Life of a Journalist

Change your perspective; change your life

2014-01-09T18:45:00.000+00:00

Life is one big drama stage. We all have roller coaster moments, and in some of those down points, it is not strange to feel sorry for oneself even get depressed.

But what do we really have to get so upset about? Money? Career? Loss of something or someone? Illness? Whatever the reason, it is OK to feel upset for a period of time, but life has to go on, regardless of how it has altered.

Often used to soften any bad situation the phrase, " there's someone worse of than you", made me think my point was being brushed under the carpet. But when I took a more sensible point of view, I realized people were trying to gently tell me to change my perspective and appreciate the good that was still around me. Yes I have my fair share of crap thrown at me by life but I'm still here. We're all still here.

I normally don't watch the early rolling news broadcast, mainly because I'm trying to sleep, but something about this pre dawn hour compelled to turn on the TV.

BBC's HARDtalk was beginning, the reporter was interviewing British photographer Giles Duley. Giles used to make a living taking celebrity pictures but had found his true voice through humanitarian photographs from his time in war zones such as Afghanistan with US troops. Whilst working, he stepped on land mine which blew both his legs and left arm off.

Giles was taken to nearest army hospital in war-torn Afghanistan and it looked as if he was not going make it; his family and friends were by his bed side, when he was brought back to the UK, and began to bid him farewell. But through everything and with great thanks to the excellent medical care Giles survived.

Anyone would understand if he had decided never to go back to what he was doing and started to feel low. Not him. He, with the love and support of those close to him, found the mental strength to say "I am going back to do what I love, photographing and showing the world the consequence of war and conflict."

Having worked closely with local afghans and gaining their trust so that they would give him remarkable photos that makes his portfolio most poignant, losing his limbs only made Duley's work that much more personal. "I take photographs of people at their worse. You could say I was the opposite of a wedding photographer. Having seen my own limbs blown and scattered around me, I now know what it's like having a camera shoved in my face to capture that moment."

With the help of a friend, Giles was determined to set up and take self portraits to reignite his career. "We go to a museum a look at a Greek statue with it's broken limbs and comment how beautiful they are, that's how I saw myself- a living Greek statue," Giles continues his work in Middle East and has found love along the. His work can been found here http://100portraitsbeforeidie.co.uk/

Life has it's pitfalls but when we start looking for the brighter side of it,even through immensely adversity, that slight change in perspective will see us through. Everything happens for reason.

How'd you do 2014!

2013-12-31T17:50:00.000+00:00

Goodbye 2013! You left as quickly and dramatically as you entered. It has been a breathtaking 12 months both globally and personally.

The events kick starts with Obama being sworn in as President of the free world for a second term. For the first time in 600 years, a living Pope steps down from his papal duties and forces the appointment of another.

Natural disasters ripped across the globe with record-setting storms wrecking havoc. Not to mention pointless deaths caused by mindless fanatics all using politics and religion for the wrong reasons. We also saw the passing of world leaders like Nelson Mandela.

But we also welcomed a future King and saw incredible acts of humanity though the mentioned tragedies.

In our personal lives, our friends got married, welcomed a newborn or two, bought new homes. We traveled the world-went to pastures new. Did something different for the first time. Danced the night away and drank too much, got into rows and quarrels. We tried to keep up with the new year's list but failed dismally and made up excuses to do it 'tomorrow'. Worked far too much and moaned about it on Twitter and Facebook. Missed a few functions, wished you had done something else. Definitely spent too much money on gadgets, clothes and shoes!

But you know what 2013? Through everything, I'd like to say 'THANK YOU' I'm still here, I have a fabulous family and an amazing bunch of friends. I've made so many new friends along the way. I've moaned and cried and laughed all the same. You were not brilliant but you were sufficient to see me through to 2014.

As a good friend said to me once, the 'world's my lobster'. Beyond bright horizon across the beautiful blue sea, the opportunities are endless.

So 2014 let's see what you got installed for us. I'm looking forward it all! Bring it on..

Online shopping

2013-12-27T05:00:00.000+00:00

We're all busy people these days. The rat race is getting faster each year it seems and there is just not enough hours in the day to do everything, nor can we be at multiple places at once (how wish we could!)

And this time of the year, the holidays are upon us before we know it, even if the most organised of us prepare for it months in advance. For those not so apt with an organiser there is the wonder of the online shops. With a click of a button, products we normally would risk getting trampled on in the high street stores for, purchased and delivered to our very door.

But there is always that slim chance of "will we get what we actually ordered" doubt. Not too tragic if the product was simply a different colour or even a day late, at least it turned up and especially if it was a Christmas present, there was something to wrap up.

Therefore, it is rather annoying when your good faith gets taken advantage of by so-called award winning online companies-promising us next day delivery and swift customer service in dealing with our orders and queries.

Well consumers beware of this name if you are thinking of cheap home and garden furniture WorldStores- Their website worldstores.co.uk where they boldly claim to provide a fuss-free shopping experience with option of "next day delivery or day of choice delivery." Not to mention a "7-day no quibble refund", all of which seems to be just empty words.

As for their dedicated customer service, very much non existent service more like. I ordered a chest of drawers from their store online with a choice of when I would like it delivered. An email confirming this order was prompt, they were even quicker to take their payment. Day of deliver came and went, drawers no where to be seen nor did I hear from the delivery company who were supposed to call before arrival.

When I tried to call their customer service number, oddly, they have two 0844 premium numbers. One for pre-sales, which they answer within seconds. But as for their after-sales number, you are left holding the receiver for literally hours and never speak to anyone!
Frustrated I asked the pre-sales person to put me through to someone in their after sales team, but was told "I'm afraid you will have to hang up and try the other number, I can't put you through and I can not help with any queries because I can't see that side of the customer service on my computer." Ridiculous! Considering that it costs between 1pence and 13pence a minute from landline and 20pence and 41pence a minute from mobiles this is extra cost you were never intending to spend for a service that was to save you money and time and the hassle of going to the shops in the first place!

When I eventually spoke to someone after contacting them via twitter, the excuse was that the delivery company had damaged my order and didn't inform them of what had happened. Fair enough so I gave them another to deliver it on my next day off, the woman reordered the item, I asked for the new order number she didn't give me one but assured me it'll come on my next day off as I preferred. The day came, nothing. She did get back in touch to say it won't arrive but by then I had enough and just wanted my money back to which she said I will get a refund within 3-5working days. But no not a penny back for something I had not received.

