Going For It

Many times I’ve wondered how long this blog’s life would be, and no, I’m not going anywhere. I’m still here and will be here for a while longer. How long I don’t know. As long as I get some fulfillment and fun from it I suppose. But candidly sometimes that fun is hard work. Of course life is full of obstacles, and usually the obstacles involve people or money. Come to think of it they all involve people or money. Now I’m not here to talk about money, and I doubt anyone has ever read my blog expecting me to talk about money. Although truth be told, I could talk about money for quite a while. But I’ll spare you. Today. So people it is.

People are infinitely fascinating even when they’re being a pain in the ass. At least that’s how I choose to see it, and if I didn’t choose to see it that way, I would not have done this blog past a few weeks. I also knew choosing the subject of Richard Armitage for my blog would bring with it an element that is absurd (no offense to Richard), and in case it’s not obvious to some, I’ve used that absurdity to spring myself forward. But sometimes I can’t find the humor in some of these people who are mean. I try never to cave to thoughts like this here (diary entries excepted), but I’ve slipped up a couple of times and day before yesterday was one of those times. I immediately regretted making that post, but after I had a little time to ruminate on it, I decided that it really was something that should have been broached.

On to the point of this piece. Yep, that was all a preface. I’m partial to prefaces lately. :D

If you’re going to blog, you cannot let people get to you — especially if they’re trying to get to you. If they get to you, then they have defeated you. They’ve stopped you. I was reading one well-intentioned commenter’s suggestion about Servetus’ handling of those who object to her blog. It was suggested to use password protection so that only those who really want to read the blog can do so. The commenter did not intend it to be censorship and said as much as a preface to the comment, but really, that’s what it is, and I mean absolutely no aspersion on the one who made the suggestion. It’s just that it’s hard to see it as anything else, and ironically, it would still not serve the purpose of making those who are offended happy as some would probably still read the blog. LOL!

So what’s the answer to all of this — at least in my opinion? It’s two-fold. First, go ahead fearlessly. Go for it, and don’t let someone inhibit you, and believe me, there will be those who will try. It’s a given. Second (and really this should be first), use some wisdom in lieu of locking things down. If you believe you shouldn’t post something, ask yourself why you don’t want to post it, and if someone is manipulating you into not posting, that’s almost never a good reason. Of course if it’s something that you have concluded is not appropriate, don’t post, but know that sometimes you might make a mistake. Scratch that. You will make a mistake, and if you don’t want to ever make a mistake, then don’t blog. In fact, don’t write anything, anywhere or say anything to anyone because at some point you’re going to make a mistake. [note: Mulubinba is excluded from this comment ’cause her decision is not about being manipulated, and I certainly respect it.]

In the meantime, I’m enjoying this song below, and I don’t care that it’s Katy Perry singing. If I was all caught up in who she supposedly is, I would dismiss this song. Her name alone would have the power to preclude me from ever listening to her or considering her music whenever I happen to hear it. Thankfully, I don’t think that way about music, so when I heard this, I liked it. :D

June 22, 2011
Categories: Fandom, Musicilove, Tangents . Tags: , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 18 Comments

Armitage Protection Mode, A Real Bargain

Mail_19Sep10-ElsaQuarsell

June 20, 2011

This post was actually written several months ago, but hey, it’s apropos just about anytime I’m afraid.

Dear Richard,

I guess I’m not a good fan since my obsession doesn’t extend to protecting your honor. LOL! Sorry that laugh slipped out, but the thought of doing that is so absurd I couldn’t help myself. I have every confidence you can protect your own honor, and seem to be handling it just fine without my help.

Now I will admit to being hacked about the ending of the latest series of Spooks, and wanting to go on the defensive about your part in it. But man, it’s frustrating to see that kind of storyline when you deserve better, and really, I would have been hacked no matter who played Lucas. You just raised my expectations much higher than usual, so the disappointment was heightened and the need to vent about it greater. But really, that’s about a consumer being dissatisfied.

There are fans, however, who are very good at protecting your interests. I’ve encountered several of them during this fan odyssey, and they are so good at it, that I’m not sure you should have to pay anyone to do this for you. :D These people will do it for free! And they’re gooood! Yes, I already said that but am compelled to reiterate. Oh man, are they good! My occasional reddened hands and ringing ears are testament to that. So if you ever get tired of handling this yourself or paying a pr person or a bodyguard, I know where you can get some cheap labor.

