Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Article for SENine.
A watercolour painting of Shooters Hill and the surrounding area has recently been completed by local artist Ray Marshall. The painting is a collection of different views, landmarks and buildings around Shooters Hill, including the Memorial Hospital, the Red Lion Pub and the Water Tower. The painting has been bought by Shooters Hill Cafe as well as by the Bull Pub in Shooters Hill, both of which also feature in the piece. Ray, who has dabbled in painting his whole life, has also completed a similar montage featuring Plumstead, his own town. When asked why Ray was inspired by Shooters Hill, he says he merely enjoys the area, and even hopes to do another montage of Eltham. Ray’s paintings can be purchased for £40 or you could even buy one framed for £55. If you would be interested in buying a painting or would like to take a closer look at Rays work pop into Shooters Hill Cafe. The painting also features the Ypres Milestone, the Police Station, Eaglesfield, a collection of Hillside Cottages, Severndroog Castle, Woodlands Farmhouse and even our local parakeets. Ray also belongs to the group Plumstead Potters and Painters, who will be holding an exhibition of their paintings, photography and pottery in Bromley Central Library from the 21st of September to the 4th of October.
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Article for SENine.
Crown Woods College held a Literary Festival in July in celebration of the Power of Reading Project, a scheme launched by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE). Michael Rosen, highly-esteemed children’s author, was Guest of Honour.
CLPE set up the project to encourage children to read and enjoy reading through the use of drama, devised theatre, and their own poetry. Their aim is to get children enthused about reading again. The festival was organised to celebrate the work teachers and pupils have done this year thanks to the project.
Schools who performed included Wybourn Primary, Deansfield Primary, Gordon School, Eltham Church of England School, and Crown Woods itself. Temi Adelakun, a Crown Woods year 10 student, was compere for the evening, confidently introducing Rosen as well as the various schools.
As well as being Children’s Poet Laureate from June 2007 to 2009, Michael Rosen has written 140 books of children’s novels and poetry, and as soon as he came to the stage it was clear why; the children loved him. When asked to give a speech, he said “Actually I think I’d rather do some poems”, before launching in to some of his most popular verse, while simultaneously explaining how he came up with them. The children laughed and rhymed along with him, already proving how effective the project has become.
Rosen described the Power of Reading as an “important and brilliant idea” because “The world’s wisdom” was in books; “in a story you marry ideas with feelings”. He explained the projects importance by saying “They make books fun, it’s all about actually reading the stories, not parts of the story, but the whole thing, it shouldn’t be a controversial idea!”
The schools performed different pieces they had devised that were inspired by the books they had read throughout the year. The Year 2 students of Deansfield School danced to a rousing rendition of “Under the Sea”, which I can confirm stayed in audience members’ heads for the rest of the evening. The dance was inspired by the book “The Snail and the Whale”. Clad in “Literary Festival 2011” t-shirts, the children seemed to enjoy it just as much as the audience, who may have wondered what their teachers must have gone through in getting their pupils to learn a relatively long poem verbatim.
Following them was Gordon School’s year 6 take on the book “Street Child”, in which Victorian cockney accents and faux dirt on the face gave the performance an extra edge. Wybourne wrote their own poetry, inspired by the novel “Skellig”, and the year 7 and 9 students of Crown Woods devised a part of the book “The Garbage King”. Eltham Church of England even brought out a child in full crocodile costume in an effort to portray “Krindle Krax”.
Sheila White, head of Wybourne School, introduced her teachers to the project a year ago, and she proclaims it nothing but a success. “There have been massive results in the children’s reading, and it is even reflected in their writing skills.” As Michael Rosen shook hands and signed his books for the eager children, Sheila said he was “the perfect choice, we were honoured that he came. It has been an entirely successful evening”.
CLPE set up the project to encourage children to read and enjoy reading through the use of drama, devised theatre, and their own poetry. Their aim is to get children enthused about reading again. The festival was organised to celebrate the work teachers and pupils have done this year thanks to the project.
Schools who performed included Wybourn Primary, Deansfield Primary, Gordon School, Eltham Church of England School, and Crown Woods itself. Temi Adelakun, a Crown Woods year 10 student, was compere for the evening, confidently introducing Rosen as well as the various schools.
As well as being Children’s Poet Laureate from June 2007 to 2009, Michael Rosen has written 140 books of children’s novels and poetry, and as soon as he came to the stage it was clear why; the children loved him. When asked to give a speech, he said “Actually I think I’d rather do some poems”, before launching in to some of his most popular verse, while simultaneously explaining how he came up with them. The children laughed and rhymed along with him, already proving how effective the project has become.
Rosen described the Power of Reading as an “important and brilliant idea” because “The world’s wisdom” was in books; “in a story you marry ideas with feelings”. He explained the projects importance by saying “They make books fun, it’s all about actually reading the stories, not parts of the story, but the whole thing, it shouldn’t be a controversial idea!”
The schools performed different pieces they had devised that were inspired by the books they had read throughout the year. The Year 2 students of Deansfield School danced to a rousing rendition of “Under the Sea”, which I can confirm stayed in audience members’ heads for the rest of the evening. The dance was inspired by the book “The Snail and the Whale”. Clad in “Literary Festival 2011” t-shirts, the children seemed to enjoy it just as much as the audience, who may have wondered what their teachers must have gone through in getting their pupils to learn a relatively long poem verbatim.
Following them was Gordon School’s year 6 take on the book “Street Child”, in which Victorian cockney accents and faux dirt on the face gave the performance an extra edge. Wybourne wrote their own poetry, inspired by the novel “Skellig”, and the year 7 and 9 students of Crown Woods devised a part of the book “The Garbage King”. Eltham Church of England even brought out a child in full crocodile costume in an effort to portray “Krindle Krax”.
Sheila White, head of Wybourne School, introduced her teachers to the project a year ago, and she proclaims it nothing but a success. “There have been massive results in the children’s reading, and it is even reflected in their writing skills.” As Michael Rosen shook hands and signed his books for the eager children, Sheila said he was “the perfect choice, we were honoured that he came. It has been an entirely successful evening”.
Article for SENine.
SEnine writer and university student SARAH HAYES was invited to spend a day at the new Crown Woods College.
Like many in Eltham, I’ve watched Crown Woods turn from a large construction site into a beautiful new college. After spending a few hours there I discovered it’s something the community can be proud of.
Before my day began I had no preconceptions, apart from a suspicion that Crown Woods College would be the old school in a new building. I was very wrong. Not only has the building changed, but so has the atmosphere. It quickly became clear that this is a whole new Crown Woods.
As I first entered the school, I noticed how beautiful the architecture was. Head, Michael Murphy, believes the architects have brought his vision to life.
The college is separated into four discrete schools, supported by three other buildings; for Art and Design, Music and special needs, and sports. It is a miniature version of a University campus. Each building has spacious airy rooms, views of pleasant gardens, and gorgeous high atriums. This is no dilapidated, grey, dowdy school, with 30 students crammed onto tables, fighting for a view of the white board. This is on a completely different level. I feel a bit jealous. I wish I’d had the opportunity to study in these surroundings.
The four schools, named after the Royal woods (Delamere, Sherwood, Ashdown and Arden) house 90 students from each year. Delamere teaches the higher academic students, while Ashdown and Sherwood have students of all abilities. Arden is the college’s 6th form, and has the same template as the other schools on a bigger scale.
As I walk around the college, everyone looks neatly dressed in their new uniforms. No squiffy ties or an untucked shirts in sight.
But does dividing up pupils into separate schools help? It seems so. When I speak to students, they all tell me that although at first it was difficult to get used to, they now have a much better scholastic experience.
Declan Hutchins, Head Boy of Sherwood, not only tells me that they have a better relationship with the teachers now, but also that he prefers the whole experience.
“I prefer going here compared to the old Crown Woods; I feel like we’re really learning something properly. There are fewer students in each school so the teachers have more time for us”.
When asked if there were any cons, he tells me “it was difficult at first; in the old school, we were always on our phones. To be honest there was no respect for the teachers. Now there are strict rules, no phones in lessons, uniform has to be correct...but it has created a much nicer atmosphere”.
Madeline Springer, Sherwood’s Head Girl, interjects: “Even though we’ve been put into smaller houses, we’re more of a family; it’s a tight knit community within our school”.
Ashdown’s Head boy Matthew Birmingham agrees: “Teachers have the space and the time to focus on individual students now, but at the same time we’re treated more like adults”.
Madeline agrees: “There’s a mutual respect between teachers and pupils”.
Mr Murphy wanted to separate the students into schools for this very reason. “The purpose is to benefit from the small scale; none of the pupils will feel alienated or lost”, he said.
Enjoying the pleasant atmosphere I go into a Delamere English class, perhaps a time for scribbling on tables or taking a little nap? Happily, everyone seems rather interested. An occasional whisper here, a little smile there, but you can tell they’re listening.
As I walk around, I am shown the Art and Design building, named after William Morris. I’m impressed to find the college offers a GCSE in construction; plumbing, building, plastering.
Mr Murphy tells me the reason the College has incorporated trades, arts and sports into the new school. “We want to provide a broad liberal education that includes technology, the arts and humanities. Part of our job is to equip students for the next stage and if that stage is a job we have to make sure they have the skills.
“If you have a trade you have it for life.”
But didn’t many schools nowadays only concentrate on just trying to get their students into University? Mr Murphy responds philosophically: “We want to provide a school that caters for all aptitudes and interests”.
The school definitively seems to do that. Not only is there a room dedicated to building walls (yes, a whole room) but there is a dark room for photography, an exhibition room for art students, the 2012 Sports Centre, that has the capacity for a 450 strong audience, a sound proofed recording studio for budding musicians, a Visual Impairment Unit and Special Needs building, and soon also three full sized sports fields and a floodlight pitch, which will be used by the community. Oh and let’s not forget the rather spacious library.
There are so many facilities, so much room; it is hard to believe there’ll be parents in SE9 who won’t consider the College for their children.
Teachers seem particularly dedicated. New building, new rules. Yet the pupils don’t feel restricted or patronised. Head Boy of Delamere, Mike Nahimana says: “It’s a fresh start. Now the schools are smaller, you’ll have a year 10 talking to a year 7. That wouldn’t have happened in the old school”.
Both Ashdown and Sherwood’s Head Girls want to go to 6th form here, though they were not so sure before. The new school has changed their minds. Mike laughs as he tells me “My mum is ecstatic”.
With exam results set to go up as well as applications for entry, the teachers of Crown Woods College must be very pleased with their new facilities and new school. But what I can’t help but notice is how happy the pupils are too.
Like many in Eltham, I’ve watched Crown Woods turn from a large construction site into a beautiful new college. After spending a few hours there I discovered it’s something the community can be proud of.
Before my day began I had no preconceptions, apart from a suspicion that Crown Woods College would be the old school in a new building. I was very wrong. Not only has the building changed, but so has the atmosphere. It quickly became clear that this is a whole new Crown Woods.
As I first entered the school, I noticed how beautiful the architecture was. Head, Michael Murphy, believes the architects have brought his vision to life.
The college is separated into four discrete schools, supported by three other buildings; for Art and Design, Music and special needs, and sports. It is a miniature version of a University campus. Each building has spacious airy rooms, views of pleasant gardens, and gorgeous high atriums. This is no dilapidated, grey, dowdy school, with 30 students crammed onto tables, fighting for a view of the white board. This is on a completely different level. I feel a bit jealous. I wish I’d had the opportunity to study in these surroundings.
The four schools, named after the Royal woods (Delamere, Sherwood, Ashdown and Arden) house 90 students from each year. Delamere teaches the higher academic students, while Ashdown and Sherwood have students of all abilities. Arden is the college’s 6th form, and has the same template as the other schools on a bigger scale.
As I walk around the college, everyone looks neatly dressed in their new uniforms. No squiffy ties or an untucked shirts in sight.
But does dividing up pupils into separate schools help? It seems so. When I speak to students, they all tell me that although at first it was difficult to get used to, they now have a much better scholastic experience.
Declan Hutchins, Head Boy of Sherwood, not only tells me that they have a better relationship with the teachers now, but also that he prefers the whole experience.
“I prefer going here compared to the old Crown Woods; I feel like we’re really learning something properly. There are fewer students in each school so the teachers have more time for us”.
When asked if there were any cons, he tells me “it was difficult at first; in the old school, we were always on our phones. To be honest there was no respect for the teachers. Now there are strict rules, no phones in lessons, uniform has to be correct...but it has created a much nicer atmosphere”.
Madeline Springer, Sherwood’s Head Girl, interjects: “Even though we’ve been put into smaller houses, we’re more of a family; it’s a tight knit community within our school”.
Ashdown’s Head boy Matthew Birmingham agrees: “Teachers have the space and the time to focus on individual students now, but at the same time we’re treated more like adults”.
Madeline agrees: “There’s a mutual respect between teachers and pupils”.
Mr Murphy wanted to separate the students into schools for this very reason. “The purpose is to benefit from the small scale; none of the pupils will feel alienated or lost”, he said.
Enjoying the pleasant atmosphere I go into a Delamere English class, perhaps a time for scribbling on tables or taking a little nap? Happily, everyone seems rather interested. An occasional whisper here, a little smile there, but you can tell they’re listening.
As I walk around, I am shown the Art and Design building, named after William Morris. I’m impressed to find the college offers a GCSE in construction; plumbing, building, plastering.
Mr Murphy tells me the reason the College has incorporated trades, arts and sports into the new school. “We want to provide a broad liberal education that includes technology, the arts and humanities. Part of our job is to equip students for the next stage and if that stage is a job we have to make sure they have the skills.
“If you have a trade you have it for life.”
But didn’t many schools nowadays only concentrate on just trying to get their students into University? Mr Murphy responds philosophically: “We want to provide a school that caters for all aptitudes and interests”.
The school definitively seems to do that. Not only is there a room dedicated to building walls (yes, a whole room) but there is a dark room for photography, an exhibition room for art students, the 2012 Sports Centre, that has the capacity for a 450 strong audience, a sound proofed recording studio for budding musicians, a Visual Impairment Unit and Special Needs building, and soon also three full sized sports fields and a floodlight pitch, which will be used by the community. Oh and let’s not forget the rather spacious library.
There are so many facilities, so much room; it is hard to believe there’ll be parents in SE9 who won’t consider the College for their children.
Teachers seem particularly dedicated. New building, new rules. Yet the pupils don’t feel restricted or patronised. Head Boy of Delamere, Mike Nahimana says: “It’s a fresh start. Now the schools are smaller, you’ll have a year 10 talking to a year 7. That wouldn’t have happened in the old school”.
Both Ashdown and Sherwood’s Head Girls want to go to 6th form here, though they were not so sure before. The new school has changed their minds. Mike laughs as he tells me “My mum is ecstatic”.
With exam results set to go up as well as applications for entry, the teachers of Crown Woods College must be very pleased with their new facilities and new school. But what I can’t help but notice is how happy the pupils are too.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Village UNFAIR.
Today was my first day of work experience at the News Shopper.
It was their deadline day so I have a feeling I was not what they needed to deal with, but the editor who was dealing with me was still nice and I just did a few press releases. I am not so used to the short, snappy, fact-only sort of reporting that local news papers use, I am more wordy, perhaps more suited for features, but I must learn.
I was a little deflated that at first after seeing my first article this morning the editor didn't turn around and go "YOU! SARAH! YOU ARE A GENIUS! I MUST HIRE YOU NOW!" But instead gave me a few tips and showed me how it should be done, etc etc. I still don't know if I have got the hang of it but hopefully it will come with practice. Here is an article I did today that got put up on the website. It has been edited a lot so probably only half of what was written was me but apparently that is normal. Or they are lying to me to make me feel better. Spot Boris' brother.
