Journals of a Non-Poet » interview

Here’s to the Tens.

Philip Larkin — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 01:12:35 +0000

Well, as all of the ‘Decade Review’ shows have so hastily pointed out – a lot has happened in the past ten years.

No shit, Sherlock. Ten years, are ten years. Of course a lot is going to happen. The question is, once you fizz through all of the meaningless shite which passes for ‘news’ and ‘occurrence’ in contemporary society – what exactly are you left with?

Well, historic events for one. What galls me, is that for some mind-buggering reason – such atrocities as (unfortunately, the following is NOT what you would expect to follow the word atrocity) Jade Goody’s death, the rise and fall of Katie Price and Peter Andre, the revival of Take That, the cancellation of Top of the Pops and even as far as Who shot Phil Mitchell?; just sadly, don’t cut it for this writer of sorts.

Granted, for some – these may seem monumental. But come on people. I hate to preach to the converted, because more than likely (and let’s be honest) if you’re scrolling through the blogosphere, at least two things are guaranteed. One being, you’re not pandering through some glossy mag, and the second being that you’re not currently glued to the soaps. Lots has happened, and lots will continue to happen. The noughties brought about a lot of conflict and many freak environmental disasters. The world as we know it, is ever increasingly changing and we’re blind to it. Blind to it because of the trash, filth and utter bollocks which passes for newsworthy in this age.

I ask you brothers and sisters, to stand up and convert all idiocy into awareness. All depravity, into desire to at least want to notice the changes in both our social and environmental world. Drop the glossys, switch off Corrie and fucking take note. Things are happening. You’re missing it.

Now, maybe I’m being ridiculous. Maybe it’s Warren Zevon playing in my ears, or maybe it’s the beer talking – but didn’t we seem to just tune out in the noughties?

It’s time to tune back in again.

It’s been a very rough year, for a lot of us. I can only hope that by awakening ourselves, we’ll be better suited to dealing with the year to come.

My love to you all, and wishes of best – in what I hope will be a year where we start to take notice.

TTFN&AHNY,

Resolute-tions

Philip Larkin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:33:53 +0000

Upon reflection, I’ve come to the conclusion that in the New Year, some habits need to be broken and certain elements of la vie du Philippe need some considerable change.

Much of an antithesis to mosts’ resolutions, I’m pretty certain that I need to elevate the amount of alcohol which I’m indulging in. Then there’s rape. The raping of the social scene in Glasgow that is. I need to get my ass out of my house and start to partake in certain life-worthy experiences. I’m not talking about mass groupings and parties of idiocy. Merely, some form of social exchange in order to vent and build upon noteworthy experiences.

It would also do me good to manage my money a little better. I know, I know. That ones an old bore, isn’t it?

Regardless – I’ve decided that if I’m to encounter said noteworthy experiences, I’m only going to do so through way of fancy, frolics and possibly travel.

When you’re putting your glasses down after the New Year, throwing away your smokes, throwing two fingers to the breeze and saying ‘never again’; think of me. Tippling on some fine wine, talking ears offa’ peoples and being a tight, (financially) miserable old bastard.

Jealous?

No, I didn’t think so.

TTFN&AHNY.

Watch this Space.

Philip Larkin — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:13:59 +0000

Hello all.

My absence has been abhorrently long & overdrawn – but bear with me. My Masters interview is taking place this Wednesday; wherein I’ll be subjected to a barrage of questions and such.

So, if you have a spare moment on Wednesday; please endeavor to spare me a thought, as I silently battle nineteen other shortlisted candidates for a Scholarship.

In the confuddled words of Roger Murtagh; ‘Word, Riggs.’

TTFN,

Happy St. Patrick’s Day :)

Philip Larkin — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:25:55 +0000

Today is the day where everyone embraces their Irishness; where Americans trace back their roots millions of years to reveal their ancestory… and the English – well, they just enjoy a good piss up.

As promised, I have the link for my interview with Hollywood actor and comedian Kevin Pollak http://bit.ly/16Uc1R – Kevin was nice enough to grant me the interview for my old pal Mark’s acting blog. Such a nice guy. Check it out!

Something concerns me though. As I mentioned in a previous post – police presence is still pretty high here in Derry. Slightly apprehensive about celebrating today, given the heightened security and imminent threat of a retaliation attack. We kind’ve freaked out last night when we went out for a couple of drinks. The student’s union was evactuated around 12am and we were quickly shifted out. Could have been worse… Could’ve been told to leave my Guinness behind. Actually, wait – I was. Sneaky little fucker so I am!

Anywho. We were fine and got back in and then left quite quickly. Aside from the fact that we were hustled out, it was relatively boring and smelly so it all worked out great in the end…

I had intended to post a proper review of Watchmen, although having been swamped with University work, I’m finding it harder and harder to post regularly in between assignments.

Watchmen was fantastic. Possibly the best comic-film adaptation I’ve yet seen. Although I’d have to watch it again a few times to be sure…

Rarshack proved the most enjoyable, next to comedian and I’m sorry but Dr. Manhattan’s giant blue member was possibly both the most distracting and inadecuecy-inducing thing I’ve ever had to bear witness to.

The movie itself was great and very true to the comic book form. Lots of humanism throughout and full of mortal flaws – something you don’t always see in a superhero movie.

Well – lots of work to do. I’ve a play to partially translate, another article for WritingEngine and my iPhone update to amuse myself with today.

Happy St.Patrick’s.