Merry Christmas

Wishing all of my blog readers a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Has online shopping put a nail in the retail coffin?

This is the last week of my Christmas job, my contract ends on Christmas eve. I must admit I'm really going to miss the job, as well as all the people I've been lucky to work with over the last couple of months.

The run up to Christmas got me thinking about how retail has changed over the last few years. I heard on the radio that Monday 21st December was the crucial 24 hours in which retailers could meet or fail to meet their sales figures for the end of the year.

The main problem with retail is that consumers are more and more often opting to spend their money online. It is simply so much easier as a consumer to sit in the warmth of your home, in front of the computer and have everything you buy delivered to the door...

Consumers can avoid the queues, the cold weather, the (lack of) parking, pavement rage and being laden down with big, heavy bulky bags...
It simply makes sense, doesn't it?

However, there are several things that you don't get with online shopping: the personal touch.
Apart from maybe a quick chat with the delivery driver, there is no human contact during your shopping spree. There are no sales advisors who can help you choose the best item, make recommendations to you or to have a bit of a laugh with and raise your spirits!

Another downfall with online shopping is you don't have the item until it's delivered.

Many people would prefer to have their shopping with them in their hand after spending their money. Even with companies offering speedy delivery services, there isn't the same guarantee of getting your stuff... Not in time for Christmas / birthdays / anniversary / ever!

Sometimes you want the safe knowledge that your purchased items are with you and not on the back of a lorry somewhere between your home, the depot and timbucktoo!

As an option, I would use online shopping to order hard to find  items, perhaps an item from overseas, but I admit I prefer to go into a shop and browse-buy, flirt with the pretty sales assistants and leave with my shopping in my hands.

What are your thoughts on the online shopping vs retail shopping? Leave your comments below!

- Thelittlerich  

How much can a job change your life?

Hi folks! I'm sorry that I havent blogged for ages... I have a lot going on over the last few months, so thought I would write about my updates in one blog, as a way of catching up...




Working in a toy shop: Brilliant fun!

 I think the biggest change is the fact that I now have a job!
It is a part time vacancy, working for a local toy shop in town over Christmas, but it's amazing the difference that getting a job has made to me!

I've secretly always wanted to work in this shop - being a big kid at heart I always imagined it would be quite fun.

When I applied and was called in for an interview, I actually told the manager that I wanted the job because I wanted to play with the toys! Ha ha!

(This approach worked though, because I pretty much nailed the interview and left feeling on a total hype!)



Picking up my uniform...


After being out of work for over a year, and having sent out literally hundreds of applications for job vacancies, now I have found a job I feel a lot less stressed out, frustrated and fed up!

I really enjoy the job, and despite only being within the position for a few weeks, I've had a few of my colleagues mention that I'm doing a really job!

In fact... In the short time that I've been there, I've managed to prove myself to my manager. He has been great and has asked me to work in two seperate stores (he is the manager of both of them!) and because my contract ends before Christmas, he has recommended me for another local store!

I am not sure what he said, but he must've put a very strong recommendation forward because basically I've been head-hunted!

I went into the store that is offering me the job, and without even undergoing an interview I was asked when I could start! Not only that - today they called me up to ask what size uniform I require!

It really is true that once you are in a job, finding another one is soooooooo much easier! I've been emailing my CV and covering letters out for months before I got this job, and now I'm in it, I've secured a permanent job from it!

Yaaay!!



Meer-ry Christmas!



I've also been focusing on a new hobby... Needlecraft! I've been bitten by the bug to sew and stitch fabric together and be creative!

I mentioned starting up a needlecraft hobby to Jan, and she seemed to think it was a good idea. She told me she likes to make the cross-stitch patterns!

If I'm honest, I'd never heard of cross-stitch until she showed me what it was... However we found a couple of kits in a local hobby craft shop, and I started by making a small cross stitch pattern of some meerkats.

I was very pleased once I had completed it, I think it looked pretty cool! 

I fancied making some other stuff, and so I tried making a teddy squirrel from a kit we bought. After maybe 4 or 5 hours of sewing and about half an hour of stuffing I had managed to piece the kit together and make a squirrel!

Stitching up a squirrel....

The following night, I decided to trawl the internet and see if I could find any other soft toys to make... I discovered a great teddy lamb pattern to follow and ended up making my very own lamb, out of my daughters old sleep suit.

I made this! Not Baaaaaad, is it?!

I will admit that the lamb is the one I am most proud of - in my opinion it looks quite professional! I've given it to my daughter and she loves it! (Her reaction was to cuddle it and go "Awwwwww!").

Our next step is to invest in a sewing machine and start making more things, such as cushion covers and other items!

When I showed some of the photos of my creative handywork to a few friends, some of them mentioned that I should make more soft toys and sell them... Who knows - maybe I can start to sell some of my creations online?!

If I don't update before Christmas, then I wish you Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and whatever festive seasons greetings you wish to celebrate!

- Thelittlerich.

Not blogged in a while...

Hey folks, I am still alive. I admit I've not blogged in quite some time...
I haven't really got any decent reason as to why I haven't put digital pen to digital paper. To be honest, I've just not felt inspired to write much lately.

I have had a few half-ideas for subjects to write about, but the enthusiasm to follow through, research into the subject, find or take pictures and then put it all together in a nice blog has not been flowing...

