Saturday Family Night

We watched “The Wild” for Family Night today that was directed by Steve 'Spaz' Williams, which starred Kiefer Sutherland, Eddie Izzard, and William Shatner among others. I didn’t like it at all, and it was so a knockoff of the movie “Madagascar” (another movie I didn’t like). It’s been described as "Madagascar meets Finding Nemo with The Lion King thrown in for effect." – movies.com And Rotten Tomatoes said, "With a rehashed plot and unimpressive animation, there's nothing wild about The Wild. "


It is just not worth your time, and “The Wild” is a definite skip. ***TWO STARS***

Earth Day

HAPPY EARTH DAY, ALL! I hope you all have a good and productive Earth Day...

Saturday Family Night

For Family Night we rented Eragon directed by Stefen Fangmeier, and starred Edward Speleers, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Guillory, Robert Carlyle, John Malkovich, and Joss Stone, which Sana and Sufian wanted to watch. And Blockbuster called it, "A film in the tradition of Star Wars, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings..." That's an outrage! How dare they; yes, maybe the first two, but in no way like the latter - "The Lord of the Rings Trillogy" is in a class by its self, and in no way is Eragon like it.


I thoght it was rubbish: the acting was shite; the plot had more holes in it than Swiss Cheese (maybe b/c the author wrote Eragon when he was 17 or that it was direted by a first time director); the costumes were atrocious; the editor need move to the North Pole and never edit anything again; and so much more...


***ONE 1/2 STARS*** (Note: the only reason why I didn't rate this film with minus nagative stars is that Jeremy Irons is ussually a good actor, and his acting was marginally okay in Eragon.)

Monday’s Tragic Events

I would like to give my condolences to those who died and to those of you who lost friends or family during Monday’s tragic events at Virginia Tech. I have been watching the horrific events unfold on BBC News, and it is very hard to watch b/c I spent 8 of the 10 years in America living in the State of Virginia; and it’s like a second home to me.


I wish all my thoughts, prayers, and peace to the families/friends of the innocent people who died at Virginia Tech, who each had such great potential yet to be fulfilled.


I hope you all keep your Faith, and just know that you each have a friend here across the Atlantic whenever you may need it.



Best wishes,
The Red Haired Londoner

May The Peace & Blessings of God Be Upon You

Day at The Park

Hiya! Enjoying the more of the bloody amazing weather, today being 26 Degrees C (about 79 Degrees F), the five of us (Mum, Sarah, Sana, Sufian, and me) went to the park today.


As it was a wonderful day and the park is not too far from home, we all just walk to the park. So, we packed some snacks, took a blanket, and found a good spot to sit under this beautiful tree. Once we all settled down, Sarah gave Sufian this wicked bubble making wand thingy that she bought when she went to Camden Market with Sana a few days earlier, and setup this wicked portable speakers connecting it to her iPod, which Sana and her also got from Camden Market.


And just Mum and us four kids, we had FANTASTIC time together: Sarah, Sana, and Sufian running around and playing with the bubble making wand thingy; Mum and me relaxing on the blanket; and music blasting from the portable speakers while we all basked in the sun. However, then this old git came along with his damn giant dog, and would not piss off. Frankly, I think it’s quite rude of dog owners to w/o cause let their dogs force themselves upon people in public b/c you don’t know if that person wants to touch it or not, unless a person specifically asked the dog owner to touch their dog! Don’t get me wrong, I love pets and having nothing against pets including dogs, and am not allergic or anything, but its just that my breathing is constricted enough as it is due to my severe Scoliosis than to have pet hair making to even harder to breathe too; and that dog ran all over the blanket with me lying on it and drooled all over my face.


Nevertheless, I had a BRILLIANT time w/ my family, and I CANNOT wait to do it again! Plus, we took lots of photos, and once I organize them all I will post them on my blog, as soon as I am able.



Chat soon. CHEERS!

