ORNÀRE @ lj.com

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:32:06 GMT

FRIENDS (& lurkers), JOIN vanillablossoms! It’s a fabulous community run by the lovely Samantha, lilacwine, filled with graphics, music and all round gorgeousness... and more recently, a book group. Samantha has very kindly made me a moderator, so I’m very excited to be working on this with her. Starting tomorrow we’ll begin reading Ian McEwan’s Atonement and discussing what we’ve read the following week, so now’s the time to buy your copy and get on board! McEwan writes beautifully; if you liked the film, you’ll adore the novel. Plus it’s a great opportunity to discover great literature and to share your thoughts and interpretations with other fantastic people. I’ll look forward to seeing you all there!

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:47:48 GMT

Can anyone recommend a favourite perfume? My uncle asked me what I'd like for my birthday, and I've been tragically perfume-less for a while now. My signature scent has been Dior Pure Poison ever since I bought it in Paris a few years ago, but I'm looking to try something different. Ideally something which could be worn during the day, but also seem sexy at night. Favourite brands are probably Dior and Chanel; I like quite strong, heady scents (I'm not keen on Stella McCartney's perfumes, for example...), although obviously not too overpowering! You all seem to have such wonderful tastes that I thought I'd ask your opinions... any ideas? ♥

027.

Fri, 30 May 2008 19:12:19 GMT

I hate A-levels so much. So I'm still technically on hiatus, but I'm taking time off to procrastnate by doing a couple of memes.

Memes:
1. Leave me a comment saying anything random, like your favorite lyric to your current favourite song. Or your favourite kind of sandwich. Something random. Whatever you like.
2. I respond by asking you five personal questions so I can get to know you better.
3. You will update your LJ with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and offer to ask someone else in the post.
5. When others comment asking to be asked, you will ask them five questions.
asked by moccasins

1. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hmm, I find questions like this difficult; it sort of varies depending on how achievable things feel. But I have ideas of where I'd like to be, so I'll write about those. In ten years I'll be (almost) twenty-eight. I'd like to be living in the city, probably London, and hopefully fairly established in my career. Writing a lot. Ideally, writing for the BBC! My latest 'when I grow up' type ambitions mostly involve writing for television and radio and things... it's a bit of a far cry from teaching, as I'd imagine I'd end up doing a few years ago. Unlike most people who seem to start out with aspirations of becoming a movie star before settling for something a bit more attainable, I seem to have done things in reverse! In a perfect world where I could do anything I like, I'd be a writer of books, plays, radio shows and articles, and make documentaries. It would be nice to be in a semi-long-term relationship too, by the time I'm 28. Not married with children and white picket fences, but co-habiting, perhaps. Preferably in a SW1 apartment, but my partner would probably have to be a royal for that!

2. If you could drop everything and go anywhere in the world right this very second, where would you go and why?
London. I always want to be in London. That's probably a bit boring given that I'm only about an hour away, but it really is one of my favourite places ever, and every time I visit I fantasize about camping out in a hotel room and never coming back!

3. What is your favourite book, could read it everyday for the rest of your life type of favourite?
Agh, again, difficult. I have so many favourite books. I think the least I've ever narrowed it down to is six: Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, The Picture Of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, Written On The Body by Jeanette Winterson, 1984 by George Orwell, The Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger, and Moab Is My Washpot by Stephen Fry. I've listed those in groups: I love the first three primarily for their gorgeous use of language and imagery, 1984 for the political statement it makes and how thought provoking it is, and the last two for the whole 'coming of age' type theme. There is some overlap and there are lots of other reasons too, but those are the main ones. So I suppose if I had to, I'd pick one from each group as an overall favourite... which would probably be The Picture Of Dorian Gray, 1984 and Moab Is My Washpot. And simply because it combines so many different things (beautiful writing and imagery, erudition, thought provocation and humour), if I could only ever read one book for the rest of my life, I suspect it would be the last. There. You made me choose!

4. Health, wealth, or happiness? You can only choose one, and why did you choose it.
Happiness. If you're not happy, the other two are utterly meaningless. Wealth and health without happiness is just existing for the sake of it.

5. Is there a story behind your username? If so, what is it? (I've always liked it.)
Thank you! Yes, although I'm not sure how accurate its meaning is. Supposedly (according to my questionable Italian dictionary), 'ornare' is an Italian verb meaning 'to decorate, adorn or embellish'... basically the same as the English, 'to ornament'. I suppose they have the same Latin etymology. When I first made this journal I intended to use it for creative writing rather than just day to day stuff, 'embellishing' language, if you like. So that's the story. Plus I just rather like the word.