Annoyed I sent more twitter messages to get a response needless to say they have not got in touch.

I'm not the only one who has had an awful experience with WorldStores. I found out there were plenty of disgruntled shoppers, all unable to get in touch with the company staff.

One fellow consumer, Hana Price, a graphic designer from Essex, nearly had her Christmas ruined. She ordered a table and chair set to host the big day celebrations at her home. Trusting the firm's deliver on preferred day guarantee, she asked for it to be sent for the 21st.

"My partner went to the delivery company in person on the day it was due, as it said it had been received on the tracking site. They assured us it would be delivered that day." But the table and chairs didn't arrive.

With Christmas approaching and not able to get in touch with the store, Hana who is 5 months pregnant, decided to go Ikea and spend even more money she didn't have on the much needed furniture. "Already rushed off my feet getting ready for Christmas, the last thing I wanted was a trip to Ikea? Especially when I am already £150 out of pocket."

Not long after their first visit to the delivery depot, Hana and her partner went back to the delivery depot only to find it empty and was told the goods were moved as the depot had closed down.

She spent hours on the 0844 number on,y to be told by a very unhelpful pre-sales staff that it was a shame she didn't call the after-sales number an hour earlier, she would have gotten through to someone. And when she enquired why her emails were not responded to she was told that "they were focusing on calls".

It has been 6 days since Hana made a purchase online, and like many others, she has had no reply from World Stores, neither received her goods nor been able to get a refund.

So if you are considering buying online, do not be fooled by this bunch of so-called e-commerce winners, their bold claims and flash sales tactics are nothing but smoke screen for a badly run business.

For advice on consumer rights visit www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights or contact Citizens Advice via www.adviceguide.org.uk/consumer or on 08454 04 05 06.

"This is the reason why I dislike hospital wards at night"

2013-05-04T08:24:00.000+01:00

What do you do when you have the house to yourself on a Friday night? Party! I hear you scream..
That would have been the usual protocol in any 'home alone' opportunity- invite the mad gang over for drinks and eats, rave on till the wee hours of the morning.

But no. I decided I wanted a night-in, just me the telly and mountains of junk food. Since it hit the global markets we know how marvellous HD TVs are as a viewer you feel like you're in the scene/environment next the person(s). Its fab for nature programs and films. Yea films, horror films are magnified in clarity and hence making it far more scarier than when first viewed on grainy analogue sets.

Foolishly, you may say, I decided to watch The Exorcist 3. Among the iconic scenes from the trilogy, this one, in my opinion, is the most spin-chilling scene. (Exorcist III 'Legion' - Nurse Station Scene, courtesy of http://youtube/zHGood p8ynu0jRvY)

I do not like being an in-patient at the best of times, but growing up hearing of haunting tales at hospitals and after watching this (when I was much younger) has instilled an eternal fear of dingy hospital corridors. I also have developed an irrational fear of the nurses being harmed by apparitions or poltergeists! Serves me right for being a reluctant fan of the horror genre.

How can I be a 'relunctant' fan? I'm one of those who likes a scary film but would only watch it with either a bunch of people or if alone (like in this occassion) peeping through an opening under my duvet!

Having said that, I would still prefer to watch a scary movie than a chic flick any day.
So what do I do to pass yet another few hours, since I have already spooked myself stupid that I wont be sleeping a wink until daybreak, I proceeded to watch amityville horror! "Another bowl of popcorn, for the mad lady!"

Hiatus.... A very long one

2013-04-27T13:47:00.000+01:00

Right... For those who know me personally would be privied to the reasons for my rather long hiatus, hence the lack of posts since the last one.

But all that is behind me now, I'm back! Geez and it feels good, no, GREAT to be back doing what I do best...waffling, I mean writing! It has been a rough, long old road to get here, but it has made me a stronger person for sure. And thankfully I've not lost my sense of humour. I can't tell you how important it is to laugh, and especially about oneself. Pity is a fool's emotion. Self pity is far worse. I know I've been there many a times, it's like falling down a well and not being able to get out.

It is during these times that I find the rescue rope thrown down by my nearest and dearest (who know who you are).

Well move forward to happy time; I went to a comedy gig couple days back. It was a small venue with a cosy bar, mini stage and delicious food. I had not been out for ages until that night so was rather looking forward to the stand up comedy where, five guys; three Americans, a Canadian and a Scot. All vying for the 'fight comic' title. They had to get through several rounds mostly based on the concepts of 'mock the week' and 'have I got news for you' and the deciding round involved random suggestions/comment from the audience. It was cracking good fun!

Anybody can join to compete in this weekly event, of course with the intention of going to the grand final against past winners, the crowd were a mix bunch. Mainly tourists and a few after-work business types with their companions. This old boy- who just happened to look and dress like Donald Trump got ripped to shreds, well serves him bloody right for sitting close to the stage and in view of the comics!

My friend and I weren't drinking so mock cocktails it was, mainly mixed with red bull and some sparkling juice made up for the lack of cold beer or spirits. I think this might become a weekly thing. Definitely inviting more people to go along next week. And for a fiver (entrance fee) cheap drinks, it's not bad for a night out.

Back online...passwords, URLS Technology-BAH!

2012-04-07T11:16:00.001+01:00

Oh bajesus! Firstly I do apologise for the massive gap between posts. You know when you have too many accounts online and you have equally as many passwords and users names to go with them... yeah that. My hotmail account got hacked into and had to change my password. Not only that, there were so many unread spam mails to delete it wasn't OK after the 50th. And to top it all off, I forgot my password and couldn't access any of my email accounts for yonks, as there is no contact number for the provider only an email address- not useful at all! All sorted now but....

I'm not ranting about my inability to remember things, more the fact that there are computer cretins who think spamming is a) funny b) a great way to scam people and make a quick quid. If any you of the spam-oids out there are reading this, it's NOT funny. Can you STOP hacking into peoples accounts!

Microsft sort yourself out please. I refuse to pay for a 'security program' to 'safe guard' my laptop. Robbing twits!

Paris and all that jazz..

