Placements

So that time has come...we've completed 8 weeks(!) of Catch and the time has certainly flown by. Our attentions have now been turned to our potential placements and given time to think about which ones to choose is difficult. My interests are diverse, but if i had to choose 3 partners it would have to be Bauer Media, Trinity Mirror PLC and Haymarket Media Groups.  Why? Well just continue reading..

Bauer Media

Under their umbrella they have a wide range of magazines, from sports to entertainment. Publications such as 'Q' would be ideal to have a possible placement with. Although the music may not be to my immediate taste, I would say that I am open minded and I'm always looking for new music and bands no matter what the genre is. I'd also consider FHM, it would be great to see how they put that magazine together. I know some people give it a lot of flack ts a lot but from what I've read it has some good features. Recent developments at Bauer dropping Big City Network shows their desire to expand and be readily able to compete with and beat their competitors. http://www.thedrum.co.uk/news/2011/04/14/20728-bauer-media-to-drop-big-city-network-brand/


Trinity Mirror PLC

I've been reading the Mirror for a number of years, it has the ability to deal with serious stories, quirky stories and has top notch sports coverage. I know the chances of me going on a placement there would be very slim as I would need an NCTJ to even be considered. If I did go there though, I'd like to work on the sports pages and news and possibly meet some columnists such as Brian Reade and Tony Parsons (as it goes, Parsons follows me on Twitter). Recent changes to the editorial team still makes the Mirror one of the front runners in mainstream print. Peter Willis takes over the post which shows Mirror's willingness to promote from within. Here's the link for more information http://www.trinitymirror.com/2010/11/peter-willis-appointed-deputy-editor-of-the-mirror.html


Haymarket Media Group

Another partner that interests me is Haymarket Media Group who publish the official Manchester United mag, Inside United, Four Four Two and Sky Sports magazine just to mention a few. Some of the publications have been nominated for the Periodical Publishers Associationfor magazine excellence with 11 magazines up for awards. http://www.haymarket.com/newsarticle.aspx?news=980


I'll add one more too because it was too hard to whittle it down. We had a talk from two writers from the Metro and what impressed me both about them was how passionate they were about their job. They appeared to be around the average age of the cohorts which made it easier to relate to them. The deadlines they worked to are different to a conventional paper, so it would be interesting to see how they worked things round and how they pick out what is newsworthy.

It's so hard to pick one that I would outright want to do. But to be honest, I'd be grateful for any chance that I would be given because a lot of people aren't even in the position that I'm in. The most likely would be at Bauer Media, working with 'Q' where I could hone and develop my knowledge of music just a bit further. If the Mirror wavered the NCTJ requirement I would jump at the chance to go down there.

Guilty as charged!

So I was trying to think of something interesting to blog, I want to keep this thing ticking over. Then I thought about my 'guilty pleasures'..everyone has them............right?  Whether it's something on television, eating habits, weird fetishes or songs you like when you shouldn't. most people these days are sucked into these shit programs on TV. The following shows in my (humble although superior) opinion are SHIT: Eastenders, Britain's got (no) Talent, X factor, any of those dancing programs, Hollyoaks, The Only way is Essex, anything with Jordan in it, most things on ITV 2 and any form of reality show. I admit to laughing till my sides hurt watching the 'actors' in Hollyoaks, but real talk, soaps do nothing for me at all.

Most of my family watch these shows which annoys me but it's cool, each to their own innit?! I like my sports, news, documentaries, movies; that's me ALL day long. But what I've noticed recently is that I've been sucked back into a show that I shouldn't watch. But I keep on watching. What is wrong with me?!?

I'm ready to admit that I still watch wrestling. Big ol' man like man like me and I still watch it! I know the results are predetermined but I can't help it. It's like class A's to a junkie I need my fix! Don't get it twisted..I don't get the pay-per-views or anything like that..but I try and watch Raw when I can. Maybe it's because The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin came back...I dunno what it is. The characters aren't even as good as they were back in the late 90's! That's when I used to watch it all the time but I lost interest when I discovered raves and girls when I was in college (lol). But still, should I be worried about my wrestling fetish on the weekends? If I get in a ruckus will I start doing suplexes, figure four leg locks and tombstones to gain an advantage? I'd love to but I'd probably hurt myself more than my them hahaha! Most guys still watch it but they just don't admit to it. I know that most started watching UFC/boxing when the chair shots to the head were banned and the PG rating came in. But as soon as a pay-per-view comes on everyone watches trust! 

