Bye bye everybody...the final blog!

By Simon Wright (Blogger of HappyDude88)

SO, WE have reached the conclusion of this journey and after 22 months, it is ‘Time to Say Goodbye.’  Or is it, ‘The Final Countdown.’  Either way, each song is good.

When I began my blog, first on LiveJournal, before switching to BlogSpot in February 2010, I thought this might only last six weeks/two months before I got bored.  However, I haven’t and I have enjoyed the majority of the content I have uploaded on here, even if some blogs were far more difficult to write than others.

Before I begin, I have had some questions on why I am stopping now and not continuing.  Well, there is a combination of reasons behind my decision.  First of all, this was something I decided back at the end of June, even before I started my work placement in London with Runner’s World magazine.  I was happy with the decision I made back then and although, admittedly, I’ve had a few doubts in recent weeks, I have to stick to what I decided back then.  If I continued into 2012, I would have felt that I needed to do another year of blogging, not say six months.  I don’t think I would have the time to do that.  Also, I am aware that 2012 poses some significant and massive challenges ahead of me.  I have five months left of my journalism degree at the University of Northampton and need to put 100 per cent focus onto finishing off my dissertation and beginning my TV filming on technology for my Individual Practical Project.  Time will be of the essence and I’m afraid, I’m not going to be able to give the blog the time and dedication it would deserve.  Plus, it is best that I went out on a high, rather than a low and see my standards decrease.  Therefore, it is best that I ended things now, rather than let the site decline.

Of course, there are lots of people to thank for supporting the website, giving me constructive or sometimes, damming criticism.  However, I can’t thank you all personally.  You do know who you are, but I don’t want to send anyone to sleep!  But, I do want to thank some people especially, who have supported me, helped me out and always been there for me over the past two years.

First person I want to thank is my brother, Jason Wright.  Over the past two years, Jason has provided extra content for this website on the world of entertainment.  He has been my entertainment expert.  His witty contributions to The X-Factor, Dancing on Ice and many award ceremonies have certainly added a good vibe to the site.  Jason will go on to start his own entertainment site in the New Year and I urge you all to follow it when I get the link up.  I hope you have as much enjoyment on your own site J, as I did with this one.

Jason is not the only writer who has produced a blog on this site.  A friend of mine through the days at Milton Keynes College, Charlie Gardiner wrote an Avatar review for the site, Rochelle Lye did a blog on Doctor Who for me and Robert Jones contributed a 2010 FIFA World Cup preview with me last year.  I want to thank them for helping the blog in its early stages, before me and Jason took things on in its later life.  Also, thank you to the followers of this blog and again, you know who you are.

Another friend of mate gave me the inspiration to move to BlogSpot in the first place, who deserves a mention and that is Anthony Ashfield.  I was at Milton Keynes College with Anthony or ‘Fat Tony’ as he is better known to his close friends and he suggested I should look at BlogSpot, rather than stick with the less frequent LiveJournal blog.  It was a brilliant bit of advice and I haven’t looked back since, so thank you to Anthony for giving me the encouragement to go with the right blogging provider.

Then, there’s Farida Zeynalova, a very good friend of mine on the journalism course at the University of Northampton.  Farida has always drummed up support for the blog, through her fantastic Twitter account, even going on to say that I have a ‘a big and aspiring future.’  Thanks for your help Farida with this; it really did mean a lot. 

Two more friends of mine at the University, Ellie Birmingham and Tamika Short have always been there for me on the course and on the site too.  I know personal columns and viewpoints were a big plus point of mine and it was Tamika’s funny personal views on her site that gave me the pulling power to give this kind of blog a go.  So, she inspired me while Ellie has been a brilliant friend for me and I know she enjoyed reading my personal blogs especially.  Thank you to both of you too for your kind words of support over the past two years.

Lastly, thanks to everyone who has done any kind of reading on the 660 blogs that have gone online.  Whether that was the personal blogs I did into my life, my obsession with Skins, the entertainment reviews from my brother, my regular reports on the 2010 and 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship and those major events in the news like the General Election, the Royal Wedding, the tsunami in Japan and the summer riots in the UK.

I knew this day was coming and I am feeling a bit emotional, but I have high hopes for my future.  In 2012, I want to show that to everyone and hope that this blog has given me the starting point to a better life.  I will still keep the site online, so if you want to check up on something then come onto this site, it won’t close.  I will also put together a University of Northampton 2011/12 page in due course, when I get more work back this year and who knows, I might pop up at some point in 2012 with a few special blogs.  However, regular updating is over now and I’m so pleased I’ve had the passion and commitment to contribute in recent years.  If you still want to get in touch with me, I am still available on Twitter at @HappyDude88.

So, that’s it folks.  There’s little else for me to say, except I wish everyone a safe and brilliant Christmas and a prosperous and exciting New Year.  It has been a pleasure to share my thoughts with you and after 660….that is it. 

Thank you again and goodbye!

