tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79117009100581722452024-03-06T02:12:25.442+00:00DoctorBenjy: Thoughts of the day.Ben Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-61929996689968265112013-12-02T15:08:00.002+00:002013-12-02T15:09:52.155+00:00Tom Daley coming out as gay is a big deal.Hi, this might be the first time you've visited my blog, welcome :)<br />
<br />
Today Olympic diver Tom Daley came out as gay in a self made <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJwJnoB9EKw&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Youtube Vlog</a> and in the scheme of things in the greater world we live in, this shouldn't be a seen as a big deal, nor should people be judging him or criticising him, although obviously some out of touch brain dead people will be doing that on twitter as I type this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nK3j8j8h09SNGJi2Z1XvMEixL8_QzdGzyj1CUNra40h_TYo8gplU_NiMQiVzOa9dlHm_WpqQtNcFme67SV6AvyajVUC9yKTZSn2uxCqk1cICLM0j1sFIn8ftJbz-42uzudSkVlo58yI/s1600/tom-daley1_2308057b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nK3j8j8h09SNGJi2Z1XvMEixL8_QzdGzyj1CUNra40h_TYo8gplU_NiMQiVzOa9dlHm_WpqQtNcFme67SV6AvyajVUC9yKTZSn2uxCqk1cICLM0j1sFIn8ftJbz-42uzudSkVlo58yI/s1600/tom-daley1_2308057b.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
But, in the world of sport, it's a massive deal. Tom Daley is among very few now that have let the world know that they're Lesbian, Gay, Bi, or Transgender, it's a problem in sport, at least for those who feel they have to hide who they really are. In what I consider to be 'my' sport, Football, the amount of players that are openly gay is minute. For Tom Daley to make this step and tell the world without a care for what people think is fucking brilliant. I hope it encourages more sports stars to do them same should they wish too. Homophobia is a wide spread problem in the perceived, alpha-male sports, not only from those that jeer from a spectator stand point but by peers that would judge their potential team mates unfairly.<br />
<br />
Below wikipedia kindly compiled a list of LGBT sports men and women that have 'come out', one day coming out won't even be a thing will it?<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LGBT_sportspeople">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LGBT_sportspeople</a><br />
It's a scary thought that that amount of people on that list amount to a similar number that a professional football club signs to their team from youth level to the first team. That list isn't from the past 10 years, it's in the history of modern day sport, 16 of which English. So that table is telling us that out of the thousands of people playing sport professionally in England, less that 20 feel comfortable in coming out. Attitudes need to change.<br />
<br />
It should be noted that Tom Daley didn't have to tell anyone, and many people don't, I myself am not gay but that doesn't mean I don't witness homophobia while watching or playing sport, it's often not even aimed at someone that's gay, it's often used and covered up by a term which I cannot stand, 'Banter'. So for anyone that's reading, being homophobic or a bully or a general prick is not 'Banter', that's you being a complete dick, a stain on the society that we live in, and it 2013, your views aren't welcome. It must make it bloody difficult to come out if you're playing a sport in which half your team are mocking someone that isn't even gay, knowing that you are.<br />
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In summary, well done Tom Daley, I've no doubt you'll inspire many with your decision to tell the world that you're not ashamed of who you are :)<br />
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Thanks for reading :)<br />
<br />
BenBen Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-35916444640665195272013-12-02T02:47:00.001+00:002013-12-02T02:47:10.396+00:00Weekend BreakKinda a bit late to say this but I won't be blogging at the weekends unless something good or interesting goes on.<br />
<br />
Thanks :)Ben Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-33289838078293436282013-11-29T22:40:00.004+00:002013-11-29T22:40:57.760+00:00We don't choose our news.Hi Gang,<br />
<br />
Yes I've called the readers of this blog 'a gang', I doubt that's a very accurate description of my so far 'regular' readers, I do though know that over 100 of you read my last blog, so thanks a bundle!<br />
<br />
I thought I'd drive off road for this blog. I'm going to tackle the news and how it's been pretty dire to read recently.<br />
2012 was a very happy year wasn't it? Everyone was excited about Royal business or the Olympics being in London, life was pretty good in England, even the weather was nice!<br />
<br />
2013 rolled road though didn't it, typical, I've gotta be honest and say I was expecting it. This years news has been so depressing, I've always felt that the media don't do enough to promote positive news, genuinely, I feel it's because people aren't too quick to push the success' of young people because of a fear that we'll blow up a school or knife a boy of different race the next week. BUT a great deal of cool stuff that goes on in this world is done by a younger generation, which to me is only natural and not at all a slant at the elders among us. It's just we've grown up with the world wide web, a source of information unlike any other, vast, frequent, instant and potentially vile. The media, especially in England tend to put a dampener on success, I don't mean that they shoot down excellence, I mean that they've made the decision for people reading or watching that a negative story is more interesting. Is that true? Is that a fair representation of what goes on?<br />
