The David Jenkins Blog

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2010-11-24T00:43:00.001-08:00

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A taste of Africa in the West End

2010-11-22T03:50:00.000-08:00

A brilliant orange glow lit the stage as the curtain lifts to reveal the most inventive costume theatre show the west end has to offer.

‘The Lion King’ is one of the most successful theatre shows on the London theatre scene.

Winning 70 international awards alongside being one of the best selling British theatre productions the show has branched-out across the world, with performances now being played in Japan, Australia and China.

The show stems from the Disney’s infamous creation in 1994, which raised just under two-million-dollars in its opening weekend.

The timeless songs fill the Lyceum Theatre with the in-house band re-creating some of the most popular Disney songs to date.

The films provided a sturdy platform for the theatre production to be made, with the set design, music and characters all remaining the same.

Even the script continued to be taken from the film, allowing no-one to forget that this is a Disney production.

The show had minor changes including a short scene of the main villain, “Scar” announcing that he will have “Nala”, Simba’s future wife for his own.

However nothing comes from this, and if anything leaves the audience a little confused to its inclusion.

The set design is so inventive that the opening scene sees giraffes, elephants, rhino’s, wilder beasts and zebra’s all surrounding Pride Rock with Simba being held aloft – re-creating vividly the beginning of the 90’s animation.

Carrying a film onto the stage, showed how inventive the producers must be with the wilderbeast stampede.

Facing the crowd three wooden cylinders rotated with wilderbeasts attached to give the audience the feel of the stampede.

The cast includes no famous household names, but all individuals earned their right to be involved with lost of experience in and out of television and theatre.

The show is versatile. While it is a Disney production and will always be ‘children-friendly’, adults can enjoy the visual experience, and the inventiveness of some of the scenes.

Review: Look back don't stare

2010-11-13T15:10:00.000-08:00

The boys are back and they are showing their true colours in the black and white ITV one-off that showed the inside to the biggest boy band in the world.
Filmed in black and white throughout, the stars are diluted, revealing all to find themselves as they re-unite.
Centred initially about Robbie, it asked the questions the public wants to ask – what happened, and is he here to stay.
The documentary shows the past, explaining reasons for Robbie leaving a week after announcing that they were back together.
It’s either a painful decision – or a fantastic PA move.
The documentary talks about the bands journey through the pop-stardom. With X-factor causing such a storm in the past decade, these make shift artists should take a look at the cycle they are getting themselves in.
Robbie explains about how he felt he was a backing dancer to Gary Barlow’s music, and needed to get out of there.
The tension throughout the band travels through the music, decisions for lyrics and songs that are being sung and general pauses and body language.
The programme includes a visit from Elton John who enjoyed the music, explaining to Robbie it was his time to realise that he needs to go.
“The Rob I’m with now certainly isn’t the one I was with in the 90’s.” Gary’s moved on from the past.
There is heartache in this band. They are trying to help each other continue and continue in Take That. Will Robbie stick at it? Will this new relationship that the band constantly referred would get easier doesn’t? Either way millions of fans await them to step on stage – and surely, that’s what it’s all about.
We shall see at X-factor tomorrow night.

Sesh10 Newsletter

2010-11-13T05:41:00.001-08:00

Sesh10 Newsletter_Layout 1

Katie Birchall - World Number One

2010-10-24T06:26:00.001-07:00

Stepping up on the blocks, slight adjustment to the goggles, hand placed on the hat – its firm. Slow the breathing and go through the motions. Clean dive and no stopping until the finish line.

Katie Birchall, 28, from Aughton, Near Ormskirk continues to train through the winter coming off the back of her biggest sporting achievement.

Katie has had horses since she was five years old, with some coaching she began to compete. As well as horses, she has done a few triathlons in Cheshire and Liverpool whilst winning the team relay in 2010 in the Olympic race. Katie enjoys mountain biking too, and on weekends she can be found going to North Wales with her partner with the bikes on the back of the car.

But that’s not what Katie does. They are hobbies – this her sport. Katie Birchall is, an international swimmer.

Katie managed to compete in the FINA World Masters in Gothenburg in Sweden earlier this year.

“I managed to get the 50m backstroke qualifying time, and it was very special to me as I had been away from that level of competition for nine years, I got a PB to get there and the Championships included the Commonwealth Trials. It was amazing swimming against Team GB swimmers before they jetted off to compete in Delhi!”

This comes at a price though. Swimmers are notorious for their early starts and late finishes.

Spending any spare precious times they have in the pool putting stress on relationships with friends and family, whilst trying to balance out a career as well.

“Before Sweden, I knew I had to be the fittest I had ever been. I had been training consistently two- three times a week for a couple of years after my return to the sport. But in January this year I sat down with my coach and discussed my training plan for Sweden, starting it straight away. I swam five pool sessions per week, with three nights and two early mornings, early being 4.45am! As well as in the pool, my training saw me do three gym sessions per week including weights, running, skipping, press ups, squats, tuck jumps and power exercises. Most weekends I tried to do an open water session at the docks, go mountain biking or get the road bike out. At my peak I was swimming around 20,000m per week.

“It was very hard work and I had to make a lot of sacrifices (like not seeing my friends and family as much as I would like, not having much of a social life and competing away a lot) but everyone was very understanding and I knew it would pay off - and thankfully it did!”

In Gothenburg Katie entered four races, but focused on her strongest stroke and her strongest distance.

“I made sure my preparation was exactly the same as it would be for a race over here, rather than doing anything different. I relaxed and talked to friends, put my Ipod on and focused my thoughts much better than I had for the freestyle earlier in the week. I wasn't as nervous and went for it in the 100 backstroke - equalling my PB and missing Gold by a tenth of a second! I was pleased to medal but I don't like coming second, especially not by a tenth of a second! That was something that nagged away at me.”

Katie had a night to re-group and prepare for her 100m backstroke. Second place is good but it’s not great – the taste of medals was too sweet.

“I fired myself up for the 50m backstroke and felt confident and ready to win. The preparation wasn't ideal - it was in an outdoor pool and it was torrential rain with thunder as we all sat in the ready room. The officials were all hiding under huge umbrellas, but as I walked out to the blocks in the pouring rain I still I felt relaxed and very confident, and ready to go out there and win. I was not prepared to settle for second best again.

“When I hit the timing pad I knew the race had been very close, so wasn't sure who had won. We couldn't see the scoreboard from the end of the pool as it was on an angle so I had no idea. The commentator shouted out that I had won and I jumped up and down and punched the air! The first feeling was actually relief as my races earlier in the week hadn't gone as I'd hoped and I didn't want to return home without a Gold medal. I was so relieved that my race had gone to plan and I had shown people what I was capable of! When they announced 'Katie Birchall for Great Britain - World Champion!' It was crazy - I loved every minute of it!”

Katie registered a 31.98 seconds time. Katie trains as a pro whilst offering advice to novice swimmers swimming in her club in Liverpool. She goes back home to her medals in her cabinet, gleaming with desire and the determination of an un-sponsored swimmer.

Swimming pools take a plunge

2010-10-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

SWIMMING IN MERSEYSIDE has taken a dip recently, as a number of free-swimming-incentives have been washed away with the recent Government cuts.

Liverpool Aquatics Centre in Wavertree Park is one of the many swimming pools in Merseyside having to deal with the cuts as charges for the same activities have sky rocketed.

Anyone aged eight upwards are most effected as nine-17 year olds, adult morning swimming and pensioners over 65 now have to pay for services they were originally getting for free.

Liverpool city council were given a grant by the government which they subsidised swimming in the city before the spending review.

Mike Doran, from the Liverpool City Council said: “the funding ended in July from the current government.”

“However we realised that during the summer holidays a lot of children would want to use the facilities around the city, so we extended subsidising the swimming until the beginning of September.”

Since September, users must pay for their swimming with charges quickly rising. A morning swim used to be free for users, but now – following the cuts, costs £3.50 each.

Wavertree MP, Luciana Berger is “very concerned” with the Government’s decision to stop the spending for swimming.

Free swimming for over 65’s and under 16’s was a Labour Government incentive, introduced two years ago by Andy Burnham, Secretary for Sport, Media and Culture at the time.

Luciana Berger said: “I have asked a question in the House of Commons on this very topic. It is a perfect example of differences in how Labour and Conservative-Lib Dem Governments see the priorities facing our country.

“While it is true that our deficit needs tackling, we must be wise and fair about the choices we make.

A healthy lifestyle saves the country money through reduced NHS spending, while busy and engaged children learn to focus their energy into a fulfilling activity. For many, it may even represent their best chance to learn how to compete and become part of our 2012 Olympics, which is why the Labour government originally launched the scheme”

Along with a healthier nation, swimming is a good incentive to tackling boredom on the streets which can lead to trouble and crime, creating structure for people’s lives.

“One of my top priorities in Liverpool Wavertree is anti-social behaviour and removing activities such as free swimming will have an impact in our neighbourhoods. The truth is many normal families will struggle to meet this cost, and yet again a Labour policy full of positive benefits for working people has been torn apart by a Lib Dem/Tory government that is only interested in less government not better government.”

In Liverpool, the Labour council managed to extend the scheme until after the summer holiday, but faced with the onslaught of cuts from the Lib Dem Tory Government this is no longer possible. What we see is a Labour approach which is about investment in our future as a nation, and as healthy individuals – compared to a Liberal Democrat and Conservative approach which is about providing services only the wealthy can afford.”

Labour MP, Ben Bradshaw, the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in July, said:

“The Government needs to be encouraging more young people and pensioners to exercise - the public health benefits are clear.”

“Better public health in the long term reduces demand for the NHS and saves the taxpayer money.

“The decision to scrap free swimming will penalise hard up families and pensioners who find the expense of going regularly to a swimming pool prohibitive."

Liverpool has 10-council-run swimming pools in the city, one of which is the Aquatics Centre. The Aquatics Centre was built in 2008 costing the council £19 million to complete. Housing two swimming pools – a 50 metre and a smaller, 20 meter pool. The facilities also include a gym with state of the art equipment, and squash courts. The centre is built next to the tennis centre and the Wavertree running track.

Users of the centre are feeling the effect of the cuts – as they have to the afford the new swimming costs in the current recession.

Mark Radcliffe, 49 from Wavertree said “With the Government cuts announced, I’m not sure if I will be able to pay for my two daughters to go swimming every Saturday any more. Before it was free for them, but now I am struggling to justify the extra cost.”

Jude Phillips, 58 living in Aigburth fails to see the benefit of having a £19 million facility, if there is no one there to use it. “I remember when I first came here and was overwhelmed with the facilities of the place. But with all those facilities and no one there to be able to use them, how are they going to justify the money they paid for it?”

Have you been effected by the swimming cuts? Contact me on jenkins.david.e@gmail.com to have your say.

Snapshot edition 2

2010-10-23T05:37:00.001-07:00

NB Snapshpt Issue 2_Layout 1

Anti-Slavery Day

2010-10-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

The Town Hall in Liverpool has grandeur, history and pristine cleanliness. With its paintings of monarchs and historic figures from Liverpool, it sets the scene for talks, weddings and functions catering for people and organisations across Merseyside.

On the UK’s first Anti-Slavery Day, a special seminar on Human Trafficking was held in the Town Hall today, 18th October. A fitting place to house the seminar, as it is a little known fact that the hall was funded through the slave trade.

In fact, in past times, sixteen of Liverpool’s Mayors are said to have been slave merchants.

With the current Mayor not present at the meeting, the seminar was introduced by Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Frank Prendergast. Introducing the topic of Human Trafficking, his words drove the theme of the seminar, that slavery is still a problem today despite the abolition in the 19th century. “It is still very much a challenge to us today.” Human trafficking is not only the victims involved, but the mentors overseeing the trade as well. It was, is Cllr Prendergast’s opinion, a “Big business”.

Human trafficking has hit Hollywood with recent blockbuster ‘Taken’, directed by Pierre Morel, highlighting young girls being abducted and used in the sex trafficking business in Europe.

Andrew Heseltine, from UK Borders Agency told the seminar, children as young as 10 are being used in human trafficking in the UK.

The relationship between victims and bosses is simple. The bosses control everything they do, and the victims are helpless, being swept under the current of crime before they know it.

‘Citysafe’ is a community safety partnership working in Liverpool with the City Council. Paul Amann, for Citysafe spoke about how immigrants are lured into working in the country with no way of getting back.

“What happens is they say to the immigrants in the poorer countries, ‘come to the UK. We’ll have your accommodation sorted out, you’ll have job security, and you can begin a life here.’

What happens in reality, is men and women of all ages get caught up in the storm, allured to the prospect of working in a country. A country where they believe their problems will disappear. The stark reality is they are walking into a brand new problem.

The crime lords get victims into the country and destroy their papers. If they try to leave they will say to them, ‘how will you be able to go home?’ and if you do manage it - we know where you live, and we know your family.”

With threats like that, the people involved in this abhorrent business are trapped, with very little way of getting out.”

