Hello Dubai - Joe Bennett

Hello Dubai - Joe Bennett (2010)

This is one of those travel books, that isn't really about travel. It explores the city, its history and tries to uncover why so many people flock to Dubai. Joe Bennett has travelled their before, but returns to find out what Dubai is really about.

For me it became a bit of a hard sell. Once you get past the mcmansions and the flashy cars and jewellery, their are issues that ensnare Dubai and make the funny stories a bit less palatable. I don't think that the Philippine and Indian workers really enjoy the benefits of working in Dubai, Joe doesn't really find out how much they earn or think about their working conditions. The bevy of women of many nations who are are dancers in bars, one wonders if it is just a modern form of sexual slavery and how trapped they are so far from their home countries.

I don't think that Mr Bennett managed to really capture the reasons why so many people clamour to Dubai other than earning the quick tax free buck. In the end I wasn't interested either, and it made me think it was one place that I have no need of visiting in my lifetime. 3/5

Eclipse

Eclipse (2010)

Buying the large fizzy drink at the cinema didn't do me any good today, my middle aged bladder was busting for the last half of the movie, and I didn't fancy falling down the stairs in the dark or missing any action in the movie. I needn't of worried though, for I could have missed most of it in the bathroom and not really noticed.

After years of watching Friends/Bones and most silly drama/comedies we have been bombarded with the will they/won't they get together scenario that I am beginning to find this one a bit tedious and repetative. Mr Jake, just keep the shirt off and the ladies will find you.

Looking like one long extended music video, the movie was just more of the same as New Moon, but without the good soundtrack. I certainly won't be rushing out to see this one again at the movies, but will probably surcumb to buying the dvd. 2/5

Valentino - the Last Emperor

Valentino - the Last Emperor - DVD (2008)

I never got to see this one at the 2009 film festival, so was glad to hear that it was finally out on DVD. I enjoy a bit of reality filming, and had this been fiction one would hardly believe the story or characters involved.

Valentino is beautiful, gorgeous and engaging. The behind the scenes look at the fashion world was amazing, especially the Amazon models, the relentless press asking inane questions and of course the infighting. He certainly had amazing homes, and I loved the little peeks of things like spray painting patches on the grass lawns green before a big party, and making the pugs have their teeth brushed and breath spray - poor dogs.

A 4/5, and a good Friday night dvd watch, certainly outdoing the crappolla festival that is New Zealand tv at the moment.

Friday Night Bedroom Shopping

Lately I am all about the gemstones. I remember being obscessed with them when I was about seven, and having a library book at my grandparents house. I think I used to save my money and buy little stones, nothing expensive or valuable. I look at all the lovely gems on ETSY, and wonder if I should try my hand at rings and things.


mermaid necklace - a very pretty dark Laguna banded agate. I would love this one for winter wear.

Sugilite in Textured Sterling Silver Ring - I love a touch of purple and love the simplicity of this ring.

Pink Patch necklace - ocean jasper and sterling silver teardrop pendant ooak - a lovely jasper stone set in a simple silver setting, beautiful.

Oh, I could keep on buying and buying all the beautifull jewels and baubles on ETSY, if only I had the money. Maybe I will save up and let myself have a piece for my birthday.

Library of the Dead - Glenn Cooper

Library of the Dead - Glenn Cooper (2009)

This reminds me of a Dan Brown type thriller book, with a bit of a twist. After a slightly stilted beginning we learn about the Doomsday Killer who is sending folks postcards telling them the day their life will end.

FBI agent Will Piper is assigned to the case with his history of solving serial killer cases. With a new partner, he seeks to find who is murdering on the streets of New York City.

Of course, I figured out what was going on half way through, but it was nice to see how it played out.

3/5

You Snooze - You Lose

I found this Antique Victorian Iron Table Top Pharmacy Apothecary Prescription Paper Holder c 1890 - on ETSY on Saturday night, and sadly it was sold by Sunday morning. Wouldn't it have looked cute with an old photo on it, and great sitting on my mantle.

It was described as: A very unusual metal and cast iron base antique Victorian 1890 vintage pharmacist's or apothecary's prescription paper holder so the pharmacist could read the ingredients while keeping hands free to grind the prescription, this has a few old 1930's prescriptions with it though the holder is much earlier, the drug store was closed later, base is 3" diameter and holder approx 5 1/2" high with a turnscrew mechanism for the papers, original finish, great piece of early pharmaceutical equipment.

As one of my good friend often chooses to remind me - You snooze - you lose. I guess I was too slow this weekend. Oh well.

Music Monday - Ivy

Todays Music Monday is Ivy and their song Thinking about You. I like this one on the ipod while out walking or on loud doing the housework. Enjoy.

To Defy a King - Elizabeth Chadwick

To Defy a King - Elizabeth Chadwick (2010)

Elizabeth Chadwick remains one of the best writers in historical fiction, specialising in the medevial times and in this her latest novel, she continues on with a tale of William Marshalls daughter Mehalt.

Married at 13 into the Bigod family, Mehalt must quickly learn to declare her loyalties and choose her side. In the meantime, King John is taking hostages and stealing gold and property across the county.

A good winters read book, perfect to snuggling into my quilted bed with. 3/5

And When Did You Last See Your Father?

And When Did You Last See Your Father? - DVD (2007)

I'm having a little Colin Firth mini film festival at the moment. This movie was recommended by my boss, and we have had a few talks about it lately. Perhaps because it reflects a realistic relationship between a son and his father and we all can see in their story echoes of our own dealings with our parents.

How a father who is a bit of a laugh, a joker, a womaniser, likes to be the centre of attention, how he alienates and embarasses his son. How the son, doesn't just brush off the insults but instead treats his father as a bit of a joke, and realises maybe too late that he hasn't taken the time to understand him. How we are all dealing with our own view within the family, and sometimes fail to consider what is going on with others. When a family member is dying or dies it can make you realise how much went unsaid, and all the little falling outs didn't really matter in the end.

Sweet without being soppy - this one is worthy of a 4/5.

Gone - Mo Hayder

Gone - Mo Hayder (2010)

Mo Hayder is an author that constantly is able to thrill and scare you in her books, as skill that some suspence/thriller authors have forgotten how to do, often victims of their own success, they become lazy and churn out the same old version of a story.

The subject matter for this one is a bit iffy for me, I am not a big fan of the child abduction scenarios, and would always try and avoid the child rape/murder books. It felt a bit edge of the seat for me, as I couldn't really see what was going to happen next until two thirds of the way through, and even when I figured out who the baddy was, it didn't have the ending I expected which was a nice touch.

So a solid 3/5 for this little thrill.