I can't even blame lack of events going on in my life - since my last blog we've had Dominic's birthday, his birthday party, some job search stuff, the start of our healthy eating drive and today is Jan's birthday...

So if I think about it, I have had a lot to write about... I promise to try and get back into blogging!

- Thelittlerich

Can I boycott Facebook for 24 hours?

With Social Networking sites such as Bebo, Myspace, Twitter and Facebook becoming such a large part of everybody's everyday life, being online and being connected is becoming a new type of addiction.

If anyone was to ask me if I am addicted to anything, I would probably have to say my main addiction is being online, using social networking site Facebook...

I am sure that I am not the only one who uses Facebook and other social networking sites many times through the day.
(I don't even know how much a person has to use a site such as Facebook before it becomes excessive! Although whatever that figure is, I am quite possibly in that percentage...)

Which is why I decided that for 24 hours, I would completely boycott the use of Facebook. I wouldn't log on, update my status, upload any photos or check other "friends" online content. I would make a note of how I coped through the day.


I call this experiment: ANTI-SOCIAL NETWORKING.


8:27 AM
Normally when I get up, the first thing I do is grab my iPod, head into the toilet and have a quick blast of Facebook whilst I do my morning business...
This morning however, apart from switching the alarm clock off (several times I must add - drat that "snooze" option!) I have only used my iPod to record my thoughts for transcribing later. For once my iPod hasn't been anywhere NEAR Facebook!

I must admit, I have thought about logging on since I have got up though... I have a feeling the next point that I will want to log on will be after the school run... We shall see!

Luckily this morning, I have quite a few "distractions" that will keep me offline and away from Facebook... (It's called LIFE!)

My Facebook app had to go!

8:38 AM
I was scrolling through all the apps installed on my iPod, and I came across the Facebook app icon. The icon had changed to inform me that I had 2 notifications. I had an overwhelming urge to click to see what they were! In order to kerb my urgeto click on the app, I have had to delete the app to prevent me from accessing Facebook from my iPod!

Is this cheating? Possibly. I don't know!

It will certainly be easier to refrain myself if I don't have access to Facebook. However, I do know that any time I am in a wi-fi area I could always download the app again!

It's amazing how much of an urge you get when you know you have notifications...

However, the notifications could be anything - even something as pointless as somebody clicking "Like" on a photo I have uploaded or a status I have written; or somebody "poking" me... In which case, the notifications don't really mean anything.
On the flip side the notifications could be comment, in which case by refraining from checking I am not receiving the comments... (I must admit I am starting to ponder what they are, now that I'm thinking about it!)

However, they can wait until tomorrow!

8:50 AM
On the way to school, and Dom has just made a comment that my camo trousers matches my jacket... At that moment, I thought it was funny, and my immediate reaction was to take a photo on my mobile phone and upload it to Facebook!

Nope! Not today!! :)

9:10 AM
By now I would have normally logged into Facebook at least once. However, because today I am NOT logging on, I have decided to try and focus my thoughts, energy and mind into doing other stuff... So far I have managed to clean up the dog mess in the garden and put the bins out. I think I will get started on gutting the kitchen after I get Makayla up and fed!

10:01 AM
Well, so far so good. I've managed to get through about 2 hours of my day without logging onto Facebook! It's starting to get trickier now, because I am getting a feeling that I should have logged on by now, checked in, updated my status, etc.

Already, I have had a few thoughts that I would have shared as a status on Facebook (for example, as I was hanging up the washing, I noticed that it was all inside out. I thought about posting a silly status about trolls that live inside the washing machine and turn clothes inside out...) However I couldn't do as I am not ON Facebook today!

10:09 AM

Pushchair for sale: £40!

As I have been pottering away this morning, I have ben thinking about this blog. I have thought about what it means to be ANTI-social networking for 24 to some people. It occurred to me how ironic it is going to be when I post a link to this blog ON Facebook about AVOIDING Facebook!

I have also wondered about how people use Facebook nowadays... As an example, we are trying to sell a push chair, (£40 if you are interested, btw!) and my girlfriend Jan has been using Facebook to try and advertise it. She received a message last week from one person who wanted to buy it. Since then, for about 10 days it doesn't appear as if they have been on Facebook...

I wonder if the avoidence has been through choice or lack of availability; I also wonder how people react when they find they can't access their social networking sites.

If you have any thoughts on this subject, please leave your comments below!

11:09 AM
I have just sat and went through my internet history to document my job search... Obviously on my history there are records of various different pages on Facebook I have clicked on. As my rule states that I am not allowed to go on Facebook at ALL, I had to skip over them and avoid them!

My girlfriend Jan and I were talking about a bus crash we had heard about this morning. She had a Facebook page loaded up - it was a news report about the bus crash posted on the Council's own Facebook wall - which she asked me to read... I admit I read it over her shoulder, sure! BUT I don't count that as USING Facebook!

My reasoning is that I could have read the news report from any source - any newspaper website, council website, news websites etc... I didn't actually INTERACT with Facebook directly, and this is why I dismiss this as a breach of my own rules!

