Samantha Brick - Hell's Angel

I am sure many of you who have found yourself looking at this blog entry are here because you have typed the words "Samantha" or "Brick" (or, most likely, both) into a search engine.

Now, usually, typing in the word "brick" would direct you to a picture or description of that wonderful little item that is used to build houses, but as of yesterday, the word "Brick" would actually send you in the direction of a couple of articles written by the now infamous journalist; Samantha Brick.

As you are all aware, there has been a backlash of hatred thrown at Ms Brick for the article that was printed in the Daily Mail yesterday: "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful!"

With a title like that, surely she knew that people across the country, and also the world, would not be thrilled by what they were going to read!?

After reading the article myself, I found myself feeling so irritated by Samantha Brick's statements.  Not necessarily the way she was loving herself far too much, but because of her insulting view of other women.  She kept banging on about how women HATE her because she is "beautiful".

Well, that sent my blood bubbling.  I know so many women who are naturally beautiful but I have never ever disliked them for it; and, I have never met any woman who has HATED another woman because they are beautiful.  It's absurd!  And it is this view, more than anything, which makes me think that Samantha Brick is exceptionally deluded, not because she considers herself as being so painfully attractive that men fall at her feet whenever she leaves the house.

It is not just insulting to women though, it is also insulting to men!  Now, yes us women do jest about how men have no self-control when it comes to beautiful women, but not all men are like that!!

She seems to be under the impression that every man on the planet will fall in love with her as soon as he claps eyes on her.  Now, this may be the case in some situations as her "pleasing appearance and pretty smile" may have rendered men weak at the knees.  However, I don't believe for one second that women dislike her because of her looks and I think Mrs Brickface needs to consider the notion that in actual fact it might be her personality that people HATE.

Did any of your read the follow up article Old Bricky published today?  Well, that certainly made for some entertaining reading.  She banged on about how she felt so upset about the hate mail she was receiving online, but that didn't stop her from reiterating just how beautiful she is and how she could easily steal someone's man from them in a second.

My favourite anecdote of today's article was when she said that a man saw her in her car yesterday, close to tears because of all the hate mail, and he offered to buy her a coffee.  Most people would have considered this just a kind gesture of good will...but not the Brickster!  Oh no, she said "He could see I was having a tough time — and yes, my looks had helped me out again."

WHAT??  What has that got to do with her looks?  The guy was being a gent and making sure she was OK.  I can deal with Old Bricky loving herself, but it is these self-absorbed comments that are the real reason she has never been a bridesmaid for a friend!

Arghhhhh!!!

So, I have expressed my opinion on Bricky Brickerson, and after having a quick glance at other articles she has written it has dawned on me what is really going through her head...she is suffering some psychological issues.  I say this because there is an article that she wrote about a year ago about how she suffered obesity as a child and is now obsessed with being beautiful - so much so that this has encouraged the belief that she is the most beautiful woman in the world.  Hence the arrogance and self-obsession.  I think that she believes that if she doesn't consider herself as being beautiful, no one else will.

All together now: "Awwwww!" ..... OK, maybe not!

Old Bricky also wrote an article about how she spent £25,000 on psychics!  Well, I suggest she gets her money back as it doesn't seem she was ever warned about this little blip in her life...

Samantha Brick, if your peepers ever fall upon this blog entry, may I suggest to you that in the future, when these helpless men throw their money at you, you thank them for their generosity but tell them to give that money to charity instead?! 

Your beauty may be able to help other unfortunate people after all!

Christmas Trees

Yesterday, Rob and I bought our first real Christmas tree for our first real house together!!

It is currently supping up some water from a bucket in the conservatory...we're not putting it up till tomorrow morning as we are worried about acting too soon and the whole tree drying out before Santa comes.

If anyone has any cheeky tips on how to look after a Christmas tree, I would be very grateful - however, if you yourself are after some tips, I have found a marvellous little website that offers great advice on getting the best results out of your tree's life:

How to look after your Christmas tree (UK)

Merry Christmas One and All xxx

A quick survey...

A fellow student at my university is currently doing an MA in Psychology and is in need of your help...

In order for her to graduate, she needs to acquire 120 surveys as research for her dissertation.

The survey is anonymous and takes about 10 minutes - however, it literally took me 5 minutes; so it's not long at all!

