In a blink of an eye Autumn is upon us and before we know it winter will have well and truly arrived. Perhaps inspired by being a September baby, this does not fill me with woe and infact there are lots of things that winter has to offer, that makes me more optimistic than most.
Not convinced? Ok check out my top five things to love about winter and hopefully this will change your mind; 1. Number 1 has to be duvet days and cosy evenings in, whilst the rain is falling outside and the wind is howling, there is nothing better than being wrapped up in the warmth on the sofa. 2. Quality TV returns - boxset season is finally over, as quality tv programmes resume. 3. Knitwear - when it comes to quality clothing, nothing beats winter collections! Quality made polo necks, jumpers, cardigans, ponchos, the possibilities are endless! 4. Winter warming grub - despite eating hot meals all year round, I can now eat soup at lunchtime at work without looking like a weirdo. 5. Comfy shoes - out goes the strappy gladiator sandals that are more fashionable than practical and the wedge peep-toe that requires constant pedicure perfection and incomes woolly socks and moonboots - Yey! With my *cough cough birthday right around the corner, I am struggling to suppress the puppy urges.
Despite the fact that it would be extremely impractical and highly selfish, not to mention in direct violation of my tenancy agreement, I am toying with the idea of getting a puppy. Ever since recently being visited in my bedroom by the next door neighbour’s cat, who thought my open bathroom window, very much resembled a giant cat flap, I have been thinking a pet is just what my chaotic life is missing. And despite working 10 hour shifts a day, over an hour away from home, it is not enough for me to dismiss the idea, and I can’t help thinking if I could find a 'doggy daycare' enroute to work or better still convince my employer to allow me to bring in my puppy pooch I could make this work. Anyway if per chance however I do come to my senses and decide that a puppy is not what I need right now, I will be taking early birthday donations towards getting a budgie! Wow! Today was National Left-handers Day and yesterday it was National Middle child Day, which told me two things- this is definitely my week, and that there are too many random national days that don't really mean anything to anyone!
Did you know there will also be a National Tooth Fairy Day and a National Waffle Day this month? I hear ya, you were with me until I started on the Waffle Day celebrations right? But seriously, it got me thinking who makes these up and who gets to decide what qualifies to go on the calendar? And if I have to share my birthday with a bunch of comic nerds celebrating National Comic Book Day what doesn't make the cut if anything?! So in true journo form, I went on the hunt for the answer to these questions. And after much searching (typing 'Who can authorise a national day' into Google) I found out that anyone can! You just have to make an application, citing the details of your desired national day and if approved, by the National Calendar Guardians, the day goes onto a National Day register! So after being consumed by this subject for more than 2 hours- which is saying something, (probably says more about me than anything) I decided to compile a list of my top ten. 10. Sept 4- Hug your Boss Day- I dare ya not to tell them 9. Sept 22- Elephant Appreciation Day- How do you execute this exactly- the appreciation not the Elephant! 8. August 10- Lazy Day 7. 23 October- National TV Talk Host Day 6. 6 November- National Nachos Day- naturally some of these will be food related- you get where my heads at 5. 19 January - National Popcorn Day- I already warned you! 4. 11 February National Make a Friend Day- awww 3. 5 March- National Multiple Personalities Day- For some of us that's everyday! 2. 14 May- National Dance like a chicken Day- Again- For some of us that's everyday! 1. 20 June- Social Media Day Tweet me your faves! Today is recorded to be the hottest day in England in 9 years- that's what I'm talking about! Although I did spend most of the day feeling sticky and uncomfortable and drinking my weight in bottled water- but I'm not complaining...!
