The Power of Podcasts

Hello again! So I had this blog post all worked out, I was going to be very good and stick to one topic and do a proper serious post, but that all changed when I checked my twitter this morning to see J. K. Rowling had tweeted! Which is big news, it being nearly 150 days since her last tweet. So this is what she had to say -

This is the real me, but you won't be hearing from me often I'm afraid, as pen and paper are STILL my priority at the moment

Which just so happens to be almost identical to her last tweet but we can forgive her ;) And after her recent interview at the BAFTAs revealing she was "writing hard" (see previous post), a fresh reminder of this is no bad thing!

Now on to what I intented this blog to be focussed on ;)

The Power of Podcasts

With the increasing popularity of downloadable media and devices on which to watch and listen to it, it is easier than ever to join the world of podcasting. With iTunes catergorising podcasts by genre, it's simple enough to find something which appeals to you, whether it be news, comedy or a specialist interest or hobby. These downloadable radio shows appeal to those on the go; they are something to listen to on the bus, at the gym, on a run or simply whilst doing the housework. Getting an audio fix as opposed to watching TV is something designed for the multi-tasker. For most people, this is purely entertainment, something to make those mundane tasks slightly more bearable or make the hours sat at the desk less tedious. But can a podcast really be more than that? Well, yes.

For those people who have ever been housebound through illness, one of the hardest things to deal with is the sheer isolation. Not just from the world but from friends too. When you spend weeks and months with only the same few people for company it can be enough to drive anybody insane. The type of conversation you get from friends is something completely different from that of a family member, much as family and the support they give is appreciated. This is where podcasts can make all the difference. With regular episodes and familiar hosts, that friendly conversation can break that isolation and be the conact with the world that's been missing.

For me personally, there was one podcast that made all the difference for me. It was last year that I first started listening to Mugglecast, the Harry Potter podcast (yes, this is Harry Potter related too, shock horror!). I had checked Harry Potter websites in the past and continue to do so, for news and opinions on the books and films, but there's nothing quite the same as hearing a conversation on something you love. Over the months I got to know the hosts through their opinions and their familiar voices made for that connection with the world I'd been looking for. Finding a podcast on something you, and you alone in your household, have such a passion for is almost a relief when your social contact with people is so limited.

Not only does the friendly banter provide entertainment, laughter and thought provoking discussion to fill the boredom of a limited social life, but knowing the release of a new podcast is iminant gives you something to look forward to, something which can be difficult when you have no idea how you will feel one day to the next.

So yes, podcasts can be more than pure entertainment. They can provide a friendly voice to those unable to see their friends. They can break the isolation and be a lifeline to the outside world. Plus they're funny! Laughter really can be the best medicine.

Here are my favourite podcast, each of which I would highly recommend!

Mugglecast

Hogwarts Radio

Best of Chris Moyles

Scott Mills Daily

Kermode and Mayo's Film Review

HYPE

And for this week's "thing worth sharing" I wanted to help publicise Eating Disorder Awareness Week, having seen friends go through eating disorders it's something I feel passionately about and so if you can, please visit http://www.b-eat.co.uk/ thank you!

And until next time!

Sarah x

And The Winner Is

It’s awards season, and that means there’s plenty to blog about so let’s get right to it!

Outstanding

Sunday night saw the BAFTAs, and as I mentioned in my previous blog post, the Harry Potter films were to be recognised for Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema. As the day of the ceremony approached, it was announced that several of the stars of the films would attend, and watching the red carpet coverage on the BBC News channel brought great excitement as Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) along with partner Jamie Campbell-Bower (who also stars in the latest instalment of the film franchise as young Gellert Grindlewald) and Emma Watson (who was immaculately dressed as usual) arrived for the show. Producers David Heyman and David Barron were there along with directors from across the series, David Yates, Mike Newell and Alfonso Cuaron. Then there were also the actors who were there to represent other films but will always be associated with their roles in the Potter films, Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange) and Miranda Richardson (Reeta Skeeta).

But the most important guest in my eyes, who was attending these awards as part of the Potter party, was the one and only J. K. Rowling. And she didn’t disappoint, revealing that she was currently “writing hard” working on several projects. As the end of the Harry Potter era approaches, the thought of future books, new characters and stories on the horizon makes the future seem that little bit brighter! (Insert joke about Orange sponsoring the BAFTAs and the future being bright here.)

