Jason Kelly, freelance marketing and public relations consultant looks at why the UK marketing and public relations sector is suffering because of its growth during Britain’s service industry boom – when did Britain become blue collar allergic? 

Britain may have started the industrial revolution, but as normal we stood back smiling at our industrial landscape whilst other nations took it to the next level of evolution! Just like the England Football Team when they score a goal, industry sat back to admired its skill and success,  and then  decided engineering and manufacturing was no longer in style.

For the past twenty years or so Britain’s industries have become more service-based than production-based, manufacturing was sent overseas to nations who now have a stronger economic prowess then we do. Instead Britain decided the white collar looked smarter than the blue collar and so the service industry established itself – so much so that the creative industry evolved. Employing thousands of people across Britain the creative industry is made up of marketing and communications firms offering online and offline services to support finance houses, customer service management organisations and the retail and leisure industries.

Already countries who are more dependent on traditional-based industry are claiming they are either out of a recession, or are seeing sunnier days ahead; accept for the UK that is. While other nations are preparing for good times, the UK is still swimming uphill trying to trade anything it can find to drive revenues back into the UK economy.

It’s not all bad, some larger agencies are managing to hang on to clients, but other businesses with smaller balance sheets are seeing staff numbers cut and even firms closing – will the UK creative industry go the same way as the UK manufacturing industry?  

The UK Government needs to support traditional based industries by offering incentives, such as fiscal-based packages (that work) – to support UK-based manufacturers, whilst at the same time making Britain an attractive location for overseas firms to set up operations. More investment needs to be given to attract the entrepreneur – I know there are programmes already available, but the Government needs to make this a priority. Government-based business support organisations need to ditch their current thinking processes that both start-ups and established-based firms only need help with producing business plans or promotion during overseas trade fairs.

Maybe the Government should support traditional-based industries and the creative sector by commissioning the creative agencies to reenergise  ‘blue collar pride’!

In December 2008 I was made redundant from what was a great job – the PR Director for the UK’s largest independent direct marketing group, TDMG. After a very merry Christmas (and I do mean a very merry Christmas) I decided I had two options; the first would be to sit back and watch daytime TV all day, or, I could go it alone. Well, I chose the latter and almost a year on I’m still going it alone!

Back in January I had the energy and passion to become the next Richard Branson, in fact, I could see myself having lunch with Richard, or Rich to his friends:), Philip Green (Phil), Peter Jones (Pet) and Sir Alan Sugar (Big Al) – I’d pay for lunch of course!

Almost twelve months however, I don’t think I could even afford the entrance fee to get in to the places they go to eat – but, I do still have the energy and indeed the passion – the only difference is I don’t have the same expectations.

Today I am more realistic, yes I still think BIG, very big in fact. But then if you don’t aim high you will always hit the small times. Take a couple of weeks ago, I was sat in a client’s board room discussing an idea they had for an advertising campaign – their thoughts and wants were good, but their creativity was lacking – they won’t mind me saying that by the way, in fact they admitted it! Anyway, they said: “Jason, we want to do this, but don’t know how so over to you.”

A couple of weeks later I’m on a shoot filming a TV ad that I created…produced the story boards for and even wrote the scripts – brilliant! I even played casting director, which was fun:)

Anyway, my point is that back in the good old days I would of been celebrating with a host of colleagues, including the art director, creative director, account director and her whole team, because they would of all been involved in the making of what I like to call a great TV advert produced by one of the most creative minds in the business (I made that bit up by the way.) Yet, only twelve months on I’ve gone from being the PR Director with a great deal of team support to me, myself and I…team Kelly!