With the summer officially here it seems wrong to be anywhere other than outdoors picnicking, barbeque-ing and sunshine lapping- none of these are real verbs by the way! So what's the problem? That 24 inch box in the corner of my living room just won't let me go! With TV series unusually hotting up at a time when it normally feels quality TV goes on a hiatus and is replaced by reality TV shows consistent of people being trapped in a house or on an island or on an island in a house , I am in an unusual "Summer dilemma." Shows such as the likes of Empire, BBC Comedy Episodes and Channel 4's Man Down are just a few examples of the very entertaining programming at present that has some of us 'real-time' viewers rushing off early from after work summer socials to get home in time for our weekly dosage of flippin good telly! I know what you're thinking... and you're right... friends come and go but TV is forever! Lol. This is my summer dilemma- but hey things could be worse! Happy Summer Everybody! :) I returned to London with a gentle bump courtesy of Ryanair, three shades darker and oh so refreshed. A girly week in the beautiful Algarve was just what the doctor ordered and I intend on getting a repeat prescription!
Amazing food, music, drink, people and company, not to mention the breathtaking views from the marina and sandy beach situated less than a 5 minute walk away. So why are you sad to be back I hear you ask...not! Although if I am completely honest as much as I love holidaying, I am actually one of those typical Brits who after a week or two vacationing I actually begin to look forward to getting back home to my own bed, a freshly brewed cuppa and driving on the 'right' side of the road. And even though its only June and I have already enjoyed my Summer vacay, there is no better way to chase away the holiday blues than with sunny days and bbqs galore...so bring it on Summer- let's be havin' ya! For all the Shirleys called Shelly and the Rochelles called Michelle, I know you will feel my pain.
As a journalist social awareness is the crux of a successful career and making contacts in the industry. So you will understand my angst and why I am actually considering changing my name to either Nicole or 'That's not my name', because for some reason Nicola is so much harder to remember or pronounce! And if you think it's just written down in error, I'm afraid you're wrong. I have introduced myself to someone before as Nicola only for them to reply, 'Nice to meet you Nicole.' I mean really??? They don't even sound the same. Fortunately most people call me Nic or Nikki, at least to my face, but every now and then my American translation seeps in. I actually have life-long family friends that I can no longer be bothered to keep correcting and wonder if I am actually doing them a disservice by not just accepting defeat and beginning proceedings to legally get it changed once and for all. Grrr- rant over! Tweet me your assigned alias' would be great to know I'm not alone. Maybe someone called Portia often called Mercedes? -Sorry couldn't resist! *smh Dear ladies,
I have had something weighing heavy on my heart for a while and I think the most cathartic way to address this is with an open letter on my blog. I thought to ensure I don't waffle on and get straight to the point I will present my dilemma in bulletpoint format, so here goes.... I am 5'10.5 (don't forget the half!). The average man in the UK is 5'8. Tall women naturally prefer taller men because it is rare for them to feel small and protected. Short(er) women also like to date tall men and often won't date men under 6 foot, despite the fact that the average man is often taller than them. =Dilemma: A shortage of tall men Solution: Not everyone can date tall guys! Shorter ladies, I think the solution is now clear to all. I knew you would understand, thank you for your co-operation and for taking one for the team. Ahhh, feel better now I've cleared that up and got that off my chest. My therapist will be so proud! #ATallOrder A theme amongst the beautiful elite has been emerging in recent years in the form of 'baring all', yes I'm talking about our beautiful celebrity dimes!
These pics of celebrity expectant mothers revealing bump and navel (and the occasional side boob) in a 'tasteful' nude shot, or a WAG going make up free or a popstar shedding her clothes for an awareness campaign are all arguably admirable things to do. And whilst I neither commend nor condemn such women for their decision to expose themselves, I don't know why as a society it is often regarded as brave! Bearing in mind that they are undoubtedly stunning in the facial and physique area- naturally (or otherwise!). Unlike the rest of us, they are privy to state of the art photographers and glam squads, to beautify them at all times. Hey by those standards, for the rest of us we should get awards just for braving the elements and venturing out of our homes everyday! Don't get me wrong- I'm not knocking them- I just don't see why it's brave?? Why is it brave that they consider themselves beautiful enough without cosmetics and are willing to share that with the world? Would they really do it if they didn't like how they looked, and how many slapped the photographers with injunctions when they realised they looked better with the slap on! I jest, but surely the word brave should be reserved for those displaying true heroism, like uploading pics of their weighing scales after hitting up the all you can eat buffet or using the bravest caption of all time; 'No filter!'. Yes granted possibly the most sombre of adaptations to what is meant to be a beautiful poem- I'll take it!