Trafficking victims are not only being used for the sex trade. Bill Stupples has been an Inspector in the Matrix Drugs team, which has been working with Merseyside Police since 2003. Working mainly with the cannabis farms in the city, he understands the challenge of defeating the crime lords, and acting on the victims who are being used to grow the farms.

“We have to work with members from across Merseyside in order to try and track down what is happening. We help notify the police of what is happening and who are in the buildings.

“The victims are shown to their house in this country where they will be sharing it with other people and lots of equipment.

“Growing cannabis takes lots and lots of energy, so they use their own generators so that the power supply can’t be detected by the meter.

“The workers are given a mattress and taken food so that they never leave the house and remain growing the crops.”

How can Human trafficking happen in a Westernised countries like the UK, in the 21st century?

There are efforts being placed by groups nationally and world-wide to rule out human trafficking for good. Present at the seminar was Brenda Garner, from ‘Stop The Traffik’.

The group is working on a new incentive, working with taxi drivers to increase the awareness about human trafficking. They want to link the two, helping to increase the public’s awareness in the city.

A taxi driver in Liverpool was helping London based organisations, specialising in human trafficking, by notifying where he thought girls he suspected as getting trafficked lived. Apparently it not uncommon for taxi drivers to get custom from girls who are being sex trafficked.

Walking out of the town hall, its grandeur faded on me. I entered, aghast at the buildings unique look and design, with paintings of previous monarchs overlooking the marble staircase. Leaving the town hall, I realised that the profits that made it possible to create a building of this quality, came off the back off immoral business principles. It would seem that the battles fought to stop the slave trade in the 19th century are far from over.

Liverpool Marathon: Update

2010-10-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

Talks for a Liverpool marathon are at a standstill as the council await decisions to be made on staging the event.

As published on the front of “Snapshot” this week, talks were ready to be discussed at last Fridays (1 October) Cabinet meeting.

It didn’t, however, go to the Cabinet for technical reasons surrounding the report, and talks for the marathon are at a standstill as the council await decisions to be made.

“We are at the starting line, and are just waiting for the gun to go off,” explains Mike Doran from Liverpool City Council.

“The ball is in the court of the preferred bidder, Limelight Sports. They operate the marathon on behalf of the city who employ them to run it.”

“We are expecting to hear something back by the end of the week on how these issues are doing to be resolved.”

Members from Chester council arrived to the meeting on Friday to talk to the cabinet about re-scheduling the date.

“We have been in dialogue with Chester Council since May, so it is not an issue,” said Mr Doran.

“It is merely a coincidence that these dates have been set for the same date.”

This seems a similar circumstance to last year where Liverpool’s Triathlon was for the same date as the Diva Triathlon in Chester. In the end, Chester moved its date to avoid the clash.

Limelight Sports is the company behind the creative delivery of many of the UK’s highest profile, mass participation sports events and grassroots development programmes.

Sefton Park Hails Halowe'en

2010-10-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

A NEWLY refurbished Sefton Park will be celebrating Halowe’en with the return of the lantern carnival parade.

The council have commissioned £20,000 for the £18,000 event after its cancellation last year.

The parade is one of the many festivals that Liverpool City Council has funded with money going to Africa Oye, Brouhaha, Hope Street Feast and Liverpool Samba Carnival.

The carnival, expecting 8,000 spectators, involves several hundred local people carrying their handmade lanterns in a procession that winds its way around one of the many lakes Sefton Park has to offer.

The parade is accompanied by carnival bands and costumed dancers.

“Liverpool’s Hallowe’en Lantern Carnival and its wonderful workshop programme has been a magnificent event for people of all ages to enjoy and get involved in,” said Cabinet Member for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon

“It’s been a great cultural success story and sorely missed at Sefton Park last year, so I’m delighted we’ve found the funding this year to make it happen.”

The event is produced and directed by Liverpool Lantern Company, who run lantern and costume making workshops for local community groups and families across the city.

Artistic director Jo Pocock is delighted that the event is back in Sefton Park, and looks forward to an “enchanting evening in one of the city’s most beautiful parks”.

Details of the start time, parade route and finale viewing area can be found on www.liverpoollanterncompany.co.uk.

Bring on the MOBO's

2010-10-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

PUPILS across Liverpool will have the chance to go to an iconic worldwide awards ceremony, being held in the Liverpool Echo Arena.

Liverpool City Council is to offer two tickets to every secondary school in the city for the Mobo Awards, being held later this month on 20th October.

Out of the 30 schools selected, they each nominates two members to attend the star-studded event, opening with British band ‘JLS’.

Councillor Wendy Simon, Cabinet member for Culture, said “The MOBO awards are a huge coup for Liverpool.”

“Its important we make sure as many local people get to experience the benefits of the city staging such an amazing event.”

‘’I wanted our schoolchildren to be part of the MOBO’s and this ticket competition is one way of ensuring those who really want to be there have that chance.

“Hopefully it will be an inspiring night, and maybe for or two a life changing one, which confirms to them that music is at the heart of what they want to achieve in life and who they want to be.’’

Each school is to show in 30 words why they feel the two students, who must be aged between 14-18, should represent Liverpool at the major music ceremony by Monday 11th October.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the MOBO Awards and it is gearing up to be a fantastic evening filled with an eclectic mix of UK and international stars; including Tinie Tempah, N-Dubz, Professor Green, Plan B and Dizzee Rascal.

Launched in 1996 the MOBO Awards were the first awards show in Europe to celebrate urban music.

Restoration of a Beatles Legend

2010-10-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

RESTORATION of a historic theatre that will remember a Beatles legend, began yesterday.

The Neptune Theatre in Liverpool, is to honour Brian Epstein, the former manager of the Beatles.

Merseyside-based Nobles Construction began on site yesterday in restoring the Hanover Street venue.

The work of the 97-year-old site will be completed in February next year, allowing time for the City Council to hand the theatre over to a full-time operator.

Before now, the Grade II listed building had been closed to the public for the past five years.

The restoration came after Liverpool City Council settled a leasing dispute with the landlord.

Behind the project, Council leader Joe Anderson has made the £750,000 theatre revamp a priority since being elected in May.

“Brian Epstein was, to many, the 5th Beatle,” said Councillor Anderson. “He was also a brilliant entrepreneur who put many Liverpool acts on the road to success.”

“I’m delighted Brian’s family have accepted our request to rename this venue the Epstein Theatre.”

“It gives Liverpool its first real opportunity to officially say thank you to one of our greatest sons for his unique contribution.”

The restoration will see the 400-seat Edwardian venue fitted with crystal chandeliers and modernisation features, with improved access for disabled people.

“The Neptune Theatre is an iconic landmark on Liverpool’s cultural landscape,” said Peter Linford, director at Nobles Construction.

“We’re thrilled to be playing a leading role in its restoration as it enters the next phase in its history.”

Snapshot Issue 1

2010-10-04T08:26:00.000-07:00

Snapshpt Issue 1_Layout 1

Chelsea 2 Arsenal 0

2010-10-03T10:04:00.001-07:00

Chelsea remain top of the table and extend their lead after a two special goals send the Gunners back home with no points.
Drogba’s back heal and Alex’s stunning free kick saw the champions get back to their winning ways on the back of a loss against Manchester City last week, as Chelsea took their chances and Arsenal didn’t.
Arsenal, who travel to Stamford Bridge with an injury-riddled squad, initiated the pace of the game as they found themselves with a corner in the first minute, only for Konchesky to head it over the bar.
Arsenal continued to press and looked the dominant side in most of the first half.
However against the run of play Cole ran the ball up the left wing whisking a low fast ball into the 6 yard box where Didier Drogba back-heeled it past Fabianski’s near post as it ricochet off the post and into the back of the net in the 39th minute.
Despite being a goal behind, Arsenal headed into the tunnel for half time looking the stronger side.
Back out for the second half, Chelsea managed the pace. Failing to capitalise on their chances, Anelka slotted it wide of the post after beating the keeper from a bad pass back by Konchesky.
Ashley Cole was to be an unlikely candidate for the score sheet had he not been ruled offside in a controversial decision by the linesman in the 70th minute.
Still keen to contest, Arsenal boss, Wenger made a 70th minute substitute with Tomas Rosicky coming on for Diaby
Continuously sloppy play by Arsenal allowed Chelsea to have the chances, as they ran it into the Gunners’ box testing Fasbianski from all angles.
Fabianksi, often criticised, grew into the game as he made save after save from waves of attacks from Chelsea, with his defence struggling to match the world class forwards.
Chelsea look forward to a home fixture against Aston Villa next week where they will look to continue on top of the league.
Arsenal go back to the Emirates where they face Birmingham next weekend, looking to pick themselves up and get back to winning ways.

Weekly News Edition 1

2010-10-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

1 October

Exclusive: FSA's new proposals could collapse economy

2010-09-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

HOUSE PRICES could “crash” if a new proposal from the Financial Standards Authority is to be approved.

A source has exclusively revealed that if the FSA's 'New Standards for Responsible Lending' are agreed on, the damages could be “monumental” leading to the economy “collapsing”.

The plans require mortgage applicants to have affordability tests for all mortgage applications, as well as making lenders more responsible for assessing a borrower’s ability to pay.

This however could potentially 'cripple' the mortgage market and greatly reduce the amount of house prices in the UK.

“The borrower's will not be able to borrow as much,” said the source. “Which means that the cost of house prices will fall sharply.”

“The cost is going to go down, way more than the FSA think it is going to go down.”

The FSA believes that everyone who takes on a mortgage must be able to show they can afford to pay it back.

“There is a clear link between financial overstretch and mortgage arrears and repossessions,” said Lesley Titcombe FSA director, responsible for the mortgage market.

“We are determined to protect vulnerable consumers by making sure that everyone who takes on a mortgage can afford to pay it back.”

As house prices fall, potentially accelerated by these proposals, then it is predicted that it will prolong the recession.

“There could be a difference of 15% housing price reduction,” said the source. “It will mean more people are taken out of their homes, people won't be able to borrow and then the whole economy collapses.”

The Council of Mortgage Lenders are currently working on some research into these proposals after some concern of this new legislation.

In a BBC article published earlier this month, director general Michael Coogan from CML said “This is just one of a number of unintended consequences of the FSA's well-meaning but misguided proposals.

“The CML believes the UK's existing 11 million mortgage borrowers' have every right to be concerned.”

So, as more and more people struggle with the recession, are the new measures going to reflect the state of the public finances and look to help the public in the immediate future?

“There are moral and ethical issues involved. I think we should delay the proposals as to give people protection,” said a source.

“Now is a bad time as the market is on its knees – in the future I do think that this is the right measure, but currently, this is totally the wrong time to do it.”

The FSA document also outlines the need to require verification of borrowers' income in every case to – in a bid to prevent over inflation of income and to prevent mortgage fraud.

They also think it will provide extra protection for vulnerable customers with a credit-impaired history.

The FSA are currently awaiting feedback from consumer groups and the industry across the UK on the proposed agreements by 16th November, looking to motion the proposals in the early quarter of next year.

Liverpool Welcomes 1000th Member

2010-09-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

A MILESTONE was reached yesterday as sport in Merseyside has seen over 1,000 people attending Merseyside Sports Partnership Courses since the courses began in March 2008.

The 1000th atendee was Dave Goodall Liverpool Community Cricket Development Coach.

“I was surprised to discover that I was the 1,000th attendee of courses delivered by the Merseyside Sports Partnership,”said Mr Goodall.

“The course that took me to this landmark was ‘Safeguarding & Protecting Children’ delivered at Greenbank Sports Academy”

“I look forward to the challenge of being the 2,000th participant!”

Merseyside Sports Partnership (MSP) is a network of agencies committed to establishing an inclusive sports system.

There is a core team of 14 officers are working with a vast number of partners from National Governing Bodies of Sport to Local Authority Leisure and Regeneration, Schools and Colleges.

MSP's role is strategic co-ordination, signposting and partnership working organising a range of courses to help the community sports clubs to achieve Clubmark accreditation, which works with Sport England.

“We’ve helped clubs from across Merseyside, and the north west, to achieve Clubmark status by ensuring that we put on the right courses. 183 clubs have had members attend since we began and we hope we can continue to help many more on their way to becoming Clubmark accredited.” Said Teri Wainwright, Business Support Officer

“Attendees to our courses have come from a wide range of clubs including; figure skating, American football, dance, martial arts and sailing as well as from more traditional sports such as cricket, athletics and volleyball.”

Not all focus is played upon the sporting individuals as MSP also helps to give advice to develop professionally qualified coaching staff, improving the quality of coaching. Volunteers too are encouraged to train for coaching certification which raises the standard of a club.

For more information about the courses offered visit www.merseysidesport.com.

Burnley Miss a Chance to Grap Three Points

2010-09-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

GRAHAM ALEXANDER'S 100-per-cent successful penalty record ended yesterday as Burnley had to accept one point instead of three.