HappyDude88

Christmas TV highlights

CHRISTMAS provides us with many pleasing and delightful aspects.  There is spending time with your loved ones, that delicious dinner on Christmas Day and the countless amount of chocolate that needs to be munched.  Another highlight of the next fortnight is the Christmas TV.  Here is a preview of some of the festival treats on offer on the box.

     In soapland, EastEnders has had the top billing for a number of years and their main storyline features the destruction of the Masood family.  Evil doctor Yusef has managed to split Zainab and Masood up and weasel his way in Zainab’s affections.  This Christmas, it all explodes quite literally and not everyone will survive.  I can reveal of a fire at the B&B on Boxing Day, but is this part of Yusef’s revenge plot or the culmination of another storyline.  Elsewhere on the Square, little Tommy Moon has his first birthday, but Kat and Alfie’s turbulent marriage hits a crisis point.  Will a camera recorder spell the end of another Walford marriage?  Also, Bianca is released from prison, but a happy Christmas for the Butcher’s looks highly unlikely, especially as Pat’s financial issues become public knowledge.  Worse is to come for the Square’s matriarch, as her health takes a turn for the worse.  Actress Pam St. Clement is leaving the show, but I’m keeping tight lipped on how she will be departing.

        Another major character is leaving the soaps over the festive period and that is Becky McDonald in Coronation Street.  Depressed at seeing her former husband Steve and her nemesis Tracy Barlow have a family Christmas; she sets fire accidentally to her flat.  Can Nick Tilsley make it in time to drag the fiery Becky out of the fire?  Peter Barlow might have just started a sizzling affair with Carla Connor, but when he misplaces a Christmas present in the back of a taxi, Rovers bar manager, Stella Price becomes nosey and her reaction to Leanne’s Christmas present that she receives from her cheating hubby suggests that Peter must watch his back.  Also, Sophie Webster is set to tie the knot with Sian Powers, but she seems to be struggling to cope with last-minute nerves and growing feelings towards Amber.  Will the wedding go ahead?  In Emmerdale, goodwill will not be in play between Debbie and Alicia.  Christmas dinner or should I say, Alicia’s dinner ends up being poured over her head by Debbie.  Then, she has another plan to help conceive a baby with Andy, in the efforts to save Sarah, but how their partners react to her desperate plan.  Also, factory owner Jai is arrested for the attack on Cain Dingle a couple of weeks ago.  Have the police got their man, or is Cain just out for revenge?  Plus, Laurel and Ashley get prepared to renew their wedding vows, but Laurel is another woman with second thoughts and can dishy chef Marlon stop her making a terrible mistake.  Doctors, Home and Away and Neighbours all disappear on lengthy Christmas breaks, but in Hollyoaks, Brendan Brady and Warren Fox’s bitter confrontation for villain of the year in Chester reaches new heights.  Brendan has a gun pulled on him, is he doomed to end the year in a coffin?

HEAD-TO-HEAD: EastEnders v Downton Abbey on Christmas Day

        Taking on EastEnders head-to-head on Christmas Day will be the award-winning Downton Abbey.  Nigel Havers, Brendan Coyle and Hugh Bonneville take guest roles in this special episode, which will bring a rollercoaster full of emotions and a mixture of cheer and sadness in Lord Grantham’s country house?  On the same day, Matt Smith stars in the seasonal Doctor Who Christmas special.  Alexander Armstrong plays a guest role this year and we’ve been promised a story that will show a different side to the Doctor.  Other leading dramas see the star of Lewis, Laurence Fox take a lead performance in Fast Freddie, The Widow and Me where he and his wife attempt to bring some much needed cheer to a terminally ill child.  

     The final of Strictly Come Dancing is tomorrow evening and on Christmas Day, there will be the regular Christmas special for charity.  This year, EastEnders wicked woman Charlie Brooks, former Blue boyband member Simon Webbe and boxer Barry McGuigan compete in the dance-off.  As Bruce and Tess would say, keep dancing!  Chris Tarrant presents another edition of celebrity Who Wants to Be A Millionaire, while Jimmy Carr and guests including Jonathan Ross, Alan Carr and Miranda Hart compete for a lighter look at 2011 in The Big Fat Quiz of the Year.  Then there’s Ant and Dec and let’s be honest, a Christmas without them would be as dull as dishwater!  They pick up where Phillip Schofield and Christine Bleakley by hosting the second edition of Text Santa, where the winners at the end of a fabulous night of entertainment and surprises, will be charities.  Schofield’s acclaimed show The Cube has a couple of Coronation Street stars attempt to become the first people to beat The Cube and there’s also a Benidorm v The Only Way is Essex Family Fortunes Christmas Special.

