2012 - A year in review - The Olympics & Paralympics

By Simon Wright

The Olympics were everything and more in London

This year has been the greatest sporting year in history and it has been a real privilege to watch it all unfold over the past 12 months.

We were introduced to plenty of new heroes, some of the most sensational finishes you could ask for, the giant-killing surprises and pure emotion. 

The main event has been the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games, and here is my review of the spectacular events.

The Olympics totally delivers

Could debt-ridden Britain afford the Olympic Games?  Probably not but it was certainly worth it.  Team GB’s success on the track, in the velodrome and rowing amongst others went down in folklore. 

In total, we won 29 gold medals and finished a magnificent third in the medal table, only behind the world superpowers of the United States and China.

After the Beijing brilliance of 2008, there was scepticism before the games began, most notably when it emerged less than two weeks before the show, there had been a real muddle over security measures.  The brilliant military had to step in and did the job impeccably. 

The Olympic Torch Relay dismissed many of these fears though, and Danny Boyle’s opening ceremony was a joy to watch.  London showed itself to the world, full of colour, tradition and modernity.

Having Mr Bean in the opening ceremony was a brilliant idea

From the Queen and James Bond to Mr. Bean, some people might have wondered if Britain was totally bonkers.  However, we did it and in our own unique way possible.

When the action began, it started slowly for Team GB.  There were no gold medals in the first four days of competition. 

Lizzie Armitstead got silver in the women’s cycling road race and there was a historic bronze in the men’s team gymnastics final, but there was concern, particularly with the form of our swimmers.

It was at Eton Dorney when the gold rush finally kicked off on day five.  Heather Stanning and Helen Glover delivered gold in the coxless pairs and from there on, we didn’t look back.

Bradley Wiggins followed a few hours later, with a dominant victory in the men’s cycling time trial.  The next day, the British achieved gold and silver in a dramatic men’s canoe slalom final and minutes later, there was an emotional and unexpected gold medal for Peter Wilson in the Men’s Double Trap Shooting.

Wilson had his funding cut after Beijing, and it was the backing of a rich Arab Sheikh that saw him realise his dream.  Realising dreams also was Gemma Gibbons, who collected a popular silver medal in the judo, then left us with one of the most iconic pictures of the games. She pointed to the sky, saying ‘I love you Mum,’ in memory of her mother, who passed away eight years ago.

Team GB’s women’s footballers improved the profile of their game.  70,000 saw Hope Powell’s side beat Brazil at Wembley Stadium, with Steph Houghton becoming an overnight sensation, scoring in all three group games.  Quarter-final heartbreak would follow against Canada but they credited themselves magnificently.

The gold rush continues

The gold medals continued.  Katherine Grainger finally reached the pinnacle when she doubled up with Anna Watkins to win the Women’s Double Sculls at Eton Dorney – after three successive and agonising silver medals.

Andy Murray was too good for Roger Federer in the men's singles

Andy Murray dismantled Roger Federer in the Men’s Singles Final at Wimbledon, losing just seven games at SW19, writing the wrongs of his painful Wimbledon loss less than a month earlier.

Ben Ainslie became the most successful sailor in Olympic history, as he won his fourth gold medal at Weymouth, and Welsh teenage kicking sensation Jade Jones became Olympic champion in Taekwondo.

Of course, there were disappointments along the way.  Smart tactics from the rest of the field meant Mark Cavendish’s dreams of winning a medal disappeared in the men’s cycling road race.

The swimming team were a major letdown.  Michael Jamieson did get silver and there was double bronze for Beijing golden girl Rebecca Adlington, but targets were not met at the Aquatics Centre.

Phillips Idowu wandered into the Olympic village with an injury he wanted to keep secret.  The Hackney local made a tame exit from the qualifying rounds of the men’s triple jump – his creditability shattered. 

Team GB’s male footballers spectacularly failed on the big stage.  Despite winning their group, they lacked conviction and predictably exited via a quarter-final penalty shootout to South Korea in Cardiff.  Daniel Sturridge can add his name to those queuing up for fame for a pizza chain commercial! 

However, there were more success stories than failures, and they came in 45 glorious minutes on Saturday, 4 August.

Super Saturday

Team GB had already racked up another two gold medals and one silver in the final day of rowing competition, and another gold medal in the velodrome. 

Jessica Ennis showed she was the best all-round athlete

Then, it went crazy in the Olympic Stadium.  First, the poster girl of the Olympic Games, Jessica Ennis stormed to victory in the 800m, the final event of the women’s heptathlon. 

