Wednesday, December 23, 2009

A Touch of Frost

I like a photo that can sum up something so well, so vast yet all it took was a simple click. I hope you like them...



Tuesday, December 22, 2009

I just want money...

Thats what I want! Seriously though, money is the source of all evil, you can never have enough of it at times when you don't need it, but when you really do need money it can put a damper on your dreams...

Now you might think I am being a slight bit over the top, but the bottom line is, I have a dream, my dream is to go to America and play college soccer. In order for me to do this I need to get a scholarship, scholarships pay for your education in return for you playing soccer for a the scholarship college in question. This might sound all hunky-dorey but there is so much more costs involved than that.

First of all, most colleges out in the US don't offer full scholarships, so you have to pony up the dough to pay for the remaining tuition the scholarship does not cover. There is also visa costs, costs for taking a SAT test, costs for converting any qualifactions you may have in the UK to US equivalents, applying for the "clearing house" (which is the institution that rubber stamps international student applications), costs for verifying qualifications, health insurance and flight costs (for going out there initially and for visiting back and forth from the US to the UK. There is also a problem with living out there, under a student visa you are not permitted to work off campus, and being a "student athlete" out there tends to take up alot of time so part time work might not even be an option.

If I had the money I would have no problem with the above. My wonderful girlfriend has even offered to help me out, but being a man I have refused. That is not the main reason though, the fact I am a man means I have my pride yes, but I would not want to ask her for money, the odd tenner here and there, if I need to use her card online etc, but most of the above I could not afford, and I couldn't expect her to pay for the rest. The actual fact is that I love her so much that I am afraid to let her down, if I accept her financial help and fail out there then how could I live with myself?

All in all I apparently (through seeking advice) I would need £1500. To some that might not sound alot, but my job does not pay particularaly too well, I have other obligations aswell. Maybe dreams are always meant to be dreams?

Friday, December 18, 2009

JERSEY

It seems I may, just may have made a slight mistake on a previous post! Turns out that teletext is to close mid-december, but only in Jersey! HAHA! I cannot believe that I missed the big 'Jersey' header on the BBC's 'Jersey' website. I have no excuses. However I will end this post on the same note as I did the initial one:

"So yes, farewell teletext (in jersey)!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

My Portfolio (well some it)...

Hello everyone, I was having a break at work and was reading a blog. Her designs she posted was amazing, and I really do like seeing other peoples work, especially if you can see the design process behind it! By seeing that I have decided to post some of my designs too. I have been to college and university studying design and over the years I have managed to build a portfolio of work, below is a random selection from that same portfolio, not all of my portfolio is digitalised unfortunately. Hope you like it...














Tuesday, December 15, 2009

A Fond Fairwell to Teletext...

I just found out today that the teletext information service on analogue and digital television will close across the UK tomorrow!

It was inevitable with the internet being more favourable these days, but I remember the good ol' days where you checked the weather and the weekends lottery numbers on teletext. If you've ever looked up your flight information on page 295, or checked out the TV listings it is the end of an era.

I was always pressing the wrong bloody buttons though so would end up at pages I didn't want to, then I would get annoyed with how long I had to wait for it to go back! Ahhhh good times!

So yes, farewell teletext! (I wonder if this means they have got rid of Ceefax???).

Monday, December 7, 2009

Health & Safety and Equality Considerations for Christmas Songs

I was sent this earlier on to day, "Health & Safety and Equality Considerations" for Christmas, looks like Scrooge has been out-played on this one, read on...

The Rocking Song:
"Little Jesus, sweetly sleep, do not stir;
We will lend a coat of fur,
We will rock you, rock you, rock you,
We will rock you, rock you, rock you …"

Fur is no longer appropriate wear for small infants, both due to risk of allergy to animal fur, and for ethical reasons. Therefore faux fur, a nice cellular blanket or perhaps micro-fleece material should be considered a suitable alternative.

Please note, only persons who have been subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check and have enhanced clearance will be permitted to rock baby Jesus. Persons must carry their CRB disclosure with them at all times and be prepared to provide three forms of identification before rocking commences.

Jingle Bells:
"Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way …"

A risk assessment must be submitted before an open sleigh is considered safe for members of the public to travel on. The risk assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly if passengers are of larger proportions. Please note, permission must be gained from landowners before entering their fields. To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.

While Shepherds Watched:
"While shepherds watched
Their flocks by night
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around …"

The union of Shepherds has complained that it breaches Health and Safety regulations to insist that shepherds watch their flocks without appropriate seating arrangements being provided, therefore benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available. Shepherds have also requested that, due to the inclement weather conditions at this time of year, they should watch their flocks via CCTV cameras from centrally heated shepherd observation huts.

Please note, the angel of the lord is reminded that before shining his / her glory all around he / she must ascertain that all shepherds have been issued with glasses capable of filtering out the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and Glory.

Rudolph the red nosed reindeer:
"Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
Had a very shiny nose.
And if you ever saw him,
You would even say it glows …"

You are advised that under the Equal Opportunities act, it is inappropriate for persons to make comment with regard to the ruddiness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from the Reindeer Games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence. A full investigation will be implemented and sanctions - including suspension on full pay - will be considered whilst this investigation takes place.

Little Donkey:
"Little donkey, little donkey on the dusty road
Got to keep on plodding onwards with your precious load …"

The RSPCA have issued strict guidelines with regard to how heavy a load that a donkey of small stature is permitted to carry, also included in the guidelines is guidance regarding how often to feed the donkey and how many rest breaks are required over a four hour plodding period. Please note that due to the increased risk of pollution from the dusty road, Mary and Joseph are required to wear face masks to prevent inhalation of any airborne particles. The donkey has expressed his discomfort at being labelled 'little' and would prefer just to be simply referred to as Mr. Donkey. To comment upon his height or lack thereof may be considered an infringement of his equine rights.

We Three Kings:
"We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star …"

Whilst the gift of gold is still considered acceptable - as it may be redeemed at a later date through such organisations as 'cash for gold', etc. - gifts of frankincense and myrrh are not appropriate due to the potential risk of oils and fragrances causing allergic reactions. A suggested gift alternative would be to make a donation to a worthy cause in the recipient’s name or perhaps give a gift voucher.
We would not advise that the traversing kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their destinations and suggest the use of RAC Routefinder or satellite navigation, which will provide the quickest route and advice regarding fuel consumption. Please note as per the guidelines from the RSPCA for Mr Donkey, the camels carrying the three kings of Orient will require regular food and rest breaks. Facemasks for the three kings are also advisable due to the likelihood of dust from the camels’ hooves.

Away in a Manger:
"Away in a Manger,
No Crib for a bed …"

Social services???????

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Happiness

I think it is very satisfying for someone when they have the ability to make more than one person happy at once. It seems this Christmas will be one to remember!

"If someone else is happy then I'm happy, if more than one person is happy through my actions then I'm even happier".
Terry Olivo (Me)

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Origami


I was reading the paper this morning and I came across an article about a French fella called Eric Joisel. He spends more than 100 hours folding a single piece of paper to create his breathtaking origami pieces. Have a look at his website, he has a truly amazing talent. He actually sells his "sculptures" for as much as 4 grand a go!

If you look on his website you will see loads of different designs, he even shows you how to do some of them, along with plan drawings where all the folds should go etc. Origami has never really interested me, I have folded the odd aeroplane here and there, maybe even 1 or 2 sailor hats but by seeing Eric's work it really has opened my eyes, I may have to invest in some paper....

"When people ask how long it takes to make a sculpture I say '35 years' because that is how long it has taken me to get to this level"
Eric Joisel