Hi Everyone!
Thank you for all your loyal support with my blog, the jourknow. Following a review, I have decided to stop updating this blog from this day forward. I have instead created a more professional, new-look website on Wordpress.
You can find my new website, Kieran Watkins: Freelance journalist, writer and student here.
For more updates from me, please follow me on Twitter or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Showing posts with label Kieran Watkins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kieran Watkins. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 December 2013
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Mystery behind Medway campus stones revealed
Some have likened the structure to Stonehenge, while others have called it an eyesore. But the Medwire can exclusively reveal the facts behind the mysterious new stone structure outside the Gillingham building.
Saturday, 11 May 2013
Kieran Watkins at Digital Spy
I was lucky enough to spend two weeks at Digital Spy during April and early May on a work placement.
The entertainment news website, based in London, offers exclusive content and news on sections including film, television, music and gaming, along with videos and pictures.
I was very lucky to gain a two week placement with their team, and over the course of ten days wrote up more than 70 articles.
One of my articles, on two Nasa Rovers which 'accidentally' drew a penis on Mars, was shared nearly 2,000 times on social networks including Twitter and Facebook, with Digital Spy's story featured on the US satirical show, The Colbert Report.
You can find a link to all my articles here.
Special thanks to Ben Lee from the Digital Spy team for organising my placement. I hope to return to the website next year.
Monday, 4 February 2013
Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls comes to Medway
With our High Street’s disappearing and businesses going bust, business is far from usual in Kent, so can shadow chancellor Ed Balls save local retailers? Kieran Watkins joins him on a tour of businesses in Kent
“Times are really hard for every retailer at the moment” was the warning from shadow chancellor Ed Balls yesterday, after visiting local businesses in Kent.
Meeting owners in The Vintage Dove ‘shabby chic’ store in Elm Court, Capstone Road, Gillingham, the Labour MP for Morley and Outwood stressed the importance of small, micro businesses in the current economic climate.
Mr Balls said: “The image of small businesses is not important enough. We need a different way of doing things to make things work for small businesses.”
Figures released by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) show that in 2012, small businesses accounted for 47% of private sector employment, and 34.4% of turnover.
But despite the promising figures, small business owners still feel under pressure, with no one to turn too.
“You feel like you’re on your own, you don’t have the support of the banks,” said Stephen Clarke, 44, owner of The Vintage Dove.
Mr Clarke set up his vintage gift and furniture business from his home, with help from business partner Stephanie Nicolson, 35.
The business started as an internet retailer, and has since expanded, moving into its first business premises on December 1, 2012.
But despite their success, the couple said: “Small businesses are the backbone of the country, yet we need support and help from local government and the banks to survive.”
By his own admission, the shadow chancellor agreed that banks were not doing enough to help small businesses.
“Twenty years ago people thought about going to the bank for help an support on lending.”
“But times have changed, we [businesses] would not go to them now,” Mr Balls admitted.
Labour councilor Tristan Osborne, of the Luton and Wayfield ward, attacked Medway council for not assisting local businesses more.
“Micro businesses are an example of a business which has built up from nothing. But these businesses need more support.
“Medway needs to improve; local councilors do have a responsibility to help.”
Listening to the concerns of Vintage Dove and others, Mr Balls suggested that farmers markets and community projects would lead to more customers heading to the High Street.
“Farmers markets and community projects are not just a shopping experience,” he said in front of business leaders from companies including Produced in Kent.
“Making families comfortable and putting them at ease is the way to building a service and gaining customer loyalty.”
The shadow chancellor praised the work of Produced in Kent, jokily saying that “produced in Surrey or produced in Hertfordshire isn’t quite the same as produced in Kent.”
“Produced in Kent is a big opportunity, it says a big thing about the quality of goods.”
Produced in Kent was formed in 2005, and was formerly known as the Kentish Fare. A not-for-profit organisation, the project is run by Hadlow School and Kent County Council, and aims to “champion and support the growth, development and future of the food and drink sector in Kent.”
