2023 - What now?

 

All you will see over the next few hours will be everyone wishing all their family and friends a Happy New Year. All the best for 2023. Hope this year is better than the last one. Here's to a wonderful and peaceful 2023. Blah, blah, fucking blah! Now I'm not here to be a new year Scrooge, but what I am doing is speaking my mind and looking back to what a complete shit show 2022 was and the next will most probably be. 

So in 2022, we saw the cost of living rise to unrealistic levels in the UK, COVID being knocked on the head, a Russian megalomaniac cunt knocker invade an independent country, the cost of fuel going through the roof, jobs being lost, people dying, people being born, a long-reigning monarch dying, the weather going nuts giving the UK the hottest summer on record and every fucker going on strike.

Well what has 2023 got in store? Pretty much the same to honest with you, except the weather perhaps. Now let's start with obvious shall we? After World War 2, leaders around the world said they would never let history repeat itself and the horrific events Hitler and the Nazis committed. Yet, in 2022, history repeated itself and it took a while before anyone got off their arse and did something. I mean seriously? You've got a complete mental bell-end throwing his toys out of his pram like a spoilt brat, who decides he wants the Ukraine, lies to the world saying I'm not going to invade your all deluded, invades Ukraine blaming the country being run by Nazis, killing thousands of innocent people, threatens other nations that if they get involved they'll be consequences, his troops then decide to commit mass murder and rape children while the world stands back, threatened by this school boy bullying cunt and doesn't stand up to him, by saying fuck you I won't do what you tell me, ganging up on the prick and help secure a country that he has no right invading. Instead, we just send money and weapons, ruffle Zelensky's hair and say there you go son. As a result, the world is now suffering while this complete fuckwit holds it all hostage. You've got China who are now paranoid, invading their patrons rights and causing all kinds of shit. Behave yourselves China! You've got North Korea who are still silly buggers. Jesus, the world has gone to shit and there we are all saying Happy New Year, all the best for 2023! Fuck off!

So what if World War 3 is triggered by countries helping out Ukraine. We have been lied to when we were told history wouldn't repeat itself. Yet it has! Why are standing by watching a country fight for its freedom? It doesn't need pocket money, it needs the bigger person to stand up to the bully and tell him to fuck off!

But while that happens, the UK has gone to complete shit. Our government are complete fucking joke, yet, somehow there still in power! How??? You've got the government throwing money at other countries to help with aid, yet our country is on its arse with yet another recession, families having to go to food banks, because they cannot afford to live despite many of them having two jobs, fuel is through the fucking roof, gas and electricity is through the roof, but the government have said, we'll help by giving you some money towards it. How about helping bring the cost down and stop reaping the profits from all the taxes. How about putting money back in people's pockets permanently? When fuel hit £2 a litre, the government said they'll knock 5p off. Whoopy fucking do! That did nothing! Instead, garages just increased the cost of fuel to cover the 5p loss, and made things worse. In the UK, there is two taxes on fuel, if the government got rid of one, it would make it so much cheaper. But the greedy bastards won't, We are all fed some bullshit, that we're pretty much told to believe it or else. Its got that bad that every fucker is striking!

So while you're wishing everyone a happy new year. Just think about what I've said. It maybe a new year, but its still the same old shit.

2017 - What a Year!

WHAT the fuck have I just lived through the past twelve months??
The past year has been a huge rollercoaster of emotion. I've gone from starting the year on a high to being incredibly pissed off by March, being given a great opportunity in April, while ending the year with hope that 2018 will actually be decent one, which I can reflect on with some hope without some pricks ruining it.

The next few paragraphs will most probably offend many, but I don't care, if you've read my rants in the past then you know there's no holding back.

So where do I start? Well lets get the rants out of the way! 

What started off as a great, promising year was quickly ruined by an attention seeking possessed doll and someone who couldn't handle the responsibility of their job. But after that was resolved, those people were put in their place when karma kicked their arse. 