Then again, maybe I’m also afflicted with Armitage Protection Mode since I’m here trying to save you some money. ;-)

Sincerely,
One of your fans who doesn’t even want to think you need protecting. I’m just here to watch.

P.S. And you really have screwed yourself on ever using a beard as a disguise.

note: yes, it is a fake fan letter. If you had any doubt, then perhaps this note is necessary. Of course I would have put it here anyway for the action fans. :D

Hopefully we can all stay out of Armitage Protection Mode (aka APM), since it’s a drag.

Promo still courtesy of RichardArmitageNet.Com

June 20, 2011
Categories: Fandom, Spooks . Tags: , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 27 Comments

Goodbye, Big Man (via The Mouth of the Beast)

This post is part of the ongoing series of Musicilove and serves the two-fold purpose of acknowledging the passing of Clarence Clemons and introducing you to one of my favorites blogs.

I have been in love with the sax since I was about five years old. It appealed to my cool gene, and eventually I took it up as an instrument. At the time, its case was almost as tall as I was, and I remember lugging it on and off the bus to and from school. That was a pain, but I was determined to learn it and tap into a sound that was only rivaled by the bass for coolness. I did eventually learn to play it, and to play some jazz pieces that I had been dreaming about, e.g., Take Five. But mostly, learning to play it put it in my blood, so that I’ve always felt a keen kinship with sax players. Clarence Clemons was one of those. I don’t know that he was the best sax player I’ve ever heard, but he was certainly one of the most exuberant, and the energy rolling off of him always put a smile on my face every time I got to see him perform. One of my fondest musical memories is attending a show of Springsteen’s ‘Born in the USA’ tour. I have relived that experience countless times and of course Clarence is always there swaying in my head. So I was sad to learn that he passed away.

And then there’s Matt, whose blog I adore. His piece on Clemons is one of the shortest I’ve ever read from him and mostly a quote, so it’s not particularly the one I was going to use to introduce him. But I’m impatient sometimes, and I guess now is one of those times. Yet I know if you love music and thoughtful discussion of same, you will love exploring his blog. I also have an interest in Matt as a homeschooler and in particular as an ‘unschooler.’ I happen to be involved with it myself — having successfully graduated three unschoolers.’ But please don’t think all unschoolers are as crazy as I am. Matt is proof they’re not. :D

Enjoy:

Goodbye, Big Man

By now, I'm sure that you've all seen that Clarence Clemons, saxophonist for the E Street Band, has died. Clemons seemed to be a character out of a storybook — or better yet, a widescreen movie about the triumph of a romantic gang of rock ’n’ roll renegades. Wildly popular among fans of the E Street Band, he was the sort of larger-than-life figure to whom legends accrued. Recognizing this, Clemons and Springsteen did much to play up those legends … Read More

via The Mouth of the Beast

June 20, 2011
Categories: Musicilove . Tags: , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 1 Comment

Who is the TDHCMO?

Many of us in the RA universe have become so accustomed to using certain terms that we have developed our own language. Of course it’s understandable when it makes referencing things so much easier. That’s how all acronyms came into existence. But at some point, it has the power to disenfranchise. In the interest of making our fandom more welcoming, I’m revving up the RA Lexicon again, and there is no better way to jump start this than with the Tall Dark Handsome Cotton Mill Owner (TDHCMO) who began all of this for most of us.

Yep, that’s the first image most of us had of him. Some liked him immediately and some didn’t. Some who liked him immediately turned to dislike very quickly, but thankfully, he redeemed himself by the end of ‘North and South’. Oh, how he redeemed himself! He proved to be someone of great depth and sensitivity.

What would you do if this were standing at your front door?

That sweet smile again that says volumes. Not a full on grin but it seems he can’t help smiling in anticipation of being at the Hale’s again.

Pensively looking at Margaret on the street below, and I found myself really wondering what he was thinking. Many times in movies there have been shots of men looking pensively at a love interest, and truthfully, most of the time I didn’t care to know what was in their heads because I already did or the shots were lame. But with John Thornton, I was intrigued and it helped compel me to the ending.

