Sponge

I am not saying I am trendy but I am a sponge. Every fashion ad campaign, new music, new haunts. I search and soak it all up. The music crisis has been alleviated after several days of negotiations.

Hot music:
Kat De Luna -9 Lives

Jonathan Clay - After All

Souljah Boy fest i15-Souljah Girl. Cheese galore but I like it.

Mario- Go. Oak production is sick on Why & Kryptonite. Also other host of producers including Polow the Don and Neptunes.

Mary J Blige-Growing Pains. There was a late night tube journey involved where the ballads near the end helped get some shut eye but the fast and mid tempo tracks are good.

Common - I Want You. Kerry Washington turns director and I am loving her, she is so stunning it's unreal.

A mish mash of The Dream, N Dubz, Young Nate (Mixed Messages) and Tamia are keeping me going.

Awana- is one restaurant that lives up to the hype. If this is London styley Malay food , I am so involved. The amount of food consumed actually splinted my diaphragm, making respiration a struggle.




Denzel gives another Oscar-worthy performance in the lengthy American Gangster and Lions For Lambs left me irritated by Tom Cruise's overacting despite the sublime Meryl Streep. The Golden Compass made me all fuzzy inside. Dakota Blue Richards is very good and the bear is won me over.

I Wanna Dance

There is nothing like the adrenaline of real medicine. I am grateful that despite the multitude of mindless tasks that punctuate my working life, I can experience that buzz from time to time. I would love to talk frankly about my work but it isn't possible. Individuals differ in their work ethic and this job has added the desire to scream to my emotional repertoire.

Speed dating is an interesting experience, in some cases 3 minutes is not enough and you find the other person very interesting, in others the silence is grating as you pray for the break or someone, anyone else to rescue you. All in all, it's good fun.

I love the Keyshia Cole album Just Like You (Didn't I Tell You & Was It Worth It) and other music on repeat this week:
Bed J Holiday
Apologise Timbo
Like You'll Never See Me Again Alicia Keys- How hot does Common look in the video?

I find myself listening to my 90's music because most contemporary rnb has become repetitive. Same girl in the video, same video. Would love to see jazzy jeff live again, when he's in London and Snow patrol before I have grandchildren.

Fans of funky decor should check out Industry bar in Shoreditch, LVPO in Soho and Dion in Docklands.

After deciding against joining the mile long queue for the Terracotta Army at the British Museum, I returned to my 2nd home, the national portrait gallery for the photographic portrait exhibition. I hate to say it but I'm a fan of Starbucks sweets (ginger cake and yummy muffins galore). Gu also do great desserts. Convent garden is a great space, not taking itself too seriously.

Things I've Learnt

She leaves behind a week of nights. +++ Sleep deprivation, a minority of uncooperative patients and staff, nutella, proper medicine and being afraid. The important thing is she survived. The body clock must shift, not helped by celebratory outings. The mp3 hard drive data saga continues courtesy of a repair shop. Things I learnt this month:

• Flat shoes can hurt when you spend over 12 hours on your feet
• Heratbreak Kid is slapstick with a silly ending
• No matter how hard I try I will never find anything I like in Topshop
• Protein shakes taste disgusting
• Music is like a drug
• Zara is a bad bad place
• Thai restaurants rely on my business
• Larry David is a genius
• I loathe Kate Moss at Topshop and celebrity fragrances. Mariah Carey? Stop it please.
• Guest lists are archaic and plastic people do exist
• Don't say it, just keep it to yourself
• Jazzy Jeff isn't coming to the U.K for a while

Creative Deceased

In the past month I have eaten out lots (hello to the staff behind the counter at the fried chicken place). There has been refined cuisine too (dutch, chinese, italian -you get the jist). Danced to songs I have heard hundreds of times (fatman scoop should be banned in most places), drank coca cola, become obsessed with anything a certain colour and fed the dvd addiction.

• Little Miss Sunshine -excellent
• Mystic River -saw twist about 30 minutes in like Donnie Darko but Sean Penn is cool.
• Dreamgirls- I am embarrassed to admit to it but the songs are SO catchy
• Science Of Sleep -Gael Garcia stars. Haven't watched it yet.
• Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm Series 5 -every season has been classic so far so I am hopeful.

My Creative Is Deceased. As October brings new releases, I am left with the majority of my music collection in a cd format only and recent photos. I know I should backed everything up. This is a transition period (being a music buff) and with nights looming ahead so I will be in touch.

