simon Kinnesley, Rafael Nadal puts success down to home comforts and a quiet life,

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/tennis/article6455384.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1

The Rafael Nadal Blog, http://timesonline.typepad.com/rafael_nadal/

---

[i] Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre

[ii] Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights

Remembrances of the Deceased

On Thursday night I decided I'd treat myself to watching a film after a few days of a lot of work. I picked 10 Things I Hate About You. It's one of those films I can watch again and again and never tire. Not because it's wonderful - it's not - but because there's something a little bit different about it in comparison to most romantic comedies. Something a little bit quirky - Heath Ledger's character, I suppose. This is the one thing I hadn't thought of, the fact that he is one of the main characters. How I didn't think of it before I put the D.V.D. in, I really don't know. I must have been in one of those dazes after having spent time planning for three different essays. Anyway, as I was watching it, it really hit me that Heath Ledger is no longer around. I don't mean that in a really corny way. It's been over a year since his death and up until now watching him in films seemed pretty normal - even in The Dark Knight. I think it's the thought that there's only one new film left to see: The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus. It's sad to think there will be nothing left to come. Nothing more of a great talent set to become an even greater actor. The man who was leading his generation of actors. It seems only fitting that after missing out on Best Actor at the BAFTAs for his moving role in Brokeback Mountain, that he should sweep up Best Supporting Actor with little to no contest at all...just over a year after his death in the role he will most likely be remembered for: the terrific, terrifying Joker.

A Merry Literary Christmas

…to one and all…

There are many people in the world who can convey the meaning of Christmas time in their expressions and emotions, but there are few who can convey its meaning in words. As a way of saying Merry Christmas to you all, here are a series of excerpts from great writers’ works.

‘It was his own room. There was no doubt about that. But it had undergone a surprising transformation. The walls and ceiling were so hung with living green, that it looked a perfect grove; from every part of which, bright gleaming berries glistened. The crisp leaves of holly, mistletoe, and ivy reflected back the light, as if so many little mirrors had been scattered there; and such a mighty blaze went roaring up the chimney, as that dull petrification of a hearth had never known in Scrooge's time, or Marley's, or for many and many a winter season gone. Heaped up on the floor, to form a kind of throne, were turkeys, geese, game, poultry, brawn, great joints of meat, sucking-pigs, long wreaths of sausages, mince-pies, plum-puddings, barrels of oysters, red-hot chestnuts, cherry-cheeked apples, juicy oranges, luscious pears, immense twelfth-cakes, and seething bowls of punch, that made the chamber dim with their delicious steam. In easy state upon this couch, there sat a jolly Giant, glorious to see, who bore a glowing torch, in shape not unlike Plenty's horn, and held it up, high up, to shed its light on Scrooge, as he came peeping round the door.’ – A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

‘They drank healths, told stories, sang songs, `reminisced', as the old folks say, and had a thoroughly good time. A sleigh ride had been planned, but the girls would not leave their father, so the guests departed early, and as twilight gathered, the happy family sat together round the fire.’ – Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

‘But angel like, when I awoke,
Thy silvery form so soft and fair
Shining through darkness, sweetly spoke
Of cloudy skies and mountains bare

The dearest to a mountaineer
Who, all life long has loved the snow
That crowned her native summits drear,
Better, than greenest plains below –

And voiceless, soulless messenger
They presence waked a thrilling tone
That comforts me while thou art here
And will sustain when thou art gone’

- final three stanzas of ‘To a Wreath of Snow’, from the fantasy world of Gondal, Emily Jane Brontë

‘Hallo. A great deal of steam. The pudding was out of the copper. A smell like a washing-day. That was the cloth. A smell like an eating-house and a pastrycook's next door to each other, with a laundress's next door to that. That was the pudding.’ – A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

‘she ushered me into a room whose double illumination of fire and candle at first dazzled me, contrasting as it did with the darkness to which my eyes had been for two hours inured; when I could see, however, a cosy and agreeable picture presented itself to my view.

A snug small room; a round table by a cheerful fire; an arm-chair high-backed and old-fashioned, wherein sat the neatest imaginable little elderly lady, in widow's cap, black silk gown, and snowy muslin apron.’ – Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë

‘The more it snows(Tiddely pom),
The more it goes(Tiddely pom),
The more it goes(Tiddely pom)
On snowing. 

