the jourknow

Sunday, 29 July 2012

And the first Team GB medal goes to...

Congratulations to Lizzie Armitstead of the Team GB’s cycling team, who won SILVER in the road race this afternoon.

Lizzie, despite the horrendous weather and conditions, used her skill to take a few risks during the race and pushed for first place. She was eventually pipped by a whisker by Dutch cyclist Marianne Vos in the final kilometre, in what has been described as a thrilling sprint across the finish line.

Congratulations to Lizzie, who gives Team GB their first medal.

Meanwhile, Team GB are looking strong in the sailing, football, gymnastics and equestrian events, with more medals available tonight in swimming and weightlifting, amongst others.

GO TEAM GB!!

(And to those who are panicking over Team GB’s medal woes so far, remember that in Beijing it took us a few days to claim our first medal by Armitstead’s teammate Nicole Cooke in the road race. We have plenty of chances in many other events. So get behind Team GB and stop tutting!)

Get this party started...

The Olympic Games has finally arrived in London! After seven long years of organising, anxieties and dreams, the games have finally arrived for the third time in the capital of Great Britain. Marking the opening, the opening ceremony on Friday, July 27 celebrated the flame being lit at the Olympic Park, along with the arrival of athletes and the IOC president, Jacques Rogge.

But that wasn’t the main reason for Friday’s ceremony and why a predicted one billion people across the globe watched the ceremony. You see, the real reason many of us tuned into watch the ceremony was to see the work of director Danny Boyle, famous for directing such hits as Trainspotting and the Academy Award winning Slumdog Millionaire, organise one of the most spectacular and humble opening ceremonies the world has ever seen.

The man behind the ceremony kept quiet throughout the planning and rehearsals, only giving away a few details about what the crowds could expect. The ceremony was based around the ‘Islands of Wonder’, using Shakespeare’s The Tempest as the main theme. There were rumours of Europe’s biggest bell, farm animals and thousands of NHS staff and patients all playing a role too throughout the ceremony (all which did play a role in the ceremony.)

It was a difficult task to undertake, especially when the media continued to undermine the ceremony by comparing in to the Beijing Ceremony. Beijing 2008 may well have had the budget and power for special effects, lights and fireworks, but what did they not have? A heritage, a sense of humour and, most of all, the pride of an entire nation.

You see, what Danny Boyle managed to produce was a humorous, heartfelt homage to Britain. He showed how Britain dominated the world through the industrial revolution, through literature and music, through film and the birth of the internet and of course, through its wonderful health care service. The story and history behind the scenes were emotional and struck a chord with those watching.

He was also incredibly clever too, and used the British humour to the best of his ability. The bit with Mr Bean (played by Rowan Atkinson) and the fantastic sketch between the Queen and James Bond (portrayed by Daniel Craig) were fantastically funny. On the other hand, the one minute silence to those who lost their lives in the war, and in the July 7/7 bombings, was a poignant tribute to a world which continues to be besieged by war.

With cameo appearances from singers Emeli Sande, Sir Paul McCartney and Dizzee Rascal, Kenneth Branagh, JK Rowling, David Beckham and a handful of others, not to mention the thousands of volunteers and audience members who all got involved, the ceremony will go down in history as one which put humans and history before money and jazzy pyrotechnics.

If you didn’t see the ceremony, you can watch snippets on YouTube, or relive the whole ceremony on BBC iPlayer.

The jourknow was lucky to win a ticket to see the rehearsal for the opening ceremony, and the above photos were taken whilst at the venue, or from wikipedia.

Tuesday, 3 July 2012

The New Zealand Diaries: No.16 - The final countdown

I have said it before and I will say it again, New Zealand really is a magical, intriguing country to visit on holiday, and one I had fallen in love with over the last few weeks of my adventure down under.

On the last day of my holiday, the sun sadly turned to rain, but it didn’t stop me enjoying the last few moments I had left on the South Island. Looking to make the most of the last day, my family and I set off to enjoy a few of the sites of Dunedin city.

Our first stop was at St. Clair’s beach. This golden beach, with waves perfect for surfing, is usually packed with tourists and locals on a sunny day, but on a windy and wet day, it was empty. The beach offers fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean, and was surprisingly peaceful despite on the edge of the busy city.

