Here’s the first post for 2012 and it’s going to be dedicated to 2011!  So much for not looking back…. 

Well, I just felt compelled to put finger to keyboard when I discovered an email from WordPress in my inbox stating that whilst I was busy celebrating the arrival of 2012, they were busy crunching number and diessecting a Different Angle’s blog statistics for 2011.

And it made for an interesting read!

Apparently:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 123,300 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 45 sold-out performances for that many people to see it!

In 2011, there were 91 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 109 posts. There were 288 pictures uploaded.

The busiest day of the year was October 31st. The most popular post that day was Casa Bella Halloween’s Video published! . Which is amazing since a limited amount of people were actually able to attend yet thousands of you actually watched the video online.

The ‘dossier’ then lists the most popular articles of 2011… the top 10 are listed below (in no particular order)…. which one is your favourite?

• Christmas, Loved or Loathed. How does it make you feel?
• My Hands on ALL new Range Rover Evoque but my lips are sealed
• Controversial Manuscript; to get a dusting
• Facebook Friends; isn’t it time for a good culling?
• Surrounded by Negative People? Read on. 
• Living With The Devil; a true story of Narcissism
• Tears, Tantrums : Tiaras; Casa Bella’s HOIME Awards
• Stealing Your Identity is Easy; here’s how
• The Death of Marriage
• Smile; these are actual London Underground announcements

S0, did yours make the top 10?

The one I find most interesting is Living with the Devil. It received a staggering amount of reads!  Clearly inflated by Google searches on the subject. This is obviously a very important subject to many of you! Of course, I couldn’t be more thrilled as the article is an excerpt from my manuscript, Coming Up For Air, which I’ve vowed to return to this year.

Don’t forget, our most recent posts can all be browsed from the a Different Angle Facebook page. Simply like the page and click on the NEWS tab.  And if you’re not already a fan, LIKE US now by using the link to the right.

Thanks very much for reading all of the posts in 2011… I’ll be working hard on making sure that all of the 2012 posts are equally as interesting. And, of course, if you have any favourite subjects you’d like me to write about, simply send an email.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here are just some or the reasons why 2011 proved to be a very momentous year indeed.

Naturally, without the help of a crystal ball, none of us have any idea what 2012 may bring but as is custom on the evening of the 31st December, we can but hope that 2012 brings each and everyone of us peace, happiness and prosperity.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 See you in 2012.

NOVEMBER 2011 – Eurozone Collapse

Euro zone on brink of collapse

AUGUST 2011 – London Riots

Two nights of rioting in London’s Tottenham neighborhood erupted following protests over the shooting death by police of a local man, Mark Duggan. Police were arresting him when the shooting occurred. Over 170 people were arrested over the two nights of rioting, and fires gutted several stores, buildings, and cars.

MAY 2nd, 2011  - Bin Laden Killed

OSAMA BIN LADEN, notorious terrorist is killed.  Despite a £15 bounty on his head, Bin Laden had evaded capture by US forces for nearly ten years, following the 9/11 attacks on New York which killed nearly 3,000 civilians.

APRIL 2011 – Royal Wedding

Royal Wedding; Kate and William get married.  Guests quaffed Pol Roger NV Brut Reserve Champagne and for dessert enjoyed gateau opera, rhubarb creme brulee tartlet, passion fruit praline and chocolate ganache truffle among other sweet canapes.

MARCH 2011

Tsunami hits Japan.

And it’s the first day in a long time that it’s going to be devoted just to me!  

You’d be forgiven for wondering, ‘aren’t all days devoted to you?’  The answer to that would be no… especially recently, as I’m trying to close on a very important transaction before Christmas…if I do, it will undoubtedly change my life (and by association the people close to me) but in order to achieve this I haven’t worked or thought about much else, including myself,  for several months.  I’ve had shingles, sleepless nights, tantrums and a whole slew of other emotions, but not much time to stop and actually consider, how the hell am I feeling today? But then how many people do?