But don't worry I'm not really that cynical- although I do wonder, do people still celebrate Valentines Day? Or should I say, fellas do you still shell out on your significant other on possibly the most important date of the year minus her birthday, your anniversary and Christmas (you poor things)? I know I will pay the price for writing this as my other half will forever have permanent confirmation that he is not expected to purchase me anything for Valentines due to what I am about to say, and for this reason, occasionally around this time of year you may see this post intermittently disappear! lol. But seriously is there really any point in celebrating valentines day? I genuinely don't see the point. (I said it, I said it!) I think it is lovely when couples make time for one another and shower one another with tokens of their love and appreciation, but I'm more of a 24/7, 365 kinda gal! Ok maybe not quite that frequent- but you get my drift, and one day a year just ain't gonna cut it! Sorry ladies if I'm killing your vday vibe and I would like at this point to insert my disclaimar that each to their own...blah blah! lol. But fellas if you need to, feel free to print this off in your defence when you come home 'flowerless' and 'chocolateless' tomorrow night, can't guarantee that you won't become homeless too though! And that's it! As quickly as it arrived it's over! As I sit and reflect on the year that has passed, it would be an understatement to say there have not been some high's and lows. I would like to say I was going out on an ultimate high, but instead I will say I am truly grateful that I have made it through what has proved to be an eventful year. Who knows what 2015 will bring, but I hope if I'm lucky a few more blessings and a little bit of laughter along the way.
God Bless :) Is it just me? But despite annoying colleagues counting down to Christmas from the August Bank Holiday and that smug distant aunt that likes to brag every year about the fact that she did all her Christmas shopping 11 months ago in the January sales, it still doesn't feel like Christmas!
Maybe this is what happens as you get older and gleeful anticipation turns into procrastination and despair as you try to put off the inevitable; spending an entire month's salary in a record 2 days and hours of highstreet stalking is looming on the horizon, as you attempt the annual impossible task of finding the 'perfect' gift. Perhaps if I had gone to see the lights switched on, or gone to Santa’s grotto and sat on Santa’s knee. Whatever the reason I am not yet in a festive mood and it's just 10 days until Christmas! (*Panic mode). If the vibes don't improve soon I may have to take some drastic action and purchase a ridiculously festive jumper or resort to playing a cheesy Christmas compilation CD whilst wearing a paper hat at the work Christmas lunch- but hopefully it won't come to that! I don’t know about any one else, but I have never been a massive fan of video reviews, admittedly in the early stages of my career I too was guilty of doing an online video blog, now affectionately referred to as a VLOG! I used to review my favourite artist of the month, favourite song, favourite movie and arts and culture events. It wasn't bad- but even I after a while found it a little pointless, despite the short-lived thrill of an extra few views in the view counter everyday!
After much soul-searching (not) I decided to pull the plug on my video channel and vowed to never again put anything out that I myself would not read, watch or listen to- so here I am! Whilst I don't want to bash anyone that enjoys posting video reviews, I would encourage them to adopt this same thought and selection process. Not so that my point is misconstrued, I want to make a clear differentiation between video blogs, video reviews and consumer reviews. I am a massive fan of well-written, informative, descriptive, expert reviews which have the ability and creativity to transport the reader to share and relate to their experience. Equally I have no problem perusing a review of the latest Italian Restaurant in town, or of a new movie at the box office, or even a new beauty product- infact I especially welcome the gesture of the cosmetics reviewer who in some ways offers the service of a guinea pig, trialling products and giving much needed pre-purchase insight of beauty products- especially the expensive ones! But one thing I see no benefit from are video reviews, especially when they are posted under the guise of authentic entertainment content only to find once you have clicked on the image of your favourite reality TV show it is content filmed by a dodgy webcam, presented by someone sitting far too close to the screen for 45 minutes banging on about their views and opinions of your favourite cast members! Who is this for??!! And incase you were tempted to believe that you must be one in a million that don’t like them because they have over 20,000 views, you are mistaken. Those viewers only clicked on because like you, they were equally duped into thinking that the content behind it was that of quality. My verdict; Please don't upload, put it in a diary instead! Whilst processing my September birthday blues, the weather beginning it’s drastic decline and the clocks about to go back, meaning it is going to be pitch black by 4pm, this month would be my least favourite if it wasn’t for Black History Month and for that reason I continue to smile!