Please click the link to redirect you:

www.surveymonkey.com/s/YVBJ3GV

Thank you very much - this will certainly be classed as your good deed for the day as you can revel in the knowledge that you have helped someone with regards to their education!

The survey is about relationships and people's response to them when they end.

iPhone iOS5 Update

Yesterday, I jumped on the bandwagon of updating my iPhone to the most current software (the iOS5).

I have to say...

I'm so glad I did!!  It's brilliant!

The update, and the new iPhone 4, pays amazing tribute to Steve Jobs who passed away last week.  The true Genius behind the entire Apple corporation and today's, and the future's, standard of technology!

The new features include:

iMessage; which I believe is like a Blackberry Messenger (BBM) where all text messages between iPhone users are free - a step up from the marvellous Whatsapp, which you have to purchase (69p!) from the App Store.

New sounds - I have had tremendous fun assigning a number of sounds to the various applications on my iPhone.  You can now also purchase tones from iTunes and assign them to contacts.  Very exciting stuff!

One thing that doesn't seem to be working is my "Tweet" tone - I have assigned the tone Tweet to "Tweet" but I still seem to be getting the Tri-Tone when a notification comes through from Twitter!  (Help, please, anyone...!!?)

There is a new feature where you can swipe down from your main screen and it brings up an array of information, including the weather, notifications, missed calls etc.

You can now take pictures using the "up" volume button, instead of having to use the home button on the front of the phone.

Finally, there is something called the iCloud.  As far as I'm aware, it stores all your info (messages, contacts, emails etc)... but I'm not really sure...?!

So, while the Blackberry users of the world (myself being one of these twelve months ago) are complaining that their phones are rubbish, iPhone users are basking in the glory of their phones continuing to reign as the most superior!

Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go bask...

Is this what Social Networks are for?

Personally, I thought sites like Facebook and Twitter were designed for people to say funny, clever and witty things that friends, and other people with similar interests, would appreciate.

In actual fact it seems to be an excuse for pedantic people to prey on status updates and attempt to belittle them; presumably to make themselves look more knowledgable?

Loula's Advice: Don't be that person!

And don't even get me started on cyber-bullying!!!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Christmas is coming...

Hang on! It's still August??!!

Every year, it seems to get earlier and earlier when the Christmas items start hitting the shops.

Today, I saw some Christmas cards in a card shop.

The kids aren't even back at school yet.

However, cards aren't too bad. It's when the decorations start to emerge that you know we are entering into the countdown to Crimbo!

Has anyone seen any Christmas items in shops yet? Informing us of the date you saw them will also be a great indicator as to how early shops are setting up for Christmas...

It will also be great to know when you hear your first Christmas song!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

English Weather

Ahh, we're at that time of year again when the British are reminded how rubbish our weather really is.

It's heading towards the end of August and we can all most likely be able to count on one hand just how many hot - yes, hot! Not warm - days we have had this year.

Climate Change is a bitch!

However, in two months' time we will be heading towards the end of October, which means Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas are just around the corner.

We will then be faced with that awkward period in, what should be, Autumn when it seems a little too warm to wear a coat.

That's when we get a freak day of 25 degrees when the people at the MET Office get very excited and bang on about...you probably guessed it...

Global Warming!

Ah, so, the world is getting warmer. We may not have hot summers, but we certainly have much warmer winters.

Three days later...

It snows!

Not just snow! Blizzards! Snow that most of us haven't seen for a decade...or decades, depending on their age...

It's not that crappy wispy snow that looks like something you've scraped off your freezer, it's fluffy snow! Fat snow!

The MET Office boys are back!

This time, they don't refer to our freaky weather as 'Global Warming'. Nope, we're back to...bingo...

Climate Change!

So, the next warm day we have starts the whole thing off again. Global Warming/Climate Change/Global Warming/Climate Change etc etc etc

Both terms should be scrapped and our freaky weather should be given its true title:

British!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

The X Factor

Surely I can't be the only person who is not missing Simon and Cheryl (and Dannii) from this year's X Factor.

Surprisingly, the new panel of judges actually works! I think Kelly Rowland's American sassiness is quite refreshing. She is rather excitable, a bit like Cheryl was, but we can understand her.

