very seldom in life do you have moments or meet people where in their absence after they've left you feel a seismic shift inside and know something has happened that has changed you.

I experienced that very moment today.

Motivational speaker Craig Pinkney volunteered his time at Staffordshire University this evening to speak to a body of students. Mesmerised by his words and gripped by his struggle we were given an educational insight into a cultre that very many of us are only aware of through the idealised tripe fed to us by the media.

Dropping a powerful stastic of 42 people whose lives have been claimed by gang violence Craig started the session with a bleak yet stark reality which many communities face daily.

Click below Video:
Unheard voices

Craig spoke to students about his work with disaffected youths and the active steps he has taken to improve broken communities and people living in them.

http://www.runnymedetrust.org/uploads/publications/pdfs/GangsRevisited(online)-2011.pdf

J.Cole at Manchester Academy 20/11

In one of the rare instances I chose to venture out of my room seeing as so little R&R time is afforded to many a 3rd year, I spent yesterday evening (Sunday) in the glorious city of Manchester.

My friend and housemate Mica is due to be 23 on the 23rd November so I thought I'd be a considerate chum and surprise her with gig tickets to see one of her favourite artists J.Cole.

The rapper who hails from North Carolina across the pond put on a brilliant set to a bunch of raucous students on a cold Sunday evening. The air was crackling with anticipation and excitement as only a concert can encompass.

Brooklyn resident DJ Dummy was on the decks warming up the crowd with popular mainstream hip hop before moving on to a bit of dubstep to ‘rep the UK’.

J. Cole made an entrance simply: there were few flashing lights or tricks. Just one man and his microphone.

Performing a plethora of songs from his debut album Cole World, past mixtapes and collaborations. He opened with Looking for Trouble and title track Cole World.

Slowing the pace for a more formal and humble introduction over keyboard accompaniment, he continued with a bouncy cover of collaboration with[out] R&B singer Miguel, All I Want is You, with the entire crowd rapping every word.

After Higher, he slowed the pace right down moving the set to a more intimate level sitting on a stool at the front of the stage for the slower Daddy’s Little Girl.

The tracks continued to come thick and fast, including Lost Ones and Rise and Shine, generally performing one verse and the chorus for a mix of songs from the new album and his previous two mixtapes.

Upping the tempo once again for Mr Nice Watch and Work Out, his energy was matched every step of the way by the crowd who continued to recite lyrics with sheer ease and dedication along with him.

After asking the audience who had bought his album, the inevitable deafening response prompted him to sing a cover of the chorus of 2Pac’s Hail Mary.

This clip of his entrance (which I do not own, btw) demonstrates the wild reception the humble artist received from the crowd.

Disclaimer: This video features swear words...a lot of them.



He seamlessly switched between songs knowing exactly how to interact and work with the crowd keeping them engaged. He gave the audience his all spitting lyrics with pure passion. After seeing him back in January supporting Drake in Birmingham I felt it wouldn't be long before the stage was his, as he still is the best opening act I've ever seen.

We stayed at Premier Inn in Deansgate Locks where the beds were ridiculously gigantic, about twice the size of our doubles at home. It was the best sleep I'd experienced in a long time, bar a weird spluttering coughing fit which came from nowhere waking up Mica.

Can any of you cite your best gig or performer you've seen live?

Soundtrack: Bedouin Soundclash ft. Coeur De Pirate- Brutal Hearts

"Are you the Brutal Heart that I've been looking for
Cause if you're looking for love, you can look for that door..."

Stumbled upon this gem of a song 'Brutal Hearts' while watching one of the worst films I think I've ever sat through The Romantics. After one and a half hours of drivel the one single thing that stood out to me is this song from the soundtrack.

I'm not sure whether it's the rumbling percussion throughout or the haunting collaboration of female singer Coeur de Pirate and Bedouin Soundclash frontman Jay Malinowski

The song charts a one night stand but the sound is so pure and rough it is one of the best bittersweet accounts of a fleeting encounter portrayed through a song.

I just loveeee this track. It is incredible. Just felt compelled to share its brilliance.

What do you think: am I seriously obsessing over nothing or would you not agree this song is all I'm making it out to be...?

Shellowooo x

Death of Osama Bin Laden (not Obama as some thought) -_-

While taking a break from the hard slog of Politics revision I logged onto Twitter and was faced with breaking news at quarter to 5:

Osama Bin Laden has been found and killed by US forces.