The fact that there is a whole month dedicated to celebrating Black History and the pioneers, civil rights activists, leaders, figureheads, philanthropists, entrepreneurs and revolutionists that have paved the way and have positively impacted the progression of the black race can only be a good thing. This year we sadly lost some extraordinary people; Nelson Mandela- South African, anti-aparthied Revolutionist, Maya Angelou- Poet, Playwright, Actress and Professor, Wayne Pharr- Civil Rights activist and Leader of the Black Panthers and Alice Coachman-Davis- the first black female athlete to win an Olympic gold medal. Events in the calendar like BHM allow us to all, collectively pay homage and celebrate their lives, and the legacies they leave behind, may they rest in perfect peace. Black history month should not be regarded as exclusive but instead inclusive and a way for everyone of all races to learn more about the African-Caribbean history and culture. This month is not just about historical events and pioneers, but is also an opportunity to sample the creative works of relevant and current talent. I encourage everyone to get involved in some of the amazing events that are taking place over the capital in the next month, from exhibitions, arts and crafts events, and theatre productions such as the critically acclaimed Scottsboro Boys musical which opens at The Garrick Theatre this month, to The Afro Vibes Festival- a celebration of theatre, dance, music and culture from the new South Africa, to the BFI: 'Beyond Nollywood' screening to name but a few. Despite the widespread misconception that Black history is about slavery, whilst that is a part of it, that is not black history in it's entirety and there is so much more to explore. I recently came across a wise quote which said, ‘Slavery isn’t black history, it interrupted black history!’. So go out and get involved and tweet me pics and reviews of your BHM experience @Nikki_Presenter On the horizon of another birthday and becoming a year older (OMG I am actually being coy about my age for once- must be getting old!)...anyway it got me thinking, as I recently danced the night away (and yes I did type boogied, before backspacing and replacing!) with friends and family of varying ages and of respective generations, I pondered the thought- When do you know you are no longer cool? And how old are you when you finally stop caring? And perhaps most importantly of all- When should I stop using the word 'cool?' #RedFaced
Anyway in order to help those who are struggling with the prospect of a 'spent youth', perhaps those most reflective are the ones leaving a previous decade behind, I think this question is possibly most poignant, 'Have I still got it? Am I still down with the kids? So I began to think- shouldn't there be an app for that? Yes quite literally! So until there is, which might possibly be 5 minutes after publishing this blog online, I thought I would draft a series of expressions for you to test your street credentials. Bearing in mind that you are as young as you feel and that this test is somewhat subjective as it is being written by a ...*mumble *mumble- year old! Right time to test yourself- Do you know the meaning of the following ten colloquialisms? 1. Swag 2. Rachet 3.Merked 4. Yolo! 5. R Bomb 6. Sic 7. Nang 8. Gassed 9. IM 10. Fam 8/10-10/10- Impressive, you have nothing to worry about, your still down! 3/10-7/10 A respectful toe- in the world of the youth- you still got it! 2/10 or less- I'm just impressed you found this article at all on the worldwide web and managed to scroll to the bottom! Only joking! :) Age is nothing but a very blurry number! Whilst I'm still on the advertising kick I thought I would also explore the over-used advertising slogan that 'Sex Sells'. Does it really though? Whether we buy into it or not as a consumer, the marketing agents definitely have, quite literally!