A north-south fixture saw Bristol City travel to Turf Moor as promotion favourites Burnley hosted a poor match that saw no team capitalise on chances to take all three points.

Burnley remained unchanged from their mid-week Carling Cup tie against ex-Burnley-manager, Owen Coyles' Bolton.

For Bristol City they travelled north situated third from bottom having lost their previous two games knowing that Burnley have won all four of their home fixtures. Anything from this game would be a great result for Keith Millen's men.

Burnley's chance to gather the three points came and went in the 25th minute when Graham Alexander shot wide to make the attempt his first miss in claret and blue.

As the whistle blew for half time a groan from the home crowd epitomised the state of the first half with nothing but a missed penalty to remember.

Running out for the second half, players and fans of the home side sensed a need to capitalise on the game as they began pressing and creating more chances.

Not long before they grasped the game Jay Rodriquez hits the cross bar in the 56th minute lifting the players and the crowds spirits.

Bristol City not to be outdone charged up the field with a smooth play which ended in Stead's shot whistling by the far post, having comfortably beating Jenson.

After a settled period in the second half Burnley's Chris Eagles made David James stretch low going for a corner.

Chris Eagles' shot from outside the box whizzed past James and the post as Burnley now looked a far stronger team.

Daniel Fox was the second to hit the woodwork as his shot rattled the crossbar and the confidence of the visitors as they endured a final ten minutes of pressure from Burnley with corners and shots.

Against the run of play Bristol City created a strong chance in the dying minutes of the game which prompted Jenson to make a strong save denying the visitors a win as the referee blew for full time – and a point a piece for the sides.

Burnley: Jensen; Mears, Bikey, Carlisle, Fox; Rodriguez (Wallace 84), Elliott, Alexander (Marney 62), Eagles, Cork; Iwelumo (Thompson 75).

Bristol City: James; Ribeiro, Carey, Fontaine, McAllister; Adomah, Elliott, Skuse, Rose, Haynes (Campbell-Ryce 55); Stead.

Marathon Hangs in the Balance

2010-09-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

LIVERPOOL could stage its first marathon in over 20 years as it awaits its decision from the City Council due to be made on the Friday, 1 October.

The marathon would be held in October 2011 expecting to attract 10,000 competitors generating a £3 million economic impact.

The city has been short-listed after a competitive tendering process by Limelight sports to host the Blue Riband race which would be one of the top marathons in the UK - alongside the London Marathon and the Great North Run.

The event is said that it would incorporate Liverpool's major iconic buildings, National Heritage Waterfront and skyline that the city has to offer.

The city awaits a decision about the Liverpool marathon which is set to be made by the council on the first day of October.

‘’Liverpool is world famous for its sporting excellence be it football, championship golf and the Grand National and a major marathon would further cement our reputation on the global stage,” said Councillor Joe Anderson, Leader of Liverpool City Council.

Councillor Wendy Simon, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Sport, said “Liverpool has developed an enviable track record for expertly hosting major cultural and sporting occasions and the Liverpool Marathon would be a fantastic addition to our portfolio of major international events.”

Limelight Sports is the company behind the creative delivery of many of the UK’s highest profile, mass participation sports events and grassroots development programmes.

What sights do you think the 26 mile and 385 yard run should include? Email us at news@DJnews.co.uk

Cleggs will "Make Britain Better"

2010-09-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

LIBERAL DEOMCRAT leader wants to “make Britain better” as he addresses the party conference today in Liverpool.

Nick Clegg, after his speech in the Echo Arena on the Albert Docks in Liverpool. said exclusively “I was keen to give a good speech, as I want to make Britain better – and I will do my best!”

Thoughts not shared by Channel 4 news front man, Jon Snow, who described the event as “flat - flat with no excitement.”

His optimism for full support from the Liberal Democrats took at tumble from the start with a conference defeat of its backing to the Conservative idea of introducing “free schools” outside of local authority control.

Connor Ellis, a member of the Liberal Democrat party saw the positives from the outcome. “When you go and see the Labour and Conservative votes, they are all managed – so it is refreshing to see democracy in a party, which is promising.”

Intent on stressing the relationship in the coalition Nick Clegg explained in the party's annual conference today that “We have created a Government which will govern and govern well for the next 5 years,” as well as urging members of the party to hold their nerve, in the next 5 years in Government.

Nick Clegg also backed the opinion held by the Tory Government that spending cuts are the only choice for improving the economy.

“It's make or break in this party conference, and I believe that it is make,” said David Le Poidevin, a Liberal Democrat from Poole, Dorset.

“I fully support him with the cuts and I believe that most of Labour and Conservative are as well – it's the best solution to helping our economy.”

Nick Clegg left the conference after his speech to fly to New York for a United Nations summit on reducing world poverty.

The annual conference lasts until Wednesday as Liberal Democrats members come to the city from across Britain.

Anyone for a "Slice" of Golf?

2010-06-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

I played fathers day golf this morning with Jenkins senior and a work mate of ours, Chris Powell. Well I was slicing my drives left right and centre; with the infection spreading to my iron shots. Annoyed and frustrated I continued, but was given some advice from Chris.

I tend to lift my left shoulder when playing a shot and thus causing to slice. Telling me to keep my head still I was really trying and it wasnt working. He then said something and it all clicked. "Stop trying to see where you're going to hit the ball; and hit the ball."

Theres a wonderful moral there.

Silent Politics

2010-06-17T07:10:00.001-07:00

Funny political moment the other day. On Newsnight all the potential Labour leaders were jostled to answer questions from an un-educated audience and a ever-difficult Jeremy Paxman.

(On a side note, if being a good journalist means that you ask loud questions several times without ever hearing the response only to make your eyebrows do the talking for the audience then Jeremy Paxman is the king of journalism.)

Jeremy asked the panel of potential leaders - "Firstly, do you think any of you in power would have won the general election"

A stunned silence from all 6 hopefuls.

Comforting...

Balls to it!!

2010-06-16T01:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Day 6 of the world cup. Are we getting bored yet?

We have had vuvuzelas capturing and annoying the world, and nations playing steady to avoid loosing games.

But at the moment its all a bit balls!! An interesting stat I saw in the Daily Mirror yesturday was the amount of goals scored during the last two world cups compared to the goals scored this world cup.

After 11 games, goals scored

2002: 32
2006: 28
2010: 18

A big drop and the ball has everything to do with it. Brazilians were shooting wildley last night, but is that really the case? The ball is swinging more than Tiger woods and goal keepers are struggling to deal with it. But forwards looking for the 30 yard screamer aren't getting it as yet. They have to get used to the ball. I don't think professional footballers who have been kicking a ball about since they were born for the whole of their lives are that off target. I think the ball is flumuxing people left right and centre.

Green can answer that one for all English fans. But what of the Germans. They scored 4 without any worry - maybe they will progress to win the world cup because their style suits the ball. Who knows? I dont know enough about the ball, but I do know the ball is good for a world cup, and the players are having to get used to it!!

1st vs 105th. North Korea vs Brazil

2010-06-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

I hope the North Koreans show this game to their people, because their performance was second to none.

A very strong defence of the Koreans against a fluid Brazil means they are not cannon fodder in the group of death. Make no mistake, they are the weakest team in Group G. However if they show the passion they showerd against Brazil to the Ivorians and Portugese; they may become a pleasent suprise on the world circuit of football.

Three great goals of the world cup in this game, and the Koreans finish was second to none. I wanted Korea to win. Failing that; they proved their nation can play competitave football on the worlds centre stage.

Well done North Korea.

Vu Vu Voom!

2010-06-15T05:18:00.000-07:00

Vuvuzela - spirited, traditional and loud. The South Africans really have a party piece with this plastic horn that's divided the world: sports equivalent to Marmite.

My girlfriend, originally from Botswana explained that Vuvuzelas are not a new addition to their culture - they have been kicking about for a long time. People are harping up about the problems of Vuvuzela's without thinking its importance within the tournament.

In the English premiership people are throwing coins and bottles at the referee's and players. The FA have now instructed that bottles are not allowed to be taken onto the terraces like a mother taking away a childs toys.

In South Africa all you get is smiling vuvuzela-armed fans screaming and shouting for their country. Passion is not beating people up - but celebrating and supporting a country.

I urge all supporters to get a Vuvuzela if it means that violence in sport is iradicated.

The drone. Yes, the sound is a bottomless pit of noise, however actually watching the games, I notice the noise on average 4-6 times. It is not an inconvenience and I wonder whether people are moaning for moanings sake.

Bring on the world celebrating together in harmony - and if its going to take a Vuvuzela to do that then so be it.

Zoo Package

2010-03-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all involved with the zoo package: Bristol Zoo, Paul Harvey from Oxford University, Craig Redmond from CAPS (Captive Animals Protection Society).

Banana Tree Poem

2010-03-10T04:12:00.000-08:00

Banana Tree

Look at me

Ripening in the sun

It looks so fun

Ready, destined for me

my favourite Banana Tree

Womens ITU London WCS Triathlon Highlights

2010-03-10T03:50:00.000-08:00

Brilliant, im afraid made brilliant by the crash - but fantastic racing!

2010-03-10T03:48:00.000-08:00

Alistar Brownlee flies to victory in London - it was a great race, and the womans was just as good!!

Blog

2010-03-10T03:32:00.001-08:00

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In a lift with David Weir

2010-02-10T02:50:00.001-08:00

Uni 4 me front cover

2010-01-27T04:09:00.000-08:00

Uni4me Front Page Layout 1

Rolf Harris Interview

2010-01-26T07:16:00.000-08:00

Among all the hope educators and professors swarming and mingling around, I managed to grab the father of entertainment and arts, Rolf Harris.

With the interview I stopped the tape at a certain point, and Rolf asked me to record again for a message from him about pursuing your dreams.

Hope Times Ken Dodd and Rolf Harris Interviews

2010-01-26T07:13:00.000-08:00

The refurbished Chapel at Hope Park housed its first collection of students being awarded their degrees alongside Rolf Harris and Ken Dodd.

Rolf, originally from Perth in Australia joined the students in their conferment of Degrees at Hope Universities Chapel.
The day previous Hope also welcomed a star of the stage with Liverpool born and bred comedian Ken Dodd.
While Rolf was awarded his honorary causa for his contribution to art and music throughout his life, Ken’s honour was given to him as recognition to his contributions to cultural life in the city and beyond.
Ken began his speech by joking to the Chapels congregation that he can now be a post man.
Ken Dodd was greeted through Hope Park’s refectory with lots of autograph bound students and staff wanting to all greet the new Dr Dodd.
When he managed to have some time to himself, I spoke to him about how he felt about the degree and Hope University.
“It’s been an absolutely wonderful day of happiness and there is a lovely atmosphere here,” said Ken.
“Getting degree’s and awards shows good discipline. I am a man who struggles to be discipline, but in the line of comedy you must have it to survive.”
The following day for the winter graduation, during Rolf’s speech in the Chapel, his emotions shone through when he was talking about his parents influence.
After the ceremony, I caught up with Rolf before his lunch to talk a little more about the award.
“I am honoured,” explained Rolf.
“I was awarded with an honorary doctorate of letters for my presentation of art and music to the general public,”
Towards the end of the conversation Rolf gave some advice for students looking ahead to the future.
“Try and do what you love to do,” said Rolf
“Also try and work some way out of getting paid to do it, if you can do it as your livelihood, because when you finish work at the end of the day you keep going because you love to do it.”
Rolf was among many celebrating their efforts with the winter graduation seeing many students finish their studies with him.
“It was fantastic experience to have Rolf there,” explained Michelle Newton, 26 a Hope graduate with a Masters of Science in Environmental Management.
“I have grown up with him throughout my life and it’s amazing to receive my award on the same day that he does.”
Professor Pilay remarked on the days by saying, “I am delighted to see both Ken and Rolf to encourage the propagation of arts and culture.”
Both Ken and Rolf were part of a trio with Canon Michael Wolfe, the Chaplain of Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral who featured in the rededication service to make him a Senior Fellow of the University.
For my whole interview with Rolf Harris log onto www.radiohope.ac.uk, or alternatively go to Hope Times Online, on Hope’s main webpage.

Christmas Good Will!

2010-01-04T04:06:00.000-08:00

As a novice triathlete, I'm afraid it means that even Christmas day means donning the lycra, tieing up the new sporty trainers and getting out on those cold icy roads!

So I set myself a managable 8ish miles to work up an appetite for the Christmas lunch. The doori closes behind me at 12.30 and after the attempts at streches, braced the quiet roads in the, to be honest, beautiful cotswolds.

Running along at a good pace I felt the unenviable rumble of my lower stomach which, alerting me that I needed the toilet... now.

We have all been in that situation but, hopefully in your house, or a resturant, or the swimming pool where you can pop to the toilet. In the middle of Gloucestershire with nothing but sheep and cows, there are little places to decently powder your nose. I ran a little longer to shake the feeling, but nothing but increased tension.