In an unprecedented move, Ed Balls praised the work of Conservative-controlled Kent County Council, stating that KCC have “always been innovative” when it comes to business.
“They have always believed in business and believed in public service.”
Other points raised by business owners included the growing problem with trying to employ members of staff.
One business owner said it was a “minefield to employ”, as businesses struggle to understand the complicated rules and guidelines surrounding wages, taxes and legislation.
Other ideas raised to promote local businesses included internet advertising, with businesses calling for the government to launch specialist websites dedicated to promoting local shops.
Mr Clarke said: “It would be great if the government had a website supporting and advertising local businesses.”
Mr Balls backed the idea, stating that social networking and online advertising was “just as important” as setting up shop on the High Street.
“The internet has led to shops moving off the High Street.
“Being based on the High Street is not as important anymore.”
With the meeting coming to and end, Labour’s Vince Maple, Chatham Central councillor, praised the meeting for “making the voices of small businesses in Kent heard”.
“It is clear that we want to see the economy growing, and micro businesses will make the economy grow.”
By Kieran Watkins
Pictures taken by Kieran Watkins
Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Hello 2013 - message from the jourknow
Happy New Year everyone. I hope you all had a lovely New Year, partying hard and downing vodka like it's 2012. I certainly was, dressed up as Where's Wally in a bar in Devon, looking after my drunk friend and watching the fireworks. Sounds like fun right!?
Let's hope the good luck will continue for 2013. I wish you all the best of luck with work, school, uni, college, future travel plans etc. Good luck!
As for the jourknow, I will be continuing on into the new year with more blog posts. Last term was a busy one for me at University, so I hope to spend more time this year with creating and uploading fresh blog posts. Keep on checking the site for updates :)
Thanks for your support, I really appreciate it.
Kieran Watkins
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Petition calling halls “extortionate” reaches 100 signatures overnight
A petition calling for an end to apparent "unfair" and "unjustifiable" charges at Liberty Quays has attracted mass support
A petition branding Liberty Quays as “extortionate” and “opportunistic” has received over 100 signatures overnight.
The campaign, calling for the Medway student halls to address a number of issues from high check out charges to rodent problems, currently has over 140 signatures.
Set up by disgruntled student Jem Collins, the online page has attracted dozens of comments from students, families and members of the public.
She said: “I set up the page after having problems with my own experience when management insisted that I was the only one complaining and I thought this just can not be true.
“They’ve told me I’ve accrued over £200 worth of damage, but the only evidence I’ve received is a couple of photos showing pictures of a pen on a shelf and some paper on the floor”.
She added: “Management have been extremely rude and patronising throughout the whole procedure and aren’t taking anything seriously”.
Other complaints about the accommodation, which is owned by Liberty Living and is the only halls provider in Gillingham for University of Kent students, range from fictitious faults to rude and unhelpful staff.
One student said he was charged for a chair that was broken upon arrival, whilst another said that they had been refused access to pictures showing the alleged damage.
One student commented: “I was charged £10 for a key that was never given to me in the first place and then treated very rudely and disrespectful (sic), accused of lying and given absolutely ridiculous excuses by S.Triggs : ‘must have fallen off before you even realised you had it.’”
Deposit charges range from £15 to replace standard shower curtains, up to £30 for dust and £65 for replacement chairs.
When quizzed over the high prices, Mrs Triggs, manager at Liberty Quays, said: “Many of our items like the shower curtains are not of standard size and the cost reflects this”, though admitted they could be sourced as cheaply as £1.
She added: “These charges are necessary to ensure the standard of accommodation at Liberty Quays is maintained at a high level in an exceptionally short space of time to ensure the accommodation is ready for our summer students.”
She also said that she had encouraged students in the past to seek to buy the items from other places to avoid paying the charges set by Liberty Living.
Other comments from students included reports of a mice infestation, leaving students unable to use their kitchen for over a month.
In another incident, a number of flats were charged for faulty fire extinguishers that the halls provider claimed the students had tampered with.
However, following a similar petition and campaign, the faulty fire extinguishers were found to be untouched.