As you read this, how often do you actually have the opportunity and feel like you’re able to dedicate  all, most or even part of your day to doing things for or even thinking about you?  You’re probably thinking, rarely, be it work, family, friends…we’re often thinking about others and not necessarily ourselves, or are we?

Some people are actually thinking about themselves most if not all the time but they just don’t know it… whether that be hijacking a conversation by talking directly about themselves, bemoaning  things happening in their lives;  disappointing friends, spouse, job, etcetera whilst not drawing breath long enough to consider the things that are happening or are important to others.   You may not even see it and, by association, you”re most likely unable to acknowledge it but if you’re exhibiting any of these traits then that makes you a very selfish person indeed.

Does this mean that being selfish is bad and being selfless is good?

Well, it would be easy to jump that the obvious conclusion; being selfless (cheer!) is good… at least it’s perceived that way. There’s even a scientific reason why it’s good but I won’t bore you with that… it’s pretty much the reason why many doting parents will be bathed in a warm glow on Christmas morning as they watch their children unwrap their gifts. The act  of doing something for or gifting something to others releases endorphins and makes us ‘feel good’ (most of the time).

On the other hand, being selfish (boo!) is good for us but not necessarily for those around us.

I don’t have much time for people who are more than often only interested in talking about  themselves….oddly,  these types of  or characters appear to be spawning in ever greater numbers.  As economic pressures bear down, as we get older, our general way of life becomes somewhat ‘darker’ as do we. What we’d normally turn the other cheek to suddenly becomes a ‘sore’ and, when left untreated, a nasty wound.  Many have a problem expressing themselves whilst others have a problem ‘baring all’ too often!

In the absence of a therapist and in the blessing of a close friend or family member, we should all pause for thought… whilst the ones who love and care about us are eager to share in our everyday lives, our good, our bad and our ugly,  it is of utmost importance that we  reciprocate the sentiment.

So, the next time you find yourself moaning about your ailment, your partner, your colleague, the state of the nation or even the weather… consider  the fact that the person who loves you may want to share the lows in your life but they also like to share some of the highs. Now, I know that the depressed among you will instinctively think ‘ there aren’t any highs’ but you’d be amazed by how many things are actually quite good about your life.  And, in the unlikely event that you really can’t find anything, then just focus on the good of the ones you love, they’ll be most grateful for it because, guess what, you’re being SELFLESS and this in turn will make YOU feel good.

But the real moral of the story is MODERATION; whilst  it may be ‘bad’ to put yourself first at the detriment of others, it’s equally  as ‘bad’ to always put yourself last. Each and everyone of us needs to  be moderately selfish to ensure that we’re taking adequate care of our state of mind as this will, ultimately, enable us to be selfless with others.

This Christmas and most likely over this winter season (which incidentally starts tomorrow) there’s a good chance that you’ll experience or hear of many acts of selfish/selflessness because this is what being human is all about. Enjoy acts of selflessness bestowed on you and try to reciprocate, you’ll feel good about it! (and no, that’s not necessarily a hint to all my nearest and dearest…. although, now that I mention it…. )

Today, I’m going to be selfish, it’s my Birthday…the one day when I’m truly going to allow it all to be about me because I know that tomorrow everything changes back, again.

Thank you for reading a Different Angle and for showing your support in 2011. I’ve truly felt humbled by your selfless act of dedicating your time to reading my blog posts. For any author, it’s always a blessing to feel ‘read’.

If I don’t post before, HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS!

And don’t forget to “take care of yourselves and each other…”

IF YOU LIKE THIS POST. PLEASE RATE IT BELOW AND LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

‘Witty’,  ’ Earthy’,  ’Real’ and ‘Thought Provoking’.

Just some of the words used to describe yesterday’s  article about  the highs and lows of Christmas  and the New Year. The post that narrates the build up to Christmas and beyond  is the most read and shared article on  the a Different Angle Blog with a staggering  1,103 hits  and over  a hundred shares in its first hour of publication.

Now what can I say to that but THANKS!

I enjoy reading and therefore always try to write articles that are a reflection of everyday life and it appears  that this one about the good, the bad and the ugly of the festive season has struck a chord with many of you.

