I'm not a very keen traveller when it comes to public transport. Having lived in a village which is away from a variety of things (although this is a very commuter type village, don't be fooled, it's not in the sticks) as soon as I was old enough I needed to drive to get out and about.
So for years I've grown accustomed to flinging possessions into the car and taking off in a direction. Things are a lot slower on public transport and more tedious-having to share your personal space with strangers and being able to take only what you can carry (limiting for outfit choices). In fact now as I sit here analysing my first trip to Birmingham by train, the man next to me is casting a rather offish smell. All I want to do is scream.
So what would make a person like me want to travel by train? Has the price of petrol really risen that high? In one word yes. Now this wouldn't usually tempt me, but costing a mere £20 return when in the car it would cost £60 in petrol I began to sway. That on top of me needing to be at work in London either end of the journey persuaded me that i would already be there-to return back to pick my car would take an hour and a half, it would be pointless.
It has to be said, getting across London with any luggage is horrendous. You either have a choice of climbing up and down stairs for tube stations or dragging the blasted suitcase behind you, walking all the way. If you manage to find a direct bus you're quite lucky, and considering these are the cheapest option I'd suggest these are the best idea-unless there is no space downstairs. When I reached Euston, I was greeted with more stairs - a man kindly offered to help, but in the true London commuter spirit, suspicion of him made me decline
it.
At Euston nothing was actually tricky (maybe the unclear meal deal signs in M&S, which is not the stations fault). It was strange that no barriers were place at the beginning of the platform, but it actually made it easier to walk straight down to the train.
The train company taking me up to Birmingham New Street was Virgin Trains. Although it was maybe no longer looking completely brand new I was pleased with the seat-i'd requested one by the window. It was spacious, I'd managed to fit my luggage on the rack so I quite happily settled myself down for a two and a half hour journey. It was only when the announcer on the train said it would arrive at 15.45 at New Street I realised I'd got it wrong. Journey time from Euston on Virgin Trains on average is 1hr 20mins-a rather pleasant surprise (although I must have known this when I booked the tickets). We flew along through the countryside at a mighty pace (at which I wished my normal commuter train to Waterloo would fly-I'd be home in half the time at that rate). This is one of the biggest positives about not taking the car-it means I can let my mind wander and allow someone else to take me to my destination. Not having to driving meant I wasn't exhausted from concentrating on the road for 2 and half hours, making me fresh with energy to enjoy my friends company.
On my return I didn't encounter any problems on the train either.
It's hard to say which transport is better. I generally prefer my car because it's my own
space and it allows over packing, but at the same time petrol isn't cheap and getting stuck in traffic is almost always going to happen - ending in frustrations as well as delays time wise.
Getting to the station required a lot of effort - even my starting station requires me to beg for a lift there (otherwise a 40min walk or shocking bus service). But nothing was delayed, all trains ran on time. Although I'm sure we all know this isn't always the way with trains.
Overall I'm glad I took the train, it's much more cost effective for one person, if you can book early and get a good deal. When deciding on whether to take the car it's best to weigh up cost and travelling time. It depends what's more important to you at the moment.
Thursday, 3 November 2011
An Unholy Dispute
I've found it rather interesting how the Occupy Protests outside of St Pauls in London have begun to challenge something completely different, and highlight a problem with church priorities.
The protest is actually about anti-capitalism, and unable to camp outside the London Stock Exchange (it's privately owned land) the group pitched up in front of one of London's most iconic landmarks, St Pauls. Originally welcomed by the church, slowly as the week has progressed, calls for the protesters to move on have become stronger, backed by legal a move towards action. The cathedral had to close to the public on grounds of health and safety, but protesters have denied any breaches, keeping to regulations set out by the police.
So why was St Pauls shut? Obviously there was a fear that protests would turn violent, that the Wren designed building would be damaged. However, there have been no threats or demonstrations that point towards force or anger by these protesters, although police did clash with demonstrators on the steps on the weekend before last.
Tourists have been disappointed, making the trip over to London - which is not a cheap holiday in this economic climate. So it will be interesting to see whether the church will practice what they preach and 'throw out the money lenders', or continue to be concerned with their own back pocket, as St Paul's loses more money during the closure.
The protest is actually about anti-capitalism, and unable to camp outside the London Stock Exchange (it's privately owned land) the group pitched up in front of one of London's most iconic landmarks, St Pauls. Originally welcomed by the church, slowly as the week has progressed, calls for the protesters to move on have become stronger, backed by legal a move towards action. The cathedral had to close to the public on grounds of health and safety, but protesters have denied any breaches, keeping to regulations set out by the police.
