Will you have a Bugg for Jake?

I heard about Jake Bugg just a couple of weeks ago. Story is: I had just gone to an Ed Sheeran concert and I was telling my friend how good it was and how I was impressed by how talented he was, despite his young age. She then told me about Jake, saying that he was just 18 and “talented as fuck” (just quoting her!).

Thing is, although I’m sure we all have a favourite musical genre, I think we should open our minds to any kind of music. I’m going to steal Morrissey’s answer when, during an interview, he was asked if he had a message for his fans: “Yes, don’t be a musical snob! Just because you like The Smiths music doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try listening to classical music or even heavy metal. The only way to build up your preferences is by listening to anything and everything. Don’t be narrow-minded and don’t listen to things just to be trendy. Hopefully you’ll remain loyal Smiths fans - but you’ll also gain a bit more musical knowledge”.

So, following these words of wisdom, I gave Jake a shot…

First, I wanted to find out more about him. It’s always good to have some background and it sometimes add more sense to the artist’s music. Jake Bugg is, indeed, 18 (or 19, there is no precise DOB given).

His interest in music blossomed when he was 12: he heard a song on “The Simpson’s” and started learning the guitar – I don’t know about you, but this kid is already growing on me! - He also began writing lyrics and developing his singing. He is British, from Nottingham to be precise. His career started when he was chosen by the BBC to perform at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival. At only 17, he sang in front of the crowd as an “Introducing stage” act. And that is how he was discovered and signed by Mercury. His first eponym album was released just two weeks ago.

Now, I feel like I know enough about this enigmatic singer/songwriter/musician to actually listen to his album. His songs definitely are from another era: it seems like he is some sort of reincarnation of Bob Dylan! His voice is deep and warm and his music sounds like it’s been recorded 45 years ago…

I have a few favourites though: “Two Fingers” is a very catchy tune with a Sixties feeling. “Broken” makes me think of a sad love song; it’s quiet and a bit depressing (not too high on a scale from “Apologise” by One Republic to Adele’s “Someone like you”). Then, there is “Note To Self”, which is just amazing: very catchy, great lyrics and, again, that Sixties vibe. “Seen it All” is more of a rock and roll song, with fantastic drumming and a very-easily-stuck-in-your-head chorus. Finally, I’ll mention “Someone Told Me” because it’s exactly the kind of song I adore: it gives me that warm feeling in my belly and that sort of overwhelming emotional wave (does that make sense to you as well?!).

In the end, I’m really glad I got to listen to Jake Bugg’s “Jake Bugg”. His music has a Sixties vibe, his voice is incredibly deep for an 18 year old lad and the lyrics are very good, just like Jake had lived ten other lives before this one! He is a true artist who gives himself totally into his music. If you’re just a tad bit curious, go and listen to his album!

Finally, if I had to resume this record with one sentence, I’d say that it makes me want to book a flight to California and take a road trip all the way to New York. Hope you’ll get that same vibe!

Miss DiversiT

Miss DiversiT having a Calimero day

I guess you all know Calimero, that little black chicken wearing a broken egg shell as a hat and who keeps saying "That is so unfair" in a tiny voice.

Well, I'm having a Calimero day. I had a conversation about work with a friend a few days ago. I'm still haunted by the story she told me: she has two master's degrees and got offered a three months job as an exhibition watcher (you know, those poor people who are in the rooms of an exhibition and make sure you don't put your dirty fingers on the paintings; those people who might just die out of boredom!). Cherry on top of the scandalous cake, the lady from the museum said she read her CV with a great attention...

And then, you know, I thought about me...I have a master's degree in journalism. I got out of school five years ago (what? five? already? I thought it was just two!) and never got to work as a journalist! If it weren’t for that blog, I wouldn't be writing at all...

Still, I have worked as an administrative assistant and, now, I feel stuck in that kind of job because that's the only real professional experience that I have. And that's where I'm saying: "It is so unfair"!

Because, I was told when I was little that having a diploma would allow me to have a good job and, therefore, a decent and happy life!

Because, I want to be a journalist, not an administrative assistant, and I like people to consider that before telling me "ah, that's a shame you don't have any professional experience as a journalist". Still, I have a degree and a passion for this job...

Because, it feels like we're going to be the first generation to have a life worse than our parents'. The whole point is to have a better situation than your ancestors, to evolve towards a higher quality of life. But, I think I'll never have the chance to have a better life than my parents...

Because, I have no idea how to change this situation, how to make it better...

Because, I'm really worried about my future (and I'm taking immediate future, not like "far away" future).

