Hey guys!
I have decided to enter iiNet’s top geek competition! If you could spare only a moment to vote for me I would really appreciate it! All your support was fantastic from the show, if its as strong for this competition we might just win it!!!
You can vote right here. It only takes two seconds =)
Feel free to repost this as well!!
Thanks so much for all your support!!!!
Hey,
Glad you are enjoying my Tumblr! Hopefully it isnt too boring for you!
Yes my sisters are great, although they can be difficult some times! (thats what all sisters do though, right?!)
Merry Christmas to you too as well!
Sorry about the late reply I have been on holidays in Sydney for New Years! I hope you had a great day!
Thanks! I thought I better run a while before I went on holiday to Sydney for new years! It was a smart move because I haven’t run in about 2 weeks now eek! How was your new years?
Hey Rylie,
My Christmas was fantastic! We had it at our house and had the whole family over. I’m quite proud of myself because I usually eat too much on Christmas, but this year I held myself back and didn’t go nuts. I also went for a 10K run today (set a personal best as well) so I feel quite accomplished!
How was yours?
“MY FEUD WITH DANIEL”
Media reports have claimed Daniel’s not a real geek, and he certainly scrubbed up well after the makeover, but his partner on the show, Donna, 22, reveals she had a tough time with him. “At the very beginning we had a few testing moments. He was acting like an arrogant, uptight 40-year-old, and I couldn’t handle it.
“I got approached by the other beauties, saying, ‘Why do you even bother?’ I stuck it out – that’s my personality.”
Donna says she and Daniel went through the “biggest journey” of any of the couples. “We taught each other patience.”
“MY MOTHER’S BREAST CANCER CHANGED MY LIFE”
Daniel was 18 when he made the decision to devote his life to breast cancer research.
“We were having dinner one night, and Dad said, ‘Mum went to the doctor and they found cancer in her left breast,’ and Mum burst into tears,” Daniel, 23, says. “The moment Dad told us, I knew where I needed to be in research. I wanted to try and make the biggest difference I could.”
Daniel’s breast cancer research has been published in an international journal, and his mum is doing “great”.
Hi Bianca!
Thanks for your very kind words but I am a far cry from a celebrity! I would say Im just a guy that went on a TV show and made it to the final. But thank you! I do realise that a few people might want to ask questions and get to know me which is fine! I enjoy meeting new people so I don’t have a problem with that. I am really enjoying my tumblr and writing to you guys! I think you should get a tumblr as well (I can be your first follower!)
Probably my best experience from the show would be the things that I learnt from Donna. In the initial stages of the competition we didn’t get along very well at all (I’ll post a article about it straight after this). Donna taught me to relax and how to understand that people will have different ideas to my own. Studying science and working in a lab has left my compromising skills underdeveloped, and I am used to being right.
As such she really taught me to have a laugh and just relax, and I think that was my greatest experience. Sitting down and learning so much from her!!
Hi Bianca!
Thanks for your very kind words but I am a far cry from a celebrity! I would say Im just a guy that went on a TV show and made it to the final. But thank you! I do realise that a few people might want to ask questions and get to know me which is fine! I enjoy meeting new people so I don’t have a problem with that. I am really enjoying my tumblr and writing to you guys! I think you should get a tumblr as well (I can be your first follower!)
Probably my best experience from the show would be the things that I learnt from Donna. In the initial stages of the competition we didn’t get along very well at all (I’ll post a article about it straight after this). Donna taught me to relax and how to understand that people will have different ideas to my own. Studying science and working in a lab has left my compromising skills underdeveloped, and I am used to being right.
As such she really taught me to have a laugh and just relax, and I think that was my greatest experience. Sitting down and learning so much from her!!
Hey Rylie,
My Christmas was fantastic! We had it at our house and had the whole family over. I’m quite proud of myself because I usually eat too much on Christmas, but this year I held myself back and didn’t go nuts. I also went for a 10K run today (set a personal best as well) so I feel quite accomplished!
How was yours?