Taking photos and walking bare footed across the sand, it was great to feel the sand between my toes one last time. Despite the weather, the temperature was still warm, and the weather held off whilst I took some fantastic shots of the beach.

After the beach, we did a quick shopping trip in the city centre. Shopping in New Zealand is a mix of commercial chains and boutique stores, and there’s certainly something for everyone in Dunedin. Stopping off at the Cathedral for a few pics, I then went in search of gifts to give to my family. Luckily, a tourist shop is situated right by the cathedral, so I didn’t have too far to go.

We then went for one last meal at an amazing steak house on the busy high street. Enjoying my succulent medium-rare steak, it rounded off a month’s worth of food that I had thoroughly enjoyed eating.

Getting in the car and heading towards the suburbs, we stopped off at one of Dunedin’s most iconic buildings, the train station. Despite mainly used for freight and tour trains, the station is a fantastic structure of colour and gothic architecture, and inside was even more spectacular. Here you’ll find many tourists wondering around, and the atmosphere was lively. You’ll even find the Cadbury chocolate factory nearby, which sadly I didn’t have time to visit (maybe next time!)

Our last stop was at the mysterious Dunedin Chinese Garden. Having never been to a Chinese garden before, I was unsure of what to expect as we walked in. A Chinese garden, it turns out, is mainly a garden structured around a big pond, with a waterfall, water plants and rock features. Although there were fewer flowers than I had expected, the garden was spectacular to look round, and was a peaceful, quiet haven away from the busy city.

The garden also hosts Tai Chi classes, a tearooms and an activity centre, which allowed you to try on different costumes (which I did, of course), play mind games, and solve puzzles. It was a peculiar place, and despite being a recent project, it seemed to have just as much history as the rest of the town!

So that was it. After a quick visit to see our cousins, one sleep and a tearful goodbye to my family, I was back on the plane heading for old Blighty. It’s hard to sum up my time in New Zealand, there’s just not enough words to describe the fantastic time I had over there. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime holiday that I’ll never ever forget. In fact, I’m even tempted to move out there when I’m older! If you ever get the chance to go to New Zealand, or are stuck for holiday ideas, I hope these diaries have tempted you to splash out and enjoy the holiday of a lifetime. You’re guaranteed a fantastic time!

Follow me on Twitter: @kieranwatkins

Thursday, 28 June 2012

Forget sport! Why the Olympics is all about money for the IOC

The Olympics is without a doubt the greatest sporting event in the world. Every four years, nearly every nation comes together to compete for the glory of a gold medal and making their country proud. Even if you don’t like sport, the Olympics offers viewers and the public a chance to get involved at every level, whether it be volunteering or enjoying the Cultural Olympiad.

The London 2012 games promises to be no different, with the legacy aiming to reignite the nation’s, particularly kids, love for sport. In fact today, with one month to go to the opening ceremony, the whole nation is gearing up to host the biggest party of the year.

So surely this national event should remain truly public, ensuring that all the nation are able to watch and view the sporting events? Well, it seems that the International Olympic Committee have other ideas. This week, IOC president Jacques Rogge confirmed that the broadcasting rights to the next Winter Olympics (in Sochi 2014) and the Summer Olympics (in Rio 20126) are up for grabs, with negotiations likely to start from the end of this week.

Currently, broadcasting rights to the Olympics in the UK are solely in the hands of the BBC. The BBC has promised to show over 2,500 hours of coverage for this year’s Olympics, and has been the host broadcaster for several decades. Promising red button viewing, special channels and even 3D coverage, the BBC’s coverage has been critically acclaimed over the years.

But the IOC, looking to raise money through lucrative broadcasting rights, are looking to negotiate with pay-tv and telecommunication giants, namely BSkyB and BT (who both recently took out a lucrative, highly expensive contract for the Premiership football rights), where the coverage would be handed to them, making a nice profit for the IOC.

Although the broadcasting rights to the Olympics are protected under legislation, the IOC is looking to reach a deal where 200 hours of free-to-air content would be reserved for say the BBC (or Channel 4, who took over the Paralympics and World Athletics coverage recently) and show the rest through pay-TV or another platform.