WWE  seems to be improving, John Cena vs The Rock at Wrestlemania 28 will keep me interested for the next few months at least. The Miz has good mic skills, new signings to the roster, Sin Cara and Alberto Del Rio are good in the ring. Sure some of the legends are retiring and getting older but that's life...I think there are signs of it returning to it's late 90's pomp. Only time will tell. 

So there you have it, I still watch wrestling. I feel less ashamed now that I've blogged about it. That's my own guilty pleasure. You can judge me all you want, that's the only blot on my television viewing, everything else stimulates the mind...Honest!  I think I'll sign off with some 'sweet chin music' courtesy of Shawn Michaels on Triple H at the Royal Rumble.  Peace!

If Laura was to talk about Tesco sandwiches..

So I'm on a lunch break from Catch. my time here has been great so far.  It's so different from my town in Gloucester.  The people, the smells, the city, the tube. But I love it! Plus the added joys of freedom, I can't complain!

What sandwich should I have? I know I'm from Gloucester, but I can't stand cheese. Hmm..probably just chicken today I'll keep it simple. Then I'll go and meet with the others, chill out, take in what they say. Just because I don't say much doesn't mean I'm not interested, I just like to listen to people talk I guess...there's more to me but in time they'll see my true self.

30 seconds in the mind of..... Beth Williams

I took a little time out from my busy schedule and interviewed Beth Williams. Beth graduated in 2010 from Cambridge University having studied English Literature. Originally from Leicester, Beth now resides in Wood Green, working part time in a hotel whilst spending two days a week as a Catch 22 cohort.

1. What makes you happiest in your life?

Something I can be involved in that I can be proud of.

2. What is your greatest fear?

Loneliness and not achieving things I want to in my life.

3. If you could have any superpower what would it be?

I would be able to fly. I've always wanted to do that.

4. What was the most embarrassing  moment of your life?

Probably doing an internship at this festival, I had to look after the guys from top gear and I had no idea who the were!

5. Picture this, you're stranded on a luxury Island. What 3 possessions would you have with you?

I'd have a photo album, notebook (pen should be included!) and a coat in case I get a bit cold!

Beth said her favourite track now is the latest track from UK sensation Adele. She also said she's watched Cher Lloyd's video too many times but still finds it hilarious. 
Do you want to know more about Beth? Follow her on twitter.com/beth_uk

www.moneysavingexpert.com

It Was Written..good things come to those who write!

My Journey to Catch 22 

January 2011 brought in a new year and a new focus for me. The past year had been pretty bad on the work front, rejection and despair being a common theme. I knew I needed something to happen this year. It had to change. It was luck more than anything that allowed me to apply for Catch 22. I saw a random tweet about it and applied on a whim, not expecting to get a response. I got interviewed and met some of the team, saw the workplace and got a flavour of what Catch was about. Everything impressed me, from the team, to the opportunities available, to the journalists who were helping out and the chance to meet some like minded people.

The first day was a typical first day. The feeling of nerves and excitement all rolled into one. I had no idea what to expect or what to do but it was cool. Plus, the night before I went to the Chelsea vs Man United game. It wasn't wise staying there till the early hours with some of my dad's friends but they literally wouldn't let me go! But I pulled through the induction day...just!

The first proper day was just awkward as the induction but naturally over time people opened up. There are all sorts of characters here, from the really quiet and laid back, to the more outspoken and funny. I think that's what makes this place so great: everyone is so different. I'm the more of the quiet type but I've opened up in the last few weeks, caught some jokes and that sort of thing. My time here so far has been dope and I really can't believe we're half way through this, but time flies when you're having fun.....learning. (yes, learning can be fun shock horror!).

Then there's the tutors. They're hard task masters, but you know what it's good. It's quite funny when I come up with what I think is a sick idea then Matilda does the 'but where/why are we doing this feature?!' line, leaving me umming trying to convince her. I failed to convince her today but otherwise I've got better at picking up ideas and spinning them... Then there's Simmy, he's cool too and is always on hand to offer advice. He made music back in the day, he really needs to show us some more! Mike is laid back and has the dry wit that has people in stitches (that buffalo exercise was JOKES). Toks, reminds me of Paulie from Goodfellas. He doesn't raise his voice or nothing like that but he's just straight to the point. Yes/no, bish bash bosh. Hopefully none of us get whacked in the coming weeks. I haven't had Kate but she was savvy when we had the interview, it would be nice to have her for a session. All in all Catch 22 has been sick,  I'm currently working on my feature. Aah yes, you want to know about it don't you? Well watch this space..... good things come to those who write!