           Other shows to watch out for in Christmas are a lookback at the news from the year in Mark Austin’s That Was 2011.  Fearne Cotton and Reggie Yates will provide the music entertainment on Christmas Day with a special edition of Top of the Pops.  In sport, Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea and Liverpool v Newcastle United look like the pick of the Premiership festive football action live on Sky Sports.  Also, can Kauto Star produce one final piece of magic on Channel 4 with the King George VI at Kempton and stop Long Run’s recent dominance of jump racing.  Lastly, Noel Edmonds will present daily editions of Deal or No Deal, which takes a panto feel to this Christmas.  However, don’t expect any festive celebrations from the banker.

So there you go, that is your Christmas TV sorted….

                                                                                                                

Advert of the year 2011

SOMETIMES, the adverts are the most annoying part of a commercial TV show, especially during a tense gameshow or dramatic soap episode.  Normally, these three minute interludes are the perfect excuse to use the toilet, put the kettle on, text someone important on your phone and so on.  However, sometimes adverts, despite being at times, completely pointless, can have you in stitches or even leave you feeling emotional.  Here are my favourite 20 adverts of 2011;

20           Virgin Atlantic – Star Role

Virgin Atlantic's advert isn't quite as good as BA, but they needed to try something if they want to keep getting customers interested in their flights.  This is called 'living the high life.'  It works for me!

19           BMW – 6 Series

This advert is really uplifting and uptempo, promoting the 6 Series model from BMW, with catchy music and dynamic water fountains, alongside the stylish machinery.  It does what the advert says, promotes the joy of driving.

18           Lynx – Perspiration

As men, we all want to have fun and get the most attractive girl possible and when it gets in the way, it really does get in the way.  Like Suremen Xtra Cool, I'm not entirely sure about how or if it would work, but I guess I've never been in that position before.

17           Santander – Lego Car

Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton help their dedicated workers build a lego version of a Formula One McLaren in this advert.  Ignore the announcer's promotion of its banking deals, appreciate the art in 60 seconds.

16           Suremen Xtra Cool – Ice Skater

I'm not 100 per cent convinced by the product, but it is a catchy way to promote it, by having an individual go through a day on his ice skates.  It certainly would go with the current type of weather we are experiencing in the UK!

15           Direct Line – Free Cake!

Comedians Chris Addison and Alexander Armstrong's first entry is where a pitch needs reworking for Direct Line's car insurance.  So, what better to do that than by promoting free cake to your customers, even if the salesman doesn't know anything about this incentive!

14           Boots - Soltan

When I first saw this, it had me in stitches and I certainly don't want to look like this in future!  That is all!

13           Fiat – Fernando Alonso

Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso has a busy and very social lifestyle, as indicated in this commercial.  Someone doesn't know how to take it easy, but then again, life would be boring if it was too easy.

12           Halfords – Crocodile

Easter's promotion at Halfords was to release a crocodile into a family home and force them into the car and off to take advantage of their 'stunning' deals.  Let's be honest, it's not everyday that you get a crocodile in your home!

11           Skoda – Made of Sterner Stuff

Skoda's famous cake car advert is replaced by a meaner version in 2011 of how to put a car together!  Obviously, the makers didn't want the company to have a soft feel to this advert and it had to be made of sterner stuff.  It's not a favourite of mine, but even still, would draw the attention of the normal individual.

10           Cravendale – Cats!

To many of us, cats are seen as lovely pets to have, even if they can do their business in the most inappropriate places!  This commercial sees the cat show their frustration at not getting the milk they crave for.  As the narrator says; 'Jog on Kittens!'

9              Specsavers – Space Shuttle

'Should have gone to Specsavers!'  Well, Luton Airport will never get a Space Shuttle land on their airport runway anymore.  Maybe these astronauts don't realise that having vision is an important part of our lives.

8              British Airways – To Fly, To Serve!

British Airways have had mixed fortunes in recent years, but have a distinguished history, which is reminded in this advert through the ages.  It provides us with a memory of flying with privilege with the world's favourite airline.

7              Vauxhall – Supporting a Nation

British manufacturer Vauxhall began sponsoring Home Nations football in February and promoted their commitment to the England team, with this advert which has the nation lining up everywhere, with pride and tradition.  Features England players, both old and new and ends in Wembley Stadium.  Throw in Noel Gallagher's new song with his new band, and it makes it a memorable advert.

6              Argos – Christmas 2011 (Aliens)

Panic buying is at the top of many people's stresses around this time of year.  It could be so much easier if you reserved and collected your xmas shopping, especially when Argos and the aliens come into the equation.  Apparently, it's just as popular as Justin Bieber, but I'm not surprised by this!

5              Direct Line – Hoax!

Comedians Alexander Armstrong and Chris Addison make the list for a second time, with this advert in the mini Direct Line series.  This time, the customer produces a publicity stunt which goes horribly wrong and to the salesman's annoyance, brings the police in!  Until now, car insurance adverts were boring, so thank you Direct Line for bringing these two funnybones together!

4              Muller Yoghurt – Wonderful Stuff

When I first saw this advert, I wasn't gripped by it, but it is actually catchy and I don't even like yoghurt!  As we all know, Muller is clearly made of Wonderful Stuff.