Ms Triggs said: “The fire extinguisher incident did not result in any charges to any students. ”
Other complaints have included faeces being left in a communal area for over three days and lack of proper security patrols, allowing members of the public to walk into flats freely.
In a statement from Mrs Triggs, who in a bizarre move has signed the petition herself, she said: “We take all complaints seriously and investigate each on its own merits.”
Have you had problems with Liberty Quays or did your stay go just fine? Let us know in the comments below!
Article taken from the Medwire student magazine, written by Kieran Watkins
A petition branding Liberty Quays as “extortionate” and “opportunistic” has received over 100 signatures overnight.The campaign, calling for the Medway student halls to address a number of issues from high check out charges to rodent problems, currently has over 140 signatures.
Set up by disgruntled student Jem Collins, the online page has attracted dozens of comments from students, families and members of the public.
She said: “I set up the page after having problems with my own experience when management insisted that I was the only one complaining and I thought this just can not be true.
“They’ve told me I’ve accrued over £200 worth of damage, but the only evidence I’ve received is a couple of photos showing pictures of a pen on a shelf and some paper on the floor”.She added: “Management have been extremely rude and patronising throughout the whole procedure and aren’t taking anything seriously”.
Other complaints about the accommodation, which is owned by Liberty Living and is the only halls provider in Gillingham for University of Kent students, range from fictitious faults to rude and unhelpful staff.
One student said he was charged for a chair that was broken upon arrival, whilst another said that they had been refused access to pictures showing the alleged damage.
One student commented: “I was charged £10 for a key that was never given to me in the first place and then treated very rudely and disrespectful (sic), accused of lying and given absolutely ridiculous excuses by S.Triggs : ‘must have fallen off before you even realised you had it.’”
Deposit charges range from £15 to replace standard shower curtains, up to £30 for dust and £65 for replacement chairs.
When quizzed over the high prices, Mrs Triggs, manager at Liberty Quays, said: “Many of our items like the shower curtains are not of standard size and the cost reflects this”, though admitted they could be sourced as cheaply as £1.
She also said that she had encouraged students in the past to seek to buy the items from other places to avoid paying the charges set by Liberty Living.
Other comments from students included reports of a mice infestation, leaving students unable to use their kitchen for over a month.
In another incident, a number of flats were charged for faulty fire extinguishers that the halls provider claimed the students had tampered with.
However, following a similar petition and campaign, the faulty fire extinguishers were found to be untouched.
Ms Triggs said: “The fire extinguisher incident did not result in any charges to any students. ”
Other complaints have included faeces being left in a communal area for over three days and lack of proper security patrols, allowing members of the public to walk into flats freely.
In a statement from Mrs Triggs, who in a bizarre move has signed the petition herself, she said: “We take all complaints seriously and investigate each on its own merits.”
Have you had problems with Liberty Quays or did your stay go just fine? Let us know in the comments below!
Article taken from the Medwire student magazine, written by Kieran Watkins
Sunday, 17 June 2012
Has anyone seen the jourknow?
My dear loyal followers/ readers/ bloggers etc, I owe you an apology. I can only apologise for the lack of content on the jourknow and my absence these past few weeks. Unfortunately, I have been extremely busy with my first year exams, and a few other things as my photos suggest. Thankfully, the exams are all over now so I can resume the jourknow page (yay!)
The jourknow will once again be bringing you the latest articles on topical affairs over the next few weeks. I plan to finish the New Zealand diaries, as well as bring you some new feature pieces and of course, the popular reviews and fashion posts.
I will then be departing the UK for 16 days whilst I take a much-needed break in the sunny Costa Del Sol. I will, of course, be writing a 'Spain' diary, similar to my New Zealand one.
The summer plans to be a busy one for me. Not only will I be working and going on holiday, but I am also volunteering at the Olympics. I can't wait to update you with all the exciting going's on from London!
I hope you stay with me throughout the summer, and can't thank you enough for your continued support. I love you all! :)
In the meantime, remember you can catch up on EVERYTHING I do (I pretty much report everything I do) through Twitter: @kieranwatkins
Have a lovely summer!
