In similar fashion to a year ago, these are my new set of resolutions for 2012. Pop back on 31st Dec 2012 to see how I’ve done… I need to complete 5 or more to be more successful than 2011!
Start wearing contact lenses again
Start eating less trash and more variety of foods
Go swimming or to the gym more regularly
Drink less alcohol unless it’s a special occasion
Do more work experience with media organisations
Work towards a 2:1 for my Year 2 University results*
Use Facebook less*
Enjoy being at, and working with, SUSUtv even more than in 2011*
Do something big to raise money for charity
Not to lose any friends, and become even better friends with the ones that I really love.
*these are gunna be the hard ones!
Other things I’m looking forward to this year…
SUSUtv’s Elections coverage in February
SUSUtv’s trip to see our friend Talty in Ireland on St. Patricks Day
My geography field trip to Picos de Europa in April
So 2011 is over, and it’s been an absolute riot! Here’s a round up of the best bits…
Went to the National TV Awards at the O2 in London with this lovely bunch of people:
SUSUtv outside the O2 Arena in January....we'll be picking up the awards in there someday
Took part in an epic SUSUtv Elections broadcast
Went on a seriously cool surfing trip with SUSURF to Newquay with this lovely bunch… should really go again!
Just some from SUSURF...
Attended the NaSTA Awards and Conference in Loughborough, in April. Petty Crimes won best comedy amongst a few awesome awards at SUSUtv!
Andreas and I picking up the award for Petty Crimes!
Get very, very, very drunk for the Royal Wedding
This photo was taken at lunchtime. I fear I was already tipsy off champagne...
Became the new SUSUtv Co-Head of Production along with my bestest companion Carly (the one who looks/is exceptionally drunk in this photo)
Carly: "Where are weeeee? I can't seeeee...." - Gotta love Jesters!
Speaking of Carly, there’s us celebrating our birthdays with the first annual ‘Gingerfest’ celebrations…
We were all ginger. Our bedsheets weren't best-pleased...
Went to Beach Break festival, had a blast whilst filming for SUSUtv!
Had a holiday in Cornwall with this lovely bunch of people…
Cornwall 2011 with my new 'children'...
Celebrated my ma’s 50th birthday in Londaaaaaaan.
My mum doesn't really look 50, does she? Far right...
Ran the New Forest Half Marathon
....all 13.3 miles.
Moved into my new house, started a new year at University, lept back into Uni life with…er…FreshersTV!
Aren't we a sexy bunch? Brownie points if you can see me...
Continued working, getting drunk, being a student, etc. until Christmas. Here is a lovely bunch of geography people to demonstrate the awesomeness of Uni.
YAY Geography, at the Geography Ball.
Update on 2011 resolutions
Update this blog regularly…SORT OF – I’ve posted to this blog somewhat, but not what you’d call ‘regular’!
Write down my best memories… FAILED – I’ve had far too many good memories to keep a track of!
Start some sort of part-time web design business that will make ££… SORT OF – I’ve been working on a web design freelance website, but I’ve yet to start it and it’s not made me any money!
Build an iPhone app… FAILED – Not bothered trying.
Continue work at SUSUtv and make Petty Crimes one of the best shows EVER… SUCCESS! SUSUtv has been incredible this year! Petty Crimes won a NaSTA, and Episode 2 is watchable here.
Attend the gym (or other exercise) twice a week… SORT OF – In the summer I trained for quite a bit for my half marathon, but have failed this winter
Continue to meet new and awesome people… SUCCESS! I can safely say this has been done.
Keep an organised diary/calendar to help my shocking memory… SUCCESS! You should check out iCal on my Mac…
Spend more time reading around my subject at university… SUCCESS! But still got some more to do…
Do something that will make me feel warm inside (that can be anything)… SUCCESS! Of many things, I ran a half marathon… which literally, made me warm inside, but also emotionally warm for all the money I helped raised for Help For Heroes.
5/10. Not bad.
Have a wonderful, wonderful 2012 and all the very best to all
I can’t think of a man on this planet that has had more of a profound effect on the way we live our lives than Steve Jobs.
Go on, call me an Apple fanboy. Go on. The fact that I heard about the passing away of Steve Jobs last night on a device he invented, pretty much says it all… and I am not the only one.
In fact, I would bet that the vast majority of people who really cared about his death read the sad news on their shiny “i” product or Mac.
I’m sure you have heard all this before – but the man was a visionary. Not often does a man die and gets reactions from Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerburg, Steven Spielberg, Rupert Murdoch, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the founders of Google among others. The very way we live our lives today was effected by his decisions at the company he loved working at.