Saturday Family Night

Family Night: Family Night is something we decided to do together where we spend time with one another as a family, which Sarah and I decided to start up again since we were all quite stressed and missing America. We both felt that since we used to do things together when we were younger, it would be nice to start to do it again, and we have been having Family Night for a couple of months; we all chose different activities for us all to do during Family Night, but we always just end up watching a movie b/c it is the easiest thing to do. And we chose on Saturday evenings for Family Night since we are all home, and Sana and Sufian do not have school. So, once a week Mum always makes bloody fantastic food and we always have a bloody fantastic time together during Family Night… Plus, whether with family or friends, or both, I recommend you each start your own Family/Movie Night b/c life sometimes needs a little timeout.
---

This evening for Family Night we watched MirrorMask directed by Dave McKean, which stars Stephanie Leonidas, Jason Barry, Rob Brydon, and Gina McKee. It is based on a book (written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Dave McKean) about Helena, a 15-year-old girl who works for her family circus. Helena dreams of running away and longs to join the “real world,” whereas most kids would love to run away and join the circus. Well, one day Helena wakes up to find herself in an eccentric new place filled by strange creatures: a dream world where she is about to begin on a most remarkable journey.


MirrorMask is a truly brilliant movie, and has such wicked visual effects. Undoubtedly, a must watch! ***FOUR 1/2 STARS***

Day at The Market with Sarah (continued)

Here are the photos from yesterday at the market:




On the way to the market on the bus =



Saw this on the sign on an actual store, and made Sarah take a photo... One of the many things I love about London - the wicckd humour =





Sarah and me at KFC in the indoor mall =












More of us =














The great variety of restaurants in the indoor mall =



And rocking out on the bus on the way home =

Day at The Market with Sarah

Hiya, friends! Since the weather here has so amazing lately being in the mid to upper 70’s Degrees Fahrenheit, today me and Sarah we went to our local market, which is an open-air market with an indoor mall nearby on an adjacent street. We went on the bus via the Double Decker buses of London, which was fun; and it is the dog’s bollocks that now all the public transport has quite good access for people using wheelchairs here in London with ramps such as the Double Deckers and the Tube, etc.


Anyway, once we arrived we first walked around outdoors in the open-air market for a good while. It was a bit difficult for me having to drive on the road with stalls since it was quite bumpy, but thankfully my wheelchair has “Rock Shox” shock absorbers making it a bit easier to drive on rough terrain. And you’ve never really experienced shopping until you’ve been to an English open-air market. So, after we walked around the market Sarah and I then decided to go into to the indoor mall, and we looked around in the stores. I saw this brilliant black shirt in one store I loved that had really cool buttons and contrasting blue stitching, but it like 30 GBP that’s like 60 USD! Oh well, I just hope it goes on sale soon. Then, we both had a quick bite to eat at KFC.


Later, in the evening once we got home Sarah rented “The Prestige” directed by directed by Christopher Nolan (who also directed “Memento”), starring Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, and Scarlett Johansson, which Mum, Sarah, and me watched. When she told me that she got a movie from Blockbuster Sarah was like, “Yeah, ‘The Prestige’ has Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, and Michael Caine starring in it… BRILLIANT…” She said, grunting in assent as her eyes glazed over and a long string of drool came down her chin. And I replied sarcastically, “REALLY, OMG, NOW I SO WANT TO WATCH IT, AND ADMIRE THEIR CHISELED MANLY BEAUTY!” With that, Sarah snapped out of her daze and answered smiling, “Well, it also stars Scarlett Johansson!” Smiling back I said I suppose I could watch it. Also, Sarah FREAKED OUT when she realized it starred David Bowie and Andy Serkis in it too, and I was like, “Shut up Sarah, I’m trying to watch!”


Nonetheless, it is an excellent movie that is so well shot, and like “Memento” you have to watch at least twice to get it. I highly recommend the “The Prestige” and I think you all would greatly enjoy it. ***FOUR 1/2 STARS***

My Red Hair

I really cannot wait re-dye my hair red again, but I'm going to wait until my hair to grow out a bit more b/c I got my haircut last month and they cut a bit short.

I just love my red hair!

And I will definitely post photos of my red hair once I re-dye it again.