Hiatus

I return after a 2 month hiatus. My life can be described in the following way: sleep, eat, hospital, sleep, eat, hospital. I have survived three on calls, a bungled pay cheque, the wrath of relatives and registrar power struggles (the latter is still on going, we hope for a seize fire some time soon). There have been so many interesting moments especially the one where you really really want to cry and don't want to do this medicine thing anymore. Divulging any further details will threaten my anonymity. The weekend is when things really come to life. American crime season on Channel 5 anyone? The individual who said you don't get time to spend the money you earn was probably a scrooge.

To round up the last 2 months: Bourne Ultimatum- very good but not the best of the trilogy. The illusionist- quirky with the usual top notch performance from Edward Norton. I saw Shooter with Mark Walberg (last film of his I saw was the one with apes so you understand my scepticism) in a blurry eyed daze on the long haul flight. I re watched it on dvd bar the ending which I saw the first time and it is actually a decent film. Blood Diamond changed my negative view of the Di Caprio. Forest Whittaker and James McAvoy stole my heart in Last King of Scotland. As my creative takes it final dying breaths, the new generation of ipods including the ipod touch are released later this month. Creative also released a 16gb version of the zen. C-net Review. Amazon. Gone are the days of irritation with staff working in mobile phone and electrical retailers because I know more about their products than they do. I will not be sold a gadget because it is pink and cute!

On heavy rotation:
Mario- Kryptonite feat. Rich Boi
Trey Songz-Fly Together feat. Jim Jones
Kelly Rowland (Kelle with a southern twang as Yung Texus says) -Still in Love With My Ex
remix
Chris Brown-Kiss Kiss. For the record I love the production.
Nicole- Whatever You Like. Again sick beat.
Ne-Yo-Make Me Better. Timbo's beats are ridiculous.
New Talib Kweli-Ear Drum is alright but prefer earlier albums.

Look out for: new PCD (hopefully they will be more proactive on this record as opposed to doing covers), Mario's new LP, Keyshia Cole's Just Like You and As I Am from Alicia Keys.

After watching Nicole's pre show royale performance for the VMAs I give her my full respect. Not only is the choreography for the instrumental bit after Lil Wayne's ''verse'' (I could have done better and I can't rhyme) tight, she killed it.

17 July 07

We visited the Che Guevara memorial and the wreck of Batista's train which was derailed by Che and his comrades using a bulldozer. This was key in overthrowing the Batista government in 1959. We stopped for drinks at the Yacht club hotel has stunning views over Santa Clara's shore line. Sitting overlooking the sea and the boats in 34 degrees and pure blue skies. A moment I will never forget. This is Cuba. The roads to Trinidad wind like a roller coaster, we all did the Mexican wave on the bus.

Photo Mountains and beaches made the journey picturesque. The Iberostar grand hotel in Trindad is unbelievable. There is free internet access, a pool room, amazing restaurant and bar, my bath can fit more than 3 people and my room has a walk in wardrobe and a patio area. I love the fluffy bath robes and 5 star food- even the orange juice lol.

18 July 07

Today we explore the UNESCO world heritage site of Trinidad on foot. Many tourists admire the colonial architecture and walk the cobbled streets. It has 11 museums, the most of any of the places we visited. The Plaza Mayor (main square), Iglesia Parroquial de la santisima Trnidad, museo romantico (converted mansion with china and period pieces), casa Templo de Santeria Yemaya (Afro-Cuban religious house), Iglesia de Santa Ana and Plaza Santa Ana are all on the itinerary. We also sampled the house cocktail at La Canchara, made from rum, honey, lemon and water. Playa Ancon's white sandy beach is 12 km south of Trinidad. Swimming in the Caribbean sea, enjoying the weather and admiring the views strengthened my desire to never leave. Poring rain on my return to the hotel reminded us of hurricane season. I made a last ditch visit to the arts and craft stalls before closing time for souvenirs. As I was to later discover, the prices here were much cheaper than Habana. Pieces of art which cannot fit into your suitcase require an export licence from the artist.

19 July 07

We depart for the pinar del Rio province, the main tobacco growing region in Cuba. We stop at Guama and take a boat to a replica Indian village on the shores of Treasure Lake. Next is the hotel located in the Sierra del Rosario nature reserve. We can see the mountains, hear the birds and be at one with nature.

20 July 07

After stopping to admire the stunning views of theVinales valley, we take a boat through the El Indio limestone caves. We visit a tobacco factory, drink tea at a farmer's house and have dinner at another local farmer's house. Castro and government officials have been known to eat here as the quality of food is very good.

21 July

We tour the bio reserves local community of Las Terrazas. There is a school, medical centre and post office. This community exemplifies Cuba's infrastructure. Health and education is free. The government pays for your funeral and 95% of the country has electricity. We swim in the San Juan river. The rocky floor is slippery but the water is refreshing. The children are so sweet, with their floats learning to swim for the first time.

