‘The Pilko Pant’: Why Karl Pilkington is No ‘Idiot Abroad’

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“They say it all started out with a big bang. But, what I wonder is, was it a big bang or did it just seem big because there wasn’t anything else to drown it out at the time?”

- Karl Pilkington3 Minute Wonder, Episode 2

Being the main focus of a television show titled ‘An Idiot Abroad‘ it’s of little wonder that people who have only seen a small amount of the show believe that Ricky Gervais‘s friend is an unintelligent miserable bloke who spends most of his show moaning. However, I find that for anyone who actually spends more than the odd half hour watching the show (especially series 2) it soon becomes obvious that Karl Pilkington is no idiot, instead he often says things that people at home are saying to each other. As Christmas is fast approaching, the amount of dvd’s that are coming onto the  shelves has increased significantly and the newest series of ‘An Idiot Abroad’ is no exception. Going on to the BBC News couch last week, Karl Pilkington came across to viewers as the typical bloke off the street, someone who appears to be fairly laid back and open, even admitting to the presenters that he hates the promotional side of the entertainment business. Today’s blog is to explain my Top Five reasons I think you should buy his new Dvd ‘An Idiot Abroad 2: The Bucket List’.

1) Karl may be seen by some viewers as someone who just spends all his time moaning about pretty much every aspect of life that doesn’t involve a cup of tea and a packet of biscuits, however, when watching the show he always seems to echo my viewing companions thoughts. Often someone I’ll be watching the show with  (different people) will make a comment on what we are seeing that is then very quickly repeated by Karl himself, therein suggesting that Karl is perhaps just saying out loud that most people only think.

2) You don’t have to be a fan of Ricky Gervais to like this show, he’s hardly in it!

3) Unlike most travel documentaries ‘An Idiot Abroad: The Bucket List’ actually gives you an insight into the cultures of societies that the average person will never get to experience and in perhaps a more amusing way to a more serious show.

4) The Pilko-Pump Pant! Karl’s invention watch this clip to see why Karl is refreshing different to his friends Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais. Pilko Pump Pant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uuJW2ZI2Aw

 As Adam Rayner tells us in his review Karl is in simple terms very easy to watch. No matter what mood I’m in all it takes is for me to see an advert for the show and I’m laughing so hard that I’m instantly in a better mood for the rest of the day!

In an age where the reality in reality TV seems long gone and those who do seem genuinely real are not worthy of television time, Karl Pilkington is a rare gem; an unabashedly honest, human being. Gullible, naïve and archaic are all adjectives that have been used to criticise the man from Manchester, but dull is one that can never be ventured. He is constantly open to gaining knowledge and insights into the world and whether he means to or not has a wicked sense of humour and wonderful comic timing and delivery. – Adam Rayner http://whatculture.com/tv/an-idiot-abroad-2-the-bucket-list-review-karls-torture-continues.php  An Idiot Abroad 2: The Bucket List Review – Karl’s Torture Continues

Here’s a final clip of Karl, I love the end of the clip where he is waving to all the wrong camera’s Karl Pilkington and Ricky Gervais on BBC NEWS

Till next time,

Your Loyal Friend

April xxx

**post originally wrote before christmas and only just made public

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The Last Stop and Learning How to Embrace Failure!

Easy reading is damn hard writing. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

As I’ve mentioned before one of the reason’s why I started this blog was as an outlet for my writing, to get used to writing my ideas down onto a page and to attempt to finish a project off before moving on to another. I’ve tried to vary the style and content of posts to allow myself the room to ‘find my voice’. I’ve decided to post the first two chapters of a novel I was working on before I started this blog. What normally happens is that I will get so many chapters or pages into my writing before falling over the stumbling blocks some refer to as ‘writers block‘, basically my mind goes blank, I no longer appear to be inspired or influenced in the subject the way I was when I started.

And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise.  The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.  ~Sylvia Plath

The Last Stop

The chapters that I’ve posted on here are all that I’ve worked on. Unlike Sylvia Plath, when I develop any form of self-doubt about what I’m writing I end up giving up. I’m quiet a tenacious, and persistent person. If I don’t at first succeed, I will try, try again until I’ve accomplished what I set out to do. This I apply to mostly every aspect of my life, except for writing. I hate failing at something, I get frustrated at just the mere idea of failure, even if it’s something that I cannot control or change. I set myself high standards and unfortunately put those standards unfairly onto others. This another thing that I am aiming to change, to embrace failure as Sven Goran Eriksson said ‘The Greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure’. I shouldn’t be afraid to fail, instead when it happens I should embrace it and use the experience to make me stronger and to push me on.

The Last Stop is an idea that came to me whilst visiting London earlier this year with a friend of mine. Whilst waiting for the rush hour to calm down on the tube I sat and watched all the people who went by, wondering who they were, what they did, who they were going home to. Did they have a family? Did they live in London and did they like it? etc. I decided that it was something that I wanted to write about. My story centers on 3 strangers on traveling on the tube, never being introduced to each other, only ever interacting on the tube via glances or accidentally bumping into each other. My story follows the lives of these 3 people from their home life, and work. Their thoughts and feelings on living, working and visiting London.