But how truthful is that concept in reality? Are we really as fickle and easily-led as this slogan would imply? For instance, if us gals didn't see that the outcome of the model wearing that glossy, shiny, shade of lipstick on the TV ad ended in a passionate kiss with an equally stunning male model before riding off on the back of his motorbike into the sunset, would we refrain from buying it? And guys, is the real reason why you purchased that particular aftershave not because you liked the scent but really because you were convinced by the depiction of a group of very attractive women flocking towards a purposely very average/borderline geeky- looking, overly hairy man, randomly situated in the Amazon Rainforest! I have seen the advertising industry use this notion of intimacy and sex to sell comfy half price sofas, coffee, chocolates, cars and even toothpaste, but a few weeks ago I held my head in my hands (dropping the recently placed remote control) and declared I had now seen it all!.... SO sex sells! Ok if you say so Mr 'Thinking out of the Box top notch Marketing Mogul'! But even if there was some hope in me believing that concept, surely there is a limit for how far you can stretch any concept, and if you agree, I have found it! The advert I witnessed recently which depicted a couple passionately sashaying around their kitchen, embracing and kissing passionately before the strapline appeared, revealing the name of a company advertising incontinence products. My verdict- poor taste and the world has officially gone mad! Responses on a "sexy" postcard! ;) So I understand that advertising is a billion dollar industry and what it can do for establishing a brand and creating an audience or consumer for a product or service. I get the legal remits in which advertising has to operate within and how PR companies and Marketing companies spend fortunes finding ways to bend these rules under the overarching concept of INNOVATION and CREATIVITY! However when does advertising become false advertising?
Surely women wearing eyelash extensions in mascara ads, or foundation in skin care ads is misleading, no? And don't even get me started on the amount of Hair Care ads I have had to sit through, tight lipped, whilst Beyoncé brags about her smooth conditioned hair and vibrant colour whilst swinging her lengthy, blonde, weave, thinking how are they getting away with this? How is it that advertisers are able to produce advertisements where the results they promote are not actually featured in the presentation? Do all those women on the insanity ad really just tilt, tuck and tighten for an hour to get those washboard stomachs and would we have to know if there had been any surgical interventions? Is there a limit to what they can get away with? So why do you care Nic I hear you ask? stop hatin' and just accept that all is never as it seems I hear you say! (lol). But seriously is it fair to be sold a dream by advertisers, that isn't true? How often have you been tempted to purchase a product based on an advertisement and the results it promises to yield? Would you have bought it otherwise? Tweet @Nikki_Presenter and let me know what you think about advertising companies and whether you feel they violate the rules or if you believe the rules are made to be broken. And I want to hear from anyone that knows first-hand if Cillit Bang is actually as awesome as they say! #Tempted Either I'm turning into a fussy old lady or customer service in the UK is on the decline at an alarming rate. In the past year especially I have been appalled (yes appalled, maybe I am turning into an old fusspot- using words like that!), but even so it can't all be me!