After that hitch, I still found it hard to get a job because many didn't want a forty-two year old working for them. I was actually told by one employer that I was 'too qualified' for a job. What kind of bullshit excuse is that? Anyway, I soon became a volunteer on a local television show, where I began to fulfil my dream career as an editor and that also saw me go in front of the camera too. And to this day I'm still volunteering and enjoying working on that show. So thank you Dave for the opportunity! 

That show also spawned other work as a director (yes you read correctly, a television director) for LUTV, overseeing their home games being broadcasting to international audiences, something I thought would be daunting, but is a great job to do. 

Summer kind of flew by, as I began sorting out my future, planning a new business opportunity with a old friend. Some people finally got to see the true colours of one person, and I actually got to see a lot of my daughter, who this year started secondary school (fuck where have the past eleven years gone!?!).

I ended this year, working on a feature as a Digital Imaging Technician (a job which I found a bit boring to be honest) but the cast were great, some I got to know well and some of the production team were a decent bunch too. It was my first feature to work on as a crew member, however the only criticism I have go towards some people on set, who, I have to say need to remove their heads from one's arse. It was the old, if your face fits bollocks. 

I have always wanted to pursue a career in film or television and be given the opportunity to do so has been fantastic. However, some aspects of it have been ruined by those who think they're bloody royalty and egos need severely deflating. Even the actors were more down to earth than those people. Personally I can't stand people like that. Seriously, who the hell do you think you are? Sort yourself out and stop ruining the experience for others because of your arrogant attitude towards those you don't really know. If you don't like the look of someone then don't hire them - simple. I was also warned by others in the industry that this can be the case, but to experience it myself serious woke me up to the pricks who don't deserve the work.

Another gripe of 2017, which to be honest makes me laugh and shake my head is the amount of people I have on social media who think their bloody celebrities. Honestly peeps, get a reality check please. If you want fame, then work for it. Stop posing like a dildo thinking your somebody your not. Your attitudes towards others are shocking and stop with the bloody pouting! That happened two years ago, you look like you've just passed wind during a photograph. 

Speaking of being social, my social life has been minimum this year. Not because I'm old, but its been down to the lack of friends. Many parted company after the shit storm of 2014, however, a few kept in touch and one in particular 'Terry' you're the brother from another mother. Love you matey! I know we've not had the opportunity to return to your new hometown, but we will I promise.

Also, many "friends" (yes I used speech marks, how very 1990), stopped talking to me when I finally put my foot down on those who repeatedly took the piss out of my generous nature. I've always said, if you scratch my back, I will scratch yours. Sadly, many wanted their back scratching and gave nothing back in return. So when I started saying no to these people, they took the huff and jogged on. I seriously don't have time to selfish people like that in my life. 

Before I finish I've got this question to ask.

Why the hell is stupid arsehole still in power? When he was running for President we all thought it was a joke, expecting Hillary Clinton to be the first female President. But after rigging the election (yes he fucking did and the Russians admit it), he won. What the fuck!?! So during his first year at the White House, he has proven to be another Hitler in the making. Seriously! He's a vile racist who if not taken out of power soon will trigger a nuclear war. He's tearing apart everything other Presidents have taken years to achieve. Come on America, get this fucking nazi out of the White House and make America great again.

So, despite it being a mainly shit year, I hope 2018 is so much better for everyone I know, more so for my family as we can do with it. I've worked bloody hard to get the career and life I've longed for and I'm not letting any prick ruin that. You can keep your bullshit to yourself, because the only life its going to ruin is your own. 

A Year On. Has It Been Worth It?

Its been year since I finished my degree at University and the big question people have asked me over the year is, was it worth leaving your job for? Honestly, now I reflect on things, its not been easy for someone my age and to be honest I wouldn't recommend doing it. Its been a trying year for me emotionally and mentally that has left me feeling very angry.

