New Years Commitments not Resolutions.

Hello readers,

I come to you in a new year full of "fresh starts". I do hope your festive period was a pleasant one and you kept the important things in the forefront of your activities. However the year has turned. As it does every year it would seem judging by social media that many people are now drawing up ludicrous new years resolutions which will meet an early demise before February rolls around. Whether this is because the feel they must make a resolution purely by social obligation or they actually want to change i'm unsure? One thing I do know though is do not make a resolution for public reaction/admiration on "facespace" of "mybook"; make the change because you WANT to change. This change should not have to be induced by the passing of time, but the realisation that you can better yourself by pushing yourself on to better ends. What ever it may be, fitness, diet, education, changes in your personal life, do not fall in to the trap of a rapid radical change for the month of January, make the change permanent for the results you want. For if you place too higher demands on yourself you will not achieve your goal. This will lead to a negative, set smaller goals leading to the summit of your desired accomplishment. Only then will you be able to taste the glory of self made success, in my opinion there's nothing better.

It is that time of year when the nights are dark, the weather is dreary and negativity is all around after the festive period. It is this challenge I put to you to make those around you this January realise the month should not be conceded to losing holiday weight, or surviving after the taxing financial month previous. More with a view to push things on to what the individual may have been working hard for in 2012. Don't draw a line under the year past, merely build on it. 2012 has been said by many people to be "the worst ever". A wild claim. With all the events gone by, the jubilee, the Olympics, beginning to pull out of wars abroad. People need to take a moment of self reflection and whilst looking at their achievements, look too at their shortcomings and devise a plan to rectify those in the next 12 months. In visage in 12 months looking back and achieving more than you initially set out for.

The summer too is in sight. Long summer nights, barbeques and garden parties are all in the offing. What do you have planned? A holiday with the lads/girls? A festival ? Now is the time to make it happen. This is a great reward to set your goals for. Working towards a reward gives motivation, but don't fall fowl of focusing too much on the rewards and not concentrating on the job at hand.

As in the last edition the insider has once again scribed a paragraph for this edition. It is in keeping with the productive ethos of this edition.

The INSIDER

 "Make Promises, Not Resolutions

True to form millions of people around the world will  make New Years resolutions to join a gym, give up chocolate, or visit the moon. All of which they will announce to the public on social network sites only to look a fool a week later.

This year instead of giving things up why don’t we take things on whether that be a physical challenge such as the marathon or mental such as passing all your exams. These need not  to be elaborate statements made on Jan 1st  in the midst of a hangover instead personal promises you keep to yourself  that needn’t be judged by others instead remaining inside your head present in your thoughts. Now it’s important to say these promises you make can just as well be made on June the 1st as Jan 1st as these are far more realistic goals and achievements that you wish to succeed in. These goals may be as simple as going for a run which can be achieved in a day or as complex as becoming self employed within the next 10 years. It is vital however that these plans are given a timescale because then they can become real instead of remaining as daydreams.

So this year I urge you to take things on better yourself and don’t give up anything that you enjoy whether that is Weed or Dairy Milk chocolate instead learn to live with these vices in moderation. Resolutions last at best until Aprils, Plans and promises one makes can last a lifetime.

The insider"

A hard hitting but helpful insight there from the insight. You're sure to hear more from him over the coming months. I leave you with just a note to say good luck in your endeavors this year whatever they may be and to keep you on track take heed from this little known ditty from a certain R.Kipling (no, not the confectioner). 

Remember remain interesting,

Scott

The Festive Return To Print.

Hello readers,

Yes it is indeed back, the Stevens daily review has made a return to the press for this festive period only. I trust since May when I last posted you've all kept well and remained hungry for achievement and accomplishment through 2012.

The blog has returned for a number of reasons, primarily the public demand for more witty and topical information to fill those blank moments of the working day. Secondly I think during this bitter, cold mid-winter we're experiencing there appears to be a unanimous feeling of despondency among social networking sites which we need to combat in order for festive cheer to ensue. Namely complaints at the weather, early mornings, deadlines, and shopping. All I can say is embrace it! In Britain we're gifted with four full beautiful season each of which should be appreciated in their own right, and as for your activities focus on those you enjoy most not those that bear down on you. Spending time with family, friends and loved ones (often with a glass of mulled vino I might add) are the order of the day. All these help to forget about deadlines, presents and the stresses as the year comes to a close.

Today comes the sad news that we have lost a national treasure, Sir Patrick Moore has passed away today at the age of 89. He was nothing less than an inspiration and an expert in the field of astronomy and encompassed for me everything it means to be British. For this he must be remembered. We should use this day to remember that we too should strive to be at the top of our field in the hope of achieving to the level that he has. Rest in peace Sir Patrick.