Bye for now.

Me w/ Red Hair at IAD July 2006

Here are some photos of me at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) from July 3, 2006, the day we left to moved back to London (and when Virgin Atlantic Airways upgraded me to Upper Class). Do please do tell me what you think.

Enjoy!


P.S.: My fab hair was done by my fab Jenna... MAN, I LOVE HER!

Sana Khan A.K.A. Miss Universe

Sana (my younger sister) just got back after spending the day wih Sarah (big sis) in The City to get her haircut at a Vidal Sassoon Academy. I was having doubt about how Sana would get her haircut b/c I still have nightmares from when Sarah got her haircut in 8th Grade thanks to my dad, and she so looked like a boy with everyone calling her my dad's son (I'll post photos, if I can find them, as I'm a great brother like that).

However, when Sana got home she showed me her haiecut first, and there is nothing to worry about. Sana looks BLOODY AMAZING! The cut suits her so much, and she looks even more fantastic since she had her hair dyed too. Sana looks really much more confident, and I strongly think that a haircut/hairstyle can make or break the person...

Also, I cannot believe that Sana is 15 years old, it seem like just yesterday when she was a little toddler running around in our garden here in London in her little white dress and cute Afro; and now she is growing into such a beautiful, smart, and wonderful young lady. It just brings tears to my eyes. But, not that much... The moment's over...

Anyway, I will post photos of Sana's new haircut/hairstyle soon, if I can get Sarah to take some pictures for me.


CHEERS!

Museums Are Cool!

Yesterday, we watched "Night At The Museum" that directed by Shawn Levy, which starred Ben Stiller and Robin Williams. It was a very funny movie, and Ben Stiller is always quite entertaining! And it's a really good family movie; I liked it a lot. ***THREE 1/2 STARS***

Time with My Cousin from Manchester - Act III

Today Rabia and her kids (Bilal and Sahil) left around 09:00 to go back to Manchester. Sarah took them on the Underground train at Woodford Station and dropped them off on their bus at Victoria Station.

Overall, I had a wonderful time w/ my cousin, and her kids were alright (just SO tiring and a handful). That's more than enough excitement for one weekend, until next time that is...

And we are all just taking the rest of the day easy, and relaxing.

Time with My Cousin from Manchester - Act II (continued)

Hiya! Photos of Rabia, Sarah, Sana, and me at the Oriental Pearl are posted below:

Time with My Cousin from Manchester - Act II

Yesterday, Saturday, Sarah took Rabia to the local open-air market to go shopping in the afternoon. They both got back around 17:00, and then we all had a snack.

As it was quite late, we all decided not to go to Bluewater - the leading shopping and leisure destination in Europe with over 330 stores and more in Kent, UK. Instead Sarah and Rabia decided they wanted to go out for dinner (as the weather has been BLOODY AMAZING all weekend with temps in the upper 60’s to mid 70’s). So, Rabia, Sarah, Sana, and me around 19:00 went to the Oriental Pearl, a Chinese restaurant, and b/c it was only 0.4 miles away from home we just walked to it.

Once we got a bit closer, Sarah realized the restaurant had one quite high step into the entrance on to an outdoor patio area w/ tables and seating. Right then, hmm… Damn buildings… Sarah then went inside and got the manager, and he came outside and said why don’t we just get some waiters and lift my wheelchair up the step w/ me in it. I was like “no way, it’s too heavy and it has 2 car batteries in it!” (Plus, the waiters there looked like they didn’t weigh very much and looked light as a feather.) Manager went back inside and came back w/ a large wide piece of wood. Next, he placed the wood on the step of the outdoor patio, and w/ trouble and Sarah’s help I drove up the shite wood ramp, as it started to crack. After I got on to outdoor patio area, the manager then tried to put the wood on the many stairs into the restaurant, but the wood was too short and the steps too steep. Again, not going to have them lift me (and if they did, I couldn’t fit through the doors of the restaurant b/c they were too narrow). Sarah (finding the new activists self within her) really tried to make the manager feel guilty by telling him that I’m a customer too, and does he plans to put a ramp into the restaurant; he just said would too expensive and it would be too difficult. Sarah said firmly no it wouldn’t be very expensive, and would not be difficult if they got a structural engineer: the manager just smirked sarcastically. Anyway, we just decided to eat outside in the outdoor patio area.

