January wasn't a very interesting month for me- at least on a personal level!
I started my job on the 7th, so all my weekdays were busy with work, and the weekends were spent doing other important things!
Here's what I managed to squeeze in:
Movies
Pitch Perfect [2012]
Lincoln [2012]
Django Unchained [2012]
Hyde Park on Hudson [2012]
Zero Dark Thirty [2012]
Les Miserables [2012]
Books 2 (Love Unscripted, The Ice Age- Kirsten Reed)
Here's to hoping February will be more active and interesting on a personal level! Maybe I can get to a theater play, like I've wanted for a long time, and see more movies, too.
Have a great month, lovely people!
Diana
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Feb 1, 2013
Jan 1, 2013
2013
The first day of the new year is here and it's time to reflect, to think about the future and what we want to achieve. I think everyone does that, even if they don't take too much time or write it down....a few moments are enough to set out some ideas/plans/goals in your head and know what you are after.
I already sat down and wrote mine (quite a list, if you must know, split on different areas) and, of course, the blog had its special category. For 2013 I wish to continue loving films and dedicating time to them, maybe not as much as most bloggers, but just enough to discover classics and enjoy the new arrivals. I want to try out more old movies (30s-50s) and watch some absolute classics that I am a little bit ashamed of not seeing until now. I want to take my time and enjoy them, analyze them, but also find time for more....
...time for more new and exciting things, that aren't particularly films/tv shows. I want to read legendary books (To kill a mockingbird, Of mice and men, Virginia Woolf etc), to listen to all-time favorites like The Clash, The Beatles, Bob Dylan and see more plays/shows. I want to discover more about the world around me and be knowledgeable in more areas.
So, I am warning you know that you will see more diverse posts on Aziza's Picks from now on (or so I hope). Speaking of it, what would interest you? would like to read book reviews, or better talk about music? Please do let me know, I am to please :)
But, since this is, first and foremost, a film blog, here are my 2013 movie related resolutions
1. See at least 125 movies- the same as this year
2. At least 50 of them will have a release date before 2010
3. There will be more diversity on the blog- music, books, recommendation posts and others
4. Try to post a minimum of 10 articles/month
5. Be more active on other blogs and on Twitter (that means checking my Google Reader more than once a week)
Happy New Year! I hope you all have a great 2013 and take advantage of all the opportunities that will arise!
Oct 31, 2012
October recap
October has past, yet again, as fast as the last few months- time is running out and I feel like I am loosing it on useless things. Take October, for example- I was busy almost every day of the month, but I haven't actually accomplished anything important. I did chores for my parents, I met with the some friends, but I didn't get a job or write on the blog.
That's one of the things I regret and feel very bad about: not being too active on the blog, when I had the time. As you can see below, my movie count is shameful, and I hate it. But lately I don't have the mood to either see or write about a film, which is weird, because I used to love it before- I still do, but it's proving to be more difficult to do. God, I am such a lazy person, I need to change things quickly this November, and I will start by making a day by day schedule I will have to keep up with- mandatory tasks regarding job search and movies. I know that if I keep at it, I will definitely reach some of my goals- I am an organized person, but I also need motivation to get things done, and that's hard to have sometimes. But no, I am determined to have a much more productive November. Focus Diana! :)
Anyway, let's stop whining and start November on a much better vibe. Until then, here's my very short list for October:
Movies
ParaNorman [2012]
Devil wears Prada [2006] re-watch
Traffic [2000]
4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days [2007]
Children of Men [2007]
Beyond the Hills [2012]
Books 2
How were you this month? lazy, active, did anything interesting?
That's one of the things I regret and feel very bad about: not being too active on the blog, when I had the time. As you can see below, my movie count is shameful, and I hate it. But lately I don't have the mood to either see or write about a film, which is weird, because I used to love it before- I still do, but it's proving to be more difficult to do. God, I am such a lazy person, I need to change things quickly this November, and I will start by making a day by day schedule I will have to keep up with- mandatory tasks regarding job search and movies. I know that if I keep at it, I will definitely reach some of my goals- I am an organized person, but I also need motivation to get things done, and that's hard to have sometimes. But no, I am determined to have a much more productive November. Focus Diana! :)
Anyway, let's stop whining and start November on a much better vibe. Until then, here's my very short list for October:
Movies
ParaNorman [2012]
Devil wears Prada [2006] re-watch
Traffic [2000]
4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days [2007]
Children of Men [2007]
Beyond the Hills [2012]
Books 2
How were you this month? lazy, active, did anything interesting?