Tulisa has impressed me. I was concerned she would be overpowered by Kelly and Gary, but so far she's done brilliantly. The way she handled that hostile guy from ... Triple Trouble... Have I got that right? ... was brilliant. She remained so calm. I had a lot a respect for her at that moment in time and I am certainly going to be watching out for her decorum in the weeks to come.

I mentioned Gary Barlow a moment ago. I've heard he is the replacement of Simon. Well, we all know he has some very large shoes to fill, but he certainly has a stubbornness about him. Obviously it's hard to tell from the first episode but even Simon would have an initial moment of weakness where he crumbled under the pressure of the first few hopeful auditions, recognising that nerves had got the better of people. Not Gaz! He's tough... I like it! It's empowering...

And as for Louis?! Well, as much as we would miss him if he wasn't there, we still forget that he is...


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Realistic?

Now, before I start this, I must inform you that I'm very much pro-equality and wish that all of the prejudice and discrimination in the world could be banished.

However, watching the soaps lately, I can't help thinking there is a very unlikely number of homosexuals within each fictional area.

Coronation Street originally had the wonderful Sean but, of course, he needed a partner. So then there was his perfect match, Marcus. Todd turned gay. Anyone married to Sarah-Lou Platt was bound to reconsider though. Corrie then boldly bit the bullet and introduced two lesbians in the form of Sophie - the sweetheart of the cobbles who the majority of Britain watched grow up as part of the Webster family - and Sian. Now, it seems Dev's daughter, Amber, is also a lesbian.

Like I said, I'm all for equality, but surely such storylines must be made believable. At least six homosexuals in one small traditional street seems slightly far-fetched...

If we move over to 'The Village' in Hollyoaks, we have a similar situation. John Paul McQueen was the first to come out - expressing his love for Craig Dean. Craig left his girlfriend, Sarah Barnes, for JP. Very romantic...even if it did push Hannah towards an eating disorder. We then had Sarah, who spent months going mad about Craig's new preference, turn lesbian after a kinky experimental night with Zoe.

Are you still with me?

Sarah then became an item with loco Lydia.

A few months ago, we had Brendan beating up Ste, his lover, as both failed to come to terms with the fact that they are gay. Obviously Brendan was taking it harder than Ste.

Nowadays, Ste is comfortable with his sexuality and is seeing a bloke called Noah...who almost got it on with Brendan...while he was with Ste.

Good Grief!!

The icing on the cake is a teenage lesbian called Esther. However, she can't be single for long so that must mean another homosexual will be introduced to the soap...or another character will turn...again!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Amy Winehouse - RIP

The inevitable time has arrived for Amy Winehouse to kick the bucket.

My heart goes out to her family who have had to deal with the rollercoaster of watching the demise of their daughter over the past few years.

Although everyone knew Amy was rushing headlong into an early grave, there was always that glimmer of hope within us that wished she would have been provided the support she consistently needed.

Unfortunately, although Amy passed away on Saturday 23rd July 2011, her talent died a few years ago when her rebellious streak proved too overpowering but it's true that she won't be forgotten in a hurry.

I hope Amy's demise encourages young impressionable people to choose a path that does not include drugs!

RIP Amy Winehouse


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Where would we be without police?

Probably in a fairer world, that's for sure.

Cast your mind to the scene in Miss Congeniality where Sandra Bullock uses her badge to get to the front of a queue in a busy coffee shop.

It's not that similar but today I was with my mom in the car; the lights changed to green and we started to move off. Two policemen just casually strolled into the road, expecting us to wait for them even though we had the right to go.

Honestly, they make up their own rules!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Simpler Times

I recently saw that horrific Andrex advert with the computer generated puppy and was absolutely mortified.

Why oh why do advertisers/marketers feel the compulsion to include CGI in everything they do?

Sometimes, the simple use of natural props and characters provide greater impact. They are far less creepy!

I remember having that feeling of disappointment before... It was when I saw that Bill and Ben (the flowerpot men) had become computerised.

I don't care if it's modern, it lacks authenticity and loses its charm.

Campaign: Bring back the cute real Andrex puppy!!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

If Facebook had rules...

As many of you know, Facebook does not have a rule book. However, if it did, here are the top ten:

#1 People are not allowed to 'like' their own statuses. Never. No exceptions.