<br />
Why do we allow it? Well simply, we have no choice, we're fed stories of child abuse, rape and murder, not because it's what we want to hear but because corporations have made the 'informed' decisions that it's what 'sells'. It's as if we've been trained to accept these awful things simply because of just how common they are. We aren't sat around shocked and appalled by the incidents that sicken us, we think, 'yeah, why int I surprised'.<br />
<br />
I hate it, I hate that we're now numb to terrible things happening, it's NOT because it's happening all day every day (at least I'd fucking hope not) - it's that the mainstream media feed us these stories day in day out. I understand that some people <i>are</i> interested and potentially it raises awareness to prevent it in the future but I'd much rather find out that someone who's 15 has found a cure for a terrible illness, it does happen! If you've ever seen any video conferences via <a href="http://ted.com/">TED.com</a> you'll know that people are coming up with ideas and theories to problems everyday. People are made to feel scared not inspired and I sit here thinking more could be done. I wish the news were forced to headline a positive idea everyday, it'd be great.<br />
<br />
Something different, feel free to leave a comment in the section below, I'd love see what other people think about this :)<br />
<br />
Thanks 'gang'<br />
<br />
BenBen Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-58949171960467698622013-11-28T22:20:00.000+00:002013-11-28T22:20:17.959+00:00Who Is Ben Carr?Hi there,<br />
<br />
If you've never been here before this is my blog! I used it a few years ago quite frequently but back then it was down to having a moan about anything and everything and needing a place to put those feelings.<br />
<br />
I've been pondering over the last couple of days to whether I can be interesting enough so that people keep wanting to come back to read what I've got to say. I feel like the best thing to do is tell you about me, because although you know a version of me, in this blog I'm sure you'll find out more about me than you even desired.<br />
<br />
I guess I'll start with the basics. I'm Ben, born Benjamin but I've never been called that, I do though get called Benjy by the people on the internet (my own fault), although nobody in real life calls me that, not a soul, you might wonder then while I tagged myself as Benjy then. Well at long last the secret is revealed! My Dad (Alan Carr, no, really) used to call me Benjy-Boo-Baa when I was little, and well Ben is quite common so most internet based sign ins are taken, Benjy though, always available. Not an exciting story is it.<br />
<br />
I'm currently 23 but I suspect that'll change in the future, which is fucking scary because I don't feel nearly as responsible as I thought I would be when 23. I've been in a FIVE year relationship with a lovely lady called Elly, some of you may know her. We met at college and it's been on going since then, it's pretty great.<br />
For work I dabble in stuff that doesn't ever feel consistent or secure but gives me flexibility to kinda do as I please, I write for various football writing sites mainly about my team, Liverpool, as well as that I've recently started taking a lot of interest in the statistical side of football and provide data for those that collect it. Quite pain staking at times but it's pretty fun looking at a different side of the game I love.<br />
<br />
<b>Where you might know me from?</b><br />
Some of course will be from Youtube, that will probably be the majority. I've made videos on the site on and more recently off for the past 6 years. Mental.<br />
<br />
You may well know me from my writing or Liverpool podcasts I've done in the past and you've hung around, or more recently I've been doing a football/football manager podcast that's been doing really well with my friend Jack/WorkTheSpace.<br />
<br />
Another place you might know me from is real life, and this is the most interesting to me, because I've been surrounded by the internet on the regular since I left school really it's still weird for me to see people from school use for example twitter, I remember when everyone got it and I was pretty smug with a 'I was here first' face. I do like still having that connection with people I know in reality though, it makes the internet seem more real, and that's a good thing.<br />
<br />