Long gone are the days when customer service representatives are bothered if you request their name to report poor service to their superiors, with one telephonist actually refusing to give me her name, justifying it by some data protection waffle, which actually made no sense! Another refusing to get his manager before I told him what I wanted to say, and then once I complied, conveniently informed me that his manager was 'unavailable'. Hmmm...likely story! And it's not just on the phone, I recently bought something online from a world renowned website known for joining buyers with sellers all over the world, and despite the tracked receipt displaying another address and postcode, was informed by the company that in essence it was 'near enough!' and they were 'closing my dispute'. We have all been there, where we feel a great injustice combined with the feeling of absolute powerlessness, which is teeth gritting and fist clenchingly frustrating! But I'm afraid if you thought face to face purchasing would resolve this issue, I'm sorry to tell you, poor customer service is everywhere, generally where I shop apparently! I recently went into a shop and when I politely said "Excuse me" and attempted to ask a member of staff walking towards me, IN UNIFORM a question, he responded, "I'm on break" whilst continuing to walk straight past. I was flabbergasted! -Ok yes its official I am an old fuddy- duddy! So what is the reason why customer service in the UK is so shamefully poor? Whilst I accept that from personal experience it is considerably better outside of the Capital, this can't be the only excuse. Is it that there is no fear of retribution from employers anymore as their priorities are more narrowly focused on targets and profit margins and branding? Are employees just too overworked to care? Or so dissatisfied with the rewards of working hard for their employers and the corporate puppeteers, that they have lost the enjoyment and satisfaction in a job well done- if it ever existed? Or are all of these just cop outs? Afterall why is customer service so much better overseas?! I recently received a car accessory I had ordered from a company I had never used before. It arrived in a small package along with a note which read, " Thank you for your order, we hope you are pleased with your purchase, but if you should have any problems with your order please contact us before leaving negative or neutral feedback. Leaving neutral or negative feedback solves nothing. We can resolve all issues!" How passive aggressive is that?! I must say the note tickled me, but also lead me to think how much negative customer responses had they received? And what was wrong with neutral feedback?! It's not like they were a luxury spa resort or five star hotel? The item arrived and did what I wanted it to do- end of! Being the fair and balanced journalist that I am, it would be unfair not to also mention some very positive customer service interactions I've had. Mainly with a very popular mobile phone provider which evidently puts customer service at the forefront of everything they do, from their polite, accommodating attitude, friendly staff and the option of free online web chat with their customer service reps- I am a V happy customer! ;) Other acts of good customer service and kindness I have experienced are from employees working for retail companies where it is evident they have made the personal decision to go the extra mile for the customer. I've had a member of staff offer to help carry my purchases to my car free of charge, one ran after me when I absent mindedly left my purse behind at the checkout and another offered to go and physically check that the item I wanted was available whilst I waited on the phone to save me a wasted journey! Refreshing to say the least! And let's not forget, there are always two sides to every story, (except mine! lol) and I am sure that 'we'- the general public could be more polite customers at times, remembering our pleases and thank you's and always reporting good customer service to managers are all small things we can do that can go a long way into ensuring we are all doing our bit! Happy shopping! Summer could be deemed the most controversial season of all, for the potentially offensive fashion statements that are exhibited in public in the form of clothing or lack thereof. So never one to let my fashion-conscious readers down, I have compiled a list of "Fashion do's" and "Fashion don't evers!" It is important to remember that these fashion tips must be combined with the appropriate weather conditions and temperature, even if the summer ensemble is scoring at an all-time high on the 'hot to trot o-meter' if it's snowing outside it is nonetheless an epic fail, so be warmed- I mean warned!
I love the summer as much as the next guy in flip flops and hot pants, but I have to agree with my Ozzy friend who was shocked at the 'speedo- length' of guys shorts in the UK and assured me that men do not wear shorts above their hairy knees in Australia, which I can only see as a plus and another reason to visit the land down under. Don't get me wrong, I believe that sometimes shorts are necessary, but I think there are acceptable lengths for the lads and unless playing a high impact sport there really is no excuse for ones revealing more than toned calves. Ladies, you are also not off the hook and shorts that are cut shorter than their pockets are a straight up no no! That brings me on to my next pet peeve which is the combination of tights and shorts, if it’s hot enough to wear shorts, tights are not necessary and if you have to wear tights for another reason, perhaps longer shorts, called trousers would be a good trade? Harsh- but true. Yes girls to lovely floaty summer dresses, mini, maxi, there is a size and length to suit all. No to dungarees whether you are male or female unless you genuinely do work with livestock! Yes to espadrilles for the guys and a no to open toe sandals. Other no no's include jelly sandals (and socks- although jelly sandals is not great), no to guys in V-neck vests down to their navels and girls in see-through leggings that don't leave anything to the imagination, or that are so sheer you are drawn closer only to examine whether they are infact leggings at all or infact tights. No to aluminous t-shirts with matching sunglasses fellas, splashed with cheesy logos quoting slogans including the words Kavos, Malaga or Ibiza! Girls, yes to kimono's which are very versatile and can suit all shapes and sizes, yes to crop tops and high-waisted jeans- preferably together. No to skinny crop jeans for the guys and kitten heels and pointy shoes for the ladies- this isn't specific to summer, and should apply all year round! I hope this list has helped you navigate your way around your wardrobe and avoid any potential fashion faux-paus this summer. Now we just have to wait for the sun! Tweet me your fashion loves and past fashion lows or even better tag me in your worst pics on instagram @NIKKIPRESENTER I am officially inviting you to join me on my one-man mission on the war against jargon- well two man mission if you include John Humphry- BBC journalist, who was quoted as saying that jargon is, ' often used by people who are too stupid or too lazy to use language everyone can understand!'
