Life

This post was originally going to be a rant about school, entitled “Bails Over” however thinking about it I decided to combine this one and another article I had been planning about life in general. Although as I began to think about them both the more I began to realize that the arguments were entwined. Therefore (especially after the amount of time between this article and the last) you lucky people will receive a double article –and you thought you’d gotten rid of me, unlucky!!-.

From my point of view, however green and misguided, we have been given life and hopefully friends and family too. That is all that matters; our experiences, for all we know all we get on this earth is this time we are living and breathing now. Whatever you believe, immortal soul or not (etc.) what really matters to people is that they can actually LIVE. It is our experiences that colour everything and I feel that school has started to become a leech draining the colour from the paint I should be using on the tapestry of my life.

I DO NOT want to be spending my spare time doing CHEMISTRY. I DO NOT want to be doing ART until I am blue in the face. I DO NOT  want to be restricted from the act of living by the amount of REVISION I am burdened with. Therefore through this blog post, to you, I rebel. We are not tools to be worked until we are blunt. We need our free time to spend doing  what we wish, to at it’s BEST experience life for the sake of life! We spend five days a week at school to be burdened with homework, to which in my mind has no consequential effect on my education.  We WORK all DAY only to be sent home with work to fill our WEEKENDS and to keep us working WEEKNIGHTS until DUSK. Drastic changes need to occur rapidly to save others.

The matter of the fact is that even some teachers feel that the homework set is unnecessary and that we should be able to live, to actually develop ourselves as people rather than in knowledge which is not the be all and end all. However it is not in their hands as they must meet the targets set by the government or face the chop.

The government have a tendency to throw deadlines at people without studying the cases properly or so it would seem. Teachers must teach the whole curriculum and in some cases there is not even enough time allotted for teachers to do this, So they set homework to fulfill this, however wrong. Teachers should be there for the teaching of subjects not leaving topics to pupils to learn or what is the point of school? We might as well be handed books and left to our own devices. No but this is not the only reason for homework the government JUDGES school on the amount of homework they give! USE YOUR BRAIN ONCE IN A WHILE PLEASE!!! This should not be the aim of homework at all, this forces school into a position of giving unduly homework; working the students hard and thin over their work.

Another EXCUSE is ’practice’ why should we practice? Shouldn’t time be allotted for this in class? So then if we are making errors it can be addressed by the teacher on a personal level. I except revision as it is necessary so that we can be examined but how can we be expected, reasonably to revise when our work load fails to depreciate at that time. Different subjects fail to communicate as they selfishly think only of their own targets. Don’t they realize that unless they work together how can we possibly hope to satisfy their combined demands? Do they wish to sacrifice use for targets, leaving us as drones. I seriously hope not.

We NEED to be able to go and have fun, LAUGH and talk; the things children should be able to do without being harrowed by our immortal task master, school. Something, ANYTHING, needs to be done to change this. My only message is to enjoy Life as it is the essence of LIVING. Happiness is, in the end, all that matters and all we strive for. If you want to add your point of view, especially antagonistic ones please don’t hesitate to comment!

Live, Matthew.

Wimbledon: Analysis of Day 4

Phenomenal! Today at wimbledon the events were explosive but I feel that I must primarily draw your attention to the shock defeat of Maria Sharapova (seeded third) to Alla kudryavtseva in straight sets 6-2 6-4. Maria's, usually potent, serve let her down enormously as she double faulted a huge seven times. She was also making frequent unforced and forced errors.  She was completely obliterated in the first set by her opponent but during the second there were a few moments that looked as if she could return from the brink but unfortunately for her it was not to be. Alla played amazing tennis and has a name that will likely be heard more frequently in the game. I fear backing a number three seed again after tipping both Djokovic and Sharapova before their losing match!

The wonders were not to end there as Venus williams struggled to defeat Anne Keothavong (GBR) in the first set. Both women played on fantastic forms, some games even lasting over 20 minutes-opposite to the whitewash game anticipated. During this first set spectators were beginning to wonder if the defending champion would be conquered by a player who has just breached the 100 rank mark. Unfortunately after losing the first set the rest of the game followed for a straight set loss of    7-5 6-2.

