Life without an attention spa...

Revamping my Resume

2012-02-13T07:12:00.000-08:00

Getting a job isn't easy, as anyone will tell you, especially if you're living in the UK during a recession. Unfortunately nowadays, just having a good attitude wont get you work.

Recently I made a big decision to use my degree in Broadcast Journalism to start a career in Social Media. However, I soon became painfully aware that I would definitely need to revamp my CV/Resume if I was ever going to get any work experience, be it paid or just for "the crack"

Working in Australia for a year was fun and in some cases quite lucrative but it hasn't done much for me in the way of relative work experience and my current CV looks like this...

Yeaaahhhhh, I'm not gonna be handing this to a potential employer am I?!

So first things first, I needed to get some advice on what to put in a new resume, in particular, how to write it so Social Media managers would take notice.

A simple Google search found me plenty of websites which I could pay to write me a CV... I dont think so. Naturally I hit up the blogs for suggestions and these are some you came back with.

Mashable.com

As always Mashable was very relevant in its article, I didn't find it suggested too much which wasn't doable and luckily half the tips I'd already taken steps to achieving, so I felt like I was on the right track.

Journalism.co.uk

Daniel Morrisey provides a concise outline on how certain areas of a resume should adhere. He also states that any CV, no matter how long should stand up to the 'Two-second-test' by which any employer should be able to able to see what you have offer with a quick glance.

University of Kent

Here I found an example of a good media CV. It was to the point and as Dan suggests above, it would show the relevant information at a quick glance. It also doesn't seem to exaggerate at all, whereas more than once I've came across comments suggesting you lie... naughty naughty!

BD Recruitment

Ok so most of the stuff on here was fairly obvious and I must admit I scoffed at the advice when I first read it but then later I went back to it for another read and I think sometimes its nice to be reminded of the simple points.

While these are very helpful, it also didn't hurt to refer to a proven resume too, i.e. from someone working in the same field you'll be applying for. With this in mind it wasn't long (3 days!) before I had strummed out a cracking first draft, and thus my CV now looks something like this...

But once again with these things, its not what you know, its who you know, or more to the point, what somebody else knows. After saving my resume, I was found a friend that was more than happy to take a look, proof read if you will and maybe touch it up where needed.

Found this helpful? Or perhaps looking to hire? Why not contact me directly and take a proper look at the real thing... alternatively I'd love to hear any tips you have with creating an award winning CV or even any stories you have relating to handing out resumes.

'Digitals' depicts my meltdown

2012-02-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

Ever feel like you have a hundred things to do at once and all you're doing is sitting at your computer? God forbid you close a tab! Chris Crutchfield shows us in this creative interpretation, what happens to a person that is constantly connected... to everything.

Digitals from Chris Crutchfield on Vimeo.

Special thanks to Chris for highlighting just how annoying my alert tones have become!

A sailing experience..,

2011-05-02T15:42:00.001-07:00

Last week, I had my first experience aboard a 27 meter sailing boat, possibly one of the biggest in the Airlie Beach Harbour, formally know as 'The Matador'

Due to some slightly adverse weather conditions the trip didn't get off to quite the brochure experience I had expected and led me to write this short description on the first night.

'I cannot sleep...

I'm laying here whilst the very walls that protect me are moving, the mast is creaking and outside, above and around me unknown parts and pieces on the boat clatter and slam.

The wind howls through the narrow corridors of the boat as the rain pelts the already swimming deck above and the water is forced to drain from the wide, flat "aircraft lander" above me, running down unknown tunnels to exit into the night.

As what I hope is the worst of the storm wakes me from a dream about strange nightclubs and friends as rockstars I hear other passengers whimper and stir likewise all over the vessel and perhaps even the faintest whisper of "I'm scared".

However, strangely I'm not worried. Sleeping in the belly of this large metal beast adds comfort that the very storm that woke me, cannot conquer mans creation. Through years of engineering and experience in tropical conditions probably much worse that this, the knowledge gained has allowed for this impressive carrier to withstand anything mother nature can throw at us.... Well maybe not anything!

Yet today when the wind hammered against the sail and the very surface I stood on tilted to an almost vertical position, I contemplated what I would do if the boat did actually turn over.

I'm a tourist and a backpacker, not a hardened sailor by any stretch. Before now I'd never been in a boat any bigger than a canoe.

In a matter of seconds I went from being a confident English traveller who's charismatic, boyish behavior would have me stand out on a boat of equally as bold like-minded people, to a collective of individuals in awe of the weather and with a new found respect for life.

As I attempt to let the swell of the sea rock me back sleep I know that this truly has been an experience worth sharing!'