Kieran Watkins (the jourknow)
Attending the magazine launch of Moda de la Mode at the Piccadilly Institute, London
The jourknow will once again be bringing you the latest articles on topical affairs over the next few weeks. I plan to finish the New Zealand diaries, as well as bring you some new feature pieces and of course, the popular reviews and fashion posts.
Supporting my friend as she triumphs at the annual Medway Universities Boat Race in Rochester
I will then be departing the UK for 16 days whilst I take a much-needed break in the sunny Costa Del Sol. I will, of course, be writing a 'Spain' diary, similar to my New Zealand one.
Looking dapper on the red carpet at the Kent Summer Ball 2012
The summer plans to be a busy one for me. Not only will I be working and going on holiday, but I am also volunteering at the Olympics. I can't wait to update you with all the exciting going's on from London!
Celebrating the Diamond Jubilee with a traditional Sunday roast (cooked by yours truly!)
I hope you stay with me throughout the summer, and can't thank you enough for your continued support. I love you all! :)
Completely 'off my face as I celebrate my belated birthday/ end of exams
Have a lovely summer!
Kieran Watkins (the jourknow)
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Men's Fashion: the Polka Dots are in town!
This week, I am looking into shirts, and what designs you guys should be wearing. Last year, it was all about the denim and chequered shirts, but this year, designs are changing. For formal wear, polka dots are back in town and looking smarter than ever before.
Usually only acceptable to wear if you are receiving a pension, the polka dot is now acceptable for all ages, and is bang on trend this summer. Long and short sleeve varieties are perfect, depending on the type of occasion. Try going for ones with triangle or square dots too. Check out these styles:
(Topman) (River Island)
Last week, I mentioned that floral/ Hawaiian style shirts were very much in season, giving your outfits some much-needed colour ahead of the forthcoming summer months. Another interesting design includes the two-toned shirt, featuring two colours. For guys who love denim styles or want to stick out in the crowd, this is the style for you:
(New Look)(All Saints)
And the best of the rest; my favourite shirts this week have to go to Zara, for these quirky and eye-catching designs:
Monday, 26 March 2012
The New Zealand Diaries: No.8 - If you go down to Owaka today...you're sure of a big surprise!
The wonderful thing about New Zealand is that it is always full of surprises. For example, the fact that most of the shops are open all day on a Sunday, or that even in the cold, you will still find someone in the sea surfing. But these are all quite mediocre compared to a land dedicated to teapots and teddy bears, all located in a small village. You've got to be joking, you ask?
Surprisingly not! Welcome to Owaka, situated in the heart of the Catlins area. Here we stayed for one night on our tour of the South Island. It's a quaint little village, with all the necessities you need, from the village store to the village pub. Our chalet was typical of the New Zealand holiday lodges, with its own little kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom. In fact, it felt like we had hired out a mini-pad just for the night.
With mountains and cloudless sky surrounding the village, it was a perfect opportunity to walk around, take pictures and snack on a cool, refreshing ice cream.
Along the way, we came across two places which both surprised and entertained me. It seemed surreal, but alas, in the middle of this little village were two 'worlds' (or museums, to be more precise), housing two rather interesting collections.
One was dedicated to 'Tea.' As in the stuff you drink. Featuring an array of cups, saucers, mugs and teapots, Tea World was an outside exhibit bright in colour, with an assortment of china and crockery.
Next door housed the inside exhibit, Dolly & Teddy Bear world. Again, rather surreal but thoroughly entertaining, the collection featured everything from Baby Born to Tinky Winky.
I'm not sure if either collections were made by the council or one mad kiwi with a fondness for drinking tea at teddy bear's picnics, but it has made for one interesting story to tell all my friends. So if you ever find yourself wondering around the Catlins, make sure to drop by Owaka. Because you'll be surprised what's in this little village.
Surprisingly not! Welcome to Owaka, situated in the heart of the Catlins area. Here we stayed for one night on our tour of the South Island. It's a quaint little village, with all the necessities you need, from the village store to the village pub. Our chalet was typical of the New Zealand holiday lodges, with its own little kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom. In fact, it felt like we had hired out a mini-pad just for the night.