For my friend, for me, for all of us who are struggling and who don't understand why their situation is so shitty and what they're doing wrong, I'm going to say: "That is so unfair"!

On that happy note, I'll leave you to your thoughts...

Miss DiversiT aka Miss Calimero 

From Hell...

Don't worry, the title is not reflecting a gloomy attitude or some sort of depression attack!
Let me explain it to you:

Last night, my flatmate and I went to the Jack the Ripper walk.
I don't think I ever mentioned my fascination for the Victorian killer on here. Well, there you go: I nourish an avid curiosity for this mystery. I've read books, have seen documentaries and done this walk once in the past.
My flatmate is soon moving out to another country where they certainly don't have a walk like this one!
So, before going, she wanted to step into Jack the Ripper's shoes!

We went for the serious, only facts and history one.
This one ---> http://www.jacktheripperwalk.com/
I have to say I loved it! You get to discover all there is to know about the victims, how they were atrociously murdered, where and when and you get to see a few streets that are left practically untouched since 1888 (of course, now, there is pavement, light and the prostitutes are gone...Like our guide said "this part of London is even trendy now").

Our guide was a fantastic story teller and, I have to admit that I was happy not to be alone on these streets: they are spooky, dark and (I do believe that places can have a memory) were the witnesses of awful murders.
More than about the Ripper and his unfortunate victims, you will have a good historic view on what was life like in 1888 in Whitechapel; well, if you were a woman, at least!
My flatmate and I thought about where and what we would have been if we had been living in 1888. For the anecdote, my flatmate would be up in North England, working in a mine and I will be in Belgium, working in a mine as well. We'd both have as many kids as physically possible and would be coughing our lungs out. In a word, we'd be dying...Interesting prospects, huh?!

My only regret is that we didn't get to have a drink in the famous pub where all the victims had a drink: the Ten Bells. Again, that place must have quite a heavy atmosphere and I would probably - well, let's face it - pee in my pants (yeah, I'm scared quite easily, I guess!).

What is trully great about this walk is that it gives you food for thoughts: we were elaborating theories on the way home! Who was he? Why was he never caught? He stopped (serial killers never stop killing unless something happens to them) so what happened to him? Was he wealthy and literate or was he a poor butcher? Was he living in the area?
What I can give you is this portrait the FBI made for the hundredth anniversary of the killings (yeah, that's a weird "celebration"!): he was a man, aged 27-34, living in the area and with a good knowledge of anatomy, meaning he was probably a vet or a butcher.

I hope you will want to take this walk as well, as it is interesting, fascinating, intriguing and, well, honestly, it's terrifying!

Now, good people, I have to go watch some documentaries on youtube...Sleep well!

Miss DiversiT

From Brussels to London

Hello to you, fellow reader!

I haven't write in quite a long time... Lots of things changed since my last post.
First (and most important) change: I've swapped cities! I was living in Brussels and I am now living in...wait for it...LONDON!
I've been wanting to live here for a while but didn't have the balls to actually do it. Then, about a year ago, it felt like things were falling apart and I decided it was the right time for a fresh start.
So, here I am! It has been stressful and, I have to say, I have cried a lot, being invaded by anxiety: what if I fail? What if I can't adapt myself? What if that? What if this? You know the song.

Things happened very fast which is great because I didn't have time to sit down and think. Whenever you're doing something big, something important and life-changing, don't think too much, just go for it!
I've been living here for 6 weeks now and I love it!
My life would be perfect if I had a job and/or a boyfriend (but that's coming, I can feel it!). I'm living in a nice area, with my dog (of course, he's mine so he had to come with his mum!) and I spent my days sending applications and reading. I have already found a pub which is now my favorite one and I'm used to go for a Sunday walk with Spot in either Hampstead Heath or Primrose Hill (this is a picture of my little weasel in Primrose Hill :') ).

In a word, things are going smoothly...

All I need now is an exciting job: that wil make things even better! And a cute British boyfriend to take me out and have a nice cuddle (he better hurry up; it's starting to get cold!).

I'll try to get back to writing as well; this blog is now some sort of virtual CV. Still, I won't change my writing and will keep it light and funny :)

Wish me luck, guys!

MissDiversiT

Miss DiversiT is a great romantic…and movies are to blame!

That’s something you probably ignore about me…I’m a real marshmallow! I’m desperately romantic and sometimes, I am really cheesy. This situation often plays tricks on me as I tend to live in a wonderful world where people have values and men know how to seduce a woman without being rude or too bold. Talk about being adapted to the 21^st century…ha!

