Driving me crazy

 

I have been living in London for some time now.  Pretty much all those I know, know that I am much more contented living here.  I have changed and there is no doubt about it.  I often think about what I miss from home…..for me it is known as home as I have spent most of my sensible life there; growing up, completing primary, secondary and tertiary education, defined my personality, enjoyed sport, moments of pain, moments of gratification, met new friends, kept in touch with old friends….I guess I can say I graduated into life there.  So, when people ask what do I miss most from home, apart from the obvious – spending time with and sharing experiences with friends and family, I am a little hard pressed to say I miss anything else.  I know realise I miss the standard of driving back at home!  Recently I have had to drive around in London and it is thee most torrid occurrence I have had the displeasure of experiencing.  It is obstinately infuriating. 

What I believe it to be is that because London is a cauldron of culture, so many people from abroad come here in search of a better life, rather understandably, they obviously need basic amenities.  A car to get from A to B is a necessity for some of these people.  Underground expenses can be in excess of £6/day and therefore, a car could work out cheaper in the long run. 

These people come many different countries – namely; India, Pakistan, Poland, Nigeria, Ukraine and others.  Instead of doing the right thing of adopting British standards of driving and road laws they just assume their own and it PISSES ME OFF!

SIDE NOTE: Speaking of Polish people, why must the males of that land feel the need to be the most arrogant, cuntish ass bags that have roamed the Earth?  You come from a shit hole which I have been to and I genuinely thought it was a developing country, you all have a generic 6”1 height and #1 shaved head, massive nose and a malnourished, inbred look about you and you somehow think you are better than everyone else.  Also, you are tremendously racist.  I have no time for dicketry.  There are nice Poles, I’m sure, but I seem to have only met the racist, queue skipping assholes who are self proclaimed important dickheads. 

Anyway, I deviate.  I found my self, the other day, writing a note for the second time.  I was pulling into a car park near a cash machine to pay for the MOT of my car and some total pig fucking bastard had taken up two spaces.  I was in a hurry and there were no other parking spaces anywhere.  Aggravation would be a calamitous understatement.  As if that wasn’t bad enough, I was nearly crashed into on my way to the mechanic’s by some dude who decided to cut me off but, the instant rage which brewed was diffused after his somewhat sincere apology.  Nevertheless I took it upon myself to write this inconsiderate shit stuffed cunt a note giving him/her a piece of my mind -

“Dear retarded driver,

Incase you didn’t realise, you are parked in TWO parking spaces.  If you drive like you park I would suggest killing yourself!!!  Cunt.”

I placed it on the windscreen of this shitty Honda Accord and then I carried on with my life.  I must say, it did make me feel slightly better as I was having a shit day. I wish I had taken a picture.  

It is actually scary driving around in London.  I reckon it will be almost as bad a Deli soon.  Maybe I should just stop but, I know I won’t. 

Much love,

Jackson L. 

A social experiment.

I have watched a video on youtube - one of those very well made, feel good ones - Free Hugs Campaign....because hugs are taxed!!  But, on a serious note, it was a great idea because it was a simple one.  There is always a vulnerable individual who just wants a reassuring hug....I'm not really the hugging type.  I hug people but I don't really get nearly as much satisfaction out of them as others seem to.  I don't feel better or worse after a hug.  However, there are those that do and therefore, it was a genius idea.

I find that I prefer to just sit and chat about anything and everything when I am feeling a little down.  I can converse about anything at all and I feel it is an art which is lost.  People tend to just go about their own business and keep themselves to themselves or resort to hysterically annoying mediums of communications such as a grammerless blurb of text via a text message, facebook comments and twitter, not to mention telephone conversations, though I hope I am not alone when I say it is not the same as actually talking to someone in person.  Don't get me wrong, I think that facebook and twitter are great ways to keep up with the latest nevertheless, it appears that many have adopted it as their main port of communications.  I have even received a text from people in the same room as me! 

It is ironic that even with all these means of communication conversation is an art which is dying a slow death....who would have thought that facebook and twitter could have been a cause? 

After watching that video and some brainstorming, I thought would it not be a great idea to get an old couch, a few flasks of tea and coffee (and milk), sugar, biscuits, a coffee table and a massive sign advertising "FREE CHAT" and sit it all in a public setting and see what happens?  I know it may seem like a lot to put together but, it could be fun.

Much love,

Jackson L.

I'VE LOST MY COMEDY!!!!

I will never know what it will be like to live in the times of true comedic genius.  Apart from Eddie Izzard, I have found it really hard to find someone almost as close to be being comparable to Peter Cook and Dudley Moore.  