After a small amount of deliberation, these are my top 10 favorite movies. There are so many movies that deserve to be in here also as I have so many favorites, but I chose these for their diversity and strong plot lines. Each of these movies contain valuable life lessons. I have provided the link to trailers for these movies if you are interested in learning more about them (if you haven’t seen it).
Enjoy!
Why?
Awesomely scripted, this movie illustrates the power of the people. Its set in an alternate future where Germany won WW2 and the people’s freedom and rights have been stripped away from them by the government at whom they are at the mercy of. It demonstrates how much difference one person can make, and also that Natalie Portman is still drop dead gorgeous, even with a shaved head.
Why?
A beautiful film about the bond of two people that are decades in age apart. Anthony Hopkins, again, concocts another stunning performance in this movie, befriending a young boy and guiding him through the trials and tribulations of growing up. A great film that made me remember my childhood, my first kiss, and troubles with bullies. A feel-good movie right up to the end. Might leave you feeling a little upset though.
8. The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
Why?
A story about revenge. Enough said. Everyone loves a little payback and the tale of The Count of Monte Cristo is perhaps the epitome of a revenge plot. The moral of the story: God said ‘revenge is mine’, yet there is still a sense of satisfaction when Edmond Dantes gets his revenge. The movie also contains some great quotes. Cinematography is also amazing!
Why?
A mind-bending movie. I like movies that make me think and Donnie Darko is a thought provoking movie. There are so many layers to this brilliant film and so much to learn every time I watch it. Although the director intended the main plot to be interpreted in a specific way, there is so much room to have your own take of what is actually going on. It’s rare where you can use your creativity in such a fluid-like manner to come to your own conclusions as to what the characters are up to and what they are thinking.
Why?
Another horror flick. This movie is a remake from the 1958 original. In my opinion it is a lot scarier than its earlier version, probably because they could use extra special effects as well as improve bits of the storyline that critics didn’t appreciate in the first version. It’s based around a scientific experiment gone wrong, and as a scientist I’m clearly drawn to this! It’s also the story of lost opportunity – how the whole world was at this scientist’s fingertips, and due to a morsel of misfortune, all comes crashing down to a horrible and spectacularly bitter end. Although science fiction, it still serves as a reminder that our lives can change in an instant by even the seemly smallest of events. Ever wondered where the quote ‘be afraid, be very afraid’ comes from? Well now you do =)
Why?
I am a huge fan of the horror genre, and this is the scariest movie ever made in my opinion. It’s not too supernatural which makes it believable, and draws upon events that could have actually happened. Jason Miller plays such a great character (a priest) that has wavering faith. It’s really interesting to watch his character develop throughout the film. The entire movie is unsettling. I love it!
Why?
I’m not a fan of soppy love stories but this one has a great twist. I really enjoyed ‘death’ being played by Brad Pitt, and his interactions with Anthony Hopkins. Claire Forlani is just stunning to look at – and there is a bit of a raunchy scene between her and Brad that I don’t have any objection to. Anthony Hopkins’ performance of a man who is ‘galloping through the valley of the shadow of death’ evokes reflection on life in general. One of my favorite quotes of all time is also from this movie:
‘Love is passion, obsession, someone you can’t live without. If you don’t start with that, what are you going to end up with? Fall head over heels. I say find someone you can love like crazy and who’ll love you the same way back. And how do you find them? Forget your head and listen to your heart. I’m not hearing any heart. Run the risk, if you get hurt, you’ll come back. Because, the truth is there is no sense living your life without this. To make the journey and not fall deeply in love - well, you haven’t lived a life at all. You have to try. Because if you haven’t tried, you haven’t lived.’
A stunning film. A romance, a comedy, a tragedy and historically accurate movie all in one. Roberto Benigni directs and stars in one of my all time favorite movies where he wins an Oscar for best actor (and goes wild). This movie has so much depth. It will have you in stitches the whole way through but also has some sad scenes as well. If you had to watch only one foreign film, this is the one I’d recommend. The soundtrack is enough to make you shed a tear. Even though this movie is not my number one, please watch this film (and tell me what you thought of it!). It WILL make you cry, but its something that needs to be experienced.
