I Love to Have Fun
Ellen Dean recommends fun
Showing posts with label Ellen Dean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ellen Dean. Show all posts
Wednesday, 16 February 2022
Friday, 12 March 2021
The World In A Selfie By Marco D'eramo - An Enquiry into the Tourist Age - Book Review
An Inquiry into the Tourist Age
By Marco D'ramo Published in English in 2021
Press Release
We were all tourists at some point in our lives. So, why did we look down on people taking selfies in front of the Tower of Pisa? What licensed our condescension? Was there really much to distinguish the package holiday from hipster city-breaks to Berlin or Brooklyn? Why did we invest so much in an activity we professed to despise?
The World in a Selfie offers a spirited critique of the cultural politics of a tourist age that, at least for a while, has come to an end with the pandemic. Marco d’Eramo investigates what might happen if that virus-inspired pause proves permanent. Tourism is not just the most important industry of our century, generating huge waves of people and capital, calling forth a dedicated infrastructure, and upsetting and repurposing the architecture and topography of our cities. It also encapsulates the problem of modernity: the search for authenticity in a world of ersatz pleasures.
D’Eramo retraces the grand tours of the first globetrotters – from Francis Bacon and Samuel Johnson to Arthur de Gobineau and Mark Twain – before assessing the cultural meaning of the beach holiday, the ‘UNESCO-cide’ of major heritage sites, and the impossibility of tourism during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Will the industry recover from the coronavirus lockdowns or has self-isolation taken away our wanderlust – not to mention the earnings to pay for it? The impact of an end to tourism will be immense but, as d’Eramo suggests, may also be liberating.
About the Author
Marco D’Eramo is an Italian journalist and social theorist. He worked at the newspaper il manifesto for over thirty years. He writes for New Left Review, MicroMega and the Berlin daily Die Tageszeitung. His books include The Pig and the Skyscraper, which has been translated into several languages.
My Review:
I really didn't know what to expect when I received this book to review. It's definitely opened my eyes to just what damage tourism can do. I had no idea how the ski slopes, which are for fun and obviously professional sport, are causing untold problems to the ground beneath. I don't think people realise that everywhere now is becoming a tourist attraction and somewhere to escape to.
I suggest everybody reads this book especially now after all of the lockdowns we've had due to the Covid Pandemic, and that they take stock and appreciate what they've got at home, and not to go flying round the world to sit on a beach as a way of escape. I hope they think of the damage to the environment that's caused, decide not to add to it, enjoy what they have nearer home and at the same time treat all destinations as the precious places they are.
Ellen Dean Recommends
Thursday, 21 January 2021
That's Sew Belle Handmade Clothing
That's Sew Belle
Let me introduce you to That's Sew Belle handmade clothing by showing you some of their amazing products. All handmade.
From their Facebook page: At That's Sew Belle we aim to provide quality custom clothing and accessories for children that are long lasting and will grow your child.
Monday, 13 July 2020
If Cats Could Talk...Would They Cry? By Anatoli Scholz - Book Review
By Anatoli Scholz Published 28th May 2020
A modern ‘Metamorphosis’ that speaks to the themes of our time – isolation, identity and desperation for connection
- An entertaining novella with a philosophical outlook, If Cats Could Talk… Would They Cry introduces Julie Galles. An introvert in an extrovert’s world, Julie is stuck in a rut - until the day she wakes up as a cat. Can a feline perspective help her to reconnect with humanity?
- Core issues of companionship, authenticity and purpose are explored with a lightness of touch and an off-beat charm. A book that readers can really connect to.
- The son of Soviet scientists, Anatoli Scholz has lived in the US, France, Ireland and many other countries. He has never lived in one place for more than two years. Anatoli is currently locked-down in Spain and is available for interview.
- Beautifully illustrated with playful vignettes by Spanish artist FĂ©lix Diaz de Escauriaza.
‘It took her turning into a cat to focus on being human again.’
Julie suddenly and unexpectedly transforms into a cat, taking her on a journey that provides a fresh perspective on her life.
An update on Kafka’s METAMORPHOSIS, this entertaining and playful novella explores notions of authenticity, connection and societal expectation.
About the Author
ANATOLI SCHOLZ was born in Moscow and raised in the US, Germany and Ireland. He has never lived in one place for more than two years and he speaks seven languages. He currently lives in Spain; before that he lived in Paris, in the very road where this book is set. This is his third book.
If Cats Could Talk… Would They Cry? will be available in paperback and ebook editions
My review
As a cat lover you can imagine how the title of this little book intrigued me and I looked forward to reading it. First, I flicked through the pages keen to see the illustrations and was not disappointed, they are charming.
In truth I struggled with the first few pages but decided to stick with it and I'm so glad I did. This is a good book. I enjoyed reading it. Julie Galles is an interesting and likeable, protagonist in both human and cat form. All of the characters are interesting and well put together, plus the story flows well.