The entire trip wasn't as dramatic as previously depicted, as the weather cleared up and everyone had an awesome time!

Big thanks to Pirate Pete and the whole crew for making the trip what it was, and if you get a chance definitely sign up for a short voyage on The Matador because it's worth every penny... Or should I say Cent!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Grafton St,Cairns,Australia

Skint in Sydney

2011-03-19T01:52:00.000-07:00

BRAND NEW VIDEO BLOG! Have a watch and leave a comment if you like....JOY!

OH FUCK girl @ The big drop, Dreamworld, Australia

2011-03-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

I CANT WAIT TO GET A GO OF THIS RIDE NOW!

....what day is it?

2011-02-11T22:02:00.000-08:00

April fools is probably my favourite day of the year and yet I rarely plan anything more than waking people up early....what does this year hold fools?!

G'day minions, life in Australia has been so interesting that I haven't been able to find time to write about it, is that what you're thinking? Well you'd be right in your estimations.

True life is good right now and every day I have to remind myself, "Tyler, you are in Australia, on the other side of the world, that's insane" because I always speak to myself in third person when I'm internally monologuing.

Since being here I have reeling off a few video blogs though, if you haven't had chance to get a look at those you should because not only are they amusing but mostly (but not entirely) education too, if of course your area of study is Tyler in Australia... perhaps you're plotting my life down, in a time-line fashion, in which case, thank you, and why? Seriously, I haven't achieved anything.

Ok so speaking of achievements, as a new years resolution I decided, nae, vowed I would learn a new skill every month of the year so that by the end of the year I would have the learned a minimum of twelve new skills to share with the world and thus make my already impressive tabulation of talents even more jaw dropping.

In January I learned to surf and body board and although technically surfing was in December I'm claim it as January, WHAT! Its my damn rule! Body-boarding was, however, in January. I also learned to roll cigarettes but owing to fact I dont smoke this skill soon fell in to a state of disuse, but all in all I think you'll agree this is a good start to a resolution... especially seen as most people dont last 2 weeks without eating chocolate or smoking, fatties!

February came around and i kinda forgot or should I say prioritised learning new skills as my life now required a job if it was to continue at the pace and style I had become accustomed to, which was expensive to say the least. I did learn how to sell insurance and now work in a call centre through the skills gained through their employment, so yeah.... who am I kidding!

March is now and for the life of me I cant think of any new skills or talents I've learn this month either but next month I'll be bombarded with new skills so I'll make up for the last two months!

"Why?" I hear you ask, will there suddenly be an abundance of skills next month, when clearly I am living in Sydney, drinking my life away and not enriching my mind as I had previously ascertained to do... As of April 10th I shall be travelling by bus, by boat, by sheer fun at some points, up the Eastern Coast of Australia. SCORE!

This trip will take me:

Heres's an itinerary and, as I think you'll agree, a expertly drawn picture of the coast, highlighting all the places we're gonna be travelling to.

You'll notice at the bottom of the itinerary is a note saying I shall be scuba diving on my birthday in The Great barrier Reef, which frankly will be out of this world! I cannot wait!

Its been too long readers, make comments and respond if you'd like me to cover any of the above mentioned items in more details and until next time.... Peace out!

A month of living upside down...

2011-01-15T02:20:00.000-08:00

The first week.....an update!

2010-12-07T19:45:00.001-08:00

Getting to Oz

2010-12-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

...did you hear?

2010-11-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

Hi friends!

If I'm going to be a world class writer (which I dont know if I want to be just yet) I'm gonna need some more support. So if you read my blog and think its worth passing on.....do so!
----> Here are some ways in which you can get the word of Tyler out...

1) Re-post this all over your social networks. Not only will your friends like you more but chances are they may actually pay you for treating them to such an exciting read!

2) Mention me in casual conversation to family members or random strangers, e.g. "For security reasons sir, could I take your Full name and address?" ... "Have you heard that Tyler Ellis writes blogs?"

3) Print a copy of my latest post out for your nan! Best use LARGE FONT though otherwise she'll struggle and you'll have to read it to her.

4) Submit my blogs as coursework/homework to your tutors! Its a guaranteed A*, I promise!

5)Perhaps even spam inboxes or even flyer my name when you get time (FIND TIME!)

...But however you choose to advertise me, know that I'm eternally grateful, and why not record yourself doing it and I'll give you a shout out in my next post!

YOU'RE WELCOME!

I love it when a plan comes together!

2010-10-19T13:09:00.001-07:00

Hi readers, has it been a month already? Longer I hear you say? Well I apologise, but so much has happened since then that I need to tell you about... I shall begin!