Rabia ordered a sizzling beef dish, Sarah ordered a Thai noodle dish, Sana ordered a sweet and sour chicken dish, I ordered a chicken on skewers with peanut sauce dish, and we all ordered lots of rice. By the time our food arrived and we started eating it had gotten a bit windy, but the 4 of us were having a really nice time. We got quite good services though with 3 people serving and checking on us including the manager, and the manager kept asking us if we were cold or not, even though we kept saying we were fine. What did he want us to leave? Even if we were cold, it’s not like he had blankets or a portable fire pit or something for us to stay warm. I just thought it was funny.

After we ate the 3 lovely ladies I was with wanted some desserts (I didn’t really want anything), so Rabia ordered a cheesecake, Sana ordered an ice-cream dish, and Sarah ordered Irish Coffee (as the menu didn’t mention any liquor in it); we decided to share the desserts. Well then, the 2 desserts came first that we all started sharing, and Sarah’s Irish Coffee came a few minutes later. She added a profuse amount of sugar to try to make the colour look a bit more pleasant (didn’t really help), and took a sip. Suddenly, Sarah spat it out *MISSING ME BY AN INCH MIGHT I ADD*, and we started laughing and were like WTF! She was like “SHITE, I THINK THIS HAS ALCOHOL IN IT… IT BURNED ON THE WAY DOWN!” ;-) Sarah then asked one of us to test it, and I without hesitation volunteered, as I’ve have had alcohol many a time (but those are stories for another time, another day). So, I took a deep breath and drank half the glass ];-) ! Just kidding, I just drank a sip, and told Sarah that yes it did have alcohol and that it tasted like Brandy. Next, Sarah took her glass in a quick motion and tossed all of her Irish Coffee into some flowers next to our table on the outdoor patio area. I was SO funny. Plus, Rabia kept getting ice-cream of her forehead and couldn’t figure out how she got it there, and after that Sana would not stop laughing all the way home. Once we had our food, we decided to leave (since we’d had enough excitement for one night), and the manager came back and put the crap makeshift wood ramp on the step on outdoor patio area. I reversed down the ramp in my wheelchair quickly as possible, and while I did it cracked loudly, but luckily I was almost off the ramp. We then said thanks, and started walking home.

On the way home, we stopped at Blockbuster to get a movie for later. Once we got to Blockbuster they had a step too, but thankfully they actually had proper portable ramp, which an employee kindly set up. We chose a movie as quickly as we could, and asked the employee to set up the ramp so I could leave. He did so, and as I was driving down the ramp Sarah calmly utters, “You better be careful, he’s quite drunk again tonight.” The employee somewhat surprised looked up in shock. He looked at Sarah and then at me; I smile at him, he then started laughing, and we burst out laughing. OMG… THAT WOULD BE A HILARIOUS SIGHT – ME DRUNK – THAT WOULD BE “MONTY PYTHON” AND “LITTLE BRITAIN” WORTHY! All the us subsequently just legged it back home, hurrying b/c we didn’t want my other cousin’s, Amir Khan, 12th pro boxing fight on TV, and Sarah needed to wee like hell (must’ve been the sip of Irish Coffee, HA HA HA).

Anyway, we made it just in time for the fight, and for Sarah to have a piddle, of course. Amir was great; he won, again, via a third round knockout. That makes it 12/12 wins for him. Also, it aired on HBO simultaneously from the UK for America. Did anyone see it? Tell me what you thought. And I think HBO is planning to air more of Amir later this year.