You remember the iPod? It was a revolution. The very notion of wearing white earphones now completely embodies it’s own meaning. The whole success of the iPod was based around the simplistic nature that “things just work”. The way that iTunes, the iTunes store, and the culture of it all was part of one genius plan to build up the brand of the “i” and Apple.
There are some remarkable things that aren’t even Apple-made but still had a profound impact on us. Take iTunes – which was said to be the “greatest bit of software available on Windows” – which has changed and dominated the landscape of the music industry like no other. The fact that iTunes and it’s success merely existed was seen to actually save music in general, from the fears in the early millennium about mass-music piracy.
Even elements of the Windows came from Jobs. Typefaces and fonts were first introduced on the Mac, so was the point-and-click mouse. Even the very nature of looking at a screen with a graphical user interface was put into place by Steve.
Jobs always went by the methodology that Apple doesn’t sell ‘junk’. See this video, where he explains exactly what Apple’s goals are – to make products that they are proud to sell, and happy to recommend onto their friends and family. It is remarkable for a company goal to not have any financial incentive at all – it simply wasn’t at the front of Job’s approach to Apple.
The fact that the company genuinely cared about the products they were selling showed. No other company was about passion, quality and care as much as Apple, rather than hardcore nitty-gritty financial stuff.
Similarly, Jobs’ attitude was that innovation had nothing to do with how much money you had for R&D. When Apple first came up with the Mac, IBM was spending at least 100 times more on R&D. “It’s not about money. It’s about the people you have, how you’re led, and how much you get it.”
I believe that it was this approach that made Apple so successful today.
When Jobs came back to Apple in 1997, when the company was on the brink of collapse, a new Apple age begun. Steve was not a man to worry about competition or defeat. You may have seen this rather awkward address back in the day when it was Bill Gates that came to Apple’s help. Notice too the boos from the audience. They were right to feel the competition, but wrong to underestimate how incredible the deal was and how it would literally save Apple – something that Steve could predict, and something he had to do no matter the corporate opinion.
It was because Steve thought differently. In this famous Apple ad (above), the quote “the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are usually the ones that do”. I don’t think that at the time, anyone could have envisioned where Apple would be in 14 years time.
But yet, there was still something about Steve and Apple that made us all want to buy. Unlike any other company in the world, Apple is like a faith. We believe in the products. There are some folks out there who buy Apple gadgets on the basis that they know their life will change if they buy the product – and if I may say so, fair play to them.
To that ‘following’ – Steve was their leader. The showman. Every keynote performance was genuinely something to get excited about, and Jobs knew this.
So his obituary on BBC News concludes, Jobs was a man who had total belief in his own abilities and a shortage of patience for anyone who failed to agree with him. His great gifts were an ability to second guess the market and an eye for well designed and innovative products that everyone would buy.
His commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005 makes a great read and shows the personal side to Jobs’ life. One particular quote stays in my head “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today? And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.” Think about that – just imagine how productive the world would be if we all stuck to that ideology!
I’ve owned many Apple products over the years. Mainly of course is my MacBook Pro – supplemented with a couple of iPod’s, and iPhone and even an iPad. Does this make me a fanboy? I have these products because by following Apple’s own ethos, I would be happy to recommend them to friends as they genuinely are fantastic products. I love Apple because of the genius of the company and the products they deliver… something that Jobs was part responsible for, I’m sure. Is there anything wrong with that?
Of course, debate goes on about Apple’s future minus it’s figurehead. Nothing will change on a day to day basis – but frankly the company will never be the same. I fear that there simply won’t be the same ‘spark’ in coming up product launches, but there again we can only but learn from Steve’s unique way of doing things.
I don’t usually admit to things I did wrong, however there is one memory I wish to forget for ever. Before my older sister got her first iPod – so this must have around when I was 11 – I took the attitude “Apple sucks.” It was a car journey, and the argument broke out between my sister and mum about Apple. A company that I had no knowledge of, and a judgement based on nothing.
Since then, my attitude to brands (not just Apple!) have changed entirely. No longer will I ever say that something sucks before I have a go.
I don’t think we will ever see another inventor, creative, genius or businessman like Steve Jobs. And through all this, the man had continuing health problems – even a liver transplant. He was also behind Pixar, creators of some of my all time favourite childhood movies, like Toy Story.