Andy Murray (GBR), seeded 12,   waged war with Xavier Melisse and won. I wish him luck as he is now the sole bearer of  Britain's hopes. Chris Eaton unfortunately lost his game against Dmitry Tsurnov, 7-6 6-2 6-4. This match was always going to be a difficult challenge for Chris to overcome as Dmitry has never failed to reach or exceed the third round.  I think everyone would agree that we got to watch some spectacular tennis in response and the atmosphere within court no. 1 was ecstatic. However I do feel slightly sorry for Dmitry too as the support for Chris must have been overwhelming and off putting at times. We definitely won't have heard the end of   Chris eaton but to advance further in the championships he must maintain his powerful serve and lessen the amount of time he 'falls over the ball'.

Finally Jelena Jankovic demolished her opponent and Rafael Nadal began weakly, losing the first set but turned around to win a four set match 5-7 6-2 7-6(2) 6-3.

P.S. loved the slogan on the shirts of a group in the audience of Chris Eatons game, 'Get Eaten by Eaton'! 

Wimbledon: Analysis of Day 3

What a shocking day at wimbledon today! Novak Djokovic (pictured right), tipped to tip the balance of power and the serial domination  of wimbledon by second seed Rafael Nadal and first seed Roger Federer has lost in straight sets to Marat Safin - former world number 1-. The final score: 6-3 6-4 7-6(3). Throughout the game Djokovic struggled with his serve, as have many players to day- may be there was something in the water- and overall did not play his best tennis. Marat took advantage of this by playing his best. During the last set Djokovic began to step up again but it was too little too late as he lost the final point in the tie break because of a double fault. Whatever the outcome it was a stunning match but one question is certainly being raised; does Marat Safin have what it takes to win wimbledon? Unfortunately I would say not so as he is too inconsistent and usually lacks the drive that we witnessed todfay.

One man who will certainly be extremely pleased at this news is Roger Federer who's place in the final seems securer than ever before this year. Djokovic was the challenge that Roger may have found difficult, or even failed to defeat, on his path to the final. Unfortunately that match was not mean to be. As expected Roger federer succeeded in winning his match in straight sets 6-3 6-4 7-6(3).

I almost feel disappointed that Ana won, as she was saved by a lucky groundstroke that barely managed to clip the net and -some how- dropped onto her opponent, Natalie Dechy's side. Impossible to reach in time. At that point Dechy (FRA) had been a set ahead and in possession of two match points. This mammoth match,the duration 3hours and 24 minutes- 20 minutes away from breaking wimbledon's record for the longest women's match- was then eventually won by Ana 6-7(2) 7-6(3) 10-8. Long rallies superseded this match, the last set was especially rallied and fought over, constructing an amazing match to witness.

Serena, Amelie and Marion - last years surprising finalist- both defeated their opponents in straight sets. Serena took off her coat for this match. Amelie Mauresmo will be facing Serena in the next round, without a doubt a match worth seeing and I think the outcome could tip either way as both players are eeceedingly strong, skillful and former champions.

That's the end of my summary for day 3 of wimbledon so i would like to wish you a good night and Nadal, Sharapova, Murray and Eaton good luck in tomorrows matches.

Wimbledon: Analysis of Day 2

I apologise for the late analysis but I was unable to write this post yesterday so instead you have the joy of two posts today!  Yesterday was a prolific day at Wimbledon with feature players such as Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal playing.  There was certainly never a dull moment!

7^th seed and defending champion, Venus Williams defeated Naomi Cadavay (GBR)  7-6(5) 6-1. Cadavay put up amazing resistance in the first set but unfortunately came away empty handed and was crushed in the second set. It is never easy to challenge the defending champion especially one as formidable as Venus Williams, I offer a round of applause to Naomi for her admiral efforts and hope she gained some experience from the match. I look forward to tracking her progress next year.

 Murray also defeated in beating his opponent Fabrice Santoro (FRA) in straight sets although Murray played magnificent tennis he battled for every point he won. The final score was 6-3 6-4 7-6(5)

 Rafael Nadal dominated his opponent using his superior strength and skill. I personally think that Nadal has a good chance of winning the tournament this year. Maria Sharapova did likewise against her opponent Stephanie Foretz (FRA)- 6-1, 6-4. I also think that Maria Sharapova has a good chance of challenging the Williams grip on the championship. I’m also backing her as my favourite to win.

 Finally I must congratulate Chris Eaton for his amazing victory over Boris Pashanski. The wild card entry wielding his incredulous serving power to knockout Boris in a straight set match, 6-3 7-6(6)  6-4. this pleasant surprise has wowed the nation as few expected Chris to beat his opponent,  over 500 places superior to him in ranking.

Wimbledon: Analysis of Day 1

Hooray! It's the return of the eagerly anticipated time of year for Wimbledon! I have decided to cover this in my blog and give a general review of the day and maybe a more detailed view on prolific matches. If you would like to see a list of all the scores of the day visit wimbledon.org.