3              Pepsi Max – Business Meeting

Pepsi Max have a history of producing commercials that are totally ridiculous.  However, these made me laugh.  'What the heck is that parrot doing here?'  Let's be honest, drinking Pepsi Max and watching the racing is a million times better than a tedious Friday afternoon business meeting.

2              Carling – Refreshed

A long day at work, yep we all know the feeling!  So, what's the best feeling to become totally refreshed, well it's simple.  Has to be over a pint of Carling according to the makers.  It's not a bad vision, I must admit.

1              John Lewis – Christmas 2011

This is my advert of the year and such a touching and memorable commerical too.  It is one of the best ever Christmas adverts I've ever seen.  A young child is waiting for the big day to arrive, but it isn't to receive gifts, but to give one to his parents.  His anguish in the slow countdown is clear to see and it reminds us that Christmas is totally more than receiving presents.  A masterpiece of an advert if there ever was one.

A brutal battle remembered....

IT HAS gone down as one of the most brutal and sensational boxing bouts ever, but the fight for the title would soon be forgotten, by its tragic aftermath.  16 years on, a documentary to be screened on ITV tomorrow evening will look back at the consequences of this fight, the memories of it and the everyday struggle that Gerald McClellan has in his life.

       On Saturday February 25, 1995, McClellan fought Nigel Benn for the title of WBC Super Middleweight champion.  Benn, known in his boxing days as ‘The Dark Destroyer,’ was part of a fine crop of British boxers in the mid 90s, which included Steve Collins, Chris Eubank and of course, the great Frank Bruno.  McClellan, from Illinois in America was already the WBC middleweight champion and was moving up in weight level to challenge Benn for his bout.  Up to this point, he had only lost twice in his career.  Experts in America gave Benn little hope of overcoming McClellan, whilst Nigel was dependent on the partisan crowd in Docklands, London giving him the extra incentive he needed.  Over 10,000 people attended the fight and an estimated 17 million people tuned into ITV for Big Fight Live.  This was to be a fight that no-one would forget, but the aftermath would completely overshadow the excitement of the contest.

      McClellan started strongly, seemingly wanting to finish things early.  He knocked Benn through the ropes within 35 seconds of the first round; Benn hit the television monitors and he almost needed a push from ITV boxing reporter Gary Newbon to help him recover and get back into the ring.  Somehow, he was given a slow count and allowed to continue in the fight.  In an interview with ITV in 2007, Benn recalls this moment; “I remember him hitting me, I went back and then he punched me again.  I felt my ligaments and my neck stretching out of the ring.”

      As the bout continued, the sparring got more explosive.  Both boxers were pounding each other in dramatic fashion, in a battle that was turning into an all-time classic.  Having recovered his momentum, Benn was fighting back, but McClellan responded and knocked his competitor down in the eighth round.  Surely, it was all over, but inside the minds of both, they were seriously struggling.  Nigel recounts this and wasn’t prepared to quit; “Even when he put me down in the eighth, I still had to win.  For the life I wanted to have, I had to win to secure my family’s life.” 

        McClellan had never been past the eighth round in a fight before and was starting to look more exhausted every time he returned to his corner.  At the start of the tenth, Benn knocked him down rather tamely.  McClellan looked dazed and was shaking his head.  The referee counted him out.  At the time of the stoppage, two of the point’s judges had McClellan infront, the other a draw.  On the other side of the ring, Benn celebrated his triumph, as did the entire arena rooting for the Brit.  McClellan slowly got up to his feet, looking in severe trouble.  Benn was ecstatic but also looked rather animated.  As Newbon went to interview the winner, Nigel started ranting live on TV, he did look seriously wound up, the adrenaline still burning after his victory.  Out of the corner of his eye, Newbon could spot that McClellan had slipped off his stool and was losing consciousness.  With the end of their programme looming, Newbon quickly tried to wrap his interview up and hand back to Jim Rosenthal, saying “We’re going to wrap this interview up because we’ve got a serious problem here with Gerald McClellan.”      

      Gerald McClellan had collapsed in his corner and lost consciousness.  A stretcher came into the ring and he was rushed to hospital where it was discovered that he had developed a blood clot on his brain.  He remained in a coma for 11 days, requiring emergency surgery to even survive.  It was a devastating end to a gripping contest.

      Today, Gerald McClellan uses a wheelchair to get around, although unlike another boxer who got seriously injured in the ring, Michael Watson in 1991, he still has some movement in his legs.  He is completely blind and lost around 80 per cent of his hearing.  His three sisters take care of him.  Nigel Benn was never the same fighter after this bout and lost his title in March 1996.  Two weak defeats to Steve Collins the following year prompted his retirement from the ring.  He now lives in Majorca with his family, with religion taking a strong place in his heart once his boxing career finished. 