Last night, for instance, I went to my first gymnastics lesson, although I'm concerned phrasing it like that makes me sound like a 9 year old girl, so we'll call it free-runner training (Wow, I'm so cool... Who wants to touch me!)

I got to spend the whole night falling on my tushie but I did manage to land a few world class front flips, so give it two weeks and I'll be doing them everywhere I go and that will make me officially bad arse! +100 MAN POINTS!

The night was somewhat surreal due to all the kids with perfect abs running about doing various somersaults and generally bouncing off anything they come into contact with. However, this was slightly overshadowed by the roaring fart that unexpectedly thundered from my anus while performing a set of crunches during a group warm up session at the beginning (nothing like introducing yourself)

Of course, today my legs feel like someone had been standing on them whilst I slept last night, digging their heels in above my knees or taking a pick axe and hammering my thighs with the handle or putting my legs in a vice and leaving them there until I lost all feeling or simply like I'd been jumping up and down over and over the night before....what I'm saying is they ache!

Yes! My legs really are that smooth!

Having achy legs is not such a good thing, as something else which I've been doing of late is roofing, on top of still working at Frankie and Benny's. I say roofing, its not quite as fun as usual because, currently my time is occupied with menial tasks like cleaning out gutters, painting ledges and sweeping scaffolds, as this is the only work available to me on such short notice (but on the upside its good money)

Why am I doing this?

I may have mentioned it before once or twice, and anyone lucky enough to have me on their facebook will know that I've been planning on travelling to the otherside of the world sometime soon, but I've finally booked a ticket!

I'm flying to Australia on November 30th 2010!!!!

So naturally I'm trying to save loadsa money to take with me, as the flight itself cost a grand (WTF!) thus the two jobs and thus the reason for working 7 days a week!

I couldnt decide whether or not take a laptop with me on my travels and I couldnt bare the thought of not being able to make some form of travel diary, so I pushed the boat out and bought myself the all new and all shiney iPhone 4!

Like many people, I cant believe I've never had one before and perhaps this may be too far but "I dont know how I ever lived without one"

These things will pretty much wash your balls for you if you download the right app and the camera is pretty damn awesome too! I don't know why I thought to mention the camera after talking about my balls....

Anywhooooo, if you've never had an iPhone, I'd recommend you start with the 4GS....I would NOT suggest getting a Nokia though, as my last phone was a 5800 and I wont be getting another one!

I'll finish with a couple of suggestions to help pass the time until I post again (as if you'll be looking forward to it)

Numero Uno.) If you haven't watched it already, 'Being a dickheads cool' is a wicked song and so apt in some cases. find it either on YouTube or check out my last post before this one. WARNING! You will start singing it at work!

2.) Remember JJ Goda, the Free-runner I mentioned, well he's got himself a sponsor and features in this months 'Jump Magazine' on online publication about free-running.

Find it at http://www.urbanfreeflow.com/jumpmagazine8/

Lastly.) My new favourite YouTube sensation is Tobuscus a.k.a Toby Turner. He's really funny, quite random and posts some creative stuff, seek him out!

"You're welcome!"

Being a Dickhead's Cool

2010-09-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

Everyone should have a holiday!

2010-09-06T15:48:00.000-07:00

"I dont think the Titanic really hit an Iceberg... It was probably Chuck Norris on a Lilo"

- CJ Meeks

I've just recently got back from holiday and I say this every time I go away but I think this one really was the best holiday ever.... or at least the best summer holiday!

Everyone should have a holiday at least once a year, even if you have to save all year for it, but for gods sake make sure you book at least 10 days, as I've been on a few holidays with friends now and if there is one thing you learn, its a week is never enough! (I never learn!)

This year I went to Zante in Greece, Laganas to be precise! The credit, however, has to go to Valentina and Emma, my best mates ex-girlfriends, as the only reason we went on this holiday was they both split up with their boyfriends (strangely on the same day), and like a phoenix that has risen from the ashes of an unfortunate occurrence, we jetted off on a lads holiday!

Holiday stories are never as funny when they're retold, as its definitely one of those "you had to be there" situations, so I'm not gonna bore you with a day to description of every piss and shit I took in Greece but there were definitely some awesome moments which need to be shared!

An epic game of human buck-a-roo!

Zante is wicked by the way, so if you're thinking of going there next year, DO IT! It's got plenty of bars and clubs, drinks aren't too expensive, there's plenty to do during the day and there are loads of tourists from all over which make for a great atmosphere (Am I getting paid for this review?)

