Ambrose Bierce | Alex Raphael

The Liebster Award!

Eye of Lynx has very kindly nominated me for a Liesbter Award. I’ve been running the blog for less than two months, so it really is an honour. I really do recommend you checking out his site. He has his own perceptive take on literary classics and isn’t intimidated by a book’s reputation. Even if you haven’t read the book or don’t intend to, he helps explain why is has connected with an audience and is considered a classic.

Here’s how to accept the award:

1.Thank the person who nominated you and link to their blog.
2.Copy and paste the Liebster Award badge in your post.
3.Nominate 10 other bloggers with 200 or less followers.
4.Answer 10 questions for you and create 10 new questions for your nominees.
5.Notify your nominees via a comment on their blog.

If you don’t want the award,you can simply ignore it.

1. Do you have any expectations for your blog?

I have always loved to write, and grew up with all kinds of influences. There were always books and films around the house, and I had access to loads of great TV shows of all genres. With the blog, I wanted to showcase my writing, and my love of the creative entertainments that have given me so much joy.

2. Name one thing you would love to change in your life, or in life as a whole.

I would have loved to have played guitar on stage with a band, and put music to some of the lyrics I wrote as a child.

3. According to you, who are the most underrated and overrated figures in history?

The full achievements of William Wilberforce and Alan Turing should be known by everyone on the planet but I would say Howard Walter Florey, Ernst Chain and Norman Heatley. Though Florey and Chain won the Nobel Prize along with Alexander Fleming, they have failed to make it into the public consciousness. Overrated, I’d say J. Edgar Hoover or Joseph McCarthy whose unpleasant sides far outreached anything they set to accomplish.

4. What’s the best and worst things that have ever happened to you?

Geez, that’s a question. Being born in London and getting to grow up in such a magnificent city. It’s awful so many of my family and friends live far away.

5. What’s your favourite book?

The Bostonians. I’d argue it’s the greatest character study in literature. It’s not for everyone, but it really is a masterpiece.

6. What do you do when you have to motivate yourself?

This quote always shocks me into action: “It is a sobering thought that when Mozart was my age, he had been dead for two years.”

7. What is your dream?

Keeping it simple, making my sitcom and it been a huge success, would be wonderful.

8. Is there a historical figure you would like to meet?

Ambrose Bierce, a writer, a cynic and a leading soldier in the American Civil War. As well as hearing him talk about his life, I’d want to know what the circumstances were of his disappearance.

9. Have you ever had a life-changing experience? If so, what is it?

No, probably not.

10. Which aspect(s) of your life do people find hard to understand?

That I can quote or reference something from a TV show or film to fit any situation.

My Questions:

What were you looking to achieve with your blog?
What’s the nicest compliment you’ve had on it?
Which artwork do you wish you had painted?
What TV show makes you laugh the most?
Which was the first book you read that left a strong impression on you?
What is the thing you’ve achieved in life you’re most proud of?
If you could bring one famous person back to life for present day, who would you choose?
Which fictional character would you most like to hang out with?
Assuming you are alone, what non electronic item would you save if your house was on fire?
Which place you’ve not visited would you most like to go to?

My Choices (Not 10 as quite a few are too established but there is a bonus choice):

Verbal Spew – Really personable blogger who reviews all kinds of entertainment stuff with an engaging style.

A Curious Gal – A wonderful photographer with enthusiasm and passion to spare as she shows you nature through her eyes.

Autopict – A photographer with a superb eye who’s impressive reputation will only continue to grow.

Jonas Journeys – An adventurous and wandering spirit neatly captured on camera.

Lucas Fothergill – A nice mix of reviews on current music, films and books.

* Technically she is out of bounds as she has a few too many blog followers to qualify, but I give a special mention to Emily’s Poetry Blog as her choice of poems and perceptive analysis are a joy.