12:08 PM
I have managed to reach lunch time without logging on to or checking Facebook! I can't say it's been that difficult to be honest, however I have been quite busy this morning.
Nobody yet knows of my experiment yet, but they will do. The interesting thing will be tomorrow - when I'm back on Facebook - to see how many people realise that I haven't logged in for a full 24 hours... Should be interesting!

13:42 PM
Just finished my meeting with my job coach and I am heading home now. So far I haven't felt much of an urge to log onto Facebook, however I have a funny feeling that now is going to be the point I find it most difficult - in the hour or so between getting home and getting the kids from school!

I automatically typed in facebook.com...

14:30 PM
When I got home, I had to email my CV over to my job coach. I logged onto my computer to do so, and the first thing I did when I launched my internet browser is start automatically typing "Facebook.com"...

It is kind of worrying that your internet history and sites you visit becomes automatic...

After I corrected myself and loged into my email and there is a large advert to connect your services to Facebook, Myspace and LinkedIn... It just goes to show that even huge corporations such as Microsoft actively encourage social networking - encourage the addiction! But so far, I've refrained! :D

Encouraging online addiction seems good for business!

15:09 PM
I've still managed to stay clear of social networking sites! I have, however, found that today I've been a lot more active doing other things rather than sitting about on a computer all day, so I don't know if it's a fair test or not.

I was quite interested to see that there was an article on MSN about modern addictions! I will read through it and offer my views!

15:56 PM
I've been reading the article on MSN about modern addictions. The first part of the article is about "Internet Addiction Disorder" which is now a recognised disorder. The symptoms include "forgetting to eat or sleep, withdrawal, fatigue, irritability and a feeling of isolation from society".
From what I have read previously on various dirorders, these symptoms sound similar to depression...?

Clearly, if people are spending far too much time online, surfing the internet and being connected to social networking sites, then I think there could easily be a link between internet addiction and depression - which is quite worrying really!
:s

16:03 PM
I was reading the article I discovered on MSN about modern addictions when Jan asked me if I was on Facebook so she could send me a link to something posted on Facebook... When I said I wasn't, she called me over to read a post...
(The post was an urban legend warning style message, the type that is shared because although it is probably a hoax, if anybody is in the situation described they know what to do to survive).

It occured to me that Facebook is obviously a perfect platform to spread this type of information. People can read it and then share the information very quickly with others.

I don't think sites such as Facebook are particularly bad, unless they are abused and used for malicious purposes.

19:25 PM
I have filled up my day today with activities that have taken me away from the computer. We went out for a drive, and I wouldn't have had much of an opportunity to log into Facebook anyway.
Saying that, I know that now I face the ultimate test - the evening - as I tend to sit for hours online once the kids are in bed.

I tend to sit on my computer during the evenings.

I have decided that instead of going on my computer, I am going to do something different! I feel quite positive already, and I feel that my day without Facebook has went quite well!

19:52 PM
We have just got the kids down to bed. My usual routine from this point tends to involve sitting down and logging on to Facebook... Which is not what I am going to do tonight - I am going to have to find other things to occupy myself!

(I will probably end up playing computer games or something). I am starting to wonder if substituting social networking for similar activities - browsing the internet or playing computer games - if there is any real difference?

What are your views on this? Leave your comments below!

20:17 PM
My girlfriend Jan has just found a photograph of her 13 year old neice on Facebook. The photo features her neice and has been tagged, along with her new boyfriend.
Jan's neice hasn't mentioned anything about having a boyfriend - the only reason we know about it is due to the tagged photo on Facebook.
It is slightly worrying that simply by tagging somebody - who may not even realise they have been tagged - in a photograph, it can allow that person's contacts to see the photo and potentially open a big can of worms!

I am aware that Facebook has recently reviewed their tagging policy, offering better privacy options and security. However it is possible that many users of Facebook are not offay enough with the technology (or perhaps too young to understand what the privacy options are), and they don't realise that anybody can "tag" a photograph featuring them (be it good, bad or indifferent).

As far as ME looking on Facebook is concerned, I still have not used it at all... Yes, I have had passing glances at content that Jan has shown me, however I have not used Facebook (and don't intend to use it) until my 24 hours are up!

21:09 PM
After waking up for a bottle and a clean nappy, Makayla woke up and walked into the bathroom, banged on the bath and started saying "Dirty! Dirty!".
It was a really cute and funny moment, the sort of event that would normally trigger me to pick up my iPod and either take a photo, record a video or post a comment on Facebook...

But I didn't! :D

22:38 PM
I've been distracting myself for pretty much the entire evening. I've kept clear of my computer and watched TV instead. I've had a few urges to update my status in response to some of the programmes I've seen (such as An Idiot Abroad).


I don't feel like these urges have been "addiction level", where I must log on to Facebook to satisfy them. I can only describe the feeling like years after you quit smoking and occasionally you have a mild craving... If you wait ten minutes then the craving usually goes away, or you can find other things to occupy your mind...

Is Facebook as addictive as smoking?

I think I am about an hour or so away from going to bed, and that staying away from Facebook for 24 hours is going to be possible!

01:00 AM
I've just watched a film, and now I am on my way to bed. I know that I won't be logging on to Facebook until the morning now, after my 24 hours are up!