We booked a 2wenties package,which worked out really well as they sort everything out for you all week, although you have to pay for most things which is a bit cheeky seen as its already cost you better part of a monkey (£500) but its worth doing just for the booze cruise!

One of the best days I had was on the booze cruise, where a ton of like-minded party-goers all get on a giant boat with some reps, a DJ and plenty of alcohol and sail around for 6 hours! WICKED! Plus they stop at a little island away from everything and you play games on the beach or (as we did) pay for watersports... Jet ski's rock!

I think it must be the sun or alcohol or the fact that everyone is there for a good time for the reason that you make so many friends when you're holiday, and thank god for facebook because it means you can stalk people when you get home, although chances are you'll never see these people again, but at least you can say you know people everywhere!

The same could be said for holiday romances, which god forbid I should ever experience must be horrible. Someone described them as "the shortest relationships of your life which always end in heartbreak", which is especially true if its somewhere on the other side of the planet like America or Norway ;) or Scotland . . . where the hell is that place anyway?!

The holiday wasn't just about hooking up with girls or getting pissed, although that did feature on the agenda, and we came home with some standard holiday quotes, such as "guys, what the fuck?" and "never get the cockey out!" following Dan's third lap dance, at which point the pressure simply got too much for the poor boy and he couldn't keep his feelings in any longer :)

Ok, I cant finish this without badmouthing at least one thing... The Albatros Hotel are w*nkers! The security guard was constantly a massive cock block, which we all know is a sin, not to mention highly illegal in the Man Rule Book and when we left the manager charged me 20 Euro's for changing in the hotel. WTF!

The rooms were average apart from the fact you were virtually stood in the toilet when you showered, so if you get the chance, then feel free to launch a half eaten burger or slice of pizza at the reception!

I recorded an hour and a half's worth of videos while I was there and as soon as I edit them down into one awesome montage you can watch it here.... Your welcome!

So much enthusiasm but NO DAMN TIME!

2010-08-13T04:57:00.000-07:00

"Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in."

Bill Bradley

Hi readers, its been a while, and I'd like to apologise for last leaving you with a ridiculous blog about a man crush... At least you cant accuse me of being self indulgent (Lets change that!)

I've left University for good now, left Sunderland and I'm back living with my parents, JOY! However, its not like I remember, no set bed time, I don't have to tell them where I'm going yet I still get my pants cleaned for me, so I can literally shit myself and not worry about it, RESULT!

So what have we learned today kids? If you really wanna stay out late, go get a degree...

WOW, I've got a degree and if I say it a few times it kinda sounds cool. I never thought I'd make it this far but behold! Here I am, Tyler William Ellis BA.

A month ago I was standing in the Stadium of Light (Sunderland AFC football ground) waiting to collect my scroll and shake the hand of a couple of old guys who hold a position of importance, although I can honestly say I've never seen these people before in my entire time at uni.

But its not the scroll or the hand shakes or even the cool gown that makes the day special, its the chance to stand in front of your family and friends and do a stupid bow in the middle of the stage and really show them that after 3 years of higher learning and £25,000 worth of debt....you haven't grown up a bit!

I had a great night out after the ceremony, saw a lot of people for possibly the last time and then drove home with the rents, and I'm not ashamed to say, I balled my eyes out when it finally dawned on me that uni was over...

That was then and this is now, working full time, for the Man, at Frankie and Benny's... Living the dream!

Its not too bad actually, I've been able to catch up with loads of friends which I hadn't seen for a long time, been out to some clubs in the surrounding areas which I had never been to before and saving for Australia is going pretty well too.

So what more can I tell you? I'm going away to Zante with the lads in 10 days, which I'm thoroughly excited about but what has really got my brain racing the last couple of days is this...

I just started working with JJ and when I told him I wanted to learn to do backflips this summer, he laughed at me...well not in a nasty way, but basically he said he could teach me in a day, so natually I grabbed at the chance... little did I know he did this!

Parkour, or Freerunning as some know it as turns normal human beings into super-human, spidermen....my dream, I just wish I had more time to do it! I know what you''re thinking, if I really wanted to do it I'd find time, and that is precisely what I'm gonna do!

Watch this space, because the next post will be pics of me doing backflips! Or failing terribly and in which case there'll just be pics of my broken body :/

My man crush...

2010-06-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

As I am of the female persuasion, I feel its quite necessary to explain that a 'Man Crush' is when you think someone is uber cool and/or are fascinated by them....and not that you want to 'bone' them.

My man crush is a guy called Bill Thompson and frankly I admire him because he lives how I hope I live when I'm his age (however old he is).

Bill describes himself as a technology hack and pundit, although some would detail his job as a journalist, as he is a presenter for the BBC digital planet, but Bill is precisely the reason I started blogging...and Messycarla of course!