On this point, I've created a little poll which I'd love for you to go and do, it's basically telling me how you know me, don't worry it's just a couple of clicks, it also lets me know how many people are reading :)<br /><br /><a href="http://poll.pollcode.com/2583133#sthash.wXYSDExF.dpuf" target="_blank">THE POLL</a> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">(Click it)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think I'll leave it there, I'll be doing these daily on a variety of topics so if you've enjoyed this one please come back!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ben/Benjy/But not Benjamin.</span>Ben Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-67065806561383744802013-11-28T01:50:00.001+00:002013-11-28T01:50:14.729+00:00My first blog of 2013.Better late than never.<br /><br />More to follow daily.Ben Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-12304323294065151662012-06-03T17:28:00.002+01:002012-06-03T17:29:04.658+01:00Euro 2012 Fantasy Draft<b>Euro 2012 Fantasy Draft.</b><br />
<br />
The way it works is that a group of say 6 (Could easily be more if people are interested) bid on players from this years European Championships. There's no prize as of yet but maybe a small stake is a possibility? Who knows.<br />
<br />
<u><b>THE RULES</b></u><br />
1. Each player is given 300 points and uses these points to bid on players.<br />
2. Each team will be a 4-3-3 formation and positions don't have to be filled exactly but you do need to have 4(Defenders) 3(Midfielders) 3(Attackers)<br />
3. If a player is hard to place it will be decided by FIFA12.<br />
4. With your 300 points you MUST end up with 11 players.<br />
<br />
<u><b>HOW THE BIDDING WORKS</b></u><br />
I'm assuming everyone who's doing this will be on Xbox live firstly.<br />
1. A random order will be determined on which players are put up for bidding<br />
Eg. Player one would suggest *Player A* he would then be bid on by the group. (Whether you actually want the player or not.<br />
2. Any player you put forward will automatically have put a 1 point bid on by the chooser.<br />
3. You must NOT go over your 300 points budget.<br />
4. If a player is knocked out in a early round, unlucky.<br />
<u><br /></u><br />
<u><b>PLAYERS ARE SCORED ON (points in brackets)</b></u><br />
Goalkeeper - Clean sheet(5), Saves made(1), Penalty save in normal time(5) - Goal conceded (-2)<br />
<br />
Defenders - Clean sheet(5), Goals conceded (-2)<br />
<b><br />ALL PLAYERS -</b><br />
Win (3)<br />
Loss (-3)<br />
Draw (1)<br />
Goal (5)<br />
Assist (3)<br />
Yellow Card (-2)<br />
Red Card (-5)<br />
TV Man of the Match (5)<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>WINNER (5)</b><br />
<b>RUNNER UP (3)</b><br />
<br />
<br />Ben Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-83257243030884692862012-03-08T21:53:00.001+00:002012-03-08T21:53:42.105+00:00Update | KONY<b><u>UPDATE</u></b><br />
So it turns out the last time I blogged I told you all that I was going on an SIA stewarding course.. well yeah I did that about a month ago and a week after was told I passed with the top score in the whole class! Get me.<br />
<br />
Since that I've been to London to see Liverpool in the Carling Cup final and win the most dramatic game I've ever witnessed face to pitch, and yesterday was Elly's birthday! So things have been happening, as well as that actually Elly has started driving lessons and nobodies died! Good news I'm sure you'll agree.<br />
<br />
<b><u>KONY</u></b><br />
I guess I should have a little talk about KONY 2012 as so many people have and are now aware of it.. if you're not aware of it just type 'Kony' into Youtube and you'll be sucked into something awful with deeper lying issues.<br />
For everyone that's watched the video I imagine some have then followed a similar route to myself.<br />
- Watch video<br />
- Be appalled by Joseph Kony<br />
- Think Invisible Children are great for doing this<br />
- Find myself wanting to help while feeling helpless<br />
- Start thinking about it more<br />
- Research Invisible Children<br />
- Find it's not all it's cracked up to be<br />
<br />
Perhaps that's not the exact route for you but it was for me. Let me start by saying what everybody who's written anything or made a video on this has said. Joseph Kony is an awful man who should be found and tried and of course I agree it needs to be done properly.<br />
<br />
Invisible Children are a very odd 'charity', I don't know how many charities want people to donate to aid a corrupt army to stop a man via arrest or indeed death, and that's just the start. I <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DoctorBenjy" target="_blank">tweeted</a> earlier:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I keep hearing that last year Invisible Children spent 33% on Direct Services.. true, but it was only 18% in 2006! 433k on Production cost!</span><br />
and<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">In 5 years the Invisible Children charity expenses have gone up $6.2 million, a lot of which is spent on travel </span><a class=" twitter-hashtag pretty-link" data-query-source="hashtag_click" href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23StopKony" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3696e0; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="#StopKony"><s style="color: #86c0ec; text-decoration: none;">#</s><b style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">StopKony</b></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><a class=" twitter-hashtag pretty-link" data-query-source="hashtag_click" href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23ResearchIC" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3696e0; font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="#ResearchIC"><s style="color: #86c0ec; text-decoration: none;">#</s><b style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">ResearchIC</b></a><br />