SUMMARY:

Despite my initial thoughts about how difficult it would be, this experiment wasn't particularly difficult to accomplish - I have managed to last a full 24 hours without logging into Facebook despite feeling the occasional desire to update my status a few times throughout the day.

One thing this experiment has made me realise is how much I actually think about Facebook and other social networking sites, even if I don't actively use them.

I have also discovered that funny or humourous moments tend to be my trigger for online connectivity - if I think something is funny, witty or interesting I feel the need to share it with others.

Perhaps I need to learn to just enjoy the moment within myself, and that just because I find a moment, a thought or a visual element stimulating, others will feel the same way.

As I commented earlier in the blog, I wondered how much of an impact I make to others with regards to social networking.

I mentioned the fact that I hadn't used Facebook for 24 hours to Jan and her first reaction was to call me a liar! The woman I live with didn't even realise that I hadn't logged on all day!

I also decided to ask who realised I hadn't logged on... The response almost speaks for itself!

This is the reaction I got after boycotting Facebook for 24 hours...

The following day, even after my self imposed ban was lifted, I have not been as active on Facebook as I would normally have been. I haven't really felt the urge I did before I spent 24 hours without it.

One question I asked myself after returning was "What did I miss by avoiding Facebook for 24 hours?"

The real answer: Hmm... So, I didn't play on a couple of games that require Facebook, or respond to random and fairly irrelevant comments... So what?! Life goes on!

I didn't even miss playing BackYard Monsters!

I don't actually feel that I have missed out by being ANTI-SOCIAL NETWORKING rather than SOCIAL NETWORKING.

I do feel that I should call my parents this weekend though! :D

- TheLittlerich

Why is public transport such a public inconvenience?

I've not written a blog in over a week now. I must admit I've not really had any inspiration for a topic I should write about... I have been quite busy though.

Since my last blog, we have finally managed to get a new car! It was a cheap purchase from EBay, nothing special but it has already given us all a new found freedom!

Being able to jump in a car and just go to wherever you want, at your own time and pace is so much easier than using public transport.

I know public transport is the only way for some families to get about, and I am not going to slag anybody off for not having a car... However, in my opinion I hate public transport for three main reasons:

1. Travelling isn't convenient. If you use public transport to a destination, you have to go via various different routes. Busses need to stop at the bus stops on the route. It can take much longer to go to your destination. You are also at the mercy of timetables. If it's late how long do you wait?

2. You have no choice as to who you share your journey with. Daytimes brings masses of elderly people and screaming kids. If your travelling at night it's abusive drunks, junkies and aggressive dick heads.

3. The price. I recently went into town with Jan, and we both paid £2.80 each for a daily ticket. Spending over £5 for a trip into town is much more than we'd spend on petrol and parking!

I know that the government wants everyone using public transport, however in my opinion it's not the best option - much of the time public transport is inconvenient, expensive and slow.

A car can go door to door at a time that suits you and it will go directly. For public transport to really be publically convenient, it would need to be cheaper, more reliable and easier to gt from one place to another.
I can only see one way for both of these criterias to happen: Get a car / use a taxi!

I'm glad we are on the road again!

Why do I feel like this?

Feeling slightly disconnected with the world at the moment...
I can't really explain it; but I feel as if I am not here, as if somehow I have went out of phase with he rest of the world...

It's probably down to my cough and the fact that I'm full of the cold... It might be the fact that I am taking codeine tablets to suppress my cough and stop me feeling sick, but it could also be some chemical change going off in my brain; something that is beyond my control...

Some people are always looking for a way to disconnect themselves from the rest of the planet - via drink, drugs or whatever other methods you can think of...

Yes, I agree it can be good to disconnect from time to time, however when you would rather spend more time disconnected than in touch with the world then there is a problem...

Not only is being disconnected socially unacceptable, it can lead to all sorts of anti-social behaviour if a connection is made... For example - somebody speaks to you when you are disconnected, the initial reaction can be an aggressive one...

However, as I'm writing this roughly I'm starting to feel that I am returning to Earth and will be back in phase soon...

Either that or a little girl could fall off her scooter and bump into me, snapping me back into phase with quite a startle!

- Thelittlerich.

How can you modernise a classic film? Bring it out on a shiny disc!

I recently saw a poster informing me Scarface was going to be released onto Blu-ray disc soon. It made me wonder...

Films nowadays are shot using the latest High Definition (HD) technology, utilising ultimate picture clarity and audio. Films are produced to be made using the latest technology to get the best out of the film.

Image: scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

However classic films were shot using technology that was terrible by today's standards. The film was grainy, the sound was crackly and distorted...

So why are production companies spending so much time and effort to bring shoddily made films (in a technological sense, I mean) out on a format designed for perfection?

(OK, This is a rhetorical question - I know there are financial implications, but I am not going into that!)

Since DVD was offered as a consumer film format - one that included cleaner sound and picture quality; that could contain more footage than on traditional VHS format and was easier to navigate than holding Fast Forward button for 25 minutes - films have offered as many extras that can be squeezed onto a disc as possible...

Audio commentaries; film trailers; alternative endings; deleted scenes and out-takes are often featurettes included onto a DVD, along with the main film...

These can be included because were planned as additional features for the DVD release during the production of the film.

However - will classic films that were produced in the cinematic dark ages have any of these extras because they are now available on DVD / Blu-ray (the latest successor to DVD)?!

