First, this is nothing at all to do with journalism, or UCLan or my life really, its just an observation of a woman driver I saw tonight on my way to work.
I was waiting to cross the road so saw the full complement of this piece of driving ignorance! Anyways, SHE and another car (which a guy was driving) were at the lights which were on red and a police car with its siren and the blue flashing lights was speeding on a emergency call behind them. Now, the guy driver being on the white line reversed a little and swerved slightly into the other side of the road , narrowly avoiding a bollard, to TRY and let this police car past. However, the women driver just did nothing in the middle of her lane...now, if the police car at around 50-60PMH would have been able to get through that gap, then no problem but as it couldn't, surely the women driver should have gone forward and towards the kerb a little more? Is that to much to ask? well yes, yes it is. She was either an ignorant b***h or unaware of the wailing siren and blue flashing lights so this police car was forced to slow down to almost a stop to squeeze, and I mean squeeze through the gap, that was between the women and the mans car. To top it off she didn't even look bothered! Here's this poor guy who has almost has his front end taken off by several buses etc to try and let the police car through and she was in the middle of her lane doing nothing! Women, safer drivers...pah. Maybe in general and overall, but as a fellow driver, this one needs a refresher course.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Last post at Uni in 2006
Yes, the time has finally come to pack me bags and etc and F off home!
Today to be exact, not sure what time but semester 1, year 2 of my journalism degree has well and truely ended. In the end I had 3 assignments in the final 2 weeks and all of them were handed in on time and to (I think) I decent satisfaction. Could be better...could be worse.
If you are wondering why I am posting a blog at 01:30 it is because I have just got back from working at PNE football ground. 11am-just after midnight. Bloody knackered! I was on drinks service and overall, it went ok- a overall tip count of £13.50 helped matters.
The Ashes is all but out of the grasp of England, 2-0 down and it would be a minor miracle for them to even save this test by surviving day four of five.
Liverpool won, Oldham drew and Leek Town lost so a mixed day in football fortunes.
Apart from 1 assignment, I am now going to sleep, go home and then relax for around a month so the blogging will be sparadic...erm as usual!
Today to be exact, not sure what time but semester 1, year 2 of my journalism degree has well and truely ended. In the end I had 3 assignments in the final 2 weeks and all of them were handed in on time and to (I think) I decent satisfaction. Could be better...could be worse.
If you are wondering why I am posting a blog at 01:30 it is because I have just got back from working at PNE football ground. 11am-just after midnight. Bloody knackered! I was on drinks service and overall, it went ok- a overall tip count of £13.50 helped matters.
The Ashes is all but out of the grasp of England, 2-0 down and it would be a minor miracle for them to even save this test by surviving day four of five.
Liverpool won, Oldham drew and Leek Town lost so a mixed day in football fortunes.
Apart from 1 assignment, I am now going to sleep, go home and then relax for around a month so the blogging will be sparadic...erm as usual!
Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
The good, the bad and the meh.
The good: My radio assignment was put back a month due to the lack of machines and time available to do it
The bad: I had already started mine and almost got it done!
The meh: I can still get it done and hand it in before I go home for xmas
The good: I bought my bad a b'day card
The bad: He had already gone home! As I forgot to give it to him before he caught the train home
The meh: He'll get it anyways, so its the thought that counts eh?
The good: Yesterday I got my interview for my radio assignment sorted out with a member of the local Preston board and he was VERY helpful
The bad: I wasn't sure were he lived and it took me a while to get there
The meh: My radio assignment doesn't have to be handed in to after Xmas
The good: I have been to the gym and I am posting on my 51st post on my blog
The bad: Why the hell I am using this format? It is terrible, pointless and won't appear again
The meh: Thats how I feel, winding down for xmas. 1 assignment to go for Friday for my elective and then its party time.
The bad: I had already started mine and almost got it done!
The meh: I can still get it done and hand it in before I go home for xmas
The good: I bought my bad a b'day card
The bad: He had already gone home! As I forgot to give it to him before he caught the train home
The meh: He'll get it anyways, so its the thought that counts eh?
The good: Yesterday I got my interview for my radio assignment sorted out with a member of the local Preston board and he was VERY helpful
The bad: I wasn't sure were he lived and it took me a while to get there
The meh: My radio assignment doesn't have to be handed in to after Xmas
The good: I have been to the gym and I am posting on my 51st post on my blog
The bad: Why the hell I am using this format? It is terrible, pointless and won't appear again
The meh: Thats how I feel, winding down for xmas. 1 assignment to go for Friday for my elective and then its party time.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Sit on Arse Vs Do work
As I sit here drinking a pint of milk from the carton and waiting for my Pasta'N'Sauce to cook in the microwave I will tell you what I have been doing since I last posted.
First, Preston FM went off the air on the 2nd December at midnight so no more of that for me. I enjoyed the volunteering I did for them and they have helped me a hell of a lot in getting my assingment sorted for my Radio assignment (due in on the 14th!) They are hoping to be back next year around Spring some time for another months broadcast.
Frequency 1350am seems a complete shambles, from the "rumours" I have heard but personally I did my last show before xmas Sat 2nd/Sun 3rd as it goes off air on the 8th for refurbishment reasons. The PC was still not working but I came prepared with my own CD this time so the show went ok!
Pluto...grr...the article I did for them wasn't published so I wasted a few hours of my life doing that but shit happens as they say.
Assignments-wise at Uni I have done one, three to go. 1 for the 11th I have all but done, a few finishing touches and it will be sorted, 1 for the 14th...planned but not started really and one for the 15th..erm what was that one again? After the 15th though I will be so f'in glad to finish this semester due to all the work being lumped together but I have enjoyed some of it as well as journalism is the profession I want to go into.
I am using equipment from Preston FM to sort out my radio assignment tomorrow with a vox pop of the Preston public so thats a step in the right direction.
I go home anytime after the 15th so looking forward to that especially as I have been invited out to Manchester for a drunken night out...a night sadly lacking at Uni at the moment
Another crap fact is my TV has broke..."dear santa"... so been without a TV since Sunday and going to manage without one until I go home because I can focus more on my work though...although I am having Pro Evo 6 withdrawal symptoms I think.
Working for Match Recruitment again tomorrow night in Blackburn...bring in some extra money and it was interesting to get waiting-on experience last time, even if I was pretty poor at it!
This is my random thoughts as you may be able to tell in no logical order because last Tuesday I was supposed to be going to Staffordshire to see Leek Town play Sutton Coldfield but no...the rain denied me of the chance (I am not superstitious but twice in a row games called off when i wanted to go...hmm) so we'll have to see how that goes and when I try and go again.
Cannot believe England are 0-2 down in the Ashes...watched the whole of the last day of the 2nd test (I was the only one who stayed till the end and then I played 5-a-side 9-10am...so I was knackered that day) terrible collapse. My advice...Anderson or Giles out for Monty!
Found this great website as well: http://www.blogthings.com/ = can play on their for ages! Pity I have not got a myspace though (If anyone with myspace is reading this.. should I get one?) , but I do have Bebo.....
Sure there was other stuff as well...but can't remember it now. Off to get my washing from the machine so I actually have clothes to wear for tomorrow!
First, Preston FM went off the air on the 2nd December at midnight so no more of that for me. I enjoyed the volunteering I did for them and they have helped me a hell of a lot in getting my assingment sorted for my Radio assignment (due in on the 14th!) They are hoping to be back next year around Spring some time for another months broadcast.
Frequency 1350am seems a complete shambles, from the "rumours" I have heard but personally I did my last show before xmas Sat 2nd/Sun 3rd as it goes off air on the 8th for refurbishment reasons. The PC was still not working but I came prepared with my own CD this time so the show went ok!
Pluto...grr...the article I did for them wasn't published so I wasted a few hours of my life doing that but shit happens as they say.
Assignments-wise at Uni I have done one, three to go. 1 for the 11th I have all but done, a few finishing touches and it will be sorted, 1 for the 14th...planned but not started really and one for the 15th..erm what was that one again? After the 15th though I will be so f'in glad to finish this semester due to all the work being lumped together but I have enjoyed some of it as well as journalism is the profession I want to go into.
I am using equipment from Preston FM to sort out my radio assignment tomorrow with a vox pop of the Preston public so thats a step in the right direction.
I go home anytime after the 15th so looking forward to that especially as I have been invited out to Manchester for a drunken night out...a night sadly lacking at Uni at the moment
Another crap fact is my TV has broke..."dear santa"... so been without a TV since Sunday and going to manage without one until I go home because I can focus more on my work though...although I am having Pro Evo 6 withdrawal symptoms I think.
Working for Match Recruitment again tomorrow night in Blackburn...bring in some extra money and it was interesting to get waiting-on experience last time, even if I was pretty poor at it!
This is my random thoughts as you may be able to tell in no logical order because last Tuesday I was supposed to be going to Staffordshire to see Leek Town play Sutton Coldfield but no...the rain denied me of the chance (I am not superstitious but twice in a row games called off when i wanted to go...hmm) so we'll have to see how that goes and when I try and go again.
Cannot believe England are 0-2 down in the Ashes...watched the whole of the last day of the 2nd test (I was the only one who stayed till the end and then I played 5-a-side 9-10am...so I was knackered that day) terrible collapse. My advice...Anderson or Giles out for Monty!
Found this great website as well: http://www.blogthings.com/ = can play on their for ages! Pity I have not got a myspace though (If anyone with myspace is reading this.. should I get one?) , but I do have Bebo.....
Sure there was other stuff as well...but can't remember it now. Off to get my washing from the machine so I actually have clothes to wear for tomorrow!
Monday, November 27, 2006
Tribute to "Bingo Bill"
I joined a volunteer hospital radio station when I first developed an interest in radio and have just discovered this article in my local paper the Oldham Chronicle about the man that has guided me through those first few years of a broadcast journalism career. I don't know yet whether radio or print "is my thing" but if it's radio this man has a large part to play in my decision. I didn't know him very well or amazingly long but he was one of the nicest men you could ever wish to meet and I will always have fond memeries of him.
THE memory of a Shaw community stalwart will live on at Radio Cavell.Former Shaw and Crompton parish councillor and dedicated family man Bill Naylor was affectionately known as “Bingo Billy” by listeners of the station, which is based at the Royal Oldham hospital.
So it seemed only fitting that a studio should be dedicated to the 68-year-old, who died following a battle with cancer in October last year.
Mr Naylor, who volunteered at the station for more than 25 years, was known for his dedication to his family of four daughters, two sons, 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as his wife, Alice.
The bubbly pensioner was also renowned for his love of the festive period and delighted local youngsters by adorning his house with a host of bright lights.
Radio Cavell’s station manager Dave McGealy said: “Bill has been missed so much by everyone at the station and it is the first time we have ever done anything like this.
“It was something we all felt we wanted to do to recognise the commitment and work Bill put in over his 25 years with us.
“We wanted to thank him and his family and remember what an important person he was.“He was a sounding board for all our ideas — exactly the kind of person you want to be working with and he is greatly missed.”
THE memory of a Shaw community stalwart will live on at Radio Cavell.Former Shaw and Crompton parish councillor and dedicated family man Bill Naylor was affectionately known as “Bingo Billy” by listeners of the station, which is based at the Royal Oldham hospital.
So it seemed only fitting that a studio should be dedicated to the 68-year-old, who died following a battle with cancer in October last year.
Mr Naylor, who volunteered at the station for more than 25 years, was known for his dedication to his family of four daughters, two sons, 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as his wife, Alice.
The bubbly pensioner was also renowned for his love of the festive period and delighted local youngsters by adorning his house with a host of bright lights.
Radio Cavell’s station manager Dave McGealy said: “Bill has been missed so much by everyone at the station and it is the first time we have ever done anything like this.
“It was something we all felt we wanted to do to recognise the commitment and work Bill put in over his 25 years with us.
“We wanted to thank him and his family and remember what an important person he was.“He was a sounding board for all our ideas — exactly the kind of person you want to be working with and he is greatly missed.”
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Weekend events
Just done my radio show this weekend on the student station but the PC play-out system wasn't working so had to do my show off CD's all the time. I wouldn't have minded that but it was the fact no-one told me about the PC so that I spent like 30 minutes of my saturday show entering every password I could and fildding around but oh well....
Gutted. Leek Town's match with Mossley called off. I had just met Dan (who I was going to the game with) at midday when I got a text from the leek town forum admin who said the game was off. Ok, I am glad I didn't receive the text over half an hour later as we would have been on the train to stockport but still, my day was runied after that (overstatement there.) I will see leek live this season whatever it takes!
It's starting to get near xmas and UCLan Journalism students still have 4 (one is my elective) assignments to do and frankly, I can't really be bothered. I should be...and I am trying but I don't have the drive I should have considering this assignments could make or break my degree.
It is the last week of Preston FM being on air this week, I did the newsreading on Thursday which went as well as possible considering the system in the studios crashed (what is it with technology recently?). So I am hoping to contribute another news story or 2 to add to my portfolio before it goes off air and it will take up a bit of my spare time as well.
Gutted. Leek Town's match with Mossley called off. I had just met Dan (who I was going to the game with) at midday when I got a text from the leek town forum admin who said the game was off. Ok, I am glad I didn't receive the text over half an hour later as we would have been on the train to stockport but still, my day was runied after that (overstatement there.) I will see leek live this season whatever it takes!
It's starting to get near xmas and UCLan Journalism students still have 4 (one is my elective) assignments to do and frankly, I can't really be bothered. I should be...and I am trying but I don't have the drive I should have considering this assignments could make or break my degree.
It is the last week of Preston FM being on air this week, I did the newsreading on Thursday which went as well as possible considering the system in the studios crashed (what is it with technology recently?). So I am hoping to contribute another news story or 2 to add to my portfolio before it goes off air and it will take up a bit of my spare time as well.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
The Ashes
I watched the opening day of the ashes last night LIVE! on sky tv in the common room. Not a great day for England against a sublime Aussie team and on a pitch that was as useful to the bowlers as a chocolote fireguard! However, watching it saw me stay overnight (12-7am) then I went to bed for 4 hours before getting up for my elective lecture. It is now the end of the day for lectures but I am newsreading at Preston FM tonight so I will do that come back, sleep for another 4 hours and again (try) and no an alnighter while watching the cricket, this time no beer will be involved!
Aaahh the joy of the student life. I just hope I don't fall asleep while newsreading!
Aaahh the joy of the student life. I just hope I don't fall asleep while newsreading!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
What have I done since Monday?
