Saturday 30 April 2011
Blogging Challenge
Returning to Uni after Easter, celebrating the royal wedding, final Uni assignments and going to Spain, I have quite possibly chosen the worst month to chose to take on the blogging challenge. With this in mind I am going to put the challenge on hold because there are plenty of other things I need to be concentrating on, this is not to say however the blogging itself will be put on hold.
Wednesday 27 April 2011
Day 3// Call To Action
So with call to action being the idea for day 3 of the blogging challenge I wasn't too sure what I was going to write about to begin with. I decided however my call to action is to ask the people that do read my blog to get more people reading it by sharing it around a little.
I blog about all sorts of things, whether they are funny, serious, sad or silly I will write about it and some turn out really well and some not so but after all the whole idea of my blog is to improve and learn a little. No ones brilliant to start with at anything, and as the saying goes practice makes perfect. I'm still relatively knew to the blogging world and therefore I'm still finding my feet a little.
So my call to action, if you read my blog and you like it I want you to share it with other people. It's easy to do this on my blog as there is a gadget on the right hand side and at the very bottom offering several methods of sharing it such as facebook and twitter. All you have to do is chose the one you want to use and click on it - simple as that. By sharing it around, your creating a wider audience and increasing the number and variety of people that might stumble across my blog and read it.
As well, if you read anything you like, agree with, disagree with or don't like I want people to leave comments on my blog posts and tell me what your thinking and why. The whole idea of this is to get people reading what I write and creating a reaction, that's what a journalist aims to do isn't it? Things aren't written just for the sake of it, there's a reason why it's written. Even if you have something negative to say, a bit of constructive criticism never hurt anyone now did it. My point is, I want to know that people are reading my blog and I want to know what you think.
You might ask why? What's the point? Let me tell you...
It's pretty simple, I am doing a degree in journalism after all because I want people to see what I write and this seems like a perfect starting point to me. So that's my call to action to help me out. If you ignore it then that's entirely up to you but if you don't then I definitely owe you a massive thankyou!
I blog about all sorts of things, whether they are funny, serious, sad or silly I will write about it and some turn out really well and some not so but after all the whole idea of my blog is to improve and learn a little. No ones brilliant to start with at anything, and as the saying goes practice makes perfect. I'm still relatively knew to the blogging world and therefore I'm still finding my feet a little.
So my call to action, if you read my blog and you like it I want you to share it with other people. It's easy to do this on my blog as there is a gadget on the right hand side and at the very bottom offering several methods of sharing it such as facebook and twitter. All you have to do is chose the one you want to use and click on it - simple as that. By sharing it around, your creating a wider audience and increasing the number and variety of people that might stumble across my blog and read it.
As well, if you read anything you like, agree with, disagree with or don't like I want people to leave comments on my blog posts and tell me what your thinking and why. The whole idea of this is to get people reading what I write and creating a reaction, that's what a journalist aims to do isn't it? Things aren't written just for the sake of it, there's a reason why it's written. Even if you have something negative to say, a bit of constructive criticism never hurt anyone now did it. My point is, I want to know that people are reading my blog and I want to know what you think.
You might ask why? What's the point? Let me tell you...
It's pretty simple, I am doing a degree in journalism after all because I want people to see what I write and this seems like a perfect starting point to me. So that's my call to action to help me out. If you ignore it then that's entirely up to you but if you don't then I definitely owe you a massive thankyou!
Monday 25 April 2011
Day 2// Tips
The second day of the blogging challenge is TIPS. I was thinking to myself what do I know a lot about to warrant me giving tips on it. Then I realised, what is really fresh in my mind is my first year at University, which is rapidly coming to an end. Before I started University, I was constantly reading guides, tips and lists published by students on forums and blogs about going to Uni. Now however, I know for myself. I know that I should have not shared my saucepans with my flat mates so they get incredibly scratched and unusable and I know that the vegetable streamer I thought would be very useful, really isn't - I have never used it.
So here are my top 10 tips for starting University. (In no particular order.)
1. Don't try and take EVERYTHING
Any typical girl has loads of clothes, which is fair enough but believe me, your Uni room will not have space for your entire wardrobe. There's no point in trying to take everything with you, I sent back a couple of boxes of things with my parents, there simply wasn't the room. Plus half of what I did keep I haven't even used or worn.
