Some of My 30 Day Richard Armitage Challenge Answers

I've been doing the "30 Day Richard Armitage Challenge" on Facebook and I'm now on Day #11.  Just for fun I thought I would post a few of my answers here once in a while as the 30 days counts down. 


(Speaking of countdowns, The Hobbit starts filming again after February 4, according to several sources, for 100 days. Don't you just love countdowns? Should I have another countdown clock?)


Question #9: A Scene That Made Me Cry


Beware - Spoilers if you haven't seen Spooks Season #9

Question #10:  Your Favorite Character Pics

There are two, maybe three,  pics here that are not Lucas North - can you spot them? 

Question #11: Your Favorite Body Part(s)

The Thirty (30) Day Richard Armitage Challenge on Facebook thanks to Delia la Fanetta and Recycled Vinyl

(Pics for my collages from RichardArmitageNet.com and Richard Armitage Central)

How Compatible am I with Richard Armitage in the Chinese Zodiac? Happy Chinese New Year!

In celebration of the Chinese New Year - The Year of the Dragon I continue my search for astrological compatibility with Richard Armitage by looking into our signs in the Chinese Zodiac. 

(Note: Richard in Blue, me in Red).

As far as I can tell the Chinese Zodiac signs are determined by year of birth and Richard’s year, 1971, means he is a Pig.

Now being called a pig in the US is not really a good thing, but in the Chinese Zodiac description below I think it is pretty accurate about the Mr. Armitage we know:

Personality of The Pig

Occupying the last position in the Chinese Zodiac, the 12th, the Pig symbolizes such character traits as diligence (oh yes, we know this one is very true), compassion (check), and generosity (I think we can be pretty sure this is a yes). Pigs enjoy life (glad to know) and because they are entertaining (certainly works for us as his fans), others enjoy their company (oh yes, a girl can dream). Pigs are giving souls and reap much enjoyment when they’re helping others (we know), but sometimes they give too much (but we miss seeing him on our TV screens, or listening to a new audio book don’t we?). Honesty is what Pigs give and it’s what they expect to receive in return.

Pigs seek peace and will do what is necessary to maintain it (I think he’s mentioned this in an interview). This trait, while admirable, sometimes makes it easy for others to take advantage of Pigs. Pigs are always doing for others, helping anyway they can, but rarely will they ask others for help. This can overwhelm and stress them, but Pigs don’t mind. (Richard, count on me darling. I’ll help you with whatever you need!)

When it comes to money, Pigs enjoy spending more than saving (is it Valentine’s day soon?). They gravitate towards name brand items (let’s see – is Cartier a name brand? Richard?). Thriftiness happens only occasionally, but Pigs do know how to find great deals (now you’re talking!).

Pigs enjoy helping at work and can always be counted on (very true from all accounts). They enjoy opportunities that allow them to express their creativity (we all hope for more fabulous opportunities to come after The Hobbit). Pigs are detail-oriented, (the man we know) a trait admired by management. Pigs aren’t afraid to take on responsibility (he’s Thorin, can’t be more responsible than that!).

 Some good career choices for Pigs include: entertainer (more artist and actor I would say in his case), caterer, doctor (calling Dr. Track), veterinarian, or interior decorator.

Supportive and giving, Pigs make great partners (swoon). They’re affectionate and sexual and prefer staying home to going out (double swoon). They enjoy what they have, especially their home and family. Once they find the right partner, they’re typically committed for the long-term (somewhere in this world there is a very lucky person…).

Pigs and the 5 elements Metal Pigs – Years 1911 and 1971

Metal Pigs have a tough exterior, (to casting people apparently – I think he’s a sweetheart) and this strength can be seen in all areas of life (Yes!). They work diligently (we know, we know) and love with all they have (we don’t know, but would love to find out). They’re outspoken and trust others right away.

And here’s the best part for me!

Compatibility

Pigs are most compatible with a Rabbit or Goat and incompatible with the Monkey and Snake.

Yes indeed my friends, in the Chinese Zodiac I am a Goat or sometimes known also as a Sheep. (No, I’m not going to tell you my year of birth, no siree, not even if you send Oleg Darshavin over to torture me).

I just knew somewhere in the zodiac universe the truth would reveal itself, and here it has. RA and I are most compatible! But wait, there’s more:

Richard is a Metal Pig and I am a Wood Goat/Sheep:

Wood Goats

Others enjoy the company of Wood Goats (especially Pigs apparently) which is why they’re most comfortable in groups. They enjoy being helpful, but their generosity is sometimes taken advantage of. Wood Goats need to spend more time caring for their own selves. (This sounds a bit like the Pig personality description doesn’t it? We are so compatible Richard and I!)

Apparently the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac are divided into four groups and we are in the...