More so, he could have thrown in the towel ages ago. He made millions in his life – and many were shocked he didn’t just retire after his first health scare in 2005 – yet he continued on fighting and working for the company he loved right up until the last few months of his life. For this, I have the most respect for. My money is on the fact one of the last things he watched was the keynote coverage of the iPhone 4S product launch.
Over the summer I built a new website – Slightly Soton. Most of my blog readership I think knows the premise of the site already, but for those who don’t – do go check it out and have a ponder. The satirical news site launched on 1st Sepetember, and at 8 days in, some things have really stood out and I wanted to share my thoughts publically.
First of all, there’s this whole big thing about ‘secrecy’. It was never a secret that I was doing this. Infact, I have mentioned many times to various people all about the rough idea in the back of my mind… I just didn’t involve anyone in the production. When I first set up the Twitter and Facebook pages for the site a couple of days before launch, I didn’t bother trying to undisclose who was behind the project, I came out straight off (see this tweet here). I’d rather people focussed on what the content is rather than who the writer is.
The point of Slightly Soton is simple – something that people can chuckle at in their spare time. I only write well when I’m talking crap, so to me it makes sense. At the end of the day, if people read the content and they enjoy it, I’m happy. If they don’t come across it, or do and don’t like it – it doesn’t bother me.
Lots of people have tried comparing the site to the popular Wessex Mash from a few months back. Let me say this clearly; I am not copying the Wessex Mash, or at least not trying to. As I have said above – people know it’s me here – Pete and Mike kept themselves quiet because of the content they were writing. Nothing on Slightly Soton is out there to personally insult or slander people or organisation, and I will take responsibility for the stuff I write. If you are comparing SS to WM, you clearly haven’t understood the what SS is about.
Furthermore, it’s remarkable the response I’ve had from some people. Whilst some think it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread, I’m not going to lie in that I’ve had a few stroppy comments. One bloke, “Anon” submitted a comment complaining that the site was nothing like The Wessex Mash and he was unimpressed with the articles. Whilst a completely fair comment to make – he/she didn’t muster the balls to say who he/she actually was, nor did he/she leave an email address. And I do hope that “Anon” reads this post and understands where I’m coming from… I would have messaged back directly, but no email was given. And yes, that comment has been rejected.
In another few weeks I’ll update everyone on how things are going again. But I do enjoy writing this stuff and I shall carry on until I get bored of it. The most popular article by far is the Jesters and Sobar to join together for one massive night article, which swept around Facebook picking up 150+ likes, 473 unique views for that article, and over 1,500 page views for the entire site – in just 7 days. 78% of visits are new visitors, not returning, which only speculates the site is growing with readership. You can’t argue with figures like that, that’s while I’ll carry on and not get down by stupid arse comments such as the one from “Anon”, as I know people out there are enjoying it.
The past year has been amazing experience. SUSUtv has grown in size, quality, technology and members. Every single person has something to be proud of, though it’s the content that we produce that makes us who we are. The role of Co-Head of Production requires someone committed, dedicated and willing to organise and help others produce the best student television we can offer. I believe I already am this person.
Together with Carly Brown, who I do hope gets elected as the other Co-Head Production, we have both had experience in editing and producing our own shows, supporting other shows and ideas, directing and vision mixing live broadcasts… and generally being incredibly involved over the past year with the current committee.
I can assure you that with Carly and I as production heads, the dream team, SUSUtv will continue to thrive on stunning student programming of both original content and video coverage of SUSU events. We will also be friendly and approachable, allowing all students – particularly next years freshers – to come forward with their ideas, and putting them into practice. Let’s look forward to even more awards at the NaSTA 2012 award ceremony, and with any luck bring it back to SUSU for 2013!
Any questions? Get in touch. I’d be happy to answer any queries. See you all at the AGM tomorrow!
Description: Reached after a few pints, one starts to become tipsy.
Common Occurrences: Walking in a straight line becomes difficult, and you think you are awesome at dancing.
Usually results in: Your voice levels going up in volume. More drinks are purchased.
2. Standard.
Description: The standard drunk phrase. Fairly common.
Common Occurrences: Frequent trips to the toilet. Staring at good looking females, followed by shouting loudly at your mates about her. You stupidly take part in karaoke or open mic events.
Usually results in: Thinking you are still at the “Getting there…” stage, so you carry on drinking. Promising situations with available females… often could well be promising that night… though unlikely once moved onto the “Stupid and Insulting” stage.
3. Stupid and Insulting.
Description: Beyond the standard levels of getting drunk,
Common Occurrences: People leave your conversations. You think you are awesome. A few people say “you need to go home, mate”. Stereotypically insult all gingers, females, fat people, short people and foreign people in the area.