Peter Cook was born in January 1937 and lived a very fruitful life.  He is considered to be the most influential man in British comedy and described by Stephen Fry as “the funniest man who ever drew breath.”  Having formed a comic partnership with Dudley Moore, in the early 60s the BBC commissioned their television show ‘Not only…But also.’  This was intended for Moore’s music but he had invited Cook to write sketches and appear with him on the show which lasted for three seasons.  In the late 60s they then starred in a few films together; The Wrong Box (1966) and Bedazzled (1967).  By the 70s their success in comedy had propelled them to form podcasts doing sketches.  They adopted the stage names Derek and Clive and it was their risqué humour that gave them more fame.  It became very popular as bootleg copies circulated in London and this gave them the impetus to create two more albums (Derek and Clive: Live, Derek and Clive: Come again and Derek and Clive: Ad Nauseam). 

Peter Cook released his autobiography entitled ‘Tragically I Was An Only Twin’.  This was released by William Cook (no relation apparently) but, sadly Peter Cook had died on January 7th 1995.

One of the best eulogies of anybody ever was given about him by Stephen Fry.  He took comedy shook it up, soaked it and then left it out to dry….and it was all funny!

Dudley Moore was born in April 1935 and also enjoyed a successful life as a comedian, actor and musician!  A very talented man fluently played the piano, very sharp with line liners and a genius in his own right.  From a troubled childhood, his parents would not show him open displays of affection and having been born with clubbed feet, he was bullied from a very young age as only his right foot responded to corrective treatment whereas his left leg – below the knee – was described as ‘withered’.  Having acquired talent on the piano he was given a scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford to study music and composition.  It was during his time there he met Peter Cook. 

His vocation saw him become very successful in Hollywood during the late 70s where he starred alongside Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase in Foul Play and the following year he landed a lead in the hit movie 10, starring Julie Andrews and Bo Derek directed by Blake Edward. 

Dudley Moore unfortunately suffered from a terminal degenerative brain disorder, known as progressive supranuclear palsy.  He died on 27^th March 2002.  His last words were “I can hear the music all around me.”  There is not much one can say about that except – what a beautiful thing to hear before you depart. 

Many iconic comedians have voiced their influences and many prominent ones have mentioned Peter Cook and Dudley Moore such as; John Cleese, Stephen Fry and Michael Palin and many more. 

Although they are no longer providing the world with the greatest humour, their comedy lives on as timeless cult classics that requires and acquired taste.  It is almost like unconditional respect that those who listen to and enjoy Derek and Clive have between each other. 

Here is a favourite sketch by Derek and Clive.  I do hope you enjoy. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTifRi3qDkU 

Lucky old angels, lucky old heaven indeed.  You have inherited comedy legends.

Much love,

Jackson L.

You can pay for school but you can't buy class.

I am so appalled.  I find it very aggravating that there are some extremely materialistic people in the world and you can just tell that they are the types that do not appreciate their possessions or their lifestyle because they are spoilt rotten by their parents.  Credit to their parents for working hard and paying their dues to reach the level of success they have.  I do give credit where credit is due.  However, I find it sickening when I watch things like Teen Cribs or Super Sweet 16 and you look at these kids which lead excessively privileged lifestyles and you are sat there thinking….”Oh, my God!!! I wish I was like that kid!”  Well, you would if you were a complete cunt.  Having houses with Basketball courts, Sports cafes with sports celebrity swag, movie theatres complete with 100 chairs…..(WHEN are you ever going to have 100 people over?!) is fucking ridiculous.  What’s worse is that these cuntish parents have children that demand nothing less than a sweet luxury sports car for their 16^th birthday.  I’m sorry but, if you did crash and became disabled in your accident I can’t say I would care…..you shouldn’t really be driving at 16 let alone in a luxury car. 

Don’t get me wrong, I spend money on luxuries.  I dress well (I think!), have a DVD collection that I am proud of and go out to nice places, but I would never see myself looking to get a home that is more of a leisure centre for all my kid’s friends to come and have a riot.  I do come from a well off background, a nice house in a pleasant area, and nice cars but, both my parents are career people who want the best for their family which is respectful.  Despite our lifestyle we were taught to appreciate our standard of living.  I do believe in providing as best as you can for you family but within reason.  Some things – like a mansion for 2 people - are just slightly overboard in my opinion.  Am I being too overemotional? 

I guess I just feel that some money could go to better things?  Start in the property ladder.  That is something I think I would like to do if I had a ton of money!  Invest in more selfless things like; I dunno….GIVE TO JAPAN??! Well, there’s an idea, or how about any other charity from the endless list of charities in the world?  Admittedly I do not commit nearly enough selfless acts.  I do intend to be more charitable by doing what I do best….exercising!  It may not be much but it’s a start. 