There were a row of houses ahead, no surely not. Not on Christmas Day.

Rat-a-tat-tat on the door. A confused man answered the door. With my bobble hat in hand, I asked if I could use his toilet. A moment of silence. He couldnt of been more hospoitable, allowing me to traipse through his house in my sweaty old jumper and lycra, while his family all sat around the tree handing out presents.

They all smiled and wished me a Merry Christmas as I embaressed out of my wit popped to the toilet.

Relief.

I left the house, Torlean House in Stonehouse, and ran back home comfortable.

What a fantastic household, and it made me more aware of needy runners, and the face of anguish as they need to release more than energy!

Nacue Business Advert

2009-11-13T03:57:00.001-08:00

An advert getting students involved with creating their own businesses whilst auniversity. Listen to find out more information.

Selfishness In The Recession: Cheap Labour for Cheap Clothes

2009-11-12T15:01:00.000-08:00

A radio package surrounding the issues of sweatshops, and British consumer buying habits - with references to quantity over quality clothing.

Many thanks to: Will Pedrick, Kenny Fillingham, David Moultan, Anna McMullen and John Noble.

World Championship Triathlete 2009 Season Winner Alistair Brownlee Interview

2009-11-09T11:53:00.000-08:00

by David Jenkins

HEAVILY into winter training in Yorkshire is the world number one triathlete after being crowned in Australia earlier this year.
Alistair Brownlee, 21, from Leeds has come great lengths this season to beat world class athletes of the triathlon world.
Triathlon is a sport which involves three disciplines making it distinguishable for most other sports. The swim is followed by a cycle and then the run finishes the race. It is a sport not for the faint hearted. With Alistair’s busy schedule including lots of training and now even more media coverage, in an email conversation I asked Alistair why he entered triathlons.
“I enjoy the variation and the races are very tactical and exciting. I get bored easily and training for three sports is great because everyday is different,” explained Alistair.
“In the middle of winter it's not always easy but I really do love it and on the whole I wake up everyday excited.”The ITU (International Triathlon Union) world championship series is made up of races competed across the globe in different countries. Very similar to the set up of the formula one grand prix circuit, it helps spread the word of triathlon as well as athletes from different nations being able to compete in their country.
The Triathlon series saw the sport travel to Yokohama, London, Washington, Madrid and Hamburg. The final was as gold coast in Australia where Alistair won to complete his total points of 4400 compared to Javier Gomez’s 2nd place 3959.
I asked Alistair what it was like to run through the finish line knowing that he was the world triathlete champion.
“First off I was very tired but it was definitely amazing. I've been really surprised by almost every race this year and that one was no exception.”
In that race among all his other races, Alistair’s artillery is saved until the run. As an ex-champion cross country runner, he has a lot of experience with running and devotes a lot of time towards it.
I wondered whether this was the defining factor as to who would finish the final leg of the gold coast triathlon first.
“Who knows? I believe in every athletes career there are a million different things that add up to give you the edge when you need it but doing lots of running from a young age definitely helped.”
Training for as a world class triathlete can see over 25 hours a week dedicated to the disciplines. With that amount of time being allowed for training with additional being added for recovery and now media attention post-world series, there is little time to do anything else.
Alistair is not just a one trick pony as he packed up and left for Cambridge in 2006 to study medicine. It was soon realized that balancing training and university was going to struggle and Alistair left.
“I started medicine at Cambridge but my heart wasn't in it because my dream has always to be a professional athlete. Even now, discarding the success I have had, it was the right decision because I do what I love everyday.”

Chrissie Wellington, a British triathlete has just been crowned the queen of the Hawaii Ironman where she took on a grueling 4 mile swim, with a 112 mile bike only to face a 26 mile run in just under nine hours. With that as many professional triathlete’s dream I asked Alistair if he could see himself becoming an ironman.
“Yes I would love to go into longer distance racing but not for a while yet. The great thing about triathlon is all the different types of it you can do such as ironman and Xterra. “The world of triathlon is quickly expanding. With membership continuing to rise across the globe, it is a sport which is seeing the benefits of Olympic coverage. As a leader of the sport, Alistair is a huge supporter of getting more participation across the world.
“It is fantastic. I have been doing triathlon for over ten years and have seen it grow from a minor sport done by very few to a mass participation sport seen as a viable challenge by almost everybody.”

The Wrestler

2009-11-09T01:43:00.000-08:00

by David Jenkins
THIS FILM is sure to put you off wrestling as it shows the real side of the sport that you won’t see anywhere else.
The Wrestler stars Mickey Rourke who plays Randy, a dead beat wrestler who is still trying to make it.
Living a basic life Randy seems to train, wrestle and see a particular lap dancer named Cassidy played by Marisa Tomei.
The film does not give you the star studded life of luxury that you constantly get with the franchise WWE.
With the wrestling constantly beating him around it was only too soon that a rushed trip to hospital was on the cards.
Following this the film takes a meandering journey with Randys as he tries to pick up the pieces of a crumbled life as he leaves wrestling – the only thing he knows and loves.
In this time he regains contact with his daughter whom it seems he hasn’t seen for years as she battles to trust him again.
Another woman to enter his life is Cassidy, when they begin to show a liking to each other much further than the $60 lap dance fee.
Rekindling his relationship with his daughter and getting a steady job at the local supermarket are too menial for him and after an impressive scene when he looses his rag in the supermarket, he drafts himself back into the ring and looses everything hes tried to re-build.

The film doesn’t go anywhere. And then when you think it may go somewhere it doesn’t. But that’s not to say it’s a bad film.
Emotions pour out of every crevice of the film and attack you highlighting the poor and desperate life that wrestlers lead. For instance Randy hides a small blade under his strapping on his arm where he actively cuts himself to make it look more dramatic.
The director has based itself purely on speech with very little music, and it seems to be sloshing through the 109 minutes very smoothly.
Its by no means a classic, but its definatley worth a watch if you want to see a genuine wrestling film of how 99% of the athletes live their life.

For more information on the flim click here

Fancy being a DJ Hero?

2009-11-06T09:43:00.001-08:00

by David Jenkins
FOLLOWING the launch of the very succesful Guitar Hero and Rock Band, a brand new game is out which will cover more boundaries in the world of music.

DJ Hero is a game which was launched this Autumn; ready in time to fill Christmas stockings. And I tell you what - its top of my Christmas list.

Playing this game you get a feel for the music much more, I think, than Rock Band or Guitar Hero gave you. The game comes with a platform that includes Xbox controls, a slider and a turn table. You see it, you want to play it, and i gurentee you'll want to have it.

Much the same as the Guitar Hero game, there are three buttons on the turn table which represent the three channels which take you through the game. In the intermediate level you have the chance to press the buttons to hit beats, 'scratch' the turn table and slide the channels that move along. Getting the hang of this takes a couple of goes - but you'll be destined to become the best.

Then moving up to the Expert level, things get a bit tricky. Not only does the pace quicken but you have to scratch the turn table the way the arrows dictate - unlike the intermediate level where you just scratch the hell out of it.

These games have brought a new kind of culture to gamers, as well as new gamers themselves. It is easy to see why they are such a brilliant games because anyone can be good at it, and equally any one can be bad.

You can have your halo masters button bashing as they miss the cues and dont hit the beats - with your mum at Christmas mixing the tracks like shes DJ Shadow at 2am in Ibiza. This really is the beauty of the game, that it replicates having to keep a beat which at a long stretch replicates some sort of musical talent.

The songs concentrate on rap and hip hop as genres with songs from Gwen Stefani, Eminem and Jay-Z. If the games anything like its older brothers - new tracks will regularly come out onto the Xbox system.

On the Xbox its cleverly priced at £100. For that you get the mixing deck and the game itself. Expensivly tempting.

For more details check out the website here

Watch below an interview with James Jackson who is the Freestyle Games Creative Director.

Radio Advert

2009-11-05T07:03:00.000-08:00

A radio advert edited and produced by myself about the business entrepeneur scheme happening at Liverpool Hope University. To find out more about the entrepeneur scheme click here

Dream Disney Job's

2009-11-03T03:00:00.000-08:00

by David Jenkins

WITH MOST students worrying about their finance and dreading the boring summer job that lies ahead– the option of working at Disneyland would be a dream come true.

For Katie Sewards, a student at Liverpool Hope University this dream became a reality in a summer that she would never forget.
Katie, 21, sat on her bed at the end of 2008 she looked ahead as to what she was going to do to fill her summer and to grab some cash.
Stumbling upon the website, http://www.yummyjobs.com/ she saw the link to work at Disneyland and didn’t hesitate to click.
“I originally wanted to go to Europe,” said Katie.
“But then having seen this link I thought I could see myself In America.”
“It was really easy and simple. The agency did step by step instructions and it was very straight forward.”
“I initially had a phone interview with them, and then I had to travel to Preston for my second and final interview.”
When working in Disney, the enterprise is so vast you have to list where you would like to work and what you would like to do.
“I chose that I wanted to work with merchandise or food and beverages.”
After suggesting that she would make a good Minnie Mouse, she explained that a costume part is not as easy as you may think.
“They are unbelievably strict about their characters. They want to make sure they have the best person for the characters, which means that they are concerned on the size, shape and weight of an individual.”
With the cost of the flight and a trip to New York costing £300 Katie was in America ready to become the next member of the Disney franchise.
Living on site in a Disney resort she met her 5 roommates who were all girls, with 2 British girls and 3 French girls.
“It was all random choosing who you live with, but it worked out really well. It was just like student halls with everyone sharing and stuff.”
Working with merchandise, Katie got a taste of how much impact Disney want to make it an experience for the customers.
“You have to concentrate on customer service.”
“There are mottos that we had to say and always had to keep smiling.”
“It wasn’t just serving customers but it was interacting with people and meeting new people. I had to be prepared for anything.”
Katie was out for 3 months to America to work at Disneyland, it really is a whole summer experience.
“It was the best experience,” said Katie.
“The novelty didn’t ware off the whole time I was there.”
“I would definitely recommend it to people, and to make sure that they get involved before Christmas.”
“You must get it done before then; otherwise all the places will have been booked up.”
“While I was there I was looked after really well and made to feel very welcome.”

A New Kind of Crazy – Son of Dave

2009-10-31T04:44:00.000-07:00

By David Jenkins

I’ve woken up with my jeans draped over my chair, coins all over the floor and a spilt glass of water on my floor – knowing I’d never have the same night again.

This is because Benjamin Darvill is Son of Dave.

Stepping off the train in Liverpool Central with my three friends heading to the gig, I had no idea about what Son of Dave does.

I was told he is a mix between soul, beat boxing and nothing but complete madness. Ambiguous, I thought – but this is the only way to describe this truly amazing performer.

Not someone to be missed he wore, and be ready for this, pyjama-esque trousers draping over his smart black shoes. The top he wore matched his white and black patterned trousers with a wizard like red robe slung over the lot. Armed with a cowboy hat and sunglasses – he already had me gripped.

Taking the advice off my friends we took to the front of the crowd as it was his footwork which is the magic of his performance.

With a collection of musical toys beside him he entered into a beat-boxing, harmonica rhythm – all the while using his feat to play with the pedals underneath.

The wizard then stood up and spoke to the crowd – oh but hold on the harmonica and beat-boxing had continued. Merlin’s beard! It turns out his performance is based on looping sounds together.

With crescendos of noise all synching together this performer was not new to the pressures of a small crowd staring at his artistry.

A few songs in with every pair of eyes captivated in the audience. He continued the loop of the music and jumped into the crowd. Only to bring a man and a woman out, as he presented a table, chairs, wine, beer, apricots and a bag of ready salted crisps.

“You’ve all come with your friends, now I have my friends – it’s lonely up here!” He bellowed before he engaged with another music orgy with his harmonica.

As the catchy beats continued he gave nothing away as to the real him. He was a man who was destined to stay private on the stage, have a good time and give us music. He’s the kind of performer who, if there was a single body in the crowd, the performance would not have changed at all.

With ten minutes to go before the end of the performance, he built a crescendo of beats noise and had the whole crowd dancing, tapping their feet and utterly captivated.

The performance ended – but Son of Dave didn’t, as he stepped into the crowd and started selling CD’s.

Its refreshing to see an artist meet and greet the people who have come to watch him – considering he has hit national status appearing on Jools Holland earlier this year.

I suggest you tap him into Youtube, Spotify or iTunes – that’s it you want to wake up with a big smile on your face regardless of the spilt water on the floor.

(Apologies for the camera angle below)

Request to Sir David Attenborough

2009-10-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

Thursday, 29th October 2009

Sir David Attenborough,

May I start this letter by saying that your work and studies on both the planet and animals is a real inspiration for generations. Having grown up watching your continuous BBC documentaries and more recently your fantastic series of Planet Earth and Blue Planet, there is nothing but professionalism in your delivery and knowledge. The series “Life” currently being shown on the BBC is leaving my jaw fixed wide open with the weird and wonderful creatures (Especially that chameleon, with a long tongue that fires out to catch the preying mantis – Fantastic!!)

