The Day To... Enjoy the ride

It’s something special when you come across a person who talks complete sense and really believe in what they say. You don’t too many people like that these days.

I came across this guy a couple of years ago, when I went on a bit of a YOutube spree for inspiration (it was at the same time that I discovered Alan Watts’ Music and Lyrics, actually, because they’re recommended videos for each other). Ever since, I’ve looked up more and more about him, and – although maybe sometimes a little blunt – I haven’t seen one other comedian who talks this much sense in his stand up, and remain funny doing so. You can honestly watch him and say that, while making you laugh, he also made you see the world just a little bit differently.

His comedy was influenced by some of the greatest minds out there; Noam Chomsky, Woody Allen and even Jimmy Hendrix, to name but a few. And furthermore, tons of other comedians cite him as an inspiration: Frankie Boyle, Stewart Lee, Doug Stanhope etc. However, none of them really do it quite as well as he does, or have as much dedication to it, either.

I mean, it really take someone who really loves and believes in what he does to keep doing shows right through treatment for pancreatic cancer, and to not let it on to his audience. It takes a lot to keep doing what he does right up to a month before he died.

Just watch this, and then watch something else of his. Then, watch something else of his. Even if you don’t agree with all of it, I think you’ll agree with most. At the very least, you won’t regret this one.

: )

The Day To... Like rollercoasters

Ok, so this blog is probably going to remind you A LOT of Alan Watts’ “Life and Music” video from a couple of weeks ago. It still has a lot to offer, though.

For one, it’s from another very underrated movie – Parenthood, with Steve Martin. It’s a great movie about the ups and downs of life (and at every stage of life: child, teenager, adult, parent and elder), and is pretty funny too. It’s worth at least one watch in your life at least, if only because it’s one of few movies that has Rick Moranis in it (and I think the only movie with him trying to sing, too).

Grandma may be a little bit senile, but her message makes a lot of sense. You might really hate the bad stuff in your life, the downs and the negatives. But be honest; would you rather take the bad stuff and let it make the good stuff even better… or do you want life to be just one constant straight line without any of it at all?

Rollercoaster vs Merry Go Round. I know which one I'd choose.

: )

The Day to... Take back your waking life

So, I know the majority of people that read this are students, or are in 9-5 jobs, or are basically working really frigging hard. I’m no exception – I have basically spent almost all of my time the past few weeks either reading, or in the library, or just not being able to switch off or do anything without thinking to myself “I’ve got way too much work to do”. It’s taking over my complete waking life.

So, I can’t think of a better video for right now. If you’re looking for a movie full of philosophy and thought provoking ideas – and with pretty much no plot or actual characters – then you seriously need to watch this in full. Here’s just one small part, and I think it illustrates just how much work and all the so-called ‘important’ stuff can really take over our lives.

Take a break. Relax. Stop thinking about work. Be able to say, just for a little while, that you are alive. You don’t have to jump off a building to feel it, or run around in a It’s A Wonderful Life fashion and scream at the top of your lungs that you’re not dead. Just forget about the tough stuff for a little while. 

Enjoy yourself. Take the time out to talk about pointless things, or play a game, or just sit in a pub with a few friends and not feel guilty about it.

The 'important' stuff already takes away a huge chunk of your life. Don't let it take it all.

: )

The Day To... Feel abit warmer...

(JUST made it for Friday! Yay!)

So, if you’re like me and have had it snowing this week – or you have just been really, really cold – then you really want to watch something that’s going to warm you up.

Unfortunately, I can’t provide any actual physical warmth. I do apologise that I can’t actually emit a burning fire or some kind of miniature sunshine out of your computer, but I do suggest that, if you have a laptop, you could put it on your lap and that should do the trick. Or you could invest into one of those “Snuggies” that they’re selling now (for those who don’t know what it is feel free to look it up, but it’s basically a blanket with sleeves. Personally I really don’t see the point in them; I’ve had the equivalent of a Snuggie for years, and it’s called a jumper).

But yeah, hopefully this video should make you feel warm inside. Like you’ve just eaten a really hot pie or something… a pie that will not quench your hunger in the slightest, but a hot one nonetheless.

I figured if there’s one thing that can make you feel that way, it’s something that gets at your heartstrings and makes you go “awwww!”… I suggest looking at the “RE/Tribute” videos too for a little chuckle d:

Enjoy this people! And be prepared next week for… a roller coaster of videos…

: )

The Day To... Look at the Calendar

That’s right. Look at your calendar.

The date is December 1^st.

And because it’s officially December, you don’t have to listen to any of the Christmas haters anymore. Screw the Scrooges!

So download your favourite Yuletide songs (if you haven’t already), put your speakers on loud and feel completely free to dance and sing along. Above all, fill yourself with some Christmas cheer. Watch today’s video (which, for the record, is my favourite Christmas movie), let it make you smile, and expect a few similarly themed blogs over the coming weeks...

The countdown starts now!

: )