Touts, beggars and expensive prices are the negatives however Cuba has exceeded the expectations of everyone of us. In terms of size, diversity ( architecture, cultural sites, beaches, mountains, greenery all sit on the same island) and beauty.

22 July

The long queues for check in and the fact that it is raining in London all add to the cheery atmosphere. To anyone considering a trip, just do it! My impending entry into the F1 is the only reason I get on the plane back. After one last glance over the blue green waters I am comforted because in my heart I know that some day in I will be back.

15 July 07

Thanks to the newsagent who made me wait 10 minutes for his oyster ticket machine to charge up. Were it not for him, I would have made the 6 am Gatwick express from Victoria, the entire reason I woke up at a ridiculous hour. The queues at the airport were horrendous at check in, security, upper crust (I waited 20 mins for the worst ham and mozzarella baguette I have ever tasted- tax free prices my ass!). Singapore airlines and Changi airport make Gatwick and Virgin Atlantic's customer service look like child's play. One holiday maker said she was embarrassed. Changi has lounges, free internet, fitness spa, free tour of the city, bamboo, cactus, orchid gardens, cinema and swimming pool to mention but a few. After sitting through the obligatory banter between the pilot and the cabin crew, something about being poor at their jobs and badly done highlights, I settled in for the long haul flight. A ridiculous incident sticks in my mind, I was in the window seat and we had finished eating breakfast but the cabin crew had not cleared the trays 30 mins later. I asked if one of the flight attendants could clear our trays as they stopped me from leaving my seat to use the loo. She informed me that she was unable to do this until after coffee was served. The people in the seat next to me had to hold their trays of food and stand in the aisle as I climbed over their seats. I was irritated because some bloke who had made a fuss about being given a window seat instead of an aisle seat got attended to by the flight manager and every effort was made to help him.

Blue green seas lap the shoreline beneath the cotton wool clouds. Palms sweaty, heart beating, an experience I will never forget awaits. Bienvenido a Cuba.

On arrival, as the passenger in front of me speaks fluent spanish, the security official speaks spanish to me, blank stares betray my bewilderment as year 9 spanish is a mere blip in the distant past. Conversational spanish is my limit. I find the tour rep and await the the other guests fro transfer to the hotel. 1 covertible Cuban currency for tourists (CUC) is approximately 24 national pesos (local currency). As we drive form the airport, I am struck by the humidity and heat 32 degrees Celsius with no breeze, palm trees and greenery.

Cuban Revolution fast facts:

• Fidel Castro is a qualified lawyer and former orator
• 1953: he led a failed attempt by rebels to attack army barracks
• The Caracas pact called on the US to stop aid to the Batista government
• 1961: USA declared trade embargo on Cuba
• 1993: US dollar was legalised in Cuba. Fidel's brother, Raul is head of the armed forces

The hotel Sevilla is set in downtown Habana and former guests include Al Capone and the mafia. The imposing lobby with spanish tiles, immaculate seating area, ground floor pool, 9th floor restaurant with stunning views had me speechless. My room was a welcome surprise with high ceilings, marble flooring, mahogany furniture, electronic, safe and petite dressing room. We toured the Hotel Parque Central, Capitolio Nacional, one of many Jose Marti statues, Museo Nacional de bellas artes and the Museo de la Revolucion which houses the glass encased yacht 'granma' which carried Castro from Mexico to Cuba in 1956. We saw part of the city wall and aeroplanes, military style trucks and the tank which Castro et al used in the battle of the bay of pigs in 1961. It is clear that Cuba loves Jose Marti as there tributes to him everywhere. He was a native of Habana and a fiercely pro spanish socialist who fled into exile numerous times. As an avid writer he published children's and political books. I return to the hotel at 11pm and retire to bed. It was a mean feat staying up till 4a.m GMT.

Breakfast is continental with beautiful pastries and the result is I overeat. We visit Ernest Hemingway's colonial house 45 minutes outside of Habana. 9 acres of land, a swimming pool and his boat are on the property. We are unable to enter the house as it is a museum which must be preserved but pictures are taken through the open windows and doors. On the way into Habana, we stop to admire the breathtaking Lighthouse and fort which line the Straits of Florida. As we strolled the less touristy districts in old Habana, the friendly locals spoke spanish to me ( a daily occurrence throughout the trip) or asked where I was from. Next we walked through Habana Vieja's Plaza de Armas which is a Spanish style beautiful square with shops. We ate at El Ajiibe, a restaurant in a district with large houses, and opulent embassy buildings. The restaurant's thatched roof and ceiling fans gave it an island feel. The chicken was a secret special recipe. The main dilemma at the end of the meals (usually rice, black beans, chicken, beef or pork) was the amount of tip to leave. Bottled water is a must for tourists!