Not quite sure what to make of it but from a lot of my followers I spied obvious relief and cheer and unsurprising bouts of racist or borderline slurs and comments. I hope that people don't think that this is all over, as it's far from that. An official statement transmitted live from the White House by Obama confirmed he had been killed in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Acts of terrorism may have a figure head at its forefront or a prominent face attached but it's much more than one person. The intent to attack and desire to act itself is ingrained in the hearts and minds of all those who oppose their target. Surely the death of a prominent figure is not enough to eradicate these people's desire if not provoke further action?

And yes Bin Laden's dead and justice may have been served but it won't change nor rectify what has already occurred. I understand that his death will bring some kind of closure to all those affected and satisfaction, naturally. However 9/11 was much more than just one man, mastermind or otherwise, lest we forget.

Topping the 'US Most Wanted List' Bin Laden has become a notorious household name since the Twin Tower attacks and a name connoted with terrorism worldwide. His whereabouts for the last 10 years had caused a global man hunt with no success. With a redonkulous bounty on his head, diatribes from patriotic Americans have concurred: "Well done to our military for bringing Osama to justice", etc but at what cost? Think a cool $25mil should do it...

The cynic in me can't help but think this is a new beginning and not an end.

Who's getting married in the morning?

Being quintessentially English and enjoying all the traditions of tea, Eastenders and fish & chips does NOT mean we are all looking forward to Kate and Wills getting hitched. With proceedings being rammed down the throats of pretty much every citizen be it through yet another annoying BBC1 advert or seeing Union Jack displays and cushions with the image of the trolls emblazoned on...it seems one won't be free til the bank holiday's over.

I don't give a toss about a wedding funded by taxpayers' money, taking away from those who don't care and also bringing the whole country to a halt for one day. Pretty selfish if you ask me. I'm just waiting for someone to announce the 29th April a nationally renowned holiday it's been THAT hyped thus far.

It's even more tragic that people are actually camping outside Bucks Palace and on the freezing streets of London to catch a glimpse of...oh yes, royals in their cars and carriages. You're not even going to be allowed within an inch of the actual ceremony, why put yourself through a potential bout of pneumonia, WITH the prospect of overnight rain to add.

In light of today's imminent wedding proceedings this image had to be posted to sum up my thoughts. Being a student at Staffordshire University home of the country's, and some of the world's finest pottery (*snore*) I couldn't help but remember this story written by a fellow talented journo in my class about anti-wedding mugs.

I will probably crawl out of my pit for a millisecond, I must confess, to see the dress and discover what designer's going to walk around with a stick up their arse for the rest of time and their career.

Cheerio chums.

Totally addicted to...bass/ booze/ drugs...? Um, no just eBay :/

Forget drugs, booze or Glee...the latest craze gripping the souls of many a post-recession affected person is eBay. Its unique selling point is that it offers the best of the high street and beyond…for a mere fraction of its original price: tempting items listed daily which are simply too good to refuse. Don’t get me wrong it can be great for snapping up unexpected bargains…when used in moderation.

If I lose out on something and am outbid eBay being the extremely accessible minefield it is means a replacement is never more than a few clicks away. Then the waiting game ensues all over again of watching a particular item and its activity. Even forewarning that you’ve been outbid and encouragement to ‘bid again’ and ‘don’t let it get away’ all coerce naïve people into going higher than their original limits.

It’s an empty victory as most items you bid on you seldom genuinely need. It’s more the thrill of seeing something you want and beating off others in order to win it. Even the terminology of ‘winning’ an item makes people feel they’ve conquered something when in actual fact they’ve simply bought it.

At my lowest point I have declined going out with people and having human interaction outside of my house due to items I know I need to bid on at close range. If I'm out I’ve been plagued by items on my mind and end times looming.

I am aware that this is a quite normal extremely sad obsession but I know I am not alone.

First step to overcoming: look at your monthly bank statement. Only there can one actually SEE the amount of Paypal payments consecutively eating away at their balance. One thing about eBay is that you don’t realise how much you’re buying. Online transactions remove the reality of going into a shop and handing over your money or using a card; it almost becomes a mindless act spending on eBay.

Second step: tell someone. Even doing so in a jokey sort of “Heyyy so you’ll never believe I’ve been doing in my spare time lately…”, at least it’s a form of confession and a problem shared is a problem halved after all! Plus the embarrassment of admitting and speaking about bidding away your earned cash is enough to make you come to your senses.