The Oxford Dictionary describes jargon as, 'Special words or expressions used by a profession or group that are difficult for others to understand'- I would argue that 'others' is very often more than half of those engaging in any dialogue. Which further renders the question- What's it purpose if it fails it's function of being understood?! We are now living in a world of acronyms, emoticons and jargon, breeding a Ricky Gervais culture, which inevitably renders the question- Do we really understand what anyone is on about anymore!? How many times have you been in a text convo or more formal business meeting and been dumb-founded as to what the other person is going on about? Were you guilty of responding with the reliable and generic response of "Lol" as a substitute? And if you think I'm referring to communication just via the written word you are very much mistaken, people are now using the response verbally, to what I can only imagine is an anecdote or joke that was clearly not worthy of a genuine laugh out loud! So why is this so important to me? Genuinely because all laughs out loud aside, the overuse of jargon can infact be debilitating and alienating, often used as an elitist weapon (much like the playground language of 'ivagoo'!), which allows no clues for its accessibility or root meaning, with the expiration of the question, "What do you mean by that?" averaging as a brief 30 second window, before the opportunity for clarification is lost and gone forever. Resulting in the shameful task of conducting secretive Google searches on your mobile device under the boardroom table, whilst maintaining constant eye contact and making a valid contribution to the agenda item in question. I fear the biggest problem is that we have become so entrenched in this world of jargon, its use has become some kind of elitist weapon which tends to do more bad than good. Am I guilty of being a jargonite? I hear you ask yourself. If you have ever used the expressions, 'we need more synergy', or 'let's speak off-line', or 'how about some face time' or if you have ever said, 'how does that pan out in real-time?', I'm afraid according to Mark Zuckerberg philanthropist, you are infact guilty as charged! Whilst acronyms can be equally obstructive, I can only speak for myself when I say I am responsible enough to ensure that the use of acronyms is done in settings where comprehension is not problematic; ihyembdftsof! (I hope you enjoyed my blog, don't forget to share on Facebook!) -But of course you knew that didn't you! #WillTheRealDavidBrentPleaseStandUp! Like an unhealthy love affair, the sun makes a late appearance, unapologetic for his absence and in the confidence that his current presence is sufficient enough to warrant forgiveness for all that has happened whilst he neglected our needs and allowed us to endure the violent wind and relentless rain. While we were cold and longing for you where were you? we demand, arms crossed like a disgruntled lover to an unfaithful partner. We prayed you would come, but as always you took your time. We counted down the days, but you never arrived. And now like an unrepentant boyfriend you return with no explanation and no remorse. We want to curse you and tell you to go away but daren’t, in case you call our bluff and disappear for good. So like suckers in love we bask in your presence, accepting your temperamental terms, knowing you fickle tendencies and like a fool we convince ourselves to be grateful for the time we briefly share, before continuing the unproductive cycle of sitting by the window anxiously anticipating your return! Oh how I love you British Summer… xx
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