2011-06-20T00:32:00.001+01:00

Ah Gay Paris! Exactly what I needed, a nice girly holiday with Mum, to a place we both had not visited before. The place is full of history, culture and simply experiencing Paris for all its glory and sins has given us, mum and daughter, a whole new set of memories to cherish forever more.

The city has its fair share of fans and haters, but for all the pomposity and showmanship, it has class, debonair and eccentricity that makes the city of love all the more alluring to a tourist, well it certainly intrigued me.

The trip was all the more special for mum being there, as I rarely see her- because she lives in Singapore. Girls just wanna have fun! And boy did we! We arrived in Paris in the wee hours of the morning-British time 6am, French time 7am.

My knowledge of French, is limited and fairly basic, mum's non-existence. I can read French, holding a conversation, however, err let's not go there. So it fell upon me to be the Navi. As soon as we got there, we weren't disappointed, started our holiday travelling on the metro to our hotel, a street musician boards the the train looking to make a quick euro by waking up the morning commuters.
Not the best idea in my opinion trying to wake up a bunch sleepy French people, needless to say he went away without a cent. He'd earn a bit more if he sold
coffee instead.

Talking about coffee, we certainly enjoyed the cafe culture was relaxing and it had to be done- when in Rome, I mean when in Paris! We went around the usual tourist routes, tour bus and so and so fort. I did however convince my mother to take a late night trip down to the famous windmill in the land- Moulin Rouge! Yes, rather naughty and not seeded as you may think, after all I was with my mother! She's cool, we had a laugh walking around Paris red light district (during the day time initially). We were waiting to cross the street, stood outside what we later deduced was a pole-dancing club. The bouncers were beckoning us to go inside and take a look. No way! We giggled like two school girls and dashed across to patisserie.

Our hotel was located in the an area called Monmarte. It was a beautiful , hilly location with historic buildings dotted around the area. It's main attraction was the Basilica Monmarte., a uniquely designed catholic church with a stunning view of the city.

Another first, we had our portraits drawn by a couple lovely street artists.

We stood there with in the lovely sunshine, down a cobbled alley way beside Monmarte church. They were every so sweet and funny and me being me, asking loads of questions. The guy who drew my picture- Andy, was a native to the district. his grandfather used to own the restaurant that was behind us. The guy who drew mum's picture- Boris, a Russian friend of Andy's and they work together getting a few euros to get by as artists. I admire them for doing what the want, and I personally thought they were good.
Mum and strolled off with our pencil sketches and merged back into the tourist crowds. Souvenirs shops, wandering the ancient pavements and side streets. Pungent metro stations and back to our hotel rooms, worn out but not defeated-yet. We'd drop the shopping bags in our room and head for the cafe for some drinks and food. It was during our midnight stroll,
I found out that my mum was better at finding the way back than I was..

I'd say that was a brilliant getaway. Paris was fun! London's still my favourite city! Wink wink nudge nudge aye! I dare say some French might find the Brits interesting?! If this union jack topped red bently is anything to go by!

Daddy's little girl..

2011-06-20T00:05:00.001+01:00

Father's Day 2011. The pillar of any family, after the mother (of course!) The man, you'd first run to when you needed to feel safe and know you'd be protected from any harm. Growing up he was my disciplinarian, in my formative years he was my best mate, in my young adulthood he's....gone!

I chose a very different life to that of my entire family, I chose to live half way across the world. Not because we didn't get along, in fact it was the opposite- we actually were a regular working/middle class family. My parents worked hard to put my brother and I through good schools and we were brought up right. But because I was and still am a very ambitious individual and I knew what I wanted from a young age, I decided to move to England and pursue those aspirations and I've worked very hard to achieve them. My papa, let go of his little girl and supported me in my decision to do what I wanted. He was proud, he told all his friends, with his head held high, "my daughter is a Journalist".

Like any family we've had our ups and downs, but we never lost sight of what was important in life- family, good heart, good work ethic, sense of fun and humour!
It has been nearly 2 years, but I still find it so hard to come to terms with it all. No more birthday cards, one less name on the Christmas card and, today, no more phone call to wish him a 'Happy Father's Day'

This is a picture of me, with my papa's sunglasses, and guitar. It's my one of favourite. Not only was it taken by my papa, it shows our sense of fun as a family, it shows what we enjoyed to do. We had fun, we had sad moments, angry tiffs, but we still loved each other.
He worked hard (2 jobs, 7 days a week) so that we could have a decent standard of living. Growing up in Singapore was great; it is a different perpective, a different way of life, a life for a child was so much fun in the sun, sand and sea. My papa was full of wise words, he was the coolest, not always able to control his temper, but he was only human. I'm a lot like him, not so much the anger bit, but personality- I'm daddy's little girl. he thought me boxing, he encouraged me to be a footballer, a runner and all round sporty chic and never to deter from my academic pursuits and be a decent person to everyone around me.
I miss him.
But I'm also very lucky to have an adopted dad (he's my guardian, to dispel confusion) A friend of the family, someone I've always considered as a second dad.
I'm very lucky, the family I was born into are amazing and the family I have adopted are equally marvellous. I never loose sight of what I want, what my parents- all three of them, aspire me to be. I'm blessed and loved!

"You don't know you're born"

2011-03-20T00:44:00.000+00:00

So the last time I was here, life was pretty dandy. I suppose to certain extent, in my little world, it still is. There has been some major changes, shock and tribulations that I had to deal with. Some of it may have even pushed me over the emotional scale a bit, but I have picked myself up and continue to carry on (must add my thank yous to dear friends and family)

I have slowly learnt to move on and take two, even three, steps back from it all and re-evaluate the situation. I can deal with this, It is manageable, a little problem compared to the major disasters that has been gripping the countries that lay in the pacific and the middle east.

Just check out these websites for the latest news updates.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12796972 and http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/asia_pacific/

We don't know we're born in this country and in fellow peaceful nations around the world; the people in Libya can not sleep until Gaddafi is out of power, Egypt go to the polls to vote for a better life, the Japanese are barely surviving after that devastating tsunami as well as fighting to avoid another nuclear meltdown and the Aussies and New Zealanders are rebuilding their lives after the worst flood and earthquake disasters ever to hit them.

The moon will make its closest approach to earth in almost 20 years Photo: ALAMY

www.telegraph.co.uk

Oh and what's with the supermoon this evening? The moon has not been this close to Earth in 18 years?!

