I've had better years.
I spent the first half of this year in Sheffield, one of my favourite cities in the UK, almost totally broke for most of the time and having to deal with several people I will never get on with on a daily basis.
I then returned to Edinburgh for a week's work experience at the evening newspaper there. My stay was extended for a month and I was told there was a good chance of it becoming a permanent position. However, it did not. A few weeks later the publishing company laid off about 30 people after seeing its half-year results - perhaps indicating why the permanent job didn't materialise.
After that I had an interview in Cumbria, again one of my favourite places in the UK, and was turned down for the job because I didn't bring "greater balance to our [the newspaper's] existing team." I have my own opinion on what that means, essentially that the newspaper wasn't prepared to hire a white, heterosexual male.
One month and several unsuccessful applications later, I landed a job at The Northern Scot in Elgin, a beautiful, if isolated, place in Morayshire. After I got this job I knocked back one interview in Dumfriesshire and a second interview in Dundee.
I wasn't to start until November 17 due to the office having to be rearranged to accommodate me. Then on November 12 I got a phone call from the editorial director of the Scot's publisher saying they had had poor half-year results and they couldn't afford to pay me. So for the second time in three months I had, in modern parlance, been credit crunched.
And with this happening just before Christmas, job vacancies were harder to find than a polar bear in a coke shower and I was too late to cancel cancelling my second interview in Dundee.
And so I find myself in my mid-twenties blogging on Hogmanay in a room in my parents' house (having run out of money after Edinburgh), working in a bar and totally unsure about my future.
Given the current circumstances we find ourselves in, both as a country and as a planet, I am grateful that I at least have a job and am at least not financially unstable.
Nevertheless I feel unbelievably frustrated at my current plight. Next year has to be one of change for me. Perhaps I may even have to abandon my journalistic ambitions for a different career.
I hope and pray that next Hogmanay my blogging is as cheery as this post has been whiney.
Happy New Year.
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Still in the Brown stuff
No journalistic cliché has bothered me so much recently as the phrase "Brown bounce" which seems to have appeared in every newspaper and on every TV news reports in the last couple of weeks.
Similarly, after labour's Glenrothes by-election win last week that fat, smug Labour-luvvie Brian Taylor could hardly contain his glee talking about how the victory signalled support for Gordy in these recession-hit times.
My problem with this cliché? It is complete nonsense.
Jackie Ashley wrote an excellent article on why in The Guardian this week stating that when the recession really bites with factory closures, job losses and home repossessions the electorate will not see Brown as the economic genius/international leader/Messiah many portray him as just now.
I would go further than Ashley and say that despite this recent upsurge in popularity nothing has really changed for Brown. Indeed what we are seeing at the moment is very recent history repeating.
After his statesmanlike response the the 7/7 bombings in London in 2005 and playing a key part in winning London the 2012 Olympics Tony Blair gained his best media coverage for years with many proclaiming: "Blair is back."
It all turned out to be nonsense. Blair was still a lame duck Prime Minister whose party was dissatisfied with him and whose obvious successor was determined to undermine him.
The terrorist attacks of 7/7 and the Olympics played to his strengths - it allowed him to talk about a grand international issue (terrorism and the importance of defeating it) and to claim success for bringing the biggest show on Earth to his country's capital city.
Within weeks people had forgotten about this and he was back fighting to continue with his political life.
Gordon Brown has fallen on a similar fortune with the current economic downturn. He managed the economy for 10 years as Chancellor, feels most comfortable talking about economic matters and knows the key players in world economics personally.
However, he is still an over-cautious, indecisive and, frankly, weird man who is incapable of dealing with issues in a way that comes across well to the public. Prime Minister's Questions this week was a pertinent reminder of Brown's fundamental weaknesses as a political leader.
That Labour now seem to be behind Brown is a good thing. The constant talk of leadership bids was destabilising to the country. Those whingers who were trying to stab him in the back seem to have realaised that Brown is the only Labour MP who could be leader - a sad inditement on the dearth of talent in the present Cabinet but a truism nonetheless.
But Labour should not be fooled into thinking they are back to the good old days. Firms are beginning to shed jobs, money is tight and the public is beginning to get angry. None of this bodes well for them heading into an election in the next 18 months.
I personally have been a victim of the recession twice this year and I am in no mood to congratulate Labour at the ballot box.
And I know I'm not alone.
Similarly, after labour's Glenrothes by-election win last week that fat, smug Labour-luvvie Brian Taylor could hardly contain his glee talking about how the victory signalled support for Gordy in these recession-hit times.
My problem with this cliché? It is complete nonsense.
