tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58131475400511550322024-03-19T03:07:53.238-07:00How I See It...Opinionatedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16306662885621397162noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813147540051155032.post-47990311650566760742011-08-08T16:22:00.000-07:002011-08-08T16:24:55.744-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having tuned into the 10 O'clock news tonight it would seem that the London riots are in full swing with no sign of letting up anytime soon. In scenes which could have come straight out of the lastest apocolypitc thriller people's homes have been reduced to ash and their businesses ransacked by greedy looters. Packs of hooligans are shown prowling the deserted streets, armed with bricks and baseball bats, intent on causing yet more damage. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The riots send a very clear signal that resentment towards the police has been building for some time with many citing the recent shooting of Mark Duggan, believed to have been involved with criminal gangs, as the catalyst for violence. But whatever the cause may be it is frightfully obvious that these riots are morphing into something more sinister, with many of those involved carrrying out acts of mindless violence and offering no reasonable explanation as to why. What may have started out as a misguided crusade to vindicate Mr Duggan has now spiralled into an orgy of destruction which needs to be stopped. However, with the sheer scale of rebellion one wonders for just how long the raging fires will continue burn...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">x</span>Opinionatedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16306662885621397162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813147540051155032.post-91238670141953036752011-08-02T10:58:00.000-07:002011-08-03T06:35:07.767-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There comes a point each year when even the most high brow news publications start printing articles ranging from the trivial and mildly amusing to the down right ridiculous - yes ladies and gentleman we have officially reached "silly season". This being the time at which even the most reputable papers become a hot bed of celebrity gossip and TV news along with the latest remarkably unremarkable scientific findings (Shock horror; who knew the health benefits of a holiday fade after just 2 weeks?)</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However I must admit that sifting through the dregs can bring up some hidden gems including this heart warming story published today in the Daily Mail: </span><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2021395/One-tough-nut-Turtle-needed-braces-heal-damaged-shell-ready-release-wild.html">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2021395/One-tough-nut-Turtle-needed-braces-heal-damaged-shell-ready-release-wild.html</a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy</span></div><div><div><br />
</div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">x</span></div>Opinionatedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16306662885621397162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813147540051155032.post-48307713849129197732011-07-07T01:00:00.000-07:002011-08-03T02:58:34.131-07:00I think I might be hooked...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the immortal words of The Dells, "Oh what a night!" Having just arrived back from seeing The Wanted at the Itunes Festival in London I am shattered and an 8am start at work is creeping dangerously close. With a parched throat, resulting from my rather raucous singing, and bells ringing in my ears (hello tinnitus) things do not bode well for me and my Telemarketing job tomorrow. But you know what? Tonight was absolutely worth it - yes I may be a little bleary eyed tomorrow, and possibly even tetchy, but I could not have asked for a better first taste of listening to live music. I think I might be hooked...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo by</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a class="new" href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Kaitlinaird&action=edit&redlink=1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: underline;" title="User:Kaitlinaird (page does not exist)">Kaitlinaird</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">x</span>Opinionatedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16306662885621397162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813147540051155032.post-35372787362212148002011-05-23T09:31:00.000-07:002011-05-23T09:31:11.921-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it's out... the mystery football player with the super injunction has finally been revealed to the world. Despite his name circulating on forums for days, newspapers were initially unable to report the man's identity. However, after a Tory MP identified him today in the House of Commons, the philanderer's secret was well and truly out. One can't help but wonder if getting the lawyers involved was a huge mistake - nothing like drawing attention to yourself eh Ryan?! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">x</span>Opinionatedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16306662885621397162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813147540051155032.post-41483306092216632592011-03-01T10:35:00.000-08:002011-03-01T16:00:58.150-08:00The King's SpeechHaving heard how well "The King's Speech" did at the Oscars last night I can't help but wonder if I'm missing something. Settling down to watch this film I was full of anticipation following the glowing reviews I'd read, but much to my disappointment I found it to be monotonous and painfully slow paced. Don't get me wrong, I don't think that a movie needs to be filled with sex, drugs and explosions to be entertaining but it just never seemed to get anywhere. Shamefully I only managed to watch the first hour before my thoughts drifted and I found myself pondering that all important question of what to have for dinner.<div><br /></div><div>Still, the fact that the film makers chose to remain accurate to history rather than add in various ludicrous escapades which often make their way in to period dramas in the hope of "livening things up" must be applauded. It was a brave decision taken by the producers and one which provided the film with integrity. It's just a shame that the film couldn't have been compacted to improve the pace.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">x</span></span></div>Opinionatedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16306662885621397162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813147540051155032.post-44309063036907526722011-02-28T15:06:00.000-08:002011-05-23T09:54:41.437-07:00Vodafoney?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the UK's largest mobile phone networks was left in disarray today following an attack on its servers by vandals. Thousands of Vodafone customers were left unable to make or receive calls or text messages leaving many, including myself, feeling disgruntled and somewhat stranded to say the least. Although Vodafone can not be blamed directly for the break-in, I can't help but wonder why this prominent company has such lax security considering how, in this modern age, mobile communication is essential for many.</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was also deeply disappointed with the way in which the whole saga was handled once the network was down. Instead of attempting to filter information through to customers via email, many were left wondering what was going on. It wasn't long before social networking sites were flooded with complaints about the company's distinct lack of communication with one user labelling Vodafone "pathetic". Not great for an organization which prides itself on giving "power" to the customer?!