Thirdly analyse the items you’ve been bidding on or buying. You don’t genuinely need 6 tops, 2 pairs of trainers, games or all that jewellery. Sure it’s at a discounted price but like any maths buff will tell you: it ALL adds up ultimately. Want: yes…NEED: no. That’s what you need to tell yourself before you risk buying excessively.

If this does not sound anything like you well done for staying strong, however anyone can get sucked in by the bargain-hunting bug. Continue to shop responsibly and don’t get carried away. And if this does apply to you: it’s not too late to mend your ways before you get stuck in a rut! I’m living proof…almost ;)

They're just not that into ME?

So I’ve noticed people have this weird tendency to over-complicate elements of life that really need no further complication. Things are actually pretty straightforward most of the time: it's us as humans who choose to misconstrue meaning and change things within an inch of its original state.

If someone isn't interested in you and tells you that or implies through not pouncing on you or general body language: it's probably because they ARE NOT interested. Trying to twist each subtle nuance/ interaction/ accidental glance and misinterpreting it as something imaginary that is not really there can only be detrimental to the person seeing it. The one being obsessed over is living their life, blissfully unaware. Seen it far too many times with friends who have had 'a moment' with someone ONCE but think that's one step closer to holy matrimony.

MATE we're not in an idealistic Danielle Steel novel OR a rom-com. This is real life.

You may be one of those people who have experienced this too with their friends. Or are guilty. If this scenario is unfolding itself with someone you know and they seek advice BE HONEST. Sometimes it's all too funny hearing how naive or ridiculous their perception can be but ultimately they are your friend and the last thing you'd want to see is them hurt. Or embarrassed once they make a complete tit out of themselves after they spot the object of their affection out and one too many sambucas are consumed. And remember you gotta roll with this person afterwards...your rocketeering street credibility is also on the line ;).

If you (Uncle Sam point) are a perpetrator please recognise these traits and step away. This person probably isn't worth all your anguish and hero worship. If they can't see how much you're into them then how attentive would they really be in any form of relationship? Really. It's not hard to realise eventually when someone's into you. Unless you're not into them and deliberately act nonchalant or oblivious to the fact. If that person were into you they really would have put SOME sort of nondescript move on you by now.

If people just stopped reading into things and took such things as they are I know my life for one, would be easier.

One day I'll live in a world where everything is just as it's meant to be and does exactly what it's supposed to on the tin. A world six feet under in pure bliss. No more human interaction as none of us will technically be human. Win.

R x

End of a chapter...

After a hectic past few weeks I've finally picked modules for third yearrrrr: I'm going to be graduating from university this time next year and I cannot wait!

Photojournalism. Web Based Journalism. Political Columnist. Journalism Project. Career Development.

Those babies will be the bane of my life next year and I'm sadly looking so forward to them.

I needed to blog today as I feel I've lost my ability to write in my own personal in-house style which feels right for me. And quite frankly I've lost myself in Journalism as a course and not a passion. The stories I've had published thus far are very rigid and structured with very little colour. When I read them they just seem bland and impersonal and nothing like the way I'm used to writing.

Lately I've been finding myself researching tons of new journalism/ PR/ publishing opportunities but am realising potentiality is not transforming into actuality. As a wise old man once said: "You must be the change you want to see in the world". So quite frankly I have to grab this sitch by the balls and grip...EEEK


R x

They're just not that into ME?

You may have noticed sometimes people have the tendency to over-complicate elements of life that really need no further complication. Things are actually pretty straightforward most of the time: it's us who choose to misconstrue meaning and change things within an inch of its original state. This is no different with ‘signs’ we think we’re getting from a hottie.

If someone doesn’t display ongoing affection toward you or implies through not pouncing on you or general body language: it's probably because they ARE NOT interested. Trying to twist each subtle nuance/ interaction/ accidental glance and misinterpreting it as something imaginary that is not really there can only be detrimental to the person seeing it. The one being obsessed over is living their life, blissfully unaware. Seen this in action with friends who have had 'a moment' with someone ONCE but think that's one step closer to holy matrimony.

Regrettably we are not in an idealistic Danielle Steel novel OR a rom-com. This is life.

You may be one of those people who have experienced this too with their friends. Or are guilty. If this scenario is unfolding itself with someone you know and they seek advice BE HONEST. Sometimes it's all too funny hearing how naive or ridiculous their perception can be but ultimately they are your friend and the last thing you'd want to see is them hurt. Or embarrassed once they make a complete tit out of themselves after they spot the object of their affection out and one too many sambucas are consumed. And remember you gotta roll with this person afterwards...your rocketeering street credibility is also on the line ;).

