Reflection

These past couple of weeks I have been unwell, that's an understatement. Barely being able to talk, or swallow. Most of my time has been taken up with games again, definitely in a more relaxed way than the past. However I have watched a few things on youtube, mainly VODs of professional League of Legends, but one thing really caught my eye that I definitely wanted to share.

For people not aware of Sky, he is a stand-up comedian by trade, but releases life lesson, often exaggerated or figurative, videos on his youtube channel, and also posts funny League of Legends videos.

This specific video really hit me, I know there was someone in the past who was trying to be so assertive with me, and I can only apologise for my blind ignorance. Maybe assertive was the wrong word to use there, they didn't exactly say they were going to come out and be there for me no matter what, but they were anyway. They knew exactly how I was feeling and still came calling no matter what.

I don't have my book of poems with me today, so let's try one straight from my consciousness.

It's not easy to listen,

But they see your tears glisten,

Just trying to hold back for someone else,

Why? This isn't a question,

Don't be scared of your true self,

Being who you are frees your mind,

Take heart from the positives they find,

I know, you can't find your own,

This, isn't being kind,

But they have enough thought not to leave you alone,

So stick by that friend,

Or family or lend,

Your ears to someone you know is like you,

One day, in the end,

It's going to result in not feeling so blue.

GeneTheCow's pizza north east reviews 2014

All pizzas are reviewed on quality of base, crust, cheese and toppings where applicable although by trying to remain impartial, I have attempted to base judgments purely on margherita, also overall atmosphere which is of course going to impact how much you enjoy your pizza!

1. Bella Italia, Durham

Base - 10                                                       
Crust - 8
Toppings - 9                               Overall - 9
Atmosphere - 9
Price - 8

Sitting right on the banks of the river, Bella's menu is an immediate eye catcher. Offering a full medley of rustic and contemporary Italian food, there is enough to satisfy anyone's taste buds. If you, like me, have your eyes on only one of the choices on offer, it is impossible to be disappointed, blending seamlessly their fluffy moist base to a thin, crispy crust.


2. Fiume, Washington

Base - 8
Crust - 9
Toppings - 8                                 Overall - 8
Atmosphere - 7
Price - 6

Again sitting right on a river, Fiume's modern style strikes you as somewhat of a shock at first. Perched on the top of a modern bar which does get rather busy, the atmosphere upon exit and entrance can be somewhat overwhelming at certain times. The restaurant itself however is somewhat flawless in it's design.


3. Tosca, Sunderland

Base - 6
Crust - 6
Toppings - 10                                  Overall - 8
Atmosphere - 9
Price - 9

Easily accessible by every area of the north east, right next to park lane interchange, Tosca's quaint, quirky, almost cafe-esque style makes it seem serene. The pizzas themselves amount to almost a crispy flatbread with the TASTIEST toppings you could imagine. The chocolate orange cheesecake is also to die for.


4. Mama's Italian Kitchen, Houghton-le-spring

Base - 7
Crust - 8
Toppings - 7                                      Overall - 7
Atmosphere - 7
Price - 6

Priding itself on being a haunt of footballers and famous people, expectations are usually met by a hair. Plain in it's presentation, slightly over average in it's quality, I feel the price reflects it's reputation as opposed to it's quality.


5. Little Italy, Seaburn

Base - 8
Crust - 5
Toppings - 8                                        Overall - 7
Atmosphere - 8
Price - 7

When you sometimes get a crustless pizza...
Little Italy is idyllic in it's setting, you couldn't get closer to the sea without building a restaurant on the beach. The staff are on a level of friendliness that is unheard of in most places, rumours are they're thinking of investing in a new pizza oven, watch this space!


6. Avanti, Houghton-le-spring

Base - 6
Crust - 6
Toppings - 8                                          Overall - 7
Atmosphere - 8
Price - 8

Another pub conversion to restaurant the same as Mama's. Many of the old features of the pub still remain though, full bar, seats built into the wall, surprisingly however this does not detract from the overall feel of the restaurant.I consider the food to be of very good quality, the more modern feel to the music played helps the atmosphere tremendously.


7. Roma, Sunderland

Base - 7
Crust - 9
Toppings - 8                                          Overall - 6
Atmosphere - 4
Price - 8

Strange how this used to be my favourite restaurant, until I got too full from one of their top-notch pizzas and had a panic attack on the way home.Their food is great, the restaurant itself mirrors Tosca in it's quaintness, yet it plays god awful country music, huge mood killer.