So to the BAFTA ceremony itself! Wins for Alexandre Desplat, composer of the Deathly Hallows part 1 score for his work on The King’s Speech, and for Helena Bonham Carter for the same film (and possible the best acceptance speech of the night) Emma Watson presented the award for Best British Film (any guesses on the winner anyone?!) and then Stephen Fry took to the stage to present the award, he himself a part of the Potter family for his amazing work on the UK audio books (which I’m a huge fan of, the only thing that can make Harry Potter better is having it read to you by Stephen Fry, fact.)

David Heyman took to the stage and gave a wonderful speech about the films. He is somebody that always speaks so passionately about them and makes you appreciate the hard work that goes in to the films behind the scenes. Joined on the stage by Rupert, Emma, J. K. Rowling herself and the gaggle of directors it made for a wonderful sight, and the highlight of the evening.

Royalty

But the BAFTAs wasn’t a night all about Potter, there was of course success for the British film everybody’s talking about – The King’s Speech. Until November I hadn’t been to the cinema in 5 years due to health reasons, cinemas not being the most M.E friendly places! But after 2 trips to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I made my first non-Potter related cinema visit to see The King’s Speech last weekend. So might as well share my thoughts!

I loved it. Plain and simple. The film was brilliant. Normally historical films or films about royalty would not be my cup of tea, but the thing that struck me about this film was the fact it was approachable. There was nothing snobbish or intimidating about the film, its language or the story it was telling. It truly is a film for everyone. The acting was spot on, and the awards well deserved. The characters were wonderful to watch and the story beautifully played out.

Plus, look out for Bellatrix, Dumbledore and Wormtail ;) oh and the little girl who plays Karen from Outnumbered who is just as adorable in this!

Loud

And finally this week saw the Brit awards take place and for the first time in the O2 arena. And what a show it was! Highlights for me were the Adele performance which was simply beautiful, as well as the Rihanna mash upfor the fun factor. Props to James Corden for putting on such a brilliant show too, the pressure that comes with presenting something like that must be huge but boy did he do a good job!

And now for my "thing worth sharing" this week! I came across a wonderful website recently where people share their stories of what Harry Potter means to them, the best of which are currently being compiled in to a book, the profits from which will go towards helping youth literacy. So please take a look at Dear Mr Potter. Thank you.

Until next time!

Sarah x

Mirror, Mirror

I'm back! It's been a while since I did a new blog post, blaim it on the brainfog ;) so this may not be the most word heavy post but there are things to discuss so let's crack on!

Firstly, I was very, very happy to see that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is now available to pre-order on DVD (or blu-ray if you're further ahead with technology than me ;) ) you can find it at amazon here at this link. Also, it was announced this week that the Harry Potter films are to be recognised by BAFTA at this years ceremony for Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema, an honour that couldn't be more well desereved! Never again will we have a film franchise like the Potter films, that spans so many years and has the love and respect of so many people, and that it worked on by such a dedicated group of people, so congratulations to each and every one of them. Even more excitingly, J.K Rowling herself will be there to accept the award, squeeee!

Now on to the topic of this weeks blog. Last month I came across some wonderful blog posts on the Harry Potter Alliance's website, and body image being a subject I feel strongly about I thought they were worth sharing. So read them and hopefully come away having read something that will inspire you to love the body you have, whatever shape or size, because of how wonderful the human body is. Yes it doesn't always act as it's supposed to (thanks M.E) but still, our bodies are worth celebrating so use yours well, because you only get the one, look after it :)

Blog by Evanna Lynch, Why The Bodybind Is My Nightmare

A Male Perspective On Body Image (I'm a girl but totally agree that this is a side of eating disorders that is underreported)

There are many other blogs on the site I would recommend you check out, who knows, you might just feel a little better about yourself afterwards!

So take a look in the mirror and love what you see, because whoever you are, you are perfect :)

And for this weeks' "thing worth sharing" I thought it would be appropriate to share Pink's new song Perfect which you can find here, along with the not so clean but equally good version. Enjoy <3

And until next time!

Sarah x