Ennis had started a day earlier, with the fastest time ever by a heptathlon athlete in the 100m hurdles, one of her favourite events.  She achieved lifetime bests in the javelin and long jump, and Sheffield’s star finished it off in fitting fashion on the Saturday evening.

She had realised her dream after the injury heartache of four years ago.  Meanwhile, another athlete who had his injury issues over many years was finally delivering on his promise in the jumping pit.

Step forward Greg Rutherford from Bletchley in Milton Keynes.  He produced a jump of 8m 31 to win gold in the men’s long jump.  There was immense pride as a local lad to MK, and sheer delight for a crowd that were witnessing a very special evening.

The 'Mobot' became a big hit with many.

Then, it was back to the track for the final of the men’s 10,000m.  Mo Farah, withstanding the pressure from the Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes, took the gold medal.  The place erupted on an extraordinary evening.

If that wasn’t enough for Farah – he returned a week later to achieve the long-distance double, winning the 5000m title too.

What a night – the greatest in the history of British sport.

World feats

Of course, the Olympic Games were not just about the British.

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt was doubted by many before arriving in London, with the man himself claiming only to be ’95 per cent fit.’

He retained all of his Olympic titles – becoming the first sprinter to ever achieve this.

On ‘Super Sunday,’ he won the men’s 100m in 9.63secs in a new Olympic record, holding off compatriot and world champion Yohan Blake, and the American trio of Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay and Ryan Bailey.

Four days later, Bolt was back to defend his 200m title, again seeing off Blake in a Jamaican 1-2-3.  Lastly, to conclude the events in the Olympic Stadium – he anchored the Jamaican team to the 4x100m title, smashing their own world record in the process.

The American team did this in the women’s equivalent, breaking the last ever record held by East Germany.  Allyson Felix won three gold medals and Carmelita Jeter got two gold’s and one silver for her efforts.

Kenyan David Rudisha destroyed the competition in the men’s 800m, taking the first world record of the games in the Olympic Stadium.  Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic found some unexpected form to triumph in the men’s 400m hurdles – then he broke down in floods of tears on the rostrum.

Kirani James produced Grenada’s first ever Olympic gold in the men’s 400m, a feat also achieved by Lithuania as they won their first Olympic gold in the swimming pool, courtesy of Ruta Meilutyte.

The US retained the women’s football title and Mexico stunned Brazil to take the gold medal in the men’s football.  Brazil coach Mano Menezes would end the year unemployed.

Serena Williams dismantled Maria Sharapova to win women’s tennis gold and ultimately, America would end up top of the medal table with various successes across the UK.

Most of it arrived in the swimming pool.  The world saw the likes of Missy Franklin, Rebecca Soni and Katie Ledecky set new world records and even higher standards.  Ryan Lochte had his moments too, but there was only one Olympian who stole the show in the Aquatics Centre.

London 2012 started in shaky fashion for Michael Phelps.  He finished fourth in the men’s 400m individual medley, and was part of the 4x100m relay team that were beaten by an inspired French squad.

Then, he was edged into silver by South African Chad le Clos in the 200m butterfly, making Chad’s Dad an overnight internet phenomenon from his BBC interview with presenter Claire Balding. 

We won't see the likes of Michael Phelps again in sport

Phelps’s silver did though equal the tally of 18 medals overall at the Olympics, previously held by Larisa Latynina.  An hour later, Phelps made it 19 when he won his first gold in the games – winning the 4x200m relay.

Three more gold medals followed, meaning he bowed out of the Olympics and swimming with 22 Olympic medals – 18 of them being gold.

It is safe to say that we will never see the likes of Michael Phelps again in sport.

The medal factory at the velodrome

While British success in the pool was limited, the cycling velodrome has become the medal factory in recent Olympics.

After effectively whitewashing the field in Beijing four years ago, the track cycling governing body UCI, decided to crack down on such dominance, and insist that each country had just one entry per event in the track cycling.

If they thought that they had done the right thing to stop supremacy, then they were to be seriously mistaken.

Laura Trott and Jason Kenny took double gold, as Team GB stormed the main prizes once again.

However, it would be the feat of two of Britain’s cycling legends that took the accolades.

Victoria Pendleton made a messy start, after an illegal changeover which was her fault, saw her and Jess Varnish disqualified from the women’s team sprint.

She recovered 24 hours later to win the first ever women’s keirin, but had to settle for silver in her final event, beaten by great rival, Australia’s Anna Meares in the individual sprint.