2. Don't hide in your room on the first night
So you’re scared, alone and nervous. You don't know these strange people that your parents have left you with. Well funnily enough, everyone is in the same boat and the best way to solve this is to get out in the kitchen or communal space and get chatting. On my first night, I was shattered and all set for an early night but it's really important you make the effort with your new flat mates because they may or may not become your closest friends at Uni. Once I got chatting to my flat mates, we went to the student union, got drunk, went to a club, got a bit more drunk and the rest is history.
3. Take plenty of photos and home comforts.
Being in a strange place, and moving away from home for the first time can be extremely daunting. Personally, I found having cushions from home, photographs and pictures very comforting and made settling in much easier. That’s why it’s also important to unpack and settle in to your room as soon as possible. If you do it before your parents leave, they’ll help you. My mum hung up and folded all my clothes for me –excellent!
4. Take essentials like oven gloves.
As obvious as this may sound, it's amazing how easily people forget things like this. When it comes to getting the pizza out the oven, you suddenly remember what the answer was when your parents ask you: "Is there anything you've forgotten?"
5. Save all your lose change.
Every time it came to having to wash my clothes I never had any change to use in the machines. This made the whole having to do my own washing a whole lot more annoying in the fact I had to go all the way to the shop to change up a note before being able to actually start. The worst part of living on your own: Having to wash your clothes - and pay for it!
6. Take a doorstop.
Ages before I even thought about what to take to Uni with me, people told me I would need a doorstop. As un-exciting as that sounds it's proved very useful. Most of the doors in Halls of Residence close behind you. This is all well and good when you want some time to yourself but also very un-social. For the first few weeks I propped my door open and that way it was much easier to get to know everyone. It's a lot easier to approach an open door than an un-open door. Besides who wants to get ready for a night out on their own?
7. Buy cheap glasses, plates, mugs etc.
Nothing lasts very long in a halls of residence kitchen, I can tell you. I have probably been through about 10 different glasses and I know for a fact I have one less plate - and I know whom to blame! I never really care when things get broken because I bought it all cheap, if you take anything valuable in terms of kitchen stuff, I guarantee it will be broken at some point. Lets face it, everyone gets little bit drunk now and then and knocks things flying, it's been done a lot in my kitchen.
8. Don't try and do EVERYTHING in fresher’s week.
Fresher’s week is amazing and I wont deny that, the first week or fortnight are the most important for getting to know people and places but it is also extremely tiring and overwhelming. A lot of people will try and do everything, go to every social event and get drunk every night - there seems to be that emphasis on fresher’s week but there is a lot more to in than that. Personally I went out about 3 times the first week and the other nights I spent with my flat mates socializing in halls, you get to know people a lot better that way and you don't embarrass yourself with your drunk habits straight away. You know what I mean, the emotional bit, the disappearing act, the violent stage and the paralytic ending.
9. Get involved with groups, societies and clubs.
If there is one thing I regret not doing, it's failing to join a club. Universities provide all sorts of social activities other than drinking (though that usually comes in to it one way or another.) It's a brilliant way to meet people and when you are sick of being in the flat it gives you something to do and somewhere to go maybe a couple of nights a week.
10. Be prepared to have your sleeping pattern ruined.
For some reason students find it a good idea to sit up to all hours, chatting, drinking and watching really pointless crap on the Internet. Why going to bed every night at 2am seems like a good idea I will never know but it seems to be the way it goes. Even when you do manage an early night, there is plenty of noise around to ruin that for you. That’s halls for you! So if you like your sleep you’d better be prepared to have to wear earplugs.
So here are my top 10 tips for starting University. (In no particular order.)
1. Don't try and take EVERYTHING
Any typical girl has loads of clothes, which is fair enough but believe me, your Uni room will not have space for your entire wardrobe. There's no point in trying to take everything with you, I sent back a couple of boxes of things with my parents, there simply wasn't the room. Plus half of what I did keep I haven't even used or worn.
2. Don't hide in your room on the first night
So you’re scared, alone and nervous. You don't know these strange people that your parents have left you with. Well funnily enough, everyone is in the same boat and the best way to solve this is to get out in the kitchen or communal space and get chatting. On my first night, I was shattered and all set for an early night but it's really important you make the effort with your new flat mates because they may or may not become your closest friends at Uni. Once I got chatting to my flat mates, we went to the student union, got drunk, went to a club, got a bit more drunk and the rest is history.
