how will today’s kids and graduates get jobs?!?

I was googling a journalist’s name the other day to find some biography information for a briefing note I was writing and quite a few web sites came up when I googled this particular name, one of which was Bebo and this is what popped up…

http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=4305281824

H’appnin .
am here doinn my own page (: .
my names clearly up theree ill no say it agen , i stay in a wee town calld dalry .
i am getting an education at garnock academy , atm am in 3rd yeer .
GUYS am single , offers in .
yess i have msn , just ask , i dont bite .
thats all thats being sed (: !

catchh .

I’m sure you’re aware that Bebo is the youngster’s version of Facebook and acts more as a site where youngsters can chat and post pictures etc. so I was shocked to see the following conversation (I have removed the names because I’m sure these little slappers will be ashamed, if not pregnant, by the time they are applying for jobs!)…

 658 I’m doing a free show on my webcam, you should come watch me http://webcam-hott…. or copy and paste webcam-hot…

12 weeks ago via Mobile

330 I was just viewing your profile and I really enjoyed it. I’m inviting you to come watch my webcam at http://realgirlsonlinenow.com?99dgS=… or Copy and Paste RealGirlsOnlineNow.com MY CAM USER NAME IS kandysosweet look forward to chatting with you. 846 fu

14 weeks ago via Mobile

hey love how are you doing cutie, i was just thinking of you and wanted to get on cam and all, hit me up on msn my names selmapufy@hotmail.com byez

14 weeks ago via Mobile

Hey!!!!!

howa u??

Wit ya bin up2??

smell ya later!!
xxxx
lol

have luv

14 weeks ago

sup there Have you heard of this new site, its like bebo, but WAAAAAAY naughtier! Check it out just copy/paste this link! free-sexy-cam.com oxox MuAh xoxo

22 weeks ago via Mobile

ayo Check out this link to pimp out your profiles hehe! Copy this link to check it out sick-offer.com bye

23 weeks ago via Mobile

chill Ben This hot chick with huge tits is showing on cam! Hit up jane83hottie@live.com on msn messenger before she gets off. Shes crazy!

25 weeks ago via Mobile

Whats Up I was looking at your profile and i think you’re cute as hell. come check me out on webcam for free, my names gina21fl www.access-cams.com xoxo

26 weeks ago via Mobile

sup boy Check out this site, its soooooooo much better than bebo muuch much naughtier! www.tuckpill.com muah

I am utterly appalled, shocked and ashamed of these people who are really only a few years younger than me!! Not only do they try to make themselves look more stupid than I hope they are with their absolute lack of knowledge (bollocks to exams being harder for kids nowadays, it’s blatantly not working so I think we should keep them in school longer if they don’t come up to scratch at 18) I’m so tired of coming across recent graduates and kids that have no idea how to put a simple sentence together and seem to take no pride in representing themselves as intelligent, they think they know it all and yet they know very little.

The second most appalling and vile thing on the planet is that these kids are such sluts I’d be embarrassed to be any of their parents. But then perhaps that is the most worrying thing… parents are taking no interest in their children doing well at school, being polite and respecting adults.

I’m not saying I’m perfect but I at least take pride in my writing and try to make sure my grammar and spelling is correct, I always respect my seniors even if I feel they are wrong. I’ve found in my experience that they don’t get very far either.  I don’t ever want anyone to google my name and find a list of reasons NOT to employ me.

If kids keep talking as though they are slightly thick or have some sort of speech impediment “yeah but no but innit bruv” their young and very VERY naive brains start to think this is how all human’s communicate and so they begin to write the way they speak… i.e. ‘Shud ov’ instead of ‘should have’, ‘agen’ instead of ‘again’. How on earth will they last a single day in an office where managers and employers will be scrutinising their language skills?

Any potential employer will automatically look on Facebook, Bebo, Myspace etc. for more information on a potential candidate for a job. Again kids, you’re really not doing yourself any favours by talking like an idiot and making yourself look thick by writing absolute crap on your profile… such great conversationalists!! The fact that kids are supposed to be our future makes me think the future is very bleak.

Today’s students are terrible communicators, they are unable to hold an intellectual argument especially when asked a common question like ‘why are we in a global economic crisis?’ many will only give a couple of one sentence answers. A decent response would include examining all points of view and ascribing blame proportionately. Students need to be able to examine the issue from all angles and our education system is letting them down by over simplifying their options for answers in exams, so after giving a one sentence answer, they think they have answered the whole question.

It is going to be harder and harder for up and coming graduates to get jobs as industries are changing drastically at the moment. Graduates need to put the work in now to ensure a decent living and career. I think schools have missed the point over the years as they have moved away from pushing the 3 Rs and encouraged creativity. Well look at what you have created! These  creative kids will soon be adults, at least we know we don’t have competition from the new graduates for our jobs as they certainly don’t have the basic skills I had when I left school.

The majority of today’s students have grown up in an era of economic prosperity, educational opportunities and technological innovation. Something they haven’t seen yet is a full-blown recession. I really don’t think today’s kids will shape up to their first major challenge very well at all… they’re spoilt and won’t know how to deal with being told they can’t have certain things.

In July this year the Association of Graduate Recruiters exppected an 11% increase in job vacancies. At the time, this was qute a  modest prediction: vacancies in 2007 had grown by 16%, and similar levels of growth were expected in 2008. Then recession started to set in with the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September making 11% look suddenly optimistic.

The main problem is that the majority of the graduate job market dependes on jobs in financial services. At the beginning of 2008, the top 100 graduate recruiters advertised 19,956 vacancies, 46% of which were in finance jobs. Between 2003 and 2008, graduate vacancies in accountancy grew by 80% and jobs in City investment banks grew by 100%.

Now for the first time since 2003, the number of total vacancies advertised by the top 100 recruiters is lower than recorded in the previous year. Even vacancies in accountancy are down by 3%.

“Recession” is not something many students know much about, if anything, apart from those studying economics. This has to change. Recent research of students has found that around a quarter were concerned that the downturn might have a negative impact on the value of their qualifications, and 16% said the current economic conditions made them more likely to consider a postgraduate course. However these responses were the minority because most were confident that the credit crunch would have no impact on the value of their qualifications and 17% believed the downturn would enhance the value of their qualification!!!

This is very wishful thinking because students don’t seem to understand the implications of a recession.

“I see some evidence of naivety among students,” says Nick Keely, director of the careers service at the University of Newcastle. “Some are still fully expecting to secure roles in investment banks or in property. Some don’t really seem to have cottoned on to the fact that the crunch is affecting some sectors very hard.” Keely believes that students need to be aware that in a downturn, employers expect more from applicants.

I also think that the anger and frustration kids feel today towards adults is because they cannot communicate their feelings, ideas and emotions and so the frustration just gets worse to the point they lash out at society. They seem to think that being intelligent is not ‘cool’ and yet they think they know everything and that adults are out of touch. Today’s kids will find themselves struggling in later life when they realise they need the skills their teachers were trying to teach them. It is not difficult to sit quietly in a lesson and try to understand what you’re being told… it’s so easy and  someone else is doing all the work for you by telling you what you’re going to need to know!!

The youth of today still seem to think the world owes them a living and that if they have a degree they can walk straight into a £25k salary job! I’m aware that I have to work twice as hard right now just to stand still and hang on to my job, if I lost my job then I’d have to work ten times as hard to convince an employer who’s feeling the pinch that I’m worth every penny. Graduates don’t seem to grasp the fact their lack of experience gives them very little leverage in interviews and they’re too risky to invest in.

I have been googling a lot recently to try to find out how people are starting to feel about graduates at the moment and the general consensus seems to be that parents need to take more pride and interested in their children’s education and personal lives, over mollycoddling and pandering to their whims and fancies, WILL shape their character to the point they have no inclination of the need to be independent or self sufficient… ‘I’ll just do another course at Uni  till I decide what to do with my life!’ attitude.

Some students go for long holidays after their graduation, which is fair enough, however now that they have the option for grants they don’t have to worry about paying large amounts of debt back which is worrying as they have no idea how to handle their finances. The old attitude when I was at Uni, was if you wanted a holiday after graduation you would work for at least a year to save up before hand and when we studied, we took out a student loan which we are now paying back while we’re working.

This spoilt brat attitude of ‘I’ll do whatever I want, the government will pay for it and the education system will ensure I know enough to get a job when I feel like it’ generally means today’s students have poor character/ability to assume responsibility, respect for corporate culture, ability to apply themselves well, ability and willingness to learn and general people skills.

Degrees nowadays only prove that you can read and write. What most employers are looking for is experience and the ability to think on your feet. They need problem solvers, doers, people that take the initiative, speak up at the right time and get the job done by hook or crook.

So Kids, grow up and pay attention at school, who gives a shit what your chavvy school mates think of how cool you are, how you dress, how far you got with a girl/boy behind the bike shed because you probably won’t be in touch with them when you’re 30. The only thing you can rely on in your life is yourself and if you can’t get a decent job to provide the lifestyle you think you’re entitled to then you’re going to be very vERY dissappointed with yourself. School, College and University is a very short part of your life and it can be very fun as long as you understand that if you just pay attention from day one then it shouldn’t be very difficult to do well at Uni and move on to a decent career where you can work hard and appreciate the benefits of your education and hard work.

I feel old all of a sudden.

I’m only 25 and I’m still at the start of my career really but if I hadn’t been whipped into shape by my first job where I was brought down a peg or two and shown that my hard work and respect for my seniors meant my work would become more enjoyable, managers did notice when I worked well, then I wouldn’t be feeling the benefits of that experience now. I really do feel like I have a bit more of an edge on today’s graduates because I had to work very VERY hard at my first job to prove I could do it, It’s tough at first because you feel like everyone is just being mean and offloading all the crap jobs onto you but believe me after a few years it starts to pay off.

Right I’ll stop rantinig now!

How to Make the Perfect Cup of Tea

The perfect cup of tea…

I have noticed over the years that I can definitely taste the difference as to whether the milk has been put in my cup of tea before the water or after and I believe you can’t beat Yorkshire tea!

Many people don’t really care how their tea comes and then others can be quite specific for scientific sounding reasons. In my hunt for the perfect cup of tea I’ve found a scientist that has created a formula for the perfect temperature, infusion and imbibation (apparently!) and of course when to put the milk in.

There are apparently 11 steps in making the perfect cup of tea according to George Orwell who also said that tea – one of the “mainstays of civilisation” – is ruined by sweetening and that anyone flouting his diktat on shunning the sugar bowl could not be called “a true tealover”.

GEORGE ORWELL’S (adapted) TEA RULES:

1. Use tea from India, Yorkshire or Ceylon (Sri Lanka), not China… or Tetley!!!

2. Use a teapot, preferably ceramic or a giant Cath Kidson mug (makes about the same amount of tea)

3. Warm the pot over direct heat, or use a kettle so the water stays hot for longer

4. Tea should be strong – six spoons of leaves per 1 litre – the colour of

5. Let the leaves move around the pot – no bags or strainers unless its a Yorkshire tea bag- the larger bag allows the leaves to move around.

6. Take the pot to the boiling kettle

7. Stir or shake the pot

8. Drink out of a tall, mug-shaped tea cup (again a giant Cath Kidson mug is just about perfect)

9. Don’t add creamy milk, use semi skimmed for the perfect taste, skimmed is just white water.

10. Add milk to the tea, not vice versa when making a pot of tea. When making a cup add the milk first so you get a perfectly smooth and strong liquid.

11. No sugar! Ergh!

However the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has decided to look at this 11-point formula – and disagree with quite a few of the “golden” rules.

Dr Andrew Stapley, a chemical engineer at Loughborough University, found that Orwell’s six-spoons of tea per pot is very extravagant especially when the author set down this rule during post-war rationing. It is still far too strong today with recession looming the RSC advises a single spoon of leaves.

As for adding milk to the tea after it is poured, the RSC issues a stern scientific warning against the practice. It seems that dribbling a stream of milk into hot water makes “denaturation of milk proteins” (Denaturation (food) is the intentional adulteration of food or drink rendering it unfit for consumption while remaining suitable for other uses)

“At high temperatures, milk proteins – which are normally all curled up foetus-like – begin to unfold and link together in clumps. This is what happens in UHT [ultra heat-treated] milk, and is why it doesn’t taste as good a fresh milk,” says Dr Stapley.

It is better to have the chilled milk massed at the bottom of the cup, awaiting the stream of hot tea. This allows the milk to cool the tea, rather than the tea ruinously raise the temperature of the milk.

Scientists seem to like the idea of adding sugar to tea, they say it “acts to moderate the natural astringency of tea” – which translated into unscientific terms means that it makes tea… wait for it, less bitter. I still disagree though, there is no need for sugar or sweetener in something that is already so perfect.

Over ten million cups of Yorkshire Tea are drunk every single day, I feel Yorkshire tea beats all others, it is a fantastically strong tea with richness of flavour and always makes me feel happy, cosey and safe… everything seems ok when you’ve got a cup of Yorkshire tea

Thought for the day

I have been watching a fantastic film called “Into the Wild” and it made me think….

why is it, that just because we have worked so hard for something throughout our lives, through education and careers, that we think what we have ‘achieved’ means so much and has so much weight in who we are??

I think that only when we have lost/ given up/ walked away from everything we have ever worked for, and followed the rat race of society into believing is what we need, do we actually realise that having nothing gives us everything we ever wanted….

the freedom to appreciate our own state of mind, to develop our own unadulterated opinions (not following what your peers dictate is right) to understand exactly what sort of person we are and to re-evaluate what we want out of life.

I guess I’m saying that if I lost everything right now it wouldn’t be so bad… as long as I had clarity of mind I could appreciate the opportunity I was given and use it to its full advantage. Sometimes I think that wealth of money and education blinds us and drags us into a life where we are terrified of loosing and taking risks.

I liking having the freedom of not being tied into anything and knowing that where I am right now was my choice.

Hawkerette

xxxxx

beauty bollocks!

How does everyone feel about the fact a senior person at Estee Lauder sold tens of thousands of their shares just before the Dispatches program started tonight?! says a lot I think because they are taking the mick out of people and should give the money they stole through false advertising to Burma!!!!

a very very VERY cross Hawky (I can’t believe its legal really??)

xx

Best fake tans I have used

Hi there,

I’m sorry its taken me so long to get around to writing my list of recommendations but here it is:

Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Quick Self Tanning Gel- I loved this, if you want a tan that is minimum effort, natural looking and doesn’t go blotchy or orange anywhere this is the one. The Gel is so easy to rub in and doesn’t feel sticky or slimy, the gel absorbs instantly with a cool sensation and gives a deep, even glowing bronze colour. I found this tan works perfectly on its own and wears off evenly without going patchy. it looks fantastic with one layer for a very natural glow and also works well when you build up a deeper colour with more layers. gold star for Shiseido because its so easy to just throw on quickly and not have to worry about horrible mistakes the next morning.

Loreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Fresh Feel Gel- this is almost as good as the Shiseido gel (for £8 you really cant complain because that makes it perfect), its a little more greasy but certainly not in a bad way because the next day after washing your skin feels very soft. It apparently has a smoothing effect for an even and natural looking tan. I found this tan works great on its own or mixes with a daily tanning moisturiser for more regular use. big thumbs up from me. (however I feel very strongly about Loreal’s false advertising and would only recomend it for the colour it gives I don’t believe a word of the smoothing effect rubbish a good tan comes from good application)

Garnier Ambre Solaire Express Bronzer Self-Tanning Spray

this tan dries very quickly and can be a little too dry. I found again mixing this with a Garnier daily tan it became the perfect colour and wasn’t too greasy. This tan gives a beautiful colour in one application and wears off relatively even, with a little exfoliation where needed.

Fake Bake Self Tanning Lotion – this is the super most bestest fake tan in the world!! this cream product comes out blacky brown initially so can look a little scary at first, again I sometimes mix this with a daily taning moisturiser so that it is easier to apply. The colour comes out olive as opposed to orange the next day and is perfectly even. The tan has a lovely Aloe Vera smell and the next day washes off to leave you looking glowing and naturally gorgeous!! I love it I couldn’t fault it any way. This tan even works to give you a little colour during the day if you needed to top up your tan for a special event, you can apply and go!

Ten gold stars and two thumbs up from me especially because you can buy three bottles for £40 at www.hometanning.co.uk Brilliant!

On final tip, if you make any mistakes while tanning Veet hair removal cream is a godsend, it takes fake tan clean off a day or two after application and hides mistakes the very next day if needs be! I discovered this vital piece of information after spending hours fake tanning for a super important date with my lovely boyfirend and then used hair removal cream on my legs the next day hoping to achieve silky smooth pins with a golden glow…. no such luck! my beautiful tan wiped away along with the cream!

Hawkerette xx

What is the difference between Carbon and CO2????

I have noticed recently quite a few people asking what the difference is between Carbon and CO2. With all this talk of Carbon footprints and reducing CO2 emissions what is it we are supposed to be reducing??

So the definition of Carbon is that it is a chemical element with the symbol C and atomic number 6. It is a group 14, nonmetallic, tetravalent element, that has several allotropic forms, the best known ones are graphite, diamond, and amorphous carbon. Carbon is one of the few elements known to man since antiquity.

It is the 4th most abundant element in the universe by mass after hydrogen, helium, and oxygen. It is ubiquitous in all known lifeforms, and in the human body it is the second most abundant element by mass (about 18.5%) after oxygen. This abundance, together with the unique diversity of organic compounds and their unusual polymer-forming ability at the temperatures commonly encountered on Earth, make this element the chemical basis of all known life.

So CO2 is Carbon dioxide and it’s a chemical compound composed of two oxygen atoms covalently bonded to a single carbon atom. It is a gas at standard temperature and pressure and exists in Earth’s atmosphere in this state. It is currently at a globally averaged concentration of approximately 383 ppm by volume in the Earth’s atmosphere,[1] although this varies both by location and time. Carbon dioxide is an important greenhouse gas because it transmits visible light but absorbs strongly in the infrared.

Carbon dioxide is produced by all animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms during respiration and is used by plants during photosynthesis to make sugars which may either be consumed again in respiration or used as the raw material for plant growth. It is, therefore, a major component of the carbon cycle. Carbon dioxide is generated as a byproduct of the combustion of fossil fuels or vegetable matter, among other chemical processes. Inorganic carbon dioxide is output by volcanoes and other geothermal processes such as hot springs.

Carbon dioxide has no liquid state at pressures below 5.1 atm, but is a solid at temperatures below -78 °C. In its solid state, carbon dioxide is commonly called dry ice.
The term ‘carbon’ is often used as shorthand for carbon dioxide (CO2), as in ‘carbon debt’. However, this isn’t just about carbon dioxide. When we talk about clearing carbon, we actually refer to six key pollutants, collectively referred to as ‘greenhouse gases’ (GHG’s):

• carbon dioxide
• methane
• nitrous oxide
• hydrofluorocarbons
• perfluorocarbons
• sulphur hexafluoride

The main GHG is Carbon Dioxide, so to keep things simple, scientists talk about these gases in terms of tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq), so that we can compare apples with apples. So, you’re really supporting the cleansing of all six main greenhouse gases, not just carbon dioxide. Our calculators work out the quantity of greenhouse gases, and express them in the figure of tonnes of CO2. Our projects also reduce emissions of greenhouse gases other than CO2, and convert these to carbon dioxide equivalents.

Under terrestrial conditions, conversion of one element to another is very rare. Therefore, the amount of carbon on Earth is effectively constant. Thus, processes that use carbon must obtain it somewhere and dispose of it somewhere else. The paths that carbon follows in the environment make up the carbon cycle. For example, plants draw carbon dioxide out of their environment and use it to build biomass, as in carbon respiration or the Calvin cycle, a process of carbon fixation. Some of this biomass is eaten by animals, whereas some carbon is exhaled by animals as carbon dioxide. The carbon cycle is considerably more complicated than this short loop; for example, some carbon dioxide is dissolved in the oceans; dead plant or animal matter may become petroleum or coal, which can burn with the release of carbon, should bacteria not consume it.

well then I hope that clears a few things up, in a sense I feel its pointless to try and change the way the planet works because according to Dr Iain Stuart, we should be worrying more about saving ourselves than the planet!!

Hawkerette x

Loch Fyne Henley on Thames

Just a quick one today…

I thought I’d write about my visit to Loch Fyne in Henley on Thames last summer with my parents and boyfriend… I have to say it was only memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Firstly the front of house staff that are supposed to ask if you need a table or not, seemed to just ignore us as they didn’t know what to ask. We dedcided to order a drink while we were waiting for the staff to figure out what to do when a potential customer enters the restaurant. After mentioning to the very friendly and welcoming bar tender that we did want to eat in the restaurant he gave us menues and suggested we sit outside with our drinks while we waited for a table. Very good idea.

it was lovely sitting in the square on a summer evening with a glass of wine and the people I love, however the company was the only decent part of the evening.

Once we were seated at our table in a very bright unfriendly and unsophistocated restaurant (more like a school dinning hall) we waited a good 20mins before our order was taken. I didn’t appreciate the fact that the dining area was empty yet they still sat us as close to the one and only family that was in the dining area where our relaxed mood was spoiled by a young family with screaming children. They seemed to shout every comment they made even though they were sitting so close to eachother!! grrrr

When our food finally arrived it was blatantly reheated in a microwave as the soup was too hot and the sauces were developing skins on the top. the food was tasteless and not at all fresh. How could they keep fresh food in when they only had two sittings at the most popular time of night!! I can’t say I enjoyed any of the food, in fact I would have rather had a McDonnalds because at least then I could justify feeling sick and robbed afterwards!!

I would only recomend Loch Fyne to someone I didn’t like and I fet sorry for the staff that hadn’t been trained enough to know how to deal with customers!!!

-2 out of 10 for Loch Fyne in Henley on Thames – Green Olive wiped the floor with them!!!

Hawky xx 

TANgo Fantastic

Hi there,

I thought I’d discuss a few little tips I have on the fantastic world of fake tanning. As people become more aware of the long term damage sun tanning can do, the fake tan market has boomed!! I have to admit I’ve been a fan for the past 10 years as I am very fair and do not change colour at all in the sun. In fact Im so white I reflect all the light on to anyone around me. I’m lucky if I get a few freckles, but heres to looking 30 when I am 30 and not 60 when I’m 30 because I’ve frazzled in the sun for far too long!!

Fake tanning is easy if you do your homework first and the first time you use a fake tan you WILL make mistakes so try to practice when you won’t be seen for a while.

Magazines, adverts and companies that say “our fake tan doesn’t have the horrible smell others do” or “our fake tan won’t make you go orange” are lieing.

so what is fake tan??

The most effective products available are sunless tanning or self tanning lotions that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient this is what gives all fake tans that distinctive biscuity smell and colour. The tan is not a dye (as I used to believe), stain or paint, but a chemical reaction between the DHA and the amino acids in the dead layer on the skin surface (thus the need to exfoliate first to ensure a long lasting tan). It does not involve skin pigmentation nor does it need UV exposure to initiate the color change. The reaction is non-toxic and skin safe, without the damage you would have from sun exposure.

The tan is temporary and will fade gradually over 3 to 5 days. Some products use Erythrulose which is a tetrose carbohydrate and if you find you have a bad reaction to the DHA based tans this may be a better option for you.

It has one ketone group and so is part of the ketose family. Erythrulose is a natural based keto-sugar, which also reacts with the amino acids in the keratin protein on the outer or dead surface layer of the skin. This non-toxic reaction produces a temporary browning effect. This too is not a stain or dye, but a chemical reaction that produces a color change on all treated skin so be careful where you touch and drip the tan!!

combined with the DHA. Erythrulose works identically to DHA on the skin surface, but develops more slowly. The two chemicals used together may produce a longer lasting sunless tan. So if you remeber check the ingredients on the back of your fake tan to give you an idea of what result you will get.

I do believe that there are fake tans that tend not to make you smell or go orange so much…. however you will never be able to remove these factors… ever!

Whats the best way to apply fake tan?

Firstly, invest in a pack of plastic gloves, the best I found were Marigold beauty gloves that were sold in Sainsburys, however I haven’t seen them since so if anyone knows if they’re still available please let me know!!! if you can’t find the Marigold gloves then try www.hometanning.co.uk 

Secondly exfoliate and moisturise before you put fake tan anywhere near your body!!

 what are the problem areas?

Arms and face ususally absorb tan VERY easilly and a particularly dangerous spot is just in the crease between your arm and chest. This area is usually dry due to deodorants so be very careful not to put too much here. I’ve found that if you completely miss this little patch of skin it goes unnoticed as you would never catch the sun under your arm anyway… so a slightly more reallistick look than Tangoed arm pits!!

Secondly elbows, I find the best tactic here is to tan as usual and only if possible rub less fake tan on the area, then once you’ve finished the rest of your body add a tiny peasized amount of moisturiser to your elbows and rub in genlty whilst blending into the surrounding areas.

Another problem area is the wrists, I’m not sure why but it may be because wearing gloves means that the tan you put on your arms will overlap with the tan you put on the backs of your hands, but don’t worry there is a solution – again, once you have finished tanning your whole body including the backs of your hands, add an almond sized dollop of moisturiser in the palm of your hand and rub in as you would a hand cream ensuring to blend into your wrists and lower arms.

The last problem areas will be your knees and feet so ensure to moisturise before tanning and rub less tan over your feet than on your legs to be on the safe side. Even if your feet end up paler than your legs it will still look more convincing as you wear shoes in the summer so your feet will be lighter.

a final word of warning…

NEVER go for the cheaper option and NEVER use any tan that says it contains glitter or shimmer of any kind as these clump up when you try to rub them in. I would say the worst offender here is St Tropez Shimmer Bronzing Mist!!

 I have tried so many fake tans over the years so look out for my list of recomendations

 heres to your sunkissed glow in no time!!!

Thought for the Day

Hi there,

something interesting caught my eye at work today. A little while ago there was a program (not sure if it was the news or dispatches) about Second Life and how there were now secret areas in this site where pedophiles could go and find child characters who would perform very disturbing actions for the pedophile characters. I was so shocked by this as I understood Second Life to be a game and a great place where people could create their dream lifestyle.

I found myself feeling very confused however because a spokesperson for Second Life had said this “world” was created by its members and there were very few rules as to what characters could do in this fantasy world. It now seems that today Second Life have the power to ban banks??

Linden Lab, the creator of Second Life, said it had been forced to intervene after receiving complaints about a string of dodgy in-world financial offerings that promised unfeasibly high interest rates for investors.

In a post on its blog (http://blog.secondlife.com/2008/01/08/new-policy-regarding-in-world-banks/) it said the schemes, if left unchecked, posed “unique and substantial risks” to the financial health of the much-hyped community:

“As of January 22, 2008 we will begin removing any virtual ATMs or other objects that facilitate the operation or facilitation of in-world “banking,” i.e., the offering of interest or a rate of return on L$ invested or deposited.”

Linden Lab has always said it would limit its role in policing members’ activity in Second Life, however they have already banned gambling and said it had no “workable alternative” other than to step into the banking arena.

It said it had received complaints about several in-world ‘banks’ that ended up leaving depositors with nothing to show for their investments, the most high profile of which was Ginko Financial, which declared itself insolvent last August.

Linden Lab added:

“As these activities grow, they become more likely to lead to destabilization of the virtual economy. At least as important, the legal and regulatory framework of these non-chartered, unregistered banks is unclear.”

Apparently Second Life banks are now being hit by a run on their funds as residents seek to withdraw their cash before the ban comes into force.

My problem with this news is that it seems Linden Lab pick and choose when they want to step in and I feel the pedophile case would be a perfect example. surely these “secret areas” can be banned or removed somehow? even undercover characters could be monitoring who is consistantly visiting these areas of the site and monitor their behavior?

I worry because I was quite intereseted in Second Life and even considered joining just to have a look, whereas now I daren’t because I feel like its unsafe and there are too many unknown threats and problems lurking in this virtual world that I wouldn’t like to bump into by accident.

The second problem is that perhaps allowing pedophiles to “satisfy” themselves virtually may eliminate the real problem of pedophiles.

This issue is making my brain hurt because I feel that there should never be a situation where anyone is scared of a game whether it is virtual or real.

Welcome to Hawksfield’s Hypothesis

Hi there,

Welcome to my blog, I decided to start this because I think it is a great tool for everyone to discuss current issues and simple little things that may catch my attention now and again.

I’m not going to try and sound interesting or even pretend I’m some highly intelligent person, however I’d like to be able to discuss anything and everything on this blog… from the best beauty products and fashion to political issues and the economy etc.

Let me introduce myself, I am Laura Hawksfield (no middle name I’m afraid) I am 24 and currently working in technical PR.  I grew up in Yarm near Teesside and eventually moved to London to go to University. I can’t say I enjoyed University at all however I am very glad I made the decision to move so far from home as I have had some wonderful opportunities and finally met the man of my dreams. I worked in fashion and beauty PR for about 4 years in London and then made the decision to at least try other areas in PR before settling into my career.

I am now living in Henley on Thames and loving the beautiful little town, especially in the summer when we tend to have picnics and drink copious amounts of wine by the river! can’t wait! the grey skies are starting to make me miserable right now.

so any way, I appologise if this blog seems boring right now, but its all new to me and I’m not quite sure how to use all the features yet. I promis I’ll get there soon though. In the mean time please feel free to have a nose, comment and even advise me if you feel like it.

have a super day

Laura