 With all the festive cheer comes parties, many of which I've already attended, some of which to come. On Friday, a number of friends an I will be venturing to the streets of Bristol to welcome back our friends studying there. It's billed to be a rapturous affair having not seen many of them for a number of weeks. Hopefully it will live up to expectations and an enjoyable night will be had by all.

Just now BBC sports personality of the year has been announced. With a glistening year of a talent on show it has been argued that some of the non-olympians such as Rory McIlroy will feel overshadowed in the voting. I personally think this years winner, Jade Jones, taekwando gold medalist is a deserved winner. At such a young age she has taken triumph with grace and maturity, not to mention bringing home Britain's first gold of the games. Great work. 

The offender to my ears: Nick Grimshaw

With mention of the BBC it leads me to my next point which is a low point I will admit. This point in question is the addition of a certain Nick Grimshaw to the Radio 1 breakfast show. In the recent months I have been partaking in a commute 3 days a week. Nick Grimshaw has made this an ordeal for my ears. Where as Chris Moyles would sooth me along the M4 to my destination. Grimshaw grinds on my positivity for the day until I am left numb. I would like to bring it to the BBC's attention that the listeners are not happy with the mindless drivel being cast to them weekday mornings 6am-10am. Greg James was the obvious choice, the peoples champ, the unsung hero. That in hand hopefully it will change in the near future. 

 I could not post with out mentioning the news of the royal baby being announced. Whilst this is great news for the country (if you're a royalist) that our royal family with continue to flourish. It has been overshadowed by the antics of two Australian Radio Dj's who in an attempt to stage a prank call to Kate's bedside have traumatised the nurse who answered the call. She sadly took her own life. This throws in to question where should the line be drawn for pranks and what can be done to reconcile this situation. I tricky one I must admit.

The Insider

A new feature to the few festive edition blogs, will be the insertion of our guest writer "The insider", giving you the scoop of social goings on in the South Wales area and beyond. What he will scribe nobody knows, but one things for sure, you wont have heard it anywhere else.

 A word from the insider....

“Don’t hate congratulate”

An issue that seems to run throughout Swansea is that of jealousy of anyone who goes out and betters themselves whether it be academically, sporting wise or with sexual partners. This small town syndrome seems to be more and more visible in these times of economic struggle where opportunities are few and far between. This cynical negative attitude is a far cry from the American way were bettering yourself is a way of life and anyone willing to take chances is applauded. People round here seem to forget that for anyone to do well they will have put in countless hours behind closed doors that nobody see’s, these people should be admired and instead of praying for them to fail which we are at all at some point guilty of.

Too often the people who do all the complaining and moaning do it from the comfort of their sofa watching countless hours of Jeremy Kyle all the while taking money straight out of the working person’s pocket! How these leeches on society have the face to complain I will never understand, but until there are systemic changes across the board starting from the top down these leeches will continue to have a voice and that quite frankly is sad!

 The insider....

Some good points raised this post
    
So it just remains for me to say a happy beginning to the festive period to one and all, look out for the next edition. Remember the important things this Christmas time and push on through the dark nights because at the end of it all will be a waiting mince pie and happy Christmas. 

Festive Joke 1 :
What do you call frosty the snowman in May ?
A puddle

Festive tidings 

Remember, remain interesting 

Scott

A wild and wonderful week

Hello readers,

This week is in contention to be one of my busiest ever, with exams, a 10k run, and returning to Swansea it's fair to say I haven't had a moment to spare. This leads me to an apology to all of you who have missed my daily updates. I'm sure you can appreciate that having been busy I had to prioritize to complete my schedule so I can now all inform you of the goings on.

So we begin last Thursday the first of two exams spanning through until Friday. A difficult time because the exams in question were testing clinical competency, a difficult one to practice without a discerning other to practice on (applications welcome). However having now completed them it's fair to say both could've gone better and similarly could've gone worse. It's in the lap of the optical mark sheets now. 

On the Friday, myself and a few course mates highlighted the fact that having finished the exams and it being the end of the week, it felt like the end of the exam period. Sadly that isn't the case. We discussed this over a G&T in a plush Clifton wine bar, much to my liking. The fact of the matter is disappointingly we are awaiting our final assessments on the 7th of June. Only then can we taste the true feeling of relief. Congratulations to all others who have finished/ are finishing be sure to celebrate in style as you've worked hard and now is the time for enjoyment.