Anthony Hopkins performance is simply chilling right to the bone. He embodies his character so well that it is absolutely frightening just to look at him. The story itself is complex enough to capture your attention, and I LOVE the character Hannibal – his intelligence and insanity is an interesting mix that makes me want to watch this movie over and over again.
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Why?
The Shawshank Redepmtion represents the fundamental aspects of the human condition. Hope, redemption, understanding and friendship are encapsulated beautifully in this flawless movie. Coupled with Tim Robbins’ conviction to his character and Morgan Freeman’s empathetic narrating, along with an emotionally moving storyline, this is easily my all time favorite movie.
I hope you enjoyed the list (and agree with some of my choices!). If you haven’t seen any of these movies, go out to the movie store and hire them now!! And Let me know what you think! :)
Yes I do. I am evolving this tumblr into a blog dedicated for people to post their show-related (and other) comments and to learn more about me and what I do, and as such I’d also like to learn about people that follow me so I can keep everything and personal as I can!
Yes I do. I am evolving this tumblr into a blog dedicated for people to post their show-related (and other) comments and to learn more about me and what I do, and as such I’d also like to learn about people that follow me so I can keep everything and personal as I can!
Hi Allanah,
I’m glad you enjoyed watching the show, thanks for your support!!!! I never really expected people to even watch so to find all this support for me and the other geeks is really great =).
And as for the ‘hot’ and smart thing - well I appreciate you think I am both!!! So thank you! xo
It was a book that was written for the actual movie - its only a few pages long but it helps explain the details in the movie so you can understand it better. Check it out!
I’m still compiling that top 10 list of movies, I’ll be putting it up within the hour!!
Mo problems at all! I did get exactly what I wanted, so it worked out in the end! Likewise with you, Merry Christmas!
No problems at all :)
A few people have asked about that so I’ll be making a separate post in the coming few days. I hope you’ll find it interesting!!! =)
Hi Jess!
Great to hear you enjoyed my antics on the show. The make over was quite fun, and since you liked it you would be glad to hear I am keeping up the look :)
As for the molecular biologist stuff - I’ve had a few questions about that! Im really glad that you are interested. What I’ll do is make a separate post with what I have studied and what I do on a day to day basis. I’ll make it as fun as possible and when its finished I’ll let you know so you can check it out.
Thanks Jess :) xo
Hi Allanah,
I’m glad you enjoyed watching the show, thanks for your support!!!! I never really expected people to even watch so to find all this support for me and the other geeks is really great =).
And as for the ‘hot’ and smart thing - well I appreciate you think I am both!!! So thank you! xo
It was a book that was written for the actual movie - its only a few pages long but it helps explain the details in the movie so you can understand it better. Check it out!
I’m still compiling that top 10 list of movies, I’ll be putting it up within the hour!!
No problems at all :)
A few people have asked about that so I’ll be making a separate post in the coming few days. I hope you’ll find it interesting!!! =)
Mo problems at all! I did get exactly what I wanted, so it worked out in the end! Likewise with you, Merry Christmas!
Hey Rylie,
No problems and thanks for enjoying my tumblr! I knew there were a few people who wanted to get in touch with me to ask about the experience or any other random questions so I thought this would be a great medium to let people do that. Plus its really fun to meet interesting people like yourself (your blog is very cool!).
I hope you have a great Christmas as well! Feel free to drop me a line anytime, I usually live by my computer anyways =)
Hi Steph,
Thanks for your very kind words. Yeah, its a shame that I was bullied, but on the bright side I didn’t let it bring me down. Sure, on occasion I felt kinda shit but on the whole I didn’t let it affect me. To quote Mahatma Gandhi, ‘You cannot hurt me without my permission’. That quote held me in good stead throughout high school.
Thank you again for your good wishes, have a Merry Christmas and a great new year, and I hope my posts are interesting enough to keep you entertained in 2011!!
Hi Jess!