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/bromley/9133444.Orpington_MP_Jo_Johnson_hails_success_of_Chelsfield_Village_Fair/
I also did another article about Bromley borough winning a Travel Safety award and another about a new restaurant in Petts Wood, that after reading my article sounds DELICIOUS.
I've been told I will have the opportunity to shadow some reporters this week so I hope that happens while I simultaneously becoming amazing at everything they tell me to do.
Maybe I'm not being realistic. Hmmm.
It was their deadline day so I have a feeling I was not what they needed to deal with, but the editor who was dealing with me was still nice and I just did a few press releases. I am not so used to the short, snappy, fact-only sort of reporting that local news papers use, I am more wordy, perhaps more suited for features, but I must learn.
I was a little deflated that at first after seeing my first article this morning the editor didn't turn around and go "YOU! SARAH! YOU ARE A GENIUS! I MUST HIRE YOU NOW!" But instead gave me a few tips and showed me how it should be done, etc etc. I still don't know if I have got the hang of it but hopefully it will come with practice. Here is an article I did today that got put up on the website. It has been edited a lot so probably only half of what was written was me but apparently that is normal. Or they are lying to me to make me feel better. Spot Boris' brother.
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/bromley/9133444.Orpington_MP_Jo_Johnson_hails_success_of_Chelsfield_Village_Fair/
I also did another article about Bromley borough winning a Travel Safety award and another about a new restaurant in Petts Wood, that after reading my article sounds DELICIOUS.
I've been told I will have the opportunity to shadow some reporters this week so I hope that happens while I simultaneously becoming amazing at everything they tell me to do.
Maybe I'm not being realistic. Hmmm.
Haimo Chess Tournament for SENine Magazine
On the 7th July the annual Haimo Primary School Chess Tournament took place, with schools from all over the borough of Greenwich competing against each other to win the coveted trophy. The competition was set up three years ago by Tracy Cardigan, a year 3 and 4 teacher at Haimo Primary, to encourage children to play more traditional games like chess as opposed to computer games and enable primary schools around the borough to come together. A passionate chess player herself, she admits “to be honest there is more competition between the teachers than the students”.
This year the winning team is The Mighty Reds from Charlton Manor. When asked about their team name they say “We are the Mighty Reds because we are mighty and all our favourite football teams have red kits!” Indeed their teacher, Richard Pittman Weekes II, seems absolutely thrilled with the win as he kisses their new trophy and fuels the children’s excitement with shouts of “GO MIGHTY REDS!”
As Tracy attempts to calm down the excitable chess players she says “Haimo won last year but this time we were defeated, I suppose we can’t win every time! The competition has become so popular, next year I hope to do it over two days; the children seem to love it”. As all the participants run around waving their shiny certificates it is certainly clear that they’ve enjoyed the tournament, jalthough they may not look like traditional chess players.
This year the winning team is The Mighty Reds from Charlton Manor. When asked about their team name they say “We are the Mighty Reds because we are mighty and all our favourite football teams have red kits!” Indeed their teacher, Richard Pittman Weekes II, seems absolutely thrilled with the win as he kisses their new trophy and fuels the children’s excitement with shouts of “GO MIGHTY REDS!”
As Tracy attempts to calm down the excitable chess players she says “Haimo won last year but this time we were defeated, I suppose we can’t win every time! The competition has become so popular, next year I hope to do it over two days; the children seem to love it”. As all the participants run around waving their shiny certificates it is certainly clear that they’ve enjoyed the tournament, jalthough they may not look like traditional chess players.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Haiku's are fun.
I have a busy few weeks coming up. Tomorrow I am spending the day at the new Crown Woods college to do a "Day in the Life" article for SENine as well as watching a chess tournament for 5-11 year olds on Thursday afternoon and going to a poetry reading at a Primary school on Thursday night. God I am going to learn so much, maybe I will be inspired to write a haiku about board games.
In August I have a 'Behind the Scenes' day at the Daily Mirror, which my kindly Uncle won for me at an auction.
Today I'll beat you,
At your thrilling chess board games...
Check Mate. Children cry.
At your thrilling chess board games...
Check Mate. Children cry.
I have a gift, I can literally do anything, from now on I will do a haiku for every blog post.
Next week I then have my weeks work experience at the News Shopper. I am looking forward to actually spending a few days learning about what I have commited myself to for seemingly the rest of my life. I think after having a look at the shorthand alphabet yesterday I need some encouragment. I don't know what to wear as all my "smart clothes" don't fit as I put on about 30 stone over exam times (I blame stress and easily attainable bacon turnovers). I don't want to buy new clothes as I would hope after Slimming World has done it's magic they would be too big. Maybe I will wear what I wore at Glastonbury?
In August I have a 'Behind the Scenes' day at the Daily Mirror, which my kindly Uncle won for me at an auction.It is the 5th of July in the year 2011 and to be honest it is not a good time to be becoming a journalist. Today's headlines include BBC News making almost 400 of their journalists redundent while at the same time News International being brought down to it's knees due to the phone hacking scandal hitting it's peak now that News of the World has been accused of hacking Milly Dowler's phone after she disappeared. Disgusting. That is not the kind of journalist I want to be. I'd like to succeed while at the same time being able to sleep at night.
Phone hacker's scandal,
Gives journalists a bad rep...
I will not succumb.
Gives journalists a bad rep...
I will not succumb.
(See, I'm a bloody poetic genius. I am going to blow those kids out of the water on Thursday and stamp on all their poetic dreams MUAHAHAHAHAHA!)
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Diva is a Female Version of a Hustler.
I apologise for not posting for over a month. I don't really know who I'm apologising to because I'm not sure Murphy, my only reader, understands English. Murphy is my dog.
I will not make excuses but I have been rather busy. I finished my exams. I finished my degree. I went on holiday. I came back. I took my 6th driving test (today) and I passed that too. Finally. Oh and I managed to get a 2.1. I now have important letters after my name. So all in all a pretty successful month.
Right now I am sitting on my bed in London (because that is where I live now, I said ciao to Canterbury last week and so far I am fairing reasonably well) waiting for my hair to dye into the "glam rock purple" I was promised on the box. I will then shower and savour it as I am going to Glastonbury festival tomorrow and I won't see a shower or soap or probably a hairbrush for 6 days.
I am gonna be shaking my bootay to Beyonce with my boyfriend who I am Crazy in Love with but technically I am still a Single Lady with Emotions and as it is Glastonbury we will all probably be wearing silly outfits and Halo's and I will be a DIVA and hopefully have some Sweet Dreams.
(Did you see what I did there? I hope so or I just look mental and a bit weird). (If you did see what I did there then I still look weird and a bit sad too).
I also intend to stop by for The Wombles, Biffy Clyro, Paul Simon and Friendly Fires among others. Morrissey will be a highlight. I intend to write a little about the festival afterwards if I can remember anything through the fog. I intend to be high all weekend. ON LIFE. But hopefully will remember enough to do some sort of overall review of the weekend. I will be sure to get some kind of picture of the HERD that I and my friend will be but more of that next week.
In horrible news my laptop contracted laptop cancer yesterday and died for a little while. I managed to bring it back to life but it is now suffering from amnesia and I have lost all my pictures, articles and work :( that will teach me not to back up.
When I return from Glastonbury I have 2 pretty big articles for SENine to do, but more on that next week. I am also counting doing the days till the Press Association Training course begins but before that happens I have Berlin with the Boyfriend, a Cornwall sojourn with the familia and work experience with the News Shopper. But for now I must go see if my hair is Glam Rock Purple like I was told it would be.
GOODBIKE.
UPDATE. I see no Glam Rock about this purple it looks the same as always. Life can be so cruel.
I will not make excuses but I have been rather busy. I finished my exams. I finished my degree. I went on holiday. I came back. I took my 6th driving test (today) and I passed that too. Finally. Oh and I managed to get a 2.1. I now have important letters after my name. So all in all a pretty successful month.
Right now I am sitting on my bed in London (because that is where I live now, I said ciao to Canterbury last week and so far I am fairing reasonably well) waiting for my hair to dye into the "glam rock purple" I was promised on the box. I will then shower and savour it as I am going to Glastonbury festival tomorrow and I won't see a shower or soap or probably a hairbrush for 6 days.
I am gonna be shaking my bootay to Beyonce with my boyfriend who I am Crazy in Love with but technically I am still a Single Lady with Emotions and as it is Glastonbury we will all probably be wearing silly outfits and Halo's and I will be a DIVA and hopefully have some Sweet Dreams.
(Did you see what I did there? I hope so or I just look mental and a bit weird). (If you did see what I did there then I still look weird and a bit sad too).
I also intend to stop by for The Wombles, Biffy Clyro, Paul Simon and Friendly Fires among others. Morrissey will be a highlight. I intend to write a little about the festival afterwards if I can remember anything through the fog. I intend to be high all weekend. ON LIFE. But hopefully will remember enough to do some sort of overall review of the weekend. I will be sure to get some kind of picture of the HERD that I and my friend will be but more of that next week.
In horrible news my laptop contracted laptop cancer yesterday and died for a little while. I managed to bring it back to life but it is now suffering from amnesia and I have lost all my pictures, articles and work :( that will teach me not to back up.
When I return from Glastonbury I have 2 pretty big articles for SENine to do, but more on that next week. I am also counting doing the days till the Press Association Training course begins but before that happens I have Berlin with the Boyfriend, a Cornwall sojourn with the familia and work experience with the News Shopper. But for now I must go see if my hair is Glam Rock Purple like I was told it would be.
GOODBIKE.
UPDATE. I see no Glam Rock about this purple it looks the same as always. Life can be so cruel.
Saturday, 21 May 2011
May 21st 2011 "It. Will. Happen". It didn't though did it.
So it has come to my attention recently that a Californian octogenarian named Harold Camping has claimed to have predicted when the world will end, or specifically, the date of The Rapture. That date is today. At 6pm to be precise.
The Rapture is when certain Christians believe the Almighty Jesus will come down, suck up to Heaven everyone who has devoted their lives to worshipping the shit out of Him, and torture everyone else until eventually He gets bored around the end of October and destroys his most successful Science project. Unless you are a "true believer" there is no escape, whether you are good, bad or ugly. And haven't the ugly already suffered enough?
I don't believe in Jesus. I know a man named Jesus existed around 2000 years ago but I don't believe he rose from the dead, turned water into wine (handy little trick) and cured a load of lepers just by winking at them. But after 9 years of Catholic School education, I like to think I know a thing or two about God, Moses, Jesus, and the whole gang.
I am pretty sure at no point God is ever to have said "I will smite every person that doesn't believe in me, even if you have cured Aids or donated a large sum of money to Comic Relief. It doesn't matter, you're toast".
However, I do remember something along the lines of "Love thy neighbour as thyself". Doesn't sound to me like someone who would say that would go around smiting innocent people. Also doesn't sound like he would feel too good about smiting someone who did love their neighbour (not in an Afternoon Delight sort of way, they would definitely get a good hard smiting) regardless of their belief in Him. I think a few Christians like to leave that part out though, so they have an excuse to persecute homosexual's because they're ignorantly scared of getting bummed. Which is impossible because their head is already stuck up that general area.
Yet once again, I digress.
What I was going to say was, the Rapture was today. Or it was meant to be. And yet I am still here, sitting in my dining room, pretending I don't have exam revision to do. There have been no major earthquakes that I am aware of. All the dead seem still to be in their graves, and I'd be one of the first to know if they were strolling about, there's a cemetery only down the road. I haven't even seen a horseman. Not so much as a tiny pony. So, as I live in London, and I am willing to believe that London is one of the first places God would enjoy smiting, and no smiting has taken place, I have no choice but to come to the conclusion that all Harold Camping has been doing is "bearing false witness".
And in doing so has pissed many people off. Here are a few choice picks:
The (stupid) people he persuaded to donate money to the promotion of The Rapture. The well-meaning, intelligent Christians and Religious Leaders who aren't insane. Atheists. Jews. Just about everyone that isn't MENTAL. And unfortunately for him, he has to live through May 22nd and beyond, and be mocked for eternity (no pun intended).
So Mr Harold Camping, I only have one thing to say to you:
BURN!
(in hell)
The Rapture is when certain Christians believe the Almighty Jesus will come down, suck up to Heaven everyone who has devoted their lives to worshipping the shit out of Him, and torture everyone else until eventually He gets bored around the end of October and destroys his most successful Science project. Unless you are a "true believer" there is no escape, whether you are good, bad or ugly. And haven't the ugly already suffered enough?
I don't believe in Jesus. I know a man named Jesus existed around 2000 years ago but I don't believe he rose from the dead, turned water into wine (handy little trick) and cured a load of lepers just by winking at them. But after 9 years of Catholic School education, I like to think I know a thing or two about God, Moses, Jesus, and the whole gang.
I am pretty sure at no point God is ever to have said "I will smite every person that doesn't believe in me, even if you have cured Aids or donated a large sum of money to Comic Relief. It doesn't matter, you're toast".
However, I do remember something along the lines of "Love thy neighbour as thyself". Doesn't sound to me like someone who would say that would go around smiting innocent people. Also doesn't sound like he would feel too good about smiting someone who did love their neighbour (not in an Afternoon Delight sort of way, they would definitely get a good hard smiting) regardless of their belief in Him. I think a few Christians like to leave that part out though, so they have an excuse to persecute homosexual's because they're ignorantly scared of getting bummed. Which is impossible because their head is already stuck up that general area.
Yet once again, I digress.
What I was going to say was, the Rapture was today. Or it was meant to be. And yet I am still here, sitting in my dining room, pretending I don't have exam revision to do. There have been no major earthquakes that I am aware of. All the dead seem still to be in their graves, and I'd be one of the first to know if they were strolling about, there's a cemetery only down the road. I haven't even seen a horseman. Not so much as a tiny pony. So, as I live in London, and I am willing to believe that London is one of the first places God would enjoy smiting, and no smiting has taken place, I have no choice but to come to the conclusion that all Harold Camping has been doing is "bearing false witness".
And in doing so has pissed many people off. Here are a few choice picks:
The (stupid) people he persuaded to donate money to the promotion of The Rapture. The well-meaning, intelligent Christians and Religious Leaders who aren't insane. Atheists. Jews. Just about everyone that isn't MENTAL. And unfortunately for him, he has to live through May 22nd and beyond, and be mocked for eternity (no pun intended).
So Mr Harold Camping, I only have one thing to say to you:
BURN!
(in hell)
Friday, 20 May 2011
So....
So...this is just any old normal blog post.
That's right.
No surprises here.
Just a normal blog post like I do all the time.
Average post....
NOT! I GOT ONTO THE PRESS ASSOCIATION COURSE!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
They called me about 15 minutes ago while I was mid-revision. I had just downed a Redbull before they rang so with the mix of high caffeine drink and happy hormones I will probably crash and die soon. But right now I am running around my living room like a mentalist. There is no one here to hug but on the plus side I can do crazy dancing without anyone judging me.
AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The world better not end tomorrow like all the Evangelical's are saying, I have a NCTJ qualification to get.
Now I'm really gonna have to think about becoming some sort of adult.
That's right.
No surprises here.
Just a normal blog post like I do all the time.
Average post....
NOT! I GOT ONTO THE PRESS ASSOCIATION COURSE!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
They called me about 15 minutes ago while I was mid-revision. I had just downed a Redbull before they rang so with the mix of high caffeine drink and happy hormones I will probably crash and die soon. But right now I am running around my living room like a mentalist. There is no one here to hug but on the plus side I can do crazy dancing without anyone judging me.
AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The world better not end tomorrow like all the Evangelical's are saying, I have a NCTJ qualification to get.
Now I'm really gonna have to think about becoming some sort of adult.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Monday, 16 May 2011
Article for InQuire Website: Is Lady Gaga Still Relevant?
I will post the link to the article when it goes live, it will probably have a few changes so what is here is my original article. Enjoy.
Is Lady Gaga Still Relevant?
In this fickle world of celebrity culture, the question of Lady Gaga’s relevance is already being batted about only 18 months after her being hailed as the new Princess of Pop; the welcome refreshment we needed to rid us of the bad taste that the likes of manufactured Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera had left in our mouths. Here was someone different, someone who wasn’t scared to break down barriers or wear outrageous, fashion-forward clothing or put two fingers up to the manufactured pop system, while at the same time banging out a melody that has everyone on the dance floor at 1am on a Saturday night. And yet...I am now left underwhelmed.
I was a fan of The Fame and The Fame Monster; I loved Just Dance, Paparazzi, Bad Romance. The immortal lyrics “Cause I’m bluffin’ with my muffin” from Poker Face will of course stay with me forever. Yet with the release of Born This Way I am left feeling a little deflated. The single Born This Way from the album of the same name sounds so much like 80’s Madonna that on my first listen I had to check my iPod to see if I had clicked on the right song. It not only seems to be influenced by Madonna...it almost IS Madonna. And frankly, I was expecting more from the woman who has captured the attention of over 10 million twitter followers.
Hoping this was a little blip, I then encounter Judas. Oh Judas. I am not a religious human being, far from it, yet if I was a world famous pop star and I brought out a song called Judas and the frankly uninspiring video had me straddling a metaphorical Jesus on the back of a motorbike, I don’t think I’d be surprised if one or two (million) fans of this Jesus person were to be a little upset. In fact it is something I would do for a little attention. But Lady Gaga? Oh no. She was surprised. Why would they be upset that she was masquerading as an underdressed Mary Magdalene while singing “Jesus is my virtue, and Judas is the demon I cling to”? Because it’s slightly blasphemous perhaps. And that is why it seems she has written this song and brought out this video; to cause controversy and to stay relevant, but when it comes down to it the only way to stay relevant for more than ten minutes in this day and age is in writing excellent music, not arriving to the Grammy’s in an egg. And Judas, in my opinion, is not excellent music.
Lady Gaga has turned into a caricature of herself; gone are the interesting fashions in her video’s and in their place are the skimpiest underwear known to man. It’s boring. I am far from prudish but if you love fashion so much...why not wear some? With stunts like swallowing a rosary as well as the infamous Meat Dress, it would seem that Lady Gaga has forgotten about the music and started to concentrate on attempting to shock as many people as humanly possible. And I wouldn’t mind, but the new song’s are such a letdown. With her album arriving on May 23rd and new single Edge of Glory number 1 all over the world, I hope I do not have to put Lady Gaga on the shelf with the rest of the pop stars who started to believe their own hype. Edge of Glory is the first single she has released in a while that doesn’t have the word “Gaga” in it...so maybe there is hope.
Is Lady Gaga Still Relevant?
In this fickle world of celebrity culture, the question of Lady Gaga’s relevance is already being batted about only 18 months after her being hailed as the new Princess of Pop; the welcome refreshment we needed to rid us of the bad taste that the likes of manufactured Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera had left in our mouths. Here was someone different, someone who wasn’t scared to break down barriers or wear outrageous, fashion-forward clothing or put two fingers up to the manufactured pop system, while at the same time banging out a melody that has everyone on the dance floor at 1am on a Saturday night. And yet...I am now left underwhelmed.
I was a fan of The Fame and The Fame Monster; I loved Just Dance, Paparazzi, Bad Romance. The immortal lyrics “Cause I’m bluffin’ with my muffin” from Poker Face will of course stay with me forever. Yet with the release of Born This Way I am left feeling a little deflated. The single Born This Way from the album of the same name sounds so much like 80’s Madonna that on my first listen I had to check my iPod to see if I had clicked on the right song. It not only seems to be influenced by Madonna...it almost IS Madonna. And frankly, I was expecting more from the woman who has captured the attention of over 10 million twitter followers.
Hoping this was a little blip, I then encounter Judas. Oh Judas. I am not a religious human being, far from it, yet if I was a world famous pop star and I brought out a song called Judas and the frankly uninspiring video had me straddling a metaphorical Jesus on the back of a motorbike, I don’t think I’d be surprised if one or two (million) fans of this Jesus person were to be a little upset. In fact it is something I would do for a little attention. But Lady Gaga? Oh no. She was surprised. Why would they be upset that she was masquerading as an underdressed Mary Magdalene while singing “Jesus is my virtue, and Judas is the demon I cling to”? Because it’s slightly blasphemous perhaps. And that is why it seems she has written this song and brought out this video; to cause controversy and to stay relevant, but when it comes down to it the only way to stay relevant for more than ten minutes in this day and age is in writing excellent music, not arriving to the Grammy’s in an egg. And Judas, in my opinion, is not excellent music.
Lady Gaga has turned into a caricature of herself; gone are the interesting fashions in her video’s and in their place are the skimpiest underwear known to man. It’s boring. I am far from prudish but if you love fashion so much...why not wear some? With stunts like swallowing a rosary as well as the infamous Meat Dress, it would seem that Lady Gaga has forgotten about the music and started to concentrate on attempting to shock as many people as humanly possible. And I wouldn’t mind, but the new song’s are such a letdown. With her album arriving on May 23rd and new single Edge of Glory number 1 all over the world, I hope I do not have to put Lady Gaga on the shelf with the rest of the pop stars who started to believe their own hype. Edge of Glory is the first single she has released in a while that doesn’t have the word “Gaga” in it...so maybe there is hope.
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Bluffin with my Muffin.
Just wrote an article for the University Newspaper's Website about whether I think Lady Gaga is still relevant. I really enjoy writing the Comment and Feature's pieces, definitely something to think about if that is the way I'd like to go in the future, but I would have to do a lot of work beforehand...no one gives a shit about what an unexperienced naive 21 year old has to say.
I will post the link to the article when they put it up sometime tomorrow. 9 days till I have finished University forever. I am currently revising a book called "The Man of Feeling". It isn't even as fun as it sounds.
Cannot wait until it is all over, then I have holidays and festivals and Stephen Fry and so many things to look forward to.
Why did I take 18th Century Literature, nothing good happened in the 18th century, it is like the 90's version of all the centuries.
I will post the link to the article when they put it up sometime tomorrow. 9 days till I have finished University forever. I am currently revising a book called "The Man of Feeling". It isn't even as fun as it sounds.
Cannot wait until it is all over, then I have holidays and festivals and Stephen Fry and so many things to look forward to.
Why did I take 18th Century Literature, nothing good happened in the 18th century, it is like the 90's version of all the centuries.
Saturday, 7 May 2011
My New Car.
This is my new car:
This isn't actually my new car, because I haven't taken a picture of my new car, but this is what my new car looks like.
I have named him Othello because he is black. If only I could drive him.
This isn't actually my new car, because I haven't taken a picture of my new car, but this is what my new car looks like.
I have named him Othello because he is black. If only I could drive him.
Thursday, 5 May 2011
T-minus 19 Days.
I'm gonna stop apologising for my absence because it is getting old, and simply promise you I will be a regular updater in less then 3 weeks time when I have finished University forever.
I will also try and scan a few articles I have had recently that I haven't been able to find the links to on the internet.
Got a few weeks left before I find out once and for all about the Press Association. This is the link to the course by the way if anyone is interested http://www.becomeareporter.com/.
P.S I had to change my Canterbury Times work experience, I couldn't do it while at the same time revising for my exams, the fact it would take me two hours to get there each way didn't help either. The reason for this is that I failed my 5th driving test yesterday. Stop laughing.
I will also try and scan a few articles I have had recently that I haven't been able to find the links to on the internet.
Got a few weeks left before I find out once and for all about the Press Association. This is the link to the course by the way if anyone is interested http://www.becomeareporter.com/.
P.S I had to change my Canterbury Times work experience, I couldn't do it while at the same time revising for my exams, the fact it would take me two hours to get there each way didn't help either. The reason for this is that I failed my 5th driving test yesterday. Stop laughing.
Article for SENine: Eltham Girls Honoured with the Do The Right Thing Awards
In March, Eltham Palace hosted Greenwich’s 13th annual “Do The Right Thing” Young Citizen of the Year Awards, a ceremony that celebrates the accomplishments and personal development of local school children and young students. Among others, three girls from Eltham were nominated for the award by their schools. Justine Dyal and Katy Nash from St. Thomas More Comprehensive and Stephanie Holt from Eltham Hill Technology College were all chosen to receive the accolade for the good deeds they have undertaken in the last year.
Friends since Year 8, Katy and Justine started fundraising for Cancer Research UK when Katy’s Mother and Uncle contracted cancer, after suffering the loss of their sister to the same disease. The girls have both managed to raise over a £1000 so far and show no signs of slowing down. They’ve planned, organised and hosted a number of events at their school, including a Tickled Pink Concert. “The concert was definitely our favourite event” explains Justine, “everyone performed, there was dancing and singing and over 80 people came, it was the event that raised the most money too”. As well as the concert, the girls raised money selling cakes, key rings and badges as well as putting on an Own Clothes Day where everyone at school had to wear pink; “The boys weren’t too pleased” laughs Katy. When asked about the award they explain they had no idea they had even been put forward for it until they got the call telling them. “The ceremony was really lovely, it was nice to hear about all the accomplishments of other’s in the area” says Katy, with Justine interjecting “our parents were proud”. They are also planning to do the Cancer UK Race for Life in the summer and Katy even says they want to put on another event before leaving school in June. All this as well as being Prefect’s, revising for exams and preparing for college in September shows the girls are deserving of their new certificates.
Stephanie Holt was nominated for the award after she joined St John’s Ambulance Service in the hope that it would help her on her way to becoming a paramedic. Joining over a year ago, Stephanie has managed to pass her First Aid exams with less time to prepare than everyone else and has become a Cadet. “I just enjoy working in that sort of area, being able to get out there and help people” explains Stephanie. The Ambulance Service has to attend local public events including Charlton Athletic football games, and Stephanie joins them every Monday after school; “everyone is friendly and I feel safe and happy there...I always look forward to Mondays”. Stephanie has even had to use her newfound skills when not on duty, saving a man’s life when he collapsed in Bexleyheath “I wasn’t on duty and I thought in that sort of situation I would just freeze up, but I knew I had to do it or he would die”. This sort of situation would seem horrifying to most but Stephanie tells the story quite calmly; it is clear she has found the right career path; she plans to join Rapid Response after university. When it comes to the award, Stephanie exclaims “I was shocked! I felt like ‘wow I’ve actually achieved something...it was strange” she smiles, “I even got to meet the Mayoress”. When asked if there was anything else she would like to add, Stephanie pauses for a second then says “be proud of what you do, don’t ever put yourself down, if you see something happening in the street don’t be afraid to help someone!” All the awardees have received a £25 gift voucher as well as sweets, stationary and a framed certificate as a reward for their good deeds.
Friends since Year 8, Katy and Justine started fundraising for Cancer Research UK when Katy’s Mother and Uncle contracted cancer, after suffering the loss of their sister to the same disease. The girls have both managed to raise over a £1000 so far and show no signs of slowing down. They’ve planned, organised and hosted a number of events at their school, including a Tickled Pink Concert. “The concert was definitely our favourite event” explains Justine, “everyone performed, there was dancing and singing and over 80 people came, it was the event that raised the most money too”. As well as the concert, the girls raised money selling cakes, key rings and badges as well as putting on an Own Clothes Day where everyone at school had to wear pink; “The boys weren’t too pleased” laughs Katy. When asked about the award they explain they had no idea they had even been put forward for it until they got the call telling them. “The ceremony was really lovely, it was nice to hear about all the accomplishments of other’s in the area” says Katy, with Justine interjecting “our parents were proud”. They are also planning to do the Cancer UK Race for Life in the summer and Katy even says they want to put on another event before leaving school in June. All this as well as being Prefect’s, revising for exams and preparing for college in September shows the girls are deserving of their new certificates.
Stephanie Holt was nominated for the award after she joined St John’s Ambulance Service in the hope that it would help her on her way to becoming a paramedic. Joining over a year ago, Stephanie has managed to pass her First Aid exams with less time to prepare than everyone else and has become a Cadet. “I just enjoy working in that sort of area, being able to get out there and help people” explains Stephanie. The Ambulance Service has to attend local public events including Charlton Athletic football games, and Stephanie joins them every Monday after school; “everyone is friendly and I feel safe and happy there...I always look forward to Mondays”. Stephanie has even had to use her newfound skills when not on duty, saving a man’s life when he collapsed in Bexleyheath “I wasn’t on duty and I thought in that sort of situation I would just freeze up, but I knew I had to do it or he would die”. This sort of situation would seem horrifying to most but Stephanie tells the story quite calmly; it is clear she has found the right career path; she plans to join Rapid Response after university. When it comes to the award, Stephanie exclaims “I was shocked! I felt like ‘wow I’ve actually achieved something...it was strange” she smiles, “I even got to meet the Mayoress”. When asked if there was anything else she would like to add, Stephanie pauses for a second then says “be proud of what you do, don’t ever put yourself down, if you see something happening in the street don’t be afraid to help someone!” All the awardees have received a £25 gift voucher as well as sweets, stationary and a framed certificate as a reward for their good deeds.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Dead End Girl.
Once again, I apologise for my absence. Please blame my degree. Soon it will be over and I will have far too much time on my hands. I will be yet another unemployment statistic. But at least my blog will be SUPER! Until very recently there was not much to tell you about anyway, when I have a little more time after uni I will start blogging on a regular basis just about day to day things but right now I am just going to have to stick with the theme of the blog; my ongoing (non existent) career.
My articles for SENine and Meridian got published. I had to re-write the Meridian one because they wanted Easter break ideas that were basically just their advertisers (nice of them to tell me BEFORE I wrote the first article, yet I must not whine) so the one I re-wrote is the one that got published. Also my lollipop man article got a little bit of an edit but the Opera Boy article wasn't changed at all which was rather nice/surprising. I will link to the posts soon.
In case you hadn't done the math it is now 4 weeks since my Press Association interview. Remember they told me I would find out within 4 weeks? Well I didn't hear anything. I had kind of accepted I didn't get a place anyway, it is so competitive and I just knew on the day that I didn't do as well on the tests as I needed to or could have. Over the last couple of weeks I accepted that and I've just started planning on where to apply next for work experience in the meantime before I apply for the next course which will start in January 2012. I will also apply for a few graduate schemes, I may as well keep my options open.
But anyway, I emailed the Press Association today just to confirm I had been REJECTED. I got an email back saying they had been very busy and would contact me as soon as possible. I decided that this was A LIE. A BARE FACED LIE.
As usual I was wrong as later today I got a call from a rather pleasant lady called Shirley who works for the course or something along those lines, I don't know my mind wandered. She apologised for not getting back to me earlier. I braced myself for the big fat NO. NO they would say. NO WE DON'T WANT YOU. JUST NO.
Instead of that over dramatic and frankly rude answer she told me I had been put on a Reserve List. This is because I didn't do as well on the tests as they would like (knew it) but I had interviewed brilliantly (who knew?) and the head of the Press Association was considering expanding the course. If they do I have a very good chance of getting a place for September. They will let me know at the end of May.