Sugar and Spice and everything Nice

2010-12-26T02:07:00.001+00:00

The seasonal bells of Christmas and the horizon of a new year marks an end to what has been a very eventful year.
There has been lots of fun, excitement, joy and the odd heart-ache. Ying and yang playing their part in our everyday lives, not that we often look at things as they are meant to happen, but my life's philosophy has a lot to do with the saying 'things happen for a reason'- you don't always see the reason but one day, eventually, it will present it self.

So until then just live every minute as it comes, life is far too short to worry and be hung up on the past and 'what could have been' thoughts, they are not worth the time or the energy.

Because, if I had held my self back from doing something for every bad thing that has happened, I most certainly will not be where I am today. My ever expanding circle of friends keep me going and bring much joy and fun and I couldn't ask for a more wonderful and supportive family.

All in all 2010 was not bad a year, personally, I can not speak for everyone. I'll do it all again in a heartbeat, no regrets, even the little moments of despair- they are all part of life's rich tapestry!

Best wishes for 2011!

So this is what it's like out here

2010-11-11T18:13:00.001+00:00

Well here I am after months of searching (and was in fact getting fairly despondent at the staggering number of rejections) finally in full time employment as a Journalist with an award winning, respected regional paper- the Essex Chronicle.

I'll never forget the day I got the e-mail with the job offer. How can I? It was the day,George Osbourne, Chancellor of the Exchequer stood in Parliament outlining the biggest cuts Britain has seen in decades. I am very humbled and grateful to my lucky stars, guardian angles, family and friends for this momentous opportunity to start building my career.

My new colleagues are ever so nice and helpful, because it is that kind of office where there is so much to be done among so few of us that we chip and help each other out. As a trainee, I'm still getting grips with the computer system, writing styles and various details. It's all coming together nicely.

It is nice to see the finished pages and know that your work is going to be read by the many thousands of readers across the region. Exhilarating!

Absolutely love my job and I'm working hard at it and always trying my very best. :)

I have moved to the town of Chelmsford, which is only an hour a way from my home, so it is pretty handy to get back at the weekends or whenever I feel like it and is a reassurance that no one is too far away just in case of an emergency (I've run out clothes to wear or money or something like that, nothing serious *touch wood*) I'm glad I've got my independence back and have fine tuned my budgeting skills. Ahh all I now need to do is to find another hobby besides shopping, reading and watching TV. Gym or an exercise class of some sort to keep fit- sort it out when I feel a bit more settled in my new environment.

Now for some healthy pasta salad... I need to find more recipes, can't keep eating green leaves for every meal!

Eye Candy, and Eye No No

2010-09-14T23:16:00.001+01:00

I'm a fairly active individual, have been most of my life. I was the sporty one in school, but it has been a while since I last went to the gym mainly because I was busy anyway, with uni, work, volunteer stuff and more work, so never really found the time or the money to join one.

Last week, I met up with a really good friend of mine. Like girls do when we get together, started yapping away about this that and the other, catching up on things we've been up to, spot of lunch and we carried on talking when she mentioned about needing to go to the gym that afternoon and said she has a membership and could, therefore, sign up a couple of friends for a free 7 day trial at the gym. I thought, being the workaholic I am, it would be a great idea to keep busy and get more exercise.

Now, I haven't been to a gym since secondary school days, and even then we used the school gym in the afternoons. I turned up at this gym near the centre of Cambridge (can't mention which one, but as I've already given away the location, those familiar with the area would kind of know), a rep meets and greets me, shows me around the facilities.

After the tour, I'm all excited and looking forward to a work out and getting fit and that, so the rep shows me to the ladies changing room. I hadn't actually noticed the other ladies until after the rep left. I turned around to find some semi, some completely stark naked women- MIDDLE aged (and senior!!) women. I plonked onto the wooden bench, shocked and scared as I saw what was yet to come in life! -If I absolutely neglected my body.

I shouldn't make fun, it's not PC (blah blah blah), I know I know, but to quote the famous phrase from 'Catchphrase'- "say what you see!"

I quickly changed, it was a personal best, trust me I couldn't move fast enough to get up to the all the exercise equipments. As soon as I sprinted to the 'fitness room' I got straight on to the treadmill, and thank heavens they were situated near the men's work out gallery. Ahhh... it was like having an ice cream after a nasty injection.

Needless to say I stayed working out on the various machines, toning and "sight seeing" and more working out, flicking my hair, wiping the beads of sweat (not all from working out!). I won't traumatise you by saying what I saw afterwards when I had enough exercise for one day, I'll leave you to your imagination.

Work has never been this much fun....!!

2010-08-03T20:34:00.001+01:00

There are those people who pick a career because their parents are from the same line of profession, so it's what they know. There are those who go for certain jobs because of the money they could earn before they reach 35 and retire by 36. And then there are there are those who do what they do because they absolutely bloody love the job but earn peanuts or even less.

I belong to the last group of people. A newly qualified journalist, I take what ever media or writing opportunity comes along. I'm grateful to have such lovely friends who help me along the way. This time it was no different, thanks to a sweet friend of mine, I got contact details to help out at a music festival down in Dorset- Camp Bestival.

A family friendly festival, packed full of fun stuff to do and to top it all of you have superb musicians playing live music. "Cheer! Hands in the air!", swarms of people dancing, screaming, jumping up and down, the music coming through the speakers are so loud they make the ground vibrate.


80's Pop Band, Madness

Lulworth Castle was a great setting for this festival. Not very many cater for children to enjoy camping, this was perfect. It was a great excuse for adults to act like kids and all at times after a few pints no doubt. There's nothing like cramming into a tiny tent with two fab mates, zipped up in sleeping bags so as not to freeze in the night air drifting and laying on solid, at times slushy wet muddy ground in a middle of no where.

No amount of money could buy that experience, unless of course if you had to pay for being at a festival. We lived on rations of bread, home-made sandwiches, some fruit, biscuits and water for three or so days, hadn't had much of a wash, true campers we were, baby wipes and deo for B-O.

With our all access passes we were roaming around the site after our shifts at the box offices, meeting and seeing new people. Most were dressed up in fancy costumes, there were many tents showcasing different shows and exhibits. From Skateboarding to Zippos Circus, book readings to dancing to DJ mixes. The walk around the site itself hurt every muscle in body, such a trek across each attraction and the longest route was always at the end of all the fun and dancing back to our tent, on the other side of the plot of land, in the dark.