I have played 5-a-side a lot of pro evo 6m but seriously...
I have almost done one of my assignments and made strong strides to completing the other one. only 2 more I have to think about!
Yesterday, I went to watch the new bond film (for part of an assignment we had to pick from a number of reviews). All work no play on this journalism course! and later say Liverpool's miserable away run continue with a 0-0 away draw at Boro.
Preston Fm has again been an invaluable resource and I will be newsreading again next thursday and hopefully have a few more stories on the news bulletins.
My radio show sat and sunday was really good fun. I planned it out better and enjoyed the 9-11am time much more to, and on Sun someone even guessed right in my competition! and I had a lot of help from the heads of speech and programming on Frequency to sort out my show.
Today, I have worked my 2nd shift at Blackburn for Match Recruitment and again, it went very well and is all extra money in the bank. Can't knock that!
Can't wait for the ashes to start on Thursday either, I will be in the common room at all times to see how that unfolds, come on the barmy army! I would have gone but for Uni and money.
I have almost done one of my assignments and made strong strides to completing the other one. only 2 more I have to think about!
Yesterday, I went to watch the new bond film (for part of an assignment we had to pick from a number of reviews). All work no play on this journalism course! and later say Liverpool's miserable away run continue with a 0-0 away draw at Boro.
Preston Fm has again been an invaluable resource and I will be newsreading again next thursday and hopefully have a few more stories on the news bulletins.
My radio show sat and sunday was really good fun. I planned it out better and enjoyed the 9-11am time much more to, and on Sun someone even guessed right in my competition! and I had a lot of help from the heads of speech and programming on Frequency to sort out my show.
Today, I have worked my 2nd shift at Blackburn for Match Recruitment and again, it went very well and is all extra money in the bank. Can't knock that!
Can't wait for the ashes to start on Thursday either, I will be in the common room at all times to see how that unfolds, come on the barmy army! I would have gone but for Uni and money.
Monday, November 13, 2006
I have a job!!
Well, I have actually worked for the recruitment agency for the first time on Saturday after being registered with them for over a year! :)
The job is in catering and it was at Ewood Park....so I was only a few metres away from Blackburn Vs Man Utd which, as a footy lover, was pretty darn cool.
Today, my Journalism mind has been busy again. Preston FM for most of the day, doing vox pops, sitting in on interviews and then going back to the office/studios to edit it. I really am enjoying the stuff they let me do there and hearing a story I contributed to on the news bulletin.
I went to Pluto, the student paper, news meeting today and got a story about race relations at UCLan to do, not that bad except I have quite a few interviews to do so might have to scale down my preston fm involvement.
My "Whitworth at the Weekend" radio show on the student station has been moved to 9-11am from 7-9am, very glad about that! extra kip in bed time.
Going to a meeting tomorrow about getting involved with the "students today"page, which is one page in the Lancashire Evening Post (LEP) about students, so hopefully I can write a piece or 2 for that to expand my student profile.
Still got a lot of assignment work to do though so we will see how each venture go because my main priority has to be my Univeristy degree after all!
The job is in catering and it was at Ewood Park....so I was only a few metres away from Blackburn Vs Man Utd which, as a footy lover, was pretty darn cool.
Today, my Journalism mind has been busy again. Preston FM for most of the day, doing vox pops, sitting in on interviews and then going back to the office/studios to edit it. I really am enjoying the stuff they let me do there and hearing a story I contributed to on the news bulletin.
I went to Pluto, the student paper, news meeting today and got a story about race relations at UCLan to do, not that bad except I have quite a few interviews to do so might have to scale down my preston fm involvement.
My "Whitworth at the Weekend" radio show on the student station has been moved to 9-11am from 7-9am, very glad about that! extra kip in bed time.
Going to a meeting tomorrow about getting involved with the "students today"page, which is one page in the Lancashire Evening Post (LEP) about students, so hopefully I can write a piece or 2 for that to expand my student profile.
Still got a lot of assignment work to do though so we will see how each venture go because my main priority has to be my Univeristy degree after all!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Preston FM newsreading
Since I am posting this I think it can be guessed that the newsreading went ok.
After I set up my trial version of Adobe Audition up on my laptop and left preston FM belting out from windows media player so I could record the bulletin I went down to Preston FM studios. (their slogan is "stay pressed on"= Get it...stay "pressed on" in Preston...pure genius!)
I got there after 5pm and met Jermaine, who I was co-reading the news with, who was already there.
After running through the scripts provided and having mock bulletins we were ready to roll for the, nearly 15 minutes, 6:30pm news bulletin.
The head of the Prescap project was driving the desk in studio 2 while me and Jermaine alternated in reading the varying news stories for the bulletin.
Overall, bar the odd trip-over-a-word-in-the-script problem it went very smoothly and I have put myself forward to read it on Thursday as well.
Got back to my flat and it has recorded which I was relieved to find and after around 30 minutes I had edited it into the news package I wanted and am quite proud of myself now :)
I will be involving myself in the news team Monday and maybe Tueday next week although I don't want to overdo my workload with all my assignments and I have got while early December until the station goes off air to broaden my experience.
After I set up my trial version of Adobe Audition up on my laptop and left preston FM belting out from windows media player so I could record the bulletin I went down to Preston FM studios. (their slogan is "stay pressed on"= Get it...stay "pressed on" in Preston...pure genius!)
I got there after 5pm and met Jermaine, who I was co-reading the news with, who was already there.
After running through the scripts provided and having mock bulletins we were ready to roll for the, nearly 15 minutes, 6:30pm news bulletin.
The head of the Prescap project was driving the desk in studio 2 while me and Jermaine alternated in reading the varying news stories for the bulletin.
Overall, bar the odd trip-over-a-word-in-the-script problem it went very smoothly and I have put myself forward to read it on Thursday as well.
Got back to my flat and it has recorded which I was relieved to find and after around 30 minutes I had edited it into the news package I wanted and am quite proud of myself now :)
I will be involving myself in the news team Monday and maybe Tueday next week although I don't want to overdo my workload with all my assignments and I have got while early December until the station goes off air to broaden my experience.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
My day yesterday....
..was a lot busier than I expected!
I got up in time for my 9-11am journalism seminar and it was the first week of Online Blogging (so, of course, I said "I already have a blog!" quite smugly) but now we have created a new one. Don't worry this one is mine and firm priority.
Anyways, after that I went to the local community radio station Preston FM (87.9FM) just to show my face etc...ended up I was there till 5pm and I went along with the news team to cover 2 stories...one which I got credit for even though I did nothing at all and the other seemed to vanish of the news bulletin but it may be on tonight.
After watching TV (and don't you agree that Channel 4 has one of the best tea-time line-ups?) I went to watch liverpool in the league cup at the pub. Came home jubilant bragged a tad to much to an everton fan (yep, they went out.) and they went to sleep :)
On friday I am doing the news bulletin for Preston FM so there will either be a post about that friday or saturday or if it goes badly I will run away from this career and never be seen again ;)
I got up in time for my 9-11am journalism seminar and it was the first week of Online Blogging (so, of course, I said "I already have a blog!" quite smugly) but now we have created a new one. Don't worry this one is mine and firm priority.
Anyways, after that I went to the local community radio station Preston FM (87.9FM) just to show my face etc...ended up I was there till 5pm and I went along with the news team to cover 2 stories...one which I got credit for even though I did nothing at all and the other seemed to vanish of the news bulletin but it may be on tonight.
After watching TV (and don't you agree that Channel 4 has one of the best tea-time line-ups?) I went to watch liverpool in the league cup at the pub. Came home jubilant bragged a tad to much to an everton fan (yep, they went out.) and they went to sleep :)
On friday I am doing the news bulletin for Preston FM so there will either be a post about that friday or saturday or if it goes badly I will run away from this career and never be seen again ;)
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Random
Here I am on Bonfire night listening to Dave Pearce on radio one "Dance Anthems" and I hear he is coming to my Uni town next weekend. Top stuff.
I finally bought pro evo 6 as well this weekend, not a bad game at all :)
Whoever said living a student life was easy...they are wrong. I have got 4 assignments that are all due in within the space of a week in December so I have been working my arse off recently.
This weekend saw the beginning of the "Whitworth at the Weekend" show on my student radio station which was early but a lot of fun, might be being changed to 8-10 instead of 7-9am. Good that.
West Indies were beaten outright in the ICC champions trophy cricket by the Aussies and the England Rubgy team were outclassed by the Kiwi's= no surprises there.
Arsenal and Chelsea lost (YYEESS!!) though in the Prem so Liverpool gain a bit of ground on them.
I am now going to have a beer. or 2. (limit is 2, thats all I have in my flat : )
EDIT: Hmm it seems a post I did about the death penalty given to saddam has wandered off...hmm interesting. If you see it please return it here. May be a reward :)
I finally bought pro evo 6 as well this weekend, not a bad game at all :)
Whoever said living a student life was easy...they are wrong. I have got 4 assignments that are all due in within the space of a week in December so I have been working my arse off recently.
This weekend saw the beginning of the "Whitworth at the Weekend" show on my student radio station which was early but a lot of fun, might be being changed to 8-10 instead of 7-9am. Good that.
West Indies were beaten outright in the ICC champions trophy cricket by the Aussies and the England Rubgy team were outclassed by the Kiwi's= no surprises there.
Arsenal and Chelsea lost (YYEESS!!) though in the Prem so Liverpool gain a bit of ground on them.
I am now going to have a beer. or 2. (limit is 2, thats all I have in my flat : )
EDIT: Hmm it seems a post I did about the death penalty given to saddam has wandered off...hmm interesting. If you see it please return it here. May be a reward :)
Monday, October 30, 2006
Home for the weekend
I went home from University on Friday so I could a) catch up with mates and family etc b) pay an installment of my holiday money for next year and c) take a break from Uni life!
Had a fun weekend as well, went out into town on Friday night had a few bevvies and a good laugh really, saturday went to Oldham Vs Brentford as part of the press to report on the game for my journalism assignment and we won easily 3-0!
That night I got invited to Manchester and we went to the printworks for another piss-up so that was great except for the bank balance : Ahh got to enjoy yourselves once in a while haven't you?
Sunday was cure hangover day and get ready to come back to Uni day, so I got back to my student accomadation last night, fulfilled from a top weekend back home. :) and ready to get back into assignments and other work.
Had a fun weekend as well, went out into town on Friday night had a few bevvies and a good laugh really, saturday went to Oldham Vs Brentford as part of the press to report on the game for my journalism assignment and we won easily 3-0!
That night I got invited to Manchester and we went to the printworks for another piss-up so that was great except for the bank balance : Ahh got to enjoy yourselves once in a while haven't you?
Sunday was cure hangover day and get ready to come back to Uni day, so I got back to my student accomadation last night, fulfilled from a top weekend back home. :) and ready to get back into assignments and other work.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
The Veil Debate
This has been going on for a while now and as a journalism student I have been reading a lot about this from all sort of different angles.
Especially the Australian muslim cleric that said women who didn't wear the hijab head-dress were like "uncovered meat" for sexual attackers. He has apologised for his comments and said they were not meant to be perceived as they were due to the fact they were taken out of context but still...
Anyway, I think this whole debate has been blown way out of proportion, it is not just about the Veil anymore. It has broadened to include religion, work, why it is worn? what do other religions think? etc and I don't think the comments Jack Straw made were unreasonable. From what I have understood he only asked them to remove their veils when they came into his office and they din't have to and another woman was present, hardly a scene for polictical/religious scandal? He was right to bring the debate into the arena...maybe the way he did that was not quite right, he probably should have spoken to muslim leaders about the issue but what is done is done. I watched a debate on question time (bbc one) a week ago and they dedicated about 30 minutes to this issue. The general consensus seems to be that Muslim women want to wear it but other people think it "seperates them from the community" and compare it to the hoodie as it hides their face. I don't agree with that as it is a religious item of clothing and I don't mind them wearing it at all. However, I don't come into contact with too many veiled women and I do think that it would stop them being an integrated part of society in some instances as if you cover your face it seems like you have something to hide. I have absolutely no problem with the veil being worn and think in this diverse society we live in that it should be accepted, if a muslim wants to wear it they should be able to without prejudice. Having said that....the case of the muslim school teahcer wearing a veil, I agree that she should not be wearing it while teaching children and on a wider scale I think that it should not be worn for work if their work is not to do with their religion. In a working environment were customer interaction is vital and uniforms often a necessity I wouldn't feel comfortable with someone wearing a veil trying to sell me something and if the veil is allowed in work places it seems to be another case of bending over backwards to try and please everyone when that is simply, just not possible.
Especially the Australian muslim cleric that said women who didn't wear the hijab head-dress were like "uncovered meat" for sexual attackers. He has apologised for his comments and said they were not meant to be perceived as they were due to the fact they were taken out of context but still...
Anyway, I think this whole debate has been blown way out of proportion, it is not just about the Veil anymore. It has broadened to include religion, work, why it is worn? what do other religions think? etc and I don't think the comments Jack Straw made were unreasonable. From what I have understood he only asked them to remove their veils when they came into his office and they din't have to and another woman was present, hardly a scene for polictical/religious scandal? He was right to bring the debate into the arena...maybe the way he did that was not quite right, he probably should have spoken to muslim leaders about the issue but what is done is done. I watched a debate on question time (bbc one) a week ago and they dedicated about 30 minutes to this issue. The general consensus seems to be that Muslim women want to wear it but other people think it "seperates them from the community" and compare it to the hoodie as it hides their face. I don't agree with that as it is a religious item of clothing and I don't mind them wearing it at all. However, I don't come into contact with too many veiled women and I do think that it would stop them being an integrated part of society in some instances as if you cover your face it seems like you have something to hide. I have absolutely no problem with the veil being worn and think in this diverse society we live in that it should be accepted, if a muslim wants to wear it they should be able to without prejudice. Having said that....the case of the muslim school teahcer wearing a veil, I agree that she should not be wearing it while teaching children and on a wider scale I think that it should not be worn for work if their work is not to do with their religion. In a working environment were customer interaction is vital and uniforms often a necessity I wouldn't feel comfortable with someone wearing a veil trying to sell me something and if the veil is allowed in work places it seems to be another case of bending over backwards to try and please everyone when that is simply, just not possible.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Tuesday 17th August
So, this is national post-what-you-did-today-on-your-blog-so-people-in-the-future-can-see-what-an-average-day-is-like-in-2006 is it? Okey dokey.
