Soap Box

If there's one thing that I've picked up in the ~8 months since I started my freelancing, it's that you can't beat a good old fashioned boxed copy.
Despite various pundits trying to herald in the future of PC Gaming by bigging up the various digital platforms such as GamersGate, Steam, Impulse etc, as a reviewer, I prefer getting my games the traditional way.

Let me tell you why:

Empire: Total War, the next game in a series by English-based developer Creative Assembly (they're from Surrey, don'cha know), is due out on March 3rd/4th. Judging by videos, previews etc... This is without a doubt going to be the biggest and best game in the series, and could probably be a contender for Game of the Year. Amongst the triad of new technologies and developments being used in this title, SEGA (who own the publishing rights for Creative Assembly) have decided to make this game even more special by tying it to Valve's Steam platform.

For the uninitiated, Steam is one of the few 'pioneers' if you will of the Post-Digital Era. An independent company, Valve's Steam program serves as a hosting platform for scores of developers, and scores of titles. As well as acting as a marketplace where you can purchase PC games, Steam also hosts various multiplayer servers, videos and has its own budding online community. It also takes a slightly different approach to Digital Rights Management (DRM), and so is seen as a bit of a 'champion' of sorts. Of course, as is with all things, there's also a fair few people who hate the program with a passion, but there you go.

Back to Empire: If I were to say that I was excited about this game, then I would probably win the understatement of the year award. I know for some this would call into question my objectivity as a journalist, but to be quite honest, I'm more likely to be objective with a game I really like, as opposed to a game I really hate.

Working for an online publication as I do, it’s not uncommon for me to receive review code through digital distribution as opposed to a CD in the post. (Although, as it happens, I've received more games through the post then I have via the internet.) Whilst I do take a certain secret pleasure in receiving games through the post, especially when the publisher has been generous enough to provide a full retail copy, at the end of the day, I don't mind how I get my game, so long as I get it.

With Empire, it soon became apparent that SEGA was going to try and milk the whole Steam angle for all it was worth, and was forcing the majority of online publications, especially the 'not so big ones' like mine, to obtain their code from Steam. Fine, ok. I can deal with that. I would have preffered a nice shiny boxed copy, but whatever.

So rewind to last Wednesday. I was chatting to my editor, as we do, and eventually we get our serial code from Sega for our copy of Empire. Huzzah! Overflowing with anticipation, I eagerly open up Steam, go the Activation's section, and type in my code. Crash.

...Wait? What?

I re-open the program, type in the code again. Crash.

...Fuck.

No matter how many times I try, the Steam client always crashes whenever I type in the key. Which means I can't download Empire. Which means I can't play Empire... oh God.

As you can imagine, I was a tad distressed by these turn of events. The moment I had been waiting for had been snatched from me by some karmic twist of fate, and I could not play the game I'd been waiting many a -month for. After frantically informing my editor of the situation, we both desperately tried to find a solution to the problem, which to this day has yet to be found.

Although we now know what the cause of the problem is. A combination of a final release version being chosen, Steam's set-up for purchasing Empire online, and some sort of password algorithm (I'm a bit fuzzy over that bit), means that the Steam client can't find what it's looking for, and so shuts down in confusion and fear. Despite several emails to Sega, Valve, and whoever else we thought could help, the best we got was that they were 'working on it', and as the weekend approached, it was clear that I wouldn't be getting a review copy until Monday, at the earliest. Considering they're releasing it on Tuesday and Wednesday, it's quite possible that normal people are going to get to play this game before I do. Unprecedented, and totally unacceptable.

The only good point to come out of all this is that it happened to everyone else as well, as there are only 2/3 reviews actually online so far. Still, I'm over it now. Extremely disappointed, but over it. I know I'll be getting my hands on this game sooner or later, but the experience will be tainted ever so slightly.

And so we come back to the original point of this rant: the boxed copy. If SEGA had only stopped trying to be hip, or had made sure that the keys were set up properly, I wouldn't be here. Whilst I fully realise that digital distribution was probably the easiest way to get us our code, the fact that they didn't even check to see if it was working properly is embarrassing, and the fact that they didn't just send us out boxed copies as replacements is unfortunate.

I will say this though, in their defence: all of this I have deduced from talking to other people, or working it out on my own. Perhaps there was a more reasonable explanation for what happened, but Sega haven't exactly been talkative since this the initial event. That's public relations for you.

At the end of the day though, nothing beats a boxed copy of a game... Apart from maybe the Royal Mail.

Resume: Games Journalism

Hello,

My name is Joe Robinson and I'm looking for paid freelance work to add to my portfolio. My ultimate aim is break into the videogames journalism industry and nab a full-time position somewhere amongst the leading names in this profession.

For now though, I'm content with working at home on a part-time basis. I am capable of performing a variety of roles including news, reviews and features. I am currently based in Bournemouth, UK.

Platforms owned

* Xbox 360
* Nintendo Wii
* Gaming orientated PC (custom built) + Laptop (Specs available on request)

Experience

Since the beginning of summer, I have been freelancing for a number of different websites, and have already built up an extensive portfolio. However, I'm always looking for more work as i need as much experience as possible.