You can expect to see Bill tweet at least 3-4 times a day, usually on his way to and from places and he is what I believe to be the embodiment of what the media is designed for. Communication.

I first met Bill when he came to Sunderland University to participate in a debate on the future of Digital, along with the head of ITV and someone else, who clearly didn't make an impression on me.

Two years on I tracked Bill down so that we could interview him on music piracy for our dissertation and I think this is when my 'Man Crush' first developed. I've followed Bill on every medium possible, from twitter, to facebook, to his blog, and these are just some of the many things bill contributes to.

What I find so fascinating about him is his complete understanding of the digital world, and as such the future. Although some of the events he attends go completely over my head, I respect that he'll be there speaking loudly and networking himself to the best of his ability....and the best thing about it all is we can read about everything he does through the internet.

I love internet celebrities, I want to be one and I think that by having a massive internet presence, it can show employers you are not only dedicated to a one particular platform but are also aware of how important a role the internet plays in society....erm in case you haven't realised yet, but you're on the internet now! Of course you have, that was a stupid thing to say.

Like myself, Bill is very outspoken, but the difference is he knows what he's talking about. He has at least one son that I know of... not that I've been trailing through his pictures or anything!?! and yet he travels all over the country daily give his opinion on what he thinks the future will be and should be.

All in all, I hope to grasp the digital future exactly the way Bill Thompson does...Right by the balls!

Also for your reading pleasure, to reiterate how important the internet is, here's an article on Obama expanding the internet...yes he can do that, he's the president!

Trying to lose my virginity...

2010-06-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

"I'm tired of always talking about myself... What do you think of me?"

Something struck me the other day which I hadn't previously thought too much about, which was, now that I've left University, I might have to start talking to girls in clubs and bars, which is something which I haven't had to do for three years!

As I've had quite a bit of time alone, I've spent a small amount of time (everyday!) thinking about girls, relationships, love and sex, and where I fit into those categories . . . or to put it simply, I've been masturbating a lot! (Just kidding mum)

The good thing about University is you don't have to rely too much on attracting someone whilst you're out of an evening, because number one, students are easy and more importantly because there are so many situations in which you can interact with one another on a day to day basis.

The foundation for pulling someone while you're out is whether or not you find them aesthetically appealing, e.g. do they dress a certain way, do they have the right body figure, how is their hair styled and does their face fit the bill?

All in all the way we attract someone is very animalistic and I couldn't decide between these two pictures so here's both!

Look at their faces >>>>>

Anyway back to the point...

University allows for you to talk to people and for me this is where I excell, as I have absolutely nothing to offer a girl in a club or bar. I'm a terrible dancer, a sweaty drunk and if you cant here what I'm saying then I cant even (try to) be funny! So what do I do?

I work out quite a lot, more because I enjoy being fit though, and I buy what I think are nice clothes. I'd like to be able to tan a little but as I'm ginger, they'd probably taser me if I ever tried to use a sunbed.

Here's a quick video of me using the Iron Gym, which is basically a pull up bar with a cool name...

"Yeah, so Tyler if I had put money on why you cant pull girls, its probably because you make stupid videos like that"

Thanks mystery voice man, but I'd like to think I'm a cool geek, which girls find highly amusing and appealing, but just in case I'll carry on working out and maybe take a dance class or two...

The Midnight Beast - Daddy

2010-06-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

Having an OCD is actually quite nice!

2010-06-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, I haven't actually been medically diagnosed with having an OCD, but there's no doubt, that I enjoy cleaning a little too much. I'd like to say "It cant be healthy" but after a good tidy, I've usually got a bit of a sweat on, and exercise is always good right?!

So I've finished University now, as I've said before and I'm moving out of my house sometime soon, but don't ask me when because frankly I have no idea.

Apparently I'm the only student in the whole of Sunderland that doesn't know when they're going home or have a clue what they're doing for the summer because all I ever read about on Facebook is someone getting a placement here or starting a new job there and yet I'm still sitting in a five bedroom house, all by myself, writing a blog, which probably no-one will read, so essentially I'm just talking to myself...It's official I've gone mad!

But everyone going home hasn't been all bad, I've gotten of glimpse of what it would be like if I lived by myself in the future. It would probably be a much smaller place than my student house but I'd imagine it would be the same. Ridiculously clean and tidy, meticulously organised, and I'd sit there every night, eating meals for one, before eventually turning on my cat because we'd had an argument over who was cuter, Justin Beiber or Macaulay Culkin ... but that wouldn't happen anyway because I don't even like cats, I'd have a dog!