Being self employed can be lonely, stressful and very hard work, but the rewards are great, brilliant in fact. There are however, two important lessons that I have learnt. The first is when it comes to working for yourself it is either very good or very bad – there is no in-between. The second, well, that’s easy…give us a job:)

Oh by the way, if you want to, you can view two video clips from the TV ad shoot…you can even find out more about me, myself and I by using the following links:

About TJKA: www.tjka.co.uk
About Jason: www.tjka.co.uk/What%20is%20TJKA.htm
About TDMG: www.tdmg.co.uk
Watch video clip from tv ad (Credits): www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbYju3LlxhU
Watch video clip from tv ad (Garden): www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtNY3U4yI8w
Useable stills from shoot: www.flickr.com/photos/tjka/

Brand Royalty, How the world’s top 100 brands thrive and survive, by Matt Haig. AVAILABLE FROM BORDERS IN BIRSTALL.

Rating: Out of 10 I would have to say an 8

Description: A very good read for brand managers, pr practitioners, marketers and business leaders. The book examines and explains how the top brands created their identity and continue to protect/increase market share. An easy read for those interested in brand identity – let’s face it in today’s world who wouldn’t be?

Feasibility study leads to greater CSR opportunities for Wakefield businesses

Thanks to its growing popularity, Community Foundation for Wakefield District, which was founded in 2007, has been able to establish good business relationships across the region, which has been driven, in part, by local businesses seeking to implement, improve and maintain links with the local community, as well as their commitment to their corporate social responsibilities (CSR), which first saw corporate appeal after the UK Government published its ambitious vision for CSR in 2002.

The Community Foundation for Wakefield District, which is both a charity and a non-profit organisation, is ideally placed to work with businesses from across Wakefield District, because of their connection with over 300 registered charities and community groups in the region. “Our aim is to connect local businesses with local community groups and charities. We can show businesses that by letting us work with them they can support both their local community and their own organisation at the same time – we can help them deliver their CSR programmes on their own doorstep.” Stated Shona Walsh, CEO of Community Foundation for Wakefield District.

Back in 2007, the Community Foundation for Wakefield Steering Group undertook a feasibility study to establish if the concept of a community foundation could be made to work in Wakefield. The study had three primary objectives, which was to establish whether there would actually be support for a community foundation, if there would be sufficient potential sources of funding and support from businesses and private donors within the district and, was there enough charitable needs that could be identified.

The findings of the feasibility study found that there were areas in the district that fell within the bottom 10%, and even 5% of the Government’s social deprivation scale; and that socially excluded groups within the region were not sharing in the increasing prosperity of the area. Moreover, the economic and demographic profiling section of the study found that Wakefield was to be less wealthy than many other districts, but with a relatively strong upward trend. It was also found that in the East and South East of the district (Hemsworth, South Kirkby, South Elmsall, Castleford and Ferry Fryston) there was fairly widespread deprivation, with pockets in Wakefield City itself.

Since the feasibility study was completed a number of high-profile community representatives have become trustees of Community Foundation for Wakefield District – Comprising the Bishop of Wakefield, Rt Rev Stephen Platten, who is also its Chairman, and Sir Norman Bettison, Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police; as well as an impressive list of members from both local businesses and multi-nationals, including recently appointed trustee Mohan de Silva, CEO of First.

Rt Rev Stephen Platten commented: “Community Foundation for Wakefield District has made a significant difference to the lives of those living in Wakefield since it was founded back in 2007, especially those that are disadvantaged and socially deprived.”

Although The Community Foundation for Wakefield District works with both private and corporate donors, one advantage for individuals is the associated tax relief, which plays a part in most UK donations, the most well-known example being Gift Aid. The foundation works with private and corporate clients and their professional advisor’s, such as solicitors and accountants to make sure the donation will be as effective as possible, including being able to set up a Named Fund, which acts like a charitable trust and can be set up after just one meeting.

“The Community Foundation for Wakefield District has firmly established itself within the heart of Wakefield, working with and building strong relationships with community groups, charitable organisations, private donors and businesses from across the district. Two key roles achieved by the Community Foundation have been to become an expert grant-maker and a philanthropy advisor – two roles I am happy to confirm we have successfully established.” Added Mohan de Silva.

To find out more about the work and services offered by Community Foundation for Wakefield District, or to become involved and offer support visit www.communityfoundationwakefield.co.uk, or call Shona on 01924 789 166.