Great to hear you enjoyed my antics on the show. The make over was quite fun, and since you liked it you would be glad to hear I am keeping up the look :)
As for the molecular biologist stuff - I’ve had a few questions about that! Im really glad that you are interested. What I’ll do is make a separate post with what I have studied and what I do on a day to day basis. I’ll make it as fun as possible and when its finished I’ll let you know so you can check it out.
Thanks Jess :) xo
Hey Rylie,
No problems and thanks for enjoying my tumblr! I knew there were a few people who wanted to get in touch with me to ask about the experience or any other random questions so I thought this would be a great medium to let people do that. Plus its really fun to meet interesting people like yourself (your blog is very cool!).
I hope you have a great Christmas as well! Feel free to drop me a line anytime, I usually live by my computer anyways =)
Hi! Thanks heaps, I am glad you enjoyed ‘my work’ =)
At the moment I’m working in a research laboratory where my research focus is epigenetics. I look at the genetic switches that turn genes on and off and see how it all relates back to cancer. I do enjoy it but I am considering a career change in the near future. I’ll make a post about my research if you like?
I don’t really follow footy, but if I had to go for a team I’d say the Adelaide Crows =)
My favourite food is my mother’s polenta and quail. She makes it with a beautiful home made tomato sauce and stuffs the quail with rosemary and bits of ham. It’s simply divine. Being of Italian descent I enjoy many great dishes made by my mother. I am truly blessed indeed!
Hi Steph,
Thanks for your very kind words. Yeah, its a shame that I was bullied, but on the bright side I didn’t let it bring me down. Sure, on occasion I felt kinda shit but on the whole I didn’t let it affect me. To quote Mahatma Gandhi, ‘You cannot hurt me without my permission’. That quote held me in good stead throughout high school.
Thank you again for your good wishes, have a Merry Christmas and a great new year, and I hope my posts are interesting enough to keep you entertained in 2011!!
Sure! I’ll begin compiling them in a post and will get it up very soon (hopefully today!)
Thanks for all the messages of support and creative questions :)
I have also been getting asked very similar questions from people when I am out in public so I guess the fact that everyone asks the same questions must mean people are curious about it. Here is a list of the most commonly asked questions. I hope you find it interesting!!
How would you explain the whole experience?
Surreal. Being filmed 24/7 is not something that you get used to. Originally most of the contestants (especially the geeks) struggled with the idea of being filmed constantly, and also with the concept of having no control over what their day would consist of. We eventually got used to having no control, but I personally never got used to being filmed all the time.
The whole experience was absolutely incredible though. I have learnt so much about myself from Donna and think I am a better person because of what she has taught me during our time in the house.
What is your relationship with Donna now?
I would regard Donna as one of my closest friends and we speak on the phone at least a couple of times a week. Being in such close proximity to Donna over the course of the competition, we got to know each other extremely well. We had a lot of difficulties with each other at the beginning of the competition but she persisted with me and we worked together to become one of the strongest teams in the entire competition. I am forever grateful for her friendship and the things she has taught me; namely to relax and take things one step at a time!
What are the other geeks really like?
The other geeks are all fantastic people with beautiful hearts. I have a great respect for them and a deep appreciation for all of their education and knowledge. I really enjoyed sitting down at the dinner table with all of the geeks and just talking. It was such an amazing experience for me because any single topic of conversation that popped up, at least one geek could contribute to the conversation with something the other geeks did not know. We gave ourselves the name ‘the brains trust’ and met most nights in the spa after the challenges were over to discuss such topics as history, science, art, geography or conventionally geeky subjects (video games etc). Over the course of the competition, a few beauties were admitted into the brains trust: Ellie and Brooke were invited to join due to their great success in learning systematic nomenclature of organic compounds from yours truly =)
Are the beauties THAT dumb?
In short, no. All the beauties have a profound innate intelligence that continues to amaze me. Yes, while the beauties may all be ‘academically challenged’ (as in they have not had academic success), I truly believe had they been given the educational opportunities of myself and the other geeks that they all would have academically flourished just like us.