This result was actually much better then I expected. At least if I don't get in and I have to interview again I can make sure I do better on the tests. They said I interviewed brilliantly. BRILLIANTLY. That's better then good. Wow. I must come across as quite a mature and determined individual. If only they knew that I never make my bed and I can, if I want to, bite my own toe nails.
Now I must wait until the end of May. In the meantime I will continue trying to find work experience and a job and if I get on the course, yay! If not at least I know they didn't completely hate me. Maybe I'll just sleep my way to the top.
I'm joking.
My articles for SENine and Meridian got published. I had to re-write the Meridian one because they wanted Easter break ideas that were basically just their advertisers (nice of them to tell me BEFORE I wrote the first article, yet I must not whine) so the one I re-wrote is the one that got published. Also my lollipop man article got a little bit of an edit but the Opera Boy article wasn't changed at all which was rather nice/surprising. I will link to the posts soon.
In case you hadn't done the math it is now 4 weeks since my Press Association interview. Remember they told me I would find out within 4 weeks? Well I didn't hear anything. I had kind of accepted I didn't get a place anyway, it is so competitive and I just knew on the day that I didn't do as well on the tests as I needed to or could have. Over the last couple of weeks I accepted that and I've just started planning on where to apply next for work experience in the meantime before I apply for the next course which will start in January 2012. I will also apply for a few graduate schemes, I may as well keep my options open.
But anyway, I emailed the Press Association today just to confirm I had been REJECTED. I got an email back saying they had been very busy and would contact me as soon as possible. I decided that this was A LIE. A BARE FACED LIE.
As usual I was wrong as later today I got a call from a rather pleasant lady called Shirley who works for the course or something along those lines, I don't know my mind wandered. She apologised for not getting back to me earlier. I braced myself for the big fat NO. NO they would say. NO WE DON'T WANT YOU. JUST NO.
Instead of that over dramatic and frankly rude answer she told me I had been put on a Reserve List. This is because I didn't do as well on the tests as they would like (knew it) but I had interviewed brilliantly (who knew?) and the head of the Press Association was considering expanding the course. If they do I have a very good chance of getting a place for September. They will let me know at the end of May.
This result was actually much better then I expected. At least if I don't get in and I have to interview again I can make sure I do better on the tests. They said I interviewed brilliantly. BRILLIANTLY. That's better then good. Wow. I must come across as quite a mature and determined individual. If only they knew that I never make my bed and I can, if I want to, bite my own toe nails.
Now I must wait until the end of May. In the meantime I will continue trying to find work experience and a job and if I get on the course, yay! If not at least I know they didn't completely hate me. Maybe I'll just sleep my way to the top.
I'm joking.
Saturday, 26 March 2011
I eat too many Dairylee Dunkers.
I still havn't heard from the Press Association.
I feel this is a bad sign. Although I was told I'd be informed within a month, everyone I spoke to at the interview who was already on the course found out within a week. It has now been 9 days. I am sure within those days they have interviewed a multitude of highly experienced and intelligent people who if I met at a party would probably laugh in my face when I told them what I wanted to do, as they sipped on their Cava and I sobbed into my Strongbow can.
Yesterday I had my playwrighting presentation, which wasn't really a presentation at all, more of a rehearsed reading of a few scenes I have written on the module. I am considering posting them here but it doesn't really have the same effect seeing as it is a play, not a blog post.
Now that that is over I officially have 8500 words and one exam left to do before my University career is officially over. I have mixed emotions on this tender subject.
I also found out that my graduation will be on the 20th July at 10.30am. I am unhappy about this, 10.30am is not an hour where I will look presentable in pictures that will no doubt be passed from family member to family member and be hung on my parents walls, yellowing over the decades.
I feel this is a bad sign. Although I was told I'd be informed within a month, everyone I spoke to at the interview who was already on the course found out within a week. It has now been 9 days. I am sure within those days they have interviewed a multitude of highly experienced and intelligent people who if I met at a party would probably laugh in my face when I told them what I wanted to do, as they sipped on their Cava and I sobbed into my Strongbow can.
Yesterday I had my playwrighting presentation, which wasn't really a presentation at all, more of a rehearsed reading of a few scenes I have written on the module. I am considering posting them here but it doesn't really have the same effect seeing as it is a play, not a blog post.
Now that that is over I officially have 8500 words and one exam left to do before my University career is officially over. I have mixed emotions on this tender subject.
I also found out that my graduation will be on the 20th July at 10.30am. I am unhappy about this, 10.30am is not an hour where I will look presentable in pictures that will no doubt be passed from family member to family member and be hung on my parents walls, yellowing over the decades.
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Four Tiny Chances.
So as I am an awfully busy human being I am only telling you what happened at the interview now.
First of all I made the stupid mistake of not eating anything beforehand, I was so scared of being late to the stupid thing that I bypassed food, and as the interview was 4 hours long it was not the smartest decision I have ever made. Afterwards I hoovered down a Big Tasty and instantly regretted it.
Secondly I was wearing a dress suit that although was lovely and very flattering, I couldn't exactly walk in comfortably as it was so tight around my arse and legs I was waddling around and I couldn't get anywhere quick enough. I must have looked good though because a man in a hearse beeped at me and a special needs man came up to me on the way to the Press Association and said "You are fashion!". Dear God.
So anyway I finally got there and found it in time, and sat myself down as appropriately as I could in my stupid impractical dress, and another interviewee comes in with a FAT portfolio. This is when I started to panic. They specifically told me not to bring one, and even if I did it wouldn't be as FAT as hers was anyway.
The head of the Press Association came down, I was very aware of my handshake. I don't want to have a floppy handshake. He lead us upstairs, (us is me and the other interviewee, she was Welsh, very sweet, and instantly reminded me of Stacy from Gavin and Stacy for no reason other then she was Welsh) and we went into a presentation room. I awkwardly sat down again (so much awkward sitting down) and he showed us a slideshow of the course and what goes into it.
It looks like bloody hard work, but also super amazing. I want to get on there so much. But this is when we get to the sad and disheartening part; they only take 18 people, and they've already chosen 14. And they interview people up to July.
So basically I have very little chance. I have an even smaller chance because the tests were HARD. I knew most of the News Awareness questions, but one of them was "Detail a recent Eastenders storyline". That was probably the one question they shouldn't have asked. The spelling test was relatively easy (unfortunately 'peadofile' didn't come up) but the grammer was not so; they'd written out sentences, told us the grammar was wrong, and we had to correct it. I was looking at half the sentences and wondering what the hell was wrong with them. What a brilliant start. I managed to write the press release relatively quickly and easily, though if it was good or what they were looking for or not I don't know.
They then sprang a challenge of planning a 5 minute presentation on ourselves. I was so nervous I am sure I said many ridiculous things...in fact I think I went on about my hair at one point. Brilliant.
We had a tour of the Press Association, it was all buzzy and exciting. We met the current trainees, all of whom said it was very hard work but worth every penny. It looked so much fun and so interesting. And it looks like I won't get a chance to go :(.
In my personal interview I did say that if I didn't get on this time I would apply again for the January course. I hope he saw my determination, and I hope he saw that I was intelligent enough to do it. I will know within 3 weeks anyway. Keep your fingers crossed for me but with only 4 places left to fill it isn't looking promising :(.
In the meantime there is only 3 weeks left of my last seminar term, so if I am not blogging all too often that is why. Soon it will be the Easter holidays and I will be only 1 exam away from graduating.
First of all I made the stupid mistake of not eating anything beforehand, I was so scared of being late to the stupid thing that I bypassed food, and as the interview was 4 hours long it was not the smartest decision I have ever made. Afterwards I hoovered down a Big Tasty and instantly regretted it.
Secondly I was wearing a dress suit that although was lovely and very flattering, I couldn't exactly walk in comfortably as it was so tight around my arse and legs I was waddling around and I couldn't get anywhere quick enough. I must have looked good though because a man in a hearse beeped at me and a special needs man came up to me on the way to the Press Association and said "You are fashion!". Dear God.
So anyway I finally got there and found it in time, and sat myself down as appropriately as I could in my stupid impractical dress, and another interviewee comes in with a FAT portfolio. This is when I started to panic. They specifically told me not to bring one, and even if I did it wouldn't be as FAT as hers was anyway.
The head of the Press Association came down, I was very aware of my handshake. I don't want to have a floppy handshake. He lead us upstairs, (us is me and the other interviewee, she was Welsh, very sweet, and instantly reminded me of Stacy from Gavin and Stacy for no reason other then she was Welsh) and we went into a presentation room. I awkwardly sat down again (so much awkward sitting down) and he showed us a slideshow of the course and what goes into it.
It looks like bloody hard work, but also super amazing. I want to get on there so much. But this is when we get to the sad and disheartening part; they only take 18 people, and they've already chosen 14. And they interview people up to July.
So basically I have very little chance. I have an even smaller chance because the tests were HARD. I knew most of the News Awareness questions, but one of them was "Detail a recent Eastenders storyline". That was probably the one question they shouldn't have asked. The spelling test was relatively easy (unfortunately 'peadofile' didn't come up) but the grammer was not so; they'd written out sentences, told us the grammar was wrong, and we had to correct it. I was looking at half the sentences and wondering what the hell was wrong with them. What a brilliant start. I managed to write the press release relatively quickly and easily, though if it was good or what they were looking for or not I don't know.
They then sprang a challenge of planning a 5 minute presentation on ourselves. I was so nervous I am sure I said many ridiculous things...in fact I think I went on about my hair at one point. Brilliant.
We had a tour of the Press Association, it was all buzzy and exciting. We met the current trainees, all of whom said it was very hard work but worth every penny. It looked so much fun and so interesting. And it looks like I won't get a chance to go :(.
In my personal interview I did say that if I didn't get on this time I would apply again for the January course. I hope he saw my determination, and I hope he saw that I was intelligent enough to do it. I will know within 3 weeks anyway. Keep your fingers crossed for me but with only 4 places left to fill it isn't looking promising :(.
In the meantime there is only 3 weeks left of my last seminar term, so if I am not blogging all too often that is why. Soon it will be the Easter holidays and I will be only 1 exam away from graduating.
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Peadophile
There was a bit of a mix-up with my Meridian article, I will explain later as I am going to bed soon. But I wanted to update as I haven't in a while.
My NCTJ interview is tomorrow. I have a spelling and grammar test and will be tested on current affairs and news awareness. I will also have to write a short feature on a press release, and then I'll be interviewed. I have been practising words I find difficult to spell. I will practice now:
Especially
Peadophile
Difficult.
An especially difficult peadophile. That's how I will remember it. Wish me luck. I will let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Jam and Juice (Lemon juice, for pancakes)
Today is pancake day! I don't know why pancake day excites me so, especially as I am not even slightly religious and no longer give anything up for Lent. Much of my life is already spent giving things up; chocolate, cheese, sweets, bread, anything with more then 300 calories, yummy olives drenched in olive oil, cider, beer, any type of sauce, and anything that tastes good. Therefore I am slightly annoyed that people now expect me to give up something else. What could I possibly give up? Satsuma's? Muller Light Yogurts?! Boring olives in Brine?!?!?! No! You will not take away my yogurts! Or my boring olives!
I know Lent is meant to be about Jesus starving himself for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert and being tempted by the Devil, but then previously he was also turning water into wine (I can't drink that), and giving bread (I can't eat that) and fish (if it was battered I can't eat that either) to random Jews, so you know, he obviously wasn't too worried about all the food and wine he was lavishing on people BEFORE he decided to go test himself in the desert. Double standards. Plus I am tempted by the Devil on a daily basis on Campus when I have to queue next to the Bacon Turnovers and Sausage Rolls when waiting to pay for my sushi and Diet Coke, and the gorgeous scent of pastry slavered in cheese and bacon swim into my aching nostrils.
So to sum up, I am not giving up anything for Lent, as I have had to accept over the years that I have to give most things up for life.
Nevertheless tonight I will treat myself. I am going to ring in my birthday with a pancake or four. I hope you too enjoy your pancakes, with whatever filling you wish to spread on them.
P.S I do not mean to offend any person who gives up something for Lent. Nor do I want to offend Jesus, or Jews. I love Jews, they make some of the best films. I'm just jealous of everyone with better metabolism's then I. Damn you Jesus, you're so svelte.
I know Lent is meant to be about Jesus starving himself for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert and being tempted by the Devil, but then previously he was also turning water into wine (I can't drink that), and giving bread (I can't eat that) and fish (if it was battered I can't eat that either) to random Jews, so you know, he obviously wasn't too worried about all the food and wine he was lavishing on people BEFORE he decided to go test himself in the desert. Double standards. Plus I am tempted by the Devil on a daily basis on Campus when I have to queue next to the Bacon Turnovers and Sausage Rolls when waiting to pay for my sushi and Diet Coke, and the gorgeous scent of pastry slavered in cheese and bacon swim into my aching nostrils.
So to sum up, I am not giving up anything for Lent, as I have had to accept over the years that I have to give most things up for life.
Nevertheless tonight I will treat myself. I am going to ring in my birthday with a pancake or four. I hope you too enjoy your pancakes, with whatever filling you wish to spread on them.
P.S I do not mean to offend any person who gives up something for Lent. Nor do I want to offend Jesus, or Jews. I love Jews, they make some of the best films. I'm just jealous of everyone with better metabolism's then I. Damn you Jesus, you're so svelte.
Monday, 7 March 2011
An Article for Meridian Magazine.
Great Days Out with the Kids Over the Easter Break
With Easter fast approaching, many parents will be beginning to rack their brains for activities that can keep their children amused throughout the holidays. Here we have compiled a list of the best days out in London and Kent that are bound to keep the kids entertained until school starts again.
The much loved Christmas Tree Farm in Downe is a brilliant day out for people of all ages. The farm offers one on one interaction with animals that vary from pigs to ponies to pygmy goats, as well as face painting for the kids and cream teas for you. At only £1.50 entrance for children and £3.00 for parents, this is a cheap as well as fun day out.
Running throughout the school holidays is Hopper’s Easter Extravaganza at the Hop Farm Family Park in Kent. There is a daily Easter egg hunt and spring bonnet making, as well as their usual attractions, the Pirate Cove being especially suitable for children under 11. With spring animals to pet and a carousel to ride the Hop Farm is the place to visit if you want to be a popular parent. Book online at www.hopfarm.co.uk for discounted prices.
For a day the kids will really love, visit The Dinosaurs Unleashed exhibition at The O2. It features large animatronic Dinosaurs, a prehistoric aquarium and real fossils. Go to www.dinosaursunleashed.co.uk for more information and to book.
On Saturday 9th April, Greenwich Park is holding a Wildlife Open Day. With a puppet show, wildlife themed crafts, guided tree walks and a chance to get up close and personal with some creepy crawlies, this is again a great day for everyone. It is situated in the Secret Garden Wild Life Centre, is completely free and runs from 11am to 4pm.
Finally, a trip to the Science Museum is a must for any family. The museum offers an educational, hands-on experience for children of all ages and shows science films in IMAX 3D cinemas. Entry is free, though you will have to pay for IMAX, simulators and special exhibitions. For more information and prices visit www.sciencemuseum.org.uk.
With Easter fast approaching, many parents will be beginning to rack their brains for activities that can keep their children amused throughout the holidays. Here we have compiled a list of the best days out in London and Kent that are bound to keep the kids entertained until school starts again.
The much loved Christmas Tree Farm in Downe is a brilliant day out for people of all ages. The farm offers one on one interaction with animals that vary from pigs to ponies to pygmy goats, as well as face painting for the kids and cream teas for you. At only £1.50 entrance for children and £3.00 for parents, this is a cheap as well as fun day out.