And nobody knows(Tiddely pom),
How cold my toes(Tiddely pom),
How cold my toes(Tiddely pom),
Are growing.’

- The House at Pooh Corner, A.A.Milne 

'Turning towards the hearth, where the two logs had fallen apart, and sent forth only a red uncertain glimmer, he seated himself on his fireside chair, and was stooping to push his logs together, when, to his blurred vision, it seemed as if there were gold on the floor in front of the hearth. Gold!—his own gold—brought back to him as mysteriously as it had been taken away! He felt his heart begin to beat violently, and for a few moments he was unable to stretch out his hand and grasp the restored treasure. The heap of gold seemed to glow and get larger beneath his agitated gaze. He leaned forward at last, and stretched forth his hand; but instead of the hard coin with the familiar resisting outline, his fingers encountered soft warm curls. In utter amazement, Silas fell on his knees and bent his head low to examine the marvel: it was a sleeping child—a round, fair thing, with soft yellow rings all over its head.' - Silas Marner, George Eliot

Merry Christmas to everyone!

My Strictly Winners

Those of us who watch Strictly Come Dancing usually have our favourites from across the series'. I confess to only having watched series four, five and six. Here are my favourites (in no particular order) from those three series.

Alesha Dixon

Of all the women in the three series I've watched, Alesha has stood out by a mile. Whilst Rachel Stevens and Lisa Snowdon may have been topping the judges leader board week after week after week and breaking Strictly records left right and centre, neither seemed to give off the spark as Alesha. From week one of series five, Alesha lit up the stage. She may not have been as technically accurate as Rachel or Lisa, but the combination of her technique with her exceptional performance is what made her stand out so far above the crowd.

Austin Healey

It was disappointing to see Austin and Erin voted out in the quarter-final stage. From the very beginning they, along with Cheri and James, were the couple to beat. Whilst never achieving the scores of Rachel and Lisa, Austin's performances were always more engaging and entertaining. His technique was very good and helped mark him as one of the best male dancers on Strictly. And that paso doble...

Mark Ramprakash

Series four was the first time I watched Strictly and from start Mark Ramprakash was the one to watch. He and Karen Hardy, whilst not the most consistent of couples, came up trumps when it was needed. Their salsa is one of the most memorable dances, a brilliant combination of performance and technique. The performance which marked them as one of my favourite couples was their Argentine tango in semi-final week. It had all the ingredients needed for a superb dance. Since that tango, no other couple has performed one as good as that (not even Rachel Stevens).

Gethin Jones

He may not have been the best dancer in series five, that was Alesha, but he was always fun to watch. His breakout week towards the end of the series showed him as being the most improved performer on the show - that salsa was awesome! He and Camilla were one of the most entertaining couples in the three series I've watched.

The Dances

Not only do most Strictly viewers have their favourite couples but also their favourite dances. Each series has at least one dance which stands out and is remembered from one series to the next. Despite not having watched the second series Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett's jive is one which will not be forgotten as it is often shown and quoted on Strictly as having been one of the best dances. Here are my favourites from the last three series (in no particular order).

Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy's Salsa

Highly entertaining - technically brilliant - all that a salsa should be. And, of course, extremely hot! The song and Karen's choreography were more than well suited providing the best salsa of series four, five and six.

Alesha Dixon and Matt Cutler's Cha Cha Cha

By far the most consistent performer in series five, this cha cha cha to Crazy in Love summed up Alesha's Strictly achievement. It may not have been technically perfect, but the sheer energy and vibrance has made this one of the most memorable Strictly performances yet. As memorable as Jill Halfpenny's jive.

Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy's Argentine Tango

The Argentine tango, along with the paso doble, is my favourite dance. I was at first a little sceptical about the music, but by the end I was not at all. The dance was, for me, the dance of the series. It was full of passion, raunchiness, drama and technique, altogether successfully conveying the dark and seedy nature of the Argentine tango. As of yet, the best Argentine tango I've seen.

Austin Healey and Erin Boag's Paso Doble

In series six I watched week after week waiting for a striking performance. Whilst Rachel and Lisa produced very good dances there still seemed to be a spark lacking. The paso dobles' of the series had been disappointing and the only I could think of which had been any good since series four was the one Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy performed. I was unsure whether Austin and Erin could pull it off. But, with an electric opening, they performed the dance of the series. Full of passion, control, drama and energy this paso matched upto the likes of the series four Argentine tango and the series five cha cha cha. One definitely to be remembered.