Greed is a terrible thing.  The terrible thing about it is that no one seems to know when they have too much.  Lust for more and more and greed ensues.  I believe in making ends meet but, when end are met like a mother fucker, I think it’s time to consider being a little more benevolent and altruistic, especially in today’s cruel world.  It is the noble thing to do. 

Much love,

Jackson L.

Waterloo.

In the lovely Waterloo of London there are several attractions which many tourists and Londoners alike go to visit.  It is a very touristy place and it does get hysterically and infuriatingly busy – the amount of children that kept face planting my leg…..I didn’t mind at first until I started to get looks-that-could-kill from their parents.  I would have fought them but, I do have the unfair advantage of having the strength of 6 men and the combined awesomeness of the Watchmen.  So I did not.

Anyways, I met up with some friends who were interested in visiting the famous London Aquarium.  I too was very intrigued as I have always found I enjoyed watching nature shows with Sir David Attenborough.  I do enjoy nature shows as it gives a very realistic prospective as to how nature takes its course.  It is a fascinating science.  So I thought that going to the Aquarium would be the ideal way to see marine life and how they feed, adapt to their environment and even learned how the most venomous creature alive was a small puffer fish found in Australian waters.  The things that caught my eye the most were the sea turtles.  They manoeuvre with such majesty and grace – it was quite spectacular to see them.  It almost seemed as though the other creatures in the same vicinity as them had boundless respect for them.  They, along with the menacing looking sharks were very remarkable.  Apart from that…..even the stingray….were just boring.  I got bored so fast and I felt it was a total waste £16.  There is something incredibly dreary about watching fish swim around in an artificial environment.  At one point I found the effort they put into the backdrops more interesting than the wildlife!  That bad!  I do not recommend the aquarium at all!  I realised how terrible it is to actually watch nature carrying on it's own life without real purpose i.e. in the nature shows you learn a lot of things.....here I learned nothing, except how shit the aquarium is. 

We did go to the London Film Museum.  That was like a much younger, more appealing, more attractive sister – in that it was right next door to the aquarium and actually good!  It had a lot of really impressive things such as; Christian Bale’s Batman suit from ‘Batman Begins’, Superman costumes, a ‘Star Wars’ room, animation room and many more things.  It even had some original scripts used by actors and directors.  It was very much compelling seeing how these props and costumes brought films to life and it brought back many memories of movies I had seen in the past.  It is not as well advertised as the Aquarium but FAR superior. 

There are also many attractions and sites in Waterloo.  Although it is thought of as a glorified Ferris wheel – by me – The London eye is actually something I think people should try at least once, especially at night.  It is a great way to see all of the lights of London.  Also, they have an extravagant 4D experience which is meant to have the latest and best 3D technology and they also add the elements of weather like wind or rain, for example.  It is actually quite worthwhile.

Waterloo is also a famous area to check out other celebrated areas of London including, the House of Commons, Big Ben, the Thames and more interesting landmarks.  Just ignore the aquarium…..it sucks! 

Will no doubt update more about landmarks in London and enforce my opinions.  You WILL listen. 

Much love,

Jackson L.

End of 6 nations....onto Rugby World Cup 2011

Well that is the 6 nations over.  It is heartbreaking to see it come to an end as it was a very memorable tournament this year.  England have indeed been crowned 6 Nations champions and will carry the beacon of European champions going to New Zealand for the World Cup in September this year.  When England played well they managed to exploit their opposition’s weaknesses and really take the game to them – clinical finishing, great spatial and territorial awareness, solid defensively and very together.  Though, I feel that any injuries to the starting team in the world cup could cost them big as we saw in their final game against Ireland.  Could this be the same impetus which propelled them to World Cup glory?  Well, last time they did win the grand slam, so hopefully not!! 

Ireland had a very mixed campaign where they showed glimpses of excellent Eire talent.  Sparks of brilliance from Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara’s level head to see out games, their back three were all excellent and their most consistent players along with their entire forwards pack.   I feel that Gordon D’Arcy sold the jersey (for want of a better expression) in some games, especially against France.  If they won that game it may have impelled them to a grand slam?  They got very unlucky to concede a try against Wales as it was illegal when you look at the replays.  If the form they ended the tournament is reflected in the World Cup, they can be very threatening. 

France, France, France.  When they are in the mood they are easily the best team in the northern hemisphere – arguably in the world!  A very good start against Scotland in but, seemed to fizzle out like an effervescent!  A good start and a good end to their  tournament to defeat a Wales team that were on the ascendancy.  I really think they have a lot of work to do before the World Cup if they want to match England to be the only other northern hemisphere team to win the RWC.  This work is right from the top – Marc Lievremont, their manager – taking in the right players and cutting out the others.  Their team is aging.  They need to make sure they have the perfect blend. 