So why was St Pauls shut? Obviously there was a fear that protests would turn violent, that the Wren designed building would be damaged. However, there have been no threats or demonstrations that point towards force or anger by these protesters, although police did clash with demonstrators on the steps on the weekend before last.
Tourists have been disappointed, making the trip over to London - which is not a cheap holiday in this economic climate. So it will be interesting to see whether the church will practice what they preach and 'throw out the money lenders', or continue to be concerned with their own back pocket, as St Paul's loses more money during the closure.
Saturday, 22 October 2011
This Week - Gaddafi's death, Dale Farm eviction and a Mummified Taxi driver?
One of the biggest news stories of the past few months hit on Thursday, with unconfirmed rumours of Colonel Gaddafi's death in his home city, Sirte. People were cautious in reporting the news, as rebel information about capturing the sons of Gaddafi has turned out to be wrong in the past. However, amateur video footage emerged of the dictator's corpse lying in the street. Libyan rebel supporters took to the street and celebrated by shooting their guns into the air triumphantly. Hundreds of people have been queuing to get a glimpse of Gaddafi's body, which is being kept in a freezer.
The National Transitional Council has announced that there will be an election within 9 months, and that the body of Gaddafi will be handed back over to his family. No decisions regarding his funeral have been made, although it is unlikely his grave will be made public in a fear that it may become a shrine for his supporters.
Eyes will be on the new emerging state in Libya, to see how rebuilding the country will happen. But with all the new business opportunities - such as in the oil industry, they won't be short of friends.
Finally, after weeks and months of appeals in the High Court, Basildon council managed to begin their removal of the travellers at Dale Farm in Essex today. It's a very debated subject, many people for and against the traveller community, and others just wondering what will happen to the children living on the site.
Police moved in at about 7am on Wednesday morning, met with missiles thrown from protesters. One protester was tasered, drawing criticism for the police, with travellers saying police were using too much force.
The site has has the scaffolding tower removed and properties were served with removal notices. Travellers and protesters staged a mass walkout, as bailiffs moved in.
The Queen started her latest tour of Australia this week, her last visit was in 2006 - which was tipped to be her last trip to the country. In recent years republicans have been urging for the Queen to be removed as head of state. However they were unsuccessful in their campaigning, although this hasn't detered them. Even so, one republican this week said that they respected the Queen, that she represented something that Prince Charles doesn't hold with the public. He claimed that not even Prince William appeals to the Australian people like his grandmother. So far the tour has proven successful, with the Queen and the Duke receiving a warm welcome.
And finally, this week saw the news about the mummification of a taxi driver from Torquay, Devon. In the past scientists and historians have had to guess much of how the Ancient Egyptians achieved their results. Recent research has lead to new ideas of the embalming process and the only way they could prove their finding was to have a real human body to work on. Alan donated his body to research into the embalming process and mummification of the Ancient Egyptians. Alan responded to an advert for a volunteer, as he was suffering a terminal illness. Channel 4 have made a documentary following the mummification of Alan, testing out the new theories and will be broadcast this Monday coming.
The National Transitional Council has announced that there will be an election within 9 months, and that the body of Gaddafi will be handed back over to his family. No decisions regarding his funeral have been made, although it is unlikely his grave will be made public in a fear that it may become a shrine for his supporters.
Eyes will be on the new emerging state in Libya, to see how rebuilding the country will happen. But with all the new business opportunities - such as in the oil industry, they won't be short of friends.
Finally, after weeks and months of appeals in the High Court, Basildon council managed to begin their removal of the travellers at Dale Farm in Essex today. It's a very debated subject, many people for and against the traveller community, and others just wondering what will happen to the children living on the site.
Police moved in at about 7am on Wednesday morning, met with missiles thrown from protesters. One protester was tasered, drawing criticism for the police, with travellers saying police were using too much force.
The site has has the scaffolding tower removed and properties were served with removal notices. Travellers and protesters staged a mass walkout, as bailiffs moved in.
The Queen started her latest tour of Australia this week, her last visit was in 2006 - which was tipped to be her last trip to the country. In recent years republicans have been urging for the Queen to be removed as head of state. However they were unsuccessful in their campaigning, although this hasn't detered them. Even so, one republican this week said that they respected the Queen, that she represented something that Prince Charles doesn't hold with the public. He claimed that not even Prince William appeals to the Australian people like his grandmother. So far the tour has proven successful, with the Queen and the Duke receiving a warm welcome.