Jackie Ashley wrote an excellent article on why in The Guardian this week stating that when the recession really bites with factory closures, job losses and home repossessions the electorate will not see Brown as the economic genius/international leader/Messiah many portray him as just now.
I would go further than Ashley and say that despite this recent upsurge in popularity nothing has really changed for Brown. Indeed what we are seeing at the moment is very recent history repeating.
After his statesmanlike response the the 7/7 bombings in London in 2005 and playing a key part in winning London the 2012 Olympics Tony Blair gained his best media coverage for years with many proclaiming: "Blair is back."
It all turned out to be nonsense. Blair was still a lame duck Prime Minister whose party was dissatisfied with him and whose obvious successor was determined to undermine him.
The terrorist attacks of 7/7 and the Olympics played to his strengths - it allowed him to talk about a grand international issue (terrorism and the importance of defeating it) and to claim success for bringing the biggest show on Earth to his country's capital city.
Within weeks people had forgotten about this and he was back fighting to continue with his political life.
Gordon Brown has fallen on a similar fortune with the current economic downturn. He managed the economy for 10 years as Chancellor, feels most comfortable talking about economic matters and knows the key players in world economics personally.
However, he is still an over-cautious, indecisive and, frankly, weird man who is incapable of dealing with issues in a way that comes across well to the public. Prime Minister's Questions this week was a pertinent reminder of Brown's fundamental weaknesses as a political leader.
That Labour now seem to be behind Brown is a good thing. The constant talk of leadership bids was destabilising to the country. Those whingers who were trying to stab him in the back seem to have realaised that Brown is the only Labour MP who could be leader - a sad inditement on the dearth of talent in the present Cabinet but a truism nonetheless.
But Labour should not be fooled into thinking they are back to the good old days. Firms are beginning to shed jobs, money is tight and the public is beginning to get angry. None of this bodes well for them heading into an election in the next 18 months.
I personally have been a victim of the recession twice this year and I am in no mood to congratulate Labour at the ballot box.
And I know I'm not alone.
Thursday, 6 November 2008
Good luck and Thanks
Yes, I know, I have had yet another prolonged break from blogging. Since I last posted I have been working split shifts and am usually asleep for good chunks of the day, hence blogging has been difficult.
Anyway, to the events of the day:
Congratulations to Barrack Obama, thenext President of the USA. There are moments in time that signify a major change in the way the world works. 9/11 was the most memorable of my 25 years. Tony Blair's win in 1997 was another, less tragic, example. I have the same feeling about Obama's win yesterday. Much is expected of him. I am sure he will not live up to all his expectations but I wish him luck, he is going to need it.
I would also like to congratulate Lewis Hamilton, Felipe Massa and everyone involved in Formula One this season. The championship was decided at the last corner of the last lap of the last race - a suitable end to a truly fantastic season. Hamilton is a deserved champion and I'm sure we have not heard the last of Massa. Roll on 2009.
Anyway, to the events of the day:
Congratulations to Barrack Obama, thenext President of the USA. There are moments in time that signify a major change in the way the world works. 9/11 was the most memorable of my 25 years. Tony Blair's win in 1997 was another, less tragic, example. I have the same feeling about Obama's win yesterday. Much is expected of him. I am sure he will not live up to all his expectations but I wish him luck, he is going to need it.
I would also like to congratulate Lewis Hamilton, Felipe Massa and everyone involved in Formula One this season. The championship was decided at the last corner of the last lap of the last race - a suitable end to a truly fantastic season. Hamilton is a deserved champion and I'm sure we have not heard the last of Massa. Roll on 2009.
Monday, 15 September 2008
Sebastian Vettel - what a guy!
Sebastian Vettel yesterday became the yongest ever winner of a Formaula One race when he took the chequered flag at the Italian Grand Prix.
What makes Vettel's win even more remarkable is that he won driving a Torro Rosso. This team is one of the smallest in the field and is the modern incarnation of the woeful Minardi team that lagged at the back of races for all of its F1 life.
This achievement shows that the 21-year-old Vettel is truly a great F1 talent who is sure to be a challenger for race wins and titles in the future. Congratulations to him.
Not so long ago his victory would have made him unique but fortunately he is now just one major talent in a sport full of them.
You may remember in my last post about F1 that I was enthused by the fact that Robert Kubica had won his first race. Since then McLaren's Heikki Kovalainnen has won his first race and with Vettel winning yesterday it means three drivers have had a maiden victory this season.
There are now twelve drivers on the grid who have won grand prix, more than half of the drivers racing this season. What's more, eight of these twelve are under thirty and could have at least ten years racing to go before they leave the sport.