I blame the movies because they’re the ones that taught me about love. Like “Love Actually” where Colin Firth learns Portuguese to be with the woman he’s falling for and, as everything is always perfect, she learns English; you know, just in case! Or “Notting Hill” where Hugh Grant bumps into Julia Roberts who’s a huge film star…A glass of orange juice and love is in the air.

Even when things go wrong, films let you think there’s a way out. In “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, Jim Carey want to erase all memories he has of his former girlfriend but, during the process, he realises that, even though it is painful to remember, he needs to keep and cherish his souvenirs. Or “Romeo and Juliet” (which is a book turned into several films – I’m talking about Baz Luhrmann’s version) where they tell you that love is so strong that it is better to die than to outlive your soul mate.

During years and years, I’ve witnessed that Hollywood version of love and I fell for it! Thing is, the world doesn’t work that way and love is not what it used to be anymore. Now, guys whistle at you in the street and if you don’t response, they insult you. And frankly, what do they expect? That girls will turn around and be flattered?! When you meet someone new who’s attracted to you, he’s not going to talk to you…No, he’ll add you on Facebook or follow you on Twitter! Besides, who need talking? You just go to a club, dance in a suggestive way and some random guy will come at you and…offer you a drink? Ask your name? No, he’ll just dance glued to your body, expecting a kiss and a one night stand.

But I won’t change my vision of love; I can’t act like I don’t care, like this is not important. And, even though this may take time, I’m sure someday somewhere I’ll find a guy who’s been raised with the same films as me and who has the same vision of love. He’ll be a gentleman and I’ll be a lady and we’ll be happy together ever after… :D

Miss DiversiT

How Miss DiversiT almost drowned

When I first saw “Titanic”, it made a huge impression on me. So huge that I still remember the date of the screening (it was on the 17^th January 1998 – I still have the ticket, if you want a proof!), that I didn’t cry in the theatre, that I’ve considered becoming a historian. I had just turned 13 and, beyond the beauty of the film and the dramatic true story of that unlucky ship, I fell in love with Leonardo DiCaprio… I even, and don’t you dare judging me, see him as some sort of ex-boyfriend. I’ve loved him thaaaaaaat much for about 3 or 4 years. Then, reality hit me: I’m not a model and, therefore, Leo won’t ever even look at me…

But that’s another story, back to the review!

Two weeks ago, on Saturday the 14^th April 2012, the world commemorated the 100^th anniversary of the sinking. And, as I wanted to do something special too, I’ve decided to go to the movies and see “Titanic 3D”. Honestly, what a great-kinda-sick-way to remember what happened?!

At this point, you have to know that, ever since that first screening 15 years ago, I’ve managed to cry and sob every time I’ve watched the film. So, I knew and I had warned my friend: tears would stream down my face!

10 pm, room gets dark, 3D glasses reinforce that feeling of being alone in a room full of people (no, no, I’m not quoting Rose!), film starts and that music gets me immediately, just like if I had been punched in the stomach…And I shed a few tears.

Feels like it’s going to be a loooong and sad evening! The 3D is great in this case because it gives perspective to the ship and it helps you realise how big and impressive the Titanic must have been. It also make young Leo totally gorgeous and I’ve surprised myself trying to actually touch him, with my hand awkwardly held ahead of me.

We all know the story: Jack and Rose meet, they fall in love. She’s stuck in a life that others decided for her; he’s a poor but very gifted artist. And they decide to run away together when the boat will arrive in New York…but destiny, fate, God, a freaking iceberg says “NO” and the ship hits a huge pile of ice, floating in the middle of the ocean.

The ship sinks fast; people are stuck, killed, drowned, frozen. And Jack, our wonderful lovely Jack who was offering Rose a whole new poor yet happy life, dies. He’s turned into a popsicle and Rose is saved. She arrives in New York and gets Jack’s last name, as a proof of love and a thank you.

Now you’re wondering “where did she start crying?”…Well, when the Titanic hit the iceberg: I’ve looked at my watch and thought “A hundred years ago, all this happened for real. Real people saw that unsinkable ship rise in the sky and disappear in the cold waters. Real people fought for their life and eventually lost the battle.” All that overwhelmed me and I cried, cried cried until I thought I wasn’t even able to produce another tear.

I’ve held my loud sobbing until the moment when Rose gets back on the Titanic, back to Jack. Then, I’ve lost it and…apparently, the people in the theatre started smiling and laughing until they realised I wasn’t stopping…

I should feel embarrassed but I don’t: I’m really sensitive and the whole thing would have made cry a stone or a potato! I only feel bad because my friend got scared I was actually drowning into my own tears…

Miss DiversiT