Probably not...

The reason - when films were originally shot, DVD wasn't an available format, and so the production probably didn't have 'added extras' in mind:

Despite being well ahead of his time, I doubt Orson Welles thought "I think I should keep all of the bad takes, in case they develop a format that is capable of showing them in an amusing manner..." when he was directing Citizen Kane...

I'm fairly sure Clark Gable didn't sit down to offer an audio commentary during the post production of Gone with the Wind, and it was also highly unlikely that Warren Beatty had the hindsight to create alternative endings when he produced Bonnie and Clyde. (Although perhaps he should have to save countless film producers creating their own parodies!)

Even though these films often undergo a digital remastering (the audio and visual elements are digitally cleaned up), personally, I don't think classic films gain anything by being re-released on the latest technology format. 

I think there should be a real need to digitally enhance a classic film to make it better, and this is rare. 

The digital remastering of Star Wars is a good example - the effects George Lucas originally had in mind had to be created years after using CGI techniques not available when the film was first made!

However, I think otherwise classic films should be left as they were made originally... Or things could get silly!

What's next? Casablanca in 3D?!
Play it again, Sam!

- TheLittlerich.

Walking the dog brought me inspiration for a story told in poetry.

Walking down the dark path at night; 
For some it brings a fright; others the darkness will excite.
It all depends if the circumstances are right...



The darkness interrupted by the orange glow of the streetlight.
Shining from great height, the glow isn't very bright.
Enough to obscure the darkness with light, enough to give you insight of what might...

...lay in wait!

Your mind: Scenarios; It starts to create
situations you have to evaluate
even though it's difficult to think straight...

You hear a noise, your chest goes tight...

Adrenaline starts pumping: getting ready to fight?

Why did you go out alone tonight?

Something's not right... It's far from great.

Your want to take flight; your legs turn to dead weight...

Remembering a torch, you feel delight. Turning it on, you illuminate

a very familiar sight... 

It's your garden gate!

- TheLittlerich.

Some job hunting tips and hints.

I thought I would share these tips I have about searching for a job with you. If you have any other tips, please leave them in the comments section below.

Try to spend a little time each day on searching for a job.  Even if you spend half an hour each day searching for a job, you are more likely to find something than by spending a lot longer on just one day. Of course, how much time you spend is down to you, but I would recommend spreading it over the week.

Be prepared to expand your job search into other industries. If your previous work history is in one industry, and there is a lack of that type of work available try applying for jobs in different industries. Although it may not be the line of work you are particularly interested in, once you are working you can look for a job in your ideal industry. Only apply for suitable jobs. Even if you are looking at jobs outside of your normal criteria, it is a waste of time to apply for jobs you are not qualified to do. Be honest about the job you are thinking of applying for. If you are under qualified or feel you couldn't cope doing a job, don't apply for it. Going for an interview not only wastes your time, it wastes the time of an employer.

Make sure you are available to be contacted.  Make sure you keep your mobile phone recharged so that potential employers can contact you. Also remember to check your email regularly.

Keep your CV up to date.  Make sure it has all of your latest employment history on it, has your current contact details and has been triple checked for spelling errors and typo's.

Keep yourself motivated.  This can be difficult when you receive either no feedback to applications, or you are only receiving rejections. Try not to dwell on the lack of response / negative responses. Once you have applied for a job, don't sit and worry about the company getting back to you, spend your time concentrate on continuing searching for other jobs. If you receive a rejection letter, it's their loss and not yours!

Keep track of where you have applied. If you do this, you will know if you have applied for a job before, and save yourself time and effort for applying for the same job twice. It also stops you from looking unprofessional and disorganised.

Treat your self from time to time! Don't forget to do something nice every now and again to reward yourself for your hard work searching for a job. This will help take the boredom and negativity out of job searching!

Good luck searching for a job! If you have any tips you think should be included, please leave your comments below. - TheLittlerich

How can you improve your chances of getting a job?

As I have mentioned in previous blogs, I am currently unemployed, have been for a while, and am trying to get back into work...
I know that I am not alone in my quest for a new job - there are ever increasing unemployment figures provided by the government shows more and more people are out of work.

I thought that I would share some of my job-search techniques and suggestions with you. 
Please share your suggestions in the comment box below of anything else you are doing or suggest doing to try and get a job!

Asking in shops

Most of the time a shop will display any vacancies on their window or door, and you can ask inside for an application form. 
Even if they are not displaying a vacancy, it is always an idea to ask anyway. They may be about to start a recruitment drive, and by showing initiative you could be ahead of the game.

If you are asking in shops, it's always a good idea to have copies of your CV with you, which you can leave with them.

Recruitment / temping agencies

Agency work can be a good approach if you are unsure as to where you want to work, as you tend to get various assignments in different companies. 
Although this gives you a chance to work for different companies, get lots of various experience and help to improve your CV, it can be a very hit or miss approach to gaining solid employment.
You may end up working long term contracts or short term, and occasionally the agency can't find work for you.
I have also found that some recruitment agencies are all too happy to enroll you and add your details to their list but fail to provide you with any work at all.

Job centre

If you are claiming benefits whilst unemployed, the chances are you will need to visit the job centre every fortnight to sign on. Whilst there, it's always worth taking some time and looking through the job points for any suitable jobs. You can print the details out and apply for them when you have the chance.