Fancy a sneak preview of Pro-tect Communities online ad? It’s different to the TV version due to be screened next year; in fact I had the brilliant idea of editing the cuts from the TV version to make a separate spoof version for social media use.

Let me know your thoughts….please! – via facebook or twitter, or via Youtube – I would really love to know what the experts think of my work:)

Nottingham audiences at performances of Northern Ballet Theatre’s (NBT) A Christmas Carol proved that there were no Scrooges among them with their generous donations to momentum, NBT’s fundraising campaign for a purpose built home on Quarry Hill in central Leeds.

Dancers in costume held collection buckets at the exit doors after performances throughout the week and a staggering £3,936.00 was donated. NBT is truly grateful for this support from its Nottingham audiences. The Company has been touring to Nottingham for the past 20 years and always receives a warm welcome at the Theatre Royal.

The Company’s new building in Leeds will be a powerhouse for dance – the largest space for dance outside of London. Bringing together two of the UK’s leading dance companies, NBT and Phoenix Dance Theatre, it will be the only dance centre to house a national classical and a national contemporary dance company alongside each another. It will also be home to the NBT Academy and to Leeds Metropolitan’s new Dance Degree classes.

Everyone at NBT would like to say thank you to everyone who gave so generously. The total amount received or pledged towards momentum now stands at £1,462,441.72 of our £1.5million target.

NBT returns to the Theatre Royal in Nottingham from 13 to 17 May with its stunning production of Peter Pan a production that fascinates children and adults alike with its tale of Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys, pirates, fairy dust, crocodiles and of course Captain Hook.

From The Guardian (online):

‘Studying The Wire

Next week will see quite possibly the most serious gathering ever of those interested in The Wire with a special academic conference in Leeds. “The Wire as Social Science Fiction?” is at Leeds town hall on 27-28 November. You can see the programme here… Steve Busfield will be speaking alongside some much more serious figures from British and American universities.’

Yea…that last line there? That’s me. I am a much more serious figure (apparently). FriendsColleagues and I made our ‘Reading The Wire‘ group into a conference round-table discussion for the upcoming conference. Steve Busfield – he of the Guardian blog ‘The Wire re-ups’ shall be joining our discussion. I’ve been to many a conference – none has ever received this kind of print notice!

I work at a chinese restaurant, and something has been bugging me for weeks.

One of my jobs before we open is to clean the salt, pepper and toothpick trays. I do this every Tuesday, and for a while now I have been seeing a face in the arrangement!
It was very co-incidental/odd/perfect when at the ucas fair last week, a student at Leeds College of Art and Design told me about a ‘creative faces’ competition that is running at the moment! The prize is a Digital SLR camera! How cool is that?  So, I managed to take a sneaky picture last night and have submitted it:

Who else can see the cheeky face sticking it’s tongue out at you?
(Click the picture to go to the site and check out my competition)

I had a look at the competition and the majority of entries are photos of people or animal faces, which I don’t think is very creative really… so hopefully I will be in with a chance!
You can enter upto 3 times, so I have 2 gos left… watch this post for updates on any more faces I see!

ALSO, let me know if you submit any faces!

On the 5th November, I had a fantastic time shooting a boudoir/portrait shoot for the lovely Rachael., in Leeds.  It was a rainy day, but we didn’t let that stop us using the gorgeous trees and leaves as a setting for the shoot.  Rach brought along some brilliant probs and accessories, including the fabulous pink fur coat, wellies and a fur rug! (don’t think I have photographed these items in one shoot before!)

Rachael was an absolute star, and looks amazing in the images we captured. Here are a few of my favourites:

I’m Jayne, I’m 21 and live in the UK in the county of Yorkshire. I’ve decided to start a blog project for myself as a hobby. Since leaving University and starting full-time work I’ve felt I’ve lost my hobbies and lost the drive to do creative things, so thought that this blog may be a nice place to start in a bid to reintroduce myself to creativity of any form.