      In February 2007, Nigel Benn met Gerald McClellan for the first time since their fight in 1995.  It was an emotional moment for Nigel, as he organised and hosted a benefit dinner at the Grosvenor Hotel in London to help with McClellan’s ongoing medical expenses.  A total of $175,000 was raised on the night as several pieces of memorabilia were auctioned off.  Astronomical medical bills mean that all of McClellan’s earnings as a professional boxer have gone and his family rely on donations through the Gerald McClellan Trust to help with paying for his medical bills.  The address to donate is below;      

Gerald McClellan Trust

C/O Fifth Third Bank

PO Box 120

Freeport, IL 61032

Sport is always competitive and always has been.  Sometimes, people will do anything to win, even if it against the rules.  However, there are occasions where battles sadly end in tragic circumstances.  Gerald McClellan should always be remembered as a talented prospect whose career ended in such a sad and unfair way.  Even now, sixteen years on – seasoned boxing experts will never forget this fight, or Gerald McClellan’s legacy on boxing and his battle to see him in the best care possible today.

Knox cleared and flies home

AFTER four horrifying years in prison, Amanda Knox flew back home to Seattle in the United States as a free woman.  Her conviction was overturned in Perugia for the murder of fellow student; Meredith Kercher was overturned after over ten hours of deliberations.  Amanda nearly collapsed and wept when she heard the verdict that the gates towards freedom had just been well and truly opened.  The former boyfriend of Knox, Raffaele Sollecito, 27, also had his jail term quashed, leaving the Kercher family stunned and searching for answers.

     21-year old Meredith Kercher was found murdered in the house she had shared with Amanda Knox in Perugia in 2007, with her throat cut.  In the first trial, Knox and Sollecito were given 26 and 25-year jail term sentences respectively.  Now, they can look forward for a chance to restart their lives after this turbulent and hellish experience.  Amanda Knox has already written a letter and published it to the media; “Those who wrote, those who defended me, those who were close and those who prayed for me – I love you, Amanda.”  She is now thought to want some time back with her family in her hometown, though she is bound to be the target for a major primetime TV interview in the United States.

     Knox’s lawyer in the case told media outlets of her state of mind; "She was calm, serene and looking forward to going home and just spending some time with her friends and family.  She wants to get on with her life. She is a clever and intelligent girl who has been through a lot.  Amanda will now have some time in Seattle and then get on with her life and her family will also want to get back to theirs."

      Meanwhile, while the Kercher family will want to pursue potential legal challenges in the coming months, Perugia will try to return to some form of normality and the Italian legal system must now be under scrutiny for an urgent review.  Prosecutors claim that the decision is wrong and clearly disagree with the judge’s viewpoint that the evidence is unsustainable.  They are now considering taking the case to the Italian Supreme Court, which could take another year to sort out.  However, it is extremely unlikely that Knox will be sent back to Italy for any retrial, as the US would be unlikely to allow her extradition back to the country.  As for Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito, normality is something that they now have the chance to restore and establish their lives after a traumatic few years in prison.

Pairs, servers and extensions - Another crazy week at the University of Northampton

I MUST admit, I had been spoilt by the amount of Bank Holidays that the country has had following Easter and the celebrations of the Royal Wedding.  The return to University on a full-time basis has seen a real mixed bag for me personally.  Although I was ecstatic to see some friendly faces again, after the time off – I feel mentally drained and exhausted at a tough week with frankly, little reward.

POINTLESS: Printers Pairs left me in a real dilly of a pickle!

     First of all, Printers Pairs!  As far as I am concerned, it is the most pointless, annoying and frustrating concept around, certainly in the layout of a magazine.  One of our modules has seen us design and produce a 12-page magazine on a topic of our choice.  I went down the route of a ‘retro’ TV magazine, and after getting all the content in and the layout organised, you would have thought that the Printers Pairs would have been the easiest concept since sliced bread was introduced!  How wrong was I!  The whole thing completely baffled me, and when things don’t go right for me, they simply don’t go right.  Seeing everyone else nail it together (not quite literally!) made it harder to swallow.  I went home from Uni last night a broken individual.  I won’t be ashamed in saying that I broke down in tears.  It dawned on me that if I didn’t sort out Printers Pairs, I would fail the module – simple as that.  What a shame that would have been after the hard work I’ve put in all year.  Somehow, I proved that miracles are possible and managed to sort it out last night, although it might have been a fluke.  Still, it’s done and as Farida would say ‘I got into a real pickle’ or Ellie saying as ever ‘Don’t worry about it’ or Emily telling me ‘DON’T PANIC! SIMON.’  It’s nice to still have the support of your fellow peers.  Talk about swallowing pride, glad I didn’t choke on my food regarding the matter!

USEFUL: Mojo the monkey could have been a better source of information!