With mountains and cloudless sky surrounding the village, it was a perfect opportunity to walk around, take pictures and snack on a cool, refreshing ice cream.
Along the way, we came across two places which both surprised and entertained me. It seemed surreal, but alas, in the middle of this little village were two 'worlds' (or museums, to be more precise), housing two rather interesting collections.
One was dedicated to 'Tea.' As in the stuff you drink. Featuring an array of cups, saucers, mugs and teapots, Tea World was an outside exhibit bright in colour, with an assortment of china and crockery.
Next door housed the inside exhibit, Dolly & Teddy Bear world. Again, rather surreal but thoroughly entertaining, the collection featured everything from Baby Born to Tinky Winky.
I'm not sure if either collections were made by the council or one mad kiwi with a fondness for drinking tea at teddy bear's picnics, but it has made for one interesting story to tell all my friends. So if you ever find yourself wondering around the Catlins, make sure to drop by Owaka. Because you'll be surprised what's in this little village.
Read more from The New Zealand Diaries:
Friday, 16 March 2012
The New Zealand Diaries: No.7 - Golden Nuggets!
If I could take anything away from my trip to New Zealand, it would be the fantastic, picturesque scenery of the South Island. Golden beaches, deep blue oceans and cloudless skies. Sounds like heaven right?
Which is why a three day trip to the Catlins was magical. Like walking through a fairytale, the trip was magical. The sun was shining, the atmosphere was calm and the views were to die for.
Nugget Point, on our first stop across the Catlins, is on the coast, one of the iconic points on the Otago coastline. A walk along the side of the mountain brought us out by a lighthouse, where you can view the Nuggets.
The Nuggets are a 'collection' of boulders forming a bay, and are teaming with wildlife. Dolphins, seals and penguins are often found frolicking in the surf, surrounded by various sea birds and fish. I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a family of seals sunbathing on the rocks, as well as a pod of dolphins swimming majestically towards the horizon.
The lighthouse is the focal point at Nugget Point, with a panoramic view of the nuggets and the side of the mountain. The sun glimmers off the clear blue sea, and makes for a beautiful picture. Camera's are recommended.
The footpath to the lighthouse is both scenic and educational, with various stop off points on route with information points. It's great for families who want a free, adventurous and memorable day out. I cannot stress enough however, do not forget your camera!
Which is why a three day trip to the Catlins was magical. Like walking through a fairytale, the trip was magical. The sun was shining, the atmosphere was calm and the views were to die for.
Nugget Point, on our first stop across the Catlins, is on the coast, one of the iconic points on the Otago coastline. A walk along the side of the mountain brought us out by a lighthouse, where you can view the Nuggets.
The Nuggets are a 'collection' of boulders forming a bay, and are teaming with wildlife. Dolphins, seals and penguins are often found frolicking in the surf, surrounded by various sea birds and fish. I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a family of seals sunbathing on the rocks, as well as a pod of dolphins swimming majestically towards the horizon.
The lighthouse is the focal point at Nugget Point, with a panoramic view of the nuggets and the side of the mountain. The sun glimmers off the clear blue sea, and makes for a beautiful picture. Camera's are recommended.
The footpath to the lighthouse is both scenic and educational, with various stop off points on route with information points. It's great for families who want a free, adventurous and memorable day out. I cannot stress enough however, do not forget your camera!
Read more from The New Zealand Diaries:
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Open Journalism: The Guardian deliberates
It is quite uncommon for an advert to leave me speechless. Most are only appealing because they are teasing us into buying a certain product, watching a certain programme or drinking a certain drink. But a recent scroll through YouTube brought me across a real gem of a commercial. One that not only appealed to my desired profession, but also made me think about my future, and the role of our society.The Guardian newspaper, it is fair to say, has revolutionised itself in the last few years. Groundbreaking reports, a focus on every aspect of the news - from celebrity to foreign affairs - and a greater convergence of all media sources. If I was to name just one of its many successful stories, without a doubt I would suggest its uncovering of the phone-hacking story has shaken, stirred and part-destroyed the newspaper industry, and changed the face of journalism as it is known today.