Sep 16, 2012
Random Recommendations
I always like to talk to people about things I've seen or read or listened to, so this monthly post of Recommendations is a pleasure to do. Here's what I've been up!
Music
My playlist has been pretty diverse lately, from folk or guitar songs (Lucy Rose and Michael Kiwanuka), to indie rock and dance. Here's a short list of my most played songs in the last few weeks:
Bastille- Bad Blood
Lucy Rose- Middle of the bed
Foo Fighters- My Hero
Jessie Ware- Night light
Grimes- Genesis
Michael Kiwanuka- Tell me a tale
Daughter- Love
The Maccabees- Child
Music
My playlist has been pretty diverse lately, from folk or guitar songs (Lucy Rose and Michael Kiwanuka), to indie rock and dance. Here's a short list of my most played songs in the last few weeks:
Bastille- Bad Blood
Lucy Rose- Middle of the bed
Foo Fighters- My Hero
Jessie Ware- Night light
Grimes- Genesis
Michael Kiwanuka- Tell me a tale
Daughter- Love
The Maccabees- Child
Jeff Buckley- Everybody here wants you
You me at six- No one does it better
Magazine
For movie lovers, I highly recommend Little White Lies- wonderfully packed, with amazing designs and drawings, it has one of the best interviews and articles around. This month's piece about On The Road is amazing, and so is its interview with KStew. If you find in your local store or online, please do check it out.
Books
I am now reading Bob Dylan- Chronicles: Volume one, and it's a pretty interesting read. I love the way he describes and talks about the 60s and his adventures in New York, although I do find it to be a little bit out of focus- he goes from one character, or year, to another and not only is it confusing, but it makes you lose interest at some points. That being said, I am still intrigued, and I will definitely finish it, his writing style is wonderful.
I'm planning to read 1Q84- Haruki Murakami. [From Amazon: "A love story, a mystery, a fantasy, a novel of self-discovery, a dystopia to rival George Orwell’s—1Q84 is Haruki Murakami’s most ambitious undertaking yet: an instant best seller in his native Japan, and a tremendous feat of imagination from one of our most revered contemporary writers."]
You me at six- No one does it better
Magazine
For movie lovers, I highly recommend Little White Lies- wonderfully packed, with amazing designs and drawings, it has one of the best interviews and articles around. This month's piece about On The Road is amazing, and so is its interview with KStew. If you find in your local store or online, please do check it out.
Books
I am now reading Bob Dylan- Chronicles: Volume one, and it's a pretty interesting read. I love the way he describes and talks about the 60s and his adventures in New York, although I do find it to be a little bit out of focus- he goes from one character, or year, to another and not only is it confusing, but it makes you lose interest at some points. That being said, I am still intrigued, and I will definitely finish it, his writing style is wonderful.
I'm planning to read 1Q84- Haruki Murakami. [From Amazon: "A love story, a mystery, a fantasy, a novel of self-discovery, a dystopia to rival George Orwell’s—1Q84 is Haruki Murakami’s most ambitious undertaking yet: an instant best seller in his native Japan, and a tremendous feat of imagination from one of our most revered contemporary writers."]
Have you read it yet? should I do it?
TV shows
One type of TV shows I love to watch are crime series, you know, like Criminal Minds or CSI. The ones I am currently seeing and recommend, in case you are looking for something similar, are:
Criminal Minds- case by case TV show run by CBS, about the FBI Behavioral Unit- their job is to understand, locate and capture serial killers. I love the cases and some of the characters are adorable (Doctor Reid, Garcia)
Castle- Wildly famous mystery novelist Richard Castle, learns that a real-world copycat killer has started staging murder scenes depicted in his novels.Rick is soon questioned by NYPD Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic, "The Spirit"), a very bright, aggressive detective who keeps her investigations under tight rein. Rick and Kate's styles instantly clash, yet sparks begin to fly, leading both to danger and a hint of romance as Castle steps in to help find the killer.And once that case is solved, he and Beckett build upon their new relationship as they look to solve strange homicides in New York - as much fun as one can have with death & murder [official synopsis]. Again, the characters and the chemistry is what sets this show apart from others, from my point of view.
What have you been reading/watching/listening to lately? Please do let me know in the comments!