If you (Uncle Sam point) are a perpetrator please recognise these traits and step away. This person probably isn't worth all your anguish and hero worship. If they can't see how much you're into them then how attentive would they really be in any form of relationship? Really. It's not hard to realise eventually when someone's into you. Unless you're not into them and deliberately act nonchalant or oblivious to the fact. If that person were into you they really would have put SOME sort of nondescript move on you by now.

On the flipside people can genuinely get lead as a result of genuine mixed signals received. It’s possible the guy or girl leading you can be doing so unintentionally and innocently…BUT they could be fully aware and like your attention and their egos stroked. So not that attractive after all…

In order to get to the root of such an issue the best thing is to communicate. Easier said than done and not advising that you go in guns blazing and ask them what their intentions are, if any. Simply react to their signals and speak: gauge if there’s effort in conversation. Such signals can be confirmed or denied from exchanges with someone- not implying conversation has to be bouncing off the walls but getting a feel (not literally) for one another should confirm if there’s any general mutual attraction and anything worth attempting to pursue.

If people just stopped reading into things and took such things as they are I know my life for one, would be easier.

One day I'll live in a world where everything is just as it's meant to be and does exactly what it's supposed to on the tin. A world six feet under in pure bliss. No more human interaction as none of us will technically be human. Win.

R x

No-so-standard night at the SU

Yesterday night I hit my eyebrow on a plastic pint glass and split it because I banged my head while laughing too much. This is the kind of bizarre stuff that happens to me sometimes and I felt compelled to document it it was so ridiculous.

To make matters worse I had to be mended by my boss who, along with 4 of the bouncers I know, where laughing and taking the absolute piss. They proceeded to put on the brightest blue plaster known to man above my eye that I had to dance around my SU with for the remainder of the night. So smooth it's unreal.

Will I go teetotal after this mortifying episode...? Probably not.

REVIEW: Drake and J.Cole

Friday 14th January 2011 saw the final UK concert in Canadian rapper Aubrey Graham Drake aka Drake's European 'Dreams & Nightmare Tour'.

Thousands of fans flocked to the NIA Arena in Birmingham to watch the artist delight audiences with tracks from his first official studio album Thank Me Later. Drake was joined (albeit not together onstage) by upcoming American rapper J.Cole who opened the show. An incredible and underrated rapper with thought provoking and often political lyrics in his songs warmed the crowd up admirably.

Arriving fashionably late my friend Susanna and I appeared to take our seats in block J on the left hand side of the stage.

Firstly Cole performed his set with astounding ease and grace, knowing exactly how to interact and work with the crowd keeping them engaged and anticipating the main man of the evening. He gave the audience his all on 'Grown Simba' spitting lyrics with passion. Performing new single 'In The Morning' which features Drake, Cole delivered the lyrics of the song so effortlessly one could have believed they were listening to the actual track. Cole was humble and thankful to fans. Certainly one of the best opening acts I've ever seen.

Drake made an entrance simply: there were few flashing lights or tricks. Just one man and his microphone.

Opening his set with crowd pleaser 'Forever' and ending with 'Over' Drake delivered the creme de la creme from his mixtapes and albums brilliantly. Was a little disappointed he didn't perform more material from The Comeback Season or So Far gone (was holding out for Closer and Say What's Real) but I'm assuming he had an obligation to his mainstream fans and newfound success.

Drizzy also surprised the crowd with a re-enactment of his '3 stroke' which he had been talking about in an interview with Westwood earlier this week. Drake and his pelvic thrusts and vivid descriptions sent female fans into a frenzy of cheering before 'What's My Name'.

Paying homage to Lil Wayne he also performed 'Single' and Young Money track 'Bedrock'. He sung his verse from 'Aston Martin Music' which also got the crowd singing along as every other song did.

Overall the event was amazing and Drizzy was definitely on top of his game and then some, but above all supporting act J.Cole was the highlight. He got the crowd going with some great songs and energy. These two combined may well be a force to reckon with in the world of music in 2011 and beyond.

R x


P.S. Oh and on a more boring note I think security could have been a bit better- need to mention how NO-ONE checked our bags, not implying I could have something illicit on my person, but really, in Birmingham, or anywhere for that matter anything could have passed through. Not gonna rant *snore*