3. Take plenty of photos and home comforts.
Being in a strange place, and moving away from home for the first time can be extremely daunting. Personally, I found having cushions from home, photographs and pictures very comforting and made settling in much easier. That’s why it’s also important to unpack and settle in to your room as soon as possible. If you do it before your parents leave, they’ll help you. My mum hung up and folded all my clothes for me –excellent!
4. Take essentials like oven gloves.
As obvious as this may sound, it's amazing how easily people forget things like this. When it comes to getting the pizza out the oven, you suddenly remember what the answer was when your parents ask you: "Is there anything you've forgotten?"
5. Save all your lose change.
Every time it came to having to wash my clothes I never had any change to use in the machines. This made the whole having to do my own washing a whole lot more annoying in the fact I had to go all the way to the shop to change up a note before being able to actually start. The worst part of living on your own: Having to wash your clothes - and pay for it!
6. Take a doorstop.
Ages before I even thought about what to take to Uni with me, people told me I would need a doorstop. As un-exciting as that sounds it's proved very useful. Most of the doors in Halls of Residence close behind you. This is all well and good when you want some time to yourself but also very un-social. For the first few weeks I propped my door open and that way it was much easier to get to know everyone. It's a lot easier to approach an open door than an un-open door. Besides who wants to get ready for a night out on their own?
7. Buy cheap glasses, plates, mugs etc.
Nothing lasts very long in a halls of residence kitchen, I can tell you. I have probably been through about 10 different glasses and I know for a fact I have one less plate - and I know whom to blame! I never really care when things get broken because I bought it all cheap, if you take anything valuable in terms of kitchen stuff, I guarantee it will be broken at some point. Lets face it, everyone gets little bit drunk now and then and knocks things flying, it's been done a lot in my kitchen.
8. Don't try and do EVERYTHING in fresher’s week.
Fresher’s week is amazing and I wont deny that, the first week or fortnight are the most important for getting to know people and places but it is also extremely tiring and overwhelming. A lot of people will try and do everything, go to every social event and get drunk every night - there seems to be that emphasis on fresher’s week but there is a lot more to in than that. Personally I went out about 3 times the first week and the other nights I spent with my flat mates socializing in halls, you get to know people a lot better that way and you don't embarrass yourself with your drunk habits straight away. You know what I mean, the emotional bit, the disappearing act, the violent stage and the paralytic ending.
9. Get involved with groups, societies and clubs.
If there is one thing I regret not doing, it's failing to join a club. Universities provide all sorts of social activities other than drinking (though that usually comes in to it one way or another.) It's a brilliant way to meet people and when you are sick of being in the flat it gives you something to do and somewhere to go maybe a couple of nights a week.
10. Be prepared to have your sleeping pattern ruined.
For some reason students find it a good idea to sit up to all hours, chatting, drinking and watching really pointless crap on the Internet. Why going to bed every night at 2am seems like a good idea I will never know but it seems to be the way it goes. Even when you do manage an early night, there is plenty of noise around to ruin that for you. That’s halls for you! So if you like your sleep you’d better be prepared to have to wear earplugs.
Sunday 24 April 2011
Day 1// Topical Blogging - The Royal Wedding.
For Day 1 of the blogging challenge the topic was something that is currently in the news, instantly I though of one event which for one reason or another is continuously cropping up in the News, The Royal Wedding.
The royal wedding is less that a week away now. Did you know that? Of course you did, If you listen to the radio, watch television, use the internet via computer, blackberry or Iphone or read magazines and newspapers then you would definitely know.
Lets be honest now, the whole royal wedding palaver has sent everyone a little bit crazy. I will admit, I'm completely obsessed with the whole thing, yet I'm not quite sure why? I would love to say Wills is a friend of the family and I go shopping with Kate on a regular basis, but that would be a lie.Yet every day, I find my self thinking about their wedding.
I literally cannot wait to see Kate's dress, and see how many bridesmaids have to stop it from dragging along the floor, miles behind her. Just think, the money that has been thrown at this event and how utterly glamorous, gorgeous and perfect it's going to be, and also the pressure there is to make sure it is just as it should be.
In my slight obsession with the whole thing I Googled it, just to see how the schedule looks. I can't believe how complex it is. Any regular wedding and the schedule would mention, the people directly involved wouldn't you think. You know, the two people getting married and their families. Not when your the son of the Prince of Wales, your wedding then involves a couple of hundred other people you probably don't know the names of.