     Next up, servers – and the grief they caused.  I’m starting to think that the lecturers have lost the plot!  They never seem to be in and for a lot of people; the lack of their availability has greatly frustrated them.  I can tell you, some choice language has been used, which shall not be repeated on here!  Let’s say; a trained chimpanzee could teach the journalism group better!  Where’s Mojo the monkey from The Simpsons when you need him!  The Student Share went down in our workroom on Wednesday afternoon and they said ‘Oh, it will be online tomorrow morning.’  In we come on Thursday and the server is still down and they say ‘Oh, it will definitely be back online tomorrow morning.’  Friday, and still no change in the situation.  Broken promises again, just ask Nick Clegg on the matter, he’s an expert in this category!  An offline server means that work can’t be worked on and if it isn’t backed up on a USB, then you are screwed!  To see people like Ellie, Shane, even Tamika panicking was not a sight I wanted to see.  True, I wasn’t affected by this, because I had everything backed up.  Nevertheless, the whole thing was a fiasco and bang out of order.  I mean, you can’t help it if technology epically fails, but to make a promise that simply won’t happen, especially in deadline city is a very dangerous game. 

     This now leads me onto my next topic of discussion, extensions.  At 4.30pm today, the news filtered through that an extension had been granted to all journalism students for their print and broadcast portfolios until May 16.  The news bought massive celebrations within the workroom; almost as great as winning the lottery!  The only one who wasn’t celebrating was me.  All of my work in these departments has been handed in.  Personally, although I totally agreed with an extension for at least two days of the original deadlines, due to the server chaos, a ten day stay of execution does feel a bit too long.  Not the fault of my fellow course mates, but once again – it is the lack of leadership around at the University.  Why so long?  I’ve worked to tight deadlines all year, and now feel like a bit of an idiot for having everything handed in so early.  Getting things wrapped up this week limited my chances of revising for my exam next week.  I can’t help but feel a bit ‘robbed.’ 

     To conclude, it has been another crazy week, but it still has some great moments to lookback on.  Wednesday afternoon saw cheesy 90s music such as S Club 7 and Steps played in the room and thanks to Farida and Shamina; the real dancing queens of the journalism course, MB5 turned into a temporary nightclub!  The journalism night out next week promises a lot of spectacular fireworks, plenty of drinking and daring dancing! 

Welcome to the University of Northampton journalism degree; a week full of pairs, servers and extensions haha!

The Royal wedding - A perfect day

BILLIONS watched on TV across the globe, millions celebrated in London and around the UK and two kisses on the world’s most famous balcony.  The Royal Wedding was an amazing day, with a beautiful mix of tradition and modernity.

    Tonight, Prince William and Kate Middleton, now known officially as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be attending a party hosted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.  It completes a day that will be looked back on as a truly perfect day for the nations new Prince and Princess.  Prime Minister David Cameron described it afterwards as a day that ‘Britain was at its best.’  He was most definitely right.

    The ceremony itself at the historic Westminster Abbey was a grand occasion.  William and his best man, Prince Harry arrived at 10am, 90 minutes after the doors opened to the many hundreds of guests invited to the wedding of the century.  They included Prince Albert of Monaco, the Australian Prime Minister and many leaders from the Commonwealth.  David Beckham, Sir Elton John, amateur jockey Sam-Wahey Cohen and former Prime Minister John Major were amongst the celebrities in attendance, as were current political figureheads Cameron, Nick Clegg, George Osbourne and the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.  Former leaders Tony Blair and Gordon Brown were surprisingly not included on the guest list however.  Also in attendance were close friends of the happy couple. 

BEAUTIFUL: Kate heads into the Abbey in her stunning dress

    An hour after Prince William arrived, Kate Middleton turned up in the back of a black car.  The blushing bride was escorted to the aisle by her proud father, Michael.  After huge anticipation and weeks of speculation, the wedding dress was simply spectacular.  Designed by Sarah Burton; the successor to the late, great fashion designer Alexander McQueen, it was a dress that bought back memories of Grace Kelly’s dress on her wedding day to Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956.  The thin veil could see every single delightful expression of Kate.  Choosing Burton as her designer for the big day will also be a big boost to the British Fashion Industry.  It also celebrated the legacy of Alexander McQueen – who was a legend in his fashion showcases until his death last February.  The dress was well-executed and there can be no doubt that it was made fit to look like and be worn by a Princess.

    The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams produced the service impeccably, to the happy couple.  They looked very relaxed throughout, although the way William did struggle to get the ring on Kate’s middle finger did suggest the understandable and traditional nerves.  There was no stuttering on the vows, unlike when Princess Diana married Prince Charles in 1981.  The whole service was simply perfect, with a highlight being when ‘Jerusalem’ belted out in the church.

     An hour later and ‘Crown Imperial’ played out as the couple returned from signing the registers in the private residence of St. Edward’s Chapel in the Abbey.  There was a clear seal of approval from the expectant crowd outside, as it managed to deafen out the loud chiming Westminster Bells.  They may have arrived in cars, but the trip back to Buckingham Palace was via the traditional transport in these occasions of horse and carriage.  There were an estimated 1 million people on the processional route from the Abbey to the Palace.  This was followed by some official photographs, lunch for 600 people courtesy of the Queen and then the traditional balcony appearance infront of the crowd outside The Mall.  The crowd got their wish as William and Kate kissed for the millions of people and the worldwide media.  If that wasn’t enough, they kissed again shortly afterwards in a fairytale moment. 