And finally, this week saw the news about the mummification of a taxi driver from Torquay, Devon. In the past scientists and historians have had to guess much of how the Ancient Egyptians achieved their results. Recent research has lead to new ideas of the embalming process and the only way they could prove their finding was to have a real human body to work on. Alan donated his body to research into the embalming process and mummification of the Ancient Egyptians. Alan responded to an advert for a volunteer, as he was suffering a terminal illness. Channel 4 have made a documentary following the mummification of Alan, testing out the new theories and will be broadcast this Monday coming.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Bagels Galore
I have never been a goddess in the kitchen, I've always had rather dull tastebuds, but at times I can show I am slightly skilled when it comes to baking.
After visiting a good friend in York who I had not seen for a very long time, it opened my eyes to a completely different world. Not only does she hardly eat meat (her boyfriend is vegetarian) but she cooks and bakes so much, finding the time in her busy life which is mainly taken up with teaching Secondary school Maths.
I was extremely impressed, they seemed to be living an ideal lifestyle, where the local farm delivers local vegetables to their door. My friend's enthusiasm for cooking made me begin to believe that I too, could produce something edible.
And my bagel adaptations have proved me right. Whilst in York, Rachel had fed me some wonderful home made bagels and she offered the recipe - taken from the Womens Institute cook book. I snapped up the chance and when I got back home, I went straight to the shops and bought the ingredients.
There weren't too many, and the method for making the bagels was quite simple - I think this is what convinced me to try the recipe in the first place. I successfully made a batch of plain white bagels, and noted things I would like to try for the next time.
Cinnamon bagels are one of my favourite types, so I hoped I could replicate this into mine. It wasn't too difficult to alter the bagels, (I'm sure many a seasoned kitchen star would assume this anyway) I followed the normal instructions and just added two teaspoons of ground allspice and as many currants as seemed right.
On my plain bagels (I made two batches, one with the allspice and currants, the other without) I added sunflower seeds onto the top, after boiling the dough in the hotwater and glazing with egg.
My small alterations to the original recipe really made a big difference, and even my brother came back for more groundspice bagels - complimenting me as well! This proves to people like me, that the kitchen doesn't have to be a tricky place. I think it's more important for people to encourage you, and to show you it isn't too difficult, and that soon you'll be able to work out how to improve a recipe, or tailor it to your own taste.
Bon appetite!
After visiting a good friend in York who I had not seen for a very long time, it opened my eyes to a completely different world. Not only does she hardly eat meat (her boyfriend is vegetarian) but she cooks and bakes so much, finding the time in her busy life which is mainly taken up with teaching Secondary school Maths.
I was extremely impressed, they seemed to be living an ideal lifestyle, where the local farm delivers local vegetables to their door. My friend's enthusiasm for cooking made me begin to believe that I too, could produce something edible.
And my bagel adaptations have proved me right. Whilst in York, Rachel had fed me some wonderful home made bagels and she offered the recipe - taken from the Womens Institute cook book. I snapped up the chance and when I got back home, I went straight to the shops and bought the ingredients.
There weren't too many, and the method for making the bagels was quite simple - I think this is what convinced me to try the recipe in the first place. I successfully made a batch of plain white bagels, and noted things I would like to try for the next time.
Cinnamon bagels are one of my favourite types, so I hoped I could replicate this into mine. It wasn't too difficult to alter the bagels, (I'm sure many a seasoned kitchen star would assume this anyway) I followed the normal instructions and just added two teaspoons of ground allspice and as many currants as seemed right.
On my plain bagels (I made two batches, one with the allspice and currants, the other without) I added sunflower seeds onto the top, after boiling the dough in the hotwater and glazing with egg.
My small alterations to the original recipe really made a big difference, and even my brother came back for more groundspice bagels - complimenting me as well! This proves to people like me, that the kitchen doesn't have to be a tricky place. I think it's more important for people to encourage you, and to show you it isn't too difficult, and that soon you'll be able to work out how to improve a recipe, or tailor it to your own taste.
Bon appetite!
Monday, 14 March 2011
Week 5
This week, things have become much more muddled for my job role. Due to acquiring the working knowledge of Adobe Fireworks, it has been mistaken that this is my role. I have been struggling to have the time to create graphics as well as work with Chris to transform the website.