<br />
Both facts are true, you can find out for yourselves by going on their website and looking under 'finances' - why I think that it's nice that they've highlighted a man of evil, but they want to make him famous? It's a strange turn of phrase if you ask me.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Famous - Well or widely known.</span><br />
These days in the world that we live in the word famous is something for sadly in most cases young children to aspire too, they don't want to be a nurse or fight fires they want to be famous, and it's not just kids is it? People that go onto Britain's Got Talent and the X Factor, these people want to be famous too. It's seen as a positive thing really, surely they should have gone about it saying, 'we want this guy known', not to be as 'famous' as George fucking Clooney.<br />
<br />
Why involve a child in the video, why involve your son!<br />
For me it says 2 things. One, that if a child can understand it's terrible and bad, so must everyone else! Two, it's the cute factor.<br />
When rewatching the video I don't feel like I could help at all, living in Great Yarmouth on the East Coast of England. I feel like I'm being pressured and told, 'if you're not with us, you MUST be against us and FOR Joseph Kony and his regime. A 'charity' shouldn't make you feel that way.<br />
<br />
I've two more points to make, the first being that how many charities do you know that have 'CRITQUES' page on their website?<br />
This page is basically saying, don't believe the bullshit about how bad we are, believe what we say and support our cause. Which on one hand you'd expect them to do, but if they're so squeaky clean why even bother to acknowledge the doubters?<br />
<br />
Finally, if this whole thing was so legit, why haven't you seen major news corporations back this video? Why aren't Youtube themselves supporting it? Why have they gone after celebrities and not major outlets of news around the world.<br />
<br />
Anyway I promise the next vlog won't talk about this because people far more intelligent know more and you should probably listen to them instead. But I'm entitled to my opinion :D<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
BenBen Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-86499542845238116772012-01-23T20:35:00.001+00:002012-01-23T20:35:19.151+00:00Excuse me Sir.Evening all,<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So tomorrow I embark on a course to become a SIA (Security Industry Authority) steward, it'll be something totally different for me but something I'm looking forward too. It's effectively the first step to other things for me it can lead to plenty of different avenues and will open doors I'd previous never even gone towards.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It lasts 4 days 9-5, I've not really had a solid routine for ages so I'll enjoy getting up at 7 every day for the week. I'm actually going it with my Dad and a couple of his work colleagues, every summer Great Yarmouth puts on a weekly fireworks display for free for locals and tourists, I've stewarded it for the last 5/6 years but never had any official training as it's not required. My Dad thought it'd be a good idea if a few of his team did the course to be better prepared and roped me in to take part too! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm quite nervous, it's run by three former army officers and I can't be doing with doing press ups every 5 minutes because I've chatted back sarcastically/comedically, but hey I guess I'd deserve that sort of treatment if I were to give them a dose of Ricky Gervais. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow night :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ben</div>Ben Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-84001702266460426112012-01-22T22:43:00.000+00:002012-01-22T22:43:17.951+00:00Don't force it | Finally got it! (Youtube)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Although I said I'd post on this blog a lot more, and well if you look at it statistically, I have, I've come to the conclusion not to force these. It'll become boring and tiresome to do, and I want to enjoy blogging not find it a pain at the end of each day. Credit to Elly, she's done really well, everyday since the beginning of the year!<br />
<br />
I'm currently watching 127 hours, basically it's about a man who has to cut off his own arm to escape from it being trapped in a rock. It's not the greatest prep for a blood test tomorrow but it makes my blood being taken look like being cover in feathers.<br />
<br />
I've been writing videos this week, I've got a couple that I think I'll post soon. I think I've finally come up with something to base my channel around, it's only taken 3/4 years of any old shit to get to this point but I may have a little bit of a niche.<br />