Sir Chris Hoy became the most successful British Olympian and in style

While Pendleton didn’t quite finish in style, Sir Chris Hoy certainly did.  Together with Kenny and Philip Hindes – he won his fifth Olympic gold in the men’s team sprint. 

He then returned to win the men’s keirin and overtake Sir Steve Redgrave, to become the most successful British Olympian of all-time, with six gold medals.  While Pendleton has retired totally – Hoy still might go on to the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, but won’t be back for Rio in 2016.

Overall, Team GB won eight gold’s, two silvers and two bronzes.  Wiggins won BBC Sports Personality of the Year and Dave Brailsford was Coach of the Year.

As cycling eras ended, the Olympics closed with some history in the boxing ring.

There were gold medals for Luke Campbell and Anthony Ogogo, while Katie Taylor became Ireland’s first gold medallist at the Olympics since 1996.

And Nicola Adams made her own history too – becoming the first ever champion in women’s boxing at the Olympics, which was introduced this year.

Let’s not forget either a bronze for Tom Daley in diving or Charlotte Dujardin taking double gold in a very successful equestrian team.

The Olympics definitely inspired a generation, and there was more to come from the Paralympics a few weeks later.

Paralympic joy

It was time for the superheroes to perform on the main global stage and they didn’t disappoint.

Team GB came third in this medal table too, achieving 34 gold’s, 43 silvers and 43 bronze medals.  It was one place below from four years ago, but crucially it was their biggest ever medal tally at a Paralympics.

The best feats belonged to David Weir, Ellie Simmonds and Sarah Storey.

Storey won Britain’s first paralympic gold of London 2012, taking the honours in the women’s individual C5 pursuit race.

Three more gold medals followed at Brands Hatch in Kent, including the 500m time trial C4-5 and the individual road race C4-5.  She equalled the tally of the most Paralympic gold’s of all-time by a British athlete in the process.

Weir matched Storey’s total of four gold medals in London, and he did his work on the athletics track.

Competing in a wheelchair, he retained his 1500m title in the T54 category, and also triumphed in the 800m, 5000m and the marathon. 

Ellie Simmonds was one of the stars in the Paralympics

In the S6 swimming disability category, 18-year-old Simmonds won two gold medals, in the 400m freestyle and the 200m individual medley – taking two world records in the process.  She won four medals overall at the Aquatics Centre.

On a worldwide scale, South African Oscar Pistorius became the first ‘abled’ athlete to compete in both the Olympics and the Paralympics.  He left London with two gold medals, a silver medal and many more friends.

Italian Alessandro Zanardi produced one of the miracle stories of the year.  11 years after losing both his legs in a racing crash driving in Germany, the former Formula One driver won two gold medals in the Hand bike category. 

He took the honours in the individual time trial and road race, and one relay silver medal.  He is a true inspiration to any athlete taking part in the Olympics or the Paralympics.

What an unbelievable summer it was and it will never be forgotten.  The greatest show on earth absolutely delivered.

Categories: Andy Murray, Ben Ainslie, Bradley Wiggins, Danny Boyle, Greg Rutherford, Jade Jones, Jessica Ennis, Katherine Grainger, London, Mo Farah, Olympics, Paralympics, Peter Wilson, Steph Houghton, Team GB, Usain Bolt

2012 - A year in review - Famous faces who are no longer with us

Christmas is on the horizon, but 2012 has seen some famous faces from the world of music, space, sport, journalism and music that have sadly passed away.

Here is my tribute to 15 people who are no longer with us.

Whitney Houston (Music) – Died 11 February

American music was left mourning by the death of Whitney Houston on the eve of the Grammy Awards.  Houston was a major voice of the 1980s and early 1990s, selling over 86 million copies worldwide of her first four albums.

Some of her most powerful music included ‘I Will Always Love You’ and ‘One Moment in Time.’

Sadly, drugs and drink addiction plagued her career in later years and she died in February, with the official cause being accidental drowning.

Her legacy was tarnished in recent times, but her strong voice is missed by many on a global scale.

Frank Carson (Comedian) – Died 22 February

One of Northern Ireland’s prodigal sons died in February at the age of 85.

Frank Carson was a fantastic comedian and actor in his time, and was associated best with his roles in Tiswas and The Comedians.

One of his best catchphrases was ‘It’s a cracker.’  He made his impact in grand style in a period where comedy was at its peak.

Vidal Sassoon (Empire magnet) – Died 9 May

The world of women’s hairstyling was changed totally by Vidal Sassoon.