Seen as I have had the house to myself and I will be moving out at some point, I decided to scrub the house from top to bottom, and not because I suddenly woke up in the middle of the night, sweating, with the urge to clean, but because when I eventually do leave, I don't want to give the landlord any reason to keep my deposit, and if there's one thing I love more than cleaning, its money!

Oh also I've had to repair a small size 10 hole in the wall in my bedroom, as I put my foot through it a little while back, after a stupid argument with my ex-girlfriend, Jess. Its a long story so I wont go into it too much, but suffice to say, I lived with my girlfriend, we split up, but still lived in the same house, so we spent the next 7 months pissing each other off! Thank god that's over, I wont be making that mistake again anytime soon.... I'm so lonely

The repairs went pretty well though, so I documented my progress, and here's some pictures so you know I wasn't making the story up just to look tough!

"Stuff the plastering, I'm impressed I managed to align these three pictures like that!"

If anyone's got any suggestions on how I should spend all this free time I seem to have on my hands then feel free to comment below, or even better send me a picture of you having fun with friends... just to rub it in!

Congratulations, its a boy!

2010-06-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

I know when baby Tyler popped out of the...you know, my mum, they would have definitely been relieved I wasn't a girl!

So yesterday was National Man Day, which I'm not completely certain was an official holiday but considering half the worlds population are men, IT SHOULD BE!

Man Day can be celebrated in a number of ways, from building something awesome to destroying it straight after, just because you can, because you're a man!

Although I like to engage in as many man activities as possible on a daily basis, such as fighting bears (when applicable) eating raw meat, climbing seemingly impossible structures and bending steel, it was, however, Man Day, so I made sure my efforts were particularly manly!

Had to go into University but this didn't stop me...cos I am Man! And nothing can truly stop a man...It wasn't a woman on the moon was it! HA! The idea is laughable! Anyway while at University I did some somersaults and other acts of impossible acrobatics, such as rolly polly's!

On the way through town I went into a pet shop and befriended all the animals whilst simultaneously striking fear into their hearts. There's a reason Man is top of the food chain and I made damn sure they knew it! Also I had a face to face staring competition with a snake...AND WON!

Later efforts included going to the local brewery, drinking beer, watching sports, engaging in a pub quiz and destroying opponents at pool....all in the name of Man Day...and I'm not ashamed to say my display of skill did attract a rather large crowd, clearly envious of my Manliness!

I'll end it there, before I make some of my female readers pregnant but if (and only if) you outdid your own regular acts of Masculinity, tell me what they were and maybe we can battle...or alternatively read about my brothers Man Day here

Bear fighting a man!

"...whoaaah, what happened last night?"

2010-06-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

Ever woke up in the morning/afternoon and you can't remember the night before? If the answer is no, then you need to try harder.

OK, so not every night will end with you getting home somehow, even though you cant recall the cab journey and you've still got all your money but yet you've lost your keys . . . What?! How does that even work?!

Thankfully as a student, you've always got the option of your house mates taking you home or at least letting you into the house, where you can proceed to stuff your face with whatever you can find in the fridge... whether or not the food belongs to you is another matter.

One morning I woke up to the smell of burning food, went down into the kitchen, thinking one of my idiot house mates was burning their grub, only to find two black discs on a baking tray in the oven, what used to be pizza's, but some moron (me) had left them to cook ALL NIGHT!

Here's a picture of the remains...

If you're sensible, you'll leave the food alone and drink a few pints of water, as not only will this help prevent the dreaded hangover but it'll also mean you sleep better and wont feel so damn tired the next day, even though you've slept for 12 hours.

There are plenty of urban myths for how to cure a hangover, but there are some specific things you can do if you really wanna feel better.

When you drink alcohol, it makes you wee constantly aka "Breaking the seal" and as a result the body becomes dehydrated (but everyone knows that) so obviously, drinking water helps to rehydrate the body. The reason we get headaches is because when the brain doesn't get enough water it shrinks AND PULLS AWAY FROM YOUR SKULL! AHHHHHH!

Apart from being low on water, the body also loses a lot of salt and sugar, so eating a fry up the next day wont necessarily help, you're actually more likely to throw it back up but eggs and bananas are good!

In terms of the "Hair of the dog" method, by which you just keep drinking, i'm afraid to tell you it doesn't cure a hangover but simply postpones it and increases your chance of losing yet another day of memory

But don't panic, if by tea time you still cant recollect the events of the night before, log onto Facebook and you're like to see this message...

