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