Asking friends and family

If you have friends or family who have a job, ask them to listen out and inform you of any vacancies in their work place. 
Not only does it show to them you are really trying to find a job, you will probably earn their respect and support more than by not asking them.

I would advise that if they recommend you to their employer, make sure you present yourself well at any interviews and work hard if you get the job. Remember: your performance will reflect on the friend or family member who recommended you.

I would also suggest that even if the job is completely unsuitable, remember to show appreciation for their help.

Online job search

There are literally millions of online job search websites available nowadays that allow you to look for vacancies by whatever criteria you wish to use.
You can usually search by location, job category, distance, salary or other options to find jobs that are suitable and relevant to you.
Many job sites now offer the option to register with them and upload your CV, and they will match your skills and requirements with jobs advertised.

Some social networking sites are also being used to post local area job vacancies. As an example, Darlington jobs are posted on the Darlington area Job vacancies page on Facebook. (You will need to have a facebook account to use this page).

Personally I find this can be a bit hit or miss, as some of the jobs sent to you are only slightly related to ones you have shown an interest in. You also tend to receive a lot of emails from each job search site you may not be interested in.

Contacting former work colleagues

If you still have a good connection to people you have previously worked for, it might be worth asking them to keep you informed of any vacancies available. 
This option always has certain considerations to take into mind: Why are you not working for that company any more?
If you quit and left on good terms or were made redundant for example, you may be able to get another job at your previous company.
The benefits are you already know the people who work there, you know what the job involves and what the company does.
(Obviously, if you have been fired from a previous job for negative reasons, it might be unwise to try and apply for another job there).

Prospective emailing companies in your industry

Even if no jobs have been advertised, it can be worthwhile writing a covering letter and emailing it with a CV to companies that are in the industry you are trying to get a job in.

Although you are likely to receive a fair amount of replies telling you there are no vacancies, some companies will keep your details on their records and contact you should a vacancy become available.

Sometimes however, this approach really pays off. I have recently tried this approach, and sent my CV to somebody who wasn't thinking about taking on anybody until they received my CV and covering letter. This led on to a discussion with him about a vacancy he hadn't thought about until he received my email! As soon as he is ready to take me on, I have the job!

Write a blog about yourself and email it to companies.

If you feel you have an interesting story about your career path, you might be inclined to write about it. By writing it as an article or blog, you can be more personal about it, and have the chance to explain what you did in a way that exposes more of your personality to potential employers than a simple covering letter and CV can.
You can then include the link to your article / blog if it seems appropriate in a covering letter to any potential employers.
Although I suggest making the article / blog more personal to yourself, remember to keep it professional too. If your article includes bad spelling, grammar and punctuation you are more likely to put off any potential employers.

As an example of this, read my blog: A brief history of Richard M Stewart.

Approaching people in the street.

If you walk about during a busy time of day (such as during rush hour or lunch time), you might be able to spot people who you can approach and ask if the company they work for has any vacancies. 
Depending on who you approach, they may be able to either give you a business card to contact the company they work for, or possibly even take your CV into their work and put it forward for you.

The good thing about this approach is if you are looking for a job in a certain location you have a high chance of meeting people who work for businesses in that area.

The downside of course is that by giving your CV to a complete stranger. They may not put it forward for you, and in worst cases may use your personal details for fraud. I will admit I have never tried this approach.

Post an advert in local publications or notice boards.

If you are looking for a job within a certain area, you could always post an advert on a notice board or local publications.
Most news agents and supermarkets have an area in which they place customer adverts. It might be worth posting a looking for work advert in these places.

Set up a website about yourself.

Even if you are not particularly technical, you can easily create a website about yourself for the purposes of searching for a job.
Many web hosting companies offer a free package that will allow you to have a fairly simple but interesting website created using templates they provide.
If you create a website, however, make sure you do not post any personal details such as address or bank details. A telephone / mobile number is a possibility, but take into account people may look at your website 24 hours a day and contact you at all hours. I would recommend supplying an email address for people to contacting you and ask for further information.

Create a video about yourself and post it online.

With sites such as Youtube becoming far more popular, you could use video to sell yourself.
If you are looking for performance related jobs; video production work, dance related jobs or perhaps unusual artistic jobs (a circus performer perhaps?!) perhaps a video of you showing your skills would be relevant to send to potential employers.

This list is by no means everything you can do when searching for a job. If you have any other ideas you feel I have missed, please leave your comments below!

- TheLittlerich

Are criminals treated better than the victims of their crimes?

Having just read a shocking news story about a man who was caught with over 6000 images of child abuse, and how he has overturned a ruling saying he is not allowed to be unsupervised with minors because it breaches his human rights, it makes me wonder if criminals now are being treated better than the victims of their crimes.

Every day, stories emerge about how criminals are often given a punishment that very rarely fits the severity of the crimes they commit. More often than not, the victims of these crimes are left feeling that justice hasn't been served.
Another article I read recently has disclosed that more than 4400 criminals who were guilty of at least 15 offenses were let off with a caution in 2010.

It appears the justice system is becoming too soft on criminals, meaning offenders are given the wrong message when they are not being given a proper punishment that suits their crimes.