Joe Bloggs tagged a photo of you

For more information on how to prevent the dreaded hangover or help getting rid of it visit: http://www.lifeinthefastlane.ca/hangovers-and-cure-myths-revealed/weird-science

Welcome to the real world

2010-06-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

This is a piece of writing I did for www.injournalism.co.uk which is an online publication created through Sunderland University, check it out its pretty good.

Let’s face it, summers over, and with the coming of winter and the looming credit crunch, we’re forced to ask ourselves, have we picked a suitable house to rent?

For all you fresher’s, you have nothing to worry about, expect perhaps the odd wet bed of a morning after a heavy night drinking, but generally, university accommodation is great fun.

Someone will clean your toilet and hallway every other week and the only thing you have to do is balance your plate on the pile next to the sink, unless of course, like me, you’re slightly OCD, in which case you’ll find yourself doing other peoples dishes all year long.

It all changes in year two, except the part about washing dishes. In most cases you will have moved in with friends who you met last year and, having chosen a room weeks ago, are enjoying the comforts of living without anyone telling you not to light candles or stick pins in the walls.

The game of Life has just stepped up a difficulty and we’re now fully responsible for looking after ourselves, which includes many similar tasks as last year, such as feeding and washing, with the added bonus of bills.

That’s not the worst thing though. Everyone, I’m sure, will have set up or be in the process of acquiring an internet connection and no doubt some form of television package. This is when it becomes frustrating. When you’re living with six other people, who decides on the program?

Suddenly the dream house you thought you were moving into isn’t so ideal and I’m not just referring to being forced to watch Xfactor over Match of the day. You’ve spoken to some friends and it feels like they got a better deal than you and the house is constantly cold because it’s too expensive to put the heating on and there’s a strange smell and you’re not sure where it’s coming from?

For those with unsympathetic parents, whatever the problem, never ask for their help, as you immediately become in danger of hearing the immortal lines “that’s life” or “welcome to the real world”

Convergence and the future

2010-06-07T00:18:00.000-07:00

In 2010, the only person not able to access the internet, wherever they are, are animals....and animals aren't people, so it doesn't count!

Nearly every new phone nowadays can instantly take you to Facebook or Twitter or the BBC website, so social ignorance should be frowned upon, whereas awareness of what's happening around you should be the norm right?

I've been studying for 3 years now, on a course which by its very nature means I have to keep up to date with current news and events, but I still find it hard to do, but is it really essential to know or is it perfectly acceptable to live in a bubble, or maybe its better not to know.

For those that don't know, 'convergence' is a process of development by which we use a device for something other than its original purpose. An example of this is, using a mobile phone, designed for making calls, to take pictures. Convergence is usually down to advances in technology and its perfect for networking yourself.

Remember 5-10 years back, every time a new bit technology came out, it had gotten smaller than its predecessor, which was good because it meant you could put it down and lose it easier. Mobiles were really difficult to press the buttons, especially if you've got fat fingers....haha!

I hate carrying things and having loadsa stuff in my pockets, probably because it stops me from jumping around, climbing walls and generally acting the fool, but convergence means less for my pockets, YAY! So, I think the next stop is the iPhone, because its got everything, and I wonder why I didnt get it before and none of the reasons seem very good, e.g. iPhones's didnt have bluetooth, but big deal, no-one uses that nowadays anyway, especially not if you can go on the net. That device has "rotted" you might say, and its time to "get it pulled" . . . or "get a filling", which doesn't make sense!

The future excites me. The new 'Spotify Open' can now link with your friends and I can share my playlists....and network. Youtube rocks my world (check out my videos) and absolutely everything links with Facebook and Twitter, even crappy little web pages such as this one:

http://tardis.sunderland.ac.uk/~bd75mo/

I know its sad but I love social networking and I'm happy everyone I know feels similar because it means I'll never lose contact with all the University bods I've met over the last three years...now, time to go travelling!

This is subject that interests me so tell me what your favourite piece of technology is and why. Big up Convergence!?!

So what now?

2010-06-04T16:41:00.001-07:00

I've finished University now but I still don't know exactly what I want to do with my degree and I wonder how many other people feel the same as me?

I attended the Sunderland University media awards ceremony on Thursday and struck by two thoughts. The first being that a lot of people have organised themselves a job or some work experience in the media already and the other is that many people, like me, don't necessarily wish to continue in the specific field they will have graduated in.

Three years ago I begun my course in Broadcast Journalism because I wanted to be a presenter, on either television or radio; I believe my exact words were "I want to get paid to talk", oh aren't I witty.

Through studying journalism, it has given me an extensive list of jobs which I don't want to get into, however, I'm yet to discover exactly what I do want to do, but I suppose this is a good start.