For me, these plans and calls by the president are rather worrying. Can you imagine having to pay to watch coverage of the Olympics on a subscription-based system? No, nor can I. Not only will it be breaking with tradition, but there’s several negative consequences here.

Firstly, the coverage of the Olympics on the BBC rivals all other broadcasters. It’s free to air, meaning everyone in the UK with a television set has the ability to watch the Olympics. Compare that to BT Vision, who have around 750,000 subscribers (I am one, and I certainly don’t think it’s worth the cost), which will significantly decrease the profile of the Olympics. The legacy of the Olympics is to inspire generations and promote sport, a legacy which will be compromised if the rights go to a pay-TV channel.

Secondly, the tactics used by the president to report on such ‘negotiations’ creates a bidding war atmosphere which ultimately the BBC is going to suffer in. The Beeb already facing the burden of 25% budget cuts in Sport, has recently lost key sporting events such as horse racing to Channel 4, the French Open to ITV and most of the Formula 1 to Sky. Sky, BT or ESPN will have significantly more money to put on the table, and with the IOC increasingly looking to make money rather than promote sport nowadays, the BBC is in a difficult position.

So what should happen? Well, I’d like to think the government would step in and protect the rights of the Olympics to free-to-air broadcasting. But sadly, I don’t think that will happen. We know from recent events how close a certain minister for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is with News Corporation and BSkyB, and with the government preferring business and privatization, I doubt the government will even raise an eyebrow over the plans.

Which is where public opinion comes in. Yes, good old public opinion. The government would be wise to keep track of public opinion over the plans. No doubt sporting stars, the BBC and fans of the Olympics will protest at the plans if they get the go-ahead. I mean, just look at the petitions and condemnation over the Formula 1 rights! With London 2012 looming, surely the number of people watching and participating in the Olympics could help sway the view of the government in ensuring the rights remain free-to-air. The Olympics generate publicity, which generates interest from the public and abroad, which helps boost the economy.

Well, anything goes really. All I know is that it will be a sad day if the Olympics was privatized into the hands of a conglomerate like Sky or BT who would profit from the Olympics legacy. The IOC looks certain to back the plans, with similar circumstances on rights already agreed for countries like Italy. The IOC you’d think would be keen to retain their dwindling popularity after the furore over the sponsorship of Dow Chemicals and other companies.

But that’s the case for most sport nowadays sadly, it’s not about the taking part or being a representative for your country, it’s about making as much money as possible. The Olympics would just add to a long list of sports which have been sold out to big companies so that orgaisations like the IOC can make a tidy profit.

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

Viva Forever! The Spice Girls are back

Girl power promises to be relived and reborn this year after the official Spice Girls musical, Viva Forever!, was unveiled at a glitzy ceremony at the Renaissance Hotel in St Pancras.

Attended by all five members of the Spice Girls - Victoria Beckham (Posh), Emma Bunton (Baby), Melanie Chisholm (Sporty), Melanie Brown (Scary) and Geri Hallowell (Ginger) - the Spice Girls were reformed for the first time publicly since their world tour in 2008, set against the backdrop for what was the location for their first hit single ‘Wannabe’.

The unvieling of the show, a musical featuring the songs of the Spice Girls, had the reporters in a flutter as writer Jennifer Saunders - the comedienne and actress - and producer Judy Cramer - who was producer for West End hit Mamma Mia! - revealed the details for the show, which is scheduled to open this December, with previews in November at the Piccadilly Theatre in London.

All five members took questions from the public along with Cramer and Saunders, as well as pictures together. Despite the rumours of backstage bitching, all five looked glamorous and happy as they posed, although Victoria, her usual gloomy self, failed to smile throughout the session.

She did however reveal that the musical would introduced “a whole new generation to girl power.”

The producers revealed that the story would evolve around a "beautiful, talented girl and her best friends who get swept up in the obsession of today's TV celebrity culture."
With the story promising to appeal to all generations, the musical will no doubt go well with theatregoers and fans of the Spice Girls. It’s even rumoured that the Spice Girls maybe tempted to reform for the Closing ceremony of the Olympic Games - so watch this space!

I for one cannot wait for the musical to open in the West End, and will not deny the fact that I’m 100% Spice mad for Viva Forever!