Games TM

For two weeks at the beginning of October, I did a work placement at one of the UK's leading multi-format magazines - Games TM. During my time, I helped out with a variety of tasks, and got several items published in Issues 76 and 77 of the magazine. These included a two-page 'Discuss' feature on Digital Rights Management, and a one-page review of Trackmania (DS). Due to Games TM's credit policy, my name is not directly attributed on the articles, but Rick Porter (the editor of Games Tm) can confirm my involvement.

(Note: Due to a printing error, my name is not actually in the contributors section for Issue 76, but it is there in Issue 77. Again, the Editor can confirm all of this.)

strategyinformer.com

This is the main website that I freelance for, and they currently pay me on per-article basis plus extras if the situation calls for it. I won't disclose the amount publicly, but if you wish to hire me you will have to at least match this rate. Here is a selection of articles that I have written for them:

Review: Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (360)

Review: Dreamlords - The Reawakening (PC)

Preview: Lego Batman (360)

Interview: Pete Hines & Fallout 3

Preview: Fallout 3 (Multi)

Review: Unreal Tournament III (360)

Interview: Denis Dyack & Too Human

Review: Too Human (360)

Review: Fable II (360)

Review: Mount & Blade (PC)

News sample

xbox360achievements.org

x360a.org was the other main website I worked for, however it is on a voluntary basis. I mainly helped them with their daily news coverage, whilst also doing the odd review for them. I have since left, but here is a sample of the work I did for them:

Review: Sid Meier's Civilization: Revolution (360)

News sample 1

News sample 2

News sample 3

Other Past Work

I used to write for a number of smaller websites to gain practice and experience. I no longer work for these websites now, as my situation has forced me to concentrate on my paid work, but here are some samples:

Review: Sins of a Solar Empire (PC)

Preview: Dungeon Hero (Multi)

News sample

Feature: The Joys of Having a Girlfriend Gamer: Love and War

News sample

E3 2008

During this year's E3 Media and Business Conference, I helped various websites with their E3 coverage by watching/reading the live feeds that were available.

Some examples include:

Gameslave: Nintendo Press Conference Round-Up

Strategy Informer: Yoichi Wada announces FF XIII for 360

Strategy Informer: Xbox Live Update Announcement

Leipzig GDC 2008

This year I also attended the Leipzig Games Convention on behalf of Strategy Informer and x360a. I was there for a total of seven days, and I was present for the whole convention from Wednesday (which was the press only day) through to Sunday and gave coverage through out. Some of the work that came out of Leipzig included:

Feature: Leipzig GC '08 - First Impressions

Interview: EVE Online

Preview: Empire - Total War

Report: Age of Conan

Preview: Call of Duty - World at War

Preview: Hearts of Iron III

Preview: Alpha Protocol

Preview: Aion - Tower of Eternity

Preview: Rise of the Argonauts

Extra Information

In September of this year (2008), I shall be entering the third and final year of my Journalism Degree. By Summer of 2009, I shall have a BA(Hons) in Multi-Media Journalism. I should also be fully NCTJ qualified.

Other skills include:

* Editorial Experience & Website design/management - I am Online Editor for my university's student news website,
The Wire
* Experience with Photoshop, Dreamweaver & InDesign (Examples available on request)
* NCTJ approved 80 wpm shorthand
* Experience with several multi-media devices including video cameras and voice recorders. (Sample Podcast available on request)
* Knowledge of Media Law & a variety of media theories

I also have a full valid UK's Drivers license, as well as a discount rail card and I am willing to travel. I consider myself to be friendly, and capable of working together with other people in a team.

All of this information can be provided in a formal CV, which is available on request.

Contact Details

Email: joe-robinson@tiscali.co.uk
Mobile: 07879640305
PM: Feel free to PM me on this forum, as I check regularly

If you need any more information, do not hesitate to ask. I look forward to hearing from you.

Joe Robinson
Freelance Journalist

Yes, I Has A Blog

Conor McNicholas came in to see us today.

As part of my 'Professional Perspectives' Unit at university, our lecturer brings in a guest speaker every week to talk about their experiences. This week is was the Editor of NME.

Kind of cool you may think, but he spent most of the time scaring the living hell out of us. Instead of talking about various anecdotes of him smoking weed with some band in some hotel, he presented us with the grim reality that the current economic crises is going to make it hard for us to find jobs.

The main theme of his talk was concerned with Specialization, as he is obviously a Music Journalist. Luckily he was more general in his words of wisdom, which was quite useful. The basic message of his whole speal was that we had to get our shit together, or we're screwed. And that Specializing will be very useful.

One of his anecdote with regards to employability was - "Often I get people come to me and say they're very passionate about writing, and they're very passionate about music. I always ask them whether they have a blog or not - 9/10 they say no. Obviously they're not that passionate are they?"

This made me realise that, once again, I need to keep this blog going. I'll beef it out with my freelance work if I can, but I'll try to keep it as original as possible.

Yes, I Has a Blog.