Those who know me and the job I wasted seventeen years of my life in, knew I had to get out of there. Four years ago, there wasn't many jobs about in my region for someone with my qualifications and experience. If I wanted to pursue a career in the film and television industry, I was told that I needed a degree as my diploma wasn't worth the paper it was written on. So as mentioned in previous blogs, I decided to take that risk and went back to full time education.

My heart has always been set on a career in the entertainment industry as an actor, editor or camera operator. I've dabbled in writing as a hobby, but never thought about doing it as a profession, mainly because my literature skills are questionable thanks to an 80's education system who failed to help struggling students like myself and paid its full attention towards those 'bright' students.

We were deemed the countries rejects and the system treated us that way. There wasn't such a thing as ADHD or anything that like that when we were growing up. If you struggled in class, you labelled a trouble causer who didn't pay attention. But the truth was, we did listen, we did try, but the education system let us down. 
I remember a pupil in my English class asking why weren't learning about Shakespeare or other great types of literature. The teacher, Mr Hargreaves said 'We were too thick to understand such masterpieces'. So I actually spoke up and said 'Well your obviously crap at your job and failed us as a teacher if that's what you think of your pupils'. I was dragged out of my seat and frogged marched to the Deputy Head. 
(Yes, back then, teachers could batter you without the threat of prosecution. It was there right to do so, apparently). 

Anyway, the Deputy Head, Mr Morgan actually sided with me on this one, and I wasn't punished. Instead I was removed from that class and placed in another one, where I did learn about many things instead of copying poetry from text books. I actually began to thrive in certain aspects of English, however, I was still never taught the work of Shakespeare, Wordsworth or even Oscar Wilde.

So now you know why despite writing many scripts and stories, I've never pursued it as a career, mainly because I lack confidence in what I've wrote.

Over the years, I have tried and tried bloody hard to make something of a career in the industry. I've seen friends go for it and become quite successful which I was envious, but was really happy for them, that they got the career they've worked hard for. 
When I've tried to get some where, I was always knocked back or offered false promises of work that never came to fruition.

From 2009, I ended up grabbing the bull by its horns and stopped relying on those selfish pricks who had no interest in helping someone else if they weren't going to reap any benefit for themselves. I was being offered a few acting jobs, I managed to get voice-over work on 'The Dark Knight Rises' soundtrack and co-hosted murder mystery meals across the North-east. I was happy again, doing what I wanted to do, but if I wanted to find a solid career in this industry, I had to go back to University to bring my skillset up to date.

The next three years flew by. I ended up with a 2.1 BA degree and no job. That's right, unless I was willing to pack up my life in the North-east and drag my family half way down the country, there were no jobs to apply for in the industry. I was going to spend the next year, scraping by on the bits of work I could get, mainly the odd day of freelance work or works experience which paid nothing more than travel expenses. 

So not wanting to fall back into long term unemployment, which to be honest, drove me insane the last time I went without a job. I looked into launching my own company with the help of the Launchpad scheme set up by Teesside University. What a fucking waste of time that was!! I can honestly say to anyone around my age bracket, who has a family to support and is suggesting on doing this plan - DON'T!!! 

I was dangled a right dodgy carrot to get me on board and I was an idiot for thinking I could catch it. The only good thing about it, was that I was introduced to a great mentor, who sadly agrees with me on the way we've both been treated throughout the process.
I was promised funding that equated to six months pay, to help me during my start up process. Never got it! The same month I joined, the application form wasn't available and six months later, resurfaced with different rules on how applicants received this funding. I went for it and was told I didn't qualify. 

All the funding that was promised, never surfaced and was later scrapped after changes were made to the scheme. I was trying to start a business, which became very hard to do with broken promises. Not even key staff would answer your emails of enquires without a kick up the arse.

Now I feel like I've had my entire time wasted as I've been told that my privileges are being withdrawn and I'm no longer entitled to the mentoring I was promised at the start. What the fuck??? Why? Because of the whole system has yet again changed. You no longer get the opportunities originally offered to you. You now have to go on a workshop over a six week period, which at the end of it, you have to pitch for funding which your not guaranteed on getting. So you put in all that time and effort in for nothing. You come away with a little more knowledge on how to run your business and that's it! How can someone with my priorities do such as thing? I need a job or funding to help support my family while I try to make ends meet. Its all about tick the boxes and make ourselves look good bullshit!