Running throughout the school holidays is Hopper’s Easter Extravaganza at the Hop Farm Family Park in Kent. There is a daily Easter egg hunt and spring bonnet making, as well as their usual attractions, the Pirate Cove being especially suitable for children under 11. With spring animals to pet and a carousel to ride the Hop Farm is the place to visit if you want to be a popular parent. Book online at www.hopfarm.co.uk for discounted prices.
For a day the kids will really love, visit The Dinosaurs Unleashed exhibition at The O2. It features large animatronic Dinosaurs, a prehistoric aquarium and real fossils. Go to www.dinosaursunleashed.co.uk for more information and to book.
On Saturday 9th April, Greenwich Park is holding a Wildlife Open Day. With a puppet show, wildlife themed crafts, guided tree walks and a chance to get up close and personal with some creepy crawlies, this is again a great day for everyone. It is situated in the Secret Garden Wild Life Centre, is completely free and runs from 11am to 4pm.
Finally, a trip to the Science Museum is a must for any family. The museum offers an educational, hands-on experience for children of all ages and shows science films in IMAX 3D cinemas. Entry is free, though you will have to pay for IMAX, simulators and special exhibitions. For more information and prices visit www.sciencemuseum.org.uk.
Sunday, 6 March 2011
Another Article for SENine
The Royal Albert Hall finds its Star in Eltham
6 year old Ben Salter of St Mary’s Primary School in Eltham, has landed himself a part as Sorrow in the Royal Albert Hall’s take on the most famous of Opera’s; Madame Butterfly. After an intense audition process and many long rehearsals, Ben was finally chosen to be one of the three boys playing the part over a two week period in March.
It is clear on first meeting Ben that he is a natural performer; when asked what his favourite part about acting at the Royal Albert Hall was, Ben replied “When everybody cheers me at the end!” Bubbly and full of beans, he can barely sit still and throughout our interview leaps up on a regular basis to show me his dance moves. His mother Holly, half trying to calm him down, half laughing along with him, says “I’m so proud of him, I can’t tell you”.
Ben got the part in Madame Butterfly through his Friday night classes at All the Arts Theatre School in New Eltham, a class that has the children up dancing, singing and doing drama exercises. After signing him up at their agency, Ben secured an acting part in the George ‘Back to School’ adverts as well as promotion for CBeeBee’s. “We can’t believe it really” laughs Holly “we signed him up not really expecting anything, and now he’s got jobs in adverts as well the Royal Albert Hall!” Yet performing in front of a 3000 strong audience doesn’t seem to faze Ben, who claims on his first performance he was nervous, but now after 3 shows, he is “not frightened at all”. Holly was actually surprised when she first saw him on stage;”he is usually so lively and animated, but on stage he was really playing the part, really acting, it was like he was a different child”.
However, unlike many child actors, Ben doesn’t seem to have let any of it effect him, telling me that as well as his All the Arts classes he also loves swimming, drawing and “visiting Nan”, and like many other 6 year olds, he claims his favourite subject at school is ‘playtime’. It is clear his parents are hugely proud of him, and Holly can’t bring herself to miss even one of his shows, “every time is more magical then the last, he always gets the biggest applause and I just want to tell everyone ‘he’s mine!’”. Finally, I ask Ben if there is anything else he would like to say; “Finish everything with ‘I’m a star’!” I’m sure the audience members of Madame Butterfly agree.
6 year old Ben Salter of St Mary’s Primary School in Eltham, has landed himself a part as Sorrow in the Royal Albert Hall’s take on the most famous of Opera’s; Madame Butterfly. After an intense audition process and many long rehearsals, Ben was finally chosen to be one of the three boys playing the part over a two week period in March.
It is clear on first meeting Ben that he is a natural performer; when asked what his favourite part about acting at the Royal Albert Hall was, Ben replied “When everybody cheers me at the end!” Bubbly and full of beans, he can barely sit still and throughout our interview leaps up on a regular basis to show me his dance moves. His mother Holly, half trying to calm him down, half laughing along with him, says “I’m so proud of him, I can’t tell you”.
Ben got the part in Madame Butterfly through his Friday night classes at All the Arts Theatre School in New Eltham, a class that has the children up dancing, singing and doing drama exercises. After signing him up at their agency, Ben secured an acting part in the George ‘Back to School’ adverts as well as promotion for CBeeBee’s. “We can’t believe it really” laughs Holly “we signed him up not really expecting anything, and now he’s got jobs in adverts as well the Royal Albert Hall!” Yet performing in front of a 3000 strong audience doesn’t seem to faze Ben, who claims on his first performance he was nervous, but now after 3 shows, he is “not frightened at all”. Holly was actually surprised when she first saw him on stage;”he is usually so lively and animated, but on stage he was really playing the part, really acting, it was like he was a different child”.
However, unlike many child actors, Ben doesn’t seem to have let any of it effect him, telling me that as well as his All the Arts classes he also loves swimming, drawing and “visiting Nan”, and like many other 6 year olds, he claims his favourite subject at school is ‘playtime’. It is clear his parents are hugely proud of him, and Holly can’t bring herself to miss even one of his shows, “every time is more magical then the last, he always gets the biggest applause and I just want to tell everyone ‘he’s mine!’”. Finally, I ask Ben if there is anything else he would like to say; “Finish everything with ‘I’m a star’!” I’m sure the audience members of Madame Butterfly agree.
Friday, 4 March 2011
Shiny Happy People.
So that is 3 articles published now. And 3 more on the way.
I have the Lollypop man article getting published in the April edition of SENine, as well as the one with the little opera boy. Who I interviewed yesterday by the way. I was hoping he would be precocious and annoying and his mother would be a pushy blonde bitch, but alas they were very friendly and entertaining. How the human race insists on surprising me constantly.
I have started writing the article and need it done by tomorrow, because my mum hooked me up with another magazine. That's right, I am now a writer for Meridian Magazine, which I think covers Greenwich and South East London. The article is about things for parents to do with their children in the Easter Break. I know what you are thinking, not exactly my niche, and it will be a bit of a challenge so I am going to spend all Sunday and Monday doing that.
I want to get it out of the way before my birthday on Wednesday. Where I will do nothing but eat and lay down, my two favourite things.
Less then two weeks to my Press Association Interview!
I have the Lollypop man article getting published in the April edition of SENine, as well as the one with the little opera boy. Who I interviewed yesterday by the way. I was hoping he would be precocious and annoying and his mother would be a pushy blonde bitch, but alas they were very friendly and entertaining. How the human race insists on surprising me constantly.
I have started writing the article and need it done by tomorrow, because my mum hooked me up with another magazine. That's right, I am now a writer for Meridian Magazine, which I think covers Greenwich and South East London. The article is about things for parents to do with their children in the Easter Break. I know what you are thinking, not exactly my niche, and it will be a bit of a challenge so I am going to spend all Sunday and Monday doing that.
I want to get it out of the way before my birthday on Wednesday. Where I will do nothing but eat and lay down, my two favourite things.
Less then two weeks to my Press Association Interview!
Monday, 28 February 2011
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Night Swimming.
I just finished my essay on Evelina.
It was meant to be about how the author used social satire and to what effect, but it just turned into an essay about the treatment of women. Like every other essay I've ever done. This really isn't my fault, it just seemed like women were treated like crap for a while and it is good essay fodder.
Only two more essays and one exam to go before the end of my degree.
It pisses me off that I can't graduate with my friends. Because I do Drama and English I have to graduate with the Drama students, who for the most part are obnoxiously loud and annoying and fighting for every piece of attention.
I won't get to have a picture in my cap and gown with all my buddies :( moan moan moan.
People in Libya don't know what hell is.
It was meant to be about how the author used social satire and to what effect, but it just turned into an essay about the treatment of women. Like every other essay I've ever done. This really isn't my fault, it just seemed like women were treated like crap for a while and it is good essay fodder.
Only two more essays and one exam to go before the end of my degree.
It pisses me off that I can't graduate with my friends. Because I do Drama and English I have to graduate with the Drama students, who for the most part are obnoxiously loud and annoying and fighting for every piece of attention.
I won't get to have a picture in my cap and gown with all my buddies :( moan moan moan.
People in Libya don't know what hell is.
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Ayyyy Macarena!
Yesterday I failed my third driving test. I only got 6 minors and 1 serious, for hesitating on a roundabout. Gloomy, gloomy times.
I have decided not to tell anyone when my next test is, as having to text all friends and family to let them know I've failed for a fourth time is not something I feel like doing. Again.
The interview with the little boy that is in Madame Butterfly is coming up. It will be odd interviewing a 6 year old, I hope his mother intervenes so that I am saved from talking about bugs and spaghetti. Because that is what 6 year olds talk about...isn't it?
Tonight we're all going out and I can't wait because I havn't been out in God knows how long and I need to dance. I have requested the Macarena from the DJ, everyone has moaned but I know for a fact that if they actually played it, people would dance. Oh yes, they would dance.
I have decided not to tell anyone when my next test is, as having to text all friends and family to let them know I've failed for a fourth time is not something I feel like doing. Again.
The interview with the little boy that is in Madame Butterfly is coming up. It will be odd interviewing a 6 year old, I hope his mother intervenes so that I am saved from talking about bugs and spaghetti. Because that is what 6 year olds talk about...isn't it?
Tonight we're all going out and I can't wait because I havn't been out in God knows how long and I need to dance. I have requested the Macarena from the DJ, everyone has moaned but I know for a fact that if they actually played it, people would dance. Oh yes, they would dance.
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
I Get Tounge-Tied.
"We used to say "This Modern Love" was our song because it said Do you want to come over and kill some time. But now I kill time when you're not around."
Saturday, 19 February 2011
I Carried A Watermelon!?
Tonight I am going
to see Dirty Dancing at the Aldwych Theatre. It is my most favourite and I am awfully sad that it is finishing in July, I'm glad I get to see it one more time, especially with my good friend Ms Davies.
Oh Patrick, how we miss you.
to see Dirty Dancing at the Aldwych Theatre. It is my most favourite and I am awfully sad that it is finishing in July, I'm glad I get to see it one more time, especially with my good friend Ms Davies.Oh Patrick, how we miss you.
STY UPDATE
Fortunately my sty has seemed to have gone down and I can now blink pain-free. I know many of you were concerned, especially my Aunt Sally, but you may now all rest easy in knowing my sty has gone and I can again put on eyeliner.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
As the sty grows...
Success!
Editor of SENine magazine has asked me to write another article. Either he is desperate for writers (probable) or he thinks I'm alright.
This one is actually, in my opinion, a little more interesting, though many may disagree. A little boy, age 6, from where I live, is performing at the Royal Albert Hall in Madame Butterfly and I'm interviewing him. I think that is cute. Also if I was in Madame Butterfly at the age of 6 I'd want everyone to know about it too.
STY UPDATE
The sty has got bigger. It is now starting to look like I have been punched in the face by a small, yet powerful, animal.
Editor of SENine magazine has asked me to write another article. Either he is desperate for writers (probable) or he thinks I'm alright.
This one is actually, in my opinion, a little more interesting, though many may disagree. A little boy, age 6, from where I live, is performing at the Royal Albert Hall in Madame Butterfly and I'm interviewing him. I think that is cute. Also if I was in Madame Butterfly at the age of 6 I'd want everyone to know about it too.
STY UPDATE
The sty has got bigger. It is now starting to look like I have been punched in the face by a small, yet powerful, animal.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
New Dog for Nacogdoches
Breaking News!
Golden Labrador Max, (officially Max McDonald), from Gilmer, Texas has found a new home with Katie Hayes and her live-in man candy Preston McDonald in Nacogdoches. He is said to already be the perfect man's best friend, and Mr Mcdonald commented on the social networking site facebook "Max is the best puppy ever. He only woke us up twice last night and he waited until this morning to pee outside. We havn't even had him 24 hours and he is already housebroken".
Ms Hayes, co-owner of Max, soberly stated that "Max-a-million loves me a trillion!" Mr McDonald was not available to comment on whether this is true.
We have also just discovered that Max was found at the side of the road. When one of our reporters asked Ms Hayes if this was true, she replied "YES!"
Many of Ms Hayes' closest friends and family members have stated her complete ridiculousness at having a dog, as she can barely look after herself. Her cousin Ms Sarah Hayes, a beautiful and talented lady of London, told us "I can't bloody believe she has done this. She will try and feed Max pasta and probably dress him up like her baby. I cannot wait to see how this turns out".
Max seems to be happy right now, but after only 48 hours of living with the McDonalds, could there be oncoming tensions? We will keep you posted.
Back to you at the NEWS ROOM!
A Feature for InQuire, the University Newsapaper
Album That Changed My Life: Good Mourning by Alkaline Trio
When I was 14, Blink 182 had just brought out their last album, My Chemical Romance were everywhere, and an army of what I can only describe as ridiculous fringes were being created. MySpace ruled, Facebook was on the brink of creation, and I must admit, my fringe did take part in the ridiculousness. But it wasn’t until one random day when someone gave me a copy of Good Mourning to listen to, Alkaline Trio’s fourth release, that I truly fell in love. When I put the album in my Walkman (Yes, a walkman, it really was this long ago) and the first song, aptly named “This Could be Love”, raged through my brain, I knew that love was exactly what it was.
Good Mourning, produced by the late, great Jerry Finn, manages to strike the perfect balance between the fast-paced pop-punk of the 90’s and the darker sound of bands like Joy Division and The Cure. The raw emotion and energy that is on the record is believable and relatable, unlike many other recent would-be punk bands whose attempts at putting real emotion into music falls at the first hurdle.
The album contains songs about love, heart break, drug abuse, joining the Church of Satan for kicks, and even the Donner Party. Yet whatever the theme of the song all of them are beautifully and cleverly written. The album starts with “This Could Be Love”, a song dripping in resentment and bitterness while at the same time having one of the catchiest chorus’s that Matt Skiba ever wrote, as can be seen at their gigs when their fiercely loyal fans scream “This could be love. Love for fire”. It is followed by Dan Andriano’s songs like “One Hundred Stories” and “Every Thug Needs a Lady”, the latter being one of my particular favourites, his husky voice singing lyrics that, yes do proclaim love, but with real vulnerability;“From here I can hardly see a thing, But I will follow anyone who brings me to you”. Andriano’s smart yet love-fuelled lyrics contrasted with Skiba’s angrier songs makes an unusual album for the genre. One of my favourite Skiba songs is “Blue in the Face”; the acoustic ending to the album that is about his drug abuse; “Just one more line to keep me sleeping loudly and cold in disgrace with a shameful regret, as I talk in tongues to myself on my bed”. Though Skiba’s voice is broken from the abuse of the drug he is singing about, it is with real emotion that his voice cracks when he says “So what do you say, your coffin or mine?”
I feel I cannot do this album justice, it is something that must appreciated on its own. Alkaline Trio could have easily gone down the route so many bands who claim to make punk music have, that of image over music. Some may even claim that in the last few years that is what they have done. But Good Mourning is the band in their prime. The lyrics may be littered with clichéd alcohol and drug fuelled metaphors but they manage to make them ironic and witty. The melodies are still grounded in their pop-punk roots but there is also something more mature and darker to the songs. The voices of Dan and Matt, though completely different, complement each other wonderfully, and Derek Grant’s drums are the backbone to the whole album. This is Alkaline Trio in their prime and the legions of fans who tattoo their symbol on to their skin for love of this band I know would agree with me.
When I was 14, Blink 182 had just brought out their last album, My Chemical Romance were everywhere, and an army of what I can only describe as ridiculous fringes were being created. MySpace ruled, Facebook was on the brink of creation, and I must admit, my fringe did take part in the ridiculousness. But it wasn’t until one random day when someone gave me a copy of Good Mourning to listen to, Alkaline Trio’s fourth release, that I truly fell in love. When I put the album in my Walkman (Yes, a walkman, it really was this long ago) and the first song, aptly named “This Could be Love”, raged through my brain, I knew that love was exactly what it was.