A Pure Woman and an Angel

Person of the Day: Thomas Hardy
Word of the Day: Love
Quote of the Day: 'You will - you do say it, I know! You will be mine for ever and ever.' He clasped her close and kissed her. 'Yes!'

Looking back at the time I read Tess, I realise how exquiste the scenes are between Tess and Angel, and how beautiful Hardy's language is at this point of the novel. This section I feel is ranked up top alingside the powerful scenes between Cathy and Heathcliff, and Jane and Rochester. It is also and incredibly important part of the novel as, without it, the novel would seem far more dark and gloomy than it is.

I knew that this episode would have to be pretty damn good if it were to convey the natural beauty of Tess and Angel's love for one another. And whilst I felt a little disappointed that a couple of bits weren't included in the production, Gemma Arterton and Eddie Redmayne more than made up for it. The pair completely convinced me of Tess and Angel's genuine love for one another and left me desperately hoping and wishing that nothing would separate them, as Tess says to Angel that she likes living just as they are. But as we are constantly warned of what is to come we know that Tess's fate is ultimately sealed, and Arterton's expression, as Tess realises that Angel has not seen or read her letter, painfully portrayed her darkening future.

The acting of the pair, I felt, was very good, and they were also supported by a solid trio of Marian, Retty and Izz. The scenery, as in the first episode, complimented the acting and atmosphere beautifully.

Back at uni... feeling a bit strange

Person of the Day: Kelly Jones
Word of the Day: la musica
Quote of the Day: Have A Nice Day

In the past month or so the number of people asking me if I was looking forward to going back to uni has been quite many. It's an odd question, I find. Easy to answer if you are really excited about going back, but difficult to answer if you're not entirely sure. I'm one of those who finds it difficult to answer.

Whilst I have partly looked forward to it (nothing can really keep me away from my lovely novels, plays and poems) another part of me has struggled with the idea of going back. But how do you say that to all those people asking? I don't. I simply lie, not something I like to do often - infact, I hate to do it. I put a big smile on my face and answer "yes, I'm really excited about going back" whilst inside I seem to be struggling with all sorts of different feelings. Tearing myself away from my home is one of the things I find hardest, the others, the thought of having to speak to new people, to orientate myself again and to fend for myself.

So, here I am. Back in the north. Adjusting once more to living away from home. And whilst I find it a struggle, I am happy to have my books surrounding me to keep me company - they do a very good job.

J.M.Barrie, Peter Pan and Neverland

Person of the Day: J.M.Barrie
Word of the Day: immortality
Quote of the Day: Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!

Last night I was asked by a friend to simply answer a question about the meaning of Neverland. So after pondering over this for a little while I decided to find out what Barrie intended Neverland to be.

From the information I have gathered within a few hours there is no explicit statement that says J.M.Barrie meant Neverland as a place where dead children go. It may, however, be implicit in how he presents it.

Neverland is portrayed as a place where people may cease to age. People in this respect are children as we witness in Peter Pan. It is often thought of as a metaphor for eternal childhood, immortality and escapism - things which the first generation Romantics, particularly Wordsworth, were concerned with.

One of Barrie's novels explains that Neverlands are found in the minds of children. He emphasises the importance of the imagination. Barrie suggests that a map of a child's mind would be virtually the same as a map of Neverland. Neither Neverland nor a child's mind has boundaries.

The nature of Neverland might stem back to Barrie's youth. His brother died at the age of fourteen and this tragic death had a profound effect on the children's mother. Barrie was a witness to his mother's deep sadness. Perhaps we might take from this that Neverland provided an imaginary world where children could be immortal; Barrie, it appears, wished he could bring his brother back to make his mother happy again.

A further occurance which very likely contributed to Barrie's Neverland is his meeting with the Llewelyn Davies family: a mother and her boys. Barrie became close to the family and helped looked after the boys when they became orphaned. His relation with the family provided much of his inspiration for Peter Pan.

J.M.Barrie's witnessing of death in childhood and the effect the death of a loved one has on a child clearly influence his work to a great extent, with the theme of immortality running on through Peter Pan.



The information I've found on J.M.Barrie and Neverland is very little, so if anyone knows more please do leave a comment