My idea for this blog is to share my discoveries of wonderful, lovely things that I find. I have a habit and a love of stumbling upon hidden gems in the world of interests. These mainly tend to be crafty things or shopping things, but sometimes also really great recipes, films or music. So I guess this blog will be my little magazine project, just covering things that I love.

The reason for the blog title is because I love to cook and also because I love Kitsch things, as you will soon become aware! Kitsch shall be a central theme to my blogging, as will probabily be my baking activities.

I will try to keep my writing to a minimum though as I have a huge habit of rambling whenever I type or write. I am terrible at keeping things concise. I would also say that I am not very organised, so I don’t see this blog having much of a pattern or formula, which I guess will keep things interesting (hopefully) so please keep dropping by and see what I can show you!

First post of interesting stuff coming soon!

Today is the worse of the worse of the worse of the worse day i ever have here!

#@$%$#%^&%^*#@$#^$#%^&%^@$%$#%^&

[Just feel like taking a knife to stab into my brain to stop thinking so much.]

I woke up feeling so giddy like im lack of blood or something and my head is still heavy now. Am i running a fever? How to check?

My mind is suddenly recalling so many of my past and all the things I had done.

I strongly believe im right for screaming back at teachers or discipline mistress for accusing or suspecting me on things that I had never done in front of everybody. I believed that i did the right thing to run away from the police because I had never done anything wrong. I also believed i did the right thing to walk into the principal office to pour my sorrows so that the biatches can be punished. Well, girl’s tears work miracles! And all these happened like so long ago. Am i getting my retribution like now? I will never let it happen. Never.

Another biatch today asked me to meet her but to wait for 10 minutes after i arrived so I stood outside the room like an idiot for 11 minutes and decided to leave. Well, you are the one who asked me to meet you so dont meet other students and hold any group discussions! Thats the problem with skipping lesson to eat my lunch. See what i mean by compulsory lessons and taking attendance? I will never compromise my stomach for lesson that is not graded and not in my timetable. Never.

[Why am i thinking so much?! Grr...]

Corporate Social Responsible News: Pepsico Saves Water in India; McKesson’s New LEEDS Center

In what appears to be a victory for temporary staff employed throughout the region, the plans outlined in the recent Queens Speech could actually prove detrimental to the thousands of agency workers currently employed in Yorkshire.

The speech included a pledge to provide agency workers with the same rights as a businesss permanent employees doing the same kind of work in the same place, ensuring more standardised rate of pay, holiday entitlement, breaks, rest periods and allocation of some bonuses.

Steve Willey, HR & Employment Law Consultant at Last Cawthra Feather comments: The most obvious effect of the changes will be to increase the cost of using an agency worker. It therefore seems likely that, although individual agency staff will gain, the bigger picture may be that local businesses have no choice but to reduce their reliance on agency staff because the cost advantages of using them are so dramatically reduced, which is, in turn, very bad news for agencies.

As the largest user of agency staff in the EU, estimates suggest that over one million people work in the temporary labour market in the UK. The CBI has estimated that up to a quarter of those posts could disappear if the differences between agency staff and employees were to be abolished.

Steve continues: Our Regional economy makes extensive use of agency workers with local councils, NHS trusts, and thousands of private companies relying on temporary workers to fill gaps in staffing. We have hundreds of small agencies in the region and, whichever side of the argument you are on, it is undeniable that a reduction in the availability and use of agency staff will have a significant impact.

With a general consensus that the Government will be forced to introduce the legislation because it originates from an EU Directive, it is essential that both companies and agencies assess the full extent the changes will have on their business and what can be done to manage the changes in the most effective way possible.

It may well be that local businesses will try and evade the regulations. As the main rights will only apply after an agency worker has been in an assignment for 12 weeks, an attempt will be made to move workers around so they never accrue 12 weeks within one role, adds Steve.

However, with efficiency of agency staff driven by the level of knowledge they have of a role, and bringing new staff in every few weeks often proving disruptive and costly, end users may find avoidance of the regulations a more expensive alternative in the long run. This approach will also expose the agency and business to the risk of a claim from a temporary worker who thinks they are not experiencing equality.