Good Mourning, produced by the late, great Jerry Finn, manages to strike the perfect balance between the fast-paced pop-punk of the 90’s and the darker sound of bands like Joy Division and The Cure. The raw emotion and energy that is on the record is believable and relatable, unlike many other recent would-be punk bands whose attempts at putting real emotion into music falls at the first hurdle.
The album contains songs about love, heart break, drug abuse, joining the Church of Satan for kicks, and even the Donner Party. Yet whatever the theme of the song all of them are beautifully and cleverly written. The album starts with “This Could Be Love”, a song dripping in resentment and bitterness while at the same time having one of the catchiest chorus’s that Matt Skiba ever wrote, as can be seen at their gigs when their fiercely loyal fans scream “This could be love. Love for fire”. It is followed by Dan Andriano’s songs like “One Hundred Stories” and “Every Thug Needs a Lady”, the latter being one of my particular favourites, his husky voice singing lyrics that, yes do proclaim love, but with real vulnerability;“From here I can hardly see a thing, But I will follow anyone who brings me to you”. Andriano’s smart yet love-fuelled lyrics contrasted with Skiba’s angrier songs makes an unusual album for the genre. One of my favourite Skiba songs is “Blue in the Face”; the acoustic ending to the album that is about his drug abuse; “Just one more line to keep me sleeping loudly and cold in disgrace with a shameful regret, as I talk in tongues to myself on my bed”. Though Skiba’s voice is broken from the abuse of the drug he is singing about, it is with real emotion that his voice cracks when he says “So what do you say, your coffin or mine?”
I feel I cannot do this album justice, it is something that must appreciated on its own. Alkaline Trio could have easily gone down the route so many bands who claim to make punk music have, that of image over music. Some may even claim that in the last few years that is what they have done. But Good Mourning is the band in their prime. The lyrics may be littered with clichéd alcohol and drug fuelled metaphors but they manage to make them ironic and witty. The melodies are still grounded in their pop-punk roots but there is also something more mature and darker to the songs. The voices of Dan and Matt, though completely different, complement each other wonderfully, and Derek Grant’s drums are the backbone to the whole album. This is Alkaline Trio in their prime and the legions of fans who tattoo their symbol on to their skin for love of this band I know would agree with me.
An Article for SENine Magazine
Eltham Lollypop Man Retires After Thirteen Years
John Wood, the Lollypop man of Roper Road and Orangery Lane, is finally laying his lollypop down. For 13 years John has done the Lollypop for Eltham CofE School, and it seems has been popular with everybody, from a “ten month old baby that waves” to him, to the parents and the children he has crossed the road with. He even used to bring real lollypops in for the children. “When I first started I’d bump into people everywhere! I can’t go down Eltham High street without seeing someone! My wife kept asking how everyone knew me” laughs John, “A family even spotted me in the Costa Brava”.
Born in Brockley, John has lived all over South East London; Catford, Blackheath and even Ashford in Kent during the war, but he now resides in Eltham, just a ten minute walk away from his Lollypop road. It was in 1997 that John saw an advertisement in Greenwich for a Lollypop Man, he applied and had the medical but didn’t hear anything, “I’m not the kind to chase them up if they aren’t getting back to me!” Therefore it wasn’t until a year later when he saw another advertisement in Eltham that he got the job. “I’m there every weekday, half 8 to half 9 and quarter past 3 to quarter past 4, I’ve seen whole families grow up, sometimes they come back a few years later and they are right up here!” he chuckles and gestures way above his own head. At 78, John does not seem to be slowing down, still driving himself and his wife around and enjoying the odd holiday, as well as seeing their grandchildren when they can.
It definitely seems that John has earned his retirement, working at the Post Office and then doing the Lollypop whilst simultaneously working at Ruxley Manor on the door at weekends, “I’m John at the Gate” he says. He obviously enjoys the work so when asked why John has decided to retire it is clear that his want to see more of his family is the main motivation; “I want to see more of the grandkids, and maybe have a few more cheaper holidays!” Indeed there are pictures of children and grandchildren dotted around the living room, and it is clear that John’s large family are what is most important to him and his wife. “It’s time to give up” she says, and after 60 years of working who could argue with her.
Though John’s grandchildren will now happily get to see more of him, I don’t doubt that the families of Eltham CofE will miss him walking them across the street every day. Though it is assured that he is retiring, with 6 children and 6 grandchildren, whether he will get a rest or not is not so certain.
John Wood, the Lollypop man of Roper Road and Orangery Lane, is finally laying his lollypop down. For 13 years John has done the Lollypop for Eltham CofE School, and it seems has been popular with everybody, from a “ten month old baby that waves” to him, to the parents and the children he has crossed the road with. He even used to bring real lollypops in for the children. “When I first started I’d bump into people everywhere! I can’t go down Eltham High street without seeing someone! My wife kept asking how everyone knew me” laughs John, “A family even spotted me in the Costa Brava”.
Born in Brockley, John has lived all over South East London; Catford, Blackheath and even Ashford in Kent during the war, but he now resides in Eltham, just a ten minute walk away from his Lollypop road. It was in 1997 that John saw an advertisement in Greenwich for a Lollypop Man, he applied and had the medical but didn’t hear anything, “I’m not the kind to chase them up if they aren’t getting back to me!” Therefore it wasn’t until a year later when he saw another advertisement in Eltham that he got the job. “I’m there every weekday, half 8 to half 9 and quarter past 3 to quarter past 4, I’ve seen whole families grow up, sometimes they come back a few years later and they are right up here!” he chuckles and gestures way above his own head. At 78, John does not seem to be slowing down, still driving himself and his wife around and enjoying the odd holiday, as well as seeing their grandchildren when they can.
It definitely seems that John has earned his retirement, working at the Post Office and then doing the Lollypop whilst simultaneously working at Ruxley Manor on the door at weekends, “I’m John at the Gate” he says. He obviously enjoys the work so when asked why John has decided to retire it is clear that his want to see more of his family is the main motivation; “I want to see more of the grandkids, and maybe have a few more cheaper holidays!” Indeed there are pictures of children and grandchildren dotted around the living room, and it is clear that John’s large family are what is most important to him and his wife. “It’s time to give up” she says, and after 60 years of working who could argue with her.
Though John’s grandchildren will now happily get to see more of him, I don’t doubt that the families of Eltham CofE will miss him walking them across the street every day. Though it is assured that he is retiring, with 6 children and 6 grandchildren, whether he will get a rest or not is not so certain.
Hello? Is it me you're looking for?
I apologise for my absence over the last week. Between going home to interview elderly men and my own degree, I have been rather busy. However, today I finished two articles and I thought it appropiate to put them here for you perusal. Before that though, I will update you on my life.
I think I have a sty on my right eye.
Okay you are updated.
Oh also my Elephant article came out on the Uni Newspaper, it was pretty cool to see it in print. Also on the front page it said "Inside this issue:" and then a picture of my Elephant, so it is KIND OF like I'm on the front page. I'm on the front page. Kind of.
I will also be in the next issue of the paper with my Album article and in the next two issues of SENine, first with Ben the Bike Guy for March and the Lollypop Man for April. Such hard hitting news. I'm hoping the editor will give me another for the April issue too, he did say he might. I guess it depends how my next article goes, if he loves it, and who wouldn't it's about a Lollypop Man, then I'm IN THERE.
Also only 4 more weeks until my London Press Interview.
Shitting one's self.
ALSO next driving test is on Wednesday the 23rd, one week from tomorrow. If they let me drive in my socks I know I'd pass. Wish me luck readers, all...one of you.
That was a longer update then I had anticipated, I must really have some sort of life going on here eh. Oh and Happy Belated Valentines Day, from me, to you:
I think I have a sty on my right eye.
Okay you are updated.
Oh also my Elephant article came out on the Uni Newspaper, it was pretty cool to see it in print. Also on the front page it said "Inside this issue:" and then a picture of my Elephant, so it is KIND OF like I'm on the front page. I'm on the front page. Kind of.
I will also be in the next issue of the paper with my Album article and in the next two issues of SENine, first with Ben the Bike Guy for March and the Lollypop Man for April. Such hard hitting news. I'm hoping the editor will give me another for the April issue too, he did say he might. I guess it depends how my next article goes, if he loves it, and who wouldn't it's about a Lollypop Man, then I'm IN THERE.
Also only 4 more weeks until my London Press Interview.
Shitting one's self.
ALSO next driving test is on Wednesday the 23rd, one week from tomorrow. If they let me drive in my socks I know I'd pass. Wish me luck readers, all...one of you.
That was a longer update then I had anticipated, I must really have some sort of life going on here eh. Oh and Happy Belated Valentines Day, from me, to you:
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
I Don't Know...
...How more people don't have mental health problems. Thinking is one of the most stressful things I've ever come across, and not being able to articulate what I want to say drives me crazy.
Monday, 7 February 2011
Stupid Barrie.
Just as I tick a few things of my To Do List about another 10 million are added to it.
My dad tells me that the fact that I am busy and my brain is slowly failing underneath all the stress of third year and preperations for next year is a good thing, as it means I am living my life.
He is a little bit of a workaholic so I don't know whether this is a good thing or not.
Hi Dad.
I failed my second driving test today which meant that I started to cry in front of an old man named Barrie who decided to fail me because I got too close to a parked car. Crying in front of an old man called Barrie who just failed me was definitely not a highlight of my life. I don't usually cry either, I was just very angry. I really wanted it ticked off my To Do list :(. Which now runs my life.
In other more positive news I then went to the newspaper meeting and, though I told myself I wouldn't get an article because I have the other one to do PLUS an English essay PLUS an English presentation PLUS I have to read Evelina PLUS I have to write a play by THURSDAY, I thought it was probably not the best idea.
But lo and behold I couldn't resist one little fun feature on The Album That Changed My Life (Capital Letters represent important life changing event). I am of course doing it on Good Mourning by Alkaline Trio, because it truly did actually change my life. That has to be done by next Thursday.
I'm going home this weekend to do the Lollipop man article, he sounds very wise but I had to scream down the phone because he is apparently quite deaf. I could go home for just one day but I think the whole weekend is a better idea because then I get to go to yummy restaurants.
Anyway, it's been a bit of a crap day, and now I have to write this stupid presentation, and then get up tomorrow super early (9am) to do the stupid presentation. Stupid. You can tell I'm in a bad mood.
I hate Barrie.
My dad tells me that the fact that I am busy and my brain is slowly failing underneath all the stress of third year and preperations for next year is a good thing, as it means I am living my life.
He is a little bit of a workaholic so I don't know whether this is a good thing or not.
Hi Dad.
I failed my second driving test today which meant that I started to cry in front of an old man named Barrie who decided to fail me because I got too close to a parked car. Crying in front of an old man called Barrie who just failed me was definitely not a highlight of my life. I don't usually cry either, I was just very angry. I really wanted it ticked off my To Do list :(. Which now runs my life.
In other more positive news I then went to the newspaper meeting and, though I told myself I wouldn't get an article because I have the other one to do PLUS an English essay PLUS an English presentation PLUS I have to read Evelina PLUS I have to write a play by THURSDAY, I thought it was probably not the best idea.
But lo and behold I couldn't resist one little fun feature on The Album That Changed My Life (Capital Letters represent important life changing event). I am of course doing it on Good Mourning by Alkaline Trio, because it truly did actually change my life. That has to be done by next Thursday.
I'm going home this weekend to do the Lollipop man article, he sounds very wise but I had to scream down the phone because he is apparently quite deaf. I could go home for just one day but I think the whole weekend is a better idea because then I get to go to yummy restaurants.
Anyway, it's been a bit of a crap day, and now I have to write this stupid presentation, and then get up tomorrow super early (9am) to do the stupid presentation. Stupid. You can tell I'm in a bad mood.
I hate Barrie.
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Huzzuh!
I sent off the SENine article earlier today and the editor messaged me back just now asking me to do another article for him.
I think this is a small success as it means that what I wrote wasn't a. terrible or b. unsuitable or c. unreadable. Success!
He asked for a small picture of me as a by-line picture for the articles.
I thought this would be suitable:
I think this is a small success as it means that what I wrote wasn't a. terrible or b. unsuitable or c. unreadable. Success!
He asked for a small picture of me as a by-line picture for the articles.
I thought this would be suitable:
No?
The new article is about a Lollypop man in Eltham who is retiring.
Shutup. Leave me alone. It is an important and career defining story. I'm excited anyway. He is 78, I bet he has such wise words to give me, like "always look both ways".
An Article for SENine Magazine
Healer on Wheels
When in the West End you may spot Ben Forde, one of the members of the Cycle Response Unit (CRU) for the London Ambulance Service; paramedics that get to their patient’s by bicycle. Ben lives in Blackfen but resided in Eltham for over 20 years, and has just recently become a permanent member of the CRU.
He attended St Thomas More School but it wasn’t there he decided to become a paramedic, “I saw an advert on the television asking people to join the London Ambulance Service, and I just thought it looked like a really good job” commented Ben. It was another 8 years before Ben entered the CRU, “I was at the Ambulance Service in Waterloo, a colleague and I poked our head through the door of the CRU, and it looked like a lot of fun, luckily they were recruiting at the time so I went for it”. And indeed it seems a job that is entirely suited for him; Ben has always cycled and has even taken part in charity rides from London to Brighton, “It is a really good way for me to incorporate a hobby I’m passionate about into my job too”. The CRU members could be on the bike for up to eleven hours a day and Ben has even ridden from his home in Blackfen to the Waterloo station.
When in the West End you may spot Ben Forde, one of the members of the Cycle Response Unit (CRU) for the London Ambulance Service; paramedics that get to their patient’s by bicycle. Ben lives in Blackfen but resided in Eltham for over 20 years, and has just recently become a permanent member of the CRU.
He attended St Thomas More School but it wasn’t there he decided to become a paramedic, “I saw an advert on the television asking people to join the London Ambulance Service, and I just thought it looked like a really good job” commented Ben. It was another 8 years before Ben entered the CRU, “I was at the Ambulance Service in Waterloo, a colleague and I poked our head through the door of the CRU, and it looked like a lot of fun, luckily they were recruiting at the time so I went for it”. And indeed it seems a job that is entirely suited for him; Ben has always cycled and has even taken part in charity rides from London to Brighton, “It is a really good way for me to incorporate a hobby I’m passionate about into my job too”. The CRU members could be on the bike for up to eleven hours a day and Ben has even ridden from his home in Blackfen to the Waterloo station.
The CRU is able to respond to 999 calls quicker than an ambulance by weaving through the traffic, answering calls that can range from headaches to even cardiac arrest. “You’ll answer the call and someone will say ‘oh...are you the ambulance?’” laughs Ben, “they don’t usually expect a bike to pull up”. Sometimes members of the CRU are able to tell ambulances they aren’t needed, saving them over 250 hours of time a year per bike; “As well as it being more economical and time saving, it’s a greener way of us getting around too”.
When asked what his favourite aspects of the job are, it is clear Ben is passionate about his work; “I think it’s the fact that you get to attend calls in so many different places; theatres, restaurants, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden. We’re needed for events too like the Chinese New Year and recently the Pope’s visit. You get to meet so many different kinds of people, and I think that’s why it’s such an enjoyable job”. Now that Ben is a permanent member of the CRU, you may always see him around some of your favourite parts of London- though let’s hope he isn’t answering your call.
Friday, 4 February 2011
I am Stupid. Stupid is my name.