Marc Lievremont made some insanely lewd comments about his team - ....his players agreed!  What a badass!

Wales came in second having lost to the giants of the tournaments.  Being injury riddled, they faced England in the opening game of the tournament and they got beaten.  From then on, they won the rest of their games up until they faced France in Paris where they were defeated, convincingly.  They need their key players.  They need them very much! I do not think Wales will progress past the quarter finals of the RWC.  A lot of decisions went their way I feel. 

Scotland.  Hmm.  Once again on the back of a good Autumn test series, they were overhyped before the tournament.  They lost all their games, some convincingly, others narrowly.  They won their last game against the Azzuri and they did well against a strong Italian side, truth be told. I really do not know how to call it for the Scottish for their RWC.  It is just depressing watching Scotland play rugby.  It is so boring.  For me, they butcher the game.  They do nothing spectacular or striking and have no real brand of rugby.  I wish they would keep it more simple and play to their strengths. 

Italy!!!  This tournament was one of their greatest despite narrowly losing out against Ireland and Wales respectively and also suffering one of the greatest defeats in recent 6 nations tournaments against England, they managed to show resilience and pull out all the stops against France.  They defeated France for the first time in international rugby – 22-21.  At one point during the match they were 18-6 down.  What a turn around.  What dogged attitude to grind out a win against one of the biggest forces in world rugby.  It seemed like only the French did not want the Italians to win.  Excellent result for Italian rugby, excellent for world rugby, a memorable, heart stopping match which belonged to Italy.  For me, thee single greatest moment in the whole tournament.

An up and coming force in rugby and they are not to be taken lightly in the RWC. 

My most hated parts of the tournament is whenever that inbred douche, Chris Ashton would score a try he would swallow dive.  Celebrating like that is not what Rugby Union is about.  It is disrespectful and unnecessary. 

It is very exciting times for Rugby! BRING ON RWC 2011!!!!

Much love,

Jackson L.

Tell 'em hug and kiss my ass, X and O

I really dislike it when people change for the worse.  I am glad I have surrounded myself with people who I know will tell me like it is and they will actually say - 

“You have changed.  Not for the better. You are a dick.”

I prefer it this way.  It takes balls to be that sincere and sincerity is a quality I hold in very high regard.  When I am told by my nearest that I have changed for the worse, I will think about it long and hard.

What bothers me is when people feel they have developed an abounding attitude where in reality they are the pinnacle of douche.  When people say “I’m a diva!” No. You are a tremendous cunt and you are intensely fake.  I think I might kill you in your sleep but, I would much rather see you die slowly from the AIDS you are infested with.  Dick.  I know small children with more street cred than you. 

I refer you to an anecdote which recently occurred.  It did leave me feeling rather disgruntled but I did notice numerous changes.  At the end of it all I am pleased it happened as it allowed me to see things for what they really are and I feel it has done me a world of good.

A friend of mine moved to London around mid-September.  We both used to live in X and we used to spend a lot of time together.  I have hardly seen her since we have both moved down due to our busy lifestyles however; she did express herself as being very lonely since her move here.  Of course, being the friend I am I said whenever she wants she can call me or meet up and I will make the time to see her.  I also explained that I will drop a line every now and then just to make sure she’s ok.  So, I would text her most days during the week just to be sure she’s ok.  Earlier this week this back and forth took place: 

ME: Allo!  Just checking in! Hope you had a good weekend?

HER: Is ‘checking in’ your new favourite thing in life?

ME: Hmm…..well, it might be.  I do recall feeling a little bad for being out of touch and missing your calls for, and I quote, ‘a nice chat or something’.  Will speak later on sometime.

Neither she nor I have made any contact since.  I am adamant that I did nothing wrong.  My estimation of her has not really dipped in honesty but, I feel that her attitude has changed and for the worse.  She seems to think she has become “more London” ….what the fuck does that even mean?!  It really is a shame because she was a very gentle, caring girl who many looked to for the right thing to do as she always seemed the most level-headed.  Now she seems to be a total bitch.  Fuck it. 

As I mentioned, I felt many changed – most obviously in her manner – but also in mine.  I found that a few months earlier I would have reacted much more aggressively towards this happening.  I would have been irate for weeks after.  I feel I did the mature thing of brushing that dirt of my shoulder and moving on with my life.  I have new friends here in London.  I am not lonely here.  I am getting the most out of living here.  I am happy. 

I am glad I am not wasting my time or hate on people who just aren’t worth it.  Thankfully that list is getting shorter and shorter.  I do not need to justify my ways to anybody and I do not expect others to justify theirs to me.  Living well and successful is the biggest ‘FUCK YOU!’ you can issue. 