Jul 4, 2012
Random recommendation post
It's the beginning of July and I thought another recommendations post would be welcomed! I'm starting to like doing this monthly type of post, and I hope you do, too! Some things are so good that I feel the need to share my love and make them more visible to other people, so this one way of doing it.
Lately I have been listening to a lot of MUSIC, especially folk/guitar music; it calms me and it's perfect background music for both studying and day dreaming :) I recently discovered Ben Howard, a British singer-songwriter with an interesting voice and smooth vocals. My absolute favorite from his album (Every Kingdom) is Only Love- sweet, catchy and a great display of talent (reminds me of Your Body is a Wonderland somehow, I don't know why); it's been on repeat for days. Check it out below, I hope you like it!
Honorable music mentions for these last couple of weeks:
Alt-J- Breezeblocks
The Maccabees- Went away
Grace Porter& the Nocturnals- Oasis
Alabama Shakes- Hold on
Since we are in the topic of music, one thing I highly recommend you do, at least once in your life, is to go to a Summer Music Festival- just imagine: summer, nice weather, great atmosphere, good music, beer and friends. If you're in the UK, definitely try Reading&Leeds, and for next year, Glastonbury, and for Europe the best are Benicassim(Spain), Rock Wechter (Belgium), Sziget (Hungary), T in the Park (Scotland). In US, I have only heard of Coachella and Lollapoloza, but I am sure there are many more. Just check out your national festival listings and you will most likely find a great line up for your musical taste!
Sample: Mumford and Sons- Little lion man in Glastonbury.
If you're looking for an informative, yet funny and simple WEBSITE, you must check out Mashable - it's a great site mainly for social media stuff, but it also has breaking news, statistics, and many more funny, interesting posts. I've been using it a lot for my work and I love it!
There are a number of amazing TV SHOWS out there, but honestly, nobody beats HBO in this category, and the newest addition, The Newsroom, is the perfect example. As I said on Twitter a couple of days ago, I am a little bit in love with it- it's a young, but strong romance, that makes me excited- I can't wait for episode 3. The script is fantastic and the cast is very talented, diverse and full of energy and passion. Emily Mortimer rocks every scene she is in and I adore the young cast: Allison Pill, Dev Patel and Jim, the senior producer, who's real name I don't know...yet, but who definitely caught my eye, both in talent and looks :) You should really, really give it a try, it's a superb TV show! Alex from And so it begins wrote a longer review of it, check out his post! Trailer here:
Finishing my post with a short recommendation in BOOKS, or better say, in an author- have you ever read John Steinbeck? I only tried East of Eden and The Grapes of Wrath, and both are on my favorites book list. I love the fact that he focuses on characters- in every novel, they are the stars, the reason to keep reading, the source of entertainment and emotion. Out of these two, I prefer East of Eden more, it makes me want to read it again (something I very rarely do). Also, I would love to see it transformed into a movie, actually, a miniseries, since it's that long and intricate- I think it would be interesting! I remember that while reading it, I kept trying to cast it in my mind and imagine it as a feature film- it's hard, but if done right, it could be a masterpiece!
This is it from me for July- enjoy your summer and I hope you get good weather- London is pretty gray and often changes from sun to rain and wind...I hope it would just make up its mind and settle on one season!
What have you been listening/watching/reading lately?
Lately I have been listening to a lot of MUSIC, especially folk/guitar music; it calms me and it's perfect background music for both studying and day dreaming :) I recently discovered Ben Howard, a British singer-songwriter with an interesting voice and smooth vocals. My absolute favorite from his album (Every Kingdom) is Only Love- sweet, catchy and a great display of talent (reminds me of Your Body is a Wonderland somehow, I don't know why); it's been on repeat for days. Check it out below, I hope you like it!
Honorable music mentions for these last couple of weeks:
Alt-J- Breezeblocks
The Maccabees- Went away
Grace Porter& the Nocturnals- Oasis
Alabama Shakes- Hold on
Since we are in the topic of music, one thing I highly recommend you do, at least once in your life, is to go to a Summer Music Festival- just imagine: summer, nice weather, great atmosphere, good music, beer and friends. If you're in the UK, definitely try Reading&Leeds, and for next year, Glastonbury, and for Europe the best are Benicassim(Spain), Rock Wechter (Belgium), Sziget (Hungary), T in the Park (Scotland). In US, I have only heard of Coachella and Lollapoloza, but I am sure there are many more. Just check out your national festival listings and you will most likely find a great line up for your musical taste!