Today was a mixed day for Britain as we received the loss of  Bogdanovic to the Italian Simone Bolelli in a four set game; the final score being 7-6(4) 4-6 6-3 7-6(4).

On the other hand Elene Baltacha succeeded in defeating Aqelique Kerber.  Although the match tightened, after she won the first set 6-3, as she lost the second in a disappointing 6-2. Drawing on her fighting spirit, during the last set she continually battled with Kerber ending the game on a close 7-5. The winning shot, luckily, clipped the net giving it a very small bounce making it impossible for Kerber to return - ending a match that could have waged further-.  

Predictably Serena Williams, Ana Ivanovic and Federer won their matches in straight sets. Serena's fashion sense causing quite a stir as she has decided to play in a coat, fashion or a joke at the expense of British weather? Moreover, could this choice affect her gameplay as she faces tougher opponents?  

Hewitt -former number one -battled, ferociously to beat Robin Hasse. The final result was 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3 6-7(1) 6-2. Hasse put up a tremendous effort and only just left empty handed, it was almost saddening to see him go after the match.

Novak Djokovic won his match against Michael Berrer. He won the first set 7-5 but was annihilated by Berrer in the second set, 6-2, as Berrers power shone through. After a terrible second set Djokovic -seeded number 3- managed to win the final two sets 6-3, 6-0 by using his amazing placement and recent development of net-play. Doubts have been suggested, by tennis legend McEnroe on Djokovic's ability to win Wimbledon this year. However I believe that he shouldn't be ruled out completely and may turn out to be the dark horse.

Tomorrow we can look forward to astounding matches played by the like of Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal. Weather providing, of course! Good luck to all competing!

Chickens!

Most of you will think I've lost my sanity (or even more so than prior to this post). I haven't - or at least I don't think I have- but the subject to this is chickens. This post was inspired by t.v. programs I recently watched presented and driven by t.v. chefs Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-whittingstall (names this long should be illegal!) which were devoted to improving the life of batter hens and since then I decided to write a matticle further promoting it as I believe it a worthy cause. 

KIND, HUMANE, WELL TREATED, RESPECT FOR LIFE.

All the basic attributes any DECENT human being would provide. Alas the producers can't take complete credit, it's also the fault of the supermarkets and YOU! What gives us the right to compact a living creature in a small space, accelerate it's growth, take away and hygiene, stop it ever seeing the light of day or even GRASS. European laws state that these conditions are acceptable, I disagree. What has given us the right to take a creature form the SUN, what have we become if we allow this to happen? 

A typical chicken shed contains 40,000 chickens, who will never see day light, and will be contained in a space smaller than an A4 piece of paper (sometimes less if caged - as above-). They will be forced to live in their own feces; burning their hocks - skin on the the back of their feet. The harsh conditions mean that many die and 5% have to be culled prematurely. They have been bred by poultry scientists to grew twice as fast as regular, free range chicken; reaching adulthood in a mere 39 days. The disgusting conditions and lack of capability to exercise cause 1/3 of the chickens to have pain walking and the stress on their hearts and lungs is astronomical, often causing failures.

BUT THAT DOESN'T MATTER... It's cheap isn't it?  Does that excuse you? What are the benefits? that's it, it's cheap. The battery hen isn't high in protein but fat as protein takes time and exercise to be produced. It isn't high in Omega 3 as they need to be nourished with grass and the resident insects. Make the switch. Make yourself kind. Stop the TORTURE.

Support nature and freedom, let the chickens out! For more information and to join the movement go to the Chicken out hompage

Get a life you morons!

As you can see I like to begin my articles with a quiescent title that doesn't give anything away about the article. Moron; an idiot, there are many different types but in this article I'm berating a more particular group (or 2). 

     On saturday i went to play tennis and we found that one of the new nets had been set alight. Not just with a lighter, I'm assuming the morons must have 'ligitimately' found some petrol that happened to be lying around near the net and then poured it over then net. The netting was a pile of black ash under the blackened plastic that had set in a long line following from pole to pole.  Mindless vandalism. I postulate to know what the reason. As they did it the group were probably guffawing and enjoying it. How funny... you set a net on fire... that was really really funny. What would possess a people to do this, it really makes me angry that someone would be so idiotic. Of course that means we've got to put up with a missing net now because they thought it was funny to urn the other one, why should we!!! It's not just that a net is now dysfunctional  but it's the ideology behind it what is the world coming to?? I don't mean to generalise -as there are lots of brilliant people around- but it does seem the moron trait is far too common.  