Also from moccasins:
"Comment on this post and I will choose seven interests from your profile. You will then explain what they mean and why you are interested in them. Post this along with your answers in your own journal so that others can play along."

1. aestheticism & decadence
The philosophical foundations of aestheticism were formulated in the eighteenth century by the great Immanuel Kant, who spoke for the autonomy of art. A lot of arty people around in the Victorian period built on this, believing that art was to exist for its own sake, for its own essence or beauty. And so began the aesthetic movement, the people involved with which tending to hold that the arts should provide refined sensuous pleasure, rather than convey moral or sentimental messages - the opposite of what Victorian society generally believed. The basic principle is that art has no didactic purpose, it need only be beautiful, and life should be lived intensely, following an ideal of beauty. Quite shallow in some ways, but I find it so fascinating. Wikipedia gives a good overview :)

2. childhood things
I’m terrible for nostalgia and tend to regress back to a childish state whenever I feel down. I love visiting zoos, museums and national trust parks and buildings. I also like colouring, watching Disney movies and re-reading favourite childhood books. Reverting back to childhood, when everything was simple, usually makes me feel better if I'm depressed.

3. opulence
This sort of contradicts the simplicity of the last interest and harks back to my love of aestheticism. I suppose this is my hedonistic side coming out now, but I do love opulence. I like opulent fashion – Vogue editorials featuring silks, taffeta, lace, pearls, diamonds and the like. I like opulent décor – Gothic style architecture with embossed wallpapers and chandeliers. As well as writers associated with the aesthetic movement (as you probably all know by now, Wilde is my hero), I enjoy things like Evelyn Waugh’s Vile Bodies and T.S. Eliot’s Prufrock (my favourite poem of all time), for the sumptuous descriptions and decadent lifestyles that they detail. (of course, both of those examples include a great deal of satire and sadness, too...)

4. witty banter
Wit is amongst my favourite qualities in anyone; something which I strive to achieve but very rarely do! I suppose it's because it's the combination of intelligence and humour, two of the sexiest things a person can posess. And banter is the best type of conversation. My favourite TV channel is Dave, which claims to be the home of witty banter. Since it broadcasts programmes like QI, Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Have I Got News For You, that's probably fairly accurate.

5. classical civilisation
This is where I make my geekiness known! I've always loved history, and always regretted not taking it as a GCSE or A-level option. I especially love ancient history, learning about classical antiquity and everything. I actually studied classical civilisation for a few months at the local grammar school, but had to give it up because I had too many subjects and not enough hours in the day. Anyway, I'm particularly interested in ancient Greek literature, mythology and philosophy. The ancient Greeks were so sophisticated in their beliefs; it's like society went backwards through the middle ages. It's also an ambition of mine to learn Latin...

6. peep show
Possibly my favourite TV programme ever, definitely my favourite non-panel quiz show. For those who haven't seen it, I can only recommend that you watch a few clips on YouTube! It's utter genius; it's basically a sitcom which revolves around two friends, Mark & Jeremy, who met at university and are now flatmates, and follows their incredibly awkward, cringey, sexually frustrated but nonetheless hilarious lives. Every camera angle is a point of view shot (hence, 'Peep Show'), which is amusing during sex/kissing scenes and must be a bit of a nightmare to film, plus there are voiceovers, so you can hear what the characters are thinking. Mark is geeky and incredibly socially awkward and Jeremy is a lazy, often amoral freeloader who's convinced his band is going to make it big. It's wonderful, here's a clip from the latest series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtBczVyvcj4

7. green carnations
This is another Wildean thing. Wilde used to wear a green carnation after seeing it among gay men in Paris, and it soon came to be a symbol for homosexuality. When asked what it meant, he reportedly said "nothing whatever, but that is just what nobody will guess" Then a novel was published anonymously, entitled The Green Carnation, an incredibly thinly disguised parody of the relationship between Oscar and Lord Alfred Douglas (I've read some of it - it's quite awful). It was originally believed to be written by Wilde himself and was used as evidence against him at his trial for 'gross indecency', although it was later found to be written by Robert Hichens, who knew both men. Wilde wrote in the Pall Mall Gazette, "I invented that magnificent flower. But with the middle-class and mediocre book that usurps its strangely beautiful name I have, I need hardly say, nothing whatsoever to do. The flower is a work of art. The book is not." I actually thought about getting a tiny green carnation on my wrist as a tattoo in his honour, but concluded that it would probably be a bit gay.