I said it in my last F1 post but I mean it even more now, F1 is back as a competetive sport. Even though Mclaren and Ferrari still have a clear advantage over the other teams in terms of budgets and resources this season has proved that they can no longer carve out the races between themselves and will have to earn each new victory.
F1 is then in the best health its been in since the era of Prost, Senna, et al. In my mind, four things need to happen to take F1 from this to optimum health:
1. Fernando Alonso needs a decent car - He is still the best driver in F1 and should be pushing for victories. Hoppefully Renault will improve his package for next season.
2. Toyota need to keep developing - They have come on enormously this year. Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock are both excellent drivers who deserve their chance at a title shot.
3. Williams need to get good again - They are the only team in the paddock now that exists solely for F1. It is good for F1 when born racers are among the best teams. Nico Rosberg is also an excellent driver who could make the field even more comepetive.
4. Jenson Button needs a good car - This is probably my most contentious point. Jenson has many critics who accuse him of being too much of a playboy and not hungry enough for victory. However, in the past when he has had a decent car he has shown himself to be a very competetive driver. I'd like to see him in a decent car to see if he is as good as his best performances suggest. And if he is, the idea of two British drivers fighting it out for wins is mouth-watering.
What makes Vettel's win even more remarkable is that he won driving a Torro Rosso. This team is one of the smallest in the field and is the modern incarnation of the woeful Minardi team that lagged at the back of races for all of its F1 life.
This achievement shows that the 21-year-old Vettel is truly a great F1 talent who is sure to be a challenger for race wins and titles in the future. Congratulations to him.
Not so long ago his victory would have made him unique but fortunately he is now just one major talent in a sport full of them.
You may remember in my last post about F1 that I was enthused by the fact that Robert Kubica had won his first race. Since then McLaren's Heikki Kovalainnen has won his first race and with Vettel winning yesterday it means three drivers have had a maiden victory this season.
There are now twelve drivers on the grid who have won grand prix, more than half of the drivers racing this season. What's more, eight of these twelve are under thirty and could have at least ten years racing to go before they leave the sport.
I said it in my last F1 post but I mean it even more now, F1 is back as a competetive sport. Even though Mclaren and Ferrari still have a clear advantage over the other teams in terms of budgets and resources this season has proved that they can no longer carve out the races between themselves and will have to earn each new victory.
F1 is then in the best health its been in since the era of Prost, Senna, et al. In my mind, four things need to happen to take F1 from this to optimum health:
1. Fernando Alonso needs a decent car - He is still the best driver in F1 and should be pushing for victories. Hoppefully Renault will improve his package for next season.
2. Toyota need to keep developing - They have come on enormously this year. Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock are both excellent drivers who deserve their chance at a title shot.
3. Williams need to get good again - They are the only team in the paddock now that exists solely for F1. It is good for F1 when born racers are among the best teams. Nico Rosberg is also an excellent driver who could make the field even more comepetive.
4. Jenson Button needs a good car - This is probably my most contentious point. Jenson has many critics who accuse him of being too much of a playboy and not hungry enough for victory. However, in the past when he has had a decent car he has shown himself to be a very competetive driver. I'd like to see him in a decent car to see if he is as good as his best performances suggest. And if he is, the idea of two British drivers fighting it out for wins is mouth-watering.
Saturday, 13 September 2008
The Gray Man Enters
Today Scottish Labour got its new leader, Iain Gray.
Labour are in a mess in Scotland. They are losing votes all over the place to the SNP and, in some places, the Tories.
Typically Labour leaders are local government place-men from the Glasgow area so their members deserve some credit for electing an East Coaster who has worked outside of politics for most of his life.
This shows signs that Labour is realising it needs to change its ideas if it is to play a meaningful part in Scottish politics over the next three years.
Sadly Gray shows few signs of wanting to move the party on, at least if his acceptance speech is anything to go by. In it he criticised Alex Salmond (the fat, bandwagon-jumping First Miniter of Scotland) for going to St. Andrews University and working as an economist while he was out in the schemes teaching poor children and then working for Oxfam in Mozambique - presumably to show up a 'man of the people' image.
Gray was educated at George Watson's College and Edinburgh University, two of the poshest educational institutions in Scotland. Teaching is a respected, professional job with good, if not great, pay. Gray is no more a man of the people (whatever that phrase means in the modern world) than Salmond.
These were mute points to his audience who lavished him with applause.
When will Scottish Labour realise that they are as middle-class as every other party in the Scottish Parliament?