Fair enough, they may not know rudimentary ideas and principles like Pythagoras theorem and Darwin’s theory of Evolution, but I was very impressed to see them grasp these topics with ease when we tried to teach them. On numerous occasions the beauties actually trumped our own intelligence which was fantastic to see! I guess they just needed someone to help them realise that they do already have the intelligence and just need to use it more often!
Do you still speak to Kara?
Yes. Kara and I have resolved our differences that occurred in the mansion. We both agree that the environment in the mansion definitely contributed to stress levels and things would have happened differently had we been in another environment. I am enjoying my friendship with Kara, and am looking forward to when she comes to Adelaide to help celebrate my 23rd birthday!
Have you caught up with Ellie since the show?
Yes, I have flown up to the Gold Coast twice to catch up with Ellie and Brooke. The first time most of the other beauties and geeks came up too and we spent the weekend going out and enjoying ourselves. The second time I went up by myself and we had an absolute blast. To quash any rumours going around: Ellie and I are just friends and yes, I am still single!
Who did you get along with the most?
Geeks: Thomas, George
Beauties: Donna, The Twins, Linette
Anything juicy happen behind the scenes?
PLENTY of things happened behind the scenes. In fact I’d say the actual challenges and eliminations are only part of the experience. Another part is the actual filming of the show. While I can’t get into details of the behind the scenes stuff due to a very voluminous and strict confidentiality agreement, I can say that the majority of friendships formed happened OFF camera. In fact the show doesn’t actually show who was friends with who during the season.
So, who were friends with whom in the mansion then?
Even though we all got along very well and everyone enjoyed each others company, strong friendships and bonds were still formed in the mansion. If you guys would like, I can make a dedicated post to the actual relationships of all the beauties and geeks in the house as well as friendship groups etc. Just ask and if a few of you want to read about it I’ll put it up!
Do you still keep in contact with the other beauties/geeks?
Yes, I still keep in contact with the other beauties and geeks. I speak to Donna, Linette and Thomas the most over the phone, and am an in constant daily communication with Michael over the internet, where he provides entertaining commentary on our daily activities. Since the also live in Adelaide, I am in regular contact with Marlon, Stuart and Nicola where we regularly head out for dinner and drinks and on the occasional weekend we sneak in a large party night. That’s all for the time being! Keep the questions coming and feel free to suggest any ideas for future posts!
Hi Helena,
Yes, high school was a very tough time for me. It took a lot of inner strength and resolve not to let all the bullying get to me. My only friend in high school who copped the same abuse as me fell into depression and ended up leaving my school in year 10, leaving me to cope with the harassment on my own. To be honest I never really let it affect my personality. I didn’t get depression nor did I let it change my character dramatically. It just made me a stronger person. I took a lot of crap and I’m quite thankful for that because it has made me the strong person I am today!
The good news is I didn’t get bullied at university; in fact I made plenty of friends and was quite well liked by my peers. The funniest thing is I never really did anything different to how I behaved in school – so I guess it just goes to show how toxic a school environment can be!!
Thanks kate!! I really appreciate your support. I’m glad you approve of my post makeover look! For the most part, I’m keeping the look, but I have decided to grow my fringe just a little bit.
But don’t worry I am regularly shaving :P
Sure! I’ll begin compiling them in a post and will get it up very soon (hopefully today!)
Hi Helena,
Yes, high school was a very tough time for me. It took a lot of inner strength and resolve not to let all the bullying get to me. My only friend in high school who copped the same abuse as me fell into depression and ended up leaving my school in year 10, leaving me to cope with the harassment on my own. To be honest I never really let it affect my personality. I didn’t get depression nor did I let it change my character dramatically. It just made me a stronger person. I took a lot of crap and I’m quite thankful for that because it has made me the strong person I am today!
The good news is I didn’t get bullied at university; in fact I made plenty of friends and was quite well liked by my peers. The funniest thing is I never really did anything different to how I behaved in school – so I guess it just goes to show how toxic a school environment can be!!
Hi! Thanks heaps, I am glad you enjoyed ‘my work’ =)
At the moment I’m working in a research laboratory where my research focus is epigenetics. I look at the genetic switches that turn genes on and off and see how it all relates back to cancer. I do enjoy it but I am considering a career change in the near future. I’ll make a post about my research if you like?