Although I do not mind doing these graphics they actually take a lot of time and I haven't been able to take complete charge of my actual job, which is in relation to turning the website around in design. I also seem to keep getting pulled in other areas and I have had to speak to Charlotte, the editor, about these problems.
Having said that, to help contribute to the production team's new entertainment show, Good Afternoon Winchester, I happily accepted responsibility for the competition graphics. I am becoming a pro at looking for photos through Creative Commons, although it can be a little tedious if you can't find a photo that allows you to alter it before contacting the owner.
I designed a new strapline for news, as requested by Charlotte. Although I created the strapline as transparent, it appears on conversion into a JPEG file, the strapline became solid. It also gained a white area at the bottom, which wasn't there on the Fireworks image. I'm not too sure how to solve this problem and it's unlikely that I will get the time to sort it out, as Charlotte wants new graphics for news and sportsweek.
Also, for the production team I was in charge of the VT again, which I'm quite happy doing. This will be the last week of doing this as others need to learn how to do it too.
Like last week, the script was late in getting to us in the gallery, so it was difficult to type it up onto the autocue. Thankfully the bulletin did manage to get recorded at 3pm, but we had lacked sufficient time to rehearse - causing a few nerves for the presenters and stress for all gallery members.
In relation to the website, we had a few breakthroughs and a few mishaps. In trying to design a better front page for the site, I managed to show Chris an extension which puts articles on the front page into boxes. He was quite happy with this and asked that I download it. Unfortunately, it is not possible to use the computers at university to do this. After listening to what I had said, Chris found a component to add to the website, that has been designed to imitate the front page of CNN.
Chris installed the component, but it didn't seem to install correctly and sent WINOL website into a bit of a meltdown all day Wednesday! Chris will reinstall the component and is keen to relaunch the new website.
Although I do not mind doing these graphics they actually take a lot of time and I haven't been able to take complete charge of my actual job, which is in relation to turning the website around in design. I also seem to keep getting pulled in other areas and I have had to speak to Charlotte, the editor, about these problems.
Having said that, to help contribute to the production team's new entertainment show, Good Afternoon Winchester, I happily accepted responsibility for the competition graphics. I am becoming a pro at looking for photos through Creative Commons, although it can be a little tedious if you can't find a photo that allows you to alter it before contacting the owner.
I designed a new strapline for news, as requested by Charlotte. Although I created the strapline as transparent, it appears on conversion into a JPEG file, the strapline became solid. It also gained a white area at the bottom, which wasn't there on the Fireworks image. I'm not too sure how to solve this problem and it's unlikely that I will get the time to sort it out, as Charlotte wants new graphics for news and sportsweek.
Also, for the production team I was in charge of the VT again, which I'm quite happy doing. This will be the last week of doing this as others need to learn how to do it too.
Like last week, the script was late in getting to us in the gallery, so it was difficult to type it up onto the autocue. Thankfully the bulletin did manage to get recorded at 3pm, but we had lacked sufficient time to rehearse - causing a few nerves for the presenters and stress for all gallery members.
In relation to the website, we had a few breakthroughs and a few mishaps. In trying to design a better front page for the site, I managed to show Chris an extension which puts articles on the front page into boxes. He was quite happy with this and asked that I download it. Unfortunately, it is not possible to use the computers at university to do this. After listening to what I had said, Chris found a component to add to the website, that has been designed to imitate the front page of CNN.
Chris installed the component, but it didn't seem to install correctly and sent WINOL website into a bit of a meltdown all day Wednesday! Chris will reinstall the component and is keen to relaunch the new website.
Week 4
The bulletin was delayed this week by about 20 minutes because of the script being late. A story had to be re-written as the legality has changed, but it put the production team under considerable stress. Angus commented that the bulletin MUST go out at 3pm and there MUST be a rehearsal before hand. This puts the emphasis on the importance of making sure the script is written earlier in the day.
My role in the production team was VT - it was a good job I had had practise last, as we had no rehearsals this week.
The news appears much better prepared, although the links are still letting the bulletin down.
The use of the Skype interview was really well received, as this is something new for WINOL and also something else that is done by professional news teams.
Chris has installed the VTEM Drawer extension onto the website and it works really well - there have been plenty of comments with really good feedback.
I was asked to design graphics from Kieran's package and it was commented that these were really good graphics.
Also, rather last minute I was asked to design a new Sportsweek logo, but because it was impossible to find a photo off Creative Commons in time (that gave me permission to alter the work) it wasn't used. This was quite annoying as I could have used this time for something else.