You’ve also been kind enough to message  me with comments about the article  which you’ve described as ‘witty’, ‘earthy’, ‘real’ and ‘thought provoking’.  Thank you so much…I really do like to hear from you and would love it even more if you’d be kind enough to rate the articles on the blog and also leave your comments there for others to see. If you’re worried about leaving your name, simply leave your initials.

Thanks again, it’s your support that inspires me to write bigger and better articles.

And for those who missed yesterday’s post, you can read it here. And by all means, feel free to share the link to it some more. I promise, I don’t mind.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

“How Are you?”

How many times has somebody asked you that? And how many times have you stopped to think about your answer and say what’s really on your mind? Most of us don’t, not unless we’re talking to a family member or friend and certainly not whilst in a long line at the checkout or at the beginning of a major business meeting since nobody expects a relative stranger to launch into a monologue about how their back is still giving them gyp and how their partner has run off with the next-door neighbour and taken the family pet. No, our stock response will often be  “Fine, thanks” but the reality is often different.

As Brits, we take issue with American’s use of “How ya’ doing?” and “Have a nice day” because these phrases appear artificial, insincere yet, despite this fact, we too are adopting this artificial familiarity. Indeed, “how are you?” is progressively becoming synonymous with “hello”. So with this in mind, let me ask you once again, ‘how are you’?

But before you answer that, take a few seconds; is everything absolutely fine in your life? If, after some soul searching, you are able to answer “yes” then congratulations, you are one of the few in the world living a truly blissful existence. That or you are in denial.

The simple truth is, most of us aren’t okay.  There’s often something weighing on our mind, whether it’s money (lack of it), a job (feeling unfulfilled or incompatible with a colleague), our children (their behaviour, their values, their future), a relationship (not working, over), or eternal loss (of somebody you love but whom you know you’ll never see again), we’re always carrying something like a surgically placed emotional backpack.

So what are we doing about this? What are you doing to make it better? Well, often nothing, it’s just life, but for some, approximately 6000 each year in the UK, It’s more than that or, more specifically, more than they can bare and, sadly, they choose what’s known as “the easy way out.”  The fallacy is that these tragic events are most commonly ‘triggered’ during the festive season; major events that call for the gathering and rejoicing of one and all which accentuate the feeling of loneliness and loss.  However, Whilst the festive season is undoubtedly a depressing time for some and is responsible for an increase in telephone calls to national support groups, it is not the most common time of year for suicide. This is actually in the spring. The reason is unknown but experts believe it’s something to do with the warmer weather that ‘triggers’ something in humans.

So, what’s with all this talk of suicide? Please forgive my temporary flippancy but if, like me, you have a large family, you’ll understand why sometimes this thought is not so alien. Christmas is the time of year when, like it or not, families are thrust together, often more by duty than by choice which means the danger of a flashpoint and subsequent meltdown is high. Furthermore, “Christmas isn’t like it used to be.” At least the flash poll I conducted. Most of those I actually spoke to (4 out of 5) just groaned as if I’d asked them to drop to the ground and give me twenty press-ups. Out of the 20 people who voted online, 9 said that they weren’t looking forward to it as it “isn’t what it used to be”. Most of these were women.

Why are  the majority of people not looking forward to the season of goodwill? Well, could it be because Christmas happens at the end of a year and reminds us all of our mortality; one year older? Or is it simply that it’s an unusually stressful time for many. It’s a time where finances  tend to be stretched to the limit,  whether that be due to gift hunting or simply amassing the stock pile of food which, for some obscure reason,  we all feel we have to hoard as if a nuclear winter were around the corner. This is somewhat ironic given our age of 24 hour shopping where one’s often stretched to find somewhere closed on Christmas day than open. Yet, most (and yes, especially the women) are going to fret over whether or not there’s enough food to go round as well as worry about family politics, hence the crucial pre event briefing. Not unlike major security details, key family members are ‘briefed’ (often by mothers) to avoid certain topics, “Don’t mention anything about cousin Jack’s run in with the police or Emily’s split from her boyfriend because she still gets upset about it, yes It’s been a year, yes she’d only known him one night whilst on holiday but just don’t mention anything!” This sense of diplomacy, dormant for the rest of the year, makes an impressive emergence at family gatherings, one to rival even the most hardened of politicians, as major negotiations are held to circumnavigate the ubiquitous row about where to spend Christmas and Boxing Day. This prompts an in depth analysis, worthy of any pie chart, about which day, hour, minute was spent where last year. And thus, hours and a few arguments later, deals are struck, plans are made and grudges set aside (albeit temporarily).