To find out more about the implications of proposals highlighted in the Queens Speech have on your business, contact Last Cawthra Feather on 01274 848800 or visit www.lcf.co.uk.

So, the bin strike in Leeds is over and as is usual when industrial disputes end both sides claim a measure of victory. The workers have by and large successfully protected their wages (good news) and the council have an acceptance of their productivity targets.

Everybody must be happy then? Well, kind-of because serious questions have to be asked about the long-term electoral consequences for our party in the Leeds area. As I have pointed out before the Labour Party has gained much political capital (and rightly so) by supporting the strikers. It has stepped-forward and surely reminded some of it’s erstwhile jaded voters that it can still represent working class interests. I have  no doubt this will be reflected at a local level even if the governments national unpopularity will cause it other problems.

Nationally, Labour still has alot to answer for; Sundar Katwala says that the country would best be served by a coalition of ourselves and Labour.  However, such a coalition would be hard to sustain while the attitude of some within our party remains so basically antagonistic to working class interests and representation. However, such a coalition would doubtless to my mind bring great benefits to both parties.

Meanwhile, locally the Liberal Democrat Party is tainted when it comes to a serious claim to represent working class interests. It has also shown itself intolerant of dissent and incapable of debate;  mysteriously after I published articles reflecting the unions standpoint I vanished off an internal activist mailing list.

I was told privately that I risked ‘bringing the party into disrepute’ by making my views public on this blog. I will leave readers to draw their own conclusions about what this says about internal democracy within the local party. Would somebody be loyal if they watched as somebody they professed loyalty too wandered off a cliff? I think not. However, local party instinct is so tribal it shames the football terrace which catcalls every time a decision goes against their team. Is that what democracy is within this party? I sincerely hope not because if it is then the electoral consequences of the actions of Leeds Liberal Democrats is just and well-deserved indeed.

Yesterday I competed in the Leeds Abbey Dash and finished an almost respectable 3722th out of a trillian people.

Actually my time wasn’t that good at 57:51, which is 1:15 slower than my PB, and in a race situation that is billed as ‘fast and flat’ was a dissapointment.

The knee gave me trouble again, and at 8k practically gave in.  I didn’t hobble the rest of the way, but it was painful and every few hundred meters it’d give way.

I learnt from a Triathlon Level 1 coach recently of some knee and leg execises which I should be doing, so I think I’ll learn a lesson and once my knee (and thighs and ankle) has recovered I’ll start to include streaches and exercises in my training routine.

As always, the run was fuelled with an AudioFuel compilation (unreleased) which kept me moving.

Off to recover now with some vino rosso

Last week we are premiered Adam Stafford’s boccia film (Boccia: ‘Join In’) at Space 109. It’s pretty exciting times at KhaoZ this week – we have a fantastic guest speaker Asta Philpot who’s an editor at ITV Yorkshire. The reason he decided to come in to our session was to celebrate with Adam in honour of his work and to also inspire the young creatives within the group to become more involved in the media.

It is important that our resident film-maker Mike Leigh Cooper’s talents and effort be recognised at this point, as he has been so supportive of Adam throughout the entire creative process. Check back here in a few weeks to hear his fantastic interview with TV presenter Alex Zane (on behalf of KhaoZ Media) live from Leeds at the Young People’s Film Awards 2009.

Anyway, you can check out the ‘Boccia: Join In‘ film in its entirety below:

On a similar note, Asta’s talk for us was everything that it was built up to be. Truly inspirational and motivational. His attitude to live is incredible and the group will certainly benefit individually (and on the whole) from Asta’s association in the future. It was definitely wonderful to have him along. We really feel confident in the wake of his talk and we are ready to move forward with our numerous exciting projects and also to explore all of the new possibilities that have become open to us.