Hopefully Gray will do so soon. Ultimately, the people of Scotland want an opposition leader who holds the Executive to account, not one who devotes his time to pretending to be one of the workers.
Labour are in a mess in Scotland. They are losing votes all over the place to the SNP and, in some places, the Tories.
Typically Labour leaders are local government place-men from the Glasgow area so their members deserve some credit for electing an East Coaster who has worked outside of politics for most of his life.
This shows signs that Labour is realising it needs to change its ideas if it is to play a meaningful part in Scottish politics over the next three years.
Sadly Gray shows few signs of wanting to move the party on, at least if his acceptance speech is anything to go by. In it he criticised Alex Salmond (the fat, bandwagon-jumping First Miniter of Scotland) for going to St. Andrews University and working as an economist while he was out in the schemes teaching poor children and then working for Oxfam in Mozambique - presumably to show up a 'man of the people' image.
Gray was educated at George Watson's College and Edinburgh University, two of the poshest educational institutions in Scotland. Teaching is a respected, professional job with good, if not great, pay. Gray is no more a man of the people (whatever that phrase means in the modern world) than Salmond.
These were mute points to his audience who lavished him with applause.
When will Scottish Labour realise that they are as middle-class as every other party in the Scottish Parliament?
Hopefully Gray will do so soon. Ultimately, the people of Scotland want an opposition leader who holds the Executive to account, not one who devotes his time to pretending to be one of the workers.
Friday, 12 September 2008
George II - Hero
A little praise here for George Burley, possibly the best thing to happen to Scottish football for some time.
Walter Smith and Alex McLeish did a great job at rebuilding the side and we had an excellent run in the Euro 2008 qualifiers. However Burley is the man to take us forward.
Burley does not respect reputations, likes to play attacking football and is prepared to gamble. For the Iceland game he benchedKenny Miller, started with two strikers and played Kirk Broadfoot.
We can't match the big teams if we continue to play defensive football and hope that our lone striker gets a chance on goal. Nor can we do it if we don't cut the dead wood out of our squad.
Burley knows all this and he will be the man who either takes us beyond the group stages in South Africa or loses all of his major matches by five goal scorelines.
Walter Smith and Alex McLeish did a great job at rebuilding the side and we had an excellent run in the Euro 2008 qualifiers. However Burley is the man to take us forward.
Burley does not respect reputations, likes to play attacking football and is prepared to gamble. For the Iceland game he benchedKenny Miller, started with two strikers and played Kirk Broadfoot.
We can't match the big teams if we continue to play defensive football and hope that our lone striker gets a chance on goal. Nor can we do it if we don't cut the dead wood out of our squad.
Burley knows all this and he will be the man who either takes us beyond the group stages in South Africa or loses all of his major matches by five goal scorelines.
George I - Villain
Well, here's my first proper blog for almost three months. There is a good reason for my long-delayed return to the blogosphere.
I was working at a newspaper in Edinburgh in June and July. I optimistically thought that this might lead to a full-time job but alas no such luck. I've since been turned down for one job and been unable to take up two others for a variety of reasons.
I currently find myself on holiday on the Costa del Dole, which is quite frankly the worst experience of my life. You are treated like scum by the people in the Jobcentre, made to fill out stupid forms and receive endless patronising letters telling you nothing you didn't already know. The system is also so open to abuse it's unreal. To put it bluntly, I think I'm losing my soul.
Many people say the dole is the easiest existence there is - being paid not to work. Anyone who has ever said this has clearly never experienced life in benefit land.
Which brings me to villain George. Last month I saw the video below on a music TV station. George Michael tells us how great being on the dole is:
I appreciate he was making a political statement in a very different time but I hate the idea he promotes of having "soul on the dole."
Being on the dole is rubbish and I long for the day I am off it.
I was working at a newspaper in Edinburgh in June and July. I optimistically thought that this might lead to a full-time job but alas no such luck. I've since been turned down for one job and been unable to take up two others for a variety of reasons.
I currently find myself on holiday on the Costa del Dole, which is quite frankly the worst experience of my life. You are treated like scum by the people in the Jobcentre, made to fill out stupid forms and receive endless patronising letters telling you nothing you didn't already know. The system is also so open to abuse it's unreal. To put it bluntly, I think I'm losing my soul.
Many people say the dole is the easiest existence there is - being paid not to work. Anyone who has ever said this has clearly never experienced life in benefit land.
Which brings me to villain George. Last month I saw the video below on a music TV station. George Michael tells us how great being on the dole is:
I appreciate he was making a political statement in a very different time but I hate the idea he promotes of having "soul on the dole."
Being on the dole is rubbish and I long for the day I am off it.
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