Sample: Mumford and Sons- Little lion man in Glastonbury.
If you're looking for an informative, yet funny and simple WEBSITE, you must check out Mashable - it's a great site mainly for social media stuff, but it also has breaking news, statistics, and many more funny, interesting posts. I've been using it a lot for my work and I love it!
There are a number of amazing TV SHOWS out there, but honestly, nobody beats HBO in this category, and the newest addition, The Newsroom, is the perfect example. As I said on Twitter a couple of days ago, I am a little bit in love with it- it's a young, but strong romance, that makes me excited- I can't wait for episode 3. The script is fantastic and the cast is very talented, diverse and full of energy and passion. Emily Mortimer rocks every scene she is in and I adore the young cast: Allison Pill, Dev Patel and Jim, the senior producer, who's real name I don't know...yet, but who definitely caught my eye, both in talent and looks :) You should really, really give it a try, it's a superb TV show! Alex from And so it begins wrote a longer review of it, check out his post! Trailer here:
Finishing my post with a short recommendation in BOOKS, or better say, in an author- have you ever read John Steinbeck? I only tried East of Eden and The Grapes of Wrath, and both are on my favorites book list. I love the fact that he focuses on characters- in every novel, they are the stars, the reason to keep reading, the source of entertainment and emotion. Out of these two, I prefer East of Eden more, it makes me want to read it again (something I very rarely do). Also, I would love to see it transformed into a movie, actually, a miniseries, since it's that long and intricate- I think it would be interesting! I remember that while reading it, I kept trying to cast it in my mind and imagine it as a feature film- it's hard, but if done right, it could be a masterpiece!
This is it from me for July- enjoy your summer and I hope you get good weather- London is pretty gray and often changes from sun to rain and wind...I hope it would just make up its mind and settle on one season!
What have you been listening/watching/reading lately?
Dec 1, 2011
Christmas Wish List
December has come and you know what that means: it's getting cold outside, 24 more days until Christmas, free time, lots of candy, snow, Christmas decorations, and PRESENTS! :)
So I thought, why not start the month, my 4th month blogging, by making a wish list! Now, I know I'll probably never get all of them, but it's nice and useful to make one- who knows who might see it and get me what I want, right? And maybe it's an inspiration for you, as well!
In no particular order, here are some of my choices:
Books
The Book thief- Markus Zusak
Franny and Zooey- J.D. Sallinger
Rules of Attraction and Less than Zero- Bret Easton Ellis
The Good, the Bad and the Multiplex- Mark Kermode
Life Itself- Roger Ebert
1Q84- Haruki Murakami
The beautiful and the damned- F.Scott Fitzgerald
So I thought, why not start the month, my 4th month blogging, by making a wish list! Now, I know I'll probably never get all of them, but it's nice and useful to make one- who knows who might see it and get me what I want, right? And maybe it's an inspiration for you, as well!
In no particular order, here are some of my choices:
Books
The Book thief- Markus Zusak
Franny and Zooey- J.D. Sallinger
Rules of Attraction and Less than Zero- Bret Easton Ellis
The Good, the Bad and the Multiplex- Mark Kermode
Life Itself- Roger Ebert
1Q84- Haruki Murakami
The beautiful and the damned- F.Scott Fitzgerald
DVDs (most of them already seen, some waiting to be put for the first time in the DVD player)
Fight Club
500 days of summer
Chicago
Fanny and Alexander (Criterion would be nice :) )
A clockwork orange
Inglorious Basterds
Hunger
2001: Space Odyssey
Exit through the gift shop
Three colours trilogy
The entire Harry Potter collection
Music
Michael Bubble- Christmas
Florence and the Machine- Ceremonials
500 days of summer Soundtrack
Chicago Soundtrack
Birdy album
Coldplay album
Fight Club
500 days of summer
Chicago
Fanny and Alexander (Criterion would be nice :) )
A clockwork orange
Inglorious Basterds
Hunger
2001: Space Odyssey
Exit through the gift shop
Three colours trilogy
The entire Harry Potter collection
Music
Michael Bubble- Christmas
Florence and the Machine- Ceremonials
500 days of summer Soundtrack
Chicago Soundtrack
Birdy album
Coldplay album
Magazines
The New Yorker
Interview
Vanity Fair
Entertainment Weekly
Sight&Sound
Movies and trailers
Can I please have a closer release date for Superman: Man of Steel, an East of Eden miniseries or movie and maybe that Five Brothers film that Hollywood is talking about with Garrett Hedlund in it somehow?