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div></div></div></div>Opinionatedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16306662885621397162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813147540051155032.post-25040973452072403082010-09-15T04:39:00.000-07:002010-09-15T13:06:01.494-07:00Hats off to the Chilean Miners<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It was a bitter sweet moment which saw </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Elizabeth Segovia give birth to her long awaited baby girl on Tuesday. Although, predominantly joyous, the day must have been tinged with sadness for Ms </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Segovia, as her husband, Ariel Ticona, was unable to attend the birth. But not without good reason, for he is one of 33 Chilean miners trapped within the bowels of the earth, and has not been able to see his pregnant partner for the past 40 days.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">However, in a bid to involve Ticona as much as possible in the day, a video recording of the birth was created especially for him.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Fittingly, Segovia has decided to name the baby Esperanza, meaning hope in Spanish, after a request by Ticona, a move that was clearly supported by the other miners who could be heard chanting the baby's new name on a video link.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">On a personal note, I would just like to say, how astonished I am by the strength of character, patience and high morale these men have been able to maintain throughout their traumatic ordeal. For them to tolerate each other and survive in such small quarters shows a high degree of true professionalism and determination. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">These men embarked upon their dangerous job, knowing that they would receive pittance in return for their efforts. Now they have had to suffer such inhospitable conditions, that many people are shocked they are still alive and that their spirits remain so high. I, for one, would like to take my proverbial hat off to these remarkable men and wish </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">Elizabeth, Ariel and Esperanza well!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">x</span></span></div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div></div></div>Opinionatedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16306662885621397162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813147540051155032.post-72249067632789016292010-09-13T09:32:00.000-07:002010-09-13T10:08:26.530-07:00Stig-mania *Sigh*<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Gosh, how much more of this "Stig-mania" can we all take? It seems that not a day goes by without this "tame racing driver" making an appearance in the Nationals. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">After years of secrecy and mystery it has finally been revealed that the Stig is, in fact, a fairly ordinary Bristollian called Ben Collins. Although, I must admit, I felt sightly disappointed that this intricate charade had come to such an abrupt end (not even the Top Gear presenters were aware of his true identity), does it really warrant such a media maelstrom? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">And I can't help but wonder who will foot the bill for the huge legal costs incurred by the BBC, in their desperation to stop Collins "spilling the beans" on his life as the Stig. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">One thing is for sure though; all this fuss has generated a gargantuan amount of publicity for Top Gear. I doubt that, as claimed, the show will suffer a drop in ratings, considering that this saga has got most of the UK talking. On the contrary, the show will probably grow in popularity and entice more viewers than ever. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">However, now Collins' has been unmasked, only time will tell if he can be as successful without the PR machine, that is the BBC, behind him. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">x</span></span></div>Opinionatedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16306662885621397162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813147540051155032.post-44006250422132265382010-09-12T03:27:00.000-07:002010-09-12T03:42:50.536-07:00Victoria Beckham - The Hypocrite?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Good on Victoria Beckham! She has announced that any model under a size 6 will be banned from modelling her clothes during New York fashion week. Victoria claims she wants her models to appear "realistic" in a bid to prevent young girl's being negatively influenced about body image.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">However, one can't help but notice that this is all slightly, well, hypocritical considering Mrs Beckham's own rather slender frame. Surely, she can't be barely more than a size 6 herself? Which makes me wonder, is this just an easy way to generate PR for her otherwise fairly bland dynasty? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(255, 102, 102); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(255, 102, 102); ">x </span></div>Opinionatedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16306662885621397162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813147540051155032.post-56961619614019600512010-09-11T04:01:00.000-07:002010-09-11T05:51:15.396-07:00A day for reflection...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">On a more sombre note, it is exactly 9 years to the day that America fell victim to a national tragedy. I am, of course, talking about 9/11. Over the many years that have passed since this atrocity, there has been much comment, much debate, conjecture and conspiracy. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Out of respect for the victims, I for one do not want to theorise over what might or might not have occurred on that fateful day. Instead, I just have a simple message: RIP to all the victims and strength to all those affected. May no other country ever have to suffer such a terrible affliction, may no more innocent people have to grieve.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">x</span></span></div>Opinionatedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16306662885621397162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813147540051155032.post-39108209757295505652010-09-10T08:14:00.000-07:002010-09-12T10:27:33.953-07:00The Wayne and Coleen Show...<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Is it just me or is anyone else sick and tired of this trashy duo? Don’t get me wrong, I feel sorry for the girl, but for the life of me I cannot see what possessed Coleen to date this mini-shrek in the first place. She is a stunning woman and has clearly been successful on her own, so why does she feel the need to stand by him, especially now she is making her own independent way in the world?</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" ;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Ultimately it is their fame, and his ludicrous pay cheques which have probably led to their downfall, but having their faces in the papers everyday probably isn’t helping the situation. As annoying as they are, like all people going through a crisis it would probably be easier for them if they weren’t under the constant glare and scrutiny of the media spotlight. And let’s face it, wouldn’t it be nice for us "Jo public" to have a nice rest from the ghastly Wayne and Coleen show! </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">x</span></span></span></p>Opinionatedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16306662885621397162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5813147540051155032.post-32237111232020994252010-09-10T07:15:00.001-07:002010-09-10T07:28:31.920-07:00An Introduction...<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Friends and family often tell me how obstinately opinionated I can be. And it's true; I have a view on absolutely everything. However, problems arise due to the fact that I am not afraid to air such opinions, and consequently I can come across as well… rather controversial, to put it nicely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">So, I have taken it upon myself to create a blog where I can be as bitc… I mean contentious as I like. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Happy reading </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">x</span></span></span></p>Opinionatedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16306662885621397162noreply@blogger.com2