Critics might call this a blatant promotional trailer for a news organisation which is now second in readership to the new and highly popular I Paper, but I see it as a dedication. The Guardian has dedicated itself to reporting high-quality, ground-breaking news stories to the public, and is dedicated to us the way the Queen is dedicated to her country. Rather than pressing on the current flaws in our badly-damaged press industry, it looks to the future. An integration between newspaper and internet, the latter of which it views with a pinch of salt, suggesting it is a good thing, rather than something to be worried about, as many old, tedious media-types often see it as.
Whether you read The Guardian or not, it is really worth watching this video to make your own opinions on the state of journalism today, and how journalism might be perceived in the future. Please comment below, I am interested in what others have to think on this subject.
The Guardian 'Open Journalism' Advert 2012
You can also read more on what The Guardian has to say on Open Journalism by following the link. There is also the opportunity for members of the public to go and visit The Guardian offices in a series of workshops at the end of March. After visiting the offices last year on work experience, it was simply breathtaking to see the news rooms and facilities that make The Guardian such a world-class news company. Well worth a visit.
Pictures Courtesy of Google Images
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Book Review: A Perfect Spy by John Le Carre
For a title that connotates action, adventure and drama of an exquisite level you would anticipate blood, sex and danger. But what is actually brought to the reader is a tale so perplexing, and at times boring, that deeming it ‘perfect’ would seem false and obscure from the reality that is churned out from chapter to chapter.
Yes, there is a spy. And an interesting tangle of spy networks across the globe. Set in various European cities, thrown in with a British backdrop and the odd gun or mystery, it does have the elements for a proper crime tale. No doubt, the author has experience too, with over 70 years of writing to his name and the usual acclaims and accolades you would expect from a writer. Moreover, he is from Eton (Eton being the establishment of a younger James Bond - Carre knows his stuff!)
The main character, Magnus Pym, is a mysterious lone - ranger; caught up with many a heroine as his past unravels. His family and colleagues also provide substance and emotion; of love, of passion, of betrayal and death. Instead of car chases, suicide and gang culture beckoning from the print, we read into a book that is all about Pym’s childhood - letter’s to his son, before he commits suicide. Great, a ‘book within a book’. 701 pages of the past, with more secrets then the government expenses scandal! So what I imagined as a chase across the globe turns into a frightfully dull experience of ‘Who do you think you are?’ where the only action occurs at the end when Magnus decides enough is enough. Not a surprise to imagine I was thinking the same thing after this tiresome paperback!
So as I rushed through the chapters and repetitive back and forth into this spy’s story, all that revealed was a never ending flashback - a certain variation from the promising blurb at the back of the book, ‘revealing a life made up of secrets.’ The only secret I could make out was the fact I was getting two books for the price of one; the ‘This is your life’ family history added with a poor sense of crime and drama. Yes, there were parts of interest; the character of Jack Brotherhood carried most of the‘traditionalist’ spy virtues - many women, no sleep, a taking to Vodka. If the story were based on him, who at parts is seemingly easy to believe, it would have made the tale a pleasant and exciting journey from start to finish. But alas, this was not to be.
Perhaps John Le Carre tried to hard on focusing on a new type of spy - a more modern take on crime, although one would deem this hypocritical seeing as most of it was based on memoirs from the past! In future, I will stick to that certain familiar, if not stereotypical, portrayal of a ‘James Bond-esque’ spy drama that captivates the reader from cover to cover. A stereotype that for me, never fails to deliver. Thus bringing an essence of a truly‘perfect spy’ - which this book failed to deliver.
2/5 Stars
Picture Courtesy of Wikipedia
Yes, there is a spy. And an interesting tangle of spy networks across the globe. Set in various European cities, thrown in with a British backdrop and the odd gun or mystery, it does have the elements for a proper crime tale. No doubt, the author has experience too, with over 70 years of writing to his name and the usual acclaims and accolades you would expect from a writer. Moreover, he is from Eton (Eton being the establishment of a younger James Bond - Carre knows his stuff!)