P.S. To anyone who saw/read the post I made about a month ago regarding my first day at Imagine, I had to take it down due to the fact that it had Issue spoilers in it. Sorry.

Column #1: Looking Forward

(My first attempt at some sort of games column. To all of my imaginary readers out there, now would be a good time to leave feedback.)

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So the dust from GTA IV’s landing has settled the reviews are out, the game has been played and hookers everywhere have been slain: What now? Well, Microsoft might go from strength to strength, as Gears of War 2 and Fable 2 are just on the horizon. Add to that multi-platform releases such as Star Wars, Soul Calibur IV(They’re getting Vader, apparently) and Fallout 3 and this could be a very interesting year indeed.

At the start of the year the critics were hailing 2008 as the ‘Year of the PS3’, but so far it has been anything but. The demo if their first highly anticipated exclusive, Haze, was met with general negativity and since the games full release the reviews have been a bit…Hazy.

Puns aside, it seems Ubisoft’s FPS has failed to deliver on its promises. It now looks like it’s up to Konami and Metal Gear Solid 4 to pull things back, but with no other note-worthy exclusives on the horizon for summer; will this be Sony’s year? Or will it pass them by on the wayside? The multiplatform releases should keep the die-hard Sony fans happy with some good gaming, but if they hope to attract a wider market, their going to have to do better then this.

With Microsoft and Sony really butting heads at the moment, it’s easy to lose sight of Nintendo in all of the cross fire. Comfortably carving in-roads in the family and casual gamers market with the Wii, many Nintendo games look childish standing next to Gears, but favourites like Super Smash Brothers Brawl will remind everyone that they can still muck it in with the best of them. Although, that’s about all they’ve got going…

To tell you the truth, one of the games I’m most looking forward too this year is Empire: Total War. Simply bearing the name ‘Total war’ brings with it a certain degree of ‘zomgthisisgoingtokickass’-ness but Creative Assembly have promised a bit of a revolution with this title.

Set around 18^th Century, E:TW will feature full-scale navy battles for the first. Also factoring in the new technologies of gunpowder and cannon, this is probably going to be the best one yet. A lot is being kept under wraps for now, but keep an eye out on all your usual sources for info. Unless you don’t like the series, then of course you don’t have to do anything...

Noses at the Ready...

Because I can.

On a serious note, I do intend to review this game at some point, since I have it and have played it enough to be able to review it. The words are escaping me at the moment. Watch this space.

I also completed the story mode on GTA IV. A bit underwhelming but oh well. I pretty much just get to free roam now, complete any side missions I haven't done. Got no new games to play though...a part of me feels empty.

GTA IV Review

“Life is complicated.”
- Niko Bellic

Never has such a short sentence summed up a game that is so morally questionable, yet so diverse and ambiguous, so perfectly. Life is complicated, and no one’s life is more complicated then that of Niko Bellic – protagonist to Rockstars’ new game: Grand Theft Auto IV.

Morally ambiguous as ever, the critically acclaimed developer has taken the series to the next chapter by officially crowning their latest release as the fourth GTA. (As opposed to Vice City and San Andreas, which are considered ‘spin-offs’ of the third game.) Returning to Liberty City, GTA IV has you take over the life of Niko Bellic, a Serbian with a dark past and the desire to make a new life for himself in America.

From the moment you step off the boat, you can tell there’s something different about this game. The rain falling down around you, the street lights desperately trying to hold the darkness at bay, even the people going about their business… for the first time, Liberty City feels alive.

This sense of realism is a feat not many can achieve, and whilst Rockstar come close, they don’t quite manage it with perfect execution. Like the previous GTA games, IV carries with it some bugs, some oddities, and those little things that can sometimes ruin the experience for you. The controls can also seem a bit ‘fiddly’ at times, especially with the new ‘cover & shoot’ combat system that’s been added. But if you look past this, if you ignore the hype and just enjoy the game for what it is, then you’re guaranteed a worthwhile experience.

One of its high points is the story, the character of Niko Bellic. Unlike previous GTA titles, Niko’s story revolves around the irony of his situation; that of a man who wants to do good, who doesn’t want to be controlled by others, yet inevitably finds himself reacting to other peoples actions. Previous characters, whilst being well-rounded, have often come up short when trying to factor in the sociopathic behaviour that comes as a result of the players actions.

Niko himself is a troubled man; he fought in the Bosnian war, he’s killed, smuggled and traded people and illegal wares…and now he’s on the run, and looking for a new life in the ‘land of opportunity’. The game starts you off in the ‘working-class’ district of Liberty City, Dukes & Hove Beach, where he lives with his cousin Roman who moved to America years before.

As you progress through the game, you meet new people, not all of them good. Despite his reformist dreams, Niko finds himself time and again do other people’s dirty work, and he makes more then a few enemies. As you slowly fight your way up through the districts of Liberty City, you’re confronted with betrayal, jealousy, friendship, love, and hope.

The physical world of GTA IV is smaller then that of the last game and other little things like the use of planes have also been dropped. This is because Rockstar have tried to shift the entire focus of the game; instead of just randomly walking around and blowing stuff up which was the favourite hobby of most GTA players, you actually get engaged in the story and what it has to offer.