I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people, I had a good time chatting to a couple of fellow journalists, working along side very funny, witty folks from Manchester and just random people at the event. The meeting of random people started from the moment I got to the Wareham train station.

A shuttle bus was meant to pick festival-goers and take us to the main gate of the event. There were several of us at the station waiting, no sign of a bus. A lady, don't know her name, asked a cab driver standing outside, he was no help but offered to take all 6 of us for the same price as the bus would have cost us. A fair deal, we piled into the taxi and off we went.

For the next three days, there was not only work, but a hell of alot of dancing, feeling hungry, thirsty and tired. But oh-so much fun.

England are out and the world just rolls forward..

2010-06-28T23:18:00.000+01:00

If you have been hiding in a hole for the past few weeks and or have not an ounce of interest for football, then England crashing out will not be a major issue for you.

I do not want to re-iterate the painful scoreline on these pages, but surely now the age old joke- 'don't mention '66 world cup' has been completely and absolutely ripped from our tongues. It'll be now the German's who'll be saying 'don't mention 2010 world cup to the English' for the next 4 or 40 years!? Well I think the footballers should do the decent thing and cut their paychecks by...say.. 90% and give the money to good use like the employment of graduates and TALENTED young people (even though I say so my self!)

Ahh well enough of the football for now, I've been scouring the Internet to find something interesting to write about.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/drunk-writers-were-better-sober-says-psychiatrist-2010053.html

Came across this article on the Independent website. Geez that means I have to start writing sober-damn, not so fun any more this writing malarkey (haha, kidding really I'm not much of a drinker and have never touched the evil drugs.

Surely no one could have believed that creative writing was indeed induced by the consumption of alcohol and drugs. One simply just has to look at the state a person becomes, generally after taking these substances on a recreational level. The individual most certainly becomes incoherent, unable to remember their names, let alone spell them. So therefore, they could not have been capable of writing incredible literary works, whilst intoxicated.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/minor-british-institutions-the-british-giant-rabbit-2008443.html

Hahaha, aww this is a sweet article. Giant Rabbits as pets, that's 50 quid well spent I think. I wonder if they an move about as freely as normal sized rabbits? what's not to say they are actually normal sized and the smaller ones are actually dwarfs of their kind?? Now I'm just being silly I know.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jun/28/ambassadorial-crime-sprees-foreign-embassy-staff-exempt-charges

I think this needs to be looked asap. Diplomatic immunity is being abused so much in this country, Why cant it be like in the TV series CSI, they seemed to almost always nail the sodding characters. They are clearly not abiding by the laws of the land, and don't seem to care about their behaviour at all. If the shoe were on the other foot, our embassy staff abroad would be done up like kippers, if found to have done something ridiculously stupid, like j-walking!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2010/jan/12/guardian-50-television-dramas

Do you agree with this list? What would keep and add something else?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2003/oct/12/features.fiction

Great reads these lot, personally I've still got a fair few more to add to my reading list.

I feel I have to end this piece with a funny satire video, a cartoon parody of the worst song ever to have been aired to the public, the horror they must have felt coming over them when it started- ugh unbearable to think about it.

This link about William Shatnar, I'd most certainly never would have admitted in hind-in side- if I were this person. The most cringe worthy of tracks released by this actor in the 70's was quite frankly horrid.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/tvandradioblog/2009/may/22/television-television1

I'll finish by letting stewie from 'Family Guy' sing it in his squeaky voice. TTFN

World cup 2010

2010-06-07T00:01:00.001+01:00

Its back folks! If you a football nut, or maybe not so much a fanatic but at least a fan of the game, you would have noticed that the glorious game is soon to hit our new HD screens all the way from South Africa.
Sports journalists all over the country and the world will be going mad trying to keep up with all the games, the pre and post game analysis, the end less debate on the out come. If you have been living in a big hole just lately, the pre world cup madness has been kick started by the lovely advertisers and retailers alike.

I was on my usual jog around the town couple weeks back, the flags were out! (dramatic music) Yup, the St George's flag that normally only comes out the closet once a year on...you guessed it.. St George's day is now stuck to people's cars, hung across their homes and the pubs have gone overload of flags- its practically everywhere, even the poor dogs are giving passer-bys the 'get me out of this' look.

And by the sounds of the recent adverts on TV and Radio, businesses are taking a little gamble on the chances of England winning the cup. 'We'll give you this for nothing if England wins the World Cup' and wait for it here's the catch- 'and if they don't you can PAY the amount in simple small monthly payments'

I wonder if they put all their meager profits at the bookies for England to loose so, all the muppets out there who fell for the colourful ads would end up paying for the goods? It truly is desperate times for these businesses, they're turning to out right conning gullible folk to make money. What has the beautiful game created? I'm glad I've got at least 2 brain cells to not fall for that trick.

Well, good luck to those who bought into those marketing ploys for your sake I do sincerely hope Capello's England team lift that trophy after nearly 40years of disappointment. C'mon England!

But we must not forget that there are more positives to the game than the few who try to cash in on the whole event, it is one of the most watched event on level with the Olympics. It is bringing the entire world together, so please no fights for just this month-yes? what say you? Hate or love it, its something that creates a talking to point to most people- leaving out the die hard rugby and cricket fans, and women who rather watch back to back to rom coms. I've got my chart listing out all the groups and countries playing, a dedicated pen to write down the scores BRING IT ON!

Travels to the edge of the world (ok, to the most westerly point in England)

2010-05-27T01:01:00.009+01:00

I'm must start by saying how grateful I am first. I'm a very lucky person. I feel I need to acknowledge the fact that if it weren't for the greatest love and care I get from my family and friends, all these may not have been quite possible.

So far, you may have read about my plans to travel to some really stunning locations the British Isles has to offer, well I can gladly say, I can tick off two more places on that long list. Cornwall and Devon! Wow, as I expected absolutely beautiful sites and to my surprise the weather actually held out for the week. The journey starts early-ish for me, travelling by train reminds of the books I used to read about the travels of Phileas Fogg- not quite around the world in 80 days but still it was an adventure non-the-less.