Finally, about 23:59 once the kids were asleep, Mum, Rabia, Sarah, and me watched “Little Miss Sunshine” that we got from Blockbuster earlier, which was directed by the husband-wife team of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, and starred Greg Kinnear and Toni Collette. It’s basically “a dramatic comedy film about a dysfunctional family's road trip to a child beauty pageant.” It’s not what you expect, and I REALLY enjoyed! And it was extremely well directed and filmed, and I think it’s one of my favourite movies. I highly recommend it. ***FOUR 1/2 STARS.***


Stay tuned for Act III, the final act…

Time with My Cousin from Manchester - Act I

As I mentioned my cousin from Manchester came to visit on Thursday w/ her 2 kids. We didn't really do much on Thursday after they arrived, other than rest, as they all had a 5+ hour drive by bus from Manchester.

Then, on Friday Sarah (my big sis) took my cousin (Rabia), her kids (Bilal, 10, and Sahil, 7), my younger sis (Sana, 15), and my younger bro (Sufian, 11) to London to a park for the day. I didn’t feel like going through London unless I have to since London isn’t very wheelchair friendly, so I stayed home and took it easy.

Once they all got home around 19:00, we all had dinner and rested for a bit while the kids played. And after we put the kids to bed, around 23:00 Mum, Rabia, Sarah, and I watch “Red Eye” directed by Wes Craven that starred Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy. Sarah bought it for me last week and we both watched it last Tuesday (me for the first time); I’m not into the whole horror movie thing, but Sarah said it was more of an action thriller than a horror movie, and that I would enjoy it. And really did, so I didn’t mind watching it again on Friday. “Red Eye” is basically about a woman (Rachel McAdams) who is flying on an early morning flight back to Miami to go back to work at a hotel after her grandmother’s funeral. At the airport she meets a man (Cillian Murphy) who befriends her and ends up sitting next to her the flight; during the flight he tells her to do a job for him via the plane’s air-phone relating to her job at the hotel in Miami or her dad dies. She has no choice, but there are lots of twists and turns, and the ending is quite interesting. One thing that makes this a great thriller is that Murphy’s character doesn’t yell or raise his voice one at McAdams’ character throughout the movie when he was telling her what to do for him and when he (really going at her) was angry at her for messing him about, and that’s what make his character so chilling. Further, here is an excerpt of a near the beginning of the movie that’s just chilling:

Lisa Reisert (Rachel McAdams): Is it Jack for short?
Jackson Rippner (Cillian Murphy): No. I haven't gone by Jack since I was ten years old.
Jackson Rippner (Cillian Murphy): Last name's Rippner.
Lisa Reisert (Rachel McAdams): Jack Rippner... Jack theee... oooohhhh.
Jackson Rippner (Cillian Murphy): There you go.
Lisa Reisert (Rachel McAdams): That wasn't very nice of your parents.
Jackson Rippner (Cillian Murphy): That's what I told them. Before I killed them.

“Red Eye” was so the DOG’S BOLLOCKS! For those of you who have not seen it, you must see it. ***FOUR STARS.***

Bye for now. Check back soon for Act II & Act II…

Easter is Here...

HAPPY EASTER FROM LONDON ONE AND ALL!

My Cousin

Hiya! Today, one of my cousins from Manchester is coming with her two kids (both boys) to visit us until at least Sunday for Easter. Sarah's gone to pick them up at Victoria Station in The City.

It's REALLY going to be a VERY long weekend, I can tell already, as her kids are quite wild and naughty! Hopefully though, Sufian (my younger brother) will keep them busy and somewhat calm, being older and supposedly with head on his shoulders... supposedly... ;-)

But, I always have a BRILLIANT time with all my cousins (my dad's big bro's kids), who are all older than me, b/c whenever we get together they are so much fun and ALWAYS spoil me loads! I hope this time is no different.

I will update you all on more of the happenings later.


Yours truly,
The Red Haired Londoner

Sorry

Hiya! Friends, I just want say sorry for not posting a blog entry in a long while… I have had so much to post about, but I have not been feeling very well. Nevertheless, now that I got some new medicine and a nebulizer from the doctor I hopefully will better soon after being sick for over 7 months. And I’ll try to put lots more posts online soon, I promise… Have a great day!


Cheers,
The Red Haired Londoner