The main character, Magnus Pym, is a mysterious lone - ranger; caught up with many a heroine as his past unravels. His family and colleagues also provide substance and emotion; of love, of passion, of betrayal and death. Instead of car chases, suicide and gang culture beckoning from the print, we read into a book that is all about Pym’s childhood - letter’s to his son, before he commits suicide. Great, a ‘book within a book’. 701 pages of the past, with more secrets then the government expenses scandal! So what I imagined as a chase across the globe turns into a frightfully dull experience of ‘Who do you think you are?’ where the only action occurs at the end when Magnus decides enough is enough. Not a surprise to imagine I was thinking the same thing after this tiresome paperback!
So as I rushed through the chapters and repetitive back and forth into this spy’s story, all that revealed was a never ending flashback - a certain variation from the promising blurb at the back of the book, ‘revealing a life made up of secrets.’ The only secret I could make out was the fact I was getting two books for the price of one; the ‘This is your life’ family history added with a poor sense of crime and drama. Yes, there were parts of interest; the character of Jack Brotherhood carried most of the‘traditionalist’ spy virtues - many women, no sleep, a taking to Vodka. If the story were based on him, who at parts is seemingly easy to believe, it would have made the tale a pleasant and exciting journey from start to finish. But alas, this was not to be.
Perhaps John Le Carre tried to hard on focusing on a new type of spy - a more modern take on crime, although one would deem this hypocritical seeing as most of it was based on memoirs from the past! In future, I will stick to that certain familiar, if not stereotypical, portrayal of a ‘James Bond-esque’ spy drama that captivates the reader from cover to cover. A stereotype that for me, never fails to deliver. Thus bringing an essence of a truly‘perfect spy’ - which this book failed to deliver.
2/5 Stars
Picture Courtesy of Wikipedia
Other book review posts:
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
The New Zealand Diaries: No.5 - The steepest street in the world
After having a slap-up meal to celebrate the eve before Christmas, what better way to work off a steak and chips by walking up the world's steepest street.
Baldwin Street, the official name, had been on my New Zealand to-do list ever since I started planning my holiday. Friends and relatives who had visited the South Island had all recommend a trip there, and I was eager to go and see what all the fuss was about.
Baldwin Street, in the heart of Dunedin, is hidden away from the main road, and with the town lying at the foot of a mountain, it is easy to assume that many of the roads will be steep. But Baldwin is not any old street. From a distance, it looks like any old street, with homes dotted either side of the road. Get up close however, and you will be struggle to see where the road ends.
It took an agonising one-minute to drive up the hill (definitely not the best place to start a hill start!) Once we had reached the top, the view was spectacular. Forget Everest, this was enough for me. Seeing Dunedin glistening as the sun sets over summed up the Christmas occasion. Who needs fairy lights when you have the sun twinkling off the many windows of the quaint houses.
Although I did not walk up it - they have a water fountain at the top for any visitors who may be dying of thirst once they have reached the top - just being there and driving up it was enough. And if that is not enough, the annual Jaffa race (a type of New Zealand chocolate) sees 30,000 chocolates roll down the street, and is just one of the events to look forward to every year.
Whether you drive or walk, make sure you visit Baldwin Street - the official steepest street in the World - to see magnificent views of Dunedin, worthy of a photo or two!
You can find out more on Baldwin Street by visiting the website: http://ourshop.co.nz/baldwinstreet.htm
Previous Diary posts:
No.4 - Food, glorious food
No.3 - Brighton Beach, but not as you know it!
No.2 - The Good Life
No.1 - Don't Fly Qantas
Baldwin Street, the official name, had been on my New Zealand to-do list ever since I started planning my holiday. Friends and relatives who had visited the South Island had all recommend a trip there, and I was eager to go and see what all the fuss was about.