Our tour guide, Jorge likes House and Grey's Anatomy so he can do no wrong in my book. I got in contact with my friend in Havana (thank you Orange roaming, I expect my huge bill in the post) and we end up at a Jazz bar. I will be exhausted tomorrow as we leave for Santa Clara at 830 am but you only live once!

My Loves

T.I's T.I. vs T.P album has good production (southern rap vibe) but nil else. At best it is repetitive and at worst rubbish. I expected better especially as King wasn't that good either. Kelly Rowland's Miss Kelly is one of the best albums I have owned since The Evolution of Robin Thicke (which everyone is now jumping on over 6 months later). Stand out tracks include Still in Love With My Ex, Comeback, Every Thought Is You, Work it (Put It In) and Better Without You. This album is killing me, it's so good but can Kelly garner greater success without resorting to some female artists' tactics of wearing dental floss?

The Rodney Jerkins produced So Sick by Natasha, has a neptunes-esque beat with falsetto vocals. I fear she may be another of those one single r n b artists that litter the musical landscape.

Can they release Megan Rochelle's album already? Trey Day from Trey Songz is sounding like it might be hot judging by Wonder woman & Fly Together. Think rnb with rap bridges. Straight out of the wrapper is Chrisette Michele's I Am.

My creative is in a critical condition. There was a scare earlier in the week, it kept crashing and I had to update the firmware praying my data would be safe. After trawling through I discovered many members of the creative techie community which I am now part of, have the same problems. I had to survive 4 days without music. Never again! The Creative m vision 30GB is one of the best mp3 players on the market but firmware problems and its liability to crash after the warranty has expired have ended my loyalty. I don't want to get an i-pod but quality players offering 30 GB of space are few and far between. The Archos Gen5 is a beauty.


I finished This Book Will Save Your Life by A.M Homes and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hossein which is set in Afghanistan. A.M Homes' book is similar to Sofia Coppola's Lost In translation in that it is about nothing.It is well written and I kept waiting for the big climax which never existed despite the mini ones. I love the Kite runner because the style of writing is very affectionate and the characters have depth. The author does not shy from harrowing subjects. He tackles them with compassion and honesty.

I have a surprise.

Ciara Sizzles

Ciara's Darkchild produced banger, Can't Leave Him Alone has been circulating for a while and thenew video is crazy!
1. She looks amazing
2. I pray she isn't actually topless
3. Are they? Aren't they?
4. 50 doesn't deserve her!
5. Most importantly, who designed the dress?

The Award for seeing the light goes to Kim Porter (Diddy's long suffering girlfriend) who has allegedly left him. We cannot blame society's problems on music but we are becoming increasingly materialistic and the media celeb culture is heavily responsible. It would be nice to see some sensible artists who don't conform to the usual stereotype be it drugs, guns et al.

DJ Jazzy Jeff

BBE 10th anniversary set May 2007

Check out the new album, The Return of the Magnificent

R.I.P Liz Claiborne

DesignerLiz Claiborne passed away.

She's In Fashion

Roberto Cavalli new designer for H&M
PPQ clothing
Stylebubble
Marc Jacobs
Zac Posen
Derek Lam

Summer of Film

Oceans 13 is a slick picture with Al Pacino as an added bonus. It doesn't beat Oceans 11 because the format was relatively fresh but is the funniest of the three films. Could the studio not get Don Cheadle a proper voice coach for the 'cockney accent'? Embarrassed is an understatement.

Zodiac is a lengthy piece and I was painfully aware that the only thing stopping me from leaving after the honorary 120 mins was Jake Gyllenhaal. It was a great piece of story telling but the director should have left more on the cutting room floor.

Dinner with friends. Tapas- for the millionth time! I love it. My favourite night at Elbow Rooms re branded so we ended up elsewhere. A fun night was had by all. I am loving the freedom.

Orthopaedics- We Love it

It is refreshing that the peak of my orthopaedics knowledge is several days before surgical finals. A mixture of reading, falling asleep and repeating the oxford handbook of clinical specialties ortho section has eased the palpitations that would normally accompany orthopaedics. Somehow I don't see mecanno sets, drills or saws in my future.

The end is palpable and I cannot wait but I must get back to work so I can see Danny Ocean do his thing later.

The Trends

I don't regret my previous rant because it was all true. However, like a celebrity who has found a new religion or left rehab I feel slightly refreshed.

Going Up:
Puffball dresses
Maroon 5
Eva Mendes
Rachel Bilson
Royal blue and purple
Bright Colours
Perspex heels
Slim Thug on a Hilary Duff remix? I just hope the money was worth it Slim!