Well then, Hi my name is Joe and I am 19, I am a 2nd year journalism student at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston and below is my day:
8:30am- Woke up and got dressed for playing 5-a-side football.
9:00am- Arrived at the sports centre to play football, turns out we only have 9 people, so it ends up 5 players V 4.
10:00am- End of 5-a-side football game, we lost :(
10:15-10:45am - Walk back to my student accomadation and set up my Playstation 2 (games console) in readiness for my mates to come round to my flat and play on Pro evolution soccer 5, which is a Playstation 2 game.
11:50am- set off for my 1st University lecture of the day which is Print and online Journalism practice module.
12:00pm-1:00pm- Have a lecture on sports reporting and the various ins and outs of it.
1.00pm-2pm- Attend my International Journalism seminar (smaller group than a lecture) were we discuss how each media medium undertake reporting on International News and the pros of cons of this approach and how it affects the industry.
2pm-4:45pm- Back in my flat, watching Neighbours, an Australian soap programme on British TV, browsing the Internet and play on Pro Evo 5 again. During this I actually have some food!
5:00pm- 7:40pm- Be the microphone controller for the Journalism leaders forum held in Greenbank (the name of the building) lecture theatre. Hold the mic in front of people in the audience who ask questions to the panel.
7:40-9:50pm- Go to the Union bar with a few friends and drink a small quantity of alcohol while watching the Manchester United Vs Copenhagen football match, which United win 3-0. Before leaving to go back to my student accomadation, called Foundry Court in Preston.
10:00pm- 10:15pm- Write this blog! While cooking/eating a microwave cooked Lasagne (note: I like pasta, one of the students best friends)
10:15:10:30pm- Browse the Internet while watching the BBC one news report and the local news report which follows. Hear loud music outside coming from another flat...
10:30:11:00pm- finish writing this post and get ready for bed.
11:00pm- anytime after this I am probably asleep...after all it has been a long day! TC (take care) all.
Well then, Hi my name is Joe and I am 19, I am a 2nd year journalism student at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston and below is my day:
8:30am- Woke up and got dressed for playing 5-a-side football.
9:00am- Arrived at the sports centre to play football, turns out we only have 9 people, so it ends up 5 players V 4.
10:00am- End of 5-a-side football game, we lost :(
10:15-10:45am - Walk back to my student accomadation and set up my Playstation 2 (games console) in readiness for my mates to come round to my flat and play on Pro evolution soccer 5, which is a Playstation 2 game.
11:50am- set off for my 1st University lecture of the day which is Print and online Journalism practice module.
12:00pm-1:00pm- Have a lecture on sports reporting and the various ins and outs of it.
1.00pm-2pm- Attend my International Journalism seminar (smaller group than a lecture) were we discuss how each media medium undertake reporting on International News and the pros of cons of this approach and how it affects the industry.
2pm-4:45pm- Back in my flat, watching Neighbours, an Australian soap programme on British TV, browsing the Internet and play on Pro Evo 5 again. During this I actually have some food!
5:00pm- 7:40pm- Be the microphone controller for the Journalism leaders forum held in Greenbank (the name of the building) lecture theatre. Hold the mic in front of people in the audience who ask questions to the panel.
7:40-9:50pm- Go to the Union bar with a few friends and drink a small quantity of alcohol while watching the Manchester United Vs Copenhagen football match, which United win 3-0. Before leaving to go back to my student accomadation, called Foundry Court in Preston.
10:00pm- 10:15pm- Write this blog! While cooking/eating a microwave cooked Lasagne (note: I like pasta, one of the students best friends)
10:15:10:30pm- Browse the Internet while watching the BBC one news report and the local news report which follows. Hear loud music outside coming from another flat...
10:30:11:00pm- finish writing this post and get ready for bed.
11:00pm- anytime after this I am probably asleep...after all it has been a long day! TC (take care) all.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Not safe anywhere.
I know the majority of my posts seem to be quite negative but this one is happened only a few hundred yards up the road from me.
Man murdered at university campus
A man has been murdered at the University of Central Lancashire campus in Preston.
A manhunt was launched after the 51-year-old man was found with terrible injuries shortly after 7pm on Friday.He was found by two female students on a walkway, known to students as Victoria Path, which passes directly behind the university's new student union venue, 53 Degrees, on Fylde Road.Police and paramedics were called at 7.19pm but the man was declared dead at the scene.One eyewitness said: "His face was just a mess. I think he'd been beaten. That's what it looked like."Police immediately sealed off a large area of the university campus between Brook Street, Victoria Street, Plungington Road and the student's union building.A car park, between the road and Victoria Building which is believed to be used mostly by staff from Victoria Building, was also largely cordoned off.Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed for witnesses. A university spokesman confirmed no staff or students were involved in the incident.He said: "UCLan security services are liaising with the police to discover if footage from the university CCTV cameras can help with the police investigation."Two men have been arrested and are helping police with their inquiries.A police spokesman said: "At 7.19pm, an ambulance was called to a pathway that runs by the side of the 53 Degrees club from Fylde Road to Adelphi Street. "A male was found with head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. "The police are investigating how he came to receive the injuries but are aware that a number of people were in the area at that time and may have witnessed some disturbance taking place."
The story was in the LEP, the local paper here. I walked past yesterday and they had two police standing near the incident and the area all taped off. Just as the forensics were scanning the area for anything to find the attackers. I hope they do find them... I remember a couple of serious attacks here last year and in the last few years even murders but that is just the kind of society we live in nowadays. ?
Man murdered at university campus
A man has been murdered at the University of Central Lancashire campus in Preston.
A manhunt was launched after the 51-year-old man was found with terrible injuries shortly after 7pm on Friday.He was found by two female students on a walkway, known to students as Victoria Path, which passes directly behind the university's new student union venue, 53 Degrees, on Fylde Road.Police and paramedics were called at 7.19pm but the man was declared dead at the scene.One eyewitness said: "His face was just a mess. I think he'd been beaten. That's what it looked like."Police immediately sealed off a large area of the university campus between Brook Street, Victoria Street, Plungington Road and the student's union building.A car park, between the road and Victoria Building which is believed to be used mostly by staff from Victoria Building, was also largely cordoned off.Police confirmed the incident was being treated as murder and appealed for witnesses. A university spokesman confirmed no staff or students were involved in the incident.He said: "UCLan security services are liaising with the police to discover if footage from the university CCTV cameras can help with the police investigation."Two men have been arrested and are helping police with their inquiries.A police spokesman said: "At 7.19pm, an ambulance was called to a pathway that runs by the side of the 53 Degrees club from Fylde Road to Adelphi Street. "A male was found with head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. "The police are investigating how he came to receive the injuries but are aware that a number of people were in the area at that time and may have witnessed some disturbance taking place."
The story was in the LEP, the local paper here. I walked past yesterday and they had two police standing near the incident and the area all taped off. Just as the forensics were scanning the area for anything to find the attackers. I hope they do find them... I remember a couple of serious attacks here last year and in the last few years even murders but that is just the kind of society we live in nowadays. ?
Monday, October 09, 2006
R.I.P Paul Hunter
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/6035879.stm = there is the link to the BBC resource that has the story but I am going to share my thoughts on here.
I didn't know he was that ill, thought he was getting better. I have never had cancer or known people close to me to have it but still, must be a deep shock to his family as he was only 27.
I was in buoyant mood, browsing the internet then came across this story and it stopped me in my tracks. Never seen him live but watched Paul many times on TV and I liked his style of snooker and before the illness he was quite a good player.
Shocking news, tragic and he leaves a Wife Lindsey and young daughter Evie Rose.
Not important now but his birthday would have been this Saturday...the day when I start my radio show :(
He will be sadly missed by all his family and by the snooker profession. I am sure the tributes will pour in tomorrow and rightly they should.
Life so cruelly ripped away at the tender age of 27. Do events like these ever make you wonder that life is just not fair? They do to me.
R.I.P Paul Hunter 14/10/1978 - 9/10/2006.
I didn't know he was that ill, thought he was getting better. I have never had cancer or known people close to me to have it but still, must be a deep shock to his family as he was only 27.
I was in buoyant mood, browsing the internet then came across this story and it stopped me in my tracks. Never seen him live but watched Paul many times on TV and I liked his style of snooker and before the illness he was quite a good player.
Shocking news, tragic and he leaves a Wife Lindsey and young daughter Evie Rose.
Not important now but his birthday would have been this Saturday...the day when I start my radio show :(
He will be sadly missed by all his family and by the snooker profession. I am sure the tributes will pour in tomorrow and rightly they should.
Life so cruelly ripped away at the tender age of 27. Do events like these ever make you wonder that life is just not fair? They do to me.
R.I.P Paul Hunter 14/10/1978 - 9/10/2006.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
USA + Guns = death
I feel I have dodged this subject of my blog due to me 1) Not knowing enough about it to full comprehend the US guns culture as I live in the UK and 2) Maybe not wanting to post about the tragedies of the 3 schools that gunmen got into and killed innocent school children.
Last Wednesday a 16-year-old girl died when an armed man, who also killed himself, took six students hostage at a Colorado high school and on Friday, a head teacher at a high school in Wisconsin was killed when he confronted an armed 15-year-old student as he entered the school and now a gunman has killed 5 girls between the ages of 7 and 13 years old. Thankfully he shot himself as well.
I can not begin to comprehend how someone with a loaded gun could walk into a school and take hostages at gun point? and I thought taking a pen-knife to school was bad.
This is why, I wasn't sure about writing this post....I am shocked and horrified about what has happened to these kids and there families.
The white house was/is holding a conference today about the issue of security in US schools...not suprising. How can people get hold of guns so easily and then use them to kill innocent people? Thats what I can not understand and frankly, I don't know if I want to understand.
The hostages being taken in their own school at gunpoint is serious enough and it is clear that must of these people aren't afraid to take away a briefly lived life or lives but a 15 year old taking a gun into school and killing a head teacher...I cannot find the words.
I am not totally ignorant, gun crime happens in UK of course it does but to the extent and the ramifications of the US, thankfully, I would say we have not yet reached that stage.
A final thing as well, a big investigation is being launched and all these meetings are taking place but 3 things in the space of a week....a lot of damge has already been done but anything that can be done to stop lunatics going anyway and taking hostages or waving a gun around should be done.
Both of the murderers obviously could not face up to what they had done, walked into a school full of children and taking away the rest of their lives as well as devastating the families/friends of the victims so they took the cowardly way out and shot themselves.
These things do intrigue me, suppose it is natural instincts as a trainee Journo to ask the guys who stormed into the school why did they do it, what did they think they would achieve, can they see the pain/suffering they have caused and get into their minds....but with cold-blooded killers do we really want to hear they story even if we could?
R.I.P
Naomi Rose Ebersole, age seven, Lina Miller, age seven, Mary Liz Miller, age eight, Anna Mae Stoltzfus, age 12, Marian Fisher, age 13, the Head Teacher killed last Friday and the 16 year old schoolgirl killed in Colorado.
Last Wednesday a 16-year-old girl died when an armed man, who also killed himself, took six students hostage at a Colorado high school and on Friday, a head teacher at a high school in Wisconsin was killed when he confronted an armed 15-year-old student as he entered the school and now a gunman has killed 5 girls between the ages of 7 and 13 years old. Thankfully he shot himself as well.
I can not begin to comprehend how someone with a loaded gun could walk into a school and take hostages at gun point? and I thought taking a pen-knife to school was bad.
This is why, I wasn't sure about writing this post....I am shocked and horrified about what has happened to these kids and there families.
The white house was/is holding a conference today about the issue of security in US schools...not suprising. How can people get hold of guns so easily and then use them to kill innocent people? Thats what I can not understand and frankly, I don't know if I want to understand.
The hostages being taken in their own school at gunpoint is serious enough and it is clear that must of these people aren't afraid to take away a briefly lived life or lives but a 15 year old taking a gun into school and killing a head teacher...I cannot find the words.
I am not totally ignorant, gun crime happens in UK of course it does but to the extent and the ramifications of the US, thankfully, I would say we have not yet reached that stage.
A final thing as well, a big investigation is being launched and all these meetings are taking place but 3 things in the space of a week....a lot of damge has already been done but anything that can be done to stop lunatics going anyway and taking hostages or waving a gun around should be done.
Both of the murderers obviously could not face up to what they had done, walked into a school full of children and taking away the rest of their lives as well as devastating the families/friends of the victims so they took the cowardly way out and shot themselves.
These things do intrigue me, suppose it is natural instincts as a trainee Journo to ask the guys who stormed into the school why did they do it, what did they think they would achieve, can they see the pain/suffering they have caused and get into their minds....but with cold-blooded killers do we really want to hear they story even if we could?
R.I.P
Naomi Rose Ebersole, age seven, Lina Miller, age seven, Mary Liz Miller, age eight, Anna Mae Stoltzfus, age 12, Marian Fisher, age 13, the Head Teacher killed last Friday and the 16 year old schoolgirl killed in Colorado.
Monday, October 02, 2006
the best 100 cartoons of all time
Yep. I was so bored last night that I watched this on Channel 4 and it was quite good actually.
The winner (if it isn't obvious...) was the Simpsons! But Futurama, Family Guy did well and of course Looney Toons! Ahh it brought back some great memories from my childhood...although I was very unhappy to see Scooby Doo at around 50th-odd place :( There was a lot of Anime in there as well which, personally, I can't really watch because I hate it so much...but thats just me.
Anyways, my 1st University lecture starts tomorrow so I got to get back into the swing of things as they say. Going to my student rag's news meeting tonight and just seeing how the first week goes before involving myself in community radio and other possible outlets of my Journalistic-future. Also, paid £70 for a years membership at the University gym so it better be worth it!!
The winner (if it isn't obvious...) was the Simpsons! But Futurama, Family Guy did well and of course Looney Toons! Ahh it brought back some great memories from my childhood...although I was very unhappy to see Scooby Doo at around 50th-odd place :( There was a lot of Anime in there as well which, personally, I can't really watch because I hate it so much...but thats just me.
Anyways, my 1st University lecture starts tomorrow so I got to get back into the swing of things as they say. Going to my student rag's news meeting tonight and just seeing how the first week goes before involving myself in community radio and other possible outlets of my Journalistic-future. Also, paid £70 for a years membership at the University gym so it better be worth it!!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Back to Uni
I am writing this on my new laptop, the 1st blog post on the machine, at 08:10am on Wednesday 27th Sept. Why am I up this early? you may ask.... I am not sure really....is this answer.