I just conducted my first interview with Ben the Bike guy.
It was pretty good in that he was really friendly and answered my questions in detail and put me at ease.
It was not so good in that I probably asked him the same question 3 times, and after trying to record it on my phone, saw at the end of the interview that nothing had recorded, so had to go on my own flaky memory and random notes.
Thankfully, I have just written down all my notes properly and actually have more words then needed for the article in note form.
The one thing I'm really worried about is the editor from the magazine wanted some type of hook to make it "newsy", but alas I could not find one. I am grasping at straws here but I may go on the fact he has only recently become a permenent member of this bike team he is a part of.
I sound ridiculous don't I.
C'est la vie.
I am going to write the article later, if I forget anything I will just have to give him a text and completely lose all dignity.
I hope that everyone who starts out is as useless as I am or I'm in a spot of trouble.
It was pretty good in that he was really friendly and answered my questions in detail and put me at ease.
It was not so good in that I probably asked him the same question 3 times, and after trying to record it on my phone, saw at the end of the interview that nothing had recorded, so had to go on my own flaky memory and random notes.
Thankfully, I have just written down all my notes properly and actually have more words then needed for the article in note form.
The one thing I'm really worried about is the editor from the magazine wanted some type of hook to make it "newsy", but alas I could not find one. I am grasping at straws here but I may go on the fact he has only recently become a permenent member of this bike team he is a part of.
I sound ridiculous don't I.
C'est la vie.
I am going to write the article later, if I forget anything I will just have to give him a text and completely lose all dignity.
I hope that everyone who starts out is as useless as I am or I'm in a spot of trouble.
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
An Article for InQuire, the University Newspaper.
Baby Elephant Arrives in Kent
A new arrival has been welcomed to Howletts Wild Animal Park. On the 25th of January after a 22 month pregnancy, an African Elephant named Masa finally gave birth to a calf. Though Masa had twins, one unfortunately did not survive. Twin African Elephants are extremely rare and are estimated to occur in less than 2% of cases. Due to the sheer size of an elephant calf a Mother cannot healthily support twins; therefore it was a potentially fatal delivery. Consequently the birth is being hailed as a great success due to the survival of Masa and her new calf. Neil Spooner, Animal Director of Howletts, said that they were “blessed” and commented that “at a few days old the calf is doing really well and will be going into its outside enclosure where the public can see him as soon as the weather improves”. The calf is yet to be named but will be joining his 5 year old sister as well as becoming a member of the largest herd of African Elephants in the UK. If you would like to find out more about Howletts or would be interested in adopting Masa for as little as £3 a month, go to http://www.aspinallfoundation.org/.
A new arrival has been welcomed to Howletts Wild Animal Park. On the 25th of January after a 22 month pregnancy, an African Elephant named Masa finally gave birth to a calf. Though Masa had twins, one unfortunately did not survive. Twin African Elephants are extremely rare and are estimated to occur in less than 2% of cases. Due to the sheer size of an elephant calf a Mother cannot healthily support twins; therefore it was a potentially fatal delivery. Consequently the birth is being hailed as a great success due to the survival of Masa and her new calf. Neil Spooner, Animal Director of Howletts, said that they were “blessed” and commented that “at a few days old the calf is doing really well and will be going into its outside enclosure where the public can see him as soon as the weather improves”. The calf is yet to be named but will be joining his 5 year old sister as well as becoming a member of the largest herd of African Elephants in the UK. If you would like to find out more about Howletts or would be interested in adopting Masa for as little as £3 a month, go to http://www.aspinallfoundation.org/.
Bon Bons!
I managed to rearrange my busy schedule so that I could do the interview for the SENine article.
It's irritating because I need to go back to London to do it but be in Canterbury for my seminars so I'm paying 20 quid to get back, do the interview, and return, but one must make sacrifices for ones future career. I just hope the editor puts it in the March edition and not the April edition so I can put it in my portfolio for the interview.
I have compiled a list of questions to ask Ben Forde. He is a nurse that gets around by bike to get to his patients so it'll be questions like what made you want to become a nurse, ever had any close calls i.e cars+bike=accident...though I will probably not word it that way, as that would be unwise. It'll be the first interview I have ever done so I am a little nervous but I'm sure I'll be fine, he seems like a nice guy anyway. I just hope I don't make a mockery of myself or reveal to him that I'm actually a fraud.
I also went to the newspaper meeting on Monday. I wasn't sure whether I should try and get an article this week as I have this other one to do and I am really busy at Uni but there was a little story I thought that was cute so volunteered to write it. The deadline is Friday but t's already written so I'll post it here soon.
In the meantime, I am going to see Black Swan tonight. I will even allow myself pick'n'mix. MAN I'M EXCITED. BON BONS!
I also got to the 8 pound off mark at Slimming World yesterday so I got a sticker. I don't know anyone who is motivated by stickers. I wish they could motivate us with chocolate. Anyway after my weigh-in I treated myself to a Kobe Beef burger that defeated me and since then I have been lying on my back moaning. I'm being punished for my gluttony.
It's irritating because I need to go back to London to do it but be in Canterbury for my seminars so I'm paying 20 quid to get back, do the interview, and return, but one must make sacrifices for ones future career. I just hope the editor puts it in the March edition and not the April edition so I can put it in my portfolio for the interview.
I have compiled a list of questions to ask Ben Forde. He is a nurse that gets around by bike to get to his patients so it'll be questions like what made you want to become a nurse, ever had any close calls i.e cars+bike=accident...though I will probably not word it that way, as that would be unwise. It'll be the first interview I have ever done so I am a little nervous but I'm sure I'll be fine, he seems like a nice guy anyway. I just hope I don't make a mockery of myself or reveal to him that I'm actually a fraud.
I also went to the newspaper meeting on Monday. I wasn't sure whether I should try and get an article this week as I have this other one to do and I am really busy at Uni but there was a little story I thought that was cute so volunteered to write it. The deadline is Friday but t's already written so I'll post it here soon.
In the meantime, I am going to see Black Swan tonight. I will even allow myself pick'n'mix. MAN I'M EXCITED. BON BONS!
I also got to the 8 pound off mark at Slimming World yesterday so I got a sticker. I don't know anyone who is motivated by stickers. I wish they could motivate us with chocolate. Anyway after my weigh-in I treated myself to a Kobe Beef burger that defeated me and since then I have been lying on my back moaning. I'm being punished for my gluttony.
Saturday, 29 January 2011
A Small Setback
I was all ready to undergo my first interview for my first article but it is now all going to have to wait as the guy I'm interviewing is only available when I need to be at Uni.
How selfish of him. How very selfish.
Anyway, I emailed the editor of the magazine and explained I couldn't see do the interview before the deadline because of University (reasonable?) and he said it could wait for the April edition. This is irritating as it means it won't be published before my Press Association interview but oh well. He is currently trying to think of something else for me to write...
...apparently...
I say apparently because I thought instead of waiting till the morning, it would be a brilliant idea to email back the editor last night at a party while slightly intoxicated. I spent a long time making sure I had put no drunken spelling mistakes. It was only this morning I noticed I had ended the email with:
"Thanks again!
Sarah
Thank you very much!!
Sarah"
He is either going to think I am desperate for his approval, insanely happy, or just fucking stupid.
He hasn't emailed me back since. Sigh.
University Newspaper meeting on Monday. Let's hope I nab something there.
How selfish of him. How very selfish.
Anyway, I emailed the editor of the magazine and explained I couldn't see do the interview before the deadline because of University (reasonable?) and he said it could wait for the April edition. This is irritating as it means it won't be published before my Press Association interview but oh well. He is currently trying to think of something else for me to write...
...apparently...
I say apparently because I thought instead of waiting till the morning, it would be a brilliant idea to email back the editor last night at a party while slightly intoxicated. I spent a long time making sure I had put no drunken spelling mistakes. It was only this morning I noticed I had ended the email with:
"Thanks again!
Sarah
Thank you very much!!
Sarah"
He is either going to think I am desperate for his approval, insanely happy, or just fucking stupid.
He hasn't emailed me back since. Sigh.
University Newspaper meeting on Monday. Let's hope I nab something there.
A Monologue
Presently I am studying a module called "Playwriting for Beginners" and our first exercise was to write a monologue from an imaginary character that had to have a 'reveal' at the end. I thought it would be a good idea to post what I wrote here.
"I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.
My name is Bruna Adler. I was born in Poland and moved to Frankfurt in Germany in 1908 with my parents when I was a young child. I am unmarried and have no children. I was a secretary at an accounting firm in Frankfurt until 1941. Like many of my peers I read Der Sturmer and began to hate the Jews, I saw what they were doing to our country, and I wanted to help. I felt I could be most put to use in the SS and was at first a guard in my town, rounding up the Jews and sending them to the camps. At first I did not know what was at the camps, I assumed the Jews and other lower classes were being made to do something constructive, making things needed for the war effort, finally making themselves useful. Soon I proved my worth and I was sent to Birkenau camp in Auschwitz in 1942, and was a guard at the female camp under Elisabeth Volkenrath.
My responsibilities included keeping the female camp in order and making sure the prisoner’s were behaving and kept to their work schedules...
Another of my responsibilities was to...pick and choose what campers to...exterminate. The camps were getting increasingly crowded, we had no choice, if I did not do it, I would be shot. I often sent families together; so that no one was left without their family...I thought I was helping them. It was best for me not to think of them as human, in a way they were not, they were Jews and homosexuals, and gypsies, they were...they were polluting our nation...it was their fault...we had no choice.
I never really got used to it though...I remember towards the end I sent off one girl...her mother and sister had died from tuberculosis, she was on her own. I thought it was best for her to be dead herself. But she reminded me so much of...a friend I had at school. She had big brown sunken eyes, and I imagined her hair being as long and thick and the same chestunutty brown colour that I...used to have...I sent her off and I closed the doors on them. And I heard them shuffling around, I heard them work out what was going on and starting to grow in dread and fear, like the same way I had every other time, but I never got used to that sound. The sound of growing panic and confusion, of children crying and mothers screaming and begging for their lives. Of the gas hitting their lungs, the sound of them struggling to breathe.
(Slowly starting to grow panicky)
And I had chosen to put them in there. And I had ordered their clothes off. And I had pushed them through the door when they pleaded and begged for me to let them go. And I had closed the door behind them. And I had turned and left them in there to die. Just for having Jewish blood running through their veins.
Like me.
(Starts breaking down...crying, begging, inconsolable)
I, I’ve never told anyone, please don’t kill me, I’m not really a Nazi, please, please don’t. It was just all to protect me, my name is Ethel Goldberg. I was born to a Jewish mother and...and when she died, and everything started to happen, and I lost my job I thought, I just, I just thought, I should just leave. And I left. And I stole another woman’s papers, and I, I hit her, and she fell and hit her head, and I didn’t mean to kill her but I needed her papers so I took them and I’m sorry, I’m sorry but I had to, I had to because they were coming to get me and everyone I knew and I had to go, I had to go. And I pretended to be Bruna and I, I joined the SS because I thought that’s where they would be least suspicious. And I had to do what they told me and I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. Please please don’t send me off with the rest of them, please let me live, I know I did bad things but I didn’t want to, I had to for my own life. I didn’t want to do those things, please..I...I don’t know...how to say... please, please don’t send me away. I only did it to protect myself. Please don’t kill me. I didn’t have a choice! I’d have been in there with them too otherwise! Please...please...I’m sorry, I’m sorry. "
"I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.
My name is Bruna Adler. I was born in Poland and moved to Frankfurt in Germany in 1908 with my parents when I was a young child. I am unmarried and have no children. I was a secretary at an accounting firm in Frankfurt until 1941. Like many of my peers I read Der Sturmer and began to hate the Jews, I saw what they were doing to our country, and I wanted to help. I felt I could be most put to use in the SS and was at first a guard in my town, rounding up the Jews and sending them to the camps. At first I did not know what was at the camps, I assumed the Jews and other lower classes were being made to do something constructive, making things needed for the war effort, finally making themselves useful. Soon I proved my worth and I was sent to Birkenau camp in Auschwitz in 1942, and was a guard at the female camp under Elisabeth Volkenrath.
My responsibilities included keeping the female camp in order and making sure the prisoner’s were behaving and kept to their work schedules...
Another of my responsibilities was to...pick and choose what campers to...exterminate. The camps were getting increasingly crowded, we had no choice, if I did not do it, I would be shot. I often sent families together; so that no one was left without their family...I thought I was helping them. It was best for me not to think of them as human, in a way they were not, they were Jews and homosexuals, and gypsies, they were...they were polluting our nation...it was their fault...we had no choice.
I never really got used to it though...I remember towards the end I sent off one girl...her mother and sister had died from tuberculosis, she was on her own. I thought it was best for her to be dead herself. But she reminded me so much of...a friend I had at school. She had big brown sunken eyes, and I imagined her hair being as long and thick and the same chestunutty brown colour that I...used to have...I sent her off and I closed the doors on them. And I heard them shuffling around, I heard them work out what was going on and starting to grow in dread and fear, like the same way I had every other time, but I never got used to that sound. The sound of growing panic and confusion, of children crying and mothers screaming and begging for their lives. Of the gas hitting their lungs, the sound of them struggling to breathe.
(Slowly starting to grow panicky)
And I had chosen to put them in there. And I had ordered their clothes off. And I had pushed them through the door when they pleaded and begged for me to let them go. And I had closed the door behind them. And I had turned and left them in there to die. Just for having Jewish blood running through their veins.
Like me.
(Starts breaking down...crying, begging, inconsolable)
I, I’ve never told anyone, please don’t kill me, I’m not really a Nazi, please, please don’t. It was just all to protect me, my name is Ethel Goldberg. I was born to a Jewish mother and...and when she died, and everything started to happen, and I lost my job I thought, I just, I just thought, I should just leave. And I left. And I stole another woman’s papers, and I, I hit her, and she fell and hit her head, and I didn’t mean to kill her but I needed her papers so I took them and I’m sorry, I’m sorry but I had to, I had to because they were coming to get me and everyone I knew and I had to go, I had to go. And I pretended to be Bruna and I, I joined the SS because I thought that’s where they would be least suspicious. And I had to do what they told me and I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. Please please don’t send me off with the rest of them, please let me live, I know I did bad things but I didn’t want to, I had to for my own life. I didn’t want to do those things, please..I...I don’t know...how to say... please, please don’t send me away. I only did it to protect myself. Please don’t kill me. I didn’t have a choice! I’d have been in there with them too otherwise! Please...please...I’m sorry, I’m sorry. "
Friday, 28 January 2011
So Far...
Let's get everyone up to date shall we.
Now that I'm in my third year at Uni, I thought it was about time to start planning what to do when I graduate. The thought of graduating with nowhere to go and nothing to do motivated me to the point of obsession. Every day over the christmas holidays I would send out CV's and cover letters to papers or companies I could potentially get work experience with. I knew that I would never get a job as a journalist without experience.
When googling "journalism", I discovered the NCTJ course. I had been told about it before my Henry Claridge, my University lecturer, but at the time hadn't fully grasped how useful it would be to do it. Not only would they teach me the basic skills to be a journalist, but also taught me parts of the career I'd need that I hadn't even thought about; Media Law, shorthand etc.
I had written off an MA at the beginning of last term as I really wanted to get a job and get my career started, but the NCTJ seemed like it would be invaluable if I really wanted to get serious about journalism, so I applied to the new course at the London Press Association. At first I was a little scared; I felt like a fraud. Instead of writing articles every spare minute while at University I had been concentrating on my degree and not really involving myself in anything else; something I truly regret now.
