eBay members are dumb!

I have been buying and selling things on eBay for around 5 years now, and I have only been encountered with one issue in the past when a purchased item disappeared (but thats another story).

On Saturday I listed my Gibson SG Special on eBay for auction, due to me never using the guitar anymore. It has been sat in the corner of my room collecting dust. Since listing this item I have been bombarded with ridiculous questions from eBay members who amongst the bidding. Clearly my in-depth description for this item was not good enough for some eBay members. 

I am sure a majority of people would think the same as me, in not wanting pay for postage in the UK or even worse oversea. Therefore I decide to make the item collection only. 

However, some eBayers are insisting on asking whether I would consider posting the item to them, I feel like responding with a simple 'read the description!'

Then going further I have been asked if I would consider posting it to Europe.... clearly if I have stated 'Collection In Person' I don't want to be posting overseas. 

Now to go even further, don't get me started on people sending messages with appalling attempt at grammar, I know is not always good. However some of these massages have taken me at least 5 attempt of reading through to understand the question. 

I am probably just moaning for no reason, and just being horrible. But whenever I log into eBay and attempt to purchase or place a bid on an item, I do read the description, and take note on the eBayers reputation from past sales. 

Its just common sense. 

What encounters have you made on eBay?

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Week 3 film I haven't seen [Blow, 2001]

The true story of George Jung, the man who established the American cocaine market in the 1970s.

I picked up this film for two reasons; I heard of it before and been wanting to see it for a while, and I am a fan of Johnny Depp's work. From the opening scene and then throughout the film I was shocked and surprised to see Johnny Depp in such long hair that looked too fake for my liking. However, I managed to not let this distract me from Johnny's performance which of course was spot on.

Throughout the film you believe every piece of the performance, feeling for Georges (Johnny Depp) fortune and then miss fortune, and then naughty mischief. You know some decisions he is making are going turn out bad, but you go along with him as you know its going to be fun along the way, even if there are consequences. You feel as if he has become your friend on screen.

The visuals are also impressive, complimenting with the performances. Some scenes made me feel like they were influenced to or from Oceans 11's visual. Either films could of taken these visual elements as they were produced the same year, whatever the case may be Blow is still great work.

Week 2 film review

MH x

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The perfect homemade chips

For a while now I have been trying to cook the perfect homemade chips, and during the weekend (I guess could have added this to Mondays post) I finally cracked them.
So if you are currently failing at homemade chips, follow these instructions and you are on the road to success.

What you will need:
Potatoes...obviously (1 large potato for each person)
Mixed Herbs (Optional)
Oil
Baking Tray
Saucepan
Oven (obviously)

1. Turn the oven up to its highest setting and leave the baking tray in there to warm up nicely.

2. Peel the potato(s) and wash off the excess starch that is left. Then cut the potatoes into slices of about 1cm thick. Then cut these slices into smaller 1cm pieces that resemble your typical chip.

3. Place all the potato pieces into a saucepan of water on the hob. As soon as the water starts boiling, leaving them to boil for 3 minutes. Soon as the 3 minutes is up, remove the saucepan from the heat.

4. Remove the baking from oven (with oven gloves!). Drain away the water from the potatoes in the saucepan and throw into the baking tray. Smother the potatoes with the oil, making sure all the potatoes are covered, sprinkle on top mixed herbs if desired. Then throw all back into the oven,  do not lower the heat. Leave potatoes for 10 minutes, after this remove and shake them about, return them to oven and leave for another 10 minutes.

5. Remove your now, chips from the oven and enjoy :)

MH x

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Gil Scott + Jamie XX

Last week at work I was able to give a helping hand on a small shoot down at the studio in the basement of our office. They were filming bubbles and ink in water to make particles to add into an animation.

I was interested in helping out as I have always wanted to film this effect to music. So I took home the remaining ink and syringes, and this is what I came up with.



I was quite happy how the video turned out, and I'm thinking of making this a monthly thing. Perhaps add a new video to my Vimeo account once a month, just to see a develop in my shooting and editing skills.

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The Weekend [21/22 Jan]

Saturday I made the short journey into London to see the 'Yul Brynner: A Photographic Journey' exhibition at The Little Black Gallery. However for some reason was not able to find the damn place, even though I was using Google Maps on my iPhone. I was standing right over the spot where Google Maps was telling me the gallery was, however the gallery was not in my point of view.

At least 15 minutes went by consisting of me walking around in circles trying to find it, eventually stopping my frustration and leaving the area. To brush off my frustration I treated myself to a Boddeans for lunch. If you have never tried Boddeans before, I strongly suggest you do so the next time your in central London and craving some meat for lunch / dinner. Of course if your a vegetarian...stay clear. Next few weeks I'm hoping to try out Meat Liqour which I believe has recently opened up just a few streets away from Boddeans.

The evening was completed through putting my Gibson SG on eBay, as I realised I never use the guitar anymore. And I am need of the quick cash, it could come in handy as spending money for when I head off to New York with my girlfriend in just under 2 weeks time. Following this I found myself watching far too much trash TV for a Saturday evening.

The same followed on Sunday, along with watching the final episodes of Diggnation which I have been a fan for a good year or so, and will definitely miss the show. I need to find a new way to find out my tech news, any suggestions?

And if you know where The Little Black Gallery is please do tell me, I want to go this exhibition before It finishes.

MH x

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The Kingston Road Runner

Today is Saturday, which of course is a day to do whatever. The majority of the time that involves entertaining yourselves, so here is a piece of online entertainment you may enjoy.

Me and my housemate are easily amused.

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The Maccabees - Given To The Wild [QUICK REVIEW]

This week my hands were finally in the possession of The Maccabees third album 'Given To The Wild'. I have have lost count how many the album has been played through since transferring it onto my iPhone.

From my first two listens I was a bit undecided whether the album was really enjoyable listen for a Maccabees fan. I couldn't help feeling the true Maccabees sounds had be lost somewhere amongst the 13 tracks. Thinking the stand out upbeat sing-a-long guitar riffs and unique vocals from Orlando were being lost behind the ambience of the album, therefore dear I say it; making the album sound the same the whole way through.

Of course I was just being nuts and this was only my first few listens. After this hurdle was succeeded the album really stands up as a fantastic third album from the guys. The albums pace goes up and down, continuously grabbing you. Hearing different things here and there along the journey.

I really believe this is a perfect third album from The Maccabees everyone knew the album was going to be a tough challenge after the success of 'Wall Of Arms' but I do believe they have succeeded. The development from 'Wall Of Arms' to this album has raised the bar from them all. Their new sound is very mature and additive, you can all tell their talents have been lifted so high over the last 9 years. And I can't wait to hear the songs when I get to see them at Brixton Academy on the 26th January.

If you haven't heard the album yet, just go out and buy it. You will not be disappointed. And if you haven't heard of The Maccabees, well...get all three albums.

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