I don’t really follow footy, but if I had to go for a team I’d say the Adelaide Crows =)
My favourite food is my mother’s polenta and quail. She makes it with a beautiful home made tomato sauce and stuffs the quail with rosemary and bits of ham. It’s simply divine. Being of Italian descent I enjoy many great dishes made by my mother. I am truly blessed indeed!
Thanks kate!! I really appreciate your support. I’m glad you approve of my post makeover look! For the most part, I’m keeping the look, but I have decided to grow my fringe just a little bit.
But don’t worry I am regularly shaving :P
I still keep in contact with ALL of the contestants from the show, and I also like to stay well informed. As such, I am quite confident to say that none of the contestants hooked up outside the show.
There was a sneaky kiss here and there between a few contestants after the last day of filming, however…
Thank you so much!! I was a little upset that we didn’t win as well! But to be honest I learnt so much from Donna and from the whole experience, that all the friends that I made and the things that I have learnt culminate to more than the grand prize, so I’m very happy with the outcome!!
and I love you too!! :D xoxo
Hey,
At the moment I’m keeping my Facebook for people I know personally, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep in touch with me. I have a fan page on Facebook that you can use to send me messages and keep up to date with what I’m doing and where I’ll be. I have been neglecting it over the past few weeks but in the new year I’ll be regularly updating it!
I will also be running this Tumblr as well as a way for you guys to keep in contact with me and ask any questions you like so you can get to know me/what it was like on the show/what I have planned/any scientific information you’d like to know from me!
Keep checking back and feel free to drop me a line whenever you like - I really do appreciate your support from the show, it means a lot to me so don’t hesitate to drop by and say hello! xo
I still keep in contact with ALL of the contestants from the show, and I also like to stay well informed. As such, I am quite confident to say that none of the contestants hooked up outside the show.
There was a sneaky kiss here and there between a few contestants after the last day of filming, however…
Donnie Darko is my number 7!! Its a great film. Have you read the book ‘The Philosophy of Time Travel’ written by Roberta Sparrow in the movie? Check it out, it definitely helped me with understanding the movie better.
If you like I’ll make a following post about my top ten movies!
Hey,
At the moment I’m keeping my Facebook for people I know personally, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep in touch with me. I have a fan page on Facebook that you can use to send me messages and keep up to date with what I’m doing and where I’ll be. I have been neglecting it over the past few weeks but in the new year I’ll be regularly updating it!
I will also be running this Tumblr as well as a way for you guys to keep in contact with me and ask any questions you like so you can get to know me/what it was like on the show/what I have planned/any scientific information you’d like to know from me!
Keep checking back and feel free to drop me a line whenever you like - I really do appreciate your support from the show, it means a lot to me so don’t hesitate to drop by and say hello! xo
Thank you so much!! I was a little upset that we didn’t win as well! But to be honest I learnt so much from Donna and from the whole experience, that all the friends that I made and the things that I have learnt culminate to more than the grand prize, so I’m very happy with the outcome!!
and I love you too!! :D xoxo
Donnie Darko is my number 7!! Its a great film. Have you read the book ‘The Philosophy of Time Travel’ written by Roberta Sparrow in the movie? Check it out, it definitely helped me with understanding the movie better.
If you like I’ll make a following post about my top ten movies!
Our new hit game show. Its sure to hit prime time. There could also be special segments of the show where the contestants would win whatever items they guessed correctly…
Our new hit game show. Its sure to hit prime time. There could also be special segments of the show where the contestants would win whatever items they guessed correctly…
Its an application process. First you need to apply online and provide basic information about yourself along with photos etc. Then you are invited in for an audition. Its a lengthy process after that but due to a confidentiality agreement that I have signed I am not allowed to get into any more details! Although if you think you’ll make a great beauty/geek please let me know because I’ll be keeping an eye out for potential contestants (especially geeks) to refer to the producers of the show if a season 3 is being made (and Im quite sure due to the success of season 2, another one will be made!)