Another one that had me wondering exactly what he was thinking although it seems fairly evident he’s wondering what Margaret is about — taking a read on her. And what exactly did he surmise? I really wanted to know, so I kept watching.

Considering Margaret’s precious fingers and taking an accounting even of them. This scene about took my head off, and no one was about to have sex. Proving that you don’t have to get naked to be erotic. On that note, I think I’m going to make this a two part piece. Need to watch North and South. It’s been a while.:D

In the meantime, perhaps you will do the same. If you’ve never seen it, you need to watch it! For the rest of you who have seen it and don’t really want to watch it again today, you might check out the piece referenced here as I don’t assume all of you have seen it. I hadn’t until last year. LOL!

Screencaps courtesy of RichardArmitageNet.Com and as usual, you can see a larger image by clicking on the photo.

edit: still haven’t done my second part; will get to it sometime.

June 17, 2011
Categories: Fandom, North and South . Tags: , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 15 Comments

I Just Knew Jacob Was Cool

Okay, so we fans didn’t completely scare Jacob Kamara, who spent the last day in a photo shoot with Richard Armitage. He’s updated all of us and was very nice about it:

And here’s the best part:

Did anyone doubt this? Seriously? You must be a new fan. :D

Thank you, Jacob, and I like your hat as well as your jumper.

If you’re not sure exactly what is going on, more on this here.

Blogging is a blast!

June 15, 2011
Categories: Fandom, Interviews . Tags: , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 21 Comments

Cameron’s Stylin’

[note as of September 2014: Cameron’s videos are long gone as is his movie review blog, but oh, I hate you missed it. He was something else, and quite the reviewer. LOL! Not necessarily erudite in the sense of a New Yorker reviewer but definitely someone who had something to say and a sense of style while doing it. I think what happened is Cameron’s parents found out he was doing this and from their bedroom, so the kibosh was put on his filming endeavor. It also might have something to do with his being about 13 or 14 at the time. Would love to know what he’s doing now!]

]If you’ve been following this blog much, you know about Cameron. If not, then here’s an introduction:

Wow. I’m impressed that Cameron likes Woody Allen. Should be interesting to see what happens if Cameron keeps going on these movie reviews. Of course I’m wondering how much time he’s spent on this while he’s still in school, but hey, I’m sure Siskel and Ebert had to start somewhere.

Here’s the first time I wrote about Cameron, and if you’re wondering why I’m still writing about him, well, he’s the mainstream movie goer of generations to come.

Now if I could just get Cameron to read a few books, his reviews would be awesome. I’ll have to work on that. :D

Cameron,

If you read this, I really do love watching your reviews. Hang in there.

June 15, 2011
Categories: Movies, Tangents . Tags: , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: Leave a comment

Do We Need a Picture?

I follow a stream on Twitter where all of the mentions of Richard Armitage or #RichardArmitage will scroll on my Hootsuite dashboard. Today is hilarious. Talk about the ripple effect? This user:

Has created quite a stir, and now the pictures in my head are out of control. I don’t know about any of you, but I need a picture just to keep me sane. LOL!

I would follow this guy on Twitter, but I feel like an idiot doing it. See, see I can be sane! But really, it’s my proud self that won’t follow his ass — at least not yet. But I can bring him to your attention, and while you’re taking note of him, check out his blog: Fugly. Of course my knee jerk is he is not fugly! The Doc Martens maybe.

Jacob,

Seriously, I like the Doc Martens, but they look like they would be a pain to keep clean. I suppose that’s not the point.

Will be interesting to see what you shoot, and I hope you don’t think RA’s fans are scary. I know I’m not scary, and several others I know are not scary, but man, we just know how this works on Twitter and other places. Isn’t social media great? Yes, I’ll probably follow your ass like a good little ripple. :D

Signed,
One of RA’s crazy fans thoughtful fans.

Wondering what kind of name is Kamara, i.e. its ethnicity. See how my mind works? I should be wondering what positions Jacob has RA in while he’s shooting pictures, video or whatever it is he’s doing. Okay, back to seeing Richard with a lion’s mane around him.

And I noticed Servetus has finally come to the darkside. She just needs a picture and a few tweets to keep from looking like a potential spammer, and never in my life would I have imagined the name Servetus and Richard Armitage in the same sentence let alone in the same name. Glad you joined us, Michaela.