You can see some excerpts from his chat below. Asta talks about his own film, his life experience, career and he also comments on Adam’s film. The later parts feature key questions from KhaoZ members. Just click on the videos to enjoy the different parts – good work Colm and Mike for editing all of this together for us!

PART ONE:

PART TWO:

PART THREE:

PART FOUR:

Currently, KhaoZ are working on plans for the York transformation bid. We will post more on that soon alongside regular updates on Asta’s involvement with our group.

For more information visit our official website.

All the love in the world,

Dom Smith and Team K.

The whole family having fun in the beautiful leaves near their home

To see more portraits captured in clients homes (and nearby locations) please click here

On the 31st October I travelled to Mirfield to photograph Vanessa & her gorgeous family: Gary, Kieron, Jamie and Nathan.  It was a gorgeous autumn day, the family were great fun and we captured so many images that I love!

Vanessa bought the shoot voucher as a birthday gift for Gary ….  (hope you are happy with the results Gary!)

Here are just a few samples from the shoot, there are many more I am keeping secret until the viewing later this week ……

Dad telling a very funny (made up) story!

Big brother Kieron in his bedroom (a moment of peace away from the twins!)

Jamie & Nathan can't wait to pile on their brother! squeeze .....

This room was very very tidy before I arrived! sorry Vanessa!

Jamie ... very cheeky and extra cute

Nathan ... also very cheeky, but very cute!

The family got unruly, so I locked them in the garden.

“Thanks Vanessa & Gary for arranging this shoot and for being up for a laugh in your shoot!  Your boys really are absolutely lovely, you must be so proud of them …. see you soon! “

To see more portraits captured in clients homes (and nearby locations) please click here

]]> http://leedssolicitor.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/bradford-leeds-solicitors-last-cawthra-feather-examines-a-possible-lost-economy-of-using-agency-workers/ Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:59:08 +0000 Local Legal http://leedssolicitor.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/bradford-leeds-solicitors-last-cawthra-feather-examines-a-possible-lost-economy-of-using-agency-workers/

In what appears to be a victory for temporary staff employed throughout the region, the plans outlined in the recent Queens Speech could actually prove detrimental to the thousands of agency workers currently employed in Yorkshire.

The speech included a pledge to provide agency workers with the same rights as a businesss permanent employees doing the same kind of work in the same place, ensuring more standardised rate of pay, holiday entitlement, breaks, rest periods and allocation of some bonuses.

Steve Willey, HR & Employment Law Consultant at Last Cawthra Feather comments: The most obvious effect of the changes will be to increase the cost of using an agency worker. It therefore seems likely that, although individual agency staff will gain, the bigger picture may be that local businesses have no choice but to reduce their reliance on agency staff because the cost advantages of using them are so dramatically reduced, which is, in turn, very bad news for agencies.

As the largest user of agency staff in the EU, estimates suggest that over one million people work in the temporary labour market in the UK. The CBI has estimated that up to a quarter of those posts could disappear if the differences between agency staff and employees were to be abolished.

Steve continues: Our Regional economy makes extensive use of agency workers with local councils, NHS trusts, and thousands of private companies relying on temporary workers to fill gaps in staffing. We have hundreds of small agencies in the region and, whichever side of the argument you are on, it is undeniable that a reduction in the availability and use of agency staff will have a significant impact.

With a general consensus that the Government will be forced to introduce the legislation because it originates from an EU Directive, it is essential that both companies and agencies assess the full extent the changes will have on their business and what can be done to manage the changes in the most effective way possible.

It may well be that local businesses will try and evade the regulations. As the main rights will only apply after an agency worker has been in an assignment for 12 weeks, an attempt will be made to move workers around so they never accrue 12 weeks within one role, adds Steve.

However, with efficiency of agency staff driven by the level of knowledge they have of a role, and bringing new staff in every few weeks often proving disruptive and costly, end users may find avoidance of the regulations a more expensive alternative in the long run. This approach will also expose the agency and business to the risk of a claim from a temporary worker who thinks they are not experiencing equality.