I'm literally going to ONLY do collabs on my channel. Not those collaborations that consist of me saying, 'What is your happiest childhood memory?' for 25 people to give thought through answers, no no no. I'm going to write little 1/2 minute sketches and be like the answer to all of your problems (COMEDICALLY) . I think the art of collaborations has kind of evaporated in recent memory. I want people new and old of youtube to be part of the videos, whether I know you or not, the main point though will be quality. IT HAS TO BE A GOOD VIDEO. I won't be afraid to tell people, 'your end isn't good enough'. Quality control is one the most important aspects of Youtube.<br />
<br />
So there's the plan, collaborations. I'm going to write every single one or at least write with the person involved. I think it'll be good, I've got a few people in mind that I'd like to be involved :)<br />
<br />
Soon<br />
<br />
Ben</div>Ben Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-966372045207402472012-01-14T14:19:00.000+00:002012-01-14T14:19:09.810+00:00Saturdays 3 o'clock | Football a taboo?My favourite time of the week, (along with Elly coming round on Friday evenings)<br />
<br />
I just get a buzz from it, the lead up on a Saturday, I wake up thinking oooo what games am I watching today, much to Elly's disgust but it's just something I live for. My love for the time is strange really, I don't think there are many people in this world who love a time so much, I imagine football fans around the country do have similar feelings but not many of those people read my blog. (At least I think that's the case)<br />
<br />
Today I'll be watching a cross between Liverpool and Norwich, both clubs very close to my heart and both in the same division for only the 3rd time in my footballing lifetime. It's exciting, both teams with different goals, one wants to be at the top of the division although that's a long way away from happening right now. The other, Norwich, they want to remain in the division and push on for the future because of it's financial benefits.<br />
<br />
I've always avoided blogging about football on my internet personality profiling sites. - Is that even a sentence that makes any sense?<br />
<br />
The reason is purely because I don't want to talk about things that interest a minority, football is almost a taboo on Youtube. People go on about Doctor Who and Harry Potter till it's coming out of their arse and I get it rammed down my throat on twitter/youtube everyday, it's practically unavoidable. Thats something that bugs me about <i>Nerdfighters</i> and I'll blog about them tomorrow actually, or at least the 'cult' of people it engulfs, so I'll expect some backlash tomorrow. Although I don't intend on offending anyone, just making an opinion more official. I've thought this about them for a while, I've just never written it down.<br />
<br />
This has been quite a mixed blog but it's done now, time to role on the football!<br />
<br />
Ben<br />
<br />
<br />Ben Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-72475632108215390552012-01-11T21:58:00.001+00:002012-01-11T21:58:44.841+00:00Youtube Subscription NumbersEvening blog fans!<br />
<br />
So if you believe what Youtube say.. they're going to remove all the dead accounts from Youtube.<br />
<a href="http://youtubecreator.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">- Read more about it here-</a><br />
<br />
Meaning, if you've had an account for a number of years and not signed in without uploading videos it will disappear forever, until someone takes the name. This in turn means for people that have been on the site for a long time, a dip in numbers in inevitable. I imagine I'll be losing close to 1000 subscribers, maybe more maybe less. Quite frankly, I'm cool with it.<br />
<br />
I don't like mis-selling myself, I'd rather be seen to have 400 subs and every one of those 400 watching more times than not, than kid myself with 3000 who don't. I might actually feel more encouraged to make videos knowing my 'real' audience figures. It'll be really interesting to see the big dogs of 2006/7 and how they cope. Some Youtubers like '<a href="http://youtube.com/Smosh" target="_blank">Smosh</a>' have been around since the start so will surely be expecting a HUGE drop in numbers, into the 10's of thousands I'm sure.<br />
<br />
A lot of people are really worried I think.. but I don't really know why. It's like you're lying to yourself if you believe you have 50,000 people watching, when in reality you only have 10,000.<br />
<br />
Over my time on Youtube I've been one to 'quit' and RETURN more times than that horrible bitch Joan Rivers has had plastic surgery. The majority of the time it was because I just felt disillusioned with the site, I felt like my figures didn't speak for how good my videos were. Arrogantly so? Absolutely.<br />
<br />
Now times are very different and most people will tell you people don't have time for Youtubers like me, I just talk to the camera to make people laugh, nothing more, nothing less. I don't do sketches or parodies or music, I just talk. If people like me then they're subscribing for me, not because someone's told them too. I've never had a hand out really, once or twice I've had bumps but not to the levels of most. This is why I'm welcoming the subscription drop, because I know I've earn't what I've got. I doubt many people on Youtube can say that.<br />
<br />
Anyway I'll be uploading soon all being well, I've got a few ideas and me and Elly might be doing another series :)<br />