Fourth Group- Cat, Goat, Pig

These are all peace loving animals and believe in mutual co-operation (so far so good). They are neither too zealous and active nor intelligent (now just a minute, I protest on behalf of RA!) and also do not believe in accepting challenges (not true for RA indeed!) and risks as they are highly sensitive animals (OK, maybe you got us both there. A product of being shy). They also have great ability to elicit and seek sympathy, hence they are considerate, love and sympathize with each other (Oh my, RA paradise). Pig requires Cat's crafty cunningness and Goat's civility and humility (If I say so myself!).

Pig with a Sheep/Goat

Imagine long, fun nights of champagne, caviar and breaking dishes in a fireplace. (I’m available for some champagne and caviar and dish breaking right now Richard, if you’re not busy?)

Sound pretentious? It is!  (Pretentious! Horrors!)

But Sheep (Goat) and Pigs love it, and their mutual love and understanding make this a rewarding relationship. (Squee, Swoon…well…I’m sure you can all fill in the rest)

And now for the fantastic ending of this Chinese Zodiac journey:

Pig Man and Sheep (Goat) Woman

When this pairing consists of a Pig man and a Sheep (Goat) woman, this will normally be a long lasting happy relationship (younger man/older woman – could work). They are both sensitive and imaginative (how sweet are we!). They will easily share their dreams and hopes (your dreams are my dreams baby). They will have a tender, loving relationship (Oh yes!). He will never take her for granted and she will give him all he could dream of (Yes I will -Swoon).

Goat and Pig: Chinese Pigs together with Chinese Goats will achieve anything they wish to achieve in a love bond in 2012. Goat Love Compatibility 2012 with a Chinese Pig is the best love compatibility.

Richard my darling Chinese Pig,

 Call Me!!!!!!!!!

Your Loving Goat/Sheep

Want to test your own Chinese Zodiac Compatibility with Richard Armitage? Would love if you would share what you find out in the comments below. 

See below for the websites I used as references for this post:

http://www.chinesezodiac.com/index.php

http://www.west-meet-east.com/horcom.htm

http://www.findyourfate.com/chineseastro/grid.htm

Disclaimer: Hope everyone that reads this knows this is just for fun and not serious in any way. All meant with great affection and admiration for Richard Armitage’s great sense of humor.

pics from RichardArmitageNet.com RichardArmitage, Richard Armitage Central, Richard Armitage Online, Google Images, 2011horoscopesblogspot

FanstRAvaganza - I'm Back Again for Year #3

Last year I was honored and privileged to be asked to participate in FanstRAvaganza 2 and once again this year I've been honored and privileged to be asked again to participate in FanstRAvaganza 3 and my answer is YES! 


I really enjoyed participating last year, not only because I had fun thinking about what to post during the event but because I felt part of a great community of Richard Armitage fans. If you want to see what I posted last year go to the FanstRAvaganza tab at the top of the blog.

FanstRAvaganza 3 will be taking place March 12-18, 2012

The extraordinary banners at the top of this post and on my right sidebar are brought to you by Bccmee. You can see more of her amazing work on her blog: 

http://fanvideos.wordpress.com/

FanstRAvaganza is a great opportunity for participating blogs and websites to share our admiration for Richard Armitage with our fellow fans and for fellow fans to discover new blogs and websites they may not have visited before. I also hope that this year we'll get visits by Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit fans who are curious about the actor playing Thorin Oakenshield.  This year will be an exciting year for both fandoms and we should celebrate together.

How can you keep up to date with all the exciting events and posts and show your support of FanstRAvaganza?  Event updates will be posted on the Facebook page-make sure to go and "Like" the page: 

https://www.facebook.com/FanstRAvaganza 

And on Twitter by following https://twitter.com/#!/FanstRAvaganza 

or our hashtag #fanstRA.

Make sure to visit our Anchor blogs daily during March 12-18 to find out about new posts and event updates. The Anchor blogs are:  An RA Viewer’s Perspective from 33° 0′ South of the Equator; bccmee’s Richard Armitage Fan Vids & Graphics; CDoart: Richard Armitage & History & Spooks; Confessions of a Watcher; Me + Richard Armitage; RAFrenzy; Richard Armitage Fan Blog; The Squeee. 

Once again I thank my fellow Richard Armitage bloggers for inviting me to be part of FanstRAvaganza. I look forward to our great fan-filled event in March.

Voices VIII: David Harewood, Sam Neill, John Simm - A Twitter World

One of the wonders of the Internet is being able to interact with people around the world you wouldn’t otherwise get to know.  Also a wonder that you can interact with people you wouldn’t meet in real life if not for Facebook or Twitter. Such a wonder is following the three actors featured below who I have long watched and much admired and now through the wonder of Twitter can get a small glimpse of them as people. My Voices post today features David Harewood, Sam Neill, and John Simm.

What I try to do with my Voices posts is maybe show a slightly different glimpse of some of my favorite actors and actresses as well as highlighting the importance of the actors voice in a performance, or a poetry reading, or even in making us laugh. 