Cambridge on the fast train to busy, bustling King's Cross thankfully I reach London just after the morning rush hour which means the tubes won't be half as pack as it normally would be. Crossing the 200 year old underground network to get to the station that gave us the most kindest and cutest bear- Paddington. The smell of freshly baked pasty and baguettes had to wait as I had to find the ticket office to purchase my very cheap returns to Truro and back.

20 minutes to go before my train leaves, the last thing I was expecting was a flirtatious ticketing officer. It so made my day that he was actually gorgeous! Lugging around my purple flowered hippie suitcase did get some looks, but that was fun it helped me start some interesting conversations with a few rather cute gentlemen (that's another blog, wink wink , nudge nudge!) I know right! what stroke of luck with men, this trip was meant to be, and I was sure going to savour every minute of it.

The four and half hour or so journey was not that bad actually, the train was travelling on historic tracks and bridges engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. My favourite pictures en-route was taken near Paignton (Below) and Teignmouth (Above) in South Devon.
The beaches had proper sand and the sea air was therapeutic to the dust and carbon monoxide filled lungs of mine.

As I whizz by the on the comfy train, my mind wonder and ideas of a pirate novel and the urge just to go 'Aye aye' and 'Urrh me matey' was tempting.

I scoff my yummy chicken salad baguette and gulp down the apple and raspberry flavoured water as I sat soaking up the warm rays of the sun, in the comfort of the train now that was whizzing by the Western coastline.

Truro! Well here I was, standing on the platform of the small country train station looking astonished and weary. The thing that you notice when you get there is how hilly and narrow the roads and paths are, than I learn that the town is located in a valley; I won't rush out and get a bicycle anytime soon than.

I had found my way to my B&B, and found that Cornish people are very very nice and cheerful.Stark contrast to the stern, stiff upper lip folk in the rest of the urban areas. Seagulls, they were like pigeons are to the streets of London, simply everywhere.

I vaguely remember, ages ago on a beach in East Anglia, a seagull stole my chips, so I was cautious of this one stealing my fried rice from me.

I made good progress, the day after my interview in Truro itself. I had a day and half to look around the West Country. I took a bus to Penzance- Pirates of Penzance came to mind, didn't meet any pirates sadly.

Had made it to several other places in between too; Falmouth, St Ives and of course had to go to Land's End.

It has this land mark inn. As you approach Land's End, the sign reads : 'The Last Inn in England'-Nooooo (hehee) and as you make you way back away the sign would read :'The First Inn in England'-Sweet.

I covered alot of ground, met and spoke to some really sweet people who appreciate a good chat about anything and nothing, that added to the fun of travelling alone. It never seizes to amaze me who or what you may see. There are so much more out there to explore, if one had all the time in the world and enough of course money, I would easily be a traveller. Wonder what it must have been like in the days of horse and cart? No one had much money but had loads of time in their hands.

For your info..

2010-05-14T20:46:00.000+01:00

The world as we know it has taken new turns in the metaphoric road to the future. Britain is in the hands of two political leaders, whose youth and genius tactics ousted the older, misfortuned political old horse- Gordon Brown. Just wonder if he as had a lucky escape from the lime light, considering the situation of the entire region.

Let's give the similar looking lads a chance shall we? I'm sure the cracks will start to appear as time rolls on. How much worse off can we get?

Well here are some video snips to update on the goings on this week.

News montage of the week.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/newsbeat/newsid_8681000/8681776.stm

David Beckham hands in England's World Cup 2018 bid to FIFA.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8683040.stm

Internet creates another musical talent. In the footsteps of Lilly Allen, Justin Bieber and Artic Monkeys
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment_and_arts/10116841.stm?ls

In the World of the crazy escapes.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8683750.stm?ls

The waiting game, and the moments inbetween

2010-05-02T22:05:00.001+01:00

It has now been three months since finishing all manner of formal education for good. So far, the fear of the big wide world hasn't been so much of an issue as much as the lack of a full time job.

But because I'm the 'ants in the pants', super hyper type of person, I have been writing more than ever, freelancing for a few friends and their websites or small town publication. Just recently I was lucky enough to secure some work experience at proper local paper, where I had a great chance to learn new writing skills and meet new people. I helped cover a local election rally/meeting. It was not too bad actually considering I was probably one of the few (about 3 ) young people in the place.

My shorthand note taking kept me wide awake throughout the event. Among other things, from a phone interview, some lady addressed me as 'Lindsay'?! How similar sounding is my name to that I do not know, but she was happy enough and the article went in to the paper, which is the most important thing i suppose.

If the few days at the paper was not enough, I was on a train the very next day going across the country, East to West direction. Yup i travelled all the way to the West Country for an interview with a paper. Must say it was a beautiful part of the country. The area, had loads of retro, hippie type clothes stores, which I found very intriguing and many young-ish, young parents mostly wearing hippie type clothes. If they weren't hippies, they were the tweed wearing posh country folk kind. What a mix!

If the 12 hour round trip to the West and back was not bad enough, the chance meeting of this rather eccentric, very loopy but nice enough, loud and massively hyper man on the train was... a funny moment. If it had been anybody else I'm sure they would have tuned him out, told him to F off or could have been embarrassed even.

This guy said his name was 'James', not sure if that was real or bogus, I told him my name. 'oh I know another Geetha!' -yea like hey I too know another 'James' in fact several others, I thought to myself. He goes on about how he's a major Lib Dem supporter and the amount of work he does for the party in his local area in Gloucester and in London. I'm not sure if he was really talking to someone on the phone or if he was bluffing when he said "hey (so&so) I'm on my way to London now, I'll be at the house of commons by 5 hopefully". Not quiet sure he was all there at this point, It being a Friday afternoon and near enough bank holiday weekend.

Don't get me wrong he was friendly enough and well dressed, but that's not to say nutters cant be nice and well dressed to BE nutters. He tried guessing what i did for a living, got it wrong of course and I get this a lot, ( I find it very funny), he tried to guess where my family come from. And like the numerous people I have met, he got it wrong -hilarious when I pull that one out of the bag. Just before we have to get off he gets another phone call, after rabbiting on about getting so-many bottles of champers and Marks and Spencer's tid-bits for this do (apparently) he turns to me and gossips about the guy he was talking to and how the guy called 'Frank' used to be a gangster and now is a major player in the media industry. 'Cool' I said, but thinking to myself- 'what a load of BS!'