The bed in my new accommadation is reasonable for a student gaffe and the noise outside isn't that bad all the time!
Anyway, enough of sounding like a whinging bugger. Actually this place is alright I am quite liking settling in to Uni again and caught up with a odd mate since Monday when I came back. Got a course briefing to go to this morning and just hopefully enroled onto my elective for the year but I might have to change it depending on my Journalism timetable and the places on the course.
I am enjoying the freedom again, being my own man and I even made myself a "proper" tea last night....Cheese Pie and Beans= can't beat it. Aaahhh the student life. :)
The bed in my new accommadation is reasonable for a student gaffe and the noise outside isn't that bad all the time!
Anyway, enough of sounding like a whinging bugger. Actually this place is alright I am quite liking settling in to Uni again and caught up with a odd mate since Monday when I came back. Got a course briefing to go to this morning and just hopefully enroled onto my elective for the year but I might have to change it depending on my Journalism timetable and the places on the course.
I am enjoying the freedom again, being my own man and I even made myself a "proper" tea last night....Cheese Pie and Beans= can't beat it. Aaahhh the student life. :)
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Centre Parks
Firstly, I am back to University in less than two weeks now and I remember at the start of the summer thinking it would be an eternity but actually the time since May hasn't seemed like it.
I am looking forward to catching up with Uni friends, seeing my new accommadation etc but think I'm going to miss nights out with my mates at home and the general stuff that we do!!
Anyway, tomorrow I am going with my mum and dad to Centre Parks...why you may ask?? Fuck knows is the answer! Shouldn't be that bad really, I used to enjoy it when I went as a young kid but I am pre-judging or I am going to be a bit bored Friday while Monday?
There is a 80's disco night on Saturday but I wasn't around for much of the 80's. A few bevvies and I'll be dancing like a pro whatever the music!
At least I am doing something, I wouldn't have got up off my arse otherwise so I suppose its worth it and after all how bad could it be....?? :
I am looking forward to catching up with Uni friends, seeing my new accommadation etc but think I'm going to miss nights out with my mates at home and the general stuff that we do!!
Anyway, tomorrow I am going with my mum and dad to Centre Parks...why you may ask?? Fuck knows is the answer! Shouldn't be that bad really, I used to enjoy it when I went as a young kid but I am pre-judging or I am going to be a bit bored Friday while Monday?
There is a 80's disco night on Saturday but I wasn't around for much of the 80's. A few bevvies and I'll be dancing like a pro whatever the music!
At least I am doing something, I wouldn't have got up off my arse otherwise so I suppose its worth it and after all how bad could it be....?? :
Monday, September 04, 2006
R.I.P Steve Irwin
What can I say? = I was driving home early this morning and heard the news on Radio 1.
He was a man who died at home in his natural habitat and doing what he lived for.
Steve Irwin, 44, died after being struck in the chest by the stingray's barb while he was filming a documentary in Queensland's Great Barrier Reef.
It gets its name from the razor-sharp barb at the end of its tail, coated in toxic venom, which the animal uses to defend itself with when it feels threatened.
The crew called for medical treatment, it arrived but they were unable to save him. stingray venom is rarely lethal and it would have been the wound caused by the barb itself, which could measure up to 20cm long, which proved fatal
I know he was controversial at times, but what he did to promote nature in Australia and doing what he did best was really quite something.
He risked his life several times to educate, inform and certainly entertain the watching public.
I think its shows how he reached across the world by the number of people from all over the world are paying their respects to him and many a website has already been set up to leave tributes on.
R.I.P Steve Irwin.
He was a man who died at home in his natural habitat and doing what he lived for.
Steve Irwin, 44, died after being struck in the chest by the stingray's barb while he was filming a documentary in Queensland's Great Barrier Reef.
It gets its name from the razor-sharp barb at the end of its tail, coated in toxic venom, which the animal uses to defend itself with when it feels threatened.
The crew called for medical treatment, it arrived but they were unable to save him. stingray venom is rarely lethal and it would have been the wound caused by the barb itself, which could measure up to 20cm long, which proved fatal
I know he was controversial at times, but what he did to promote nature in Australia and doing what he did best was really quite something.
He risked his life several times to educate, inform and certainly entertain the watching public.
I think its shows how he reached across the world by the number of people from all over the world are paying their respects to him and many a website has already been set up to leave tributes on.
R.I.P Steve Irwin.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Aa is for Andre Agassi
What can I say about one of the greatest sportsman ever finally bringing an end to one of the best sporting careers ever?
If you don't know Andre Agassi's 20-year career ended in a 5-7 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 5-7 defeat to German qualifier Benjamin Becker at the US Open today, about an hour ago in fact.
In his defeat he bowed to all four sides of the court for the last time and was VERY emotional.
I have to admit, rather sheepishly, I was struggling to keep dry eyes and was unable to change channel as I got caught up in the moment.
60 ATP titles and eight Grand Slams= What a record. And for a certain Pete Sampras it could have been so much better, what a fight both men had over the years.
It was not his best match by a long long way, but a battling performance from a 36-year old who prior to the game had been given a cortazone injection was a fitting tribute.
A sad end to his illustrious career. A true sports great and the ovation he got was thoroughly deserved. It will be a massive shame if he doesn't play in any senior events...but I am sure he will.
If you don't know Andre Agassi's 20-year career ended in a 5-7 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 5-7 defeat to German qualifier Benjamin Becker at the US Open today, about an hour ago in fact.
In his defeat he bowed to all four sides of the court for the last time and was VERY emotional.
I have to admit, rather sheepishly, I was struggling to keep dry eyes and was unable to change channel as I got caught up in the moment.
60 ATP titles and eight Grand Slams= What a record. And for a certain Pete Sampras it could have been so much better, what a fight both men had over the years.
It was not his best match by a long long way, but a battling performance from a 36-year old who prior to the game had been given a cortazone injection was a fitting tribute.
A sad end to his illustrious career. A true sports great and the ovation he got was thoroughly deserved. It will be a massive shame if he doesn't play in any senior events...but I am sure he will.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
On this day in history....
....forget all the other things that have happened, even all the GCSE exam results. I remember than a few years ago, came out with 2B's 7C's and 1D so I did pretty well.
Anyway, this day is about me getting my first ever "real" byline (I have had bylines before but they don't really count as it was only my student newspaper).
While on work ex at my local newspaper I have received that prestigious honour of having my name attached to a story and I could not be happier.
It might not be a long piece, the best ever written but it is an serious debate and I love it. One small step at the moment but one huge leap on to the career ladder in terms of enhancing my portfolio, lets hope another one is possible to give me some reward for the effort I have been putting in.
So far I am loving my Newspaper placement and it might, and I do use a modal verb of uncertainty there, might have guided me towards the light of my future career path= Newspaper Journalism. There is still a long way to go on that front so only time will tell...
Anyway, this day is about me getting my first ever "real" byline (I have had bylines before but they don't really count as it was only my student newspaper).
While on work ex at my local newspaper I have received that prestigious honour of having my name attached to a story and I could not be happier.
It might not be a long piece, the best ever written but it is an serious debate and I love it. One small step at the moment but one huge leap on to the career ladder in terms of enhancing my portfolio, lets hope another one is possible to give me some reward for the effort I have been putting in.
So far I am loving my Newspaper placement and it might, and I do use a modal verb of uncertainty there, might have guided me towards the light of my future career path= Newspaper Journalism. There is still a long way to go on that front so only time will tell...
Sunday, August 20, 2006
News-monkey
This blog of my journalism (and other) experiences was created so that I could look back in a few months/years and acknowledge the serious posts I have made on here and laugh at the posts that basically me talking shit.
I have become much more aware of the UK media surrondings and journalism as a commodity since I went to University and starting studying journalism. The course is great and so is the resources UCLan provide and direct me towards. But there is one particular site that has stood out for me. There all a load of journalism sites on the web and most are educational, informative and great resource tools.
However, one which I was pointed towards while doing my course is www.news-monkey.com = this is a site which is soon to be taken of the internet as it has not taken off in a year despite having 246 members. The problem is most members do not post so the "editor" has said that he is not paying to have the site on the net for only a few people. Personally, I have enjoyed posting on that site...I am a member of other journalism sites like journobiz and mediaUK but, while them sites are also great, the place to go if you want a bit of a laugh about journalism is news-monkey. They have given me a lot of help regarding my local newspaper placement (which starts tomorrow) and I believe the regular posters played a massive role in helping me achieve the placement as they guided me from not knowing what to do, to producing a letter with everything on it that would get me the placement.
There are always the memories though and I will remember them, the posters on there are a good bunch, when serious or laughable if this site reflects what I will be like when (if? hopefully..) I become a fully fledged journo then I will be a very happy man indeed.
I have become much more aware of the UK media surrondings and journalism as a commodity since I went to University and starting studying journalism. The course is great and so is the resources UCLan provide and direct me towards. But there is one particular site that has stood out for me. There all a load of journalism sites on the web and most are educational, informative and great resource tools.
However, one which I was pointed towards while doing my course is www.news-monkey.com = this is a site which is soon to be taken of the internet as it has not taken off in a year despite having 246 members. The problem is most members do not post so the "editor" has said that he is not paying to have the site on the net for only a few people. Personally, I have enjoyed posting on that site...I am a member of other journalism sites like journobiz and mediaUK but, while them sites are also great, the place to go if you want a bit of a laugh about journalism is news-monkey. They have given me a lot of help regarding my local newspaper placement (which starts tomorrow) and I believe the regular posters played a massive role in helping me achieve the placement as they guided me from not knowing what to do, to producing a letter with everything on it that would get me the placement.
There are always the memories though and I will remember them, the posters on there are a good bunch, when serious or laughable if this site reflects what I will be like when (if? hopefully..) I become a fully fledged journo then I will be a very happy man indeed.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Journalism
A few weeks ago I was feeling quite disillusioned with my career choice of journalism and began to wonder after only 1 year at University if it was really what I wanted to do but after the BBC placement and my soon to be Local newspaper placement my faith in what I am doing with 3 years of my life has been restored.
This post is a bit belated but I have had other things to do :) like losing half a stone at the gym!!
Anyways, why I think I want to go into journalism and be part of the news environment especially, hit me when I was watching the coverage of the "possible" terroirist attacks and the coverage of the airport security. Maybe it caught my eye more because it interrupted programmes on BBC 1 to become a news special or because my dad works at an airport.
Whatever it was, I was intrigued to find out more about what had gone on the night/early morning before I heard about this foiled plot. I found the technology of journalism to be very useful, as by using the red button and watching the news ticker (that must be the first time it has actually been useful) I was brought up-to-the-minute on the events and the security measures.
I am a little biased becuase my account goes off Sky and BBC only but they more than satisfied my Uses and Gratifications so I had no need to change to any other channel. In this society we live in of immediacy we wanted to know everything about what was happening all across the country.
That is what really thrills me about journalism or at least the techinlogy journalism implements...while I was reading the Mirror Newspaper I had bought that morning (which, obviously, had nothing on the foiled plot) I was being kept as updated as possible by reporters at Heathow, Glasgow, Stanstead, Manchester etc and "experts" in the studio. News journalism works so fast and facts have to checked and stories confirmed faster than ever to get the first break of a big news story but to watch all the events unfold really give me a feel of thats what I want to do, never knowing what is coming next and how quickly preparations are made to deal with what is coming next.
For now at least, this is one student Journalist that really is drawn to the news media.
This post is a bit belated but I have had other things to do :) like losing half a stone at the gym!!
Anyways, why I think I want to go into journalism and be part of the news environment especially, hit me when I was watching the coverage of the "possible" terroirist attacks and the coverage of the airport security. Maybe it caught my eye more because it interrupted programmes on BBC 1 to become a news special or because my dad works at an airport.
Whatever it was, I was intrigued to find out more about what had gone on the night/early morning before I heard about this foiled plot. I found the technology of journalism to be very useful, as by using the red button and watching the news ticker (that must be the first time it has actually been useful) I was brought up-to-the-minute on the events and the security measures.
I am a little biased becuase my account goes off Sky and BBC only but they more than satisfied my Uses and Gratifications so I had no need to change to any other channel. In this society we live in of immediacy we wanted to know everything about what was happening all across the country.
That is what really thrills me about journalism or at least the techinlogy journalism implements...while I was reading the Mirror Newspaper I had bought that morning (which, obviously, had nothing on the foiled plot) I was being kept as updated as possible by reporters at Heathow, Glasgow, Stanstead, Manchester etc and "experts" in the studio. News journalism works so fast and facts have to checked and stories confirmed faster than ever to get the first break of a big news story but to watch all the events unfold really give me a feel of thats what I want to do, never knowing what is coming next and how quickly preparations are made to deal with what is coming next.
For now at least, this is one student Journalist that really is drawn to the news media.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Update
| Well (sob) I am coming to the end of my last/next to last day on work ex at the BBC and it has been a fantastic experience as well. Alright, I haven't always been doing the prettiest jobs and sometimes progress has been a little slow, but I have learned so much and met so many new people it has been a real eye-opener for me. I have been told I am "no longer needed" for my bar job which isn't that bad except it stops a bit of money coming in and I have finally got round to actually doing something or myspace...not that it is any good or anything!! Finally, I am going to see my Uni accomadation soon (as I haven't seen it yet!!) and I have applied to a vacancy a certain website had (secrecy is the key) about writing articles for them....so we will see what happens. More updates when there is more to tell or I can be bothered ;) |
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Will they ever shut up?
This post is more of an annoyed point about the industry I wish to enter, the UK news media rather than anything else.
Firstly, there is the point that the majority of people make and that is: leave the Diana subject alone, she died in 1997 in a tragic accident, whether or not that is true we will never know (even though the investigation is still continuing) but papers like the Daily Express (and others I am sure) cannot help it can they? Almost every month since Diana's death a story of who did it? why? who else was involved? etc has been printed.
But with the printing of the photo of Diana dying printed in the Italy magazine Chi, I agree that it should not be seen, how can it be in the public interest to see a picture of someone dying 9 years ago? I agree with the UK news media not publishing this particular picture, however they are not afraid to publish any other story in relation to her are they?
For example, the cameraman boasting "I bedded Diana" this week, made a lot of front pages and it just should be ignored in my opinion. It just shows how hypocritcial the UK news media is and that it doesn't always act on consensus of public opinion. I could not give the slighest shit if he did or didn't, but to claim it is just bringing up the past and includes a woman who cannot even defend herself. Do we really need to know about her private life?
