I've found out today that I've got the grades I needed to get into my first-choice uni and so from October onwards I will be a student at St Catherine's College, Oxford, studying PPE.

I'm already looking forward to this new stage in my life.

Crosses

Butterflies

I've just returned from a holiday to the south of Ireland and thought it would be nice to post a few of the pictures I took.

Enjoy

Film:

The Mission

The Mission is essentially a film about a group of 18th century Jesuits who try to protect a remote South American Indian tribe in danger of falling under the rule of pro-slavery Portugal. The film is based on true events, which is sobbering to say the least.

There are many factors which make this an excellent and worthwhile watch, but for me, the messages the film portrays are greatest factor. A major, if not the major theme is that of redemption (of the slave trader Mendoza). The film highlights that there is forgiveness available, even for the most evil people, and that a new life with a clean slate is available if it is searched for and 'dared' for. The film is also brutally honest about how corrupt and evil humanity can be, which is revealed most clearly in the Spanish and Portuguese settlers. When thinking about the cruelty and destruction that Europeans have dealt to the rest of the world, I can't help but think of the Roy Harper song 'I Hate the White Man'.

As a Christian, I feel that the film also has important messages to make to Christians.
Firstly, the film deals with the idea of pennance, which is an often negated issue in Christian circles. Although I believe that salvation is fully secured through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and so pennance is not required for salvation, this does not imply that there is no place fo pennance. I believe that sorrow for past wrongdoings is right and that in some situations it may be right to perform certain acts to express this sorrow.
Secondly, the bravery, simplicity and loving community shown by the Jesuits and the resulting witness to Christ is a serious challenge to modern day Christians. The commitment of the Jesuits to Christ in all areas of their lives is surely something that not only should but must be present in the lives of Christians today.

Music:

Illinois, by Sufjan Stevens

This is a truely great album. It is really easy listening and contains a number of really catchy tunes. However, many of the songs are quite deep, deeling with issues from cancer to UFO sitings and serial killers to predatory wasps. There is also a slight religious undertone in a number of songs, which I quite appreciated.

Favourite song - 'The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us!' (but hard pushed by 'Casimir Pulaski Day')

I am writing this to ask for some help regarding the film Donnie Darko.

I've watched the film (which as a spectacle I enjoyed very much) but came away from the film confused as to what the message of the film was - if there is any message at all?

If you have any ideas or comments as to the meaning of the film, please do leave them with me.

Film:

The Pink Panther Strikes Again

To me, the Pink Panther Strikes Again is comedy at its best. Peter Sellers is a comedy genius of whom I will never tire. The Pink Panther Strikes Again also contains what may be my favourite scene out of any film - the one where Inspector Clouseau is interrigating Proffessor Fassbinder's household.

The following are a few of the classic lines:

'Housekeeper: You've ruined that piano! Clouseau: What is the price of one piano, compared to the terrible crime that has been committed here Housekeeper: But that's a priceless Steinway! Clouseau: Nyot Anymeur.'

'Ahh... The old closet ploy, I do enjoy a good closet ploy'

'Clouseau: Does yer dewg bite? Inn Keeper: No Clouseau: Nice Doggy (bends down to pet a dachshund - it snarls and bites him) I thought you said yer dewg did not bite! Inn Keeper: Zat... iz not my dog!'

P.S. A Shot In The Dark and Revenge Of The Pink Panther are also hilariously funny films.

I thought that I would post a poem that I wrote 3 years ago:

How to be Remembered

I saw a picture of a boy,
A tubby little runt,
I learned no fat was on his bones,
But worms within his gut.

I’ve grown up since I saw that boy,
I understand his plight,
But I’ve had the chance to feed that child,
And found my pockets tight.

It’s strange what things we value now,
Family, friends, security,
But we feel begrudged to pay for life,
Drink and clothes we find easy.

With bombs exploding, hundreds dead,
The news will run all day,
But third world debt kills thousands more,
And never gets a say.

I’ve talked this issue with many boys,
I cannot call them men,
Because they believe two pounds a month,
Is good enough for them.

I’m glad I’m only fifteen now,
I have a choice to make,
I could bury my head in worthless goods,
Or action I could take.

Although its no Ted Hughes, I hope it may be a challenge in some way.

Music:

Everyday, by the Cinematic Orchestra.



Describing the sound of the Cinematic Orchestra is near impossible, but I believe the 'official' genre is 'nu jazz'. For me, this album has to be up there as one of my all time favourites. It is one of those few albums which you can play the whole way through wothout coming across a song which you dislike. However, what makes this album so special is that every song is not just likable or tolerable but top notch.

What i generally look for in music is a relaxing, soothing or even haunting listen, and Everyday seems to be all these things. The songs are also not shallow or simple, and the depth to songs such as 'everyday' and 'all things to all men' is truely intense.

In my opinion this album is a must have, and one that you will never tire of.

Favourite song - 'everyday' (but hard pushed by 'burnout' and 'all that you give')

P.S. If you want to listen to the album you can do so at www.cinematicorchestra.com

Hi, I'm Sam and I've just set up this blogging account.

I have to apologise for the lameness of this first blog. I'm yet to master the art and don't feel i have anything poignant to say.