My fellow passenger, comic book enthusiast from Chippenham

Saturday I found myself on a First Great Western service to London Paddington. This journey was not without its pitfalls. Firstly I was escorted from my first train having boarded before my ticket was valid when infact my ticket was valid but the conductor on a miniature power trip saw it fit to sabotage my journey to prove his own self worth. I pity him. Never the less I was delayed a pointless 4 minutes until boarding the next arriving train where I took a seat. No sooner had i sat down but a man dressed in a full Darth Maul costume came and sat next to me. A shock to say the least, a commuter train is not the first place you'd look to find a well known intergalactic Sith lord, I digress.

In London my first task was to get to grip with the Oyster card system, something that has alluded me for many years. I have watched commuters on my many previous visits with envy as they waltzed through the tube station gates. This time I was not going to miss out. Oyster card in hand I made it to my good friend Jon Taube's House. From there we went to lounge in the sun in Chisslehurst whilst watching some cricket (picnic basket and cider in toe as you'd expect). That night we retired early in anticipation of the race next morning after indulging in some serious carb loading thanks to a nearby Tesco's.

Job done - just after crossing the line on the Mall

I awoke the next morning fueled with excitement and nervousness. We arrived at green park early, I dispensed of my baggage and reached the start. The sweltering heat worried me but I was not going to let my mind deviate from completing the 10 kilometers in under 60 minutes. After meeting some fantastic people and receiving amazing support the whole way. I completed the course in 58.09. My best yet. 

The surroundings or running in London were something to behold. Taking part in something so momentous as running one lap of the Olympic marathon course was an honor and a privilege, something I hope to do again next year. There is nothing better than the feeling having a completed a race where all the hard work done previously is rewarded by achieving your goal. Everyone should give these events a go it really is a feel good factor you don't get elsewhere. Once you get it you'll want it again.

Paddy McGuiness and Robbie Williams celebrate Englands Victory

On Monday ITV featured Soccer Aid for it's fourth consecutive year. This an event headed by it's founders Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilks, together with Unicef play in a charity football event in an attempt to raise funds. Ex professionals and celebrities are invited to take part in order to fill Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United. After an eventful match a running total of £6.5 million has been raised to help those less fortunate in Africa. A great course something that is a great idea plaudits on that Robbie!

So as i mentioned previously I now speak to you from Mumbles, Swansea where I'm preparing for my final exam. I can help but be distracted by the outstanding weather giving everyone a rise smile. Refreshing after a long drawn out winter.

I will attempt to keep the blog as a daily but this may fall fowl of revision, I ask you keep reading and take advantage of this fantastic weather. We complain when we don't have it so lets not be hypocrites and soak up the rays.

Stay well and enjoy your week speak soon

Remember remain interesting

Ps this link is for one of my to be hottest tunes of the summer. Sure to help you head nod your way through revision so you can cut some serious shapes later in the summer sun. Enjoy

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LReYwXuAaok

Scott Stevens

Feeling the heat

Afternoon readers,

The torch as it traversed Avon Gorge this morning.

 I address you from a blazing hot Bristol which today has been the location for the Olympic torch relay. I awoke early this morning and took a brisk jog to the suspension bridge where I was able to watch the procession. It was great to see the public lapping up such an important event in our history. I was glad to have the opportunity to now be able to say "I've seen it". I'm now buzzing for the race on Sunday where I'll hopefully improve my times from previous attempts. The heat may be more a burden to my progress but at 9am it's sure to be cooler which is more conducive to running.


It has struck me how close this academic year is to finishing. With 3 exams remaining until I can close the books for summer I have been in touch with UWIC to confirm my place and evidence. On inquiring about the status of my application I was told that their institution have lost the copies of my qualification. To say I was infuriated with the administrator on the phone was an understatement. Incompetence appears to be rife, what have I let myself in for? This in hand, a message to all readers if you notice any UWIC students holding aloft a set of  GCSE and A level grades please approach and ask for them back on my behalf. Many thanks.



The sporting calendar welcomes the prestigious Monaco Gran Prix this weekend with the teams battling out to take pole at the acclaimed "toughest track of all time". In a review published by the BBC featuring Murray Walker he's backing Lewis Hamilton who for the last 3 years has had a troublesome time in the seat of his McLaren. This year however, things have come good for him finding good pace and gaining a greater level of mental maturity compared to seasons gone by. He is no longer noted for his outlandish outbursts and garish driving style but for his tactical racing and sublime passing maneuvers. Good luck Lewis. The chasing pack including the current world champion Seb Vettel, Raikonnen, and Alonso won't  be brushed aside all that easily.

I wish everyone well this fine Wednesday. After checking my social media subscriptions it would seem many are firmly focused on enjoying the weather and making plans for summer. A good ethos to adopt whilst revision is the order of the day. Look ahead at the summer activities, find your inspiration there. God speed hard grafters.