Graphically, GTA IV is stunning, equally on par with the likes of BioWare’s Mass Effect, or even Creative Assembly’s Viking. As mentioned earlier, Rockstar have really brought Liberty City to life in this game. The pedestrians now act in a more realistic manner, they stand around and talk, they react to the environment, and even the weather. Other tweaks like the ‘escape radius’ for police chases, and the impact damage on cars, add to reality that this is a city, and you can do damage.

The multiplayer adds yet another layer of depth, letting you team up online with up to 16 people in a variety of different modes – Deathmatch, Car Chase City, and Free Roam to name but a few. Both fun and challenging, this extra mode will help ensure the game is played well passed the single player story.

If you were say that GTA IV was a triumph, that it was the best in the series, and that it is one of the best made games this year, then you wouldn’t be far wrong. That said, GTA IV is not a God, it’s not perfect, and whilst it my have wide appeal, they’ll still be those that question the ambiguous morals that it teaches to those that play. Still, it’s a damn good game.

Form the Column

It's quite nice knowing what you want to do in life. Gives you a feeling of certainty, security...and it's also kind of exciting.

Of course the next question is: What now? Where do I go from here? Well, some work experience at somewhere like Gamestm would be nice, but they don't feel like talking to me for some reason. But it occurred to me, since I'm editor of a student website, why not put it to use?

Of course running and maintaining an entire section by myself is not exactly a walk in a park. Gamers who can actually string two sentences together without going 'lolz' or 'owned' are hard to find at my uni, but a fellow games journalist (I say fellow, it's some random person who offered me advice.) suggested that instead of trying to pump out the reviews, why not do a column?

So, to you my loyal fans i pledge you this: I will try to do a regular games column of some sort. For practice and to build up my portfolio. Once i get my head around the logistics I'll try and do something on bwire, but until then, the column shall rest here.

Here's to hoping that i can keep it up this time.

New v Old

You can tell I'm going through a phase or something can't you?

Ever since deciding I should try and take steps towards becoming a video game journalist (Yes, it's an actual profession), everything's been games games games...well, at least more than usual...

/me puts down the Xbox controller.

I bought a new game the other day, so rest assured a review will appear at some point, but today I'm going to talk to you about something else: New Games Journalism. (You may need to scroll down a bit.)

I came across this concept whilst doing research for my dissertation proposal, which I'm also doing on video games journalism. Put simply, it's another way of writing game reviews as thought up by Kieron Gillen - an apparently well known English games journalist. (It's good to be British.)

In his 'manifesto', Gillen talks about how there is this massive problem in games journalism, and things need changing. Using this article, he lays down the framework for a new style of games journalism.

Now, is it just me, or is it actually quite interesting?

Ignoring the fact that it tells the reader almost nothing about the actual game, it's still an interesting look at how one experiences playing online, especially when games are moving more and more towards 'online' gaming.

It's also a classic example of how racist the online community can be, but what can you do.

Still, an interesting style. It may not replace reviews, but it may be a good addition to them.

Viking: Battle for Asgard

Despite a slow start, Viking quickly picks up speed until you’re smashing your way through the game. Short and sweet, this is a hack ‘n’ slash with a twist that’s fun to play. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, and the linear quality to the game may put you off another play through…

For a company that’s in the middle of redefining its main franchise, it probably comes as no surprise that Creative Assembly’s Viking is as ‘safe’ as it is mythical. Whilst not being the most ground-breaking of action/adventure RPGs, like Spartan: Total Warrior before it, Viking certainly has its charm.

Based in ‘Midgard’, the mortal realm of men from Norse mythology, Viking has you travelling through three islands on a mission to take back man’s dominion from the evil forces of Hel - a rather good looking goddess on a power trip. Aiding you is the equally attractive Goddess Freya, ruler of Midgard. The basic theme of the game is to free any brethren held captive by Hel, and kick the ‘Legion’ back into the underworld.

Anyone with preconceptions of how this game might play out is in for a bit of a surprise. There is no flashy opening with fire and brimstone, despite the pre-rendered 3D images on the box. Instead the beginning sequence is a more subtle affair: a mix between the narrative style and in-game cinematics of Fable, and the storyboard imagery of 300.

Indeed, anyone thinking this game will be a simple hack ‘n’ slash will also be surprised. Stealth elements are frequently added into the game, usually in the form of quests that require you to sneak in and out of strongholds instead of killing everything in plain sight. Paired with some other features it proves to make a more dynamic game.

The combat system can take some getting used to if you’re unfamiliar with the dynamics – a button combo system similar to God of War. However as you play, you realise that half of the game’s fun-factor comes from this system: pulling off a successful combo is certainly satisfying – especially when it goes into a slow motion death-blow sequence, again in true 300 style.

On the other hand, sometimes it goes a bit too far – especially when all you want to do is open a crate or use a teleporter. The action, or ‘do things’ command, is attributed to the ‘B’ button in this game and you may well find yourself sick and tired of mashing it just to do simple things. A commendable attempt at getting you more involved with the mundane, but still pretty annoying.