If anyone would be interested in watching the 1997 movie, Wilde, someone lovely uploaded it for me earlier and I'd happily share the link :)

I'm off to eat sushi and watch Derren Brown and Peep Show! If it weren't for the knowledge that I've got to get up for work in the morning, I'd love Friday nights...

025.

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:31:24 GMT

"Dear Hannah Collins,

Congratulations, you have now successfully been booked into attend the recording of STEPHEN FRY's QI - BBC taking place on Monday 19th May 2008 at 18:45."

Fucking fuck! Thank you, Applause Store! Wow.

011.

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 21:00:24 GMT

Everyone has things they blog about. Everyone has things they don't blog about. Challenge me out of my comfort zone by telling me something I don't blog about, but you'd like to hear about.

Also: Comment and I'll give you a letter; then you have to list 10 things you love that begin with that letter. Afterwards, post this in your own journal and give out some letters of your own.

Absolutely ages ago now,pearsex gave me: N

1. New Slang by The Shins. One of my favourite songs.
2. Nabokov. Oh Nabokov, how do I praise thee? I'm fairly convinced that he is the greatest writer to ever live, at least in his use of words. Every sentence is a celebration of language.
3. Newspaper supplements, especially from the Guardian or the Observer. I can take or leave the newspaper itself, but the witty features in the supplements are the best parts; I would feel cheated without them!
4. Nietzsche. Philologist, determinist, existentialist; who influenced greats like Freud, Jung and Sartre. The man deserves respect.
5. Nectarines. Amongst the best fruit!
6. Natural History Museum, London. I am such a geek, but this is one of my favourite places on earth; probably because it reminds me of family days out to London when I was little. They have lots of dinosaur skeletons and things. I want to live there.
7. Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Simon Amstell! I know he’s gay, but I do rather fancy him and his witty cruelty. Bill Bailey and Phill Jupitus own, too.
8. Night time. I love the night time; much, much more than the day. I would be completely nocturnal if it weren’t so inconvenient and socially deviant.
9. Novels. I suppose this one goes without saying. Poetry too, perhaps even more than novels at the moment... which is unlike me.
10. New Romanticism. My parents were New Romantics. I’ve recently discovered it; currently loving the guyliner and 80s synths.

That was a lot harder than I'd imagined; I appreciate that it's probably a bit weird to feature Nietzsche and nectarines on the same list. Your turn!

009.

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:11:33 GMT

1. The Smiths - This Charming Man
I would go out tonight, but I haven't got a stitch to wear
This man said it's gruesome that someone so handsome should care
This song always cheers me up with its catchy guitar riff, Morrissey's little orgasmic cries and the rather homoerotic overtones.

2. Vampire Weekend - Oxford Comma
All your diction dripping with disdain
Through the pain, I always tell the truth
Vampire Weekend are definitely ones to watch this year, methinks. Their strange fusion of indie and African beats works strangely well. Plus, you'll go round singing "who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma?" for ages.

3. The Libertines - Can't Stand Me Now
If you wanna try, there's no worse you could do
I know you lie; I'm still in love with you
Smack habit aside, I do love Pete Doherty. I think he's immensely talented and actually a really sweet and clever guy... it's a shame that drugs are all he's known for. This song is one of my favourites of The Libertines'.

4. Coconut Records - The West Coast
You said "we both go together if one falls down"
I talk out loud like you're still around
Another band who I'm predicting will suddenly become really big this year. This song is so nice; there's something I really like about the beat. And the middle bit sounds like the Kingdom theme music. Haha.

5. Stars - Heart
You disembark the latest flight from paradise
You almost turn your ankle in the snow
You fall back into where you started
Make up words to songs you used to know
This song, like all songs by Stars, is ridiculously beautiful. This is one of my favourite and nothing I say will do it justice.

6. Laura Marling - My Manic And I
I wander the streets, avoiding them each
Til the ring on my finger slips to the ground
A gift to the gutter, a gift to the city
The veins of which have broken me down
Yet another "big in '08" artist. I read about her in the Guardian the other week, checked out her myspace and fell in love. Her voice is gorgeous and her lyrics are pretty enigmatic, in a lovely way.