My name is David Jenkins, and I am a 20-year-old student studying media in my third year at university. Having been inspired to get into media by people like yourself and other notable characters that the BBC has developed, I am now studying media at Liverpool Hope University, specializing in Journalism and Radio production. I write this letter as a request that I could get a short interview with you over the phone. This is not an assessment or any university degree work – it is plainly that you are a man I would love to have an interview with.

I understand that you are a busy man, and you are probably filming an alligator preying on a panda in Cambodia. However, if there was a spare five minutes in your day I would love you to have the chance to speak with you.

Many regards,

David Jenkins

FIFA 10: Review

2009-10-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

Trying to top FIFA 2009 is never going to be easy – but the designers from EA sports have mastered it.
FIFA as a game has always prided itself in computing the most realistic football game simulation in the gaming market.
FIFA 2010 (10) has demoted pro evolution soccer from top spot over recent years – much like Arsenal have been left to fight for a top four spot, while Manchester United keep winning the titles.
The key reason why FIFA has trampled on Pro Evolution Soccer is the 360 degree control of the players.
Running mainly on diagonals in the 2009 FIFA, this years edition controls players realistically which is a feature that is hard not to fall in love with.
This means you can run lines, angles and play people through that before would have been restricted to running in set lines.
Players pace seems less potent as FIFA 10 leaves you developing your game playing to a passing game strategy to tempt players in and out of positions.
Players like Torres (Liverpool) Rooney (Manchester United) and Ronaldo (Real Madrid) are each fantastic players in the game – but not as ridiculously good as found in previous FIFA additions.
Player attributes can be seen across the board with larger players being able to easily tackle out players with a smaller make up.
With football games there’s nothing more fun than scoring goals! Scoring in FIFA 10 is not easy, yet its not difficult. You can score goals if it’s the sensible option and it’s the right decision, however the pressure put on players determines the outcome.
This realism helps balance games out with gamers and helps create controversy around the game.
The crowd cheer the chants of your team with England playing to the chorus of Royal Britannia. The referee dodges passes that come his way, with varying success. Also the look of the players becomes more familiar as the years continue and the technology develops.
Another loveable feature of FIFA 10 is the continuation of FIFA 2009’s goal celebration. With controls and several different types of celebrations you can silence the crowd, or my personal favourite- to run around the players with arms outstretched
in a bird like fashion.
Although realism is the key for FIFA there are plenty of opportunities for them to stretch this to the limit. Leaving handballs and pass-backs which are uncontrollable there is much more lenience on the late slide tackles that you didn’t meant to press – which resulted in frequent free kicks in the preivous FIFA.
Off the pitch there are several options to increase the capacity of the game. Virtual Pro, stems off FIFA 2009’s Be a Pro where you design a single player to look exactly like you. Then you can play this player anywhere on the game to increase experience – differing from last years Be a Pro option where it was in a specific area of the game you could play with your cyber self.
Playing online is just as simple as it was last year, finding yourself loosing to a 14 year old wiz-kid in Aregentina.
The facia of the game is simple and exactly what you want also. When you buy a game, you race home to get it into your console and then all you want to do is see the graphics, see what star rating has been given to your team, set up your players and then enjoy the graphics and game play of actually playing.
With exhibition matches as the primary option the game allows the kids to sprint through the door and get to their toys.
A fantastic answer to a previously splendid FIFA 2009 – FIFA 10 will leave even the casual football gamers asking for a rematch.

Release Date: October 2nd
STARS 5/5
Consoles: Xbox, PS3, PC, PSP, Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii.
RRP £27.99

Starting from Scratch - Student Radio

2009-10-25T02:59:00.000-07:00

A phone call from my editor the night before alerted me that I was travelling down the next day to London – to go and mingle with radio DJ’s and radio producers in and around London. Less than 18 hours later I was on the train straight from Liverpool to find out how student radio can start a career.

Deep in the heart of London sits the University of Westminster which housed student radio’s biggest party in the students union.
The launch of I love Student Radio saw all party-goers free champagne throughout the night, and nothing but low lights and lots of mingling.
With members of the student radio community swarming around, there were two notable characters that emerged.
Greg James, radio one DJ, and Richard Clarke, Capital FM DJ and the current UK top 40 chart DJ on Sunday evenings.
Both Greg and Richard emerged out of student radio at university and they could see the benefit of student radio plus the possibilities it could give to students for future careers.
“Student radio is an amazing place to begin,” said Greg.
"The radio industry is starting to take it much more seriously these days, because they have to find new talent somewhere.”
Richard Clarke currently does the UK top 40 chart on Sunday evenings, a show which has one of the largest listening figures in the country.
“My career started in student radio and I set up my own station on campus,” said Richard.
“I then got involved with the student radio association everything just went from there.”
“I got my first presenting job and then travelled around the country and now im here.”
With two shining examples of how student radio can help people to get a foot in the door of their radio careers, student radio is nothing but a platform to greater things.
“I’d definitely get in student radio If I had my time again,” explains Sarah Ghost the ‘I love student radio’ organiser.
“There are so many opportunities for people to get involved in and around the radio suites at their university.”
“It doesn’t have to be presenting. There are plenty of things that you could do, such as: producing, writing, being a sound technician or helping on the marketing side of the student radio.”
One of the major problems for student radio’s around the country is the lack of listeners that listen to a show which can be dis-heartening for many student DJ’s.
During Greg James’s speech at the event, he mentioned that when he was presenting he used to always have seven listeners, which would include friends and his mum.
The reality for many students is that their listener ship is in their own hands.
“If you want to get more listeners, you do have to promote yourselves around your campus,” said Sarah.
“Make sure that you base your show on students and your university so it gives it a unique selling point.”
“You can’t compete with the major radio stations like the BBC with their professionalism but if you can fill content which will affect a targeted listener ship then they will listen.”
“A good way to get people involved is to do a competition and to get people into the studios via interviews. Someone has always got a story to tell!”
Student radio is growing across the country with more universities creating their own radio stations.
The recession is affecting most businesses, and commercial radio stations are no exception.
“Unfortunately a lot of commercial radio station’s are being closed down,” said Greg.
“It’s a shame that new talent is not being able to get much of a chance now.”
“On a lot of commercial shows, overnight shows and weekend shows have been lost, which was a perfect platform for brand new talent.”
“It is really important that those shows continue important for the next person to come through the ranks.”
Greg James moved onto Galaxy radio after his time at university where he first got his taste of radio stardom.
“Take shows at Galaxy a couple of years ago. They gave me my break and my time to practise my radio skills, and now they wouldn’t be available.”
“Now we have to look at every possible place for talent that is raw so it can be nurtured and taught to do radio properly.”
“That is why student radio is so important in the UK radio spectrum and can allow people to flourish and show their flare to potentional employees.”
In his time at the University of East Anglia, he studied drama whilst presenting several shows on the student union radio station called Livewire 1350AM.
Becoming the station manager in his final year of university there were highs and lows which helped him develop as a radio presenter now.
“In my final year I remember I had to kick out two really good DJ’s for smoking weed in the radio suites.”
“It was then that I realized I didn’t like being the boss and I wanted to just do the presenting and be told what to do, not tell people what to do.”
“The good thing about student radio is there are lots of things you can get involved with.”
Richard Clarke from Capital FM knows the benefits of student radio, following his time at Royal Holloway at the University of London.
“There are so many different jobs you can get involved with; it’s a great thing to be involved with.”
After the event Richard had to leave to present his Capital FM show where Robbie Williams would be joining in as the in studio guest.
“When I was going to do my show today, I was planning my show, using the same formula that I was taught at a student radio conference ten years ago.”
“Experimenting and having fun is a major benefit of student radio, freedom which you won’t be able to have anywhere else.”
Greg James explained that the key for student radio is to back your instinct even if others at your university don’t.
“The really important thing about this launch is that student radios don’t get treated that well,” said Greg.
“We need everyone to get behind student radio and we need to get everyone to be involved and really promote student radio in anyway we can.”
Student radio is a makeshift way for students to practise their flare and have a go. Personally presenting a radio show I can relate only positive things that it has brought to me. The beauty of student radio is that there is nothing more you can do than have a go. Could be ten minutes of radio brilliance, it could be an hour of radio hell, but either way I am positive any student wanting to give it a go will be welcomed with arms open wide.

Top 7 Must-Have-Gadgets for Students

2009-10-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

Picture this, sitting in lectures staring at the clock with last nights beer sitting in your stomach as your throbbing head asks you “did you really need that last cocktail?” What you need is something to keep your head down and to keep you occupied as your note taking buddies continue to loose the will to live. This is why Uni4me has constructed the top seven must have gadgets for students.

7. Samsung ST550

For all you myspace-loving, facebook-logging and twittering-individuals – the dream gadget to get that best profile pic’ is now available. The Samsung ST550 is the first digital camera to have a screen on the front and on the back of the camera. With loads of settings and modes to make sure you have the perfect adjustments for the best picture, there is no problem in getting you and your friends in shot. If you want to take a photo of your younger cousin there is the childrens mode which plays an animation on the front screen to keep them entertained as you snap away to get your best pic!!

RRP £214.95 from http://www.purelygadgets.co.uk/

6. Sony PRS505 Reader eBook

A must have for all students who are technically minded. Carrying books in your bag can be such a drag, so why not upload it to the 260 gram reader which can hold up to 160 eBooks. Innovative technology creates clear graphics, text, and a paper like appearance, allowing you to read in even the brightest of sunshine. There is no backlight either, and no flicker, so no eye strain, unlike staring at a computer screen could cause. With the more space in your bag it means you can carry home the booze for the night ahead!

RRP £179 from http://www.currys.co.uk/

5. Shake and Wake Alarm

I’ve done it…you’ve done it. Everyone has done it. Waking up having overslept is the worst feeling in the world as you rush around like a headless chicken trying to get ready in 5 minutes with your lecture in full swing. This brand new innovation means that sleeping in is a thing of the past! Simply set the alarm time, strap it on your arm or place it under your pillow and wake up to the vibrating feeling of the Shake and Wake Alarm. The only problem is that you’ll never have an excuse to miss your lectures again!!

RRP £14.99 from http://www.firebox.com/

4. ATM Bank

How many times have you rung a taxi ready to go to town, and panic – you forgot to take money out earlier. Well let that be a thing of the past with the ATM bank from iwantoneofthose.com. This ATM styled money holder is the piggy bank that everyone wants. Never ‘out-of-order’ this bank makes withdrawing money easy. With a running balance constantly updated with deposits and withdrawels, it’s a must have for every student to keep tabs on their money.

RRP £24.99 from http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/

3. Beer Machine

What better way to spend your student loan, than on a beer-machine. No, it’s not a dream. The clever people at iwantoneofthose.com have designed and made a beer machine which drafts you and your friends the perfect beer. The Beer Machine is worryingly simple to use: just add the beer mixture (made from 100% natural ingredients), and in seven to ten days you'll have 17 pints of really excellent beer. Perfect!

RRP £99.99 from http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/

2. Nintendo DS Lite

Well what do you do when you wake up and your lectures in an hour? Well turn to the Nintendo DS as the Japanese magicians have done it again. Following the ancestry of the ground breaking Nintendo 64, the understated Game Cube and now the revolutionary Nintendo Wii, the Nintendo DS nestles neatly into the handy, fun console which will keep you entertained for hours. There’s a range of different colour’s you could have from aqua blue to pretty-in-pink. The Nintendo has games to cater for everyone. From Mario cart to age of empires there’s plenty of games to keep you entertained during the day.

1. Apple iPhone

Now a cult, the iPhone has created a segment of society which looks down on all Sony Erricsson’s and Nokia’s. The iPhone has full touch screen operation, meaning your friends are only a tap away. The clean beautiful display of the widescreen iPhone means that you can watch all your films, music and TV shows in the 3.5 display. Are you wanting to check your face-twit in your lecture? Then the iPhone uses fast 3G and Wi-Fi wireless connections to deliver rich HTML email, Maps with GPS, and Safari — the most advanced web browser on a mobile device. Along with a multitude of downloadable ‘apps’ for the iPhone, there is endless fun on this revolutionary phone.

Uni4me’s favourite aps:
ReelDirector: This is as close as you're going to get to iMovie on your iPhone. Easy to use and really good fun with all those video’s of nights out stored on your phone.
Flight Tracker : Watch flights in real-time and get up-to-the-minute arrival and departure times. Great when your off on your summer holidays.
Birthday Reminder : Why use Facebook any more to check Brithdays whren the iPhone can do it for you. This app downloads all of that information so you can access and easily see upcoming b-days offline.
QuickOffice: If you have forgotten to finish your essay and decided to go out the previous night instead, edit word and excel documents on the bus to uni with this app.
Flight Control : The most addictive game we have come across at the Uni4me office. You direct various planes to different landing strips, all the while trying to avoid collisions.