The author, Anatoli Scholz, has given us a novella that is both entertaining and thought provoking. It may well resonate with many readers on a personal level and turn into a page turner for them as it did for me.
Ellen Dean Recommends
Monday, 8 June 2020
Sandra Welsh School of Dance Year 1, Reception and Preschool lockdown video
A video my niece Amy 'Lizzie' Addison put together for the Sandra Welsh School of Dance during Lockdown. She made it because all the children were missing their dance classes, and seeing each other during lockdown. My great niece Isabelle took part too.
Ellen Dean Recommends
Wednesday, 15 April 2020
Gathering The Pony Poo (Parody Here We Go Gathering Nuts in May)
Here We Go Gathering Pony Poo
Ellen Dean
Saturday, 4 April 2020
Thursday, 2 April 2020
The Hills Are Alive - Sound of Music
Picking The Field
Something fun to ease the Coronavirus isolation.
Ellen Dean
Sunday, 22 March 2020
Harrogate Hospital Appointment - The Fun Side
Harrogate Hospital
With all the 'should we?' or 'shouldn't we? keep hospital appointments during this awful Coronavirus outbreak I thought because my appointment was still on schedule last week I should try to attend. I also thought I would cheer up my Consultant, and his nurse.
I said to him at the end of the appointment, that a friend had dared me to wear my mask whilst visiting the hospital. He laughed when I took it out of my bag and said, 'Put it on'. I said, 'Put yours on too.' Then we decided to have a photo taken. We distanced ourselves, of course. What a great sport he was.
While the Coronavirus situation is going on it's important to try and laugh with each other. Our Doctors and Nurses as well as other front line services need a break from having to be serious all the time. After all, we are all in this together.
Ellen Dean
Friday, 11 October 2019
'Art In Motion' at Darlington Hippodrome
You may remember a year ago I blogged about my great niece's debut on stage at Darlington Hippodrome performing with The Sandra Welsh School Of Dance located in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, UK
A year on and off we, my two friends and I, went to the theatre again to watch them perform Art In Motion. And what a grand entertaining night it was too. There was everything in this joyous show, tap dancing, ballet, disco and singing.
What an amazing team. Everyone is committed to what they do from the performers to the back stage team. When I go along to a show I always look for the emotion behind the performance. The performers showed this in spades. You could tell in their eyes they had feeling and passion for what they were doing and they connected magnificently with the audience. Their energy was amazing. Well done to all who took part.
A year on and off we, my two friends and I, went to the theatre again to watch them perform Art In Motion. And what a grand entertaining night it was too. There was everything in this joyous show, tap dancing, ballet, disco and singing.
What an amazing team. Everyone is committed to what they do from the performers to the back stage team. When I go along to a show I always look for the emotion behind the performance. The performers showed this in spades. You could tell in their eyes they had feeling and passion for what they were doing and they connected magnificently with the audience. Their energy was amazing. Well done to all who took part.
Photos taken by Ellie Anderson Photography ©
(used with permission)
Recommended By Ellen Dean
DISCLAIMER: This blog contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. There will be no cost to you. You don't have to buy the exact items shown in the advert. You can buy anything, the link is a doorway. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to allow you to read for free. Thank you for the support J
Thursday, 14 February 2019
Monday, 17 December 2018
Colour Therapy - 10 Useful Tips for Beginners
Have you ever wondered why different colours affect your every day life? How it can affect emotions and business? This is just the beginning.
Friday, 14 December 2018
Friday, 30 November 2018
10 Feng Shui Tips For Attracting Money and Prosperity
Feng Shui lucky objects and where to place them in your home to attract Money and Prosperity into your life.
Thursday, 13 September 2018
Saturday, 11 August 2018
Baby Shark Challenge - Cheeky Monkeys
The video speaks for itself...
Baby Shark - The Craze
Seems everyone in the world knows about the fun and fabulous craze that is the Baby Shark. Don’t they? Yes, no, perhaps?
Well, everybody might have, but certainly not me.
The first I heard about it was when my little great-niece visited. I was making tea in the kitchen and all I could hear was her laughing along with my friend. So, I popped my head round the door to see what was going on.
And there she was, at three years old doing her level best to teach my friend something. I had no idea what she was trying to teach my him but they were both laughing and giggling a lot so I knew it had to be something fun. Luckily my friend was familiar with the Baby Shark craze and was able to go along with it and in what seemed like no time at all they were both singing the Baby Shark song and both doing the actions.
Well, that was it. Everyone in the house just had to join in and from there came the idea that could we, or even should we, maybe have a bit of fun ourselves and have a bash at making a silly short film?
So with very little practice we did just that as the film above shows and, quite rightly, I’m sure you’ll agree that the dog is the star of the show.
Since the film has been aired it’s not unusual for me to be greeted with the first few bars of the song when I visit local shops and it’s great to get such a terrific response and have a fun thing going. It brightens the day. It’s become quite a thing in my local Co-op Store where everyone wants to be part of the ‘in’ joke and then my great-niece almost started a chain reaction while we were out celebrating a birthday, such happy reactions.