David Harewood

If you watched the first season of the thrilling Showtime series Homeland you may not know that David Harewood, the actor playing American intelligence chief David Estes, is an Englishman and was recently awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2012 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to Drama.  You have to wonder if in between filming scenes he and fellow Brit Damian Lewis exchange tips on the fine points of achieving a successful American accent. 

Harewood is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and has had a distinguished career on stage, screen, and television in the UK.  I know him best for his roles in two television series, as Friar Tuck in BBC’s Robin Hood (2009) and as Colonel Tshuma in Sky’s Strike Back (2010).

David Harewood has a deep, powerful, and musical voice that can command authority or convey gentle caring. Below are clips of Harewood as Macduff in a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and as Tuck in Robin Hood with Richard Armitage as Guy of Gisborne:

Macbeth on the Estate (1997) 

David Harewood and Richard Armitage:

Sam Neill

I first saw Sam Neill in the wonderful Australian film MyBrilliant Career (1979) and at the end of the film I waited for the credits to make sure I remembered his name.  Not too long after I succumbed to his charms in what is still my favorite of his characters in Reilly: Ace of Spies (1983).  Neill played real life master spy and rake Sidney Reilly to perfection and with a dash of humor.  Since then whenever I see his name attached to any project, movie or TV show, I know regardless of the genre or the script that Sam Neill will give a masterful performance.


But in recent times it has been my true pleasure to get to know him as The Proprietor of Two Paddocks Vineyards in his native New Zealand.  Who knew that Sam Neill was also a fabulous raconteur and humorist!  If you haven’t visited his Two Paddocks website and blog you are really missing out.  Oh, and allegedly he makes fabulous New Zealand wine at Two Paddocks, but because they don’t have a US distributor I haven’t had  the pleasure of actually being able to taste the lovely wine.  If there are any US wine distributors reading this it would be a good business decision to bring Two Paddocks wine to the USA.

Sam Neill is one of the hardest working actors in the world and one of the best known voices. Below are clips of Neill auditioning for a job (I’m not sure what Beached Whale is), dancing in a commercial, and as Sydney Reilly.

Sam Neill stars in the new Fox TV series Alcatraz that premieres this Monday, January 16 at 8:00pm EST in the US.

Sorry vegetarians!

John Simm

I definitely have a “thing” for Northern British men and one of those Northern men is John Simm who was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire.  Simm is the “guy next door” with a boyish charm and a voice that can be sexy, magnetic or menacing. I first noticed him in the great British TV series State of Play (2003) and loved him as Sam Tyler in Life on Mars (2006-2007).  In both series he was not only the heart and center of the story, but also someone both men and women could readily identify with.  I must definitely see him soon in The Devil’s Whore (2008).  

Simm trained at Blackpool Drama College and at the Drama Centre London and is an award winning actor of stage, screen and television.  

In the two videos below Simm reads A letter from Passchendaele and a Few Minutes of Crime and Punishment:

Are you a fan of any or all of the actors I've featured today?  I would love to have your comments about a favorite performance or memory of Harewood, Neill or Simm. 

Disappearing Concept Art of Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and Armitage Selected One of MTV's One To Watch in 2012

Much more than a li'l Thorin

For article about the image above go to the link below:

http://movies.cosmicbooknews.com/content/hobbit-2012-thorin-oakenshield-mini-bust-concept-art

Also MTV Article and Interview with Richard Armitage - Selected as MTV's One to Watch:

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677131/richard-armitage-hobbit.jhtml

 I love to listen to Richard Armitage talk about his work and below is one of my favorite quotes from the MTV interview:

"It's really weird now because I can't play the character when I haven't gotten everything on. It's very hard to rehearse when you're not in costume, when you haven't gotten the prosthetics on, but I look in the mirror when it's all finished and I don't see it. I can't see where it starts and where it ends. I just see the character. I've never had that before. It's such a unique experience. It's a face that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to WETA workshop and the people that created it."

Don't forget to vote in the MTV Movie Brawl 2012 for The Hobbit:

http://www.mtv.com/content/news/2011/movie_brawl_2012/index.jhtml?xrs=share_twitter

PBS Joins the Reality Show Bandwagon with Market Wars

PBS (US Public Television) and the producers of the Antiques Roadshow have announced a new reality show/competition series called Market Wars.  


In each episode antique dealers will compete against the clock and each other to see who finds the most treasure and then scores big in a final auction segment. The contestants will have a budget and will use it to search for treasures nationwide in the US, including antique shops and flea markets. 

The 20-episode series will air summer/fall 2012.  If you're in the US, check with your local PBS station for the air dates.


I am a fan of the Antiques Roadshow, both the US version and the original British Antiques Roadshow and will see how PBS does with the reality show competition concept. I'm sure they are hoping to attract a new audience with the show and hope that they check out other PBS programming.