          Annoyed thoroughly already but I began to despair as a new group rode on their bicycles up to the net. I was completely exasperated when they found it funny, they were all probably about 11/12 and morons in waiting. I seriously considered confronting them when they began to destroy the remains of the net further, the metal cord that ran from the two poles that supported the deceased net was still intact. They were putting the front tyre of the bike on the cord and pressing forward. Morons! Being 6"3' I had few qualms about confronting them, even if they were on bikes and outnumbered me. I regret slightly that I didn't but the net fought back and a moron-to-be slipped and banged his head on the handle bar. He wasn't hurt much but still I found it hard to conceal my slightly vindictive smile. Cruel, harsh maybe but something has to be done to destroy the destructive mentality we face in many people today.

                On a much brighter note have a good weekend and remember fight the morons!

Green

Purple, blue? No this isn't an elaborate game of word association! Now, being serious, I think that looking after this planet is an important issue. Even from a selfish point of view, if we don't, we're screwed!  It's immoral and cruel for humans to be the cause of so much death and destruction, even if the victim are what some call 'lesser beings'. Do they not live as we do?  Shouldn't we be using our brain to help rather than hinder? 

I don't understand how humans have come so infernally far from nature, to become the only animal to have nearly caused their own extinction! Maybe we were to  kind to ourselves, are we really mammals, or does our behaviour - as a whole- betray that maybe we should be classed as parasites? What would possess us to try and destroy the beautiful planning we were bestowed?

 Personally I find it extremely annoying when people say that humans are not damaging the environment in any way. Cars, power plants, the list goes on, are releasing carbon dioxide that has been latent since the time when the atmosphere wasn't apt for human survival. How can this not be rocking the finely balanced ecosystems of the world? Action needs to be done but the discussion of what and denial is causing dawdling. 

Deforestation is also one of the controversial issues of today's post. Right or wrong? I'd say uncontrolled wrong and controlled okay but still how can we deny countries access to their own natural resources when we've already flogged our own and become rich?  Yes it is destroying the homes of many animals, an act of definite evil, but it also creates many jobs in poor countries and feeds the high demand for paper. 

These are my very green opinions - pun intended- and I do not want or expect a revolution and humans to regress into living in powerless huts. Though these are issues which I feel strongly about but are also very difficult to tackle without damaging the little man. Yes, as you're probably screaming, what does he do for the environment? Honestly very little. I try to recycle as much as I can but apart from that practically nothing. I'm going to pledge, now, that I'll try to do things that will in the end benefit nature, however small. In a way this is what this post is about. Making a stand by increasing awareness.

Why can't I like that?

Wow, yeah, this blog actually does get updated! The new week has started and I'm not feeling particularly well but we can't be healthy all the time right? I wish! Actually, that's just inspired another blog entry! Maybe next time, but for now we'll focus on the current one. Looking at the title the first thing that probably enters your head is what is this all about? Well I was thinking about peer pressure and how you are pressured into becoming the modern day 'clone'.

The modern day 'clone' is someone who is too afraid to stand out and just copies the group's likes and dislikes because they are afraid of being laughed at. Maybe not absolutely, strictly but doesn't this describe most of us? Where ever you are and at what every stage in your life I think people are too afraid of what others may think. Isn't it DIFFERENCES that make us UNIQUE!They should be cherished and welcomed for the variation. If we were all exactly the same nothing interesting would ever happen.

We are all afraid to step out and say I don't care what you like but I like this! It annoys me deeply when people try and impress their opinion on you, leaving you no breathing space to express your own, instantly denoting your's as wrong. In the end does it really matter it's only TRUE friends and family who will accept you for what you are and who cares if someone doesn't like exactly the same as you! A person who makes you feel bad for liking something is nothing but a bully and should be ignored. I can easily type this but of course it's not as easy that. Unfortunately I can't offer any advice, although I think the best thing is to try not to let that person taint your own taste.

If your true friends don't accept you and laugh at you for one of you interests can you really call them TRUE friends? When I make this blog I want to be clear that I mean laughing at not the occasional -constant- teasing from friends. teeasing is light, friendly and not serious laughing at someone's interests is bullying.

Thanks for reading this weeks blog and let's all try to make the step from the dark. Proclaim your interests and don't let anyone stand in your way! Matthew.