Graphically, Viking is stunning. The backgrounds are well defined, and the texture of your surroundings is detailed down to a single blade of grass: realism is the tone. However everything does look a tad ‘shiny’, like the cell-shaded effect you could see on 13 or Wind Waker. It really depends on your tastes whether you like it or not.

Apart from combat and quests, Viking has little else to offer in terms of mini-games, side-quests, or any other form of game mechanic. Barring quest items, gold is the only thing you can find in jars or chests. Finding ale barrels enables you to trade for more gold, but it’s pretty basic. Upgrades are few and mostly focus around combat, and there are only two methods of travel: walking and using ‘leystones’.

This simplistic theme does nothing to harm the game, but it does nothing to flesh it out either.

As mentioned before, the game’s fun comes in two halves, both to do with combat. The other half of the fun in this game is derived from the quests, and the different situations those quests put you in. Freeing a group of Vikings is simple enough, but the real juicy bit is when they ask you to ambush a horde of baddies before they agree to join you. These choreographed sequences are one of two of such sequences that really make this game stand out from both its predecessor and the rest of the genre in general.

The second type of sequence is really what sold the game in the first place – large scale RTS type battles in a third person action style. To trigger one of these epic clashes, you must first complete quests, raise an army, and do the usual preparations. Once all the conditions have been satisfied, it’s time for the main event…

The forces of good are always the attacking side. Your army lines up in front of the town gates, whilst the enemy’s own battle lines sally forth to confront you. Both sides posses ‘shamans' that resurrect more troops for their particular side. The way to win is to kill the shamans, thus driving your enemy back into the town where you begin the process again.

You can gain advantages over your enemies by using special powers or by calling on dragons. It’s easily the best bit of the game, and these events usually serve as a climax for that particular section of the game.

All in all, Viking is fun. Whilst a bit slow to start, the game certainly picks up pace and any disappointment you may feel at the beginning gradually fades away as it grows on you. Unfortunately, since it only spouts two difficulty levels and little leeway on how you actually go about playing the game, its life-span is short. Be prepared to find yourself trading it back in for something else before too long.

Note: Sorry for popping up randomly with this. I've decided I want to become a Video Games Journalist, and so this is me practicing. I'll try and start posting more regularly from now on. (If i hear anyone utter the "If i had a penny" line, I'm going to gut them like a fish...)

Camera Shy

Why is it that no-one wants to go in front of a camera? It's like the ultimate Taboo these days. I almost got nutted by a guy who didn't actually look like he was going to nut me, simply for asking whether he had 5 minutes to spare; "Well, we are about to just have a cup of tea and just relax, so no." Bastard.

Background: Due to a severe lack of planning on my part (surprise surprise) I had to apply for an extra day of filming for my assessed news package. That extra day was today. Picked up the gear at 9:20ish, picked up my partner in crime/cameraman, a.k.a Ryan, at about 9:40 (traffic was terrible).

The only problem was, i still didn't have an idea for a story (surprise surprise). I was going to do about Bournemouth's Waste Disposal System, and how effective it was (woo) but instead, i ended up doing about the weather. That you right your heard me, the weather. It's a naff story, but its a story, so I'm happy.

Did you know that this April was the hottest it had been for 300 years in England? Hmmm? Bet you didn't, did you? (Don't answer that). But anyway, i did my story on the weather, and how it had affected the seaside business in Bournemouth. Rock on.

Now I've got to type up a 1450 word profile on a women who does Extra work, due in tomorrow. God i love my life.

Relative Values: Sister Act

Pauline Farrell is a 44 year-old Human Resources Manager for the NHS. Her sister, Anne Farrell, is a 46 year old ex-pension expert, who is now unemployed. One is a single mother of two, who is currently seeing someone, and the other is happily married with no children. They both grew up in the same room, with the same brothers, sharing the same Irish heritage, and they both used to wait for their father to come home from work. Despite spending a lot of their adult lives apart, they now both currently live in Crawley, West Sussex, and are closer then ever.

Pauline: We didn’t really do a lot of activities whilst growing up; mum and dad had no money so we had to make do with what was around. We never shared interests as such, but we shared a room and were the youngest two siblings, so we spent a lot of time with each other. We both liked pop music and we used to imitate an old female dance group called ‘Pans People’ a lot. Some of my earliest memories are me and Anne walking the boys to school, this was before we had started school and mum couldn’t leave us on our own and so we had to go with her. As we all got older, I found myself being the only one not at school yet, and I remember trying to teach myself to write – although this was mainly me just jotting together letters and asking if it was a real word. We never disliked each other whilst growing up, but as we became teenagers we never really appreciated each other fully – it’s hard to have a personal life when your sister is in the room with you. I sometimes felt a bit left out, as everyone else were a few years older then me, and I often couldn’t join them whenever they went out. When we became adults, we both went our separate ways, I married and tried to start a life elsewhere, and Anne stayed at home and did pretty much the same. We kept in touched, and visited each other. We are much closer now because we know each other as adults. As children we were just like other siblings – you have good times and bad times but you take your family for granted and you only really get to know them when you are an adult. Anne would do anything to help me, she is so kind and generous. She supported me whenever I had a problem, especially when I became a single mother trying to raise two children. She was one of the reasons I moved back to Crawley. It’s strange though, because from my perception I spent as much time with my cousin Louise as I did with Anne when I was growing up, but it is Anne that I am close to now. It must be her amazing hand-crafted cards