Baldwin Street, in the heart of Dunedin, is hidden away from the main road, and with the town lying at the foot of a mountain, it is easy to assume that many of the roads will be steep. But Baldwin is not any old street. From a distance, it looks like any old street, with homes dotted either side of the road. Get up close however, and you will be struggle to see where the road ends.
It took an agonising one-minute to drive up the hill (definitely not the best place to start a hill start!) Once we had reached the top, the view was spectacular. Forget Everest, this was enough for me. Seeing Dunedin glistening as the sun sets over summed up the Christmas occasion. Who needs fairy lights when you have the sun twinkling off the many windows of the quaint houses.
Although I did not walk up it - they have a water fountain at the top for any visitors who may be dying of thirst once they have reached the top - just being there and driving up it was enough. And if that is not enough, the annual Jaffa race (a type of New Zealand chocolate) sees 30,000 chocolates roll down the street, and is just one of the events to look forward to every year.
Whether you drive or walk, make sure you visit Baldwin Street - the official steepest street in the World - to see magnificent views of Dunedin, worthy of a photo or two!
You can find out more on Baldwin Street by visiting the website: http://ourshop.co.nz/baldwinstreet.htm
Previous Diary posts:
No.4 - Food, glorious food
No.3 - Brighton Beach, but not as you know it!
No.2 - The Good Life
No.1 - Don't Fly Qantas
Blog of the Week: This is Alton
When I think of local news, I think of a weekly 'round-robbin' type broadsheet paper circulated across a small area, featuring a list of bereavements, local events and the odd incident involving a horse and a tractor. Well, maybe that is just my paper in in rural Hampshire! Yet, no matter where you are, it is apparent that local news is dwindling. It used to be the essence of communities, with talk of the local 'rag' featuring in many conversations. But with newspapers closing and shutting up shop up and down the country, local news is facing the brunt of a crisis in the media industry.
Which is why this weeks Blog of the Week offered a glimmer of hope to my local area in particular. This is Alton, a website/ blog dedicated to all the local news in my hometown, picks up from where the newspapers stalled. It contains all the latest news, along with various interviews, videos, photos and event listings for Alton.
In just a few minutes, I learnt about a new supermarket being built in the town, details on how to enter a Come Dine With Me (which is currently being filmed in East Hampshire) and the councils plans for the Diamond Jubilee. Completely independent from any media outlet, the website is regularly updated and frequently viewed by residents.
I like that it truly captures the digital era by allowing the reader to share with friends on Facebook and Twitter, and comment on blog posts. The content is of quality journalism, and the advertisements do not blare out at you.
So if you are looking for all the local news from Alton in Hampshire, then 'This is Alton' is for you. Forget paying for the local newspaper, this website truly is a gem in providing the local people with easy access to journalism. Enjoy!
You can check out the website by following the link: http://www.thisisalton.co.uk/
Picture Courtesy of This is Alton.
Previous 'Blog of the Week' posts:
- Mode de la Mode
- Catastrophic Findings
Which is why this weeks Blog of the Week offered a glimmer of hope to my local area in particular. This is Alton, a website/ blog dedicated to all the local news in my hometown, picks up from where the newspapers stalled. It contains all the latest news, along with various interviews, videos, photos and event listings for Alton.
In just a few minutes, I learnt about a new supermarket being built in the town, details on how to enter a Come Dine With Me (which is currently being filmed in East Hampshire) and the councils plans for the Diamond Jubilee. Completely independent from any media outlet, the website is regularly updated and frequently viewed by residents.
I like that it truly captures the digital era by allowing the reader to share with friends on Facebook and Twitter, and comment on blog posts. The content is of quality journalism, and the advertisements do not blare out at you.
So if you are looking for all the local news from Alton in Hampshire, then 'This is Alton' is for you. Forget paying for the local newspaper, this website truly is a gem in providing the local people with easy access to journalism. Enjoy!
You can check out the website by following the link: http://www.thisisalton.co.uk/
Picture Courtesy of This is Alton.
Previous 'Blog of the Week' posts:
- Mode de la Mode
- Catastrophic Findings
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