So here it is, the first 2 chapters of my work in progress. All I ask of you is that if you should choose to read it, I would like your feedback, I only want honest opinions about the content, style suggestions on how it can be approved, even typo’s should you spot some. I want you to be my unofficial editors, to provide me with an insight into your thoughts.

The Last Stop

Whether you like it or hate it all I ask is for your honesty.

Your Loyal Friend,

April xxx

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Lets All Give a Little Back!

Blood is something we all expect to be there for us when we need it, yet only 4% of us give blood. Many people would not be alive today if it wasn’t for the generosity of our donors. Do something amazing…Give Blood

We cannot live only for ourselves.  A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.  ~Herman Melville

When asking for some blog post idea’s my friend Fanny suggested I write about donating blood. It’s a cause that is very important to her and should be to more of us. I’ve only donated once before but that was years ago. They had difficulty finding my vein and it took them a very long time to be able to get the pint of blood that they need. The whole experience put me off for a few years and then when I was ready to try again I was either ill or not eligible. Now that it’s been over 4 months since I got my ears pierced for a certain person’s wedding and being reminded how important giving blood is I’ve made an appointment to give blood at the next local blood drive. Why don’t you do something to help others and give blood? It’s as easy as 123 and can help save someone’s life. Imagine if you needed a blood transfusion but there wasn’t enough blood for your type?

Here’s a list of things to help you get started. To see if you’re eligible or want to register as a donor and set up an appointment go to: http://www.blood.co.uk/

Preparing yourself for giving blood!

Distraction helps reduce nervousness so bring an MP3 player, book or a friend along with you to the donation session

On both the day of donation and the evening before ensure you drink plenty of fluids. However, it is essential to avoid alcohol as this will considerably affect hydration and delay recovery.

Normal regular meals prior to donating are necessary for maintaining blood sugars and ward off light headedness.

A good nights sleep the evening before is beneficial to well being and recovery.

Tight clothing around the arms restricts blood flow and can cause bruises, so wear something which is loose and comfortable.

Eligibility criteria to donate may vary so know your medical, body piercing and travel history to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Blood Stock Levels  November 6th 2011

Group	Stock Level
O pos	16,169
O neg	2,591
A pos	18,746
A neg	3,759
B pos	2,894
B neg	619
AB pos	1,532
AB neg	261
Total	46,571

Your Loyal Friend,

April xxx

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Is it Too Early Still for a Countdown Until Christmas?

Working in a supermarket, Christmas always seems to arrive early, products starting to go on shelves in September you always hear customers saying things like, ‘Mince Pies already!?!’. With only Two pay day’s to go until the dreaded day for many off us here’s my countdown of Christmas and when I like to start getting into the ‘Christmas Spirit‘.

50 days, 15 Hours left until Christmas!

September Seasonal product go on sale, products such as Mince Pies, Christmas Cakes and Baking goods start to appear on the shelves of your local shop.

October Wrapping paper and gift sets start to appear. Countdowns until Christmas websites start to become popular and people start posting on Facebook, how many sleeps are left. I’ve even heard some people start whistling and singing songs typically associated with Christmas :-S

November With Halloween and Bonfire Night out-of-the-way by the end of the first week in November, the Christmas signals start to appear more intensely. You might overhear conversations between people about when they are starting their Christmas Shopping, I for one am starting to get things today. Advertising on the television may become aimed more at children. In my workplace we have stared selling the German bread ‘Stollen‘. I love this bread, we only sell it for Christmas. If you haven’t tried it and you like marzipan you will love it!

December Finally the month everyone has been waiting for arrives! Christmas music starts being played in shops, the majority of television adverts are Christmas relate. d. People start opening their advent calendars, sneaking in their little piece of chocolate. Round about the second week in December is when I start to get really excited, the decorations start to go up, The Christmas tree as lights are one of my favourite things to see in people’s windows as I walk down the street. The Coca-Cola advert comes on the television. This is a sign to many people I know that Christmas has arrived.
Finally the important day arrives where we all enjoy spending time with family and opening presents. Filling ourselves with a big roast dinner and chocolate until we feel like if we move we may burst. And then…. It’s all over! We may stretch Christmas out by a few days, maybe until New Years but all that stress and activity over what to buy people and what our plans are is over in a flash and it starts all over again!

How do you spend Christmas? Are you in that Christmassy mood already?

Your Loyal Friend,
April xxx

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Assertiveness Training for Women: Learning How to be More Assertive From Marge Simpson | Suite101.com

Assertiveness Training for Women: Learning How to be More Assertive From Marge Simpson | Suite101.com.

 

Taking the Plunge… and Facing Your Fears!