If possible, I would love to see Shame and the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo about NOW! why wait until January?
Also, the new On The Road trailer before Christmas? Maybe some pictures and a release date? That would be nice, thank you Santa!
Ultimate wish: a way to get into press screenings or film events!
There you have it! Hope you like it!
I'm really curious to see what you want for Christmas! Please let me know in the comments or make a similar post and I will update mine with your link (don't forget to send it)! BLOGATHON!
UPDATE
Nikhat from Being Norma Jean wrote her Christmas Wishlist here- check it out
The New Yorker
Interview
Vanity Fair
Entertainment Weekly
Sight&Sound
Movies and trailers
Can I please have a closer release date for Superman: Man of Steel, an East of Eden miniseries or movie and maybe that Five Brothers film that Hollywood is talking about with Garrett Hedlund in it somehow?
If possible, I would love to see Shame and the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo about NOW! why wait until January?
Also, the new On The Road trailer before Christmas? Maybe some pictures and a release date? That would be nice, thank you Santa!
Ultimate wish: a way to get into press screenings or film events!
There you have it! Hope you like it!
I'm really curious to see what you want for Christmas! Please let me know in the comments or make a similar post and I will update mine with your link (don't forget to send it)! BLOGATHON!
UPDATE
Nikhat from Being Norma Jean wrote her Christmas Wishlist here- check it out
Oct 26, 2011
Recommendation day
Hey lovely people who check my blog from time to time :)
Hope you all woke up and are having a great day!
Since I love the weekly thematic posts that some of the film blogs have, I wanted to make one of my own, but I really can't do it without your help!
I was just thinking yesterday, during a class about media ethics and values, that I need a new book! So, who better to ask then this fun crowd for recommendations?
This week I am hunting for a good action-filled, fast-pace, page turner book; the one that makes you take it to the kitchen because you can't leave it out of your hand, in the desire to see what happens next! Any recommendations on that?Think that you are not doing it just for me, but also for the other 10 people to read this blog :) [don't worry, the number will grow eventually]
In the case that you don't read books or can't think of one right now, you can apply the same principles to a movie!
Wednesday, 26th October- a good action-filled, fast-pace, (page turner) book or movie!
Start typing people! Thank you! :)
Hope you all woke up and are having a great day!
Since I love the weekly thematic posts that some of the film blogs have, I wanted to make one of my own, but I really can't do it without your help!
I was just thinking yesterday, during a class about media ethics and values, that I need a new book! So, who better to ask then this fun crowd for recommendations?
This week I am hunting for a good action-filled, fast-pace, page turner book; the one that makes you take it to the kitchen because you can't leave it out of your hand, in the desire to see what happens next! Any recommendations on that?Think that you are not doing it just for me, but also for the other 10 people to read this blog :) [don't worry, the number will grow eventually]
In the case that you don't read books or can't think of one right now, you can apply the same principles to a movie!
Wednesday, 26th October- a good action-filled, fast-pace, (page turner) book or movie!
Start typing people! Thank you! :)
Sep 12, 2011
Book: Papillon- Henri Charriere
One of my favorite teachers while in high school was the Literature teacher, a woman with the level of intelligence and knowledge so high, that I would often dream to achieve it. During a publishing house visit, she reached out for the book with a simple word on it, „Papillon”, and said: „This book changed my life. It’s wonderful”.
Ever since, I’ve been meaning to read it, but it took, I guess, 5 or 6 years to actually do it.
I must say I share her enthusiasm. It’s not life-changing, not for me, anyway, but it moves you and makes you happy, satisfied and grateful for what you have.
The pace of the storyline is so fast, that I admit to forgetting important details or events, as they are buried quickly under new adventures and places. But in 500 pages, give or take, so many things happen that it’s impossible to remember it. And I loved it. In an usual book, the authors presents, for example, a departure, in one or two pages, explaining the context, the characters, the scenery. Henri Charriere gets out of a prison, travels to the next and spends two days there in only one page.
One of the main attractions of this book is the actual storyline, as the actions and the situations Papillon goes through are unbearable: sometimes they are unfair, sometimes unimaginable, other times you think this kind of luck cannot happen to one person, but most of the time you feel the frustration Papillon feels.
All in all, it is a wonderful book that I highly recommend if you crave for some adventure!
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