I was young when Princess Diana died and have several suspucions of my own, especially regarding how societies and opinions have changed but the reality is whatever happened will never actually be heard in truth, so the media might as well just forget about it and stop the scandal about Diana.
It is not in the interest of the public to know about Diana's private life, it doesn't matter what we know now anyway, but it is in the interest of the pockets of journalism as a business. If the investigation finds out who REALLY did kill Diana and Dodi Al Fayed then by all means, print it and inform the public but all this scandal is just hypocritical and a fixation on the couples death.
R.I.P Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed.
Firstly, there is the point that the majority of people make and that is: leave the Diana subject alone, she died in 1997 in a tragic accident, whether or not that is true we will never know (even though the investigation is still continuing) but papers like the Daily Express (and others I am sure) cannot help it can they? Almost every month since Diana's death a story of who did it? why? who else was involved? etc has been printed.
But with the printing of the photo of Diana dying printed in the Italy magazine Chi, I agree that it should not be seen, how can it be in the public interest to see a picture of someone dying 9 years ago? I agree with the UK news media not publishing this particular picture, however they are not afraid to publish any other story in relation to her are they?
For example, the cameraman boasting "I bedded Diana" this week, made a lot of front pages and it just should be ignored in my opinion. It just shows how hypocritcial the UK news media is and that it doesn't always act on consensus of public opinion. I could not give the slighest shit if he did or didn't, but to claim it is just bringing up the past and includes a woman who cannot even defend herself. Do we really need to know about her private life?
I was young when Princess Diana died and have several suspucions of my own, especially regarding how societies and opinions have changed but the reality is whatever happened will never actually be heard in truth, so the media might as well just forget about it and stop the scandal about Diana.
It is not in the interest of the public to know about Diana's private life, it doesn't matter what we know now anyway, but it is in the interest of the pockets of journalism as a business. If the investigation finds out who REALLY did kill Diana and Dodi Al Fayed then by all means, print it and inform the public but all this scandal is just hypocritical and a fixation on the couples death.
R.I.P Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Political correctness: Why do we bend over backwards?
Ok, I will be the 1st to admit not that many posts on this blog are serious. I didn't set it up for any reason except to record my random thoughts etc but today I saw/read and article in the Daily Mail today (that is not the only paper I read....trust me) and it just got me and a lot of people I mentioned it too pretty riled.
A couple had booked Alton Towers for £5000 for 2 days, which included a wedding and after party event including all the rides and gardens. However, they found out through a friend (Alton Towers didn't even contact them directly!) that there party of around 60 people had been double booked.
Ok fine so far, a lot of people but no worries.
A-hah here is the problem, despite the couple booking 1st, a Muslim group had also booked this weekend (Sun 17th Sept, I think) for a muslim based celebration.
I am not at all racist and encourage all the diversity possible but what really fucks me off is the next bit of the story.
The couple learn that while at the park they will have to follow the muslim rules....which means only halal meat served, all women must cover up totally, no music, no alcohol and men and women CANNOT EVEN GO ON THE SAME RIDE TOGETHER!!
I would not want my wedding celebration to be like that, its supposed to be memorable and fun, not dictated by other people despite you booking first and not being a part of that celebration.
I'm not bothered about the muslims having their celebrations there....personally it can only be a good thing to embrace their relegion but when they enforce their religion on other people saying "You can't do this and that" etc.
Well that pisses me off, because can you even IMAGINE the trouble their would be if it was the other way round? Of course not because the double booking mistake would NOT have been made or, the way our society has become we would bend over backwards to sort it out and help them. This should get sorted out so both parties are happy, especially now that Alton Towers has received some press attention, they need to make sure it is postive not negative.
But if the couple miss out after paying £5k and bookig first to a religion based festival which wants people outside their relegion to follow their traditions....well, its just wrong and unfair. Political correctness has gone mad! remember the court story about a under 10 year old boy taken to court because he called someone a "black(something, I've forgot but I know it wasn't that offensive)" in a school yard and now we can't have "baa baa black sheep" It should be: "baa baa rainbow sheep". [roll eyes here]
Respecting religion is something everyone should be aware of and do but to subvert your religion or plans when you have nothing to do with them is not how our world should work. I could deal with it more if it worked both ways.....but it doesn't does it? Any examples I have missed feel more than free to add and maybe I need to research more but IMO equal oppurtunities and P.C. have been taken too far to help others rather than focusing on the problems at home first.
A couple had booked Alton Towers for £5000 for 2 days, which included a wedding and after party event including all the rides and gardens. However, they found out through a friend (Alton Towers didn't even contact them directly!) that there party of around 60 people had been double booked.
Ok fine so far, a lot of people but no worries.
A-hah here is the problem, despite the couple booking 1st, a Muslim group had also booked this weekend (Sun 17th Sept, I think) for a muslim based celebration.
I am not at all racist and encourage all the diversity possible but what really fucks me off is the next bit of the story.
The couple learn that while at the park they will have to follow the muslim rules....which means only halal meat served, all women must cover up totally, no music, no alcohol and men and women CANNOT EVEN GO ON THE SAME RIDE TOGETHER!!
I would not want my wedding celebration to be like that, its supposed to be memorable and fun, not dictated by other people despite you booking first and not being a part of that celebration.
I'm not bothered about the muslims having their celebrations there....personally it can only be a good thing to embrace their relegion but when they enforce their religion on other people saying "You can't do this and that" etc.
Well that pisses me off, because can you even IMAGINE the trouble their would be if it was the other way round? Of course not because the double booking mistake would NOT have been made or, the way our society has become we would bend over backwards to sort it out and help them. This should get sorted out so both parties are happy, especially now that Alton Towers has received some press attention, they need to make sure it is postive not negative.
But if the couple miss out after paying £5k and bookig first to a religion based festival which wants people outside their relegion to follow their traditions....well, its just wrong and unfair. Political correctness has gone mad! remember the court story about a under 10 year old boy taken to court because he called someone a "black(something, I've forgot but I know it wasn't that offensive)" in a school yard and now we can't have "baa baa black sheep" It should be: "baa baa rainbow sheep". [roll eyes here]
Respecting religion is something everyone should be aware of and do but to subvert your religion or plans when you have nothing to do with them is not how our world should work. I could deal with it more if it worked both ways.....but it doesn't does it? Any examples I have missed feel more than free to add and maybe I need to research more but IMO equal oppurtunities and P.C. have been taken too far to help others rather than focusing on the problems at home first.
What made me laugh this morning
Since I am at BBC Manchester for a month now I have to travel down there by bus and the amount of times you see people running for the bus and just missing it (like me today actually...and yes you do end up looking like a twat!!) or waving it down and it just goes flying past is amazing.
Today, for example I was on my way down to start work and a woman was running towards the bus stop and realising she wasn't going to make it she stuck her hand out (in that "stop" kind of sign) but the bus just carried on and the look on her face combined with the 3rd finger raised to the driver was so funny.
I couldn't help but laugh....one persons pain is anothers pleasure. It at least gave me a good start to the day.
Today, for example I was on my way down to start work and a woman was running towards the bus stop and realising she wasn't going to make it she stuck her hand out (in that "stop" kind of sign) but the bus just carried on and the look on her face combined with the 3rd finger raised to the driver was so funny.
I couldn't help but laugh....one persons pain is anothers pleasure. It at least gave me a good start to the day.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
one week can be a long time
Yeah one week yet a lot of things have happened. England lost the cricket series to Sri Lanka 5-0, all the Brits got knocked out of Wimbledon and the only thing that can make grown men cry happened (yep I am talking about England being beaten on penalties at the World Cup). On a side note, I saw Christiano Ronaldo's face pictured in the Sun on a dartboard and for me thats just inciting anger and hatred isn't it? Ok, he will not be on my xmas card list either, but putting his face on a dartboard, while it was supposed to be lighthearted, is an interesting editorial decision from my POV.
After all the pestering I did to try and get a placement at the BBC I finally achieved it, they rang me on Friday night and despite missing the call by this Tuesday I was working at the BBC on a 4-week unpaid work experience placement which I am chuffed about and I hope will lead to better things career wise.
I failed one assignment in the 1st year of Uni so am re-doing that again to make sure I can continue my journalism course, i have a flat in preston now but I haven't actually seen it yet! so that will be interesting to see where I will be living next year.
Due to the BBC thing taking up most of my days, updates on here will be sparadic but tough!
After all the pestering I did to try and get a placement at the BBC I finally achieved it, they rang me on Friday night and despite missing the call by this Tuesday I was working at the BBC on a 4-week unpaid work experience placement which I am chuffed about and I hope will lead to better things career wise.
I failed one assignment in the 1st year of Uni so am re-doing that again to make sure I can continue my journalism course, i have a flat in preston now but I haven't actually seen it yet! so that will be interesting to see where I will be living next year.
Due to the BBC thing taking up most of my days, updates on here will be sparadic but tough!
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Lightning, lightning, very very frightening
Not used to watching such bad weather where I live.
One minute eating outside in the warmth, sun out, birds chirping away and the great summery feeling, next watching rain and then thunder and lightning consume my neighbourhood! Lasted for over 2 hours I would say as well.
Bit of a random post but if I have my own blog I can post what I want! and its not everyday I see a storm such as that, especially as at least two people were struck by the storm.
I still have my bar job and been doing 2-3 shifts per week with that but we will have to wait and see how that goes now that England are out of the World Cup (I am not going to dedicate a post to that, despite my vast love of Football and the things I could say...), my local rag newspaper placement begins in 2 months and 3 weeks, which I hope will be good fun and a valuable experience. Maybe, just maybe, I have a placement at the BBC in Manchester for a month. Details are being sorted out tomorrow and I hope that I can get that as it would be fantastic, whatever I would be doing.
One minute eating outside in the warmth, sun out, birds chirping away and the great summery feeling, next watching rain and then thunder and lightning consume my neighbourhood! Lasted for over 2 hours I would say as well.
Bit of a random post but if I have my own blog I can post what I want! and its not everyday I see a storm such as that, especially as at least two people were struck by the storm.
I still have my bar job and been doing 2-3 shifts per week with that but we will have to wait and see how that goes now that England are out of the World Cup (I am not going to dedicate a post to that, despite my vast love of Football and the things I could say...), my local rag newspaper placement begins in 2 months and 3 weeks, which I hope will be good fun and a valuable experience. Maybe, just maybe, I have a placement at the BBC in Manchester for a month. Details are being sorted out tomorrow and I hope that I can get that as it would be fantastic, whatever I would be doing.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
MBE, OBE, CBE??
Yes this is a post on the Queens 80th birthday honours list. Is it just me or are us Brits really traditonal? I mean, do we really need a "royal family" anymore? I appreciate they have done some important things in the past and were crucial to the UK being how it is today but nowadays, they don't really do a lot now do they?
Anyway, its the awarding of MBE, OBE, CBE's that really hacks me off. Well maybe not the idea of it, I think people should be recognised IF they make a big contribution to their area of expertise and help other people but, this is cynical, why did Graham Thorpe, that police chief and Barry Ferguson got MBE's?? Graham Thorpe was an excellent cricketer and hes a nice guy but has he helped improve the game so much as in he deserves and MBE? IMO: No he hasn't and its the same for quite a few other people. They just seem to be given out without too much research and thought going into it. However, many people do deserve recognition and this link http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/front_page/5087176.stm shows that many local people have got recognition for their local efforts, which is great and a credit to the whole idea. But, still thats the list for sport only and I know I wouldn't be complaining if I got one (*hint*) but they do seem to be given out to "well-known" people just for publicity because all the not well-known people, get their deserved recognition but not publicity. Maybe its me, maybe its just the media distorting my view in its coverage or maybe I'm right. Everyone has their own opinions and I've just shared mine.
Anyway, its the awarding of MBE, OBE, CBE's that really hacks me off. Well maybe not the idea of it, I think people should be recognised IF they make a big contribution to their area of expertise and help other people but, this is cynical, why did Graham Thorpe, that police chief and Barry Ferguson got MBE's?? Graham Thorpe was an excellent cricketer and hes a nice guy but has he helped improve the game so much as in he deserves and MBE? IMO: No he hasn't and its the same for quite a few other people. They just seem to be given out without too much research and thought going into it. However, many people do deserve recognition and this link http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/front_page/5087176.stm shows that many local people have got recognition for their local efforts, which is great and a credit to the whole idea. But, still thats the list for sport only and I know I wouldn't be complaining if I got one (*hint*) but they do seem to be given out to "well-known" people just for publicity because all the not well-known people, get their deserved recognition but not publicity. Maybe its me, maybe its just the media distorting my view in its coverage or maybe I'm right. Everyone has their own opinions and I've just shared mine.
Monday, June 12, 2006
A different view on the World Cup
I tried posting this a few days ago, spent over an hour on it pressed "publish" and my pc fucked up and I lost all of it, so it has taken me a few days to get round to writing IT ALL AGAIN! Especially, as I have now joined a gym, doing more shifts at the bar because of the world cup and meeting up with mates back home more often.
Anyways, this is not a post from my POV and its not updates on the world cup or what I did, because thats boring. Instead, it is about an article published on page 12 of the Daily Mail on the 7th June and written by a guy called Michael Hanlon.
As a football fan, I give little time to those who aren't interested in the World Cup and don't think about them much, the industry for which I plan to work in the future is obsessed with it and so is every country that is in the world cup. However, Michael Hanlon writes this article as someone who wants to get away from it all, as the first line indicates "Ok, where can I go to Hide?" He suggests America as the only place were he can escape the constant coverage, even though they are also playing in the WC (the World Cup, not the toilets!).
The critique is written in an informal style and he identifies many factors that he does not like about football in general and the world cup. He makes sure he identifies what rankles him so much "its not the football, its the fact that everyone thinks it matters so much" which is totally true, because really it doesn't matter does it?? Its just another form of entertainment, but England seem to be obsessed with the prospect of winning. He goes on to talk about football when he was younger and how he describes it as being "...Designed so that 99% of the time nothing is actually happening. The ball goes up, then it goes down, but it very rarely goes anywhere near the goal" He describes the English game as untidy as he says "where it is thwack the ball as far as you can and hope there is someone on the end of it. Which of course there won't be".