Man, I love having a blog! :D

edit:

This just in — now we know who’s taking some of the pictures:

http://twitter.com/benjwm/status/80631736903536640

More updates here.

June 14, 2011
Categories: Fandom . Tags: , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 20 Comments

Christchurch Knocked Around Again

The people of Christchurch, New Zealand keep getting their fair share:

Christchurch quake ‘bloody frightening’ – resident
Mon, 13 Jun 2011 5:49p.m.

By Michael Morrah

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says it is a serious situation and he is considering declaring a local state of emergency.

Today, residents were once again thrown into a panic as an aftershock struck at 1pm. Residents ran from indoors and out onto the street.

Jenny Beacroft, who was home when the quake struck, describes the experience as “bloody frightening”.

At least 10 people were taken to Christchurch Hospital with injuries, due to falling building material.

Read the rest here.

I can’t help but wonder if Richard Armitage is still in New Zealand or has indeed gone on hiatus from ‘The Hobbit’ and was in Brighton as some on Twitter suggested. Whatever the case, I hope he and the Kiwi people (despite some injuries) will be well, and even if you didn’t participate in the Rise up Christchurch telethon, it’s never too late to help out.

edit:

June 13, 2011
Categories: The Hobbit, Timeout . Tags: , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 11 Comments

It’s Personal

This post is part of the ongoing series of Musicilove.

He is so right about the accessibility of “classical” music. There is something intimidating for so many, and what a shame. I’m so glad James is on his mission to make it personal. His passion is infectious:

continued here:

Oh, yeah, a fake fan letter is a must:

James,

I love your stuff! You are dead on. Keep it up!

Sincerely,
One of your rabid fans, and no, I’m not rabid about everyone despite the look of things here.

Some more James:

and some more ’cause I can’t resist:

Be sure to visit his YouTube channel and/or his website.

Note: the concert referenced in the first video occurred last summer, so you will just need to buy James’ music. :D

In the meantime, you can also follow one of my Twitter lists to keep up with the ongoing search for musicilove.

And what does all of this have to do with Richard Armitage? Bet he also likes James.

June 10, 2011
Categories: Musicilove, Tangents . Tags: , , , , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 14 Comments

Diary of an RA Fan — Part 26 This is Stupid

See Diary Part 25 here, or to access all entries, hit “The Diary” tab above.

Entry — a day or so later in 2008:

So what is wrong with me? I have developed this aberration in my behavior which requires I look at the Armitage Army forum at least once a day. It’s been going on for weeks and makes me wonder about myself. Why am I looking at this thing every day? Maybe I’m this bored or maybe I have gone nuts? And of course I can’t help asking why. Am I needy? I’ve been needy at times, and this is definitely meeting some sort of need. Thankfully, I haven’t said much on the board since I really have nothing much to say. I said a few things when I first joined but certainly nothing of any value. I have said too many things in my life when I had nothing of any real value to say. I just want to read what these others are saying. It’s fascinating, and I’m a shit for putting everyone under the magnifying glass. Then again, that’s what I do, and I doubt I’m going to stop at this late date. I just wish I took more joy in it.

And dear Mr. Armitage is firmly under the glass. What is this guy about? I can’t figure it out, and I want to. I see all of these people talking about how he’s very private and all that, but then I read his interviews, and I don’t know what to think. He’s been very candid about his life, as if he has a clear conscience, and he’s actually talked quite a bit. Of course print interviews can be so misleading. I certainly ought to know that. SO has been interviewed countless times in our little part of the world, and if I only went by what I read in the papers, I would not come close to knowing what he’s really about. But one thing that is interesting about SO’s interviews is the writers are all impressed by the same thing about him — his honesty and humility, and not a fake kind of in your face honesty and humility that says look at me, but just something that’s so much a part of his being that the writers can’t help but notice it. That much definitely comes across. I find this is a common thread in the interviews of Richard Armitage as well. Or maybe he’s just really good at playing honest and humble. My gut says no, he’s for real.

But I did get tickled at the interview where he’s promoting ‘Cold Feet’. Humility was not so much the watchword as brutal honesty. He sounds like a big kid, and this just endeared him to me even more. There is no artifice and little or no spin. I loved it!


Click for full photo.