Thankfully the train had reached London. He shakes my hand and and hurries off, I on the other laughed the whole incident off in my head and rushed off to get some cola from Burger King, needed the sugar rush!

New Beginnings

2010-04-23T16:08:00.000+01:00

This has truly been the month for new events, to steal the slogan made famous by President Obama, 'Time for Change'. Incidentally the Tories have also stolen that catch phrase for their tough election campaign.

I love the month of April. It is a very bias comment, as I 'm bound to say that having been born in this month. But it is lovely; Spring is well truly blooming, the sun's rays burning away the lingering signs of winter. Personally, life has been marvellous! My family are doing well, we're happy and moving forward with what we want to do and supporting each other every step of the way.

Must say the good weather is most certainly bringing unexpected surprises. I have secured work experiences at several places, moving around the country seeing new things meeting new people.

Absolutely fabulous. Next stop middle of Suffolk and Gloucestershire, which should be exciting. I have had excellent news with some applications on the job front. I do have loads of social events planned that is going to increase my list of experience and contacts, among other casual outings with friends and family. April has kept me rather busy and I think the months ahead are going to be as equally eventful, which is excellent news for me.

Just reading back, the title is very apt for the coming election too. There are new things expected to come out of this highly unpredictable election. I so want to witness a hung parliament situation; not only would it be hilarious but just want to see how the ministers will deal with it!

Party Leaders look fearful and sound semi sure of what they ARE going to do and what IS going to happen in the coming weeks and even after the elections. I've never seen so many bald nails on all the leaders fingers! I bet secretly in a little dungeon/ padded cell, Tony Blair is sat in front of his big HD TV watching the debates on the various channels with his glass of whisky or whatever 'Poison' he drinks, chuckling at all of them especially poor Gordon, his old mucker!

We shall have to wait and see how this 'comedy' sketch pans out. In the mean time, I'm going to just enjoy my yummy cookie flavoured ice cream in the garden.

In the news this week....

2010-04-07T14:19:00.000+01:00

Trawling through the pages of news online, I found myself chuckling at a couple of headlines. One, although not immediately funny, as you read the story it clearly has comedy scene written all over it. The line read 'Woman caught after trying to smuggle a body on plane', and as you read the article, it turns out an elderly relative had died while travelling with them and instead of reporting to the local authorities here, the woman tried to wheel him through customs and put sunglasses on him to cover the fact that he was dead!

Bless the German woman, she ought to have known better than to use SUNGLASSES in rainy England as a disguise! Excuse the pun, but that in itself is a dead give away. Reading the story, sure sounded like something out of a film.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/apr/06/women-arrested-smuggle-body-plane

Funny news is not always home bound, the Aussies have a fair few nutters to boast about too.
The inmates figured that, they were already inside doing time, a bit more couldn't hardly make a difference. All for a dish we take for granted- A Pizza!

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1389697.html

I would love to have seen this happening for myself! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/uknews/7450365/Funny-headlines-from-the-South-London-Press-newspaper.html?image=5

How could have they possibly done it? Came in, in the shadow of darkness, with masks to cover their identity and held a knife to the man did they?? Haha :D

With all the buzz about the election, something out of the ordinary sure puts a smile on even the stressed out politicians. Talking about election coverage, I cant wait for the analogies and the ways the media are going to try to make the coverage of the election simple and understandable for the benefit of the public watching.

Being at the right place at the right time...

2010-03-26T21:34:00.000+00:00

How I have heard that line from my dad time and time again. Bless him he does try his best to console me when I get another soul crushing rejection letter/ Email from the 'lovely' people who are in a position to pick and choose and play 'Eany, meany miney mo' with our job application forms.

But it does make one think though. The quote I mean, what has a person got to do to be at the right place at the right time? I can spend three quarters of my life hanging around the cafes, restaurants and bars where high flying editors, media executives frequent. Would that constitute to being at the right place? I wish I had the disposable income to find out, but sadly no. I suppose I have to take comfort in the fact the people I have met while doing endless amounts of work experience have provided me with the knowledge to help in 'breaking' down the solid door that is the Media industry.

Being the media 'junkie' I am, I have.. well signed up on various social networking sites, twitter being one of them. I was trying to find some inspiration to write something and well, low and behold, the media guardian elf's posted this article link http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/mar/26/media-workers-start-unpaid

With the current job market, in any field, in tatters no thanks to the economic slump, I figure the only way to get anybody's attention is to ask to work for nothing. And like the article points out, the 'who you know' attitude is still very much the ace card to be played during any interview. Name dropping; Self: 'Oh didn't I mention I know Piers Morgan?!' Editor: 'oh well welcome to our paper, can you start immediately??'

the idea behind the pictures

2010-02-26T18:00:00.000+00:00

While I get my finances and other bright ideas i keep coming up with in motion-slowly. I have a bit catching up to do with life, friends and culture that I had to ostracise whilst doing the NCTJ.

When I go around on my mini trips more often than not it happens to be London or the South from where I have just moved away, I take pictures on my trusty blackberry. I'm not a professional like some of my dear friends, who have a real eye for a good/great picture.

But I'm not bad-even though i say so myself-in framing and capturing a good picture. I find pictures fascinating, they are the documented proof i feel of our daily lives.

I was listening to the radio-to keep up with the current affairs and nourish my starved brain of some knowledge, an interesting fact cropped up about our memory and how the brain tends to 'delete' memories to accommodate the new memory one would have just acquired.

Its not an entirely proven fact, but was very interesting to listen to. Not sure it will explain, short term memory loss, but its definitely a good excuse to keep under the hat when I forget something!

Somehow that fact
seemed to validate my obsession of taking random photographs. This picture is one of mine and a recent favourite! I was standing out the Tate gallery about to walk towards the tube station when I thought 'this looks like a great shot'.

There are more randoms ones. I'm sometimes told off by a really good friend of mine, for taking pictures of sign boards! Well my reasoning behind that is so the viewer-apart from myself can Geo- position themselves-mentally- to give them a feel that they are ACTUALLY there.

Besides its for my memory, to remember where I have been- Hehehe. I think its important, especially with more study and revelations that more people are being diagnosed with dementia-scary thought to lose someone that way. not to remember anything-eeks :s

There have been some sad episodes in my life, and thanks to the pictures I had taken prior to those events, I have captured forever that memory and whatever happiness there was. So the camera, in my opinion, the best invention ever.