The schedule starts between 8.15am and 9.45am with, the general congregation arriving at the Great North Door of Westminster Abbey. From 9.50am Governors-general and prime ministers of realm countries, the diplomatic corps and other distinguished guests arrive at the Abbey. Who are these people?
The schedule gets as exact as 10.38 when The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.42am. What I want to know is what happens if unexpectedly The Duchess of Cornwall's heel breaks and she has to change her shoes? Or if Prince Charles forgets the camera? (Yes - I realise there will be a very expensive professional photographer, but you get my point.) That would ruin the schedule a little wouldn't it?
What I like about the marriage is that Kate is like any other girl. Well, maybe I should rephrase that. She was like any other girl, until Prince William proposed to her and offered her a marriage that the entire country and probably many others will be watching. From what I have seen of her and read about her, she does seem so normal, so natural and so lovely. That doesn't stop a lot of the girls in this country thinking: "Bitch!" She does get to marry the prince and have an absolutely extraordinary wedding, and a whole day where all eyes will just be on her.
Exciting as that may sound, think of the pressure? The pressure to look amazing, get the vows right, not be late, not to trip over anything or get drunk and take the piss out of the Queens Corgi or something. She's marrying in to the royal family for goodness sakes, better stay away from the champagne.
Anyway, the wedding is on Friday and I'm pretty sure the country will be celebrating in style. It's been announced as a public holiday so for me that's an excuse to have a damn good party. I will definitely be watching the royal wedding, I can't wait to see if anything goes wrong, anyone falls over or a car breaks down or something. I'm pretty sure however, with the amount of money that will have gone in to this day, mistakes like that will not be happening.
The royal wedding is less that a week away now. Did you know that? Of course you did, If you listen to the radio, watch television, use the internet via computer, blackberry or Iphone or read magazines and newspapers then you would definitely know.
Lets be honest now, the whole royal wedding palaver has sent everyone a little bit crazy. I will admit, I'm completely obsessed with the whole thing, yet I'm not quite sure why? I would love to say Wills is a friend of the family and I go shopping with Kate on a regular basis, but that would be a lie.Yet every day, I find my self thinking about their wedding.
I literally cannot wait to see Kate's dress, and see how many bridesmaids have to stop it from dragging along the floor, miles behind her. Just think, the money that has been thrown at this event and how utterly glamorous, gorgeous and perfect it's going to be, and also the pressure there is to make sure it is just as it should be.
In my slight obsession with the whole thing I Googled it, just to see how the schedule looks. I can't believe how complex it is. Any regular wedding and the schedule would mention, the people directly involved wouldn't you think. You know, the two people getting married and their families. Not when your the son of the Prince of Wales, your wedding then involves a couple of hundred other people you probably don't know the names of.
The schedule starts between 8.15am and 9.45am with, the general congregation arriving at the Great North Door of Westminster Abbey. From 9.50am Governors-general and prime ministers of realm countries, the diplomatic corps and other distinguished guests arrive at the Abbey. Who are these people?
The schedule gets as exact as 10.38 when The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.42am. What I want to know is what happens if unexpectedly The Duchess of Cornwall's heel breaks and she has to change her shoes? Or if Prince Charles forgets the camera? (Yes - I realise there will be a very expensive professional photographer, but you get my point.) That would ruin the schedule a little wouldn't it?
What I like about the marriage is that Kate is like any other girl. Well, maybe I should rephrase that. She was like any other girl, until Prince William proposed to her and offered her a marriage that the entire country and probably many others will be watching. From what I have seen of her and read about her, she does seem so normal, so natural and so lovely. That doesn't stop a lot of the girls in this country thinking: "Bitch!" She does get to marry the prince and have an absolutely extraordinary wedding, and a whole day where all eyes will just be on her.
Exciting as that may sound, think of the pressure? The pressure to look amazing, get the vows right, not be late, not to trip over anything or get drunk and take the piss out of the Queens Corgi or something. She's marrying in to the royal family for goodness sakes, better stay away from the champagne.
Anyway, the wedding is on Friday and I'm pretty sure the country will be celebrating in style. It's been announced as a public holiday so for me that's an excuse to have a damn good party. I will definitely be watching the royal wedding, I can't wait to see if anything goes wrong, anyone falls over or a car breaks down or something. I'm pretty sure however, with the amount of money that will have gone in to this day, mistakes like that will not be happening.