I was honest in the application, told them I had little experience but do have some planned (of which I will go onto later). I wrote what I would like to think was a heartfelt yet intelligent application showcasing my abilities and work ethic. I sent it off yesterday...and got an interview today. Though I am incredibly happy at this first step, I do not feel by any means that I will certainly get into the course. Far from it. Not only is the London course at the top of the NCTJ results table, but I had been told how hard it is to get on the course. With only a small portfolio and my degree to back me up, at first I almost felt like they wouldn't take me because I had nothing yet to offer- maybe they would think I was lazy or just another English student who didn't know what to do so went for the most obvious, though not the easiest option.
I hope to show in the interview this is not the case. And even if I don't get in, I will just apply again next year when I have more experience. I am optimistic.
I have a few weeks work experience at the News Shopper and The Canterbury Times in the Spring too which I cannot wait for. I am still enjoying my degree but I am so eager to get out and start my career and get as involved as I can that I am almost looking forward to graduating.
I have joined the University Newspaper and will be writing for them soon. I am waiting to get the go on an article about a new Student Village going up on Campus that apparently some residents are furious about, so that should be a lot of fun interviewing them. And I'm not even being sarcastic.
I have also just been asked to write an article for my local magazine in London: "SENine". The article actually seems really interesting, I have to interview a male Nurse who gets to his patience by bike in London so as to avoid traffic.
I was hoping to interview him next week but he is not available so I may have to travel back from Canterbury to London tomorrow. But I am excited.
I feel like I have so much happening and I've never been more busy with the articles and the applications and interviews and work experience and my degree...but it is really exciting, and for the first time in a long time I feel like I could be really entering into something that makes me happy.
I hope this hasn't been too boring, but at the same time I don't care as this is my own personal blog and no one will read it anyway :).
I will post when I have had the interview with the nurse!
Now that I'm in my third year at Uni, I thought it was about time to start planning what to do when I graduate. The thought of graduating with nowhere to go and nothing to do motivated me to the point of obsession. Every day over the christmas holidays I would send out CV's and cover letters to papers or companies I could potentially get work experience with. I knew that I would never get a job as a journalist without experience.
When googling "journalism", I discovered the NCTJ course. I had been told about it before my Henry Claridge, my University lecturer, but at the time hadn't fully grasped how useful it would be to do it. Not only would they teach me the basic skills to be a journalist, but also taught me parts of the career I'd need that I hadn't even thought about; Media Law, shorthand etc.
I had written off an MA at the beginning of last term as I really wanted to get a job and get my career started, but the NCTJ seemed like it would be invaluable if I really wanted to get serious about journalism, so I applied to the new course at the London Press Association. At first I was a little scared; I felt like a fraud. Instead of writing articles every spare minute while at University I had been concentrating on my degree and not really involving myself in anything else; something I truly regret now.
I was honest in the application, told them I had little experience but do have some planned (of which I will go onto later). I wrote what I would like to think was a heartfelt yet intelligent application showcasing my abilities and work ethic. I sent it off yesterday...and got an interview today. Though I am incredibly happy at this first step, I do not feel by any means that I will certainly get into the course. Far from it. Not only is the London course at the top of the NCTJ results table, but I had been told how hard it is to get on the course. With only a small portfolio and my degree to back me up, at first I almost felt like they wouldn't take me because I had nothing yet to offer- maybe they would think I was lazy or just another English student who didn't know what to do so went for the most obvious, though not the easiest option.
I hope to show in the interview this is not the case. And even if I don't get in, I will just apply again next year when I have more experience. I am optimistic.
I have a few weeks work experience at the News Shopper and The Canterbury Times in the Spring too which I cannot wait for. I am still enjoying my degree but I am so eager to get out and start my career and get as involved as I can that I am almost looking forward to graduating.
I have joined the University Newspaper and will be writing for them soon. I am waiting to get the go on an article about a new Student Village going up on Campus that apparently some residents are furious about, so that should be a lot of fun interviewing them. And I'm not even being sarcastic.
I have also just been asked to write an article for my local magazine in London: "SENine". The article actually seems really interesting, I have to interview a male Nurse who gets to his patience by bike in London so as to avoid traffic.
I was hoping to interview him next week but he is not available so I may have to travel back from Canterbury to London tomorrow. But I am excited.
I feel like I have so much happening and I've never been more busy with the articles and the applications and interviews and work experience and my degree...but it is really exciting, and for the first time in a long time I feel like I could be really entering into something that makes me happy.
I hope this hasn't been too boring, but at the same time I don't care as this is my own personal blog and no one will read it anyway :).
I will post when I have had the interview with the nurse!
A New Beginning
I have finally realised why over the last couple of years I always started a blog but never came back to it.
Because the theme was "I am Sarah and this is my life and this is why I am annoyed today".
I am usually annoyed by different things in what I like to think is a sort of charming Charlie Brooker-esque fashion, but is in fact probably not very attractive at all. Plus I don't think I am quite as miserable and whiny as I used to be...
Also I no longer feel comfortable constantly talking about myself as thankfully I am no longer the angry and self-absorbed 15 year old who HATED HER LIFE because her parent's had the audacity to be loving and supportive and wished she had NEVER BEEN BORN because she probably liked a boy that didn't like her back and life was SO UNFAIR so felt the need to vent it all to the two people who would read about it on the internet.
Thankfully, I am no longer that bratty child, I am an ADULT! With GOALS! And AMBITIONS! And I am happy and I love my parents and I am actually getting my life together. And it feels good in an odd "Oh so this is what it is like to actually sort yourself out" kind of way.
So I decided to have more of a theme for this blog, as opposed to the theme just being "Sarah" which now makes me uncomfortable and pity my former self. Instead, it is now "Sarah's ongoing journey into the world of Journalism, and her attempt at making it as a Journalist". Okay, that is not very catchy, but you get the point.
Not that anyone who would have previously read this blog (all 0 of you) would know this as all I wrote about was things like Ooompa Loompa's and Baby on Board badges, but I have always wanted to be a Journalist. Recently, over the last 6 months or so, I have decided to really pursue this career, and try and get into news journalism.
I thought that carrying on this blog and trying to drag it up from the sorry depths of Angry-Teenagedom it had previously languished in, was a good idea, as not only is it good practice for my writing skills, but also an interesting way for me to report the trials and tribulations I experience in trying to "MAKE IT".
I may sound flaky and like I don't actually really care, but I do, a lot. I'm not even joking when I say I've got my act together. It is truly astonishing.
However, it seems that my long winded introductions haven't changed, but I suppose I cannot ask for everything.
Keep up to date with my (hopefully) regular posts to see if I ever eventually "MAKE IT" and read all the surely HILARIOUS events and situations I find myself in along the way.
Because the theme was "I am Sarah and this is my life and this is why I am annoyed today".
I am usually annoyed by different things in what I like to think is a sort of charming Charlie Brooker-esque fashion, but is in fact probably not very attractive at all. Plus I don't think I am quite as miserable and whiny as I used to be...
Also I no longer feel comfortable constantly talking about myself as thankfully I am no longer the angry and self-absorbed 15 year old who HATED HER LIFE because her parent's had the audacity to be loving and supportive and wished she had NEVER BEEN BORN because she probably liked a boy that didn't like her back and life was SO UNFAIR so felt the need to vent it all to the two people who would read about it on the internet.
Thankfully, I am no longer that bratty child, I am an ADULT! With GOALS! And AMBITIONS! And I am happy and I love my parents and I am actually getting my life together. And it feels good in an odd "Oh so this is what it is like to actually sort yourself out" kind of way.
So I decided to have more of a theme for this blog, as opposed to the theme just being "Sarah" which now makes me uncomfortable and pity my former self. Instead, it is now "Sarah's ongoing journey into the world of Journalism, and her attempt at making it as a Journalist". Okay, that is not very catchy, but you get the point.
Not that anyone who would have previously read this blog (all 0 of you) would know this as all I wrote about was things like Ooompa Loompa's and Baby on Board badges, but I have always wanted to be a Journalist. Recently, over the last 6 months or so, I have decided to really pursue this career, and try and get into news journalism.
I thought that carrying on this blog and trying to drag it up from the sorry depths of Angry-Teenagedom it had previously languished in, was a good idea, as not only is it good practice for my writing skills, but also an interesting way for me to report the trials and tribulations I experience in trying to "MAKE IT".
I may sound flaky and like I don't actually really care, but I do, a lot. I'm not even joking when I say I've got my act together. It is truly astonishing.
However, it seems that my long winded introductions haven't changed, but I suppose I cannot ask for everything.
Keep up to date with my (hopefully) regular posts to see if I ever eventually "MAKE IT" and read all the surely HILARIOUS events and situations I find myself in along the way.
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Monday, 21 June 2010
I don't need a parachute.
Well thanks to a couple of inspired friends I thought I would come back to this. I think this is my 6th blog attempt. Let's see if this time I last more then nine posts before something shiny distracts me.
Re-reading last summers entries reaffirms my suspicion that I am an angry and easily annoyed human being.
However I stand by my rant on the "Baby on Board" badge, what the fuck was that about. Anyway I'll try to be a little more positive so that my few followers don't leave my blog feeling suicidal. Pretty sure that won't last very long either though.
It is also ashame that I only ever seem to write anything to you phantoms when it is summertime and I am not doing anything. I assure you that the rest of the year I am out and about experiencing all of life's pleasures with regular viewings of Deal or No Deal in between, however in the summer time nothing interesting happens because I am usually working or away from the few people in the world I deem worth my time, therefore have nothing interesting to report. Deal or No Deal isn't even on until October.
However last year I definitely made an effort to post interesting things, look at all those Oompa Loompa's.
However, I digress. A brief(ish) update to get us going.
Since my last blog I did indeed go back to University, as my previous posts indicated I wanted so much to do.
Many interesting and amusing things happened, some of which I can't remember thanks to evil substances. Probably the worst and most memorable (though ironically I don't remember it at all) incident was me falling down a 4 foot hole in someones garden while ever so slightly intoxicated and tearing the ligaments in my ankle. But did I let it ruin my night? Oh no, of course I didn't, in fact I continued to run around, getting lost and making some friends go in search of me in the road, asking passers by if they had seen "a tall girl with purple hair" and finally finding me crossed legged (good for the ankle) on the living room floor of the grimy party. I was, I think the phrase is, totally fucked. In fact I only know it happened because a dear friend helped me out of the 4 foot hole and later informed another dear friend who had inquired why I was walking like Bambi of the incident. One hospital trip and a click in the ankle later and everything was fine.
This incidentally was also the same night that I and a few friends were looking for another party (yes I know, so many parties to attend, oh the lives we lead) and, while standing unknowingly outside said party, enquired to some French tourists what road we were on and how to get there. They kindly gave us a map.
Oh how we laughed. Eventually we then carried on into the party, where if I remember correctly many ladies were dressed in the nicest of lingerie, and we broke a table by sitting on it. I kindly tried piecing it back together but as I oddly didn't have any glue to hand and was well on my well to being wankered, the table is still to my knowledge, fucked.
This night sticks out for obvious reasons but there were many good times.
Amsterdam was most definately a highlight. Home of chocolate brownies, massive leafs, and lots of other hazy memories.
Good clean fun.
Other incidents include a pinata, one time karaoke, the introduction of GLEE! our new love of painting gnomes, many of which were painted by Amy (though the neatness of them suggests she is lying), and Bert and Ernie were also welcomed into my fold.
We finished the year with the Summerball, one of the highlights being the meeting of a lovely Scottish boy who incidentally showed us that it is true that it is best not to wear any underwear while wearing a kilt. I touched his sporran. Magic.
Oh yeah I also managed to do some work.
And here I am again, back in London for 3 months until the last year of University begins. Cannot quite believe I have finished second year, real life is falling upon me and I don't quite know what to do. Waitressing?
Leaving Canterbury wasn't nice, I leave a sad Amy and an unfinished gnome in my wake, alone in our lonely house. But if next year is going to go as quickly as the last, I won't wish for it too soon, I think I have to savour these last few months where I am able to say "I'm a student, give me discount".
But I will miss it so.
Anyway to finish, here is a song from Alkaline Trios last album, which was also released since I last posted.
Toodlepip.
And yes the title of this blog is from a Cheryl Cole song, and what, you can't tell me what to do, you aren't my mum.
Re-reading last summers entries reaffirms my suspicion that I am an angry and easily annoyed human being.
However I stand by my rant on the "Baby on Board" badge, what the fuck was that about. Anyway I'll try to be a little more positive so that my few followers don't leave my blog feeling suicidal. Pretty sure that won't last very long either though.
It is also ashame that I only ever seem to write anything to you phantoms when it is summertime and I am not doing anything. I assure you that the rest of the year I am out and about experiencing all of life's pleasures with regular viewings of Deal or No Deal in between, however in the summer time nothing interesting happens because I am usually working or away from the few people in the world I deem worth my time, therefore have nothing interesting to report. Deal or No Deal isn't even on until October.
However last year I definitely made an effort to post interesting things, look at all those Oompa Loompa's.
However, I digress. A brief(ish) update to get us going.
Since my last blog I did indeed go back to University, as my previous posts indicated I wanted so much to do.
Many interesting and amusing things happened, some of which I can't remember thanks to evil substances. Probably the worst and most memorable (though ironically I don't remember it at all) incident was me falling down a 4 foot hole in someones garden while ever so slightly intoxicated and tearing the ligaments in my ankle. But did I let it ruin my night? Oh no, of course I didn't, in fact I continued to run around, getting lost and making some friends go in search of me in the road, asking passers by if they had seen "a tall girl with purple hair" and finally finding me crossed legged (good for the ankle) on the living room floor of the grimy party. I was, I think the phrase is, totally fucked. In fact I only know it happened because a dear friend helped me out of the 4 foot hole and later informed another dear friend who had inquired why I was walking like Bambi of the incident. One hospital trip and a click in the ankle later and everything was fine.
This incidentally was also the same night that I and a few friends were looking for another party (yes I know, so many parties to attend, oh the lives we lead) and, while standing unknowingly outside said party, enquired to some French tourists what road we were on and how to get there. They kindly gave us a map.
Oh how we laughed. Eventually we then carried on into the party, where if I remember correctly many ladies were dressed in the nicest of lingerie, and we broke a table by sitting on it. I kindly tried piecing it back together but as I oddly didn't have any glue to hand and was well on my well to being wankered, the table is still to my knowledge, fucked.
This night sticks out for obvious reasons but there were many good times.
Amsterdam was most definately a highlight. Home of chocolate brownies, massive leafs, and lots of other hazy memories.
Good clean fun.
Other incidents include a pinata, one time karaoke, the introduction of GLEE! our new love of painting gnomes, many of which were painted by Amy (though the neatness of them suggests she is lying), and Bert and Ernie were also welcomed into my fold.
We finished the year with the Summerball, one of the highlights being the meeting of a lovely Scottish boy who incidentally showed us that it is true that it is best not to wear any underwear while wearing a kilt. I touched his sporran. Magic.
Oh yeah I also managed to do some work.
And here I am again, back in London for 3 months until the last year of University begins. Cannot quite believe I have finished second year, real life is falling upon me and I don't quite know what to do. Waitressing?
Leaving Canterbury wasn't nice, I leave a sad Amy and an unfinished gnome in my wake, alone in our lonely house. But if next year is going to go as quickly as the last, I won't wish for it too soon, I think I have to savour these last few months where I am able to say "I'm a student, give me discount".
But I will miss it so.
Anyway to finish, here is a song from Alkaline Trios last album, which was also released since I last posted.
Toodlepip.
And yes the title of this blog is from a Cheryl Cole song, and what, you can't tell me what to do, you aren't my mum.
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