Usually results in: Stealing things. Being told to “get lost”. Getting slapped by a fat girl. Falling over (a lot) on your way home. Waking up with bruises. The ability to make sensible decisions is compromised.
4. Royally Fucked.
Description: That extra step further that makes you the laughing stock in the morning…
Common Occurrences: Rarely able to even hold a drink without spilling it. Words so slurred you can’t even speak. Unable to use keys (that is, of course, if you can even remember the way home). Starting to talk to inanimate objects. Claim to not know people you really know well.
Usually results in: All of previous mentioned above. Vomiting. Getting thrown out (or even not being let in) of bars/clubs. Remembering absolutely nothing of your journey home. Being told of the people you insulted, things you stole, and things you broke from the night before… feel bad for the following week. A monstrous hangover.
Oh well, exciting stuff to come – I am indeed going to finally start a small part time web design role fairly soon – I can’t wait! Just waiting for busy work times here at university to be over.. then I’m making the site (looks HOT so far!) to go up and it goes from there!
Some techy opinions of recent:
my dream video camera: Canon 7D (tried one of these suckers the other day and they are AMAZING!)
live vision mixing is FUN
The iPad 2 seems completely and utterly pointless in every single way possible, especially when Apple call it “completely redesigned” when it looks EXACTLY THE SAME
gotten myself a lush 1080i external monitor for my MacBook Pro
quickly picking up and learning Motion (part of Final Cut Studio) which is so unbelieveably amazing I quite often pee myself just a tad when something hot is made
Other updates worth a mention:
my father is now engaged… totally making what will be a brilliant wedding video for him… look out for that round about June/July 2012
Petty Crimes Episode 2 is coming soon
Heading to the National Student Television Awards (NaSTA’s) in April… thats gunna be incredible
Heading Newquay at the weekend for a bit of surfing funtimes
Life is awesome
I wish I had more money to buy a 7D (see above)
I write this as procrastination for the three essays that need writing before the end of March
Jester’s, a nightclub in Southampton, is categorically the worst club I have ever been to. It was once voted second worst in the country in a survey – where the winning club subsequently burnt down.
For the whole of my first term at university, I somehow managed to avoid going at all – opting either for Sobar, a relatively better club just a few doors down, or just not at all. Turns out this coincidental fate may have dramatically ramped up my life expectancy – as anyone who ventures into Jesters will probably come out a lot worse off than they did when they entered.
It was, however, time for me to visit. Having pre-drank a fair bit, I felt like I could make a good, unbiased opinion of the place. First off, I was ripped of a £4 entry fee. Fuck! I could go pretty much anywhere else in Southampton for cheaper.
As you take the staircase down into what seems like a large open-plan living room, you are left to ask the question ‘where exactly are the fire exits?’ and think ‘ohh this is a lovely fresh smell!’.
This is awesome – the bar staff at Jesters actually wear wellington boots. Perhaps this is because of the layer of quagmire that carpets the dancefloor; a mix of spilt drinks, piss, vomit and sweat. I don’t think I have ever seen such a gross layer on the floor. I feared falling over that night, and I also felt pretty sorry for the shoes I was wearing.
At the bar, you can order a jesticle for a further £4. This is a speciality cocktail that tastes alright, actually. I don’t know the actual recipe, but as I understand it, there’s shots of vodka, malibu and rum, topped with fruit juice. This may indeed sound nice, but on the second jesticle I had, it tasted very different – so much so that I believe it’s just a case of shove-whatever-in-the-glass and hope it tastes alright.
It was then my turn to go to the toilet. Fuck my life. As I walk into the gents, I am greeted with the vision of some tosser pissing in the sink, a guy at the urinal, and a guy next to him peeing ON HIS LEG, adding to what was a rather glorious pool of piss, water and beer on the floor.
The place was disgusting, however I did manage to have a good night nevertheless. This involved getting very drunk, laughing at all my friends, becoming abusive to people I didn’t know, making some new friends, loosing a lens from my glasses (thought about picking it up from the floor if I could find it, but then not doing so in fear of catching a disease from the floor), and walking home partially blind, whilst exceptionally drunk. Ladies and gentlemen, that, was my first Jester’s experience.
My name is Moggy, and I moan. My interests are web design, graphic design, technology, Apple products, politics, media and geography. Plus a few other random things.
I hope you enjoy all my posts. If you do, why not pass the word onto a friend, leave a comment, subscribe to the RSS, or even get in touch with me?
Lots of love all you gorgeous people!
Mogs
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