So, I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to the originators of the Baby Shark for helping to bring smiles and sunshine into our daily lives and for helping some little people pronounce their words better.
Sunday, 17 June 2018
How To Do The Floss Dance (The Royal Floss)
You invite friends to pop round and this is what happens. The Floss Dance as you've never seen it before and will probably never see again lol!
Sunday, 10 June 2018
Vestibular Disorder - Earthquake Hull 10th June 2018
I blogged in February 2018 about earthquakes causing people (including me) who have vestibular disorders finding their 'off balance' and 'dizzy' symptoms hike.
Well, last night I let my dog out about 11pm (Masham, North Yorkshire) and thought I heard thunder in the distance. My dog barked when he heard it and I felt off balance. This morning I read the BBC news to discover there had been a 3.9 earthquake at 11.15pm in Hull, not too far from me as the crow flies.
For the last couple of days I've been really off balance and assumed it was because I had been to the Jane McDonald concert two days ago as it takes me a few days to get over the travel and the flashing lights, not to mention the loud audio. Then yesterday morning I had to wear my peaked hat and shades when I went outdoors because I felt off balance and nauseous. I think it's been the approaching earthquake. I'd love to know if you have had the same symptoms before, or when, there's been an earthquake?
Well, last night I let my dog out about 11pm (Masham, North Yorkshire) and thought I heard thunder in the distance. My dog barked when he heard it and I felt off balance. This morning I read the BBC news to discover there had been a 3.9 earthquake at 11.15pm in Hull, not too far from me as the crow flies.
For the last couple of days I've been really off balance and assumed it was because I had been to the Jane McDonald concert two days ago as it takes me a few days to get over the travel and the flashing lights, not to mention the loud audio. Then yesterday morning I had to wear my peaked hat and shades when I went outdoors because I felt off balance and nauseous. I think it's been the approaching earthquake. I'd love to know if you have had the same symptoms before, or when, there's been an earthquake?
Friday, 8 June 2018
Jane McDonald - 20 Year Anniversary Tour 2018
I've followed Jane McDonald since I saw her on the BBC documentary 'The Cruise' in 1998. Well, after all these years I finally got to see her live at Darlington Hippodrome last night which was her opener for The Anniversary Tour.
I hadn't been to the theatre for over four years due to having a vestibular disorder. Lights, loud audio and crowds set off my symptoms and my balance goes awry. Not to mention the drive up the motorway which is hugely problematic for me, so I wasn't at all sure I'd actually make it. But I did and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I'm suffering today, but it was well worth it.
Jane is a truly gifted performer. You'll note I say 'performer' because that's exactly what this wonderful lady is. Not only is she an amazing singer (and songwriter) she exudes love into the audience and in turn they love her back. It's like sitting in your living room chatting to her, her audience interaction is amazing. This down to earth performer with her huge singing voice had the crowd on their feet all beautifully wrapped in a wonderful Jane McDonald bubble complete with her fab band and backing singers.
The last song was very appropriate for me - 'Dance Yourself Dizzy' - oh I had to laugh! I have to say going to the theatre was a big deal for me as it is for many people suffering with a vestibular disorder. I did need to close my eyes when the lights flashed and wore my hat for extra protection. The audio was so loud the seats vibrated so next time I will make sure to sit in the stalls instead of the Dress Circle. I think it will make a difference. But this does not detract from the fantastic show and the fantastic renovations at Darlington Hippodrome.
If you are able to get tickets - grab them!
Ellen Dean Absolutely Recommends
I hadn't been to the theatre for over four years due to having a vestibular disorder. Lights, loud audio and crowds set off my symptoms and my balance goes awry. Not to mention the drive up the motorway which is hugely problematic for me, so I wasn't at all sure I'd actually make it. But I did and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I'm suffering today, but it was well worth it.
Jane is a truly gifted performer. You'll note I say 'performer' because that's exactly what this wonderful lady is. Not only is she an amazing singer (and songwriter) she exudes love into the audience and in turn they love her back. It's like sitting in your living room chatting to her, her audience interaction is amazing. This down to earth performer with her huge singing voice had the crowd on their feet all beautifully wrapped in a wonderful Jane McDonald bubble complete with her fab band and backing singers.
The last song was very appropriate for me - 'Dance Yourself Dizzy' - oh I had to laugh! I have to say going to the theatre was a big deal for me as it is for many people suffering with a vestibular disorder. I did need to close my eyes when the lights flashed and wore my hat for extra protection. The audio was so loud the seats vibrated so next time I will make sure to sit in the stalls instead of the Dress Circle. I think it will make a difference. But this does not detract from the fantastic show and the fantastic renovations at Darlington Hippodrome.
If you are able to get tickets - grab them!
Ellen Dean Absolutely Recommends
Monday, 21 May 2018
Zoe Ball - Broadcasting Live from Pikes Ibiza - Press Release
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