TREAT: The happy couple head back to Clarence House

     The final treat for the crowd was a real surprise, as William and Kate pulled out of the Palace gates after lunch.  William driving Prince Charles Aston Martin with ‘JUST WED’ on the license plate and an ‘L’ plate on the front of the car back to Clarence House for some brief respite this afternoon.  It was specially decorated by Prince Harry and other close members of the Royal Family.

     This was the day when a broad smile appeared on the nation and that is down to William and Kate.  They have given us the opportunity to share their happiness and with the scenes seen today, there seems to be clear genuine affection for the new Royal couple.  The weather was good as well and improved as the day went on, despite the initial forecasted showers.  As soon as the champagne began flowing on The Mall at 8am this morning, the party begun and it will continue long into the night and probably, throughout this extended Bank Holiday weekend.  All the doom and gloom of worldwide economic uncertainty, death in Afghanistan, conflicts in Libya and Syria and natural disasters that have devastated Brazil, New Zealand, Australia and Japan this year, it was so nice and fitting to see something jolly today.  The world watched this global event, with celebrations ranging from Australia and Paris, to Shanghai and Russian and American astronauts toasting their success on the International Space Station.  With an estimated TV audience of 2 billion worldwide, it is likely to be the biggest audience in TV history with only the 1966 World Cup final and the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997 likely to rival that in the British audience stakes.  400 million are believed to have watched it live on YouTube!

CELEBRATION: Kate' hometown of Bucklebury salute their girl

    Across the country, there were thousands of parties held in celebration for the Royal Wedding.  Many streets closed on this national day of celebration.  The happiest places include St. Andrews University in Scotland, where William and Kate met as University students a decade ago and in Bucklebury – the hometown where Kate grew up.  Before today, Chris Tarrant was their only claim to fame.  Now they have the new Princess to take that mantelpiece.  William and Kate have travelled a long road since meeting at University, which has included a trying separation four years ago.  However, they now live together in Anglesey in Wales and although recent Royal marriages haven’t been very successful, there is real optimism that this is a marriage that will go the distance.  

     This was the perfect day and a special day that all of us will remember for generations to come.  Congratulations to William and Kate and thank you for giving us such a unique moment, I wish you a very happy, prosperous and successful future together.  

Push the Button - Is it Saturday night material?

By JASON WRIGHT (Entertainment Expert)

LAST year, the gods of ITV, Ant and Dec, decided to dispense of their hugely popular hit, Saturday Night Takeaway.  They launched a new show that strengthened more to a family appeal, Push the Button.  Backed by a huge press campaign that saw advertisements on billboards and bus stops across the country and promos appearing on both TV and in the cinemas, it was bound not to fail but somehow it did.  The viewing figures declined across its six-week run and received scathing reviews from the press.

Somehow, ITV kept faith in their boys and decided to give it another shot, providing certain changes were made to the format.  So this Saturday, saw the intrepid show return to the screens but did it deliver what is said on the tin this time around?

The first big change was that it was broadcast live compared to being pre-recorded last time.  Live TV certainly brings out the best of Ant & Dec and it hypes up tension as there is no way of knowing what happens next.  Another change is that there is now just four members for each family as opposed to five and only one member of the winning family takes on the D.A.V.E. machine in the end game compared to all members taking part last year.  Plus win or lose on the final game, the family is invited back next week to take on a new lot of challengers.

New features involve another inspired element from Takeaway.  “The People vs. D.A.V.E.” sees viewers calling in from home and answer a question for the chance to win a prize, such as a car, a holiday, a home entertainment system and much more, in a similar way to Takeaway’s “Grab the Ads” segment.  There is also a section in the studio audience called “The Happy Hundred”, who are selected at random before the show and play along with games by predicting the winners.  The person in this 100 that is the most accurate with their predictions wins £5,000.  The final regular game has now become “The Accumulator”, which allows both families to bet on three questions or outcomes, á lá You Bet!, with right answers winning back money they lost from the starting pot of £100,000 but wrong answers continuing to cost them money.

Things that are gone include the massive emphasis of comedy and the silly costumes that had been present in the last series with Ant and Dec.  It seems to have become more of a light entertainment show which certainly fits the bill of it much more to its liking.

Overall, these are changes that the show badly needs but is it enough?  Well, it is certainly a vast improvement on last year’s version but it will never live up to the standards of Saturday Night Takeaway.  Perhaps, this version of the show would work better if it was on a Sunday night because then it doesn’t have the pressures to live up to Takeaway in being in the same slot.

However, providing that it doesn’t experience a drop in viewers like last time, I’m pretty sure the show will live on for another series or two at the very least.