Another graphic successfully designed on Fireworks is another features Barker, this time for Polly and the Billets Doux in the Big Interview. I also put the Barker up on the site, but Chris is using Dreamweaver to attach the link - hopefully I will be able to learn how to do this soon.
Although I have been enjoying creating these graphics, I feel like my role is becoming a little more blurred.
My role in the production team was VT - it was a good job I had had practise last, as we had no rehearsals this week.
The news appears much better prepared, although the links are still letting the bulletin down.
The use of the Skype interview was really well received, as this is something new for WINOL and also something else that is done by professional news teams.
Chris has installed the VTEM Drawer extension onto the website and it works really well - there have been plenty of comments with really good feedback.
I was asked to design graphics from Kieran's package and it was commented that these were really good graphics.
Also, rather last minute I was asked to design a new Sportsweek logo, but because it was impossible to find a photo off Creative Commons in time (that gave me permission to alter the work) it wasn't used. This was quite annoying as I could have used this time for something else.
Another graphic successfully designed on Fireworks is another features Barker, this time for Polly and the Billets Doux in the Big Interview. I also put the Barker up on the site, but Chris is using Dreamweaver to attach the link - hopefully I will be able to learn how to do this soon.
Although I have been enjoying creating these graphics, I feel like my role is becoming a little more blurred.
Week 3
This week, production worked really well and it looked much better. The news overall was rather weak with the sports dominating. Also grammar needs attention in the bulletin, as within the script it said 'off of', when it should only be 'off.
The headlines also need a bit of work as they are a little boring, and the links are short with no explaination. The OOV and UPSOT brought a professional look to the bulletin, as these are usual in proper news bulletins. Angus set the aim for 2/3 each week, and 20/30 secs each.
The firestation should have been ordered before the sport, so that it gave the news bulletin balance.
Also, when stories are produced, they need to be located geographically, so the audience knows exactly where it is in relation to them.
This week in the production I moved from working the cameras to VT in the gallery. We had a little trouble with the computer, but other than that it went well. We managed to set up the OB for the football as recommended by Angus the week before. This techically worked but unfortunately it was disliked because Jake, the presenter, was in front of a tree, when it would have looked better with a pitch in the background. Unfortunately we were limited by our equipment, as we have no battery packs to run the tricaster out in the middle of a field.
I also began work on finding new extentions for our Joomla site - these are the things that will help transform the site into something much more user friendly, as well as attractive. One particular extention to catch my eye has been the VTEM Drawer, which I would like to install for the features page. It relies heavily on a large picture in the article, so this will require feature writers to not only think of the words, but also finding good quality photos.
I have got a copy of Adobe Fireworks, a fantastic design tool, and with Chris we designed a new Barker for the front page. The Barker is a clickable picture that links directly to the article. This specific one was for The Big Interview for features on Jon Boden.
At the same time as doing my own things, I helped Kieran with filming at the university whilst he conducted an interview.
The headlines also need a bit of work as they are a little boring, and the links are short with no explaination. The OOV and UPSOT brought a professional look to the bulletin, as these are usual in proper news bulletins. Angus set the aim for 2/3 each week, and 20/30 secs each.
The firestation should have been ordered before the sport, so that it gave the news bulletin balance.
Also, when stories are produced, they need to be located geographically, so the audience knows exactly where it is in relation to them.
This week in the production I moved from working the cameras to VT in the gallery. We had a little trouble with the computer, but other than that it went well. We managed to set up the OB for the football as recommended by Angus the week before. This techically worked but unfortunately it was disliked because Jake, the presenter, was in front of a tree, when it would have looked better with a pitch in the background. Unfortunately we were limited by our equipment, as we have no battery packs to run the tricaster out in the middle of a field.
I also began work on finding new extentions for our Joomla site - these are the things that will help transform the site into something much more user friendly, as well as attractive. One particular extention to catch my eye has been the VTEM Drawer, which I would like to install for the features page. It relies heavily on a large picture in the article, so this will require feature writers to not only think of the words, but also finding good quality photos.
I have got a copy of Adobe Fireworks, a fantastic design tool, and with Chris we designed a new Barker for the front page. The Barker is a clickable picture that links directly to the article. This specific one was for The Big Interview for features on Jon Boden.
At the same time as doing my own things, I helped Kieran with filming at the university whilst he conducted an interview.
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