GrowlersWorld - Growler's Random Thoughts...

Sweet & Serene Sci-Fi...

Finally watched Joss Whedon's Serenity after loads of people were raving about it.

Now I can see why.

Stonking sci-fi!!!

One girl holds a deadly secret in her head. A secret that could change the universal order!

This guy Whedon has got a vision and is a creative genius.

I've never watched the TV series Firefly, which is what the film was based on, but after seeing this I will have to check it out for sure.

It's got it all!!

Character? Check.

Plot & Story? Check.

Incredible CGI special effects? Triple check!!!

You need to see this film if you haven't already!

I give it 8 out of 10 for sure.

Find out more!!

http://www.serenitymovie.com/

Time to smile...

What do you call a chicken in a shell-suit?

Egg!!!

Well, I thought it was hilarious (thanks Nitin!).

Baracking to the future...

With all this talk of Barack Obama it's been interesting to watch the media frenzy surrounding him.

What strikes me is his total positive attitude whilst going about his business.

Whether he does or does not win the Democratic Candidacy for the right to fight to be the next President of the United States, his refreshing manner is quite inspirational.

Positivity is one quality that will always shine.

Find out more;

http://www.barackobama.com/

Dreaming of the Dreamgirls...

Just come back from watching Dreamgirls on the big screen.

Fantastic film.

It had a lot of heart and I found myself caring for the characters and the journeys they took.

Part musical, the tunes are Motown influenced and a joy to listen to.

Very loosely based on the story of Diana Ross and the Supremes it tells the story of three girl singers who rise to fame and fortune with a more than a few trials and tribulations thrown in.

There's some great performances by Beyonce, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy. The film also features the sweet vocals of Jennifer Hudson.

But listen, my words simply cannot do the film justice. Just go and see it.

You'll love it!

I give it 8 out of 10.

Have a look at the Dreamgirls website!

And I must mention my recent viewing of The Pursuit of Happyness featuring Will Smith.

This was an enjoyable film with a positive message.

Don't give up when pursuing your dreams. It's based on a real story and is very inspiring.

My rating, 7 out of 10.

Learn more at its site!

Who is the Afro Samurai...?

Afro Samurai is a brand new anime cartoon series which features the voice of Samuel L Jackson as the lead character.

Set in Ancient Japan it promises to mix a hip-hop soundtrack composed by RZA and cutting edge animation to bring an amazing story.

Martial arts aplenty, the style is similar to earlier anime series Samurai Champloo.

The buzz is pretty amazing so far and I'm looking forward to enjoying it.

Check out its website for more details!

This Virgin Earth...

Sir Richard Branson and former American Vice President Al Gore have joined up to launch a global competiton to find a way to stem climate change.

Basically, a prize would be awarded to the person who finds the best way to remove a lot of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide is the greenhouse gas which is the biggest cause of climate change on the planet.

Taking a lead on this issue its hoped that governments around the world will follow.

What with the rapid growth of countries like China, India and much of the continent of Africa it is important to work with and engage these countries also.

The world working together for the good of all.

Positive people contributing positively to society.

Now there's something I can get behind.

All Change at the V&A...

The Victoria & Albert Museum is looking for a new Chair.

Particularly;

The successful candidate will have the following skills and aptitudes, gained through experience in the private and/or public sectors:-

A proven track record of strong leadership.

Extensive experience of strategic development and a demonstrable capacity for strategic vision.

Significant business experience.

Commitment to supporting fundraising.

The ability to understand the user/customer point of view and to inculcate within organisations a customer focus.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to act as an ambassador for the V&A.

A strong grasp of the principles of charity law and public sector propriety, regularity and accountability, and appreciation of the distinct roles of the executive and the board.

Understanding of the diverse communities in the UK and a real commitment to improving diversity on the board and in the Museum.

If this sounds like you, go here to learn more;

http://www.culture.gov.uk/working_with_us/Public_appointments/pa_vacancies/v_a_museum.htm

Discover the Victoria and Albert Museum!

Journey through the Dragons' Den...

Watched Dragons' Den last night (Wednesdays, 8pm - BBC2) in what is still a damn fine introduction to business for anyone who's thinking about doing their own venture.

(Thanks Mike for reminding me!)

One of the things stressed was the importance of knowing your numbers back to front.

I'm talking revenues, profits, costs and all that stuff. Only through knowing that will you get a true understanding of what you're undertaking.

Simply put, the numbers give you the brutal facts. And without knowing the brutal facts, you'll be wasting your time.

But don't just take it from me, hear it from the Dragons themselves...

It will soon be time to say "Xin Nian Kuai Le!"

That means 'Happy New Year' in Mandarin Chinese.

With Chinese New Year fast approaching there are lots of events taking place up and down the country to celebrate this and introduce and share Chinese culture with anyone who wants to learn more.

I'll be attending a few of these events and will report on them here. Exciting times ahead. I was born in the Year of the Pig and this upcoming year is also the Year of the Pig.

Let the future commence!

New beginnings...

After eight wonderful years at the Court Funds Office I had my last day there on Friday 2nd February 2007.

Definitely the best job I've had to date and I had the pleasure of making some great friends, meeting some wonderful people and learning new skills.

So what does the future hold?

Well, in the short term, I intend to continue to develop Growlersworld.com, brush up on my Mandarin Chinese language and write film reviews and related articles for Chinatown Magazine.

And basically continuing along the path of helping people and enjoying life.

Care to join me?

Prepare... for the One Inch Punch!

One Inch Punch is a brand new website highlighting East Asian cool.

Designed and run by Mark Wu, it's a great insight into East Asian culture and it's a fantastic read.

So take a look at the One Inch Punch!

Make that change!

Time for a new challenge.

Every so often in your life its good to make a change.

To refocus, reflect and forge new ground.

I'm going through such a time right now and it's very exciting.

Fresh opportunities await.