To find out more about the implications of proposals highlighted in the Queens Speech have on your business, contact Last Cawthra Feather on 01274 848800 or visit www.lcf.co.uk.

Wayne McGregor comes to Leeds next week to rehearse Northern Ballet Theatre (NBT) dancers in his piece, Ossein, which the Company will perform as part of their NBT Gala on Saturday 12 December at Leeds Grand Theatre.

Wayne is the Resident Choreographer of The Royal Ballet, the first in 13 years and the only one to come from contemporary dance. He is Artistic Director of Wayne McGregor | Random Dance, a Resident Company at Sadler’s Wells. He is also the government’s first Youth Dance Champion.

He was last week awarded an International Theatre Institute Award for Excellence in International Dance.

Ossein, is choreographed to music by JS Bach. This will be the first time one of McGregor’s works will be performed in Leeds.

For further information contact NBT Media & PR Manager, Ruth Burke-Kennedy.

Combined on this video is the earliest surviving recording of music (a live performance of Handel’s oratorio Israel in Egypt conducted by Sir August Manns, recorded by Edison engineer George E. Gouraud at Crystal Palace, London, England, 29th June 1888) and the earliest surviving recorded film (shot by Louis Aim… Read moreé Augustin Le Prince in Leeds, England in October 1888): Roundhay Garden Scene (filmed 14 October 1888) and Traffic Crossing Leeds Bridge (filmed late October 1888).

In the Roundhay Garden Scene (filmed in the garden of the Whitley family home in Oakwood Grange Road, Roundhay, Leeds, England) are the following people (from the left at beginning of sequence): Adolphe Le Prince (the film maker’s son), Miss Harriet Hartley, Mrs. Sarah Whitley, (the film maker’s mother-in-law), and Joseph Whitley (the film maker’s business partner). The original film was shot at 12 frames per second and lasts 2 seconds.

Traffic Crossing Leeds Bridge was filmed in Leeds, England in late October 1888, at 20 frames per second.

I’m suposed to be working today, I have a project to complete and a deadline looming but you know how it is; you can’t concentrate when you’ve a hard on!

It’s been bugging me all night off an on, even masturbation doesn’t seem to help, within half an hour it’s back again, so..

I’m here in the Basement Complex  in Leeds. I’ve been here since 9.15am. Already I’ve had a blow job in the wet sauna and had my chest and stomach covered in someone else’s cum…I’ve yet to cum..but it’s early yet!

Clementines are available in the Co-op – the lights are up in the city – the Salvation Army band was playing in the high street: it must be the long long lead-up to Christmas.

What could be more Christmas-y than walking on custard? Or finally answering that ancient question: why does toast always land buttered-side down? Or how can I make small explosives from basic baking ingredients? Or do I really need to wait for ice cream to freeze when the world has provided liquid nitrogen?

Science fair. I remember training my hamster to run a maze – and building a slingshot out of rubber tubing and the recess-ground’s goal-posts (bless those days before health and safety was a particular concern…). I don’t think we ever nagged the teacher about explosives – we were good little ‘enrichment’ kids. I wonder if they still have ‘enrichment’ at my old primary school. Smacks of favouritism and good old fashioned prejudice. Enrichment days were the best days of my school life in the eighth grade. I don’t think we did anything particularly useful – I seem to remember really enjoying logic puzzles and such but none of that stuck (or the LSAT would have been considerably easier!) – I also remember learning about harps and costumes (fashion, really). I guess the pedagogical philosophy was to let us go our own merry way through trivia to some kind of knowledge. I suppose it was unfair: but honestly, I think it might have saved me somehow – it was like finally being rewarded for liking school – getting more school. What a geek – I never had a chance… I’m sitting here on the other side of the equation (ocean too), having just marked a stack of essays, still thinking about the documentary I saw on the moon landing, very very glad of learning to love learning a-ways back when.

Science fairs are amazing.

So is the moon. We landed on the moon. That is amazing. I know – I know – it was 40 years ago and I’m only 32 - but seriously: I’ve never really thought about it before.