Before that, the amazing portrait painters-some excellent examples are housed in the National Portrait gallery-so life like-forget HD! they didn't need that in the 17th-18th century. Wish I could paint like that.

Well at least I can draw comic characters-that'll do for me doodling.

Big wide world

2010-02-22T01:27:00.000+00:00

Well, what do I say after a halt to all the madness that was taking place not so long ago.

'Hello!'- My usual response to almost everything or 'Hey ya!' the latter is my favourite; so to what I have done thus far-erm bits and fragments of my plan to tour this Isle has happened.

Starting with North Wales.

Lucky me, dad was on holiday and me being me, with my big brown eyes and whining ways was able to save a chunk of money on travelling by hitching a ride with him (cheeky grin). The idea behind my travel plans was mainly to follow the legendary trail of King Arthur and the story behind it.

I did manage to find one of the battle grounds on which King Arthur supposedly fought to save his kingdom. The most part of this trip however, had a few changes to it. Most of the historical links to the legend within Wales stop just after the North/South border, for the rest I must explore south Wales.

So I figured whilst here I shall find out about this area instead. I've heard alot about Welsh slate and that the roofs of mainly London and various well-to-do areas line their houses with this material. I knew this was part of the country, mining was the major source of income and career path for the people.

I had no idea what the work entailed apart from it was very- Very dangerous! well duh you're going down into the bowels of the earth and there's a limited supply of fresh air down there.

We reached a place called Ffestiniog where the slate mines are. What you will notice when you get to the nearest town is the mountains-man-made mountains of slate chippings discarded after squaring off the tiles.

This next video is not very clear, but the sounds of the carts talking us into the dark tunnels of the dis-used mines was a bit nervy.

The road trip was very soothing to the weary soul after a long while of being stressed and tired, mainly tired. There was a lot of sheep! Most of all the language, it intrigued me to hear and read Welsh. I couldn't pronounce half of the things i saw on the sign boards that was more the three syllables!

From the books I have read, the language is a derivative of ancient celtic, druids used to and some still use it to be with the sprits of the land. Very mysterious. It would be so cool to meet a practicing druid or pagan. I mean these belives pre-date christanity and catholism, they must help countless number of people get through some pretty tough times, most of the trouble, from history, caused by religion itself .

That was North Wales, a bit of history for added measure. Next stop Cornwall and Devon hopefully!

2010, Big Freeze...World in debt..

2010-01-09T19:14:00.000+00:00

Welcome to 2010! A decade into the 21st century, "where has time gone" was the most popular quote that friends and family were using towards the tail end of 2009. If i knew how to slow time or even the ability to add a few more precious minutes when struggling to complete all the tasks one sets, I bet the world would be in a much worst state than it already is- I'd imagine.

I must say what a way to start the year too. A nation brought to its knees by heavy snow and ice with temperatures plummeting to a very Arctic minus 22! It was nice to have a bit of snow during the Christmas and New Year holiday's as most of us were probably slumped in front of the television and not really had much plans to go out. There may be some who may have seen the snow as a blessing- an excuse not to go visit the in-laws perhaps (cheeky grin).

Well how the month of January is whizzing by. Mm I'll be done and dusted with NCTJ training soon-SHRIEK!!!!! Shoved into the big wide world. 'Finally' my dad would say.

I think I have also finally made plans to just travel around the British isles and include Scotland and Ireland in to that or yes and Mythical Wales!

A tour round Devon, Cornwall, Brighton and other bits of Sussex while I'm still here in the South. Possibly make a ferry trip to Belfast or Dublin or Both. MM I'm really considering just getting a map and doing things at hock, as if there something that my early life has thought me, even the best laid plans never seem to turn out as you want it to so whats the point of planning everything to the finest detail, raw adventure! it should make for interesting video blogs.

So excuse me for the next 3 weeks while I sit in solitary confinement and be a boffin! Stocked up with coffee, tea and crisps.

Festive season, end of another year!

2009-12-25T19:25:00.000+00:00

Goodness! Is it that time of the year again? Well the last time I was here, I think I was withering on about something that was happening in the world, all seems so long a ago and has faded away from all our minds, as has most things.

I'm sure this month is slipping faster from our grips than usual; It is always the case when you're enjoying yourself.

I guess this maybe one of the last posts for 2009, and I'm trying to make it as poignant and philosophical as possible (even though I'm usually neither!)

Music and Hollywood has been dealt with the blow of several stars passing; MJ, Farah Fawcett and recently Brittany Murphy. Personally, I've had trials and tribulations of my own to deal with, as have some dear friends.
There have been good times in between everything; Like ketchup in a burger! it's moments like that which keeps us sane, thankfully!

Immersing myself in what I want to do in life, making new friends, pursing a career in the media industry. One more little hurdle completing journalism training, be well on my way and actually full use of my degree soon.

What can we expect for 2010? A secure job would be nice for starters. Squeeze in a bit more travelling, within the country, there are a lot more places yet to be explored. Oo getting up to Scotland would be a good one for the travelling list.

I have some vague plans and rouge ideas when it comes to jobs whilst looking for something permanent. Its good to have a few lines on tap, can't keep all your eggs in one basket now can I?

When it boils down to it all, I suppose I'm a bit of a believer in that everything happens for a reason-to a certain extent, the rest is down to the choices one makes in life. So fingers crossed, I have enough sense to see through another year and make relatively decent choices along the way.

For the most part, the enjoyment of the present is essential. Life is for enjoying regardless of the obstacles that may be thrown at us from time to time. If there is one thing that I have learnt from my elders, try to put yourself first, if you can stand on your own two feet, its only than when you will be capable to help others.

So 2010, a nice round number, a decade into the millennium and it too, I'm sure will go by like grease lightning. Got another list of 'Do to' things at the ready and a pocket full of bright ideas, most if which will go with the wind, like going to the gym for starters (Big Cheeky grin)

Hopefully next Christmas i would have some money to do something nice with my family, instead of just a sweet, cheap card from the nearest pound shop.

But hey, all is good. Can't and shouldn't really complain. Be thankful for what we have and live a contented life, anything more is a plus and if you want more -EARN IT!

See you in the new year!