<br />
Give me your thoughts on the subscription downer, I want to know what you think!<br />
<br />
Much Love<br />
BenBen Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-22263082738890867092012-01-09T23:29:00.004+00:002012-01-09T23:29:57.300+00:00Youtube DeathHey gang,<br />
<br />
I thought I'd delight your eyes with some more words on screens. Today something horrible happened a Youtube death took place. OK OK nobody actually died but a little piece of old school Youtube did. I think I've often been accused of trying to cling onto 'Old School Youtube' far too often, and those people are probably correct but I don't mind. I just miss how new it was, I miss my own personal drive for the site, I'd make videos about basically nothing for the thrill of the upload and nothing more. Now it's more of a viral campaign every time you upload, tweeting the video and begging for a retweet to increase traffic, facebooking it so even my 'real life' friends see it and even Google+ get's my attention post upload now.<br />
<br />
Anyway I spoke of death moments ago and I refer to something <a href="http://www.youtube.com/BarryAldridge" target="_blank">Barry Aldridge</a> facebooked.<br />
<br />
'<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Not going to use Real Name No Gimmicks in my videos anymore, it's time to move on.'</span><br />
<br />
It's not a big thing to most I'm sure (ALTHOUGH IT SHOULD BE) but to me and many others from the original Youtube days Barry had captured and held onto a phrase which made him recognisable, quotable. It brought a smile to my face to see him say it as an introduction to each video and it'll be a shame to see it go. It's a shame that even Barry feels like it's stagnant now, I disagree but who am I to comment. To me it's up their with Bruce Forsyth's 'Nice to see you, too see you nice!' or that spotty kid on the tv adverts for B&Q 'You can do it when you B&Q it!' - Doesn't quite work when trying to run a marathon, it'd slow you down if anything.<br />
<br />
I hope Barry comes up with something equally iconic to introduce himself.<br />
<br />
Cheers<br />
<br />
Ben<br />
Real name, No gimmicks.Ben Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-9302700647958651582012-01-09T03:11:00.002+00:002012-01-09T11:48:46.002+00:00RoutineThe hardest thing about blogging is surely the routine of doing so... I'm currently railing a friend of mine playing some on-line poker for some big bucks, and his routine of playing is barely a routine, it's a freelance job.<br />
<br />
I find the biggest challenge is engaging people with this blog, they'll be days when I write 1000's of words over things that aren't that important. They'll be others that are short to the point and more likely just act as guides to what I've done that day for me to mull over in 5 years time.<br />
<br />
What I will have a rant about is the come down of Christmas. I'm never ready for the decorations to go back into the loft for another year. Although the Christmas spirit struggles to keep a firm grip on me these days I still have an air of sadness in my voice when I say, 'Are you putting the tree away?!'<br />
<br />
I guess it's the harsh reality of life snapping at you, saying, 'Do something which is worthwhile again.'<br />
<br />
This Christmas was the first I'd spent at home, is was just simple, the most simple Christmas I've ever had in fact. It was the first December 25th I'd ever spent in my own bed. I'd usually be going away to further a field family houses or shoved downstairs to make way for older family member. This so I could 'enjoy' the adventure of <i>Downstairs. </i>It was nice to wake up and see my own walls and posters surrounding me. It made me think about the future and how I'd ideally like to spend Christmas and it's 100% going to be around family once I've one of my own. I'm sure some of you might be reading this fearing for Elly, but it's not something that particularly scares us or is avoided in conversation it's just something that is romantically and spontaneously inevitable if that's possible. I'm pretty sure in the future the future for me will be a interesting discussion on this blog.<br />
<br />
Anyway cya<br />
<br />
BenBen Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-83552103516687363672012-01-07T23:59:00.002+00:002012-01-08T00:02:49.358+00:00It's never too late!Ok so I nearly missed the deadline!<br />
<br />
Today was my Mum's birthday, we went out for a nice meal that played a few games at home, 'who am I' was a classic, where you stick a post-it note on your head after someone else has written a name on it. You then take it in turns to see if you can work out who you are.<br />
<br />
Being the evil son and boyfriend I am.... I had to pick someone for Elly first so I went for the rather obvious choice.. Elmo.<br />
<br />
Anyway she actually got it! So when it came to picking someone for Mum I upped the ante!<br />
<br />
The Banker from Deal or No Deal! It only took her about 45 minutes to work it out but lolz (can't stand that word) were had.<br />
<br />
Take care.<br />
<br />