There are a few motivating words to take from a very inspirational man, Kanye West. 

“I live in the future so my present is my past.  My presence is a present.  KISS MY ASS!”

Much love,

Jackson L.

Blogging.

I received an email earlier on this week.  The email was mainly about what my thoughts of him getting into blogging.  He sent me his link to his blog and I had a read through it. 

http://the-real-chat.blogspot.com/

I was confounded at how much culture and art is out there and I have not even scratched the surface.  It was this blog that opened my eyes to all of this.  It will do more so, I'm sure.

This person has been following my blog for some months now and fairly regularly emailing me very encouraging stuff.  I was flattered that he asked for my opinions on his blog first and it got me thinking about blogging in general.  To blog is, like most things in life, an art that no one has mastered.  There is always someone somewhere that will find the material in a blog appealing.  Though, it does seem like The Real Chat seamlessly keeps things fresh, compelling, delightful and comical. 

I find this blog very appealing and it makes me laugh a lot. 

I hope you guys enjoy this blog as much as I do.

Much love,

Jackson L.

Living in the 21st centuary.....

A common phrase which is overused is a cliché.  Generally speaking clichés are to be avoided as it royally pisses everyone off but, in reality they are not evaded hence, clichés!  In my opinion clichés are a necessary part of language and a powerful way to convey free advice and wisdom. 

I was inspired to write this based on something I heard today uttered by one of the most learned men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.  He is one of the Queen’s personal physicians.  His name will not be mentioned.  He stated the cliché – which used to drive me up the wall – “Life isn’t fair”.  Hearing it from someone outside of your circle friends or family, for some reason, had a greater effect on my thought process as I did not just scoff at a shitty cliché.   

I will attempt to express some wisdom of my own via use of common clichés heard in everyday speech.  Here are clichés that every person should live their lives by. These are all clichés which are still applicable in today’s world.

1. It ain’t over till its over. 

I was watching a rugby match on Saturday.  It was between Italy and France.  Pre match, everybody had written off the Italians.  It seemed as thought the French had won the game before they even kicked off.  At one point in the second half, the Italians were 12 points adrift with the French winning 12-6.  The Italians missed two penalties, however, their resilience and their never back down attitude saw them win 22-21 at the final whistle.  A win by a solitary point or a win by hundreds – it doesn’t matter, a win is a win.  Moral of this story is never give up – you could still beat the odds.

2. Do unto others.

This is a simple phrase which allows those from a young age to understand when something is wrong.  It would make you pause to think – “Would I like this to happen to me?” For example – would you like people to kill you?  Probably not! So don’t go around killing people!!

3. Always consider the source.

Things are not always what they seem.  In a funny game of Chinese whispers, gossip can always get misconstrued.  If you really want to get to the bottom of it you really have to be meticulous.  What I would suggest doing is just brush that dirt off your shoulder and move on.  Sometimes you need to realise some people are just not worth your time. 

4. Life isn’t fair

It really, well and truly is not.  Nothing ever goes according to plan.  Life has an annoying habit of throwing so much shit at you.  What do you do?  Yeah, just stumble and fall and bury your head in the sand.  NO!!!  You need to make the best of a bad situation.  No regrets. 

5. Surround yourself with good people. 

I particularly like this one as, for me, it emphasises that your rep won’t get tarnished by a group of dicks.  My old man always says never hang around with coal miners because when their hands touch yours, your hands are dirty too.  You think about that. 

This resonates more with me as good people tend to be better friends.  These are the people that you can rely on for an honest opinion as well as loyalty. 

6. Think before you speak.

It may sound like a ridiculous thing to suggest but, how many times have you said something and immediately regretted it.  A bad joke?  A ‘smooth’ line to a girl that’s not so smooth?  Starting a conversation with someone that you just wish you hadn’t?! Dude. Seriously.  THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!

Also, how do you think rumours start?  You say something to a total retard who takes it a little too seriously. 

7. You just can’t please some people.

Some people seem to have a ‘self-important-holier-than-thou-superior’ attitude that, no matter what you do for are just never grateful, appreciative, thankful or approving of whatever you do.  These people are just not worth it.  Fuck ‘em!

8. Die trying.

Never give up.  I know this may tie in with #1 but, this is more based on ambitions in life.  Don’t give up on your dreams.  It is not going to be easy to achieve, unless you have simple dreams.  However, don’t go chasing more than one dream.  You could get lost. 

I also take encouragement from certain song lyrics.  I find music can rouse people to do some spectacular things. 

“Savoir the throne, but don’t mind the stool.” – Steve Winwood, “Take it as it comes”

This is often misinterpreted as thinking enjoy the high life but don’t mind the step down.  I think it is more – enjoy the brighter moments in life, the really good times but don’t be too bothered by the less pleasant times in life.  We do all go through them. 