Anne: One of my earliest memories with Pauline was when we helped mum walk the boys to school; we did it a lot since we couldn’t be left alone in the house. One day Mum was running late so she had to quickly put a coat around me whilst I was still in my pyjamas. So there I was, sitting on top of the pram with Pauline in it, in my pyjamas. It was very embarrassing. Me and Pauline did most of our activities together at school, since coming from a poor family meant there wasn’t much money to actually to go out and do things. However, I started flower arranging through the church and Pauline joined the Ifield Barn Theatre, which reflects some of the differences in our personalities. Around the home, our fondest shared memories seem to be of Dad, as we both used to spend a lot of time with him. Dad used to play with us a lot. He would lie on the floor and we would stand on his hands and we would catapult over his body and land at his feet. We would also Dress up and doing ‘impressions’ to entertain him. Mum would also take us shopping to Brighton on a Saturday, while the others stayed at home. As we grew up, I think we were so used to being together that we took each other for granted, although I defiantly did not appreciate her walking in on some intimate time with my boyfriend when I was a teenager. However once we started to live apart, we grew much closer together as we appreciated each other. I have no regrets about our relationship as adults; however I would have loved to have lived closer to Pauline while her boys were babies. I used to love it when they came to visit and was always sad when they had to go home. Now of course she lives just down the road from me, but her boys are no longer babies, they are still a credit to her though. I respect Pauline a lot, especially the way she coped when she was a single parent. I know I can rely on Pauline 100% and I trust her completely. I know she will support me whatever I do (no, I haven’t murdered anyone!) and her help and advice is invaluable.

By Joe Robinson.
Before anyone asks, these wonderful ladies are my mum and my aunt, respectivley.

In the public interest...

You hear that phrase allot in my profession-to-be. We must know the facts, because it's in the public interest. You must tell us why, for the public interest. Paris, strip naked for us now, in the name of the public interest! I had a lecture today on how to get difficult people to give interviews, for the public interest, obviously.

The question is, who decides what the "Public Interest" means? Obviously not the public, because they're just morons. I think it is implied then that we, as Journalists, representatives of the people and upholders of the "fourth estate", have to decide for you. Hmmm. To be honest, if the public interest is left down to the likes of me and my friends, then the public should be worried. Hell, I'm worried.

Talked to mother dear yesterday, it appears we have lost SkyOne, and as a result, BSG. I think i may cry. Then launch a Jihad against both BSkyB AND Virgin Media for being knobs. garr. That show was the best show ever, and now i can't even record it. *sigh* I bet this was in the "Public Interest" and all. Bastards.

Driver saves children from horrific crash

*This is a fictional story. It was another "rolling" exercise that i did this morning. So to recap, this didnt really happen. I pulled the picture off the internet.

A bus driver displayed tremendous heroism in Bournemouth today – after a horrific fatal head-on car crash with Joyriders.
Hugo Waller-Prynn, 59, was driving a bus full of school children from Alumhurst road when he was hit by a speeding car coming round the bend, crashing head on into the front of the bus.
Despite having a broken arm, burns, tinnitus in the head and ears as well as other cuts and bruises, Mr Waller-Prynn managed to drag himself out of the ruined cabin, and herd all of the school children safely off the bus. The children only suffered minor injuries, with a few being described as “walking wounded”.
The driver of the car was a 13-year-old boy out for a “Joyride” in his dad’s Lexus, and was travelling at about 70 mph as he came round the bend. Both him and his 11-year-old passenger were both pronounced dead at the scene.
In an interview, Mr Waller-Prynn commented that he thought he was “going to die” and that he would “never forget” the “look on the other drivers face before we collided”. He also commented how the kids behaved “very well” as he herded them out of the bus.
Mr Waller-Prynn had been working for the bus company, Wilts & Dorset, since he was 15. He had been due to retire today and Mr Waller-Prynn said he had been looking forward to retiring with his wife to Swanage. When asked if today’s events had spoilt his retirement, he replied, “I just feel sorry for the kids in that car”.
All of the children have been treated for their injuries, and Mr Waller-Prynn is still set to retire after his injuries have been healed.

By Joe Robinson

A few cogs short of a hand-basket.

You can actually ignore most of that title, just take with you the keywords "short" and "hand" and you have today's topic: Shorthand. It's not topical, it's not controversial (well...) or even politically incorrect, its just difficult, and it consumes most of my time. So i thought I'd take a break from it and talk to you about this wonderful skill.