BenBen Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-46013810339829720452012-01-06T23:15:00.001+00:002012-01-06T23:15:27.098+00:00Elly Friday!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So today is Elly Friday! It's not quite the public holiday but it's still good. You might want to know the deep origin behind 'Elly Friday' and how it all came about over times of recession, drug abuse and riots but the truth of the matter it... she just always comes round on Fridays. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So there she is lying next to me reading Lee Evans' book.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'll look over now and see what reaction I get...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She said 'What?' that was somewhat expected.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Actually something interesting has just come from Lee Evans' book a quote I'll retort in text now.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Now I know that you have to reject the sort of closed thinking crap they want to force feed you in school, the narrow idea that you should keep your head down. never speak up and get a proper job"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In reference to him going to art college, now art college is never something I seriously contemplated during my education years, you'd find it hard to believe that I was quite shy at school really, I didn't want to make a big show of myself, I wasn't someone who relished the opportunity to delight my fellow school pals with a discussion about how Bill Shakespeare captures the emotion of Macbeth with some good nouns. I'd rather sit back and just let everyone else go first before building up a bit of courage to make a fool of myself with some comedy. Hardcore comedy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway I'll leave you with some feelings of some insecurity from my past and bid you farewell.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ben</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>Ben Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-33616448960311136972012-01-05T13:03:00.002+00:002012-01-05T13:03:15.784+00:00Get it in earlyMorning, well it's quite literally afternoon but I had the desire to write this an hour ago which meant I had the 'morning' thought.<br />
<br />
Can you get a more pointless sentence than the one you've just read?<br />
<br />
So I thought I'd blog early making sure I keep up with this, I've stuck it on my 'chrome taskbar' so I'm bound to do it more often if only because of procrastination. I had a quick look at my previous blogs and well I did it at college generally and quite a lot! College is now a distant memory for me and one I look back on with love and loathing.<br />
<br />
The love part comes nice and simply from meeting Elly and never looking back. (Neck issues)<br />
<br />
The loathing is down to the fact I hated every minute I was there, not because I didn't get on with people it's just a lot of my friends had moved on to University or work and I was sat there thinking I can more than likely achieve my goals in life without an A Level in PE. I guess I just didn't have the bollocks for a long time to admit that I could leave whenever I wanted too. I guess I thought education was something that HAD TO BE DONE, as when you're at school you're told that without an education you'll achieve nothing in life. Well I find this hard to believe because those success stories you hear of on the news and reality television, they don't come about from getting a masters in psychology, sure it might be a fantastic aid and a stepping stone but people get to where they want to be through hard work and sacrifice. I hope I can look back on this next year and think..'I've achieved something I didn't think I would'.<br />
<br />
Anyway time to get proactive, I'm going to sit in my pants and play Call of Duty for an hour.<br />
<br />
Much Love<br />
<br />
BenBen Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-67903980764803436722012-01-04T22:14:00.000+00:002012-01-04T22:14:07.876+00:00BloggingA few years ago everyone on Youtube had a blog, now it's all websites and tumblr and well I'm going to revert back to my blog! It's pretty standard really run of the mill you might say, but I'm going to try do it most days.<br />
<br />
I've said this before and failed but I guess it's still good I try and make goals. Elly (my wonderful girlfriend) has just started doing it again and it's inspired me to give it a go.<br />
<br />
So welcome back or welcome for the first time! Leave a little comment to let me know you'll be reading!<br />
<br />
BenBen Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-68400020240169694392011-06-16T19:29:00.000+01:002011-06-16T19:29:14.598+01:00If you just so happen.....to come across this blog then well it upsets me to say I don't really use it any more.<br />
<br />
You though stalk me in other places!<br />
<br />
Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DoctorBenjy">http://www.twitter.com/DoctorBenjy</a><br />
<br />
Youtube - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/DoctorBenjy">http://www.youtube.com/DoctorBenjy</a><br />
<br />
Football website - <a href="http://www.bencarrfootball.com/">http://www.BenCarrFootball.com</a><br />
<br />
Personally contact me.<br />
<br />
Skype - BenjyCarr<br />
<br />
Thanks :)Ben Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-89994943460977740942010-12-02T13:58:00.000+00:002010-12-02T13:58:35.546+00:00Good Afternoon,<br />
<br />
I have one of those Thursdays lunchtimes where I literally have NOTHING to do. It does give me a perfect opportunity to blog to my hearts content, I tend to write this really quickly though as it gets my full attention.<br />
<br />
<b><u>VIDEOS</u></b><br />
I might do a video called 'Shaving' tomorrow, I started to claim that I didn't shave in November because of Movember (rasing awareness for a cancer charity) The truth is I'm to lazy to shave and it just grows.<br />
<br />
I might make video of my shaving while telling little tales of whats been going on and reveal at long last that I'm going to actually make a thing of my channel. I'm going to do a cross between Harry Hill's TV Burp and Russell Howards Good News. One because I think it'll be nice to have a purpose to the channel and secondly I think my comedy works best when I can bounce of current affairs. Who knows maybe one day it'll actually be watchable. I won't have a format as such, well actually I might I'm undecided.<br />
But I might do one on Monday one on Friday and my LoveHate videos, tricky tricky tricky.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><u>M</u><u>Y THURSDAYS</u></b><br />
.. are such odd days. I get a little bit of a lay in untill about 9.20 then I get up, play badminton for an hour, then have a 15 minute break of nothing, Film Studies which varies from watching a film or recapping the film we just watched, it's a pretty fun but frightening experience to say the least. Then I have 1 hour 40 minutes to do what I'm doing now and get all my email up to date. Then a lesson of theory P.E. People often look at PE as a doss subject I'll tell you know its twice as hard as my other A Levels, you've never seen so much theory in your life I tell you! Then I have 3 hours to have dinner record and upload my lovehate video, then I have to be ready for football for 7.30, get home for half 9 and the day is done. Its a mix of busy and bored.<br />
<br />
<b><u>YOUTUBE GATHERING</u></b><br />
Coming up is the Festive Gathering a gathering that I did enjoy last year I had a blast with Tom Bacon, Ellie Calder, James Seago, Jack and Dean. As well as seeing lots of friendly faces throughout the day.<br />
I've not been to a gathering since, I came back from holiday the day of Summer in the City and it was just after my time in hospital so avoided that one and didn't go to any before that because of time and money I imagine. I'm seriously contemplating going to this one though, I have said that if I go to another gathering it'll hopefully be one run by <i>TheLoveHateSociety</i> because we did one nearly 2 years ago and I loved it! I feel a little out of the gathering loop so going to one in 10 days I think I'll feel like a bit of a stranger, those who've taken Youtube breaks will know that when you come back its really hard to get back into the swing of it all. I don't want to go and be by myself all day, it'd be a waste in many sense of the word.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>College</b></u><br />
College is still a bit of a struggle to be motivated for, I've not really got much to do, I take 2 subjects that I'm getting on alright with but I still feel I'm there because I have to be not because I want to be. May can't come soon enough, then it'll be another chapter of my life done. I'm sure I've mentioned the difficulty of being older than the vast majority of everyone else, it's still the case but it's getting easier I suppose.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Other stuff</b></u><br />
I've recently embarked on a website design course, I say design it basically classes to teach you HTML and beyond, it really depends on your progress. I'm glad I'm doing it though it just another string to the bow, and having lessons at night at a different college sitting next to my Dad is quite an odd situation. I'm hoping to develop something egotistical like DoctorBenjy.com but also set up GetFeatured.co.uk or something like that to aid that project. GetFeaturedGlobal is being announced one Monday (and now on my blog it seems) but I suppose when you're in charge you can do what you like! Gary and Jack have officially left the project, it's been an honour to spend so much time on it with them over the last few months, and I was very sad to see the both depart, but times change and you need to evolve to make things work for the better. I now have 2 teams of 3 on GetFeaturedUK and Global, it's nice to have it all sorted and both teams are gelling really well, obviously some people are baffled by the new system, a system that was explained in a video, but I'm going to make a video on Monday address these 'issues' and announcing GetFeaturedGlobal on GetFeaturedUK. Lets hope people recognise me!<br />
<br />
Whey I've killed an hour of time and got lots of things out in the open, thanks for reading all 888 words ok its 892 now, this could go on to be honest.<br />
<br />
Ben<br />
xBen Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-85348569114802455192010-09-29T13:37:00.000+01:002010-09-29T13:37:27.375+01:00Video OctoberSo Video October, whats it's all about I imagine I hear you cry..OK maybe a squeal?<br />
<br />
It's very obvious to what it is really, its like the October version of VEDA but I'm not going to be a