I have been to many lower league football games and this explanation makes me laugh as it is basically what happens but he says he can't identify that much with the spirit of the football fan. He describes one experience when he went to watch a football match "22 blokes aimlessy punting the ball up and down the pitch in the rain, with no semblance of pace, grace or skill. Of course it was a draw- most football matches end up in draws, as far as I can tell- and afterwards I looked around at the terraces for signs that my fellow spectators, like me, had lost the will to live. But strangely, they seemed happy; not elated, but their team hadn't lost. Extraordinary". The description of the "beautiful game" by someone who isn't into it as much as I am, anyway, really makes me laugh and opens my eyes a bit to see how actually dull this game can be.
He goes on to talk about players and thier attitudes and the massive car flag craziness that has been going on. I agree with this, all them flags stuck out of car windows etc, what does it show? that we are supporting our national team? Of course we are!! I just don't need to stick a flag out of my car window! (However, I have got a blow-up England hand....I am a sucker for novelty items!)
Near the end of the article, Michael Hanlon says how he wished other things than "Big Brother" and the "World Cup" would unite the nation, as sport as hijacked National consciousness, and makes us rediscover our "Britishness". The final paragraph is a great summary and leaves you finishing the article with a big smile on your face as he prepares for what the world cup coverage will be like and what he can do to escape it.
Overall, I agree with quite a few points in his article and it also made me laugh when he describes how he feels towards the sport. However, come Thursday I will one of the first down the pub to cheer England on!! What can I say?! I will quote Micheal Hanlon on this point to end the post. "For anyone born without the football gene (and there are a lot of us out there, despite what you might think) we are about to enter several weeks of misery".
Anyways, this is not a post from my POV and its not updates on the world cup or what I did, because thats boring. Instead, it is about an article published on page 12 of the Daily Mail on the 7th June and written by a guy called Michael Hanlon.
As a football fan, I give little time to those who aren't interested in the World Cup and don't think about them much, the industry for which I plan to work in the future is obsessed with it and so is every country that is in the world cup. However, Michael Hanlon writes this article as someone who wants to get away from it all, as the first line indicates "Ok, where can I go to Hide?" He suggests America as the only place were he can escape the constant coverage, even though they are also playing in the WC (the World Cup, not the toilets!).
The critique is written in an informal style and he identifies many factors that he does not like about football in general and the world cup. He makes sure he identifies what rankles him so much "its not the football, its the fact that everyone thinks it matters so much" which is totally true, because really it doesn't matter does it?? Its just another form of entertainment, but England seem to be obsessed with the prospect of winning. He goes on to talk about football when he was younger and how he describes it as being "...Designed so that 99% of the time nothing is actually happening. The ball goes up, then it goes down, but it very rarely goes anywhere near the goal" He describes the English game as untidy as he says "where it is thwack the ball as far as you can and hope there is someone on the end of it. Which of course there won't be".
I have been to many lower league football games and this explanation makes me laugh as it is basically what happens but he says he can't identify that much with the spirit of the football fan. He describes one experience when he went to watch a football match "22 blokes aimlessy punting the ball up and down the pitch in the rain, with no semblance of pace, grace or skill. Of course it was a draw- most football matches end up in draws, as far as I can tell- and afterwards I looked around at the terraces for signs that my fellow spectators, like me, had lost the will to live. But strangely, they seemed happy; not elated, but their team hadn't lost. Extraordinary". The description of the "beautiful game" by someone who isn't into it as much as I am, anyway, really makes me laugh and opens my eyes a bit to see how actually dull this game can be.
He goes on to talk about players and thier attitudes and the massive car flag craziness that has been going on. I agree with this, all them flags stuck out of car windows etc, what does it show? that we are supporting our national team? Of course we are!! I just don't need to stick a flag out of my car window! (However, I have got a blow-up England hand....I am a sucker for novelty items!)
Near the end of the article, Michael Hanlon says how he wished other things than "Big Brother" and the "World Cup" would unite the nation, as sport as hijacked National consciousness, and makes us rediscover our "Britishness". The final paragraph is a great summary and leaves you finishing the article with a big smile on your face as he prepares for what the world cup coverage will be like and what he can do to escape it.
Overall, I agree with quite a few points in his article and it also made me laugh when he describes how he feels towards the sport. However, come Thursday I will one of the first down the pub to cheer England on!! What can I say?! I will quote Micheal Hanlon on this point to end the post. "For anyone born without the football gene (and there are a lot of us out there, despite what you might think) we are about to enter several weeks of misery".
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Uni's out for summer.....but not for ever
Yep, been home now nearly a week and been sending letters to every shop I can think of to get a job and last Friday went to a local bar for a job after an ad in the local paper and ringing them, so now I have a bar job. Did my first shift last night and lots more to come I hope.
Relatives are over from Aussie land, seen a few of them but still need to see more of them which should happen next monday.
Already missing Preston really, probably because most of my mates are at work or still at University but I'm getting rather bored during the day and watched almost all day of the test cricket today, which was a great day for England but still... I'm bored!!
It will get better though soon, better do because I don't go back to University till September so.... nice.
Relatives are over from Aussie land, seen a few of them but still need to see more of them which should happen next monday.
Already missing Preston really, probably because most of my mates are at work or still at University but I'm getting rather bored during the day and watched almost all day of the test cricket today, which was a great day for England but still... I'm bored!!
It will get better though soon, better do because I don't go back to University till September so.... nice.
Friday, May 12, 2006
One year down....2 to go!! and Happy B'day to me
Just done my radio show this morning 10-12 on the student station, it went OK. Think I have had better but I certainly have had worse! Might be playing footy this afternoon but apart from that, not got much planned until I go home on Sunday, except watching the FA cup final, come on LIVERPOOL!! I am writing this post just a few minutes after I "officially" became 19 and as a mate said "Its a downwards slide towards 30 now!!" I bloody hope not!
Not sure, how often I will be posting on here after I go home, but I'm sure I will still have some stuff to say, especially with my local paper placement and hopeful BBC thing and maybe, if I don't get on that a place at Sun FM radio station which, although would be inconvinient to travel to would be another fantastic oppurunity to becoming a fully-fledged journo. I'm a step closer really, having got my NUJ (National Union of Journalists) student card and completed my 1st year at University, on that note I would like to thank the tutors and my mates for helping my settle in and not drop out of Uni really, through the good and the bad times everyone has been very supportive and just like to say thanks. Only 2 more days in my Uni cluster flats, after the 1st year you get kicked out so next year I will be living in some other cluster flats about 5 mintues away from the Uni, so still not bad at all. Well, hope you enjoy reading this blog and its quite cool to write random thoughts down on your own bit of webspace and I hope to keep doing it for a long time to come, documenting my journey throughout my University studies. For now, take care everyone.
Not sure, how often I will be posting on here after I go home, but I'm sure I will still have some stuff to say, especially with my local paper placement and hopeful BBC thing and maybe, if I don't get on that a place at Sun FM radio station which, although would be inconvinient to travel to would be another fantastic oppurunity to becoming a fully-fledged journo. I'm a step closer really, having got my NUJ (National Union of Journalists) student card and completed my 1st year at University, on that note I would like to thank the tutors and my mates for helping my settle in and not drop out of Uni really, through the good and the bad times everyone has been very supportive and just like to say thanks. Only 2 more days in my Uni cluster flats, after the 1st year you get kicked out so next year I will be living in some other cluster flats about 5 mintues away from the Uni, so still not bad at all. Well, hope you enjoy reading this blog and its quite cool to write random thoughts down on your own bit of webspace and I hope to keep doing it for a long time to come, documenting my journey throughout my University studies. For now, take care everyone.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Last Assignment done
I cannot believe it, I have done and dusted my final assignment at UCLan for my 1st year studying my journalism degree, only 2 more years to go. I think I will be returning home on Sunday and have got all my accommodation for next year sorted and am nearly getting ready to pack up all my stuff in my Uni accommodation this year, this little hole as I first saw it has become my "own space" I can definetly relate to what they say when you get your independence you don't want to go give it back! Hmm, feeling quite sentimental now...blimey.
Got my law assignment result back today and received a good but not outstanding 65%, passed easily and it falls into the 2:1 category so I'm happy enough. Got the UCLan media awards tonight to go to, don't think I am nominated but I know a few of my mates that are, so going along for moral support I guess and tomorrow night is a final party before everyone splits up for the summer, which should be a good laugh. Yeah, well over the 4-ish months that I have before coming back to Uni I will be doing my Local paper placement, hopefully the BBC will get back to me, they keep stalling which is making me slighty nervous that I won't get a place. Other than that, I am going to try and get a part time job to raise funds for next year and pass the time otherwise I can see myself being VERY bored at home.
Finally, Cardiff beckons for Liverpool on Saturday, which I was going but I'm not so tough love for me. We should be the first and last time to win the trophy at Cardiff which would be nice and I won't be watching prem footy at Preston next season after they lost their semi-final playoff 3-1 on agg to leeds, but thats life i suppose.
Got my law assignment result back today and received a good but not outstanding 65%, passed easily and it falls into the 2:1 category so I'm happy enough. Got the UCLan media awards tonight to go to, don't think I am nominated but I know a few of my mates that are, so going along for moral support I guess and tomorrow night is a final party before everyone splits up for the summer, which should be a good laugh. Yeah, well over the 4-ish months that I have before coming back to Uni I will be doing my Local paper placement, hopefully the BBC will get back to me, they keep stalling which is making me slighty nervous that I won't get a place. Other than that, I am going to try and get a part time job to raise funds for next year and pass the time otherwise I can see myself being VERY bored at home.
Finally, Cardiff beckons for Liverpool on Saturday, which I was going but I'm not so tough love for me. We should be the first and last time to win the trophy at Cardiff which would be nice and I won't be watching prem footy at Preston next season after they lost their semi-final playoff 3-1 on agg to leeds, but thats life i suppose.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Rant at News interrupting movies
Before I rant at ITV, just like to explain why I haven't been posting as much.....well erm....ok there is no "real" reason, just that its coming to the end of my 1st year at Uni and I'm ever slipping into the abyss of the "lazy bugger" but who cares..?? oh right....hmm
Anyway, I was watching the Matrix revolution (was that what it was called?) last night on ITV and I was, sort of, getting into it and really enjoying it. Not usually my type of film, but it was good and half-way through a mid-action scene it cut-off and I was like "what the...." to break for the news!! Gggrrr I was majorly pissed.... I know this has happened for ages, but how many people actually stay tuned to ITV to go all through the news to keep on watching the film? well not me, thats for sure. I know its bad for a trainee Journo to condemn a news break but it really is the worst editorial decision I have seen in long time (slight exaggeration but oh well). They certainly lost my viewing anyway, don't get me wrong I need to watch the news and if i was enjoying the film so much I MAY have stay tuned but I didn't so thats my big complaint about ITV. Plus, isn't ITV news the worst presented on Terrestrail TV? A guy walks around a massive room and down the stairs and along the floor towards a stand with massive screens surronding him....and I'm just like "get the fuck on with it!!" In the time it took him to do that we could have been into the news bulletin....it is a news programme not a current affairs show, its shouldn't be "infotainment" it should be the news and non of this bullshit we are getting now from most of the TV channels..... and thats why we shouldn't get rid of the BBC.
Woah!! feel better now, hhhaaaa. Oh and you watch the celeb footy match last night between England and Germany legends? It was a match for charity including some celebs and some retired footy players.....we lost 4-2 but the highlight of the game was a 80-th minute tackle by non other than Boris Johnsen, the MP, on 1 of their star players!! I nearly pissed myself
laughing it was fantastic.....It was a cross between a footy and a rugby tackle, really hilarious.
Finally, (this post is way too long) I handed in my penultimate assignment today, about an hour ago on deadline day. Pretty proud of myself really and I hope it gets me a good mark as based on the 1st year so far, I am heading for a 2:1 mark in my degree. Suits me fine, but their is always room for improvment.
Right done, I do apologise for the essay, really I do.
Anyway, I was watching the Matrix revolution (was that what it was called?) last night on ITV and I was, sort of, getting into it and really enjoying it. Not usually my type of film, but it was good and half-way through a mid-action scene it cut-off and I was like "what the...." to break for the news!! Gggrrr I was majorly pissed.... I know this has happened for ages, but how many people actually stay tuned to ITV to go all through the news to keep on watching the film? well not me, thats for sure. I know its bad for a trainee Journo to condemn a news break but it really is the worst editorial decision I have seen in long time (slight exaggeration but oh well). They certainly lost my viewing anyway, don't get me wrong I need to watch the news and if i was enjoying the film so much I MAY have stay tuned but I didn't so thats my big complaint about ITV. Plus, isn't ITV news the worst presented on Terrestrail TV? A guy walks around a massive room and down the stairs and along the floor towards a stand with massive screens surronding him....and I'm just like "get the fuck on with it!!" In the time it took him to do that we could have been into the news bulletin....it is a news programme not a current affairs show, its shouldn't be "infotainment" it should be the news and non of this bullshit we are getting now from most of the TV channels..... and thats why we shouldn't get rid of the BBC.
Woah!! feel better now, hhhaaaa. Oh and you watch the celeb footy match last night between England and Germany legends? It was a match for charity including some celebs and some retired footy players.....we lost 4-2 but the highlight of the game was a 80-th minute tackle by non other than Boris Johnsen, the MP, on 1 of their star players!! I nearly pissed myself
laughing it was fantastic.....It was a cross between a footy and a rugby tackle, really hilarious.
Finally, (this post is way too long) I handed in my penultimate assignment today, about an hour ago on deadline day. Pretty proud of myself really and I hope it gets me a good mark as based on the 1st year so far, I am heading for a 2:1 mark in my degree. Suits me fine, but their is always room for improvment.
Right done, I do apologise for the essay, really I do.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Don't worry I'm not dead.
Blimey its been a while hasn't it...?? Main reason is because i've just been at home for easter and haven't really done that much journalism related things.
My radio show is still going fine and although the Uni newspaper has finished for the year, still got some good cut-outs for my portfolio. Preston FM is continuing, i think, but as for my role in that who knows? Hopefully, I can still get involved.
Leek Town, who I chat on about on here, have avoided relegation and appointed Mark Cartwright full-time boss and he at least deserves a chance with 8 (i think) straight away wins!!
7th April, or the saturday around that time, was the a great experience for me in journalism terms. I got to watch Oldham Vs MK Dons at Boundary Park in the press box with the local radio station who do the commentary, and although the result was forgettable the experience was not. Not swanky by any means, but I enjoyed it and was excited when I got to go to the post-match press conference, really good for me to see and next season I may have a bigger role to play I hope. As I finish my 1st year of Uni in a few weeks (can't believe it, 1 year of 3 down already, its gone so fast!!) I am rushing to finish work and assignments and planning to get a summer job. I hope my old employers, before I went to Uni, can help me out but won't tell me for at least a few weeks whether or not i can be employed their, so I have sent around 6 letters applying for temporary work to retail outlets and registered with recruitment agencies, as I need a job in the summer or else I will be sat on my arse for nearly 3 months and be bored out of my head.