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 Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can, paradoxically, make you a far happier and more productive person.Dr. David M. Burns 

My Fears

Fears… we all have them, I have plenty of them. Ranging from the ‘norm’ to the slightly bizarre to the downright weird! Some of my more normal phobias are things like a fear of spiders, flying, extreme heights (not normal sized ones), Roller-coasters and large crowds. Some of the slightly odder fears I have are that of clowns, Ventriloquist dummies and little ghost girls (like in ‘The Shining’ by Stephen King), perhaps my most bizarre fear is a fear of the actor Jack Nicholson…… I think it’s something to do with the eyebrows!

Confronting My Fears

Recently I was given the chance to face one of my biggest fears on the above list and that was Roller-coasters. My annual trip to the English theme park Alton Towers last week and the influence of a friend allowed me to confront my fear of roller-coasters by diving right in the deep end with the coaster that had previously given me nightmares…… Air. In case you were wondering, this wasn’t my  first roller-coaster. My first ever roller-coaster was Oblivion, with a large vertical drop Oblivion is often described as one of the scariest rides within the park.

Taking The Plunge…. or in Other Words How I Learnt to Fly!

After going on various fun rides like ‘The Mini Mine Train’ and ‘The Water Rapids’ it was time to confront the Coasters! I clearly didn’t need that much convincing to attempt the ride that had given me so many nightmares, all it took was for one of my friends lets call her Stacey to tell me I was going on the ride before I was standing in the relatively short Que for the ride. Where I proceeded to spend the next 10 minutes moaning about how scared I was. As I got closer and closer to the front of the line my heart started to beat faster and louder, adrenaline starting to rush around my body. I finally strapped myself into the seat before being swung 90 Degrees so that I was facing the floor, this happened 3 times in all (not a great way to ease fears). Eventually the ride started and we started to upwards towards the first curve. After about 2 seconds I decided that not only was my fears unfounded but that they were also stopping me from doing so much within my  life. By the end of the ride I was willing to go again .

Fear Overcome And Lesson Learnt

After confronting my fears face on with a little help from a friend I was able to try some of the other roller coasters in the park that I would have previously avoided. Not only did I go on them but my fear seemed to disappear and was instead replaced with excitement . What I took away from this day is not to judge something based on how it looks or any of my preconceived ideas, and instead to embrace the unknown and if something scares me to believe that I have the ability to overcome anything. From now on I’m going to attempt to face a new fear at least once a month starting with something small and moving onto the bigger things like the London Underground.

Next Month’s Mission: Attempting to overcome my fear of Jack Nicholson!

Your Loyal Friend, 

Image via Wikipedia

April xxx

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Accidental Secrets!

 “All families have their secrets, most  people would never know them, but  they know there are spaces, gaps  where the answers should be, where  someone should have sat, where  someone used to be. A name that is  never uttered, or uttered just once and  never again. We all have our secrets.”  ― Cecelia Ahern, The Book of  Tomorrow  

“The thing is, I used to like that:  feeling special because I knew  something no one else did. It’s a kind  of power, isn’t it, knowing a secret?  But lately I don’t like it so much, knowing this. It’s not really mine to know, is it?” ― Kim Edwards, The Memory Keeper’s Daughter 

The discovery of an accidental secret!

Working in a supermarket can be at times a rather interesting place to work, all the snippets of conversations you hear. The half-told truths that people tell when they don’t realise anyone is listening, the arguments couples have over what food to buy, whether they need white bread or wholemeal, one cream cake or three?  It can also be described as a place where there are no secrets. No matter how hard you try to keep things to yourself secrets have a habit of being found out. I recently accidentally stumbled across several secrets some in the workplace and some in the outside world, the question I ask is how are we supposed to keep a secret if the thing being kept quiet is soooo big that to keep it would be detrimental to your health? do you tell someone else therein sparing yourself the burden and passing it on to someone else or do force the original keeper to come clean and reveal all they know?

Learning from your mistakes

One of the secrets I recently discovered, I discovered purely by accident, not knowing what to do with the information I had been given I decided to share with one other person, or at least that’s how it started, one person soon turns into two people, followed by a third being told  by one of your trusted compatriots. Once a secret has been let slip it appears to gain the momentum of a cheese rolling event or a soapbox derby. Three people turn into six people and so forth, it soon becomes a well-known truth rather than a well-kept secret. I soon realised that some secrets are worth sharing and some are not. Deciding on what is worthy of your silence can be quiet hard and if the pressure appears to be too much to bear then you should probably take part of the burden away and invest in letting someone else into the secret.

What I have learnt however, is to be very careful with the choices you make as to who the secret should be told to, are they going to give the game away or are they going to guard the secret as well as they would their own? My piece of advise for the night? If your going to share a secret, remember folks that a secret is only as strong as its bearers weakest link, if its worth it’s weight in gold bury it deep with only your closest people having a map,  if it’s not worth it then let the world know… providing it isn’t going to get you into trouble ;-p

Your Loyal Friend April xxx

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