Remember remain interesting

Scott

The British Olympic Year

Afternoon all,

A gorgeous day today, the sun has finally decided to emerge and coat the south west in a warm glow. I have returned to Bristol today primarily to hand in my clerking portfolio, and also with a view to doing some productive revision.

I have received my race number for this weekends London 10k. If any of you are in the capital this weekend please head down to the embankment for what is going to be a great feel good event (bathed in sunshine with any luck). The picture of the olympic countdown clock highlighted the significance of the Olympic year.10,500 of the worlds finest athletes will be visiting the UK this summer for what is incontestably the biggest sporting event in the world. It lead me to think how had it changed my life living in the UK. Well there are new sporting facilities springing up in all corners, which can only be beneficial. Country wide there is a greater emphasis on exercise, diet and general public health. Hopefully it will serve to improve the quality of life for all Britons.

Mentioning all things British, Made In Chelsea yesterday evening was filled with scandal and people being exposed publicly in their social group. This is something featured on television which I usually condemn openly such shows, along with other such farsicle shows; namely the Xfactor and Britians got (dog) talent. However MIC allows me to live my non existant lavish lifestyle through the televisual lives of spenny and the gang. It's my vice, I advise you to take a look.

Patriotism is ringing through with the Wimbledon last 16 ballot being drawn soon. I hope to be successful and have another great visit to the all england lawn tennis club this summer. Nothing beats Pimms, Ralph Lauren, and world class tennis.

For now I must focus on the small matter of impending exams. Oh well the futures bright, the futures British.

Remember remain interesting

Scott

Realisation and Evaluation

Bienvenue readers,

Today, despite being Monday has been very relaxed. Lazing in the sunshine and sorting my portfolio for hand in tomorrow. Whilst perusing my work I realised how difficult a task self evaluation can be. Too modest and the true magnitude of your achievement it not truly portrayed. Yet over confidence can be seen as naive and over zealous in such a situation. A difficult task I must say. I continue to battle on with this. 

This coming week there are two exams on the horizon. With many of my educated compadrés finishing their years of education and moving on to more luscious pastures. I wish them all the best and will be deeply saddened when they leave. After three years work it is a grand achievement that they should be most proud. 

This lead me to thinking whats next for me, well with my exams looming and the London 10Km just around the corner it's hard to look too far in to the future. Training has been going well and having covered the full distance twice I am confident that on the new prosthetic I've been provided with I'm sure to set a new PB (weather and traffic dependent). Not be the stereotypical charitable soul but if you could have a glance at my charity donation page I and all of the people at Children with Cancer UK would be most grateful. - http://www.justgiving.com/Scott-Stevens10000

Something I must draw your attention to; a program produced by BBC Wales discussing the varying degree's of poverty across the South Wales region. I was astounded by the marked differences in the worries of youngsters between the poorer areas and those in the more lucrative communities. Whilst one panel of youngsters were discussing the concerns of their parents not paying the rent, at the other end of the scale some were enraged by being bought the wrong suit for the races. At age 11. It begs the question is snobbery innate or a cultural adaption ? It struck home with me of my current position I'm fortunate to be in and the opportunities given to me as a child. Worth a watch if you have the child. Take home message, take a look around once in a while and appreciate where you are and not down trodden by not being where you would like to be. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01j0l9x/Playing_with_Poverty/

In closing in this always testing month of May, filled with exams and the like, when all may seem against you it is important to remain positive and with that positive attitude of achieving your goals, come August you will reap the rewards. 

A little ditty of inspiration

Remember remain interesting

Scott

The morning after the night before

Hello bloggers,

A fine day on the South Wales coast today. More to the point what a tremendous day was had yesterday.

The day of finals was smashing, all the thrills and spills you would want on a finalé day. Drogba produced the goods to send the Chelsea fans in to celebration up and down the country. With Leinster winning also my previous tweet would seem almost psychic. Shame on this occasion I didn't dabble in the bookies which I often frequent.

Where did I watch it you ask ? Well last night was the 21st birthday of Aron Howell (pictured below) a good friend of mine. We partied at his humble abode with kudos going to his family for hosting a great evening. An excellent opportunity to see friends long lost. Things were more eventful for some more than others lets just say.

Currently I'm addressing you from a PC world/Currys superstore, purchasing an all in one desktop after our long standing one corrupted this morning. It has come to my attention people when shopping for electronic gizmo's and the like, are heavily influenced by the employees of these tech stores or as I like to think of them; purple shirted wombles with a days training. I wish people would research before being swayed by these technological tyrants. Despite feeling like this I too was assaulted with pleasantries and guided to machine of their choice. More fool me I should say.

A quite Sunday today will conclude by telling you that you can now access my blog through the handy "blogger" app on any good smartphone.

Remember remain interesting

Scott