Ok, methinks that is about all and IF anyone does read this, I hope you've been brought up to speed with my life!!
OH and btw, Its my b'day in a few weeks as well, so if anyone wants to wish me a virtual happy birthday then I can't stop them...... Entering the last year of my teenage years, scary or what..??
My radio show is still going fine and although the Uni newspaper has finished for the year, still got some good cut-outs for my portfolio. Preston FM is continuing, i think, but as for my role in that who knows? Hopefully, I can still get involved.
Leek Town, who I chat on about on here, have avoided relegation and appointed Mark Cartwright full-time boss and he at least deserves a chance with 8 (i think) straight away wins!!
7th April, or the saturday around that time, was the a great experience for me in journalism terms. I got to watch Oldham Vs MK Dons at Boundary Park in the press box with the local radio station who do the commentary, and although the result was forgettable the experience was not. Not swanky by any means, but I enjoyed it and was excited when I got to go to the post-match press conference, really good for me to see and next season I may have a bigger role to play I hope. As I finish my 1st year of Uni in a few weeks (can't believe it, 1 year of 3 down already, its gone so fast!!) I am rushing to finish work and assignments and planning to get a summer job. I hope my old employers, before I went to Uni, can help me out but won't tell me for at least a few weeks whether or not i can be employed their, so I have sent around 6 letters applying for temporary work to retail outlets and registered with recruitment agencies, as I need a job in the summer or else I will be sat on my arse for nearly 3 months and be bored out of my head.
Ok, methinks that is about all and IF anyone does read this, I hope you've been brought up to speed with my life!!
OH and btw, Its my b'day in a few weeks as well, so if anyone wants to wish me a virtual happy birthday then I can't stop them...... Entering the last year of my teenage years, scary or what..??
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Why is footy the "Beautiful game" ??
Here's why: Gretna booked their place in the Tennent's Scottish Cup final with a 3-0 win over Dundee at Hampden Park and yesterday, it has been confirmed they WILL have a UEFA cup spot next season because Hearts beat Hibs today.
Goals from Kenny Deuchar (45) Ryan McGuffie (penalty) and a late Barry Smith own goal were enough to give the Division Two champions a famous victory.
The stuff of dreams isn't it??
In June 2002 the club were successful at the third attempt of asking in gaining membership of the Scottish League.
Gretna finished 5th and 3rd respectively in their first two seasons in the Scottish League and have now been promoted to Division one.
Who at the club would have dreamt of this 10 years ago? Amazing stuff and this post is really to dedicate their amazing success, not suffered a relegation yet in Scotland!! well done to them.
Another point to note, is that their side had 8 scottish players and 3 English.... their success is based on homegrown nationality talent and NOT the "foreign influence" which all the big clubs in Scotland and England strive for. Hope they can put in a good performance on cup final day, because they deserve it.
Goals from Kenny Deuchar (45) Ryan McGuffie (penalty) and a late Barry Smith own goal were enough to give the Division Two champions a famous victory.
The stuff of dreams isn't it??
In June 2002 the club were successful at the third attempt of asking in gaining membership of the Scottish League.
Gretna finished 5th and 3rd respectively in their first two seasons in the Scottish League and have now been promoted to Division one.
Who at the club would have dreamt of this 10 years ago? Amazing stuff and this post is really to dedicate their amazing success, not suffered a relegation yet in Scotland!! well done to them.
Another point to note, is that their side had 8 scottish players and 3 English.... their success is based on homegrown nationality talent and NOT the "foreign influence" which all the big clubs in Scotland and England strive for. Hope they can put in a good performance on cup final day, because they deserve it.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Assignments Assignments
Glad to report that i've done my assignments and after a pretty busy period over March, I will not have another one to do until May.
Thank Goodness, a lot of late nights and reading of textbooks, lecture notes and Internet resources went into them so I hope it will pay off in the results I get after Easter.
Glad to be done with the Law assignment, very very tricky stuff!!
www.freekick.org check that website out, Its a footy management game site and Its pretty good, I'm in the 2nd season now of it and not doing to badly at all so lets hope the good for continues, I won a friendly today 3-0 against a mate in my Journalism class, so thats bragging rights for about a year or so!!
Take care of yourselves, if you are reading this blog and until next time.......peace out.
Thank Goodness, a lot of late nights and reading of textbooks, lecture notes and Internet resources went into them so I hope it will pay off in the results I get after Easter.
Glad to be done with the Law assignment, very very tricky stuff!!
www.freekick.org check that website out, Its a footy management game site and Its pretty good, I'm in the 2nd season now of it and not doing to badly at all so lets hope the good for continues, I won a friendly today 3-0 against a mate in my Journalism class, so thats bragging rights for about a year or so!!
Take care of yourselves, if you are reading this blog and until next time.......peace out.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
When life throws you a curveball.....
I know I haven't updated recently, but not a lot of things have gone on in my life really, except work and assignments.
Anyways, I thought i'd share this on here, last night I went to PSA on a bus, which is caught near the student shop, to play on the tennis courts with a few other people and we played until about 9:15pm under the floodlights, but we got stopped when a girl that had left around 8:30pm, came back and told us that the return bus wasn't running!! So against gale-force winds with it belting down with rain, 5 of us had to walk for 45 minutes all the way back to the University. When the driver of the bus, that should have picked us up at 9:30pm, left at 8:30pm and no-one was on the bus, he must have thought theres no point in going back, cos there will be no passengers!! Obviously, we were very p***ed off at the time but I guess that is life..... one of them moments you just have to shake your head at and laugh, although at the time it WAS NOT funny at all!!
Anyways, I thought i'd share this on here, last night I went to PSA on a bus, which is caught near the student shop, to play on the tennis courts with a few other people and we played until about 9:15pm under the floodlights, but we got stopped when a girl that had left around 8:30pm, came back and told us that the return bus wasn't running!! So against gale-force winds with it belting down with rain, 5 of us had to walk for 45 minutes all the way back to the University. When the driver of the bus, that should have picked us up at 9:30pm, left at 8:30pm and no-one was on the bus, he must have thought theres no point in going back, cos there will be no passengers!! Obviously, we were very p***ed off at the time but I guess that is life..... one of them moments you just have to shake your head at and laugh, although at the time it WAS NOT funny at all!!
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Going home for the weekend!!
11 days since I last updated?? wow!! Suppose I've been pretty busy though....
My radio show is still going fine although I'm not doing it this week cos Im off home.
Had 2 bylines and 1 nib published in the student paper, more things to add to the portfolio really.
Got an assignment due in for the 24th March, which I'm 1/3 of the way through and one for the 30th which, I sort of haven't started yet....
Been doing a lot of work for the community radio station and had pieces about "No Smoking Day" and The Duke of Kent's visit to Preston on air and a fair-trade question or 2 on air on Friday. So i've been pretty busy really, sent off for my NUJ student card which makes me a "proper Journo" when I get that!! lol
Played 5-a-side Monday and Tuesday, watched Liverpool win 5-1 and "GOD" =Robbie Fowler score, last night and like i started this thread with I'm going home today. Typical though, my family are on holiday, my mates back home are in Uni/ at work but suppose it'll be nice to be at home for a few days.
I'll update more when I do more stuff really!!
My radio show is still going fine although I'm not doing it this week cos Im off home.
Had 2 bylines and 1 nib published in the student paper, more things to add to the portfolio really.
Got an assignment due in for the 24th March, which I'm 1/3 of the way through and one for the 30th which, I sort of haven't started yet....
Been doing a lot of work for the community radio station and had pieces about "No Smoking Day" and The Duke of Kent's visit to Preston on air and a fair-trade question or 2 on air on Friday. So i've been pretty busy really, sent off for my NUJ student card which makes me a "proper Journo" when I get that!! lol
Played 5-a-side Monday and Tuesday, watched Liverpool win 5-1 and "GOD" =Robbie Fowler score, last night and like i started this thread with I'm going home today. Typical though, my family are on holiday, my mates back home are in Uni/ at work but suppose it'll be nice to be at home for a few days.
I'll update more when I do more stuff really!!
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Sleep......
Don't you just HATE it when you cannot sleep?? I find it SO annoying!! Went to bed last night at 1AM woke up at 5AM, this morning, thought it was dark so looked at my clock and saw the digits that I never thought I'd see as a student 5AM!! A friend of mine has a blog like this I'm sure he has dedicated a post mainly to sleeping problems, have to ask him what he did. Its going to be a long day.......
Suppose I might as well update, well my last show on Frequency, Uni radio station, was a disaster really. We were each given feedback by the top heads at the station which I very cleverly decided to ignore and have now been threatened with the removal of my slot. Nice one!
Oh well, I am doing a feature for Preston FM on "No Smoking" day which is next Wednesday, should be a informative and enjoyable experience. Playing a game of tennis today, if I can keep my eyes open i guess!
On Leek Town, another fantastic win yesterday 2-1, coming from behind at 3rd place in the league. Marine's first loss at home, it was a fantastic result and, dare I say it, moves Leek a big big step closer to avoiding the drop. The transformation under Mark Cartwright has been very impressive and despite Dodgson going back to Morecombe, after they recalled him from his loan spell due to injuries, Nagington came up with 2 goals and a win has the result.
Thats all for now so enjoy your day, I won't though- I think a cup of coffee is in order.....ggggrrrr damn lack of sleeep I'm going to be VERY grumpy today :)
Suppose I might as well update, well my last show on Frequency, Uni radio station, was a disaster really. We were each given feedback by the top heads at the station which I very cleverly decided to ignore and have now been threatened with the removal of my slot. Nice one!
Oh well, I am doing a feature for Preston FM on "No Smoking" day which is next Wednesday, should be a informative and enjoyable experience. Playing a game of tennis today, if I can keep my eyes open i guess!
On Leek Town, another fantastic win yesterday 2-1, coming from behind at 3rd place in the league. Marine's first loss at home, it was a fantastic result and, dare I say it, moves Leek a big big step closer to avoiding the drop. The transformation under Mark Cartwright has been very impressive and despite Dodgson going back to Morecombe, after they recalled him from his loan spell due to injuries, Nagington came up with 2 goals and a win has the result.
Thats all for now so enjoy your day, I won't though- I think a cup of coffee is in order.....ggggrrrr damn lack of sleeep I'm going to be VERY grumpy today :)
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Lib Dem leader
If you haven't heard then Sir Menzies (pronounced "Ming") Campbell has become the Liberal Democrat party leader today after beating Chris Huhne, who finished 2nd, and Simon Hughes, 3rd place. Well, although I wasn't actually old enough to vote in the last general election I PROBABLY would have voted Lib Dem, not got a specific reason why though, which is poor especially for a Journo student. However, I think this is a step in the right direction for the 3rd biggest party in British politics, because lets face it they are nowhere near touching either Labour and Tories. I believe that experience is the best way forward for the party, Tories can afford to gamble about with David Cameron, especially after all the criticism Tony Blair is getting about his age!!
Wasn't exactly a smooth ride for the party though was it? It seemed like everyone had an agenda against them, which in a roundabout way shows people are interested in Lib Dem politics and maybe even worried that they might become a major voice in British Politics in a few years. Simon Hughes= Hounded until he admits he was gay= well I say, so the FUCK what, who gives a toss about what sexual preferences this guy has?? Like David Cameron smoking cannabis, its hardly going to affect his political judgement is it?? Chris Huhne, criticised again and again "well he's only been an MP for around 8 months"= Fair point, its true but what people fail to mention is he is 51 and has been an MEP for 6 years, no experience lacking in my opinion!! However, the dropped out candidate Mark Oaten, so cleverly timed revealmant wasn't it?? I do feel sorry for the guy, but his case is less defendable than the others. So really, unless the Lib Dems wanted to get embroiled in a messy barrage of shouts saying they had been an unrealiable leader, they had no other choice than to go with Menzies, who I think will be a great leader and will take the party forward. So now we have the "Blairites" the "Brownies" and the delightful "Mingers" ?!
Wasn't exactly a smooth ride for the party though was it? It seemed like everyone had an agenda against them, which in a roundabout way shows people are interested in Lib Dem politics and maybe even worried that they might become a major voice in British Politics in a few years. Simon Hughes= Hounded until he admits he was gay= well I say, so the FUCK what, who gives a toss about what sexual preferences this guy has?? Like David Cameron smoking cannabis, its hardly going to affect his political judgement is it?? Chris Huhne, criticised again and again "well he's only been an MP for around 8 months"= Fair point, its true but what people fail to mention is he is 51 and has been an MEP for 6 years, no experience lacking in my opinion!! However, the dropped out candidate Mark Oaten, so cleverly timed revealmant wasn't it?? I do feel sorry for the guy, but his case is less defendable than the others. So really, unless the Lib Dems wanted to get embroiled in a messy barrage of shouts saying they had been an unrealiable leader, they had no other choice than to go with Menzies, who I think will be a great leader and will take the party forward. So now we have the "Blairites" the "Brownies" and the delightful "Mingers" ?!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
What I've done since you last read this blog!!
First of all, bbbrrr!!! Its Freezing.....
On to a more serious note, last Friday I did my 1st 2 hour radio show, my show got extended from 11-12, to 10-12. I would love to say it was down to my sheer brilliance, however it was because gaps in the air-time needed filling.
I got another byline in the local student rag and am hoping to get at least 2 more in the next issue.
At the weekend I went home and drank a lot of alcohol for my mates 19th b'day, great to catch up with the mates I left when I went to Uni.
Played a great game of 5-a-side footy again today, however I did lack a bit of form. But Leek Town, who I rave on about on this blog, are off the bottom of the Unibond Premier league, great result for the club, just need to keep climbing to aviod relegation now!!
Might be going to the local radio station tonight, to volunteer to help them out.... hopefully that will work out.
When I've got more to update I will update.
On to a more serious note, last Friday I did my 1st 2 hour radio show, my show got extended from 11-12, to 10-12. I would love to say it was down to my sheer brilliance, however it was because gaps in the air-time needed filling.
I got another byline in the local student rag and am hoping to get at least 2 more in the next issue.
At the weekend I went home and drank a lot of alcohol for my mates 19th b'day, great to catch up with the mates I left when I went to Uni.