The same can be said about some companies. Even though many will deny it, but agism is vast within employment. Many companies aren't interested in the experienced anymore. Its more about exploiting the young so they can be paid less and save the company money. I've applied for so many jobs over the past year, and I've only had two companies come back to me, either with an interview or to tell me I was unsuccessful getting to the interview stage. 

One company I applied to was a thriving production company here in the North-east. I ticked all the boxes for a job that was being offered, so I applied. I was refused an interview. Why? Because of my age! They'll deny it, but I actually spoke to someone on the interview board, who later saw my resume and openly admitted I was ideal for the job and it was likely that the manager, who is in his twenties, didn't want anyone older than him working for the company, hence why he withdrew my application. I even offered my freelance services via their website and have been told, thanks but no thanks.

Out of desperation and hoping a full-time job may come of it, I applied for a three month internship at the University in a job I was more than qualified to do and along with a colleague and former class mate, actually did a sterling job. However, that great experience ended badly, and is something I now whole heartedly regret accepting thanks to all the bullshit that occurred in the last two weeks, which I can't go into detail for legal reasons.

The only bit of positivity that's come of my career move, is that I have managed to get the odd bit of work experience, working for the BBC and Sky, but if I wanted to add to the experience to boost my resume, I've had to do a lot of voluntary work, which to be honest, I haven't minded doing because I enjoy doing the work and its been local so I've not been that much out of pocket. Its this type of work, which has landed me an editing job as well as television presenting on a local tv channel. Yeah it still doesn't help pay the bills, but its my foot in the door and I've got there because of my own persistence and fucking off those who have wasted my time. 

So overall, all I can say is that, yeah I do mainly regret going back into full-time education, especially in the industry I want to pursue a career in. As I've said I've got a lot of the work myself, but if your aged around thirty and over, thinking about a move back into full-time education, have a bloody good look into whether or not its going to be worth it, especially if you've got a family to support. Unless your in an ideal situation to move your family to London, then don't do it! Its been hell! Too many false promises and being shit on from a great height. 

Maggie Thatcher Dies

Milk Thief

Well, who would have thought Maggie Thatcher would be causing more problems after her death?
The people of the United Kingdom have cheered, mourned and even got the record 'Ding-Dong The Witch is Dead' into the UK Top Ten charts. 

I grew up in the 1980's, when Mrs Thatcher was beginning to make a right old noise and showing true Conservative power by pretty much shitting on the poor to make the rich more wealthy. Hmm, similar kind of story with our current Conservative government today.
She crippled the working class by hiking VAT from 8% to 17.5%, stopped free milk for school children, caused a massive rise in unemployment, tried to reduce what powers trade union's had resulting in several strikes including the massive miners' strike, which saw the closure of several mines and the loss of thousands of jobs across the country. But the best was yet to come with the introduction of the Poll Tax which would see rioting in London before eventually being forced out of power by her own party and leadership handed to John Major (erm.. sounds familar *cough* Tony Blair and Gordon Brown).

As soon as her death was announced on the BBC News at One on the 8th of April. The country was soon divided by the news. Many celebrated and held street parties, while other's mainly supporters of Thatcher mourned and vented their disgust at people's comments and celebrations. But what's really annoyed many of the UK citizen's is that Thatcher is to have a ceremonal funeral with full military honours costing the tax payer £8 million. Money which the current Conservative government claimed we didn't have resulting in job cuts and tax increases. Then, oh no, Maggie dies and we now have £8 million to spend on a person more than half the country hated, and had every reason to do so. But this just proves my point regarding the government, they take from poor to give to the rich. Maggie Thatcher in my opinion doesn't deserve such a send off unlike many previous Prime Minister's that did. She was just an old lady with health problems who didn't give a shit about the people of this country, she was someone who did a job and was sacked by her own government and I bet if this country was still under a Labour government, she would not have got the funeral the television networks will ram down our throats on Wednesday. But not many of us will be watching that crap as they'll be thousands of tax payers lining up outside the tax offices across the UK demanding a refund.