“Whoever diggeth the pit shall fall in it” – Bob Marley, “Small Axe”

This is pretty much don’t start shit and shit won’t find you.  It is eloquently put – it is a more sophisticated way of saying ‘Don’t start none, won’t be none!’

“The ones you are calling wild are going to be the leaders in a little while” – Johnny Cash, “What is truth?”

A well put metaphor to explain that the youth have plenty of time to be grown up and will go on to lead their own lives, families, companies, countries.  Enjoy their youth.  Appreciate it while it lasts.   

“When the grass is cut, the snakes will show.” – Jay Z, “Blueprint 2”

Take the time to allow the smoke to clear.  When shit hits the fan for you, deal with it and then when you are over your episode single out those who deserted you in your time of need.  Snakes.

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” – John Lennon, “Beautiful boy (Darling boy)”

Shit happens when you have made plans.  Life, as aforementioned, is not fair.  Stuff just crops up and nothing ever seems to go according to plans. 

“Some people graduate but we still stupid.  They tell you read this, eat this, don’t look around.  Just peep this, preach us, teach us, Jesus” – Kanye West, “Good Morning”

 Just because you have now graduated, it does not make you God’s gift to the world.  You absolute cunt!  You do not deserve a Nobel prize!!  Chances are, these people may be academic but have little to no common sense. 

“You know, religion has a lot to answer for” – Iron Maiden, “For the Greater Good of God”

I find that religion is being blamed for a lot of things nowadays.  People seem to believe that religion condones a lot of these atrocities where in reality, it is 100% condemned.  This lyric reminds me of my faith and the strength it has given me. 

“Complete the motion if you stumble.” – Red hot Chili Peppers, “Can’t Stop”

Even if you fall or trip keep trying to move forward.  No matter how stupid you look just keep trying to get there. 

Much Love,

Jackson L.

Imperial War Museum - London

Arriving at the Imperial War museum in London I was very excited about the day of viewing the weapons that have been developed throughout history and I just couldn’t wait to see the progression of the primitive weapons used in times of old to the latest in advanced warfare.  I thoroughly enjoy looking at uniforms worn by soldiers and generals as well as the knives, guns, cannons, tanks, scale model ships, submarines and aircraft all used in combat, not to mention replica missiles and bombs as well as deactivated mines. 

The museum offered these enticing collections –

Lower Ground floor – World War I and World War II and conflicts since 1945

Ground floor – Modern weapons gallery

First floor – Modern Weapons Gallery

Second floor – Art Gallery

Third floor – Holocaust exhibition

Fourth floor – John Ashcroft gallery

After finishing the brief security checks I walked into the ground floor of the museum where they had some military vehicles, such as tanks and very old submarines as well as an array of cannons.  The very first thing that caught my eye, and I honestly found rather odd, was a vehicle which was used as a roadside bomb in Baghdad in 2005.  It had claimed the lives of two soldiers.  I found it a rather strange beginning to a museum’s collection for some reason but, I just read the blurb, pondered over the remains of the car and only thought it was remarkable that they had managed to make me think highly of a rusty, burned out lump of metal which made me stop and stare.  I then moved on to the rest of the armaments on show and absorbed all the information that was on hand.  I really did enjoy the ground/first floor as it showed the progression in weapons development very well.  I saw a supermarine spitfire fighter plane which fought in the Battle of Britain.  I could not believe that it was so well kept.  It was suspended beautifully for all to see.  It was a plane which saw a successful defence of our land and it was flabbergasting to be able to see something which was part of a significant battle in British history. 

There were several tanks – British, Russian and Nazi German - I have never seen so many Swastikas in one place, for once, not causing any offense! But you were able to see inside of the cramped tanks and they gave some statistics about these devastating war machines, for example, their range (1500m +), their weight (over 22 tonnes, one was 44 tonnes) and their most effective methods for use in battle.  We even saw a bus known as ‘Ole Bill’.  It was used in the battlefield across Europe during WWI to transport troops to trenches.  It was present in Antwerp and it witnessed the horrors of the Somme.  It was enthralling to see this vehicle because it was there – there being those events that you learn about in a history class at school.