#2 People can give the following reasons as to why they do not want to accept someone's friend request:
A. I don't care if you are related to my boyfriend's mom's friend's son's girlfriend... I still don't know you;
B. You are an ex, the only reason I would accept you as a friend is so I can flaunt my new relationship and my successes for your benefit, but I'm above all that so I'll avoid the opportunity;
C. You're my ex's girlfriend, it would just be awkward;
D. You're my boyfriend's ex. It would just be weird;
E. I already have a huge list of "friends" that I don't talk to, you'll only make it longer;
F. You're a bitch.

#3 Any attention seeking pessimists who talk daily about their woeful lives through their statuses will receive an immediate lifetime ban. Their half empty glass should not be the world's problem.

#4 "Some people really need to get a life" - If this comment, or something similar, is used then the person being talked about must be named. It saves the hassle of the curious having to work for the information.

#5 If the above status is questioned by a sympathetic 'friend', and is then answered with "Inbox me", the person shall be banned. They will gain more of that desired attention if they follow through with airing their dirty laundry publicly.

#6 "Fake" marriages and engagements result in an instant ban. People should not waste a 'congratulations' on something that isn't real.

#7 'Re-post' statuses are unacceptable. "Please put this as your status if you have a best friend and have been affected by mosquitoes".

#8 Parents are limited to four statuses a day regarding their babies. People are happy for them but hearing about their sleeping pattern each day gets a little tedious.

#9 A dislike button.

#10 Parents (particularly those above the age of 50) are banned. It's social suicide for them and their kids!

Before or After the Watershed?

There is a huge debate that is currently going on regarding whether or not certain music videos should be banned before the watershed.

It appears that the nation is divided.

As per usual, I am going to throw my two pennies worth into the mix...

What do I think about it?

Well, personally, I thought people were making a mountain out of a mole hill... to begin with.  However, that all changed last night when I saw for the first time (bear with me, I live under a rock most of the time!) Rihanna's S&M video.

Crikey me!

What ISN'T she wearing!!  It's actually quite disgraceful that such a video is broadcast at all.

Now, I'm not a prude in the slightest, but I have to admit/agree that such a video should not be cast upon the eyes of an innocent youth.  It's highly inappropriate for them to look at such role models and think that it is ok to behave in such a manner.  No wonder we have so many teen pregnancies with girls believing it is ok to be so promiscuous.

It's not just that though.  It sends out the wrong messages to the males!  If young girls are parading about in skimpy clothing, and young (and old) boys think that said girls are giving the impression that they are 'up for it' from their provocative dress, it will result in such a disastrous outcome.

Girls need to be reminded that it's ok to be young!  They don't need to be slutty to be accepted.  They need assistance in believing that there is no rush to grow up.

The likes of Rihanna and Christina Aguilera (cast your mind back to her X Factor performance last year!) are not helping at all.

Verdict: Yes, such videos should be broadcast AFTER the watershed!

Card Compromisation

Well, as you can imagine, I was shocked and appalled to not only be woken this morning by an early caller (yes, 9:30am is considered early!) but to be informed that my credit card had been 'compromised'.

Apparently, some fiend tried to spend £183 with my card deets.

However, HSBC noticed the odd behaviour on my account straight away (they know I'm a student and only spend my money on alcohol) and intercepted.

Good work HSBC. Hopefully, one day, people won't stoop to theft!

Loula Boos!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

The Human Centipede II

There is a lot of controversy about this film at the moment and its potential to be banned.

I have not seen the first movie, and after hearing what is involved within it, and its sequel, I don't think I would like to.

This does not mean that I think it should be banned. If anything, I predict that banning it, and making it forbidden, will only encourage its popularity. People always want what they can't have and it will only spur people on to download it or import it from somewhere across the world. It will then be considered a trophy amongst the DVD collection as it is a little bit thrilling to know you have something you shouldn't.

If people don't want to watch such a film, they don't have to. Banning it will make no difference in that respect.


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Cheryl Cole - Ditched Again

Good grief - this is one publicity stunt that I certainly cannot keep up with.

Since my last blog about Cheryl's re-hiring to the judging panel, it turns out that she has been dropped again.

So, as far as we are aware, The X Factor, on both sides of the pond, will not feature Miss Cole.