May God have mercy on her soul!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year and All the best for 2012 everybody!

I can't believe another year has gone, but let's hope this year is a better and more peaceful one or is that asking too much?

So let's recap last year briefly shall we?
Okay, so Bin Laden was killed as was Colonel Gaddafi. London rioted over several things and started a new trend is retail shopping.
The British government, fuel and energy providers, local councils shafted us all by continuing raise bills, cut services and tell the public sector workers they'll be working for longer but receiving less pension.

Prince William got married to Kate, Prince Philip spent Christmas in hospital after under going heart surgery.
US pulled its troops out of Iraq, Kim Jong-Il died leaving his son in charge who recently told the world nothing is going to change.
Egypt and Libya joined other countries and removed their government from power after having enough of their crap. While finally Iran is accused of creating nuclear weapons by the West, but is preparing hold talks with everyone to clear the mess up.

As for Hollywood, there were plenty of remakes, sequels and new original movies kicking ass at the box office including Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Paul and The Inbetweeners Movie.

TV didn't escape is share of problems with Charlie Sheen being sacked from Two and a Half Men over his comments about the show's producer.
UK X-Factor had its fair share of controversy with accusations of vote rigging being thrown about after Amelia Lily's winning song hit the shelves before the winner was officially announced. However, Amelia came third and Little Mix won just to prove that there was no rigging of the votes what-so-ever - just tactics to prove the public wrong.
Ricky Gervais presented the Golden Globes for the second time which raised a few eyebrows and complaints over his comments. Its good to hear he's presenting it for a third time this year.

Then we lost a few great celebrities over the year such as Pete Postlethwaite, Liz Taylor, Susanna York and composer John Barry to name a few.

So let's hope this year is better and those who predict the end of the world will take place this year are wrong!

All the best people! :-)

Time For Action!

Well, the economy is getting worse. America has less money than Apple Inc., and the British arrogant morons government have decided to take more money out of our pockets (money I wish to add a lot of us have very little of) by asking workers to pay around £100 a month extra into their pensions and get less when they retire. Seems fair doesn't it?

They've also noticed that nobody is really spending and things are getting worse. No shit Sherlock!

Oil companies and energy suppliers have announced billions in profit. Well good for them they deserve it. Like hell they do!

Its greedy companies like these along with our greedy government who are pushing the economy back into a recession. Well, when I say back into one, did we really come out of one?

Now the government are scratching the knob on their heads to think of another money making plan they can put together which will plummet the country further into the recession and leave us with less money that we cannot afford to part with.

What they should be doing is actually listen to the public and company directors who are all struggling and ask them what should they be doing to help. Yeah, yeah, yeah as if that will ever happen. Its been decades since a government actually listened to the people and followed up their promises, but if they did take notice to what we had to say then slowly the country will walk clear of the recession and the economy will begin grow again. Companies would be saved, people will be solvent again instead of worrying whether or not they'll have a roof over their heads in six months time and food on the table.

It seriously annoys me when the likes of BP are boasting of the profits they're making and is it a wonder why when fuel prices are so high?

If you're making so much money and boasting about it, how about you drop the bloody price of fuel and I don't mean by a penny like the government did in March thinking they were doing us a favour. You can afford to do it, but you choose not to because of greed.

In March, the government claimed they couldn't get rid of fuel duty or VAT on fuel because it would take years to process all the paperwork. Utter rubbish! They don't want to get rid of it because it would leave a big gap in their pockets - Greed!