This not only leaving the victims angry that justice hasn't been served, but encourages criminals to re-offend because they know there isn't any real consequences for their actions.
If this continues to happen, victims will get to a point they feel they should take action themselves because the courts and the justice system will let them down...

Crimes against children are (in my opinion) the worst type of crime. Thankfully, serious child abuse cases rarely hit headlines, but when they do they really tend to shock everybody. 

In my opinion, they shouldn't hit the headlines at all. Not because they shouldn't be reported - because they shouldn't happen!

Baby P. Image courtesy The Telegraph.

You may remember a recent story of horrific child abuse case against Baby P.? 17-month Peter was abused over a period of months until he was discovered dead in his cot.
(The list of abuse he suffered is sick, which is why I am not going to write about it here.)


His mother Tracey Connelly, her boyfriend Steven Barker and his brother Jason Owen were all arrested and charged for the torture and death of Baby P.

Considering how horrific and evilly cruel this crime was towards an innocent baby, Jason Owen has been released only THREE YEARS after being charged.

To put things into perspective, young offenders involved in the recent riots have been given similar sentences for stealing a bin and breaking a window...

It seems to me that when it comes to justice, Britain is clearly backwards.

Baby P. isn't the only case. I could also mention Jamie Bulger... His killers Robert Thompson and Jon Venables were ten when they abducted and killed Jamie , then 2.
Having been convicted and sentenced, Jon Venables have since been released and given a new identity, at the cost of £250,000.

The main question is why should people who have decided to commit such atrocities be given the chance to have anonymity and have their identities be kept secret from the public?

The british government give more rights to criminals than the victims of the crimes they commit. Criminals aren't punished, they are often treated better in prisons than they would be outside of prison.

Children can be targeted by every paedophile, sex offender and pervert that wants them because they are too young to know how to ask for someone to uphold their rights!

If they commit a crime, British tax payers' money is often use to give these offenders a new life, a new identity so they don't have to worry about being attacked by vigilantes.

- TheLittlerich

Why do large companies forget customer service?

Ring Ring... Ring Ring!

I could already guess who to expect, but I picked up the receiver anyway. "Hello?"

"This is a pre-recorded message. Do NOT hang up!"

(The telephone receiver is already back in the cradle).

Even though the call was probably quite important, if the company calling me up (10 times throughout the day, I should add!) can't even be bothered to get a REAL person to call me then I am not going to listen to some pre-recorded message!

- This is an example of one way I think a company shows a complete lack of customer service!

Image: Graur Razvan Ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I have read a good deal of blogs and articles about starting up and running a small business. Most of the share the same conclusion: Customer service is very important to keeping your business running.

Sadly though, it appears that bad customer service is becoming far more regular. It also appears to me that the larger a company becomes, the less effort is spent on providing good customer service for their customers.

With a huge emphasis on sales and marketing to attract new customers, businesses tend to forget how to keep their existing ones happy.

So my question is how can large businesses afford to upset so many of their customers and yet stay in business?

The simple answer is larger businesses have enough new customers constantly coming through their door to keep them ticking over. Once customers have paid their upfront installments, the business can treat the customer how it likes.

As soon as you have signed a deal with them, they have the opportunity to let you down, and somehow make sure that their failings are your fault!

If you speak to anybody about companies they have dealt with, chances are they will have a story about at least one business that has really let them down... (I certainly have!)
If a business really lets you down, the chances are you would highly recommend that everyone else avoids them!

Do you have any companies you would avoid at all costs? I know you do! Leave your comments below.

- TheLittlerich

How artistic are clothes pegs on a line?

 Some photos I took of clothes pegs on a washing line near sunset. 

I thought the setting was quite artistic, so I tried different settings on my camera.

The sky looked completely different with each different camera setting I tried.

Camera: Canon EOS 1000D.
Photos taken with various different exposures, with and without flash.


I hope you like them!


- TheLittlerich

Will Channel 5's Big Brother be any good?

 UPDATED AS IT HAPPENS: 

Image © Channel 5 television.

I am updating this blog as it happens. Please refresh to be kept up to date!

- TheLittlerich

21:03: 30 seconds in... Ex housemate Brian has been picked to host... I guess Davina has had enough of this crap as well then!?

21:05: Designer furniture, state of the art Gym, sauna... Nice!

SPECULATE NO LONGER... Here are the housemates:

Housemate no. 1:

Image © Channel 5 television.

Kerry Katona.

Well, she seems like an obvious choice - maybe she could set the record straight in BB... or make a complete arse of herself!

21:07 LOL at least she admits she will get on her tits!

21:08 JAN: What is she wearing? What has she done to her hair?!

21:09: Kerry entering the house to cheers and an excited crowd! She is crapping herself as she's walking down the stairs!

21:11: Housemate No.2:

Image © Channel 5 television.

Tara Reid.
Described as a nice slice of American Pie.

I didn't think she would be the sort of celeb who needs to re-kick-start her career... I guess so.

21:12 Tara has just got married! Is this her Honeymoon?

When asked if she's a party girl, she replied "Lets just put it this way, I'm a very fun girl!"

21:14 LOL @ Tara Reid not understanding Kerry's name!

21:15 Adverts.