And it’s interesting the character he plays is all about spin. Yep, I bought the DVDs, so I’m in for a few more bucks investment in Mr. Armitage. I’m glad I bought that multi-region DVD player, or maybe not LOL!

Then toward the end of the interview he talked about Cleopatra being crap, and I about fell off my chair laughing. Oh, you are so right, Mr. Armitage. Crap indeed, and a comedy. SO and I watched it again the other day and howled with laughter, and SO still doesn’t realize squat about Richard Armitage being in this. We usually just watch Caesar’s death scene when we need a good laugh. Well, that and Cleopatra cruising down the Nile. ROFLOL!!

And how interesting that Richard Armitage is going to co-star with Hermione Norris in ‘Spooks’, I cannot wait for that! Not sure how in the heck I’m going to watch it, but I’ll find a way. There is no chance I’m going to wait until it’s on Netflix. So far they only have up through Series 5.

I have so many other things I want to say, but I’m too tired to say it all today, and I’m glad I started journaling, so I can capture some of what I think even if some of it is stupid. I kept wondering what good was it to record all of those hideous things? I was wrong as I’ve been wrong about so many things. So today was one year of me writing all of this…. I’m not sure what to call it, and I’m afraid to go back and read all of it. I tried to read some of it a couple of weeks ago, and what I found was astonishing and humbling.

What was I saying about just enjoying something for what it is and not nitpicking? I’m the worst. I just can’t stop asking why. And is that so bad if it’s just me doing it in my head? I know dammit, it requires some wisdom. Oh, do I know it requires some wisdom. But I’ve been successful (at least by the world’s standards), and a lot of it had to do with asking why in my head about whatever was in front of me. It’s the why that made me successful! It’s the why that was the key! But it’s also the why that made me walk away from all of that. It’s the why that made me call bullshit on so many things. And that was wise. I have only to look at my children to know it was wise. They would not be who they are in part if I had not walked away from all those things which made me subject to such praise. A sacrifice? Maybe it seemed that way a little at first, but now? No, it was no great sacrifice. They are turning into people of great character who are inspiring me! But it could have been so different. I could have looked back at my life and been aware of how great it looked to the world but my children would have probably been at loose ends, and I certainly wouldn’t have known them. Not as I do now.

Present day:

I had such a good time reading Richard Armitage’s interviews, which were only up to a few Spooks 7 promotional pieces at this point in the journal. More on that later. But I have to comment on how friendly he sounds. When I saw him in the powhiri ceremony, it reminded me so much of him as the big goofy kid promoting ‘Cold Feet’, and I have it on good authority that he is immensely well liked on ‘The Hobbit’ set. Dare I say a favorite? Yes, I dare since I was also told that the group picks who will represent them at a powhiri ceremony, and they chose Richard. The crew and in particular the Kiwis were rooting for him:

“…as a Kiwi, it is important to see the reaction of the knowing crowd to Richard’s performance. See the guy at the last row, on the left, Mark Hadlow, Kiwi actor? He is so proud of Richard. This is a man who has seen many powhiri so knows what is cool…”

I think the New Zealanders might want to claim him as theirs. :D They see something I and many of you see — a keen mind and a self-deprecating yet not mean-spirited humor coupled with a great work ethic. A work ethic that says you’re important enough for me to learn Maori and represent you well. The Kiwis got the honor done to them, and if there is anything I’m learning, it’s that the general psyche of the Kiwi people is to adore those who don’t take themselves too seriously and who are team players:

We Kiwis are very laid back “she’ll be right, mate” attitude, and we all muck in (help out) when needed.

I think it’s apt to say he made the team proud. :D

And I don’t know exactly how Richard Armitage feels, but I’m falling in love with the Kiwi people. The more I read and listen to them, the more I want to go to New Zealand, and it has nothing to do with Richard Armitage. Seriously.

Last but not least, James Nesbitt is supposed to be one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. A real prince of a guy, so I’m not going to ever say anything catty about Jimmy.

Diary Part 27 here

Screencaps courtesy of RichardArmitageNet.Com; promotional still courtesy of Armitage-Online (Russian site).

June 9, 2011
Categories: Cold Feet, Interviews, Miscellaneous works, Movies, SO, The Hobbit . Tags: , , , , , , , . Author: RAFrenzy . Comments: 21 Comments

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