The only way we are going to get out of this recession and build the economy back up again is to get us to spending again. How? Lower VAT from 20% down to 12%, this will make food, appliances, etc cheaper to buy again. Cut the cost of fuel down to below a £1 a litre, this will make fuel more affordable to the average family household so they can afford to go out on day trips again without worrying about how many miles they do. It will also help companies to keep their fleet of vehicles on the road and improve services. Wait a minute! If people start to go out more, they might begin to spend more. Yes they will because they'll be able to afford to! Can you start to see a pattern forming here? Shame the government can't! Cap the cost of gas and electric supplies. The recent 19% rise is unacceptable, that is pure greed from the companies who are now boasting of high profits, yet they feel the need to up their prices? Stop companies offering payday loans or force them to lower the APR down to a reasonable rate such as 19% instead of 1200%.

Already I've presented just a handful of solutions, solutions that realistic and would help the economy greatly, but it will never happen as greed will always win. 

This country seriously needs to stand up for itself and show the government enough is enough.

The only people who are getting rich are those who are taking from the poor. The government are talking from their arse when they say there's nothing more it can do to help. There is a hell of a lot they can do, they choose not to because they will begin to lose out.

Something seriously needs to be done and soon, otherwise this country will get to the point of no return and the economy will take decades to recover, especially as there are so many selfish, greedy people out there.

Butterkist and King Cones

My blog has bugger all to do with the title I just couldn't think of anything to call it.
Anyhow, hope your all well. I thought I should write something as I've not done so since March, but it has been a busy couple of months for me.

In March, I was hired to help re-write a script for a play which was due to be performed in May. So for a month I worked closely with the show's director and we managed to pull off a miracle. The show 'What the Window Cleaner Saw!' toured the part's to the UK and was an overall success. So much so that the company behind it - Northeast Producers have extended the tour, which is nice.

While that was going on, I've busy working on the series 'Solid Venom' which is being produced by Danish production company 'Skumfidus Film'.

I finished writing the first season earlier this year, with the series in pre-production stage as casting and everything else is currently being organised.

I've been asked to direct the series, but I'm only prepared to direct one or two of the episodes, which they seem happy with.

Although I had nice surprise to be sent some examples of the graphic novel to Solid Venom which is currently in production. The artwork is superb and I'm excited to see something of mine in this form.
I don't know when it'll be finished or when its due to go on sale so I'll have to keep you informed with that one as soon as I know.

As for the film I was shooting last year - 'Christian', that is to be re-shot and I'm currently rewriting the script as its now going to continue on from the Solid Venom series.

Continuing on with the writing theme, I've also began writing a new comedy sci-fi series called 'Some Kind of Heroes'. I'm not allowed to give too much away at present until the scripts have been approved, but I'm quite excited about this one.

Anyhow time to chew the fat.

One subject that I know is on everyone's mind in the UK is the price of petrol.
I'm sorry but why is it so frigging expensive again? Mmm, wait... its because we've got a greedy Government!

Okay, yeah I know that the price of Crude Oil and the Dollar has something to do with it too, but its still not an excuse to have it so expensive in the UK compared with mainland Europe.

In France the cost of Unleaded is £1.10 a litre and Diesel is 94p a litre.

So why is it £1.34 for Unleaded and £1.40 for Diesel in the UK??? Why is Diesel so more expensive in the UK that mainland Europe? There is no excuses of it other than its filling the fat-arsed MP's pockets that's all.

This country is on its arse financially, yet our Government feel need to bail out every other country from their financial problems including the banks and its us, the taxpayer that get's the bill for it all. But do we get any financial help to help us pay for everyday things? No! Has our wages increased? No!

In my opinion, if the country wants to get out of this financial struggle, then lower the cost of everything to get people spending again. Without us spending, the financial problem isn't going to get better.
How is the rise in VAT and fuel bills amongst other things helping the economy? It isn't! Who are the ones benefiting from these rises? I'll give you a clue - it isn't us.

Our shitty useless Government need to take a step back and stop thinking about themselves and start thinking about those who put them in power, before we start to see rioting on the streets and our Government being overthrown because its citizens have had enough.

Seriously, sort it!

That's all I've got to say about that! ;-)