Saturday 23 April 2011
Nikki Pilkington's 30 Day Blogging Challenge
Sometimes I struggle to know what to blog about. After looking at other people's blogs, and googling for ideas I came across Nikki Pilkington's 30 Day Blogging Challenge. Every day, for 30 days I will be emailed a blog idea and then left to write my blog based on this. Simple as that.
Nikki Pilkington is the author of ebook, 299 Steps to Blogging Heaven. A guide for those who need a push in the right direction to get their blog noticed, read and remembered.
http://www.facebook.com/internetmarketingbynikki#!/internetmarketingbynikki?sk=info
http://www.nikkipilkington.com/
Tomorrow I will start the challenge because, I am in need of some inspiration. So please keep checking back to see what I have to write about for the next month.
Nikki Pilkington is the author of ebook, 299 Steps to Blogging Heaven. A guide for those who need a push in the right direction to get their blog noticed, read and remembered.
http://www.facebook.com/internetmarketingbynikki#!/internetmarketingbynikki?sk=info
http://www.nikkipilkington.com/
Tomorrow I will start the challenge because, I am in need of some inspiration. So please keep checking back to see what I have to write about for the next month.
Sunday 17 April 2011
I need a new job
I look at people who have been doing the same job for longer than they can remember, and I think to myself: "How?" I've spent the last three summer's working as a seasonal catering assistant for the national trust, to begin with part time but during my gap year before Uni I worked full time. Come September, I was definitely sick of the sight of the place and ready to leave it behind.
Coming home for Easter meant the beginning of my 4th summer with the National Trust. Two weeks later, and I wonder how I stuck a whole summer of working 5 days a week doing exactly the same thing, every single day. I need a new job.
I think that's what excites me about going in to the world of Journalism, you never know what each day is going to be like? What you'll be doing, where you'll be going and who you'll be talking to. As well as a passion for writing I think that's dragged me towards this career choice.
Any temporary job like a catering assistant or shop assistant is fine when your young and you know it's not for ever but if I knew that, that was it for me I think I would struggle to find any enthusiasm what so ever. I wont lie, I've enjoyed working at the National Trust, I've made some great friends, had some good laughs and probably some tears but I think it's time to try something different.
It's a good job, it's convenient, good money and I know what I am doing but it's also become incredibly boring, repetitive and I think I need a challenge. I have another week there before I head back to University, for the last term of my first Year. I don't like to say what I'm planning to do about my job, I think it's more a case of seeing what happens.
Coming home for Easter meant the beginning of my 4th summer with the National Trust. Two weeks later, and I wonder how I stuck a whole summer of working 5 days a week doing exactly the same thing, every single day. I need a new job.
I think that's what excites me about going in to the world of Journalism, you never know what each day is going to be like? What you'll be doing, where you'll be going and who you'll be talking to. As well as a passion for writing I think that's dragged me towards this career choice.
Any temporary job like a catering assistant or shop assistant is fine when your young and you know it's not for ever but if I knew that, that was it for me I think I would struggle to find any enthusiasm what so ever. I wont lie, I've enjoyed working at the National Trust, I've made some great friends, had some good laughs and probably some tears but I think it's time to try something different.
It's a good job, it's convenient, good money and I know what I am doing but it's also become incredibly boring, repetitive and I think I need a challenge. I have another week there before I head back to University, for the last term of my first Year. I don't like to say what I'm planning to do about my job, I think it's more a case of seeing what happens.
Saturday 16 April 2011
Camden Market
After 5 minutes of being there, I had fallen in love with the place. It might not be glamorous as such but there was certainly something about the place that fascinated me. There was row after row of market stalls, pretty dresses, jewelery, various other clothing items, vintage shops, furniture stalls, you name it, it was there and I couldn't get enough of it.
I am a typical girl - the word vintage excites me, I like pretty things and I'm a sucker for anything lace and let's me honest who doesn't love a bargain. It took me ages to chose from all the lovely things on all the stalls and the boyfriend said to me: "Don't act like you really like something, we can haggle!" But I couldn't help myself, every corner I turned I couldn't help but say: "Ooh I love that!" and "That's so pretty!" Eventually with so much to chose from I bought myself 2 dresses. A pretty summery dress, and a lacy vintage looking dress, both which we managed to get the price down to £13 each! Bargain!