So the big day arrives, ‘the event’ where children can’t sleep for the excitement and adults can’t sleep because they left the turkey in the slow cooker over night. Family members are bullied into lending a hand, table places are set, decorations are checked for symmetrical alignment, toilets are sterilised, rooms and spouses are tidied, and furniture is given the once over, all minutes before the doorbell chimes. Months of shopping, scrimping, saving, and hours of decorating, cleaning, peeling, whisking, all for this moment. So, if you successfully manage to get everybody to the table, the meal commences with traditional gluttony during which you thank God that you made it this far without any major disasters. Now, the only challenge remaining is the warzone that is the kitchen as well as where to put the stockpile of food that you didn’t use but is enough to feed a whole third world village. And it’s as lazier relatives slouch in front of the TV to critique the Queen’s speech or sleep off the gorging ritual that it hits you; what on earth was all the rushing, plotting, planning, stressing and yelling about? It’s one day of the year yet it rivals the most sophisticated of wedding ceremonies and, as such, had you on the verge of tears more times that you’d care to admit. And it all starts off in September with a barrage of advertising that, like a pressure cooker, gradually builds up out of all proportions and expectations as you strive to make it the most memorable  event ever. In reality, it’s just another day, only with more people to cook and wait on, featuring the obligatory poor man’s version of pomp, ceremony and traditions. But now, like the calm after the storm, it all seems a bit of an anticlimax, one of those really sexy dreams where everything is going well until the object of your desire turns out to be somebody you know, don’t particularly like, and now won’t look at the same way ever again.  Many forget that this special day is actually the celebration of somebody’s birthday yet, in many households, this is a minor technicality lost in the master plan but is ultimately the equivalent of throwing a birthday party without the birthday boy.

So what about New Years? Well, unlike Christmas (the end of the year) it marks the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, a blank canvas, and the chance to consign all the ills of yesteryear to the past and start anew. Like clearing an old debt, we’re energised, full of resolutions, ready to take our future by the horns, kick the habit (whatever that may be), start the diet and or hit the gym with the view to being slimmer and sexier by the summer.  Right? Well, kind of, that is until we reach the middle of January, the 24^th to be precise.  What? you don’t know about the 24^th?  It’s been officially labelled as the most depressing day of the year. Yes, all according to a scientific verifiable formula consisting of weather, credit card debt, time elapsed since the Christmas ‘festivities’, failed resolutions, motivational bankruptcy, and a desperate need to have something to look forward to besides the spring bank holiday (hence why holiday adverts run days after Boxing Day). Furthermore, nights are short as well as tempers; insurance companies blame ‘winters driver’s disorder’ for an increase in road accidents in January. Employers are also encouraged to be ‘nicer’ to their staff in January by offering free hot drinks and throwing mini office parties.

Wow, all that and a recession that’s still lingering like a bad smell! We’re doomed! There appear to be many reasons why both the beginning and the end of the year makes us downright gloomy. Many reasons why the next time somebody asks “how are you?” we’ll assail them with an emotional outpour.

But hold on, what about the middle of the year? We haven’t talked about that. That’s because we don’t need to. The reality is that our experiences aren’t the results of some sadistic game played by mythical gods, it’s simply life. Like shares; we’re sometimes up and sometimes down.  It’s how we deal with our ups and downs that makes the difference. For most of us, the nostalgic ‘Norman Rockwell’ warm and fuzzy image of coming home for the holidays is just that; an artistic impression. Life isn’t always easy, of course it isn’t, if it were we wouldn’t be able to appreciate the things that really matter the most. Family, friends, life partners often equal unreserved love. This isn’t something that you’ll find in a Christmas cracker but it’s a precious gem to be appreciated and admired maybe not all the time but at least on special occasions.  Our life, like some parents, may not be perfect but it’s the only one we have, and the trick is to make most of it because you never know what tomorrow may bring.