MARIO KART WII! *Spoilers*

Honestly you can't call yourself a fan of nintendo unless you have this game. As soon as you slot the controller into the wheel everything, seamlessly, fits into place. Oh but you may be thinking, old news, been there; got the mug but no mario kart has many ingenious, new, twists that make it fresh, fun and essentially crazy!

With 32 tracks (16 completely new and 16 revisited tracks from accross the consoles) and eight different grand prixs can you ever get bored? I can honestly say no especially with new and the somewhat surprisingly controversial introduction of motorbikes. You may be thinking but this is Mario Kart! Well if you buy the game you won't be. The bike introduces a whole new aspect to the game and totally revitalises it. The bike offers a new whole new styleof play and a slant on the cc difficulty (50 being kart only, 100 being bike only and 150 being both) but is not with it's own draw backs so as not to make it unconquerable to the dependable kart.

The bike is able to do a wheelie (a cool and useful trick as it is faster on one wheel than two) which is great for rubbing it in as you overtake your friend! It is lighter but it cannot boost as fast as the kart and isn't as stable.

We see the return of the rainbow road who anyone who has played a previous mario kart game will jump for joy. Personally I can't say the same thing as I always fall off the track and while playing was even lapped by luigi (yeah i'm aweful at that track and now have a bitter feud with Luigi!).

The wheel is also the perfect adaption for the wii controller as it is easy to use, well once you get the hang of it! Within a couple of tracks you can easily be weilding the wheel like a pro. It also gives the driver much more control, so much so that you almost feel as if you are driving a car.

Unlockable vehicles and characters mean that you permanently have something to work for as there is so much to unlock! There are new challenges to keep you entertained such as time challenge and versus. Time challenges leave you shouting "why are nintendo inhumanely good at mario kart!" as you are once again beaten by the preset 'ghost data'.

Unfortunately, I find that the only down side to the game are the battles. We once again see the return of the balloon battles and coin runner but the only way to compete against a friend or the computer is in teams. I prefer, by far, the old (one on one) format. Albeit I love the new arenas that have been constructed.

Finally, before bidding you a good weekend, I would like to add that the WIFI works amazingly as you can battle or grand prix on a continental or worldwide scale. Race solely against your friend or just join their race, both brilliant touches. I can honestly say this is game worth buying (no i'm not on nintendos payroll!). I'd give it 9.5/10. Have a good weekend! Matthew

Violence...

Okay, the first real 'matticle'. First I'd just like to say this isn't a way to force my opinion on to you but a way to express it and whether you agree or not is ultimately down to you. I just wanted to make that crystal before I started this because I hate it when people project their views as the 'one and only',

This matticle was inspired by an English essay I was writing where the motion was: 'Is violence ever justified?' Of course I bulldozed through this homework regardless of my own views but then it hit me wouldn't this make a good first blog? -or not depending on how this turns out! Well is set me pondering and this is what I've blogged.

I'd like to say NO and I'm sure in an idyllic world that would be the case but, for those who aren't quite sure, this isn't an idyllic world. For instance if your being mugged, at knife point -just to make it interesting- , your going to push the attacker away not shout "get it over with quickly; I'm not going to resist; I'm a pacifist!"

Although I do think that in most cases violence isn't acceptable, and NEVER if you are the aggressor although if there were no idiots like this maybe it would become the idyllic world. I think that if your attacking to say relieve the country or county etc, of a genocidal maniac through war doesn't that make you worse or at least just as bad as the original villain? I think the best way to deal with this sort of situation is talking to the person diplomatically and if they are no negotiable organise strikes. If they then attack civilians of course the arm forces should be there to protect them and use violence necessarily.

I still think that the aim should never be to kill, as unfortunately is often the case, but to capture. The only time when killing another human may be justifiable is when the situation arises 'kill or be killed' and only in that one on one situation. When it comes to the bare essentials aren't we all equally human beings? why should somebody have the authority over another persons life? This could just be my inexperience talking as I sit here, quite comfortably, typing away. But still green as they may be these are my views and if you would like to comment on them please leave a er... comment.

Next time, I'm starting to sound more and more like a t.v. show! I'm going to feature something a bit lighter because I think we all need some fun as we get dragged into the constant demise of the world. it will be a review of the recently released wii only game Mario Kart and I hope it's interesting but be warned it may contain spoilers!

The first one

It's up! Now i've got to think of a good first post but while I do this I'll explain a few things. This is my personal pad to post anything that comes into my mind from reviews of something I went to see, played or read, to a peice of my own fiction. I hope that you at least find some of it interesting but if you don't well thats down to you.

Matthew