I then moved on to the lower ground for the WWI and II exhibitions.  My appetite had been whetted by my friends who had been to this museum and they described this collection as the vastest and most engaging part of the whole museum.  I was not let down.  It had absolutely everything.  It was pretty incredible as there were original helmets and uniforms and tunics on display as well as original, signed documents and diaries kept by soldiers.  The weapons they had on display were mainly rifles, pistols, revolvers and knives.  There were also a plethora of medals on display for valour and bravery.  News paper clippings were also present, a little discoloured, but very well kept. I found it incredibly interesting reading some of the clippings as it was a more intensive account of the events as seen, felt and understood at that time.  It was a more thorough account of an event which was still fresh in the press.  I saw many things from the military aspect and came to understand many things.  In addition to the array of weapons that was on display there were also the home front effort and many propaganda posters put on view.  It was interesting  to see how people responded to the war in those times and how they had to alter their lives so much – rationing, keeping the lights switched off in the night, ideas on how NOT to waste materials available to them.  It really was an effort!  There are far too many things we take for granted and it would have been difficult to survive and subject one’s self to this. 

The WWI exhibition it explained the outbreak of the war and how it digressed into a world war and it, explained how many different machine guns were developed to fire more rounds per minute to halt an attack from the enemy.  It detailed the complicated trench network which was employed by both sides and at the end of the WWI collection you were able to experience a life sized model of a trench and walk through a replica of a trench to further appreciate what it really was like for all the brave men that gave their lives for the protection of their country. 

There were many stand out items on show in the WWII collection.  Once again they displayed the different weapons from different countries as well as different uniforms, even the different uniforms Nazi soldiers had as they had to fight in the harsh cold weather in Russia as well as more temperate areas across Europe.  The scale models of the ships were just astonishing.  The attention to detail was beyond breath-taking and the stories they had to tell were even better, for example, the infamous German U-boats.  There was a model of one U-boat which, in just one summer, sank over 1006 TONNES worth of ships belonging to the allies.  They also had many allied emblems, several British coats of arms, the American eagle but one of the most well kept ones, one that I touched (and had bullet holes) was the Nazi eagle which bares the Swastika in its claws.  It had been ripped the top of a building it still had some remains at its foot.  It was a heavy piece of bronze décor to symbolise a Nazi establishment.  It was on display on its side.  This, for me, symbolised many things.  The fall of Nazism, as it was torn off of a building and it is now found in a museum lying on its side.  Also, the fact that it bore the bullet holes and the damage, the bronze was beginning to corrode – it was fading like Nazism had faded through history.  However, the fact that it exists at all and wasn’t completely disposed of is a reminder that racism and cultural prejudice still exists today.  One would think that we had been taught a valuable lesson from the war, however, it would appear that we will never learn.

Another interesting part of the WWII exhibition was the Far Eastern influence on the war.  The land of the rising sun – Japan – towards the end of the Second World War was a time of great devastation still, even thought the world war was indeed over.  Japan saw two atomic bombs fall on two different cities – Nagasaki and Hiroshima– only 3 days apart.  Due to the intensely high temperature it completely incinerated stones and slates or houses and plastic bottles.  It displayed such items.  It was inconceivably devastating to these cities and it was a ferocious option for the American military to take. 

By the end of viewing the WWII collected works, we were able to experience a simulated air-raid.  We were put in a shelter and then following the ‘air raid’ we got to see what it was like for post air raid and see the destruction and chaos it had caused. 

I chose to view the WWI display first and, even though it was busier than the WWII, I am pleased I did as it gave me a good insight as to how much more extensive the weaponry was for WWII.

The next part of the museum was the conflicts following the world wars.  The Korea war in the 50s, the 6 day Arab – Israel war in the 60s, Vietnam 60s/70s, Iran – Iraq in the early 80s, Iraq, Kuwait in the late 80s early 90s and The Gulf wars (89-91 and 2003- present).  There were a lot of iconic pieces of footage, some which I remember seeing on the news myself, others I had never seen in my life.  It was definitely a worthwhile part of the museum.  It was a reminder that war is, regrettably, more frequent than it should be. 

There was not much to see in the art gallery so I went straight up to the Holocaust exhibition where we were able to get a real account of those who survived the horror of concentration camps.  It began with the rise of Nazism in Germany – it described how, after WWI, Germany was heavily sanctioned and they were not allowed a military and due to the economic strain on the nation, especially after the global depression, unemployment rates were at an all time high.  The country was poverty stricken.  The people turned to the national party.  The Nazis.  Eventually the real Nazi agenda became more and more evident to the rest of the world as their scientific researchers were carrying out very outlandish studies into different racial backgrounds and the publicly condemned the Jewish, Gypsy, black and other communities.  The German population seemed to turn a blind eye as their country was a super power over night, as it appeared.  Terror then struck Poland as all the Jews in Germany were persecuted.  Some who had tried to escape the Nazi regime and fled to Poland were caught up in the terror of the Nazis. 