The end of another week and one step closer to Christmas!  Love it or loath it, the season to be jolly is just around the corner.

You may have noticed that I’ve been fairly quiet over the past week, that’s because I’ve been busy wrestling with a lovely bout of shingles! That’s right, I was lucky enough to discover the red rash last week, and have been enjoying what feels like the equivalent of somebody branding me with cigarettes ever since.

Luckily, things seem to be getting back to normal now which means I’m able to focus on other much more exciting things like Casa Bella’s next event!

Now, I know that my previous posts talked about a potential charity event.  Well, we (my sister and I) have been thinking about this and have come up with an aswesome and somewhat unique theme, especially for this area. However, the jury is still out about  what time of year it should be hosted.

Sadly,  the collaboration I’d previously announced on this blog hasn’t quite worked out either, which means we’re no longer on a deadline. The net result; we’re still thinking of staging a charity event but it won’t be the next one.

Casa Bella’s Halloween was a great success, and it has inspired a dinner party experience that we believe is way overdue and much more in keeping with the dark month of February.

That’s right, Casa Bella’s next event will take place on the anniversary of this year’s Masquerade… yes, well we couldn’t let those  Venetians have all the fun. We like to think that whilst they’re busy partying it up in beautiful Venice, we’re busy generating our own tantalising intrigue with a sumptuous menu featuring an array of beverages, along with a good slice of….dmm…dmmm dmm (that’s supposed to be dramatic music) murder!

That’s right…. Casa Bella’s next event will be a Murder Mystery currently pencilled for Saturday 25th February 2012 and will follow in the hugely atmospheric footsteps of  Casa Bella’s Halloween (if you weren’t lucky enough  to attend, read about it here)

Exclusive invites to Casa Bella’s Murder Mystery will be  emailed to lucky in boxes over the weekend. If  you aren’t lucky enough to receive an invite but would like to find out what all the Casa Bella fuss is about, we may have a treat for you. To be considered for an exclusive invite, visit Casa Bella’s Facebook page and LIKE it to become a fan.  You’ll then be added to our waiting/standby list which means that if a space becomes available, you could be joining us for a dinner party experience like no other.

Just beware, ‘everybody has a motive and everyone has a plan’.

• “Artificial insemination is when the farmer does it to the cow instead of the bull.”

• “When you breathe, you inspire. When you do not breathe, you expire.”

• “H20 is hot water, and CO2 is cold water.”

• “Three kinds of blood vessels are arteries, vanes, and caterpillars.

• “Dew is formed on leaves when the sun shines down on them and makes them perspire.”

• “Mushrooms always grow in damp places and so they look like umbrellas.”

• * “The body consists of three parts – the brainium, the borax and the abominable cavity. The brainium contains the brain, the borax contains the heart and lungs, and the abominable cavity contains the bowels, of which there are five – a, e, i, o and u.”

• “Rhubarb: a kind of celery gone bloodshot.”

• “Vacuum: A large, empty space where the pope lives.”

• “For drowning: climb on top of the person and move up and down to make Artificial Perspiration.”

•  ”For Fainting: Rub the person’s chest or, if a lady, rub her arm above the hand instead. Or put the head between the knees of the nearest medical doctor.”

• “The alimentary canal is located in the northern part of Indiana.”

• “The tides are a fight between the Earth and Moon. All water  tends towards the moon, because there is no water in the moon, and nature abhors a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins in this fight.”

• “Equator: A managerie lion running around the Earth through Africa.”

•  ”Germinate: To become a naturalized German.”

• “To prevent contraception: wear a condominium.”

• “To keep milk from turning sour: keep it in the cow.”