Shorthand is something Journalists use to take down notes from interviews and the like, quickly and efficiently, to be transcribed back into longhand at a later date. (It does actually work). Secretaries and office people also use versions of shorthand, like 'Pitman' and 'Gregg', however UK Journalists tend to use a form called Teeline', which is more suited,but not the best known version of the art. It is based on the standard alphabet, and things such as vowels and silent letters are omitted for quick read and write-a-bility. So i word like reach in shorthand, will have the shorthand letters rch in it, to form the word. Context is a key thing with this.

When you look at it, you tend to think "it's like learning another language"...well it is, and it's just as annoying as learning another language, mainly because there is always, always, an exception to the effing rule. Last time i learned a language, it nearly ground me into the dirt, and i had to give it up. This time i have no such luxury.

On the plus side, it's kinda cool. You can write down secret messages to your friends, or even just doodle. The other day i wrote my friends birthday message in shorthand....and then scribbled around it with translation notes for her. She liked it though.

I best get back to it now. Once you've got the theory nailed down, its not so bad. As a present, i leave you this:

Brownie points to whoever works it out. (ask nicely and i may provide a hint)

The power of children

"It's very odd, what happens in a world without childrens voices"

This quote is from director Alfonso Cuaron's Children of Men, which i saw for the first time last night. (Bought it on DVD as part of Monday's operations) Ill tell you this, straight of the bat, its bloody good.
Its one of those intriguing films that takes a glimpse into the not-so distant future, and tells the story of a world filled with terror, destruction, despair, oppression....all the usual rackets, bar one: Children. The Human Race has become infertile, and for the past 18 years, there have been no children. (Which naturally sent the world to pot.)
The story begins with the main character, portrayed by Clive Owen, in a coffee shop watching a news story on how the youngest person, aged 18, has just died. Said coffee shop is then blown up a few minutes later. The rest involves Clive Owen's character getting unwittingly drawn in to perform "escort duty" for a girl, who it later turns out is pregnant (shock horror). From then on in its a nerve-racking escape to the coast, as anyone and everyone wants to get there hands on the baby for their own agendas, and the lil tot is actually born towards the end.
Camera work for this film is nothing by spectacular, with Cuaron pulling out all the stops to shoot the film in such a "realistic" way. A trademark of the film is seamless, uncut sequences that last 10/15 minutes, that really add to the atmosphere and the sense that its happening. Yet this is not the best this film had to offer.
For me Ladies and Gentlemen, this film boiled down to one, simple, beautiful scene. Ironically, it's not one of Alfonso's seamless sequences, nor does it contain any outstanding acting (as such), but it’s still magical. Picture this:
Bexhill: a grimy, decaying town, outlined as one of Britain’s many Refugee camps where all outsiders are shoved inside like sardines. It is the ultimate symbol of what the world had become, very reminiscent of a war-town town from World War II. The Scenario: The refugees (lovingly named 'Fugees' in this film) are having an "uprising" within the camp, and the Army has been sent in to deal with it. There is fighting everywhere, on the streets, in the buildings, Army guys duking it out with the militants, smoke, blood, death....Owen and the girl are trapped inside a building with militants, a tank is outside battering the place in, the soldiers storm the building, they see the baby....and then it stops. The Soldiers, the militants, the death…it all stops. And for what must be 5 glorious, breath-taking minutes, there is peace. As Owen leads the girl outside, everyone just stares at the baby, some even pray. Then of course some twit lets of a grenade whilst everyone is distracted and it all goes to pot again. For me, this scene did it, it really captured the essence of the film and was one of the best moments of the film.
Yes, it is very odd what happens to a world without children’s voices...but just look what happens when those voices return.

Politics: Tales of Apathy

Britain as become an apathetic country when it comes to politics it seems. Turn out rates at the elections are low, they can't trust Blair to tell the truth, they can’t trust Cameron to run the country properly. What’s an average citizen supposed to do? Nothing, apparently. Just sit at home, and let the buggers burn....and complain loudly every so often.
I can see why - politics gets into everything. As my loyal readers *scoff* will know, I started up Tae-kwon-do again, was looking forward to it and everything, but what do I find when I get there? I’ve joined a different "school". As the tale goes, the guys who founded the school I’m in now, kicked out the guy who founded me previous school, who then formed said school to see if he could do better - he couldn't, apparently. So now not only am I rusty, I’m from the wrong school, so had to re-learn everything. Joy.
And then there’s Political Correctness...._ don’t get me started, ill blog that another day...
In this glorious (yet environmentally doomed) post modern era, the term "Mass Media" has become literal truth - the public has so much available to them, blogs, ezines, podcasts...and so the old dogs learn new tricks. The Frankfurt school refers to a concept called the "hypodermic needle", where the media injects its messages to the public subtly, slyly and causes a Narcotic affect - I guess we've now reached overdosing levels.
Don't worry about me though folks, I don’t do drugs! Life’s too short to be apathetic...it’s also a lot of hard work if you think about it, and God knows I’m a lazy bum.