7. The Cure - Friday, I'm In Love
Monday, you can hold your head
Tuesday, Wednesday, stay in bed
Thursday, watch the walls instead
It's Friday, I'm in love
The Cure are ace and make me long for the 80s. There has been many a cover of this song (Death Cab For Cutie's in particular is good) but none really match up to the original. I listen to this a lot when I'm bitterly and impatiently waiting for something exciting.

8. Bright Eyes - Bowl Of Oranges
But if the world could remain within a frame like a painting on a wall
Then I think we'd see the beauty there and stand staring in awe
All Bright Eyes songs are lyrically stunning, but most make me want to kill myself. This, however, is beautifully optimistic.

9. Feist - The Limit To Your Love
There's a limit to your care; so carelessly there
Is it truth or dare?
I first heard this at the end of the first episode of series 2 Skins, thinking how well it fitted. I love love love her voice. And it has that whole "I'm moving on and kind of sad about it, but I know it's for the best" thing going on, which is rather applicable right now.

10. The Libertines - Narcissist
They're just narcissists
Well, wouldn't it be nice to be Dorian Gray
Just for a day
Any song that mentions my favourite book is good by me. I really lke the lyrics too; it's a shame they're masked a bit by Doherty's shouting.

11. Rilo Kiley - Silver Lining
And I was your silver lining, as the story goes
I was your silver lining, but now I'm gold
Much like with Bright Eyes, this is an uncharacteristically positive song from Rilo Kiley. Jenny's voice is pretty, the music is pretty... it's all very uplifting.

ENJOY!

I started making monthly playlists on iTunes to look back on what I listened to over the year, so thought I might as well share them. I'll do this every month. If you haven't heard of something, I recommend you try it... you might be pleasantly surprised! Please comment though; I like to know what people are interested in. ♥

006.

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:38:40 GMT

iPod, therefore I am.

What kind of iPod do you have?
A pretty green iPod nano. Like this one:

Does your iPod have a name?
It does: Kleio. Anglicized version of "Κλειώ", who was one of the nine muses in Ancient Greek mythology. They were linked to to inspiration (hence the modern use of the word) and the arts, including music, so that's why I chose it. Apparently three months of studying Classical Civilisation weren't entirely wasted...!

How many total songs?
687. How feeble :( I recently had a sort-out and decided I don't like half my library anymore.

Sort by song title - first and last:
First: "[The] Absence of God" by Rilo Kiley
Last: "405" by Death Cab For Cutie

Sort by time - shortest and longest:
Shortest: "Janine 2" by Camille [0.54]
Longest: "Four Horsemen Of 2012" by Klaxons [19.43]

Sort by Album - first and last:
First: "Absolution" by Muse
Last: "11:11" by Regina Spektor

Sort by Artist - first and last:
First: Air
Last: Zero 7

Top five played songs:
1. "New Slang" by The Shins
2. "Plans" by Bloc Party
3. "Sleeping Lessons" by The Shins
4. "Samson" by Regina Spektor
5. "Like Eating Glass" by Bloc Party

Find the following words. How many songs show up?
Sex: 2
Death: 52 (majority of those are Death Cab For Cutie, though)
Love: 68
You: 78
Home: 1
Boy: 7
Girl: 13

First ten songs that come up on Party Shuffle:
1. "Pour Que L'Amour Me Quitte" by Camille
2. "Vision Of Heaven" by Bloc Party
3. "One More Night" by Stars
4. "Wrapped Up In Books" by Belle & Sebastian
5. "In The Backseat" by The Arcade Fire
6. "Six Different Ways" by The Cure
7. "Nothing Came Out" by The Moldy Peaches
8. "Arrest Yourself" by Hot Chip
9. "Fluorescent Adolescent" by Kate Nash
10. "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" by The Smiths

& I tag:
★ everyone ★

001.

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:27:22 GMT

hello again.

"And glow,
Glow.
Melt and flow.
Eviscerate your fragile frame
And spill it out in the ragged floor;
A thousand different versions of yourself.

And if the old guard still offend
They've got nothing left on which you depend,
So enlist every ounce
Of your bright blood
And off with their heads.

Jump from the hook,
You're not obliged to swallow anything you despise.
See, those unrepenting buzzards want your life
And they've got no right.
As sure as you have eyes,
They've got no right."

image © gaffe @ LJ. lyrics © the shins.