Minutes after buying these however I walked in to a shop full to the brim with lace detailed dresses, jackets, cardigans and scarves. I was dangerously close to going totally over board, forgetting I was a student and purchasing the whole shop. Instead, I promised myself I would come back again when I had more money, and I gracefully left the shop and left Camden market.
Out of all the places I went that day, Covent Gardens, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly, Leicester Square and Buckingham Palace it was by far the one that captured me the most. From the moment I left the tube station there was a different atmosphere, it felt like I was stepping on to the high street in a different world.
Camden is renowned for it's open air markets and alternative clothing and lifestyles. It's very popular for more of a punk or goth interest but for girls like myself the vintage, lace and pretty things are all there too.
http://www.camdenlock.net/
I loved it, and I can't wait to get back there buy more dresses and taste some of the delicious food that was also on offer right through the market from Mexican to Chinese and from candyfloss to doughnuts!
Thursday 14 April 2011
Age
Lately I've been thinking a lot about age.
Recently two people I vaguely know died, one was only 40 years old and the other was at the grand age of 104 years old! Isn't that a huge difference.
Lilly Goodson was a good friend of my nans and a friend to the family for much longer that I can remember, alongside my own nan she watched myself and my two cousins grow up along with her own grandchildren and probably a lot of other people.
At 104 years old, I wonder what did this lady NOT see in her life time. If my maths doesn't fail me, it must have been around 1907 that Lilly was born, I can't begin to imagine how different the world she was born in to is to the world that she has left. I know myself, the world has changed in my short life time of 19 years so it is completely beyond me to think what happened in 104 years!
I remember my nan telling me as a small child, Lilly still goes up stairs on a double decker bus, she walks everywhere and she's part of every group in the Brixham area. I used to think Lilly was an extraordinary women and even at just 5 or 6 I would think: "Wow I want to live that long!"
40 year old Jim Holland, was my high school maths teacher and a complete legend throughout Cullompton Community College. He had a brilliant love hate relationship with the students. We would curse him for the work he gave us, but you ask anyone of the kids that were taught by him and I guarantee every one of them would have a story to tell. A story that would make you laugh, and story which will be treasured.
My point is however that there is no warning of what age you will be when you have to leave this world. I think that makes you realise that you have to live life to the full you have to live like you haven't got much time even if you eventually do end up like Lilly.
It's a harsh old world that's for sure and I think if there is anyone that has seen the harsh and good from today and from 100 years ago it would of been Lilly Goodson. What an amazing lady.
As for Jim Holland, he and his family definitely saw the brutal reality of life and how early it can be snatched away. If you have read all the comments and kind words from the students that he taught, it's clear to see he was a brilliant teacher who clearly made a considerable impact on hundreds of students, who's thoughts are all with his family.
Recently two people I vaguely know died, one was only 40 years old and the other was at the grand age of 104 years old! Isn't that a huge difference.
Lilly Goodson was a good friend of my nans and a friend to the family for much longer that I can remember, alongside my own nan she watched myself and my two cousins grow up along with her own grandchildren and probably a lot of other people.
At 104 years old, I wonder what did this lady NOT see in her life time. If my maths doesn't fail me, it must have been around 1907 that Lilly was born, I can't begin to imagine how different the world she was born in to is to the world that she has left. I know myself, the world has changed in my short life time of 19 years so it is completely beyond me to think what happened in 104 years!
I remember my nan telling me as a small child, Lilly still goes up stairs on a double decker bus, she walks everywhere and she's part of every group in the Brixham area. I used to think Lilly was an extraordinary women and even at just 5 or 6 I would think: "Wow I want to live that long!"
40 year old Jim Holland, was my high school maths teacher and a complete legend throughout Cullompton Community College. He had a brilliant love hate relationship with the students. We would curse him for the work he gave us, but you ask anyone of the kids that were taught by him and I guarantee every one of them would have a story to tell. A story that would make you laugh, and story which will be treasured.
My point is however that there is no warning of what age you will be when you have to leave this world. I think that makes you realise that you have to live life to the full you have to live like you haven't got much time even if you eventually do end up like Lilly.
It's a harsh old world that's for sure and I think if there is anyone that has seen the harsh and good from today and from 100 years ago it would of been Lilly Goodson. What an amazing lady.
As for Jim Holland, he and his family definitely saw the brutal reality of life and how early it can be snatched away. If you have read all the comments and kind words from the students that he taught, it's clear to see he was a brilliant teacher who clearly made a considerable impact on hundreds of students, who's thoughts are all with his family.