Going Down:
Big brother- Fame hungry wannabes. It's so late 1990's.
Leggings- every1 and I mean every1 is wearing them. Oh no she didn't!
Lily Allen and public breakdowns(a la Britney)- I could write an essay on her lack of talent. I'm young and wear converse trainers how fashionable am I?
Young rich and stupid-It doesn't take a genius to figure it out you should not drive drunk or when you've been banned.
People famous for nothing- ex big bro housemates and tabloid one night stand tell tales. Listen up nursery children, if you want to be 'successful' then make sure you sleep with anyone vaguely D-list then you can get in the tabloids and live happily ever after.

Line in the Distance

There is a reason why you don't know some people in your year because you have nothing in common. This is unlikely to change on August 1 when work (courtesy of the MTAS lottery)starts.

She would love to say she will miss medical school but she knows none of the readers are wearing nappies and they can read between the lines. She jests, she wishes someone had told her the brutal honest truth. Oh nobody told you about the vampire like transformation of medics once final year and job applications start? Maybe she exaggerates to entertain.

Seventy eight days since she last ventured out in a genuinely fun capacity, blurry eyed from watching countless lectures, mentally and physically exhausted she will drag her bottom over the damn finishing line. Why? She is not about to see years of training (which she would describe as top class if it were) go down the drain. She will be the happiest person when she finishes because she survived all the crap including the backstabbing and competitiveness.

Don't get her started on Rihanna. Can the radio stations stop the torture? It stopped being funny an album ago. I have a whole host of hot new albums in my sights when the exams are over: Amel Larrieux, Anthony hamilton, Ba Ra, Carl Thomas, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Maroon 5, Musiq and Ne-Yo.

Remake of JT's Sexy Back

Weckenbach video

Hot Songs:

Critics are hailing Sunshine as an indie classic. Despite being as a space/sci-fi movie sceptic I must admit the visual effects were tantalising. However I am not convinced it is a classic. The ending spoilt the whole film.
Hot Music:


Beyonce's Upgrade You has been rediscovered. The Swizz Beats/Cameron Wallace production is crazy.

Swizz beats also produced Eve's Tambourine off her album Here I Am.

Timbo produced Wreck by Bobby Valentino

Out of the Next Selection camp comes Uness Over


Young Steff Put That on Everything

Luvanmusiq-Musiq is HOT.Album sampler

I thought of an interesting rnb equation: Teedra Moses= Amerie-Rich Harrison

Paolo Nutini Brixton 24 April 07

Ne-yo feat. Fabolous Make Me Better. Sick Timbo production again. You by Lloyd feat. Lil Wayne is also on heavy rotation at the moment. My friend and I enjoyed a bottle beer each feeling like prisoners who had been unchained from our revision desks for the day. Shock horror, the world does not revolve around medicine and the rest of the population is enjoying their lives.

Music Video:YOU (by Lloyd)

Music Video Code provided by VideoCodeZone.Com

Paolo made us wait two hours for him. Ghost who I am not familiar with entertained the crowd in the interim. The crowd was dominated by pre-pubescent youngsters some of whom had clearly never been out in public let alone to a concert. Screaming,sitting on the floor, being rude to people and pushing is not normal behaviour. Despite the distractions Paolo with his distinctive voice proved himself as a quality Brit act. The band were dispensable and I'd have preferred an acoustic set.


Why should trainees go overseas because the government chooses to spend more time and effort on an IT system than the future of it's medical trainees? Why were the personal details of F1 applicants available publicly on the MTAS website?

Let us set an exam of a high standards so that successful candidates from our school are seen as top notch. It makes sense but MTAS gives no preference to those who sit more rigorous finals. Why after six years of training are we feeling so unprepared for finals. External revision courses should be a choice but the huge attendance from our school would indicate the majority of us see them as a necessity. There should be more emphasis on hands on experience and clinical anatomy teaching as opposed to comm skills. In a couple of years I hope I will be one of the lucky few with a job and all this hoo ha will be a remote memory.

Time of No Life Again

Curse of the Golden Flower was an aesthetically pleasing disappointment. After months of anticipation on my part I was embarrassed by the film. It was an oriental soap opera lasting 2 hours. I love Hero, Crouching Tiger et al but Zhang Yimou lost his directorial flair this time. The action scenes were sparse with the emphasis on melodrama and time needlessly wasted near the start of the film.Other reviews.


It's that time of year again. The bright warm days, packed libraries with poor air conditioning and the looming threat of exams. The consensus of most of the revision courses is you don't have to be a neurosurgeon to pass finals, just perform slick clinical examinations. Easy? How many hips have most final years examined? Anyway it will be worth the effort when we graduate and become F1 doctors/ward clerk-phlebotomists. I tried skinny cow's mint and chocolate ice cream. The chocolate bits were alright but the other parts which made up the majority of the 500ml tub reminded me of something. I thought I was hallucinating so enlisted my flatmates to taste. Toothpaste. I would encourage anyone who likes eating toothpaste to try it. In the ethos of fairness you can find out more about Skinny Cow ice cream.