You can watch a clip from the unveiling here.

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

The New Zealand Diaries: No.15 - Jump for your life!

Last week I left my diary entry from New Zealand on a bit of a cliffhanger; did I bungee jump, or did I back out?

Well I couldn’t leave you ‘hanging’ could I, which coincidentally was what I was doing when I decided to bite the bullet and jump for my life off of a bridge in Queenstown earlier this year during my holiday in New Zealand.

When my Dad booked the tickets for my brother and I to fly over to New Zealand, he immediately asked whether we would both do a bungee jump. I was apprehensive, the thought of plunging down form a bridge tied by an elasticated chord terrified me, yet I was intrigued. Not only would it make me extremely proud with myself if I did it, it would also surprise and shock my family, who had always assumed my sporty brother would do it, not me.

So when I boarded the plane for New Zealand, I was determined I would do it. And with three weeks to calm my nerves, I finally agreed to jump off the Kawarau Bridge on the outskirts of Queenstown. Hidden amongst the mountains, the Bridge was situated 47 metres above the clearest, bluest river I had ever seen, which helped calm my nerves a little (well, if the rope snapped, at least the water would cushion my fall!) However, once looking down from the bridge and watching other fearless people jumping off the bridge, my nerves got the better of me and I started taking back all I had said about being “confident” and “reborn” - but too late, it was booked and I was tied up ready to jump.

The actual experience happened all too quickly, with your life in the hands of experienced crew members who tied you up and told you what to do. With my brother jumping before me, I closed my eyes as it finally dawned on me, this is it!

With the adrenaline pumping and my stomach taking turns, I failed to listen to much of what the crew members told me. In fact, rather than just falling (you’re supposed to just fall slowly head first) I got confused and walked off! Yes, it was the wrong thing to do but in a way, it was a bit nicer because I could actually experience falling. And what a weird experience that is! The sudden realisation that you’re walking into thin air before suddenly plummeting is enough to make you sick. I quickly saw the mountains whizz past me in a blur before the rope tightened and I was upside down.

It’s when upside down that you lose control of most senses and just relax as you fall down further and further. Before you jump, you decide whether you want to touch the water, stay above it or go in for the plunge. Never one to miss the opportunity to wash my hair, I decided to take the plunge. The shock of hitting the water wakes you up, before the bungee sends you flying back up and down like a game of conkers. At one point I was certain I was going to hit the side of the mountain!

The whole thing lasts about 30 seconds. Two crew members in a dingy come out to pull you down, at which point I collapsed in the boat lost for words at what I had just done.

Climbing back up the mountain to find my family waiting in excitement at the top, I thought to myself; wow! Just wow! I had accomplished something I never thought I would do, and yet here I am, walking back up the mountain, my head drenched, my senses confused and my head spinning, with a huge smile of satisfaction on my face. It’s certainly been a story to tell my family and friends, and with the pictures as a token of the day’s adventure, it rounded off a fabulous time in Queenstown…one I would never, ever forget.

I would definitely recommend anyone who visits New Zealand or Queenstown in particular to have a go jumping. It really is the most amazing thing I have ever done, and you'll feel so good afterwards (although I don't think I could ever do it again!!)

Next time: My last blog post from New Zealand as I spend one more glorious day in Dunedin. Expect tears, costumes and Chinese Gardens!

Follow me on Twitter: @kieranwatkins

Read more from The New Zealand Diaries:

No.14 - A town fit for a Queen
No.13 - A bit of a flutter
No.12 - A day at the Museum

No.11 - Who needs Victoria Falls?

No.10 - There he blows!

No.9 - Baaaaaaarmy!

No.8 - If you go down to Owaka today...you're sure of a big surprise!

No.7 - Golden Nuggets!

No.6 - Christmas down under

No.5 - The steepest street in the world

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

Sunday, 24 June 2012

Beer at the ready: how the British Public House is fighting back

The great British pub, once a favourite pastime for the men and women of our country, is now a dying breed clinging on for survival.

A British Beer & Pub Association report claims that up to 52 pubs are closing every week every week, nearly seven a day. Since 2008, 4,500 pubs have closed in Britain. In 2009 alone, there were over 24,000 job losses in the beer industry alone, with the figure rising each year since.