The more I waded through the Holocaust exhibition, the more and more I discovered about how, absolutely horrific it was.  I know it is a stupid thing to say because it has always been known to be such an incredibly terrible, low period in our history but, to see the things that were on display really had a profound effect on me.  To see the shoes worn by the victims of concentration camps piled up one on top of the other, like their lifeless bodies would have been piled up one on top of the other, was a more vivid explanation of the real horrors that occurred than any history lesson I have had.  To learn how their bodies were desecrated – the ashes of their bodies used to fertilise lands, things of value were either stolen of used in the Nazi war machine, their hair used in tapestry – left me feeling perturbed and overwhelmed. 

I left the museum after seeing the John Ashcroft gallery.  This was just a room with a display many different medals that have been awarded for many different things throughout history.  It was a nice way to finish the tour of the museum but nothing had such a reflective consequence in my mindset as the Holocaust exhibition did.  I left the museum. 

As I left the museum through the same doors that welcomed me, I saw that car bomb from Baghdad that was detonated in 2005.  I remembered seeing it only a few hours before and thinking it was an odd addition to the museum.  I no longer thought this as I realised it was the perfect addition to this particular museum.  I thought this because, for a long time, I was very excited to see this museum and journey through the history of weapons, war and famous battles throughout our history.  I lost sight of the true devastation, destruction, chaos and pain that war causes.  It was an ideal introduction as it allows one to be under no illusion of what war is.  Yes, there are great weapons on display – forget not, however, what exactly those weapons are used for. 

I left having enjoyed my day – a free trip to a museum in London on a good day where I learnt about the many different eras of war and appreciated the number of lives lost for something people passionately believed in.  However, what I did not expect to happen was to be as blown away as I was in the sense of realising mankind’s capacity for great things like love, generosity, selflessness and inventions for the greater good.  However, man’s capacity for war, hate, death, obliteration and anguish has and, in my opinion, will always overshadow the great things. 

The science of improving on and making more advanced weapon technology is a science that should not be invested in nearly as much as it is, if at all!  It is disheartening that as more and more wars occur, there was always a progression in weapons which were more efficient at taking the lives of our fellow man. 

Much love,

Jackson L.

Christopher Nolan, you blow my mind.

Christopher Nolan, the director of many epic films such as; The Prestige, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and of course writer as well as director as the famous four Oscar winning Inception has blown my mind with his seamless ability to bring epic fantasy and action movies with deep meaning to life.  I, a long with virtually everyone with any interest in cinema, eagerly await his next film – The Dark Knight Rises (out in 2012). 

Although his films are out of this world genius, it was not his films that totally blew my mind this time around.  I was watching Alan Carr: Chatty Man the other day, one of his guests was Tom Hardy.  An actor who starred in Inception as, Eames also, he acted as Charles Bronson, who is one of Britain’s most notorious prisoners, in the critically acclaimed Bronson.  He is an actor which I rate highly.  Anyway, he and Alan Carr began discussing Christopher Nolan’s personality traits and I learned that he has neither a telephone, nor a mobile phone nor an email address!

How incredibly awesome is that?! I don’t know anybody that doesn’t have a mobile phone or an email address! Even 10 year olds have phones and a Facebook and email addresses etc.  In today’s world it is unheard of not to have any of these commodities.  He chooses not to have them and I thought to myself “That is fucking awesome!”  Imagine not having the constant hassle of being obligated to respond to people who text you or call you because you know that next time you see them they will be all “Hey! I tried calling you and you didn’t pick up!?”  And you’re sat there thinking “Yeah…take a fuckin’ hint, mate!”

Don’t get me wrong, I use my phone for everything; texts, calls, email, facebook and twitter.  I am a seriously well equipped to keep in touch with the world! But, depite this, there are people who get in touch with me that I will always respond to and there are others that I just think “Why did I ever give you my number?” I just think it must be pretty sweet to not have to worry about charge on the mobile phone to keep in touch with anyone.  Imagine if you will, not having a mobile phone for a week?  Some people would lose their minds.  But, we do take all these things for granted.  When you consider the internet, I have lived in a world where the internet did not exist (I am so very glad it does exist) and we survived just fine but,  for example, a few weeks ago in my office, the internet was knocked out due to workmen cutting the wires and everyone went ape shit!!! Truth be told, I was one of those people.  I don’t think I can be without my phone or internet for more than a day.  Even when I am on holiday, I can’t help but check up on the latest sports news, world affairs, emails, what people are up to on Twitter and Facebook.  There is nothing wrong with that.  However, imagine internet did not exist tomorrow.  Despite it’s young 15-20 or so year age, it has had such a massive impact on the way communicate, access information, watch a live streaming of events and even shop, there would be chaos without it!  Although it is unlikely the internet will not just disappear one day, we really do take it for granted. 

It is a profound statement for an individual to make to not have the most forms of communication in the so called technical age.  For this reason, Mr Christopher Nolan, you have blown my mind!