See your local 02 shop for more details

How to spend your Fridays!!

2009-10-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

As promised on Hope Live, here is the link to the wierdest friday evening of your life!!!

http://www.wikihow.com/Spend-a-Friday-Evening-After-a-Tiring-School-Week

Greg James and Richard Clarke at I love Student Radio Launch Party

2009-10-22T03:04:00.000-07:00

In London's University of Westminister, the I Love Student Radio Launch party was held on Wednesday 21st October. With guest hosts, Greg James, Radio 1 DJ, and Richard Clarke, Capital FM radio DJ and Sundays Top 40, the party was in full swing with radioites and students bursting to get their voice out there.
Richard Clarke and Greg James, both started in student radio in their universities.

I asked both Richard and Greg what they thought of student radio, their time during radio and also why students should get involved with student radio.

Interview with Greg James from BBC Radio One below:

Interview with Richard Clarke from Capital Radio below:

For more information on Student Radio click here

Give this reporter a byline!!

2009-10-21T04:37:00.000-07:00

In Issue 8 of Triathlon Plus there is a story on Anu Vaidyanathan - the only triathlete in India. This was the opening paragraph which I thought was a fantastic piece of prose:

"A lone figufe darts in and out of thje traffic peppering the Indian capital. By the side of the road, streetsellers with baskets of crispy chillies and mint-coloured beans, forests of sugercane and Indian gooseberries bursting like lanterns, watch as a 29-year-old girl gallops past, her trainers kicking up a cloud behind."

And no byline in sight!

Poetic Professor Wins Competition

2009-10-20T23:28:00.000-07:00

Hope's Professor of Intercultural Management, David Weir, has been successful in a poetry competition aiming to bring verse to one of the UK's furthest-flung reaches, the Shetland Islands.
The competition which was Bard on the Bog; an initiative destined to send poetry to lavatories across Scotland, was judged by Jen Hadfield (winner of the Poetry Society's TS Eliot Prize) and David's victory will see his poem 'Journeyman' published in a book, as well as displayed around the islands.
"The funny thing is that I didnt even know that I had entered it," said David.
"Poetry is nothing but a hobby of mine, and my daughter entered me into the competition and then I won."
The poem titled "journeyman" which win the competition can be viewed here

Beat' that Feeling!

2009-10-16T01:35:00.000-07:00

Wigs donned, ties thin, and guitars replicated – the Mersey Beatles felt like the real thing.

With thousands of Beatles tribute acts travelling the world to deliver the timeless beats, the Cavern Club hosted a true tribute.

Playing the likes of I Saw Her Standing There, Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club, and Love Me Do; the band wanted nothing to be professional and embody the fab four.

It’s always something that I have never really understood. Tribute artists must always feel 90% the whole time. Even though people are having a great time. Even though the band are dressed the same, sound the same and appear the same (even calling themselves ‘Ringo’ and ‘Paul’) there’s always a thing at the back of my psyche which says – you’re not the real thing.

It’s a real downer on the night if you dwell on it however, because surrounded me was people old, new, foreign and locals. A real collective bunch of fans.

However there was one thing gelling everyone together that was swarming the historic/commercial venue.

The generation I am in, means that I know all the classic songs and love them dearly. However when the Mersey Beatles play a quirky song like they did last night – When Im Sixty Four, it brings me back to my childhood and my mum playing one of the tapes while im playing with my toys. That’s the reason why people love the Beatles. The memories that surround songs for each individual person.

The Cavern is a fantastic venue to watch the bands, as it doesn’t get overly busy and there is a general touristy feel – what I mean by that is everyone is there to have a good time only then to go back to their hotel still humming the tunes.

As they played their send off, the beers were flowing and me and 5 friends decided to all hug each other in some last day on earth effect – however it’s a strange thing what good music does to you when it passes through you. Everyone reading this knows what I mean.

Yeah Yeah Yeah’s – Fever To Tell: Album Review

2009-10-13T01:48:00.000-07:00

Band: Karen O – vocals/ Nick Zimmer – guitar and drum machine/ Brian Chase – drums and percussion
Year: 2003
Album Label: Interscope, Fiction Labels

This album was a risk for me – and every time I listen to it, I still reap the rewards.

Stood in HMV I had to decide between, Fever to Tell by the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s (YYY) or Massive Attack’s Collected album. Nervously I approached the counter and paid as I jumped out of my comfort zone buying an album I knew nothing about apart from a friend saying they were a good band. Since then I have never looked back at the ten pounds of sheer brilliance.

The album produced in 2003 by David Andrew Sitek combines a wonderful swirl of weird sounds, hard hitting, real lyrics and a dripping-tap of drum beats that never stops.

If ever there was an album, where it wasn’t a case of playing one song, but the whole album at a sitting, then Fever to Tell gets the badge of honour.

As I listen to the album I am greeted with a catching opening keyboard solo beginning the song, ‘Rich’ which leads straight into the rocky chorus, and there the band is sewn together.

Throughout the album there is a fantastic relationship between pure rock which seems un-harnessed and a catchy beat which is well trained and keeps the music on course. Its hard to hear, messy and unbelievably sexy.

If ever there was an example of this, ‘Tick’ shows how Karen O, the lead singer screams her lyrics out with huge passion, allowing Brian Chase and Nick Zinner, the other two to create a solid platform of well driven musical accompaniment to create great music.

The lyrics of the album focus on a lot on relationships between boys and girls, and Karen O’s lyrics through the album are almost like a journey for the listener as she blasts out her uncontrollable emotions.

In the song, Black Tounge, the chorus is /Boy you just a stupid bitch/and girl you just a no good dick.

Following on from those nothing but blunt lyrics, in the song Maps there is a real, obvious side to the lyrics and the song, where she sings /Wait! They don’t love you like I love you/.

The lyrics mixed with the music create a journey for the listener, much like a rollercoaster. You can’t remember every tumble, turn and drop – but you know you had a good time.

The Insider (1999): A Film Review

2009-10-12T12:54:00.001-07:00

A Michael Mann film, starring Russel Crowe and Al Pacino

With the credits rolling beside me on my television screen, it shows how eager I was to buff up this relatively forgotten film, The Insider.

Starring Al Pacino and Russel Crowe, the Michael Mann film presents issues surrounding work, home life and how morality and differing interests can change someone’s destiny, who in this case happens to be Joe Public.

The story which is based around Jeff Wigand (Russell Crowe) a whistle-blower, following his involuntary departure to a major cigarette company, Brown and Williamson.

Lowell Bergman, played by Al Pacino, is the producer of the weekly popular American television show, ‘60 Minutes’ and has latched firmly onto this story which homes in on journalists thirst for emerging stories and informing the public.

Going back on his act of secrecy to the company, Jeff Wigand ‘spills the beans’ about the cigarette company. With half the film watching the tussle and relationship Pacino and Crowe form, for a bond of trust to emerge, there is a kick of reality straight into the groin for Pacino as the powers that be in CBS don’t allow it to run following legal obligations, whilst looking over their shoulder to protect their own company.

The latter end of the film sees Pacino fight for this story to run in any way possible, as it can be sent that his true journalism instinct shine through in this film.

Actors such as Pacino and Crowe are re-nound for their dominance on the screen; Pacino, who shook the film world with his timeless performance in Scarface. As well as Crowe who blossomed as an actor to run the Roman army in Gladiator.

Together they worked in perfect harmony, as Pacino; the veteran of the two, took a strong dominant role of the journalist come producer arguing his way through a barrage of resistance to get the truth out. Where, Crowe took to the soft role of Jeff Wigand in such a manner that gave him a new persona and character, showing his versatility as an actor.

The film doesn’t just touch on emotions and moralities it is un-earthed and left open for all to see. Moralities are not only within the documentary being aired, but the characters that work together. This can be seen from the start with Pacino and Crowe working together to present a relationship that can allows the viewer to be totally engrossed the whole way through.

Not one to judge films by awards won or lost, this film truly justifies its 7 academy award nominations including best picture. All that is left for me to do in this review is ask you to trust my morals and judgement – and watch this film. You will not be disappointed.

Profits of Newspapers

2009-10-07T14:37:00.000-07:00

Fantastic quote taken from the book Local Journalism and Local Media here:

Broadly speaking, three factors distinguish newspapers from one another: ambitions, resoucres and values. Ownership is probably the greatest influence of all three.
(Downie and Kasier, 2003.)

Made me smile on the bus, as I saw a metro slung on the floor with its Sky advertising draped all over it. Money isnt everything? Tell the newspaper industry that!

Smiling Cyclists

2009-10-06T01:44:00.001-07:00

I am a keen cyclist, and having recently got into triathlons, it means I'm on my bike a lot more. In all weathers...!

This morning I woke up for swimming only to find when I drew the curtains Liverpool was hosting its own version of a tsunami. Longs on, hi-viz donned, I entered a cyclists hell and the second I hit the main road and saw my first lot of cars I felt a fantastically strange urge.

Smiling. It was teeming down with rain, cars were wizzing by me dislodging water all over me and all I could do was smile. I felt an urge to let cars know what I enjoy cycling and especially in this weather.

What made me realise that this wasn't just a wierd trait, held by me passed down by my great grandfather who had obvisouly lost it at a young age, was a cyclist (with a mighty fine bike!!) spinning by me on the other side of the road, with a smile that was beeming so much it looked as though the ecstacy he took in the 70's was still taking time to wear off.

So if your ever in teeming rain, and you have this sudden urge to smile whilst cars are about - dont panic, your not on your own!

Murdoch can beat competition but can he fight change?

2009-08-06T03:24:00.000-07:00

Global media mogul Rupert Murdoch has hopefully got his rain jacket on, as he fights the storm within news on the internet.

Local newspaper sales are diminishing, having done some work experience with a local paper and people quite literally in the head office getting layed of left, right and centre.

National newspapers are holding on, but advertising revenue is down, and this is proving chanllenging times for newspaper companies.

Newspapers are being overtaken by a number of issues. Competition from both newspapers and technology. The printing press is no longer a sensible way to convey the news. Rolling 24 hour news is changing people perceptions of real news, with up to date changes on websites and television programmes.

So how do newspapers fight against the on-coming storm? Well they have the option of asking people to pay for their columns online with a direct debit service provided by the news companies.

This has been attemped by Amercia's New York Post, with it being re-voked after people just didnt want to pay for their news.

This idea falls flat on its face, with so much variety of news providers who give it for free on the internet, and a limited population who are destined to get their news from one place. Im afraid its a case of too little to late from that respect.

As he continues to create a paying wall around the Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal, he will most likely complain about the BBC and their government funded, world-famous popular news website. Jelousy is a cruel fate.

Murdoch's announcement that he will get people to pay for the Sun, the News of the World, the Times and the Sunday Times as of next year follows a trend that he is trying to dominate the way the media is presented and consumed.

Surley what will evolve is a coporation which will then provide the news for free, stack up on advertising and Murdoch will be, to use a chess metaphor, in check again.

If you imagine the newspaper market on the internet as an ocean; the idea of paying to get on a boat to play in a swimming pool when your in the middle of an ocean, is a scary business model, and one that I cant see evolving.

Murdoch must persuade the internet that paying for quality is better than quantitiy. But I'd hurry, before the newspaper market hits the bermuda triangle.

Perfect Pellegrini

2009-08-05T04:07:00.000-07:00

Federica Pellegrini is without doubt, the most impressive swimmer I have ever seen. Keep your Phelps, your Thorpe's and your Adlington's to yourself, this Italian stallion is the one for me.

With the world championships over in Rome, there is no doubt the star of the event, is Pellegrini who turned from swimming diva, to Italian darling for the home crowd.

A 13,000 packed crowd roared as she smashed world records left right and centre in what was a truley brilliant championship for her.

First on the scene, aged 16, the age when I was realising how girls were different from boys she won a silver medal in the Olympics at Athens in 2004 for the 200m freestyle.

From this she has matured into a 21 (today) year old who is easily battering rivals in the pool including the illustrious Adlington.

These championships have seen Pelligrini win two golds in the 200m and 400m events (the 400m where she is the first woman to break 4 minutes doing it in a staggering 3:59.15).

All those results aside, the most impressive thing I saw was the womens 4x200m relay. Now we can see that she is the world champion in the 200 metre relay however the race results did not do her effort justice.

The leaders were China by a body length looking as strong as ever, reflective of their championships. Second were of course USA who were swimming with elegance and pride. Third saw Britain stringing a strong team to battle against the Aussies who were sitting fourth. Italy had been 8th following a shocking start and even worse swimming from the team.

Pellegrini steps onto the diving block. As she towered over the pool the crowd got excited and I could see why. Diving in she did nothing but sprint supassing 7th place, 6th place, 5th place and also the Aussies as she planted her country in 4th place eyeing up the British tired legs kicking on the last 50m.

With a trumpiant effort from her, she managed a split time which was the fastest ever recorded of 1:53 and some millseconds just to make it interesting.