It is worrying news for the industry, which has seen fierce competition from cheap deals at supermarkets, and rising alcohol levies introduced by the government.

However, the pubs are fighting back. A new campaign by CAMRA – Campaign for Real Ale – has seen 5,500 pubs across the UK unite to defy the gloom and entice new customers through a new national event.

The first ever ‘Community Pubs Month’, being held this April, aims to attract the nation to go to pubs and bars, by putting on special events, activities and celebrations, helping to reinstate the former golden years of the pub in Britain.

The public house in Britain has been around for many generations. The tavern can be linked back to the early Roman times, whereas the 14th century saw the formation of the ‘pub’ as we now know it today. According to pubs.com, “for centuries it has been a place where friends meet, colleagues 'talk shop' and business people negotiate deals; a place where people gather to celebrate, play games, or to seek quiet relaxation.”

But times have changed. Dogged by dwindling punter numbers and a government keen to crack down on binge drinking, the industry has suffered more in the last decade then it has at any other point in its long, colourful history. Although, according to pubs.org.uk, “15 million people still drink in their local each week.”

However, recent statistics released by CAMRA show that 9 in 10 young pub going adults (89%) visit their local pub to meet friends and socialise, whilst 1 in 4 currently married couples (25%) first met their partner down the pub.

Keen to tempt new customers to pubs across the country, CAMRA have launched their new campaign at a time of increased interest in the British public house. With an unusually hot spring and events such as the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee, the public need somewhere to go to enjoy the weather and celebrate with their communities.

In a sense, this is what the new ‘Community Pubs Month’ is all about. Over April, 5,500 pubs across the country will be taking part in the new initiative, hosting various events, from Ann Summers Parties to Pig Racing.

Mike Benner, CAMRA Chief Executive said: “CAMRA’s new campaign is all about reaffirming the vital importance of local pubs, and the essential role they play in many people’s lives.”

“Pubs are the beating hearts of countless communities across the land”, he added. “Without their existence, society would be a lot worse off.”

Campaigners backing the event hope that it will reignite the community view of the pub being the heart of a village or community. Already, pubs have drawn up several ideas across April.

The Leopard in Burton-On-Trent plans to hold an ‘Ann Summers’ party for punters to try on the latest lingerie, whereas The Market in Alton plan to host a charity auction and curry night this month.

The plans are being rolled out quickly in order to attract new customers before the planned increase in alcohol duty in the summer, which is likely to increase the price of the average pint by 15 pence. However, the recent announcement for a minimum alcohol price to be set at 40p a unit may provide some good news for the pub industry, where cheap supermarket prices have dented profits.

The plans by CAMRA are ambitious, and may turn regular punters off from going to their local drinking hole. But they offer a chance for the public house to rekindle its former glory days. Despite recent statistics from the Office of National Statistics ‘National Wellbeing programme’ reported that in 2010, there were 6 million fewer trips across Britain after the high of the ‘staycation’ shown in 2009.

Whether the pub industry will survive another decade or so remains to be seen. It all depends on the mood of the public. With families feeling the pinch across Britain, pubs may be viewed as a cheaper alternative for a good day out. Hopefully the plans will provide some good news for the economy.

CAMRA’s ‘Community Pubs Month’ runs throughout April nationwide. Visit www.camra.org.uk for more details.

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

This piece is a version taken from my 1st year portfolio, which I produced on my journalism course at the University of Kent

Men's Fashion: the sales are here!

You have to remain optimistic when you live in the UK. When it nears the summer holidays, you hope (and pray) that the weather will shine and you'll be able to relax in a pair of shorts, flip flops and a tee. Ok, so it usually doesn't happen unless you go abroad for the summer, but we remain in hope!
Yet as the summer holidays draw closer, you really should have your summer wardrobe all sorted. But don't panic if you haven't, because now is the best time to go shopping because yes, that annual event (which seems to start earlier every year) is here: the annual Summer Sale.

All your favourite stores have now started their sales, and from just a quick rummage of the rails and a click of a few buttons, you could complete your summer collection with a few bargain items.

With sales at stores such as Gap, Topman, H&M and Clarks offering discounts of up to 50%, you really can't afford to miss out. Here are my picks of the sales: