'Neets'

Very interesting article from The BBC:

'The Work Foundation says more than 450,000 Neets - youngsters not in education, employment or training - have never had a regular job... too many youngsters in this Neet category lack soft skills - such as "communication, team working and customer service" - to get a start in such jobs.'

I'm glad this issue has been brought to our attention, a wake up call at least:

'We know that if young people haven't got on to the first rung of the job ladder by 24, they will suffer the consequences for the rest of their lives'

I moved to London from Wales, and the people here 'work' a little quicker in the mind set- you could say. I'm sure it depends what working industry you're in and without trying to sound like a snob-there's a clear difference in attitude and pace. You have to be on the ball, think outside of the box and motivate yourself:

'"Many Neet young people face a Catch-22. They don't have the so-called 'soft skills' employers are looking for, but often the only opportunity to learn those skills is on the job," he said. '

For me personally, this is scary! Looking at the image below, areas common in 'Neet's' are those I've grown up in and where family and friends are situated. Sometimes I think I'm too harsh in how I think about these areas, but the evidence is there:

We can't assume people from these areas are of lesser intelligence, there are always circumstances which affect opportunities. Though, whether it's a question of mentality or a case of bad luck in trying to find something, I hope attitudes don't follow in the statistic footsteps. Encouragement must continue and opportunities are also created by ourselves.

My most uplifting moment

Two summers ago, I'd just moved back home after finishing university. I knew Neath was not my town.

One night, there was a comedy night at the local drudge rock pub called 'The Duke'. I was with my mum, step dad (though not married at the time) and step sis- I barely knew her then. It was a awkward relationship, similar to that feeling you get in a toilet room and being afraid of the sound of your own piss. Yes, we even had that moment when I lead her to the toilet in the interval.

The main act of the night was Pete Johansson. I think I had to drive mum home early because she just wasn't quite in the mood-  I think she was trying to adjust to Neath as well.

Most of the night, I can't it remember anymore. What stood out to me, were Pete's jokes, based around perspective and experiences he had had out in the desert. Presenting comedy to those fighting the war, one guy walked up to him afterwards and they went to shake hands. Though, the hand the audience member put forward didn't have a hand- he was still getting used to living with only one! I haven't told this story very well, but the perspective Pete shared was that even though these guys had fought through crap, they still laughed about it all!

The typical 'oh i'm so uplifted' title of this blog post is definitely not the most original sentence we have all heard- usually it's the kind for us all to roll our eyes at. You could say it was a memory of mine that cropped up in a moment when I wasn't feeling so great. Either way, I ended that night coming home, happy and with my family- as we crowded around a plate of white toast, butter and laughter.

Freedom - Goldie's latest

Proud to present Drum and Bass artist, Goldie's new music video 'Freedom', created by Burning Reel- 3 guys impassioned by ideas and versatility- something we all like to see when so many visions out there, become stuck in their ways.



Even if you don't like the song or video, just ravish in the fact Goldie got stung by several bees-strong commitment to plot development!

Beautiful beaches shot in West Wales, talented set designs made by Cod Steaks (Bristol) and some scenes shot around Central London.

The attitudes of Barry

Hilarious article. I shouldn't laugh, but when someone gets so violent over tomato ketchup-you have to wonder what was going on in their minds!