Vision Products TV report

Recently, I went to the headquarters of Precision Manufacturing, home to Vision Products.  Vision Products in one of the leading UK manufacturers for aerial and satellite equipment, as well as installation.

As a whole, Precision Manufacturing sends out equipment to many different areas, such as automotive, aerospace and defense.

They held a press launch at its industrial estate in Brickmills and this TV report comes from me and fellow Journalism student at the University of Northampton, Tamika Short.

Enjoy!

Narrated and filmed by: Simon Wright
Edited by: Tamika Short and Simon Wright

FA Premier League TV Fixtures Confirmed

Tuesday saw the first set of live televised games for the 2010-2011 FA Barclays Premiership confirmed.  Sky Sports will kick off their biggest season yet, 115 games - all in HD and 3D, when Tottenham Hotspur entertain Manchester City on Saturday 14th August, at 12.45pm.


Defending champions Chelsea will kick-off their campaign on the same day, against newly-promoted West Brom at Stamford Bridge.  Their opener in at 5.30pm on ESPN, who will be showing 23 live games this campaign.  The first Super Sunday of the new season, sees Liverpool face Arsenal at Anfield, in a 4pm showdown.  Liverpool are under new management, whilst the Gunners will be desperate to win their first silverware in six seasons.  Monday Night Football makes a welcome return to our TV schedules on a weekly basis, with Manchester United v Newcastle United, moved to an 8pm slot on Monday 16th August.  United will want their title back, after being dethroned by Chelsea last season, and the Magpies will be hoping to make a successful return to the Premiership, after a season out.


See below for all the televised fixtures - (Up to 28th November 2010)

14 AUG 10	Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City	12:45
14 AUG 10	Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion	17:30
15 AUG 10	Liverpool v Arsenal	16:00
16 AUG 10	Manchester United v Newcastle United	20:00
21 AUG 10	Wigan Athletic v Chelsea	17:15
22 AUG 10	Newcastle United v Aston Villa	13:30
22 AUG 10	Fulham v Manchester United	16:00
23 AUG 10	Manchester City v Liverpool	20:00
28 AUG 10	Blackburn Rovers v Arsenal	12:45
28 AUG 10	Manchester United v West Ham United	17:30
29 AUG 10	Bolton Wanderers v Birmingham City	13:30
29 AUG 10	Aston Villa v Everton	16:00
12 SEPT 10	Everton v Manchester United	13:30
12 SEPT 10	Birmingham City v Liverpool	16:00
13 SEPT 10	Stoke City v Aston Villa	20:00
18 SEPT 10	Stoke City v West Ham United	12:45
18 SEPT 10	Sunderland v Arsenal	17:30
19 SEPT 10	Manchester United v Liverpool	13:30
19 SEPT 10	Chelsea v Blackpool	16:00
25 SEPT 10	Manchester City v Chelsea	12:45
26 SEPT 10	Bolton Wanderers v Manchester United	12:00
26 SEPT 10	Wolverhampton Wanderers v Aston Villa	14:05
26 SEPT 10	Newcastle United v Stoke City	16:10
03 OCT 10	Manchester City v Newcastle United	13:30
03 OCT 10	Chelsea v Arsenal	16:00
04 OCT 10	Wigan Athletic v Wolverhampton Wanderers	20:00
16 OCT 10	Aston Villa v Chelsea	17:30
17 OCT 10	Everton v Liverpool	13:30
17 OCT 10	Blackpool v Manchester City	16:00
18 OCT 10	Blackburn Rovers v Sunderland	20:00
23 OCT 10	Tottenham Hotspur v Everton	12:45
23 OCT 10	West Ham United v Newcastle United	17:30
24 OCT 10	Stoke City v Manchester United	13:30
24 OCT 10	Manchester City v Arsenal	16:00
30 OCT 10	Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur	17:30
31 OCT 10	Bolton Wanderers v Liverpool	13:30
31 OCT 10	Newcastle United v Sunderland	16:00
01 NOV 10	Blackpool v West Bromwich Albion	20:00
06 NOV 10	Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur	12:45
07 NOV 10	Arsenal v Newcastle United	13:30
07 NOV 10	Liverpool v Chelsea	16:00
09 NOV 10	West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion	20:00
10 NOV 10	Manchester City v Manchester United	20:00
13 NOV 10	Aston Villa v Manchester United	12:45
13 NOV 10	Stoke City v Liverpool	17:30
14 NOV 10	Everton v Arsenal	14:00
14 NOV 10	Chelsea v Sunderland	16:10
20 NOV 10	Liverpool v West Ham United	17:30
21 NOV 10	Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur	13:30
21 NOV 10	Fulham v Manchester City	16:00
22 NOV 10	Sunderland v Everton	20:00
27 NOV 10	Aston Villa v Arsenal	12:45
28 NOV 10	Newcastle United v Chelsea	13:30
28 NOV 10	Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool	16:00