I'm really enjoy the video element of my course, in particular the investigative journalism side, and I really, really enjoyed making my dissertation and I think my future lies in this field so I think its best to work on some independent projects.

In September I will be going to Australia for 5 months to work and hopefully get some experience in their media industry, so fingers crossed. But also whilst I'm there I'll be making a video diary and documenting my travels and new experiences.

If you have any advice on getting work in a foreign media industry, comment below, also I'd like to know if you're in a simlilar situation as me and what you did after university.

Music piracy with the man

2010-03-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

Our story begins in London...

Actually that’s a lie but I’ve always wanted to open a story with that line, and I felt starting a blog with a five hour car journey from Sunderland to Kent wasn’t as cool. Plus it was a pretty grimy drive involving nothing but sweets, biscuits and milkshake.

For my dissertation, I’m working with the original cool kid Rob Law to create a 30 minute video documentary based around music piracy and its impact on the music industry and its consumers; exciting stuff, especially if we can interview Lilly Allan :)

Today we made our first of many trips down to the capital to interview Adam Liversage, the director of communications for BPI. If you don’t know what BPI stands for, join the club because I only recently found out it’s the British Phonographic Industry, but they’re more commonly known for the Brit awards.

Before I go into what Adam had to say though, I’ve got to make an observation. If you’ve ever been to Westminister tube station you’ll know what I’m talking about when I say it looks like something out of a sci-fi film. In order to get to the surface you have to ascend three massive sets of escalators and all I could think about all the way up was “Next stop Jupiter”.

Did I mention the giant Brits statues in the reception area? Imagine a normal Brit award and blow it up to 10 times its size and thats what loomed over you as you got out of the elevator. We were told they regularly get lent out to places like the National museum, although I'm not quite sure what they'd want with it.

The whole place is covered in floor to ceiling pictures of the Brits, the biggest one being of Robbie Williams collecting an award, however, the room we got to film in wasnt covered in pictures, it was plain white... thanks for that Adam.

The interview went really well though and Adam knew his stuff, and by the end we were very clear on how BPI feel about music piracy.

He told us that he believes there is absolutely no excuse for illegally downloading music nowadays. We are in a digital age wherein you can gain access to music either for free or so cheap that there can be no justification for pirating music.

Currently there is a Bill trying to be passed called 'The digital economy bill', which will allow record companies (the ones with enough money to do so) to monitor users of sites such as 'Limewire' and 'Bearshare'. If you are seen to be sharing their content without the correct license then the record companies can send out a letter confirming you have been caught illegally downloading their music and that you are now being monitored.

Keep in mind that p2p networking sites are public forums and thus are open to anyone that wants to see who's using them. There's no way to hide if you're sharing illegal content.

Adam admitted; record companies and music industry professionals don't believe they can ever really stop music piracy, but their main aim is to persuade consumers to seek alternative legal methods of accessing music.

For example, did you know that 19/20 tracks which are downloaded are done so without the permission from the record label, ie pirated.

From a music listeners perspective, the loss of money to a record label isn't the issue, its the variety of music being released in the future that we need to worry about. Music piracy will force record companies into taking less risk when signing new acts and God help us if the future of music is Amy Winehouse.

At the end of all that we knew what had to be done... No, not fill a bath with liquid jelly and lay in it until it sets, that's crazy. We needed to speak to consumers and find out why they download illegally.

After numerous attempts to steal a Brit award we left, and the hunt the Lilly continues...

A new season, a new blog!

2010-03-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

I was walking home today and it struck me, damn its cold, yet when I woke up this morning it was so sunny and, dare I say it, slightly warmer than yesterday!

So March is here and two points for anyone that can tell me what's special about March?! Anyone? NOTHING! Just another exciting month in which you have too much time on your hands... which is why you're reading this.

However, open the curtains and you may see some sun and if you foolishly believe it'll last you're truly mistaken.

I left the house the other day and I'm not ashamed to say I skipped to university. Why? Because the sun was out and it instantly makes me happier, its a fact of life. Maybe its the hit of Vitamin D to my system or maybe because it reminds me of getting nobbed a by a Mexican (that never actually happened) but for some reason it puts a spring in my step.

But as my great uncle Billy said as he wiped himself off on my eighth birthday "All good things must come to an end" and so did the good weather because by the time I got out of Uni it was already cloudy and a harsh breeze had turned my skip into a slump.

How many people leave the house in March without a coat simply because it was bright outside their bedroom window? My guess is quite a few. To add insult to injury you'll probably get a cold too, which sucks!

It's ok though because come June I'll have forgotten all about March and I'll be moaning about how damn white I am, so until then I'll remember to wear a coat!