So many birthdays in the run up to exams shame I can't go.

Nokia N95

It's gadget time again. I am a huge fan of the Nokia N73 music edition however the new Nokia N95 is pure gadget heaven with a 5 megapixel camera, GPS and Wi-fi. T3 review Cnet Asia review

Primark World

It is official Primark, the store that no one would freely admit to frequenting a few years ago has taken over marble arch. Every other person has a Primark ox street carrier bag. I passed the huge crowds of bargain hungry shoppers, only controlled by a heavy security presence on Thursday. It was a less dramatic affair early Saturday. The marble arch branch has more stock and small sizes something of a rarity at other branches. It is all hype which unfortunately I am also contributing to.

I am loving a few tracks on the Timbo album: Fantasy,Bombay and Apologise. Check out Trey Songz's new video Wonder Woman with Timbo (he is everywhere, even madonna is jumping on the band wagon) and Danja on production.

Hot & Fresh

Die Hard Returns-Brucie is back. Watch trailer.

Polow Da Don has done it again for Kelly Rowland's sexy comeback, Like This. The beat is sick.
Rihanna feat Jay-Z Umbrella

Mims feat. Marques Houston This is Why I'm Hot Remix

Timbo album Shock Value is released tomorrow. Where I Are feat. Keri Hilson has a weak rap solo but ridiculous production.
Read reviews:Byron Crawford, sputnik music, bbc music, certified hip hop

Elliott Yamin (former American Idol contestant) does r'n'b.

Going back in time when the don Carlos Santana released Maria Maria with that hot spanish guitar.

Music Video:

Maria, Maria - Santana Videos

Get Yours: Music Video Codes / Video Codes / Flash Games / Zwinky

No Longer Jobless

Today was poignant due to the release of the FY1 jobs . I still remember my first day of medical school when I knew no one. I quickly made friends two of which I consider my brothers. Several years later and two months from MBBS finals I have a job with a rotation in a specialty which interests me. Results day will honour all the obstacles we have overcome and hopefully bring tears of happiness from yours truly.

300 has unrivalled cinematography and pure testosterone fuelled action. I saw it after a long day of placement and revision tutorials but I enjoyed it. The acting was of a high standard with a realistic ending which avoided the usual Hollywood let down.

Brand Spanking New Musiq

Akon has signed a new act Brick and Lace to his Kon Live label.


Other pre release albums:

Musiq Soulchild -Lovanmusiq out now
Megan Rochelle 26 March 07 & Bobby V -2 April 07 See past posts
Nathan- Masterpiece 26 March 07
Joe- Ain't Nothing Like Me 23 April 07
Ne-Yo- Because Of You 23 April 07
Amerie- Because I Love You 30 April 07
Keith Sweat- Some More 21 May 07
Kelly Rowland- Miss Kelly 9 July 07

PS 3

I apologise to the staff in Dixons on Oxford Street. The scruffy person drooling outside the window and stroking the PS3 display was myself. After many delays Sony are trying to bring sexy back with the Play station 3. Full low down.

Photo

Hello Again

I apologise for my mini exodus. The MMC protest march saw a good turn out with over 10,000 protesters. I saw a few doctors I recognised and many consultants turned up to show support for the junior doctors. I have never seen such solidarity amongst the medical profession. Some have asked why I went. Apathy regarding a system that leaves 8, 000 doctors jobless is unjustifiable. This is not about senior house officers (SHO)s but about the bureaucracy of the NHS and politics which may leave many future medical trainees in a dire situation. If we do not voice our objections and strive for change who will?

See Channel 4's TV coverage and read Patricia Hewitt's response. There will be a review but the government has refused to scrap the system. The brick wall is frustrating but I would march all over gain.

Channel Five are doing well with the new legal series Shark and House series 3 starts tonight.

Music I am enjoying at the moment:

Joe- If I was Your Man
Kanye West- Throw Some D's freestyle
Pretty Ricky- On Da Hotline Remix
N Dubz- Feva Las Vegas
Timbo- Give It Me
Tamia- Between Friends
Musiq Soulchild- Buddy
Tiffany Affair- Over It

Watch Video:

Over It (Tiffany Affair)

Video Code provided by MusicRemedy.Com

Tevin Campbell- Can We Talk for all the old school people.

New baby

Last night's journey was impossible. The central line was suspended with no circle or east bound district line and a limited service on the northern line.London Underground-Aaaaaaghhhh!