21:19 We're back! Housemate number 3 is coming!

21:20 A bare knuckle fighter is up next...

Housemate No.3:

Image © Channel 5 television.

Paddy Doherty.
A full of himself, irish bare knuckle fighter is next into the house.
I don't know who he is, and have never heard of him. Hopefully he'll get a big annoyed and hit someone in the house!
He say's he is "here to have some fun". He wants to make his community proud!

LOL @ Tara - can't understand either Kerry nor Paddy!

Housemate No.4:

Image © Channel 5 television.

21:25: Amy Childs.
(Some girl from "The Only way is Essex".)
NEVER heard of her. I've only just about heard of TOWIE.
Don't know anything about her!

Brian to Amy: Have you Vajazzled yourself tonight?! Isn't that a bit personal, isn't it!?

Amy is up for a BB romance?
She looks like a WAG wannabe... Oh Great!*sighs*

Amy doesn't look very comfortable in the house yet.

21:30 - More adverts, but to recap we have in the house an essex girl, a fighting traveller, a US Starlet and a former kitten. Can this line up get any better? Probably!

21:34: Back to Brian. Introducing Housemate 5:

Image © Channel 5 television.

Darryn Lyons.
(Known as Mr Papparazzi)
The annoying australian who has created a nightmare for every celeb out there is next into the house.

He's just admitted snapping Kerry Katona - will this be a major fight in the making?! Oh I hope so!

Darryn is looking for mental stimulation. No chance with the housemates so far!

21:38: Darren has entered the house looking like a cartoon character!

Kerry has just recognised him! "Oh, I know who you are! Mr Paparazzi!"

Housemate No.6:

Image © Channel 5 television.

21:40 Sally Bercow.

She is going in because she wants to rebel against the stuffy rules she should abide by because she's married to the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow.

She doesn't take orders from her hubby, and seems to want to "stir it up a bit"

21:44 Sally has been in the house about 2 minutes and already seems to be mumsy one of the group.
I think if there is any scraps in the house, she will cause the bitch fights...

21:50: Introducing Housemate 7:

Image © Channel 5 television.

Lucien Laviscount.
He was from Coronation Street.

He is excited about being able to fart and pick his nose while people watch.

21:52 Aww! His mum packed his suitcase for him! What a big kid!
Is looking for a BB romance - someone col and have fun with.

He "won't be a boring housemate and promises to make things happen". I will be made to switch off!

Hmmm... I think Amy and Lucien might be interested in each other... Could they get it on?!
All Tara is on about is the bloody door not opening!

21:55: Housemate 8:

Image © Channel 5 television.

Pamela Bach-Hasslehoff.

Not the Baywatch Pamela we were all expecting, but ex wife of David Hasslehoff!

I must admit I thought she was some nut case who was trying to combine Pamela Anderson and David Hasslehoff, but no, she is a person in her own right!

21:59 Brian is winding her up because she's "a clean freak".

22:00 An hour into the show and we have 8 housemates in the house... How many more will be going in?


22:00 Pamela is impressed with Darryn's hair! She said she just styled her bird's hair like it! (I think... )

2 More housemates to go in... Who will they be?

22:06: The last 2 housemates are being introduced..

Housemate No. 9:

Image © Channel 5 television.

Bobby Sabel

Levi model who fell into modeling by accident.
He is single and wants to have fun.
Not ruling out a BB romance.

22:08 He thinks BB has a house full of beautiful women inside... I think he will be interested in a few of them (Tara and Amy, I'm guessing...)

22:10 Bobby has introduced himself and ended up being ignored... Although Amy seems to like him!

22:10 Housemate(s) no 10/11:

Image © Channel 5 television.

Jedward.

Oh NO! I knew it couldn't last...

22:12 John (or is it Edward) claims peoiple only find them annoying because they have "so much love to give". I think they will find many people will get very annoyed of them VERY quickly!

Wow! Wearing a Tiger outfit and panda shoes they look like complete t*ats! They have packed identical clothes made by their fans, and have had to live on £20 a week...

22:14 They enter the house. Everyone knows who they are, and all the rest of the housemates seem to be happy to see them...

Personally I want Paddy to take them both out with one punch!
Tara wanted to know how to tell them apart. There is a bit of a height difference between them and one of them has a scar on his lip... I still can't tell them apart!

22:15 Brian has announced that Big Brother has a surprise in store... Could it be...? A public assassination of Jedward?! I await and watch the adverts in anticipation!

22:21: Brian recaps the line up: People BOO with Jedward is announced.

Image © Channel 5 television.

Big Brother announces the first task!

"This is Big Brother, will one housemate come to the diary room?"
Kerry Katona has gone to the diary room... and has been told she needs become the biggest celebrity diva ever!

First challenge: throw a celebrity tantrum. REALLY kick off!
Tomorrow: Your housemates must choose you as the biggest diva in the house.

Kerry has been given half an hour to throw a tantrum! Should be good!

Coming out of the diary room, she throws the folder Big Brother has given her, fobbing it off as a welcome pack...
"It's just a welcome pack! It's just a welcome pack!"

Do you think she'll be able to throw a major tantrum? Leave your thoughts in my comments box!
(Please note: all images © Channel 5 television) 


Thanks for reading my blog!

- TheLittlerch