His international empire of hair-products changed the way many females went about styling, producing the famous catchphrase ‘If you don’t look good, we don’t look good.’ 

He also wrote books and starred in several television commercials in the 1980s.

Having been diagnosed with leukaemia in 2009, Sassoon passed away in Los Angeles in the springtime, aged 84. 

He revolutionised this industry and made himself to be a major success story.

Donna Summer (Music) – Died 17 May

Singer and songwriter Donna Summer was a brave soul, who battled cancer valiantly for the past year until her death in May at the age of 63.

She was often known as ‘Queen of Disco’ in the 1970s; a decade when dance music often led the way in the charts. 

Summer had hits such as ‘Love to Love You Baby,’ ‘Last Dance,’ and ‘Winter Melody.’

Sir Alastair Burnet (Broadcasting) – Died 20 July

Sir Alastair Burnet was one of the most familiar faces in news broadcasting throughout the 1970s and 1980s. 

He had spells as the editor of the Daily Express and The Economist, but his best and most distinguished work was with ITN as the main presenter of News at Ten for 18 years.

He retired in 1991 and after several strokes in the last decade, quietly passed away in July at the age of 84.

BBC journalist Andrew Neil called Burnet ‘Britain’s greatest broadcaster,’ and it is hard to argue with that.

Sally Ride (Space Exploration) – Died 23 July

Astrophysicist Sally Ride made history in 1983 when she became the first American woman in space.

She was part of the crew on the space shuttle Challenger and became an experienced astronaut with NASA afterwards.

Ride lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in the summer, aged 61.

Sid Waddell (Commentator) – Died 11 August

Sid Waddell was the passionate 'Voice of Darts.'

There is no doubt that Sid Waddell was the ‘Voice of Darts.’  He was as iconic to this as John Motson is to football, Richie Benaud to cricket and Murray Walker to motorsport.

He worked for Granada, Yorkshire and the BBC, before joining Sky Sports in 1994.  He published several books and commentated on many of Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor’s victories during his domination of the sport.

A day after his 72^nd birthday, Sid succumbed to bowel cancer.  He had still been working for Sky only a couple of months before his death.

From 2013, the PDC World Darts Championship trophy will be renamed as the Sid Waddell trophy.  This is a fitting tribute to one of sport’s most iconic commentators.

Tony Scott (Film director) – Died 19 August

Tony Scott took his own life in Los Angeles on 19 August, sending shockwaves through the film industry.

The English film director was the brother of Ridley Scott, also a famous director and producer of box office blockbusters.

He was best known for his roles in directing smash hits True Romance and Top Gun. 

Neil Armstrong (Space exploration) – Died 25 August

There are many words that can sum up the work of Neil Armstrong.  For me, the words spring to mind include pioneer, innovator, legendary and experienced.

On 20 July, 1969, Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon, an event watched by millions across the universe.

His words on the surface of ‘That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,’ have gone down in folklore.

He served in the Korean War in the 1950s and also led the investigation into the Challenger space shuttle disaster of 1986.

After undergoing a heart bypass operation, Armstrong died of complications on 25 August at the age of 82.

His impact on both space exploration and the world we live in today though will never be forgotten.

Max Bygraves (Performer and comedian) – Died 31 August

Max Bygraves was a familiar figure on our television screens throughout the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

He made 20 appearances at the Royal Variety Performance and performed plenty of comedy sketches and songs on his own television shows.

He was also one of the first hosts of Family Fortunes and not many will forget the episode with the regular references to ‘Turkey,’ in the final round.

Bygraves died at the end of August in Australia after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

He was one of the leaders in the variety entertainment sector and always produced a laugh for his many fans.

Professor Sid Watkins (Medical and motorsport) – Died 12 September

English neurosurgeon Professor Sid Watkins did a massive amount for the world of Formula One, improving the safety levels beyond recognition on this fast and dangerous sport.

Affectionally known in the Grand Prix fraternity as ‘Prof,’ Watkins was the first paramedic on the scene of Ayrton Senna’s fatal accident in the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola.

His determination to improve safety, which has included structured crash tests, the mandatory introduction of the HANS system for drivers and top of the range medical facilities, have meant there has not been a single fatality in the sport since Senna’s death.

He was the FIA medic at all events from 1978 to 2004 and was appointed Head of Safety at the FIA in 2005; a role he held for six years.

Watkins was a guest of honour at this year’s British Grand Prix, but he died in September after a short illness at the King Edward VII Hospital in London.

Formula One and the world of medical science have a lot to thank Professor Sid Watkins for over the past 35 years.

Brian Woolnough (Journalism) – Died 18 September

Known in sport journalism circles as ‘Woolly,’ Brian Woolnough was one of the most respected writers in the industry.

He was the Chief Sports writer for tabloid newspaper the Daily Star, and also had a successful spell previous to this with the Daily Mirror.

It wasn’t just his writing skills that made him popular and remembered it was his presenting skills too.

Woolnough was the presenter of the Sunday Supplement for Sky Sports from 2007 until earlier this year and also hosted Hold the Back Page for the corporation. 

You couldn’t say a bad word about Brian Woolnough and he fought bowel cancer in the same integrity and dignity he had as one of the leading sport journalists of this country.

He died on 18 September and as the tributes flowed in, it became clear how much an impact he had on the journalistic world, which has gone through some troubled times in recent years.

Bill Tarmey (Television actor) – Died 9 November

Bill Tarmey was the heartbeat of ITV serial drama Coronation Street for over three decades.

He played the character Jack Duckworth on the cobbles, first appearing in Weatherfield in 1979 and returning in 1983 on a full-time basis.

He was part of the great double act Jack and Vera, played by Liz Dawn.  Much-loved by all in television, the former singer decided to leave Corrie in 2010 due to ill health.

He passed away in Tenerife in November at the age of 71.  Farewell Jack, everyone will have a pint for you in the Rovers Return this Christmas.

Larry Hagman (Television actor) – Died 23 November

Another legendary television actor passed away from the world in November, as Larry Hagman succumbed to complications of cancer at the age of 81.

Hagman’s most recognised role was on the primetime drama Dallas, which gripped in the UK in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Like Neighbours and Home & Away afterwards, Dallas became a popular programme for the British viewers and Hagman played the evil oil tycoon JR Ewing.

The ‘Who Shot JR’ plot of 1980 is still known as one of television’s greatest ever ‘Who Dunnit’ mysteries.

After a guest role on plastic surgery drama Nip/Tuck in 2006, Hagman reprised his role as JR in the reincarnation of Dallas earlier this year. 

He had a popular charm around him and the second new series of Dallas next year will feel odd without his presence.  

Sir Patrick Moore (Astronomy) – Died 9 December

Author of over 70 books on astronomy, Sir Patrick Moore was a familiar face in the field and was presenter of the world’s longest-running television series with the same original presenter.

The BBC’s The Sky at Night won’t be the same without him, and nor will the astronomical world.  

Former president of the British Astronomical Association, Moore did what he could to make it a popular field and he certainly managed to achieve this.

Categories: America, Donna Summer, ITN, Los Angeles, Music, NASA, Northern Ireland, Sid Waddell, Vidal Sassoon, Whitney Houston

The true meaning of Christmas

It is just one week to go now until Christmas, and I’m sure a lot of us have stocked up on chocolates, alcohol, turkey and of course, the presents for all your loved ones.

The true meaning of Christmas has often been confused and we probably all have different reasons for why this festive celebration is so special.

To me, Christmas is a time to put aside all the feelings of the year and enjoy the day.  I mean, if you can’t enjoy Christmas Day – then you must have some serious issues. 

Presents are always nice but they are now a bonus to myself

As I have grown older, my attitude in presents has changed.  Gone are the days of ripping off the wrapping paper without a care in the world to get the latest games console or mobile phone.

We all like presents, but for me now, it is the thought that counts when it comes to buying gifts for loved ones, whether that be family, long-distance relatives, friends or boyfriends/girlfriends.

Socks are the only accessory I’ve never seen the point of.  Sure, they are practical and as a bloke, you never can have enough socks, but admittedly, I’ve always struggled to appreciate getting a pair of socks.

I agree with Barcelona defender Gerard Pique in this advert for last year’s FIFA game.

Spending time with loved ones
However, I will accept and appreciate any gifts given to me because it is thought that counts.  It isn’t about being greedy, it is about being grateful that you were thought of. 

The most important thing about Christmas is spending time with your family.  Enjoy the Christmas TV with them – as for some, there isn’t many occasions where you gather around with the family over the course of the year.

Christmas is all about having a laugh, putting a smile on your face and embracing what the day holds. 

I hope everyone is looking forward to next Tuesday.

Categories: Alcohol, Chocolates, Christmas, Presents, Turkey

Unpaid internships - Is the system fair?

A couple of years ago, the word 'unpaid internships' was not used massively, but now it has become a common starting point for most graduates.

It has now been just over a week since I had to leave my deputy editor position with Total Football Magazine.  To give a short story, a paid freelancing contract which had been agreed on, fell through due to financial issues.

I had to leave, I had no choice.  I had worked unpaid for six months, and while I was annoyed and disappointed with how it all ended, I have still learnt a lot and will take this into future employment.

An opportunity into the working world

So is the system of unpaid internships a fair one?

In my view, it is not fair at all.  What do they offer to graduates?

Admittedly, they do offer upcoming graduates an opportunity to get into the working world.  You do learn some new and valuable skills while in these positions.

In my role, I learnt a lot more about the editing and subbing process of stories, how to use a CMS (Content Management System) and improving my confidence in adapting to communicating with various press agencies and liaising on press releases – deciding if they were worth being turned into a story for the website I worked on.

There were some stressful times, occasions where I doubted myself but as time went on, I did grow in confidence and I did enjoy it.  Working from home as it was an online position did make it easier too.

There was talk of a paid position and it was frustrating to not get official confirmation, despite repetitive requests.

Perhaps deep down, I knew that this could be the final outcome and sadly, this is what happened.

Many senior people are abusing the system, treating new employees very badly.  Perhaps there were some financial issues but I've believed since my second year at University that honesty is the best way forward.  

On occasion, I didn't think this was always happening but that is just my general feeling.  The  experience of running an online football website wasn’t a complete waste of time for me, but I could have done with some cash. 

It would have been more worthy filing papers and making tea in a tedious office job.  At least you will more than likely get paid for that!

Employment law says it all

The guidelines of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) say:

“If someone is expected to undertake ‘work’ for any organisation, they are entitled to be paid the NMW (National Minimum Wage) – even if there is no written contract in place.

“However, the issue of whether an intern classes as a ‘worker’ is made more complicated by the fact that, in some circumstances, they could instead be classed as ‘volunteers.’  In which case, the NMW legislation does not apply.”

However, there is also a difference between work experience and internships.  Work experience programmes often happen for a fortnight and sometimes could last a month.  

If you apply for this, you know that you will be getting experience but won’t be paid, unless there is an arrangement with travel expenses.

Work experience though does not last six months.  It means in my situation and I’m sure in many others, it is wrong.  The system is quite frankly illegal.  

Graduates are being made to do slave labour basically.  Everyone is aware of the economic meltdown on a worldwide scale, but it doesn't hurt to show some equality here and again.  

The experience is valuable, don’t get me wrong but entry-level staff should be paid after four weeks if an employee wants to keep them on for a longer period of time.  

This isn’t just to write one article per fortnight (which you wouldn’t expect to be paid for), this is if you are doing a minimum six-hour day, five days a week.

Filing papers is tedious but you are likely to be paid for it

Under employment law, people who work and do set tasks, which can be as simple as writing notes, making coffee and typing up letters into a Word document should be entitled to being paid.

Unpaid internships are illegal and there are more cons than pros.  Experience is one thing, slave labour is quite another. 

As I am a 2012 University graduate, think very carefully before applying for these positions.  The chances are there is more likely to be sacrifice rather than gain at the end of it all. 

For me, it is now paid positions or I’m not interested, it is as simple as that.  And I might even return to education if that will help.

My experience was testing, valuable and useful, but I got out at the right time.  

Perhaps this is one avenue that should be looked at in future by the coalition government.  Ban unpaid internships – they are immoral and illegal.  End of story!    

Categories: Coffee, Employment, Experience, Freelance, Graduates, Internship, Skills, Unpaid, Website, Writing

2012 - A year in review - My favourite adverts - top 25

Sometimes, adverts can look absolutely ridiculous on television nowadays, or they can be memorable for the right reasons.

2012 has seen a great mixture of funny commercials and don't worry, moustached men have been banned! So, if you missed a cracker while in the toilet, or making a cuppa during the year, here is my personal favourite selection of the top 25 adverts from 2012.

Featured include Christmas commercials, wet paint, being British, crazy goalkeepers and testing events from the likes of mobile phone companies, retail shops, betting companies and insurance firms.  Enjoy my selection of the best commercials of 2012.

25. Aldi - It's beginning to look a lot like Aldi
The Christmas season has begun and all the major supermarket brands have brought out adverts to celebrate some great deals.
However, all the major supermarkets should hang their heads in shame.  Aldi have produced these great adverts (this example for roast), to a retune of 'It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas.'
Mocking the other players such as Waitrose and Sainsbury's, the catchphrase says it all at the end; 'It's beginning to look a lot like Aldi.'

24. Nokia - The new Nokia Lumia
Nokia has been left behind in the smartphone market by the likes of Apple and Samsung, but their new phone, the Lumia isn't the worst on the market.
They also produced this advert in February for the new 800 edition, promoting their apps to some catchy dance music.  It is a catchy tune and a different model to most smartphones.

23. Sky Sports F1 - The race is only part of the story
It has been a difficult year for Formula One fans like myself, especially if you haven't got Sky Sports F1 HD. However, they have produced a brilliant first season of coverage, helped by this promotional ad which was shown on all commercial channels in the spring.
The fact is that the future of F1 is on satellite now, and I might be joining the bandwagon in 2013.  It is true too, the race on Sunday is only part of the story.

22. BlackBerry - Two kinds of people
Apple and Samsung have led the way in the smartphone market and unfortunately, BlackBerry has been left behind.
When I say that, it is because I'm one of their customers.  They haven't recovered from the RIM server crash of October 2011 but I still liked this commercial, which portrayed two different types of people.  Just a shame they can't make decent phones!

21. Carlsberg - The England fan academy
Euro 2012 came and went.  It was another typical tournament for England but to be a Three Lions fan, you must follow the rules and graduate into the fan academy.
Starring the likes of Des Lynam, Ian Wright and Stuart 'Psycho' Pearce, this is what being a true England fan is all about.  Sorry, I'm a Spanish football fan!

20. BP - Inspiring Dreams
The best adverts of 2012 will be dominated by Olympic campaigns.
This was BP's summer ad for London 2012, inspiring the dreams of a nation.  Poster girl Jessica Ennis is seen here daydreaming while refuelling her car, perhaps having the vision of success she would have in the Olympic Stadium on that amazing Saturday evening in early August.

19. Febreze - Experiments with the Azerbaijan wrestling team
I'm not generally keen on the product but Febreze came up with this commercial in the summer, experimenting the smell of air effects with the Azerbaijani wrestling team.  The results speak for themselves!

This advert can be viewed at: http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7VTD/febreze-air-effects-featuring-the-azerbaijan-wrestling-team

18. Maltesers - Airport dancers
Let's be honest.  Standing in a queue at check-in can be boring and tiring and it can't be much better for the airport staff.  Introduce some Maltesers into the action though and the entertainment value is bound to happen as seen by this funny commercial in the autumn.  The staff had a laugh but the travellers seemed largely unimpressed.

17. BT - Bringing us all together for London 2012
Telecommunications giant BT produced this powerful advert for the Olympic Games, going down the lines of the 'Inspire a Generation' motto.  The Olympics brought us all together and BT's fibreoptic network along with BT London Live (which I went to TWICE!) certainly lived up to expectations.

16. Paddy Power - The Vuvuzela returns
What was your abiding memory of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa?  Mine was definitely the noise of the dreaded vuvuzela.  In fact, I asked someone (whose name will remain unidentified) to bring one back cheekily when they went to South Africa last year!
In 2012, Paddy Power took one to the Ukraine and the noise is so loud, a block of flats is demolished.  I don't want to hear that sound ever again, but the advert does make the point it was aiming at.

15. Lynx - Unleash the chaos
It seems like every single year, Lynx brings out a commercial which grabs the attention of the TV viewer.  This year, it did so again with the new 'Attract' range by unleashing chaos on New York City.
It is false advertising though.  I tried this range in October and it didn't work!

14. Google Chrome - The satchel craze
The power of the internet grows with every year and the web browser war is on.  Internet Explorer has had a revamp while Safari tries to please the Apple consumers.
Leading the way though is Google Chrome, and this was a great commercial in the summer, as the satchel gets relaunched through the internet's force.

13. Virgin Media - Meditation
I honestly preferred the Usain Bolt commercials with Richard Branson in the spring but these were banned by the ASA for breaking regulations over the offer Virgin Media promoted.
So, I've gone for this one in the top 25, which features Branson and former Doctor Who star David Tennant, who tells the media mogul he is weird - probably not for the first time either!

12. Direct Line - Sob Story
2012 saw an end to the Direct Line commercials starring comedians Chris Addison and Alexander Armstrong.
Yes they are promoting insurance, a boring topic, but there was good humour around the adverts.  This was the best of the bunch in 2012, involving a sob story about the insurance salesman's nan and emigration to New Zealand.

11. Toyota - Talking cameras
Japanese car manufacturer Toyota have had a testing few years, thanks to the recession and the worldwide recalls over some of their models.
To show they weren't lying down though, they brought out the YARIS hybrid car in May and this commercial, which is daft but clever at the same time.
Who would have thought that speed cameras, lamp posts and traffic lights had a way of talking to one another!

10. British Airways - London Calling
The national airline of choice, British Airways released this advert to the beat of the cracking 1979 song, 'London Calling' by The Clash.
This promotes their support of the London Olympics by having an aeroplane travel through and past some classic city landmarks, before arriving at the Olympic Stadium.

9. British Gas - The British Gas team

Big problems, small issues.  To the tune of The A-Team, gas supplier British Gas ensure this is a memorable advert, through some decent animation graphics.  If you have a problem that needs fixing, like a leaky boiler - call the British Gas Team!

8. Vodafone - Freebee Rewardz
Vodafone have had the bees promoting their UK campaigns for a few years now and the 'Freebee Rewardz' scheme was highlighted through some BlackBerry Curve phones and wet paint.  Be careful in how to impress the female equivalent, it could lead to a very sticky situation!

7. Ladbrokes - John McCririck rattled
Horse racing expert John McCririck lost his job with Channel 4 Racing this year after over 30 years in broadcasting.  His enthusiasm will be missed next year, as the terrestrial broadcaster becomes the home of horse racing in the UK.
Ahead of this year's Cheltenham Festival, he gets hot under the collar from Ladbrokes' Tiziano Crudeli in this brilliant take on the betting ring at the races.
Crudeli has hit Chris Kamara in the face with a football this year too, so he's had a decent 2012!

6. VISA - Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt had another incredible summer as he retained all of his Olympic titles.  However, he was racing before the Olympics.
Using VISA's new Flow Faster scheme, he races across London against a keen customer and the Olympic Starter.
This is a great demonstration of how Bolt appeals to the UK, not just his Jamaican home nation.

5. Mars - Crazy Goalkeeper
Filmed in Milton Keynes and it isn't looking good for England.  Another penalty shootout and defeat looms, especially when the goalkeeper hurts his knee and can't continue.
Step forward an energised match steward, and a Mars chocolate bar and the results are spectacular.
The crazy goalkeeper saves a spot-kick from Robin van Persie, then pulls off the 'wobbly legs' and the 'scorpion kick' to win the shootout for England.
This is hilarious - where was he in Kiev when the country needed him!

4. EDF Energy - Athlete Dreams
EDF Energy had the power of electricity behind London 2012.  Starring cyclist and Strictly Come Dancing's Victoria Pendleton, two technicians have their own dreams, trying out events in the Velodrome, Aquatics Centre and in the Olympic Stadium itself.
You can't blame them for trying!

3. Weetabix - 'You're Gonna Need It.'
Breakfast time has arrived and Weetabix introduced a new cereal for 2012, called 'Golden Syrup.'
Little does the Dad eating know that he is going to be in for an action-packed day out with his son, who tells him 'You're Gonna Need It.'
Featuring cycling, swings and piggy-backs, this is a humorous take on a father's grand day out.
Never trust the youngsters, they need to be loved all the time.  This is a worthy of a top three ranking.

2. M&M's - Sorry Yellow
I'm unimpressed that M&M's tried to steal the 'epic fail' catchphrase from 'Yours Truly,' but this was a fantastic commercial all the same.
To celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at the beginning of June, yellow tries to get into the special packs of M&M's but he doesn't manage to achieve it.
Featuring some American voices and animation from the Aussies - this is number two in the top 25.  Sorry Yellow, it doesn't make it to number one.

1. John Lewis - The Snowman Journey
So we come to the number one advert of the year and for the second year running, it goes to John Lewis for the Christmas commercial called 'The Snowman Journey.'
The commercial is tender, heart-warming and emotional.  I'll even admit that it nearly brings me to tears every time I see it.
John Lewis encourage everyone to go the extra mile to get the desired gift and this advert once again ticks all the right boxes.
The song 'The Power of Love,' is currently in the iTunes top 10 too and fits the advert superbly.  This totally deserves number one ranking once again.

Congratulations to John Lewis on winning this advert of the year prize for the second year in a row.  Here's to more corking commercials in 2013!

Categories: Adverts, Aldi, Azerbaijan, BlackBerry, BP, BT, Carlsberg, Chris Addison, Christmas, England, Febreze, Google Chrome, John Lewis, Lynx, Maltesers, Nokia, Olympics, Paddy Power, Richard Branson, Usain Bolt