Check out this baby, the new I-River Clix(2GB) mp3 player. C-net review. There will be 4 and 8 gb versions to follow.

Who Am I?

I passed 1st year so I am uber cool and my behind is super glued to the library seats. I will make noise and disturb others who want to work seriously while brandishing my course guide as a badge of honour. Who am I? Someone in 2nd year.

When I was younger I did not have attitude or give lip. I had so much respect for the years above because they were more experienced and knowledgable than myself. I am shocked anyone other than desperate finalyears is in the library at the weekends. The younger students are more competitive and keen than we ever were. This is good because they may make better doctors. Hoewever feedback from some of 2nd and 3rd years I know reveals some people are work-obsessed and have no extracurricular activities. I fear burn out could be on the horizon for a few.

Why are the National Gallery charging £12 for the Renoir exhibition? It is ludicrous that Ernst & Young is sponsoring them and yet they still have exorbitant fees. I love the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery (NPG)hence my disappointment. Nothing like putting off tourists and locals. The most NPG charge is £6 or £8 for special exhibitions.


I am enjoying my little moments of freedom because I know in 5 months I won't have much free time. Wandering Trafalgar's square on a saturday, spotting new restaurants on the high street and catching up with friends. Two birthday things this weekend and I will keep you posted.

Check out the new Timbo, Nelly and Justin video causing a raucus with Scott Storch.

MMC Protest March

March on March 17th organised by Remedy UK
More than 28000 doctors applying
Only 18000 run-through training posts
& 5000 temporary posts
More than 5000 unemployed
doctors

Royal College of Physicians, London 11 am

Blazing Trailer

Latest London listings this weekend.

Japanese food again (I am convinced I have Asian ancestors) at Mika near Portobello. Nice food and it was our waitress's first day. She asked us the same thing a few times and spilt the drinks all over the table and my jacket. Even with ice cubes on the plate, I wasn't mad as she was sweet. Afterwards we went for drinks at Trailer Happiness. As you know I love the locals- you are all SO cool. The beer left a lot to be desired and I didn't fancy one of their gimmicky flaming bowl of cocktails . Overall a fun night.

Next- Shoreditch or Islington?

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Regression into My Teens

jenny was a friend of mine/mr brightside/smile like u mean it/ somebody told me/all these things that ive done/on top/when we were young and read my mind. Picture the scene.Wembley arena ,12,000 people, big stage, eclectic lighting and the Killers on stage.

The crowd went crazy for mr brightside, somebody told me and all these things and the concert can only be described as awesome. My friends and the whole of the standing section or 'pit' as we renamed it regressed into teenage hood. I've never jumped up and down so much in my life and throughout wave after wave of nostalgia swept over us. Life is good, life is great. On the way home I listened to Hot Fuss and I pictured myself back in the arena soaking up the atmosphere.

The Good Shepherd opened on Friday and it is one of longest movies released so far this year. I realise De Niro wanted his debut to be remembered but his attempt at an epic leaves a lot to be desired. Why do actor-directors feel the need to make cameos? Surely if you want to be taken seriously you stay behind the camera. Angelina Jolie actually acted and as always Joe Pesci was a welcome face and Matt Damon gave a good performance. I left the cinema two hours and forty minutes later exhausted and with no idea of what the point was. There is no succinct plot and character development is painfully protracted. I urge you to see the film and make up your own minds.

Ocean's 13 Trailer

Also Spring Fashion

The Fridge

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This week:

I was scared many times because everyone knows everything and for finals you need to be vaguely one of those people.

My decision not to do a PhD as part of MBBS for fear of sitting next to my fresher kids in graduation seemed the right one.

I officially made chocolate a food group (Nutella is evil I tell you)

Wishy washy lectures tried my patience

I admired the posters for The Good Shepherd on tube platforms mainly because the New York Post reviewer gave a positive comment (the end is nigh, rescue your loved ones)

I want to extend a message to Timbo. As you are on everyone's tracks and rolling in it if you ever felt the need to wipe a certain medic blogger's student debt they would be extremely grateful. We can overlook the whole Swedish group court case thingy.

I fed my music addiction. Omarion's 21 seemingly based on the Entourage TV show has two hot tracks produced by Timbo (Icebox & Beg). Yes Omarion we care about how many girls want to sleep with you and how you got off with your best friend. Tamia Between Friends is HOT especially Rodney (Jerkins) produced Too Grown For That. Pretty Ricky have changed musical direction on Late Night Special. Nah I am just joking its like de ja vu and R Kelly in a group (girl I wanna do this and that on 15 tracks). Fantasia's Fantasia- amazing voice, variety of production and its a grower.