'Rolling' story exercise

By Joe Robinson
*This situation is theoretical, it never really happened. We were given more information as the day went on, and so our bulletins evolved.
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A train crash at Holton Heath has delayed the launch of South-West train’s new train stock, it was revealed at press conference today.
A South West spokesman stated that one of the older models, which go as far back as 20 years, came of the rails at 9:02 this morning.
The £60 million investment was to receive a ceremonious opening after the morning press conference, but this was also put back because of the incident.
South West trains currently have no details on the crash, and services out of that area have been delayed until the rescue equipment can be called in.
The spokesperson declined commenting on how long the delays will run, and casualties are unknown at this point.
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Vandals have been blamed for a rail crash in a remote part of Dorest, which has left scores of passengers trapped within the carriages.
No casualties have been confirmed, however the British Transport Police will not be able to get passengers off the train until more help arrives.
Lifting gear on its way in is due to arrive sometime after 11, and the Mainline has been closed to all other services.
There have also been reports of a second incident involving another train just after 10am, however no details have yet been confirmed.
A BTP spokesperson stated that the situation had now grown from what was thought to be “just a nuisance” to “something much more major”.
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A train collision has caused mass mayhem in a remote area of Dorset, outside Holton Heath.
A goods vehicle collided head on with a passenger train as it was being slowly towed towards the nearest station, having been partly derailed by vandals earlier in the day.
The vandals are believed to be local teenagers, however no suspects have named.
A Chief Inspector for the British Transport Police stated that the “situation had now changed” and that their priority was “to get people out of he carriages”.
There have not been any confirmed casualties, but there is strongly believed to be serious injuries, as there is mass damage to the hit section of the train, and a small fire inside one of the carriages.
Police are currently involved in operations to rescue the 200+ passengers from the wreck, and other emergency gear is believed to be on the way.
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The Driver of a goods train heading for Weymouth, one of two trains involved in a collision earlier today, has died in hospital. Bryan Ames, 56, had jumped out of his cabin just before it collided with a derailed passenger train. His daughter, Sally Ames (21) states that her dad “had worked for FreightRail all his life, and always did his job well”. According to prelimary reports, there had been some confusion with the signals, and so Mt Ames was unawre of the aituation ahead. Along with Sally, Mr Ames is survived by a 13 year old son.
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A train crash has caused chemical waste to leak into the surrouding atmosphere, says Dorset Police. A goods train heading for Weymouth, carrying chemical’s such as Asbestos and Lindane, collided with passenger train as it was being towed back to a station. A Dorset Police spokesman said that the chemicals are “highly toxic” and that they “can cause long term damage”. All 200+ passengers from the train have been evacuated, and residents in the local towns and villages are being urged to stay indoors. It is estimated that the number of affected people ranges up to 8000. At the moment, there has been only one confirmed death from the crash, and several other cuts and bruises. Dorset police will be commencing an investigation into this incident “as soon as possible”.

Students battle the cold for the cause

This month saw the Student Union hold its 6th annual sponsored sleepout. From 9pm on the 25th of January, to 9am the next morning, 26 guys and gals from around the university slept outside the Open-Access Centre to help raise money for homelessness here in Bournemouth. Support for the event has been varied, as last year only 12 people turned up so this year’s turn-out is seen as a big improvement. For the past three years the sleepout has been run by SU Volunteering Officer Joshua Seaman, who is also a 3rd year Marine-Archaeology student. In an interview with The Wire, he said how he was “not too disappointed with the numbers” and thought “it went very well”. Tea and Biscuits were available throughout the night in a near-by class room, and whilst most people brought their own sleeping bags, spares were available should anyone staggering out of Dylan’s decide they fancied a nap. This event is also supported by the Salvation Army, who receives any money raised from the event, and sends a meal van down in the morning to provide the brave pioneers with a bacon role and a cup of tea. Marie, who manages the meal-run thinks it’s “absolutely wonderful” what the students here at BU having been doing, and that it “shows the homeless people that young people do care”. She also said that events like this are “not just about meeting a need, it’s about making the people fee valuable, to share the joy”. When The Wire went down to see how everyone was getting on, they all seemed to be in good cheer, and a lucky few were even sound asleep. Hannah Mozley, a MA Journalism student doing a research project on homelessness feels that it is “important that something is done” and that “Bournemouth has a bad reputation for homelessness”, she also feels that sometimes these events “don’t necessarily make a difference, but help serve a persons conscious”. In response to this, Thomas Whitman, a 1st year Journalism student maintained that taking part in events such as these “show that you are conscientious”. Emily Darling, a 2nd year Communication Studies student, feels that people “always take things for granted” and that it is important to “give something back” “a good cause”. Other sleeper-outers like James Taylor and Caroline Ewens both feel its good to “do something practical” and that sleepouts like this “help raise awareness”. Whilst camping out outside the uni, campers noticed how passers by seemed “indifferent” to what was going on, and that they had heard “a lot of ‘poor student’ routines”. When The Wire grabbed Jennifer Sarah Brazil, a passer by, she seemed to confirm this. When asked, Jennifer said that she thought it was “probably good fun”. Luckily, sponsors have been quite generous, with one girl receiving over £100. Last year the 12 participants raised £500 between them, and with the money collected in the buckets already at £213, Joshua is convinced that this year’s takings could be well over a grand.

By Joe Robinson