Wednesday 13 April 2011
Child Models - Cute or Disturbing?
I don't know about you but when I turn the pages of monthly glossies such as Vogue I don't expect to see children as young as six modelling the latest couture. Though French Vogue has done just this, a whole special toddler edition in the December – January issue of last year. What may I ask, is all that about? Former editor Carine Roitfield left a lasting impression on the magazine when her last issue was full of children modelling the latest fashions. First impressions maybe: “Oh how cute.” But then you see the photos it’s more a case of shock.
It disturbed me to see children with full faces of makeup, six-inch heels and the latest high fashions. Not only this but maybe the worst part is the way the models are being positioned and photographed, as if they were adult models. They are being sexualised with provocative positions and poses and extra attention paid to parts of their body. Am I the only one seeing something a little bit wrong with this?
Children at the age of six should be playing with Barbies and dolls not acting like them. Their innocence has years to remain so what is right about corrupting it with the fashion industry at such young ages?
There is a thirst for the young fresh-faced innocence that only children possess. There are even modelling agencies specifically for children. My attention turns to the parents however and I wonder, how exactly they can allow their children to be thrown head first in to the fashion industry so young.
After watching the new series on Channel 4 on a Wednesday evening called, The Modelling Agency, which follows the work of a top UK agency called Premier my eyes have been opened a little further to the industry. One episode in particular focuses on the ‘new’ faces and ‘fresh’ faces. Here, the children are scouted at young ages and then ‘nurtured’ by the company until they are ready to work.
This is probably better than children modelling straight out of pre-school but it still interferes with childhood. One of Premier’s girls, India Farrell changed her mind during the first episode when she became of age to work after being scouted at just 12-years-old. This caused stress and upset to the company and staff that had been working with her. The 16-year-old was under pressure to deliver but young and un-sure of what she wanted in life, she struggled.
As quoted by India: “I just felt lost like I was surrounded in really thick fog and I couldn’t find or see the route I wanted to go down and I just felt like I was being trapped in the corner looking at other models and comparing myself thinking that I wasn’t good enough.”
To me, that sums up what I am saying. Pressure, and corruption of innocence can be damaging. Childhood is valuable and once it’s gone you will never get it back, I think it’s shocking when children are snapped up for modelling before they have learnt about the world around them and the harsh reality of it.
Saturday 9 April 2011
Old routines
Writing my blog, has been a little dry of late. No inspiration, or enthusiasm and frankly no passion to create any, but I think it's only short lived. I'm putting it down to re-adjusting to quiet life in a little house in Devon as apposed to the lively and slightly tiring atmosphere of halls of residence!
Coming home and going back to work, was a shock to the system.
I have got much too used to being a lazy student that I'd forgotten what it was like to do a full days work. Last Saturday, I was straight back in at an 8 hour day and I can safely say I was exhausted.
Don't get me wrong, I know that an 8 hour day is nothing compared to the hours some people work. In fact before University I worked 5 or 6 days a week, so I do know what it is like to work full time, and 8 hours really is nothing.
Yet when you get used to a completely different lifestyle it's difficult to fall back in to old routines and part of it is not wanting to fall back in to old routines because they are far from fulfilling. The thought of going to work tomorrow scares me a little.
Not being tied to a job for the last 6 months had me feeling free, I was available to do what I want when I want. I realise however, the first term will soon be coming to an end and sadly, holidays don't pay for themselves, clothes don't just appear in your wardrobe and money certainly doesn't grow on trees. Therefore it will be back to full time working.
Coming home and going back to work, was a shock to the system.
I have got much too used to being a lazy student that I'd forgotten what it was like to do a full days work. Last Saturday, I was straight back in at an 8 hour day and I can safely say I was exhausted.
Don't get me wrong, I know that an 8 hour day is nothing compared to the hours some people work. In fact before University I worked 5 or 6 days a week, so I do know what it is like to work full time, and 8 hours really is nothing.
Yet when you get used to a completely different lifestyle it's difficult to fall back in to old routines and part of it is not wanting to fall back in to old routines because they are far from fulfilling. The thought of going to work tomorrow scares me a little.
Not being tied to a job for the last 6 months had me feeling free, I was available to do what I want when I want. I realise however, the first term will soon be coming to an end and sadly, holidays don't pay for themselves, clothes don't just appear in your wardrobe and money certainly doesn't grow on trees. Therefore it will be back to full time working.
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