Rinsing Tony Sunshine She's like the Wind, Anonymous by Bobby V (he's not the greatest singer but I love the whole disturbing da peace thing), Fantasia When I See You, Mario Go, Rich Boy Throw Some D's and Brian McKnight Used to be My Girl.

In between lusting after Marie Claire's Spring fashion buys, I considered getting Miami Vice on DVD and found out Casino Royale is released on DVD in March.

Modernising Medical Careers (MMC)

An FY1 will earn between 20, 000 and 31,000GBP and pay tax of between 10 and 22%. Most FY1 and FY2 posts are likely to unbanded and free accommodation provided by the NHS trust is possibly a thing of the past. There is no good news. I would strongly urge any students taking their A levels to carefully consider their career decision and the cons of studying medicine in London principally larger debt due to high accommodation and living costs. With the introduction of a nationalised medical training application system, London does not mean diddly squat in terms of CV.

Was it all worth it? I suppose one could describe it as a test of your love for the vocation. However, even the most avid trainee doctors are realistic recognising the need for reasonable working conditions. The media and the public's focus on GP pay leaves the issue of junior trainee pay in the blind spot. Why does the establishment introduce initiatives such as qualities outcome framework (QOF) points in the vain hope that GPs will not meet the targets and receive financial rewards for this then say GPs earn too much? Why did they increase the intake to medical schools when they cannot afford to pay the trainees or provide enough jobs for them?

Despite my bitterness, frustration and continuing disillusionment I must always remember there are others who are less fortunate. On elective for example, the house officers earn our monthly salary per annum. Doctors in war-torn countries and I could go on.

St. Valentine's day looms with the predicatble fan fare. Happy Valentine's Day in advance.
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Fergie Glamorous

Hot off the conveyor belt that is pop music releases. Fergie Ferg's new single Glamorous feat. Luda.

Fergie - Glamorous (ft. Ludacris) Video Code


Get Fergie Music Video Codes

Rich Boy-Throw some D's. Polow The Don has outdone himself.

New Albums Coming Soon

I Apologise-Ginuwine 12/02/07

Black Summers Night- Maxwell 19/02/07

21- Omarion 26/02/07

You Me and The Radio- Megan Rochelle 26/02/07. This album will be sick. I've heard four tracks (Let Go, The One You Need, Still and Betcha) which are very good.

Introducing Joss Stone- Joss Stone 12/03/07

Verteran-Marques Houston 13/03/07

Joe Thomas-Joe 26/03/07. Where You At and If I was Your Man are hot

so let's see what else he comes up with.

Music City Soul- Beverley Knight 26/03/07

Special Occasion- Bobby V 16/04/07

Untitled- Keith Sweat 16/04/07

Untitled- Kelly Rowland 09/07/07

Untitled- Craig David 17/09/07

Untitled- Jill Scott 22/01/08

For more of the hottest tracks check this out.

There are little things in life that make me satisfied. Stuffing my face with muffins and cookies is one of them and another is reading good books. I would recommend A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian by Marina Lewycka (Penguin Viking, 2005) to everyone. It was nominated for the Orange prize for Fiction in 2005. I am currently reading Blood Sweat and Tea by Tom Reynolds after finishing Gangs by Tony Thompson

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GLO Get A Clue

GLO=Guest list only. I'm sure everyone has been to one of these places. It really ruins the experience of going out in London. Arsey bouncers, the annoying person with the clipboard. Why must they harass you even when you are on the guest list? OK I know it is a huge power trip earning over £10 an hour, standing outside rain or shine wielding a clip board and shouting 2 for £30 but get over it! Trendy house is an acquired taste and I am definitely not a fan.

Leisurely lunch with my friend then we saw Notes on a Scandal starring Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. The film was faultless with well written characters, a fast pace and many twists. I loved it and felt warm and fuzzy afterwards.

My comrades returned from elective so the warm fuzzy existence continues. Mischief is back.

Ocean's 13 is in the pipeline. They need to make up for the abysmal second instalment. The impossible has happened, I am inclined to see a Halle Berry Movie The Perfect Stranger. She is stunning but was there a need to derobe in Monster's Ball or Swordfish? The Good Shepherd looks very good from the previews.

Jennifer Hudson is the breakthrough person of the year after losing out on American Idol she has won numerous accolades and awards for her role as Effie in Dream Girls- go see it. She seems level headed and a genuinely nice person. Her interview on David Letterman in the States confirmed this.

DJ Swerve is killng it as usual on the radio and I love Tony Sunshine feat. Lumidee (She's Like The Wind) and Mario's track at the moment.

I've got to mention Deepside. Fresh and hot production courtesy of Mysto and Pizzi of Next Selection. The album is not scheduled for release till May.

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