It's quite sad really. Although, I suppose she should have considered her loyalty for us Brits before dropping our show for the US's. She would not have been in this pickle if her head (and hair) had not been swelling at the thought of claiming worldwide fame.

It was Cheryl's humbleness that made the nation fall in love with her. We didn't care if she was a worldwide star - that was something that the media convinced her of, not us.


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

Dog Attack

Yesterday was a very traumatic day for my brother, Matt, and Zeus, our Jack Russell.

Matt had taken Zeus for a walk. On this walk, both were attacked by a Rottweiler and a Whippet/Lab.

The female owner had let the dogs out to greet her husband who had arrived from work. She claimed not to have seen my brother with Zeus. However, the dogs raced past the husband, across the road and straight for Zeus.

They got him.

The Whippet's jaws were clamped onto his back. He tried to fight back but was no match for such a bigger dog.

Matt had Zeus held to his chest - the Whippet was still attached. He tried to prise his jaws open but it was a struggle.

Eventually, they loosened. Matt doesn't remember how, but they did.

Blood was everywhere.

Matt had to go to hospital, and Zeus went to the vet's. Matt had to have stitches on his chin, and his hand was bandaged and put into a sling. Of course, he also had to have a tetanus jab.

Zeus had to have injections, as well as further investigations into the severity of his wounds.

Both have been damaged by the jaws of the dog.


On the picture you can clearly see the wound on Zeus's back. He has two more on his chest and on his bottom.

Both Zeus and my brother were very lucky in this case.

However, the amount of 'what if's have been circling through each of our minds, ranging from "what if Matt didn't manage to pull the dog off Zeus?" to the near enough unthinkable... "what if a child had been with Zeus...or even in his place?"

It's frightening to even consider such a thing, but it is something that could have been.

We are aware that the owners are distraught about the whole situation, and there is no doubt in our minds that they will not make the mistake of assuming the coast is clear for the dogs to be let outside... But all it takes is one misjudged act of carelessness.

Is it a risk that they should be granted to take?

What NOT to do in an Interview

Now, you can search high and low across the internet for tips on what to do in an interview. The usual being "always maintain eye contact", "keep your hands on your lap", "dress smartly" etc. These are all very good tips, but sometimes they are just too obvious.

What people need to know are the things that can happen in such intimidating situations but shouldn't.

Here, I am going to offer a few examples of my own experiences that should not have occurred, but did. Looking back, I know that I buckled under the pressure. However, I have learnt from my mistakes and I hope you do too.

Tip #1: Do not walk into a reception/agency/office that you are unfamiliar with and respond to the question "Can I help you?" with "I need some help from [company name]" - You will be greeted with nothing less than a mocking smirk, indicating that this stranger perceives you as a moron. This perception will not grant you a job at this company.

Tip #2: If you are lucky enough to receive a call from the company you have applied to for a job, when they ask "May I speak with [your name]?" do not respond with "This is She!" - You are not the Queen. Apparently referring to yourself as He/She is not acceptable for us mere commoners.

Tip #3: After detailing various points about yourself, such as employment history/hobbies/strengths etc, do not complete your sentence with "And that...is that!". Again, you may be perceived as a moron.

Tip #4: If you are applying for something slightly obscure, such as a position in a shop specialising in an uncommon hobby, do not refer to it, in a relatively sarcastic tone, as a "lost art". It will not be appreciated. No matter how comical it may seem in your head.

Tip #5: I would highly advise you not to suggest that one of your hobbies is singing. Unless you are auditioning for a role as a singing waitress, performing something a cappella during your interview may jeopardise any chance you have of getting the job. I don't think you need me to tell you that, once again, this could portray you as a moron.

So, there you have it. Five tips that should hold you in good stead for any future interviews.

Good Luck!


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone

The Independent's i

So, The Independent's other paper, known as i, has been given a slap on the wrist for claiming to not include celebrity gossip and then...wait for it...wait for it...did actually include celebrity gossip.

Outrageous!

These papers should be piled up and burned, never to be read again in case we are faced with stories of a celebrity, resulting in it actually being a lie, a fib, because we were told differently!

OK, now, honestly?

Who gives a flying banana? No, seriously, is it really an issue?

Surely there are worse things happening in the world.

How pathetic.


- Loulabella posting from her iPhone