Lets put that into some perspective: I am a average to good swimmer who can swim half a mile (32x25m lengths) in 15 minutes and not be panting for breathe. My 50m (short course) is around 40 seconds. For Pelligrini to have done that time and swum those lengths, she was doing a 50m (long course) in 28.25 seconds. Now when I have finished my 40 I am gasping at all the air I can retrive, but Pelligrini storms ahead and leaves the others to flail in her treaded water.

That is remarkable swimming, and I look forward to seeing her again in the swimming world cup later this year, with or without the arena suits...

FINA Fiasco!

2009-08-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

Watching the swimming world chamionships in Rome, it proves that technology and sport go hand in hand to improve performance.

The new arena suits which are the major suit in question is composed of 80% poly-something and 20% fabric. These suits in these swimmers are smashing records, and world records and championship records are being smashed in the water left right and centre.

Micheal Phelps, and Rebecca Adlington two major players in the world of swimming have spoken out about how bad the swim suits are in that they are ruining the sport and records aren't truley records.

I understand and agree with this, however FINA have said that the suits will be banned after this championship and before next year. If we no longer have these suits, how will people ever get a world record again. It's like a pole volter having longer poles for a year and then being told they have to go back to the regular size, they will never be able to match those heights; and in swimming terms, those times.

Swimming has become a bit of a sporting laughing stock, and I am interested to see how it will continue with regulations against the technology.

'Stroud Life', Lead story by myself 22/7/09

2009-07-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

Rare Orpheus Book is Worth Thousands by David Jenkins

A 200-year-old book about the world famous Woodchester Orpheus Pavement is expected to fetch thousands when it goes on sale.
Samuel Lysons' rare book documenting the most complete Roman mosaic outside Italy will be on show until the end of August at Inprint in Stroud High Street.
Between 300 and 500 copies of the tome chronicling Lysons' 1793 excavation of the site still exist.
Inprint book shop owner Mike Goodenough is open to serious offers for An Account of Roman Antiques Discovered at Woodchester in the County of Gloucester.
Copies in a less well-preserved condition have sold for £3,500.
It's my favourite book because when you open it, your jaw drops," said Mike.
Having previously had a copy in his shop, which was quickly snapped up, Mike is pleased to have this edition in such good condition.
He said: "This is the best edition I've ever seen. I'm pleased to be able to show it to the public.
"I'm hoping that, when I sell it, it will stay in the area because it's a part of the local history and should stay here."
He added: "The book is so rare that I'll be willing to show it to anyone who takes an interest. Already, I've had a lot of people who are interested in the book and I'm sure the interest will pick up when the word gets out."
Mike got his first copy of the book, produced in 1797, five to six years ago.
It was not in as good a condition and had damp stains on the pages.
The bookseller sold it quickly and did not get a real chance to show it off in his shop. He did take a couple of photos of the beautifully-illustrated pages.
"This time I'm going to keep it for a while in the shop and take some good pictures of the book with thought to setting up a website as a record," said Mike.
The Pavement, which dates back to 325AD, is one of the largest and intricate mosaics found in northern Europe. When complete it was composed of 1.5million small tiles.
It is buried beneath the churchyard in Woodchester and has been uncovered seven times since 1880. On the last occasion in 1973 it attracted more than 140,000 visitors.
In the 1970s brothers Bob and John Woodward produced a full-size replica, which is on display in the old pottery at Prinknash Abbey.
Lysons was a clergyman, engraver and antiquary as well as a pioneer field archaeologist. He was among the first to investigate Roman sites in Britain

Coded-Cricket-Confusion!

2009-07-17T04:18:00.000-07:00

The Ashes is well under way, and for England the love of beating the Aussies spurs on passion for a game which is so placid, its untrue.

What kind of a game is a game which has meal breaks? What kind of a game is it when the game can last most of the week? What kind of a game is it, when your playing for the draw?

Its a kind of game called cricket.

I am at work, bored and watching the live updates of the cricket. With England all-out for 425, the Aussies are padded up and ready to bat. I wonder how jolly foreigner can understand this text that I looked at coming into the live feed:

"Fullish one first up, lazy down leg next up. Three slips, gully, backward point, backward shortish leg. Hughes stays watchful against three just shy of a length, and then one is wasted with a shorter lifter that sails miles over his lid."

What a fantastic game.

Bring on the draw!

What a lady!

2009-07-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

Surfing on the net as I while away my time scanning documents at work. I came across a website of the 'International Fedeation of Competative Eating". Fantastic!!

There are some beautiful lists of records involved, from cheesecake to blueberry pie (no hands) and sticks of butter to chicken nuggets. A fantastic website which I will site at the end of my post.

The picture you can see to your right; is Sonya Thomas. Sonya's claim to fame is the sole record holder in: Armour Vienna Sausage, Baked Beans, Cheesecake, Chicken Nuggets, Chilli cheese fries, crab cakes, deep fried Okra, eggs, fruitcake, hamburgers, Jambalaya, Maine lobster, Meatballs, mince pies, oysters, quesadilla, sweet potato casserole, tacos, tosted ravioli and turddurken.

How much do you want to meet this 4o year old, who spends her life going around eating as much as she can, probably being sponsered an smashing records. When I saw all of Sonya's records I thought crikey this woman is going to be big, and I meant BIG. But shes a fine figure of a woman, who I think probably has a fantastic outlook on life if she spends her days doing this!!

I dont know about you, but I will be regularly keeping myself updated on Sonya's progress through life, and all the other major eaters in the field.

If you'd like to share my passion the website is: http://www.ifoce.com/

Enjoy!!

You can always tell a person by the shoes they wear...

2009-07-03T02:23:00.000-07:00

Right-back pocket of my trousers. That's where I always keep my wallet.

Not on Wednesday 1st July though, no no no!!

Mornings are always a rush as it is, with swimming to fit in, cereal to eat and clothes to put on. I slipped on my left laced up shoe, only to feel it was warm weather and the slip on would be the shoe for me today (lets be honest, this is an important decision for a 10 hour day of wearing) After taking off my shoe and replacing it with the compfy light slip on's, I gather my keys, phone and ... where is my wallet!? The casual loss of a wallet is usually found within 10 minutes, but when it gets to searching in rooms you haven't been in for weeks; its usually inconvenience turning into a problem. Missing swimming I race to work as I re-think my steps the previous day. Where was I when I last knew I had it, what had I been doing. Are you sure its not in that pair of jeans which you haven't worn in 5 years!? All these questions buzzing in your mind, with the prospect of fraud and money loss swarming and creeping into your fears.

I get to work, search my desk and drawers, with nothing but paper clips and old magazines to filter through. Damn! Straight back home it is then for a final thorough search. It gets to a point when your feeling in the trouser pockets you were wearing on the day of the lost wallet for a fifth time, that you know the dreaded phone call and hassle to the banks is all but imminent. After you have battled against the trans atlantic phone call to cancel and re-order your cards, you then move onto AA card, driving license, new student union card and new national rail card; not to mention the £5 lost in the process lining itself up at the back of the wallet ready for my sandwich that day.

Everything sorted there is nothing to do but to watch Wimbledon, thinking, scratching and raking your brain as to where this, now being called 'bastard' thing is.

Next morning. Wake up, ready for swimming; have a bowel of cereal, put my clothes on. Align my shoes, and decide not to go for the slip on shoes I had worn yesturday but to be smart and sophisticated with the lace ups. Todays going to be a good day! Left foot goes in shoe and lace is tied, (you know where this one is going) right foot gets half way in, only to be stopped. Like a mug in 'Clarks' who didnt anticipate the screwed up tissue in the bottom of the shoe. I pick out from my right laced shoe that I decided not to wear yesturday before all the hassle with cancelling and re-ordering my life had begun, my black leather 'bastard' wallet.

Theres bound to be a phillosophical principle behind that story, which you can find out in your own time. But what I have taken from this event is. "Always put both shoes on before you decide whether to wear them or not." Jenkins (2009)

Weather Worries

2009-06-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

Britain, Stop! The sun will be out, it will be hot and you will feel guilty. Today was a lovely warm hot day and the weathermen had to ruin it. "The met office (or whoever) has moved it to a level 4 warning, the highest warning there is possible." I can hear the Brazilians, Africans and unfortunatley Aussies laughing at us now. 28 degrees is no need to cause panic. 38 degress, like you can get in some of the worlds hottest countries listed would be. But 28 degrees, put your short sleeve shirt on and enjoy the day.

My grandparents hang on every word the weathermen say, as they ring us up milliseconds after the weatherman has finished his awkward fake smile, telling us to paste ourselves in factor-ridiculous. They wont go out in the day, they wont enjoy it. They will stay in worrying about what could happen if they collect the post from the bottom of their drive.

I think humans panic, and Britains take the gold medal... weathermen; show us the pictures, tell the facts but dont leave it so my grandparents are scared to leave the front room.

Death of a King

2009-06-26T05:17:00.000-07:00

Im in the pub with friends when I get a text saying "Michael Jackson could die!" Without a split second hesitation I raced home to flip my laptop open, get BBC news 24 hour going for a night full of breaking news and emotional speculation. You can keep your lager and ecstacy - this is my idea of a fun night!

I finally gave up around the 2am time, and woke up to the biggest story in music since the John Lennon being shot. Michael Jackson has died. It was a shock for me because you dont expect it, much like Diana dying and all these other celebrity, human, figures dying. Its what shapes our media, what shapes our lives and what shapes our conversations. I found this when I walked into my local swimming pool for the usual morning swim and the woman over the counter said in a very broad Gloucestershire accent, "'ave u seen about this here Michael Jackson, I cant believe it." I exchanged money and my thoughts on it, only to think about the actual man who died.

Michael Jackson is a cult hero and a "pop king." But the wierdness of his private life cannot be discarded. The veiling of his kids, the dangling of his kids, the worldwide speculation of him... and kids (if your going to be a paedophile, then the first thing you'd do is build a fairground in your back garden). The plastic surgery and the changing of colour as well. All very wierd Im sure you'll agree. However the ironic thing that hinges on this death is that he was renouned for having a oxygen tent in his posession which would aid him to immortality. Im sure the sales people at the oxygen tent suppliers are cringing at his pre-mature death.

With his death, Im almost willing to say it fits into his personna as being a strange death. The tours in the UK (50 dates) is a big ask of any popstar, needless to say one who has been in a wheelchair for so long. The emphasis on his tour and what it will be like, is now blown out of the water with this devastating news, and something we will never know about. Death was just not expected.

The king of pop is dead, but his music will live on forever and that is not just a cliche. Driving today listening to BBC radio one, the Chris Moyles Show (breakfast show) dedicated half an hour to Michael Jackson songs. I missed them all as I was battling the crowds in Bristol, but when I did get back to my car, Thriller was starting. It was strange because the whole way through the song I was dancing and singing and loving it. But the second it stopped there was an eerie silence.

I think thats the story of Michael Jacksons life. His whole life contained bravado, and now that he is dead, there seems to be a eerie silence hanging over him.

Lot of Money for a 1, 2 or 3.

2009-06-25T03:34:00.000-07:00

I just spoke to my sister who has graduated with a 2:1 in her American Studies course from the University of West England. Congrats! However she did then say to me, "it doesnt really matter to be fair. After I have got my first job where they will look at my degree and results, future employee's wont bother." Its an interesting thought, as a second year student myself. University helps develop your learning academically and personally. But its a whole lot of money for a first job.

"Oppression in a Nutshell"

2009-06-25T01:43:00.000-07:00

I work for a building society head office, in the mortgage department. I want to introduce you to a man who I work with. A strong alpha male, destined to take the micky out of anything that happens with his gravelly laugh to follow, as result of years of smoking.. Im sure. He is a man of routine and with that involves him coming to work everyday at 8, read his paper till 9, work untill 12:30; where he will go and grab a sandwich. In between he tends to do some underwriting, but mostly wikipedia research with a view to asking questions about researched topic. He then leaves at five... on the dot!! A man Im sure you can imagine is set in his ways and has been for some considerable years.

The other day we had a long conversation where he came up with "do you want to know who are the most oppressed people in Britain today?" I asked him to develop this thought with some-what caution. He said "us middle class white-citizens. We are left out constantly and not thought about." I stood back (shocked) and thought about this for a milli-second. I thought of assylum seekers, repossesion bound families struggling to string money together with job security on the brink. But decided that I wasnt going to win this battle so I left it alone.

He then went to lunch where he picked up his Daily Mail newspapers and strolled off. Theres only one thing I didnt say and that was his name for confidentiallity. How about... Mr. Daily Mail? Personified beautifully!

British MP's Expenses

2009-05-10T03:48:00.001-07:00

More fuss has circled the MP's expenses. People are rifling through bins, looking through cupboards while these MP's watch their home torn apart, so a member of the public can understand what they are spending their money on.

"The system is wrong" Hazell Blears says. Shes totally correct.