Played a great game of 5-a-side footy again today, however I did lack a bit of form. But Leek Town, who I rave on about on this blog, are off the bottom of the Unibond Premier league, great result for the club, just need to keep climbing to aviod relegation now!!
Might be going to the local radio station tonight, to volunteer to help them out.... hopefully that will work out.
When I've got more to update I will update.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
A grand day out
I went to Glasgow yesterday and then Manchester, so we had to get up before 7AM, now for a student I did not realise such a time existed. First ever time I've been to wee Scotland, of course the trip was purely educational however, we did see the Countdown clock (don't ask!!) and a very very weird piece of "modern" art. If this Journalism lark doesn't work out, I know what career I'm going into....
As for the event I thought the Glasgow one went pretty well, the majority of the stalls there were more for people who hadn't decided if they really wanted to do Journalism or where to study it, with lots of colleges and training courses but they also had the BBC, Channel 4, TrafficLink and other useful stalls.
The talks and questions were very useful, even if sometimes they were a little hard to hear, and had some good points although some people were only plugging their own organisations lol!! Overaall 7/10 for Glasgow.
As for Manchester North-West Freelancers event, not really as good as the last one, after we found the venue, I thought it was going to be like last time, with a lot of Freelancers and get to talk to all of them, but as soon as the Freelance Photographer (who did hang around and answer questions to give us an insight into freelance photography from all angles) finished speaking the majority of them couldn't leave quick enough, so in that respect it was pretty poor.
Nothing we could have really done about that though and overall the day was worth it, even if Glasgow wasn't as great as I thought it would be.
As for the event I thought the Glasgow one went pretty well, the majority of the stalls there were more for people who hadn't decided if they really wanted to do Journalism or where to study it, with lots of colleges and training courses but they also had the BBC, Channel 4, TrafficLink and other useful stalls.
The talks and questions were very useful, even if sometimes they were a little hard to hear, and had some good points although some people were only plugging their own organisations lol!! Overaall 7/10 for Glasgow.
As for Manchester North-West Freelancers event, not really as good as the last one, after we found the venue, I thought it was going to be like last time, with a lot of Freelancers and get to talk to all of them, but as soon as the Freelance Photographer (who did hang around and answer questions to give us an insight into freelance photography from all angles) finished speaking the majority of them couldn't leave quick enough, so in that respect it was pretty poor.
Nothing we could have really done about that though and overall the day was worth it, even if Glasgow wasn't as great as I thought it would be.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Happiest day of my life (?)
Weird isn't it?? Nothing happens for ages and then all of a sudden...WHAM!! about 3 or 4 things happen at once. I woke up today knowing I had a timed article to write and an 50 questions assessed news quiz so I was exactly looking forward to it.
Anyways, I got an assignment result back today....passed..... I got the reply from the jobs company.... and i have got the job..... AND i got a reply from my local paper.....and i have got a 2 week placement in the summer.
All in all I couldn't be happy, although my footy prediction was wrong.... Liverpool still won, and I'm not going to appear on question time, but oh well... i have had a FANTASTIC day and all I can say is long may it continue... I think i deserve now to head off and get a few beers to celebrate!! woo hoo!!
Anyways, I got an assignment result back today....passed..... I got the reply from the jobs company.... and i have got the job..... AND i got a reply from my local paper.....and i have got a 2 week placement in the summer.
All in all I couldn't be happy, although my footy prediction was wrong.... Liverpool still won, and I'm not going to appear on question time, but oh well... i have had a FANTASTIC day and all I can say is long may it continue... I think i deserve now to head off and get a few beers to celebrate!! woo hoo!!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Dedicated to Bob Paisley.
On the day that marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of the late great Bob Paisley, we continue our week dedicated to Britain's finest ever manager by recalling what those who worked with the Reds boss thought of the man from Hetton-le-Hole.
"I was Bob's first signing. He changed my life, as he did so many others. He gave us great memories and you can't put a price on that. He made me an adopted scouser." Phil Neal
"There was only one Bob Paisley and he was the greatest of them all. He went through the card in football. He played for Liverpool, he treated the players, he coached them, he managed them and then he became a director. He could tell if someone was injured and what the problem was just by watching them walk a few paces. He was never boastful but had great football knowledge. I owe Bob more than I owe anybody else in the game. There will never be another like him." Kenny Dalglish
"Liverpool wouldn't be the club it is today without Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley and the players who played there. When I first went there it was a typical Second Division ground and look at it now." Ian Callaghan
"If Shankly was the Anfield foreman, Paisley was the brickie, ready to build an empire with his own hands." Tommy Smith
"Bob's knowledge of players and the game in general is unsurpassed. Football has known no equal in management or prize-winning, but his modesty and dignity were overwhelming as he led this club from one triumph to another. His name will always be synonymous with Liverpool." David Moores, Liverpool Chairman
"He was a man you could look up to and respect. He'd played the game and people like him weren't solely tied down with tactics, which was a valuable lesson for me."
Sir Matt Busby
"I think when he first succeeded Shanks, he was a bit overawed. I'll never forget him standing in the dressing room in the summer of 1974 on the first day of pre-season training and telling us: 'Shanks has gone and they're giving me the job even though I didn't really want it. But we must try to carry on what he's started' He saw it as his duty to take the job. Yet he set an incredible record that will never be beaten. Things just snowballed for him after that first season. For me, he was a better coach than motivator of men, but a shrewd judge of a player and very strong tactically." Ray Clemence
"He bought players and moulded them together to create great teams. People talked about him as 'Uncle Bob', but he was as ruthless as they come. Anyone who worked under him, as I did, knows that. He could be hard but he went about it in the right way and was quite gentlemanly about it, for all his rough edges. He had a genius for creating teams." Phil Thompson
"Although Bob Paisley always seemed to be super cool, deep down it wasn't always so. He was the kind of his person who hung his emotions on his sleeve. And you could best spot this in the dressing room before kick off. By 2.45, you could tell what he was going through by just looking at his face. He would be pacing up and down the dressing room taking sips of water. He looked more nervous than the players, although he did his best to try and not show it. I don't think everybody realised that but I could see it." Ian Callaghan
"Bob Paisley's philosophy was simple: strengths and weaknesses. We played to our strengths and exploited their weaknesses." Alan Hansen
"He definitely deserved a knighthood because what he did was unbelievable. If anyone earned a tap on the shoulder, Bob did." Hughie Paisley, Bob's brother
"Bob was so down to earth. A common phrase of his was: 'If the floor needs sweeping, I'll pick up a brush and do it'." Kevin Keegan
"He may have been regarded as a fatherly figure by the supporters but, let me tell you, he ruled Anfield with a rod of iron. You could tell when he was about by the changed atmosphere in the dressing rooms and training ground. There were few who dared mess with him. If we were not performing, Bob would say, 'If you have all had enough of winning, come and see me and I will sell the lot of you.'" Graeme Souness
"My first game was against Queen Park Rangers at Anfield early on and I miskicked with my right foot - the one I use for standing on - and knocked a policeman's helmet off. I also conceded a couple of corners and made a few errors. I just wanted half-time to come to get some reassurance from the manager but when I got back to the dressing room, Bob said to me, 'I think that they shot the wrong Kennedy!'" Alan Kennedy
"I go by records and Bob Paisley is the number one manager ever." Alan Hansen
Tribute to one of the best Liverpool Managers of all time. Bob Paisley 1919-1996 RIP and YNWA.
"I was Bob's first signing. He changed my life, as he did so many others. He gave us great memories and you can't put a price on that. He made me an adopted scouser." Phil Neal
"There was only one Bob Paisley and he was the greatest of them all. He went through the card in football. He played for Liverpool, he treated the players, he coached them, he managed them and then he became a director. He could tell if someone was injured and what the problem was just by watching them walk a few paces. He was never boastful but had great football knowledge. I owe Bob more than I owe anybody else in the game. There will never be another like him." Kenny Dalglish
"Liverpool wouldn't be the club it is today without Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley and the players who played there. When I first went there it was a typical Second Division ground and look at it now." Ian Callaghan
"If Shankly was the Anfield foreman, Paisley was the brickie, ready to build an empire with his own hands." Tommy Smith
"Bob's knowledge of players and the game in general is unsurpassed. Football has known no equal in management or prize-winning, but his modesty and dignity were overwhelming as he led this club from one triumph to another. His name will always be synonymous with Liverpool." David Moores, Liverpool Chairman
"He was a man you could look up to and respect. He'd played the game and people like him weren't solely tied down with tactics, which was a valuable lesson for me."
Sir Matt Busby
"I think when he first succeeded Shanks, he was a bit overawed. I'll never forget him standing in the dressing room in the summer of 1974 on the first day of pre-season training and telling us: 'Shanks has gone and they're giving me the job even though I didn't really want it. But we must try to carry on what he's started' He saw it as his duty to take the job. Yet he set an incredible record that will never be beaten. Things just snowballed for him after that first season. For me, he was a better coach than motivator of men, but a shrewd judge of a player and very strong tactically." Ray Clemence
"He bought players and moulded them together to create great teams. People talked about him as 'Uncle Bob', but he was as ruthless as they come. Anyone who worked under him, as I did, knows that. He could be hard but he went about it in the right way and was quite gentlemanly about it, for all his rough edges. He had a genius for creating teams." Phil Thompson
"Although Bob Paisley always seemed to be super cool, deep down it wasn't always so. He was the kind of his person who hung his emotions on his sleeve. And you could best spot this in the dressing room before kick off. By 2.45, you could tell what he was going through by just looking at his face. He would be pacing up and down the dressing room taking sips of water. He looked more nervous than the players, although he did his best to try and not show it. I don't think everybody realised that but I could see it." Ian Callaghan
"Bob Paisley's philosophy was simple: strengths and weaknesses. We played to our strengths and exploited their weaknesses." Alan Hansen
"He definitely deserved a knighthood because what he did was unbelievable. If anyone earned a tap on the shoulder, Bob did." Hughie Paisley, Bob's brother
"Bob was so down to earth. A common phrase of his was: 'If the floor needs sweeping, I'll pick up a brush and do it'." Kevin Keegan
"He may have been regarded as a fatherly figure by the supporters but, let me tell you, he ruled Anfield with a rod of iron. You could tell when he was about by the changed atmosphere in the dressing rooms and training ground. There were few who dared mess with him. If we were not performing, Bob would say, 'If you have all had enough of winning, come and see me and I will sell the lot of you.'" Graeme Souness
"My first game was against Queen Park Rangers at Anfield early on and I miskicked with my right foot - the one I use for standing on - and knocked a policeman's helmet off. I also conceded a couple of corners and made a few errors. I just wanted half-time to come to get some reassurance from the manager but when I got back to the dressing room, Bob said to me, 'I think that they shot the wrong Kennedy!'" Alan Kennedy
"I go by records and Bob Paisley is the number one manager ever." Alan Hansen
Tribute to one of the best Liverpool Managers of all time. Bob Paisley 1919-1996 RIP and YNWA.
What I've been up to for the last 2 weeks
Its been 2 weeks since I last posted on here?? wow, time does go fast when you're having fun.....
Well, I keep doing my Radio show 11-12 on Fridays which is going very well so far, got two nibs, so no bylines :( , pieces published in the Uni paper, hoping to do more stuff and write for the student page, if I can find something good to write about! to expand my limited portfolio
Hoping to appear on Question Time live on Thursday (?) maybe even ask a question....!!
Still not heard back from my local paper or job at the footy ground but the situation is developing, probably got a work ex placement at the Beeb in the summer which should be fantastic :)
Thats about it really, if anyone is actually reading this!! (hi there) and anyways hope to have some new developments or at least something viable to talk about when I next post...so I will leave you with the almighty shout of: COME ON LIVERPOOL TONIGHT agianst Aresenal
Prediction Liv 2-0 Arsenal
Well, I keep doing my Radio show 11-12 on Fridays which is going very well so far, got two nibs, so no bylines :( , pieces published in the Uni paper, hoping to do more stuff and write for the student page, if I can find something good to write about! to expand my limited portfolio
Hoping to appear on Question Time live on Thursday (?) maybe even ask a question....!!
Still not heard back from my local paper or job at the footy ground but the situation is developing, probably got a work ex placement at the Beeb in the summer which should be fantastic :)
Thats about it really, if anyone is actually reading this!! (hi there) and anyways hope to have some new developments or at least something viable to talk about when I next post...so I will leave you with the almighty shout of: COME ON LIVERPOOL TONIGHT agianst Aresenal
Prediction Liv 2-0 Arsenal
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Why I'm happy at the moment
Here's why I'm happy: Witton Albion 0 -1 Leek Town F/t Nagington
happy revisited: :Radcliffe Boro 2-3 Leek Town F/t
Yep Leek Town have got only their second win of the season, still bottom of the league but the revivial is on!! Thought i'd dedicate a post to this, especially about twisting my knee slightly when playing 5-a-side and getting my little finger smashed in by a cricket ball at practice, so apart from the Leek scoreline I've had a stinker of a day..... 2 moz will be better or thats what I keep telling myself.....
Yep Leek Town have got only their second win of the season, still bottom of the league but the revivial is on!! Thought i'd dedicate a post to this, especially about twisting my knee slightly when playing 5-a-side and getting my little finger smashed in by a cricket ball at practice, so apart from the Leek scoreline I've had a stinker of a day..... 2 moz will be better or thats what I keep telling myself.....
Monday, January 30, 2006
Monday 30th Jan 2006
I've had quite the busy day today. Made enquires about Work experience at my local paper and a major boradcasting organisation and applied for a job at the local footy ground!! As well as doing some shopping and some work (obviously), just spent the rest of the day relaxing.
I need to find some purpose for this blog though, I'm still new at this so I'm sure no-ones going to give a f**k about my life really, give me time and I'll come up with a proper purpose for my own little blog, how cool is that??!! maybe a brief news thing, not sure yet but something to show off my obvious *ahem* journalistic talents. :)
I need to find some purpose for this blog though, I'm still new at this so I'm sure no-ones going to give a f**k about my life really, give me time and I'll come up with a proper purpose for my own little blog, how cool is that??!! maybe a brief news thing, not sure yet but something to show off my obvious *ahem* journalistic talents. :)
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Here goes nothing.....
Hmm interesting, my own blog spot.....cool. Well erm, this is just a bit of a test to see if everything works really, and then I can start posting some serious stuff on here, if it works!!
thats it for now, but I'll be back...
thats it for now, but I'll be back...
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