The system is wrong.

How can a politician, with masses amount of work within their constituency as well as work in London expect to live off £55 grand a year? The cost of travelling would be astonishing, not to mention the some what un sociable hours. I understand that these people are doing a job for us, so they should be totally commited, but a situation where they are arriving home at one in the morning from travelling back from London, and leaving at four in the morning to get to an important breakfast meeting in London. Get a grip.

The system should be changed. Abolish expenses. Pay these people what they deserve. They deserve a high wage, because they put a high amount of effort in. If people think its unfair, well maybe they should have paid attention during school.

The Boy In Striped Pyjama's

2009-05-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

I adore films that make me think about them for the rest of the night, as I know it will be a constant reference point throughout my life. Today it was "The Boy In the Striped Pyjama's" that has given me this vice. Thought provoking and topical the film leads its story down a both containing friendship and loyalty.

Friendship between the two young boys in the film - one who is son of a head officer in charge of a concentration camp, accompanied with the second of the lads who is a Jewish boy locked away in the concentration camp.

Loyalty however, is the underlying theme of the film as it strikes all the main characters, who have completely different beleifs, but are bound and tightened in a package to create and continue the theme.

The father and daughter are similar characters in that they are complety taken by the fatherland idea that Hitler created. The idea that everything being done is being done for the good of the nation to build a better world to live in. The brainwashing that took place during the nazi regime can only continue to work if there is a sincere loyalty to the cause.

Loyalty affects the wife of the father (concentration camp officer). Her pristine look and imaculate impression as the wife of a top flight officer takes a startling decline when she finds herself incapable of continuing her life after finding out about the concentration camp's burning of Jew's. Her loyalty to her own beliefs ends up in the family moving away from the father. Both a physical move and a metophorical move for the mother, Im sure.

This is then the underpinning irony that ends this film so poiniently. The loyalty of the two boys as friends. The boy rushes (as he has been throughout the film) to see his Jewish friend in the concentration camp, however this time he digs a small tunnel under the fence to go and find the Jewish boys father. The naiivity of the two boys looking for the father, who is presumed dead, leads to an ambush of the cabin by the Nazi guards as they march the Jews into the gas chambers and after some vivid documenting - they leave none alive.

The Officer's family find the boy missing and look for him. The killer moment of the film for me was when the father realises his son has died amongst the Jews - and the camera just stays on a close up of his face.

I have lead my family to a concentration camp. I have put my family in possible danger. I have killed my son. My son - a member of Hitlers regime - has died with Jews in a gas chamber. The shame. All ideas that I thought was going through his head, as the ending was so powerfully put together.

In an afterthought it had a somewhat sobering ending that I think could only leave you feeling hatred towards the Nazi regime. The only problem with feeling that, is it was hatred was the theme for the dictatorship. Why fight fire with fire - it is much more powerful to make a film like this and to allow my brain to govern my moral compass - than to promote more hatred.

My review really can't do it justice. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0914798/ - the link for the film.

Will you look at me when Im talking to you?

2009-04-24T02:49:00.000-07:00

Was in Aigburth Tesco's in Liverpool today. I bought a 40p loaf of bread and 2 pints of milk. I take these items to the checkout where I find a what looked like 17 year old, who was chewing gum. Lets start the rant here.

Chewing gum to me makes someone look like they are bored and somewhat common. I hate when people are working and chewing gum, it just annoys me.

We were off to a bad start.

She scanned the items and in a drone of a scouse accent, she told me my items were £1.79. Not once did she look at me when she spoke to me. I asked her to repeat it and she again said £1.79 without looking at me, but a hint of ill temper. I found change for her and she gave me my reciept. I went.

The face of tesco is at the checkout. Smile, enjoy your job - it could be worse.

You will find yourself in that situation one day - and you'll be as annoyed as I was.

How English are you?!

2009-04-24T02:39:00.000-07:00

St Georges Day. Britain has gone mental - a huge burst of english pride is echoing around the nation and swelling up with consumer goods from teddy bears with St Georges cross and so on.

As a student it gave me a fantastic opporutnity party on - and I did. Liverpool was divided into two. People dressed normally celebrating the day - and people laden with consumer hats, flags, scarfs and anything that can be English [ I saw someone with an English phone cover ].

A fellow countryman strolled (staggered) up towards me and said (drooled), "Why arent you dressed up - dont you realise its St Georges day?" I replied that I did and I was English and enjoying my day.

This rather annoyed me though - why do I have to spend money to most likely American owned companies to buy an English scarf or flag to then parade myself in a hooligan fashion? I accept its a good thing to be proud of a nation - but I almost hint theres a somewhat sour undertone to all this.

In recent times racism has become a big thing, from non-ebrities like Jade Goody being shamed for racist remarks and football supporters constantly being attacked for racist remarks. I feel that with the government letting in foreigners constantly, English people find themselves being pressured to promote their country and be proud of their country.

So, in conclusion English people to compensate for what they feel they are loosing out on with the constant barrage of other nations entering England, there must be a huge promotion of the country.

Beer was cheaper though.

Technology: Exercise giving me a headache

2009-04-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

I signed to my gym for nearly 8 months now in Liverpool. All very simple, weights, running machines bikes and machines which you daren't ask what they do otherwise you'll find your ankles where your shoulders should be and visa versa, with a well built instructor smiling asking if I can "feel the burn?"

On the running machines, bikes and all things cardio, I find screens offering me a list of radio stations which is a fantastic idea from Liverpools city talk to Radio Four.

However the use of televsion on cardio seems to cause me gripe. I look at it, and im not looking at what really matters - how long I have left to endure the pain. I find myself looking around at the wags and mugs (men under grief from their wife) staring at this screen watching the Paul O'Grady show whilst there little legs peddle with no serious intent to exercise.

Infact I overheard a conversation today at the gym, where two women were talking about when they were going to get on the bike machine so that they could watch the One Show. People are structuring their exercise now against the television guide - shocking.

This annoys me for two reasons. Firstly I find that the whole point of a gym starts when your in the door. You have to exercise - get over it. Work hard, play hard. All the cliches you want to pile in here. And just staring at a screen while your brain makes an attempt to keep your legs plodding along isnt good enough - it just isnt. Secondly, what would the greats like Sylvester Stallone and all his opponents in the rocky films say about watching TV whilst working hard.

I think Clubber Lang (Mr T. to most) would come up with some fantastic aggresive catch phrase ending with "fool"

Listen to heavy beated music, stare at the wall - and get your daily fix of loose women somewhere else.

What a waste of time!

2009-04-21T03:56:00.000-07:00

In light of the recent events in British politics with the Labour government writing slander against Tory members ... oh sorry have you drifted off already - thought so.

There are certain things that I find pointless and a waste of time, or time; misued. On a train, you love to put your feet up you know you shouldnt, so when me and a friend went to Southport in Liverpool we caught the train and then five minute later got told to take our feet down. My friend looked at me and said, do you reckon we could put our feet on the middle bridge between the seats. We both laughed at his point and the conversation carried on.

On our way back from Southport, we got on the train and low and behold there was an A4 poster detailing passengers where they can and cant put their feet with regards to the seats. The train company have paid someone to make this poster, and then have paid the printing costs, and it cant be cheap with the adhesive side sticking to the wall.

In my eyes this is a waste of time.

The Tory government ranting at Labour because they got a deserved piss take makes me think that this government would much rather gossiping than fighting and leading out positivley through the recession.

And just so you know, you warent allowed to put your feet on the middle bridge!

Illegal Downloading

2009-04-20T16:26:00.001-07:00

Money is at the route of this problem - again. When I was thirteen I subscribed to Limewire, I did the deed and I downloaded all my hip hop RNB to my computer and laughed at the face of record labels. I didnt go as far to venture out into the illegal downloading of films as I wasnt allowed on the computer that long. The worrying thing is, If I could of, I would of.

I study media, and not that it makes me a proffessional in this area, It at least makes me an academic. Illegal downloading gives the same amount of quality for no cost - bargain, why arent we all doing this?

I now refer back to a film which has recently lodged "The Straight Story" off the top spot of my favourite films. The Dark Knight. Fantastic quality, fantastic stunts, fantastic action scenes, and truley spellbinding acting. (A breif look to my joker - played by the late Heath Ledger - poster).

Lets tie up the loose ends. If you constantly get more people illegally downloading then less money will be going to the movie makers and less spellbinding films that will make me watch the film 5 times in the cinema (whilst travelling in New Zealand - and once at a IMAX cinema).

But why should I stop, if hes carrying on? An endless cycle of greed

Not heard of Spotify? Have a read!

2009-04-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

So I flip open my laptop for my daily routine of BBC news, followed by facebook. The real world, followed by my world. In my facebook inbox is a email from a good friend of mine informing me of Spotify.

Spofity? I think. A quick download lead me to a new world of legal listening. Legal downloading which lasts longer than the tantilising 30 seconds of song that iTunes allows you. Legal downloading that doesnt leave you constantly looking over your cyber back waiting for the door to be smashed in, and for your computer to be shoved in a police fan, whilst you await your £500,000 fine. Following these thoughts, I straight away ring him up and ask about he legality of this. This is the way it breaks down: You listen to as much music as you want, from Joy Divison to Bruce Springsteen, and Japanese Popstars to Dolly Parton. However every now and again you will get a well presented and well edited advert for a new song, or aspiring popstar lasting thirty seconds, after a song.

With the record labels crying because the naughty boys are illegally downloading, Spotify is the mature father, who tells off the illegal downloaders and tells the record labels to toughen up. A happy medium. If you like a song so much - right click the track and we're talking iTunes. This is all becoming far to easy.

It gets better - the addition of playlists allowing you to create your own playlist which will remain untill you delete it means that you can have your own free music station on your computer. With album art work, an uncluttered facia and an endless stream of music.

What about my punk-goth-remix-clash-house-hippoty-hoppoty-hoo? Well no, there is not every song in the world on spotify. A quick look from my housemate for any Metallica found that there was litte to nothing, aside from cover bands - but surely that shows that spotify is showing us how to diet ourselves to good music? No really, Metallica are shocking.

Spotify is a very clever in between as well. The public are in the driving seat, as opposed to the commercially driven charts telling me to enjoy the Saturdays whilst my libertines albums are pining at me not to be converted. The artists want to promote their music on spotify so that mugs like me say - "oh yeah got to have that for the bike ride to university" (love will tear us apart - joy division) - and also the record labels want to be seen as working together to crush illegal downloading.

I have written another blog about illegal downloading - be sure you give that a skim.

For the time being I am going to listen to my playlist containing, Bruce springsteen, Radiohead and Pinmonkey. Oh and dont forget that the only thing it has cost me is 6p ... two tea bags as I sit here typing in every band Ive ever heard of (and some Im making up - I suggest DJ Food)

Planet Earth Reflections

2009-03-06T13:11:00.000-08:00

I have recently completed the BBC planet earth series - and thought they were exceptional. As a media university student I of course love the camera work, the documentary making and the sheer patience of all parties involved.

It also brought other emotions however along with it. I watched the "Living together" episode which highlights animals suffering from global decline, or global changing. The idea that the world is changing is a scary thing to most of the public - the constant barraging from the press, and almost force from groups in giving money and changing lifestyle habits, makes the knowledge of the changing world a worry to the "public" in general. I gained knowledge from this programme and a mixed view of the world we live in. I appreciate that the way that the documentary is filmed means that there is bias to create an angle which helps inspire people watching to do something and to improve their lifestyle to help the "dying polar bears". The clever framing on reflection makes me consider my own role in society - on a wider scale. The notion of society to many is Parliment, the rowdy public, hooliganism and all the constant normalities we are conatantly reminded of (thank you news coorporations). However I as an individual have a role to play with society with regards to the world in general.

I think that everyone has a duty to believe in change and believe in a sustainable change which humans and wildlife can co-exist. Whether it be constantly maintaining your electrical output by turning off switches and so forth - there is a need for humans to work together. Society is constantly regarded as humans, human made things and human organisations. Animals are sidelined from society - however society should include animals in order to "save society."

I feel that a world without animals would impact every one hugely. Lack of meat, lack of produce animals produce and give off. The idea of a world without Mrs Jones "yapping" dog would be a lonely one, and a life which people could not cope with the change. The staggering statistic of polar bears decline's and so forth may seem far off for many as it doesnt effect them. The overwhelming issue is, life without polar bears does effect them. The fact is they are not there, which means that it has effected that person. Polar bears become past not present or future. That in essence is an effect which the world can face.

Like I said, I have little to no knowledge of declining species. However I think that the constant pressure on media evolving - the latest iPhone, the flattest television - is the money being spent rationally? Is the human gain - the meaning of life - to get as far as possible with no thought to consequences? The constant funneling of green house gases into the atmosphere, will be the ruin of us in the end. But like a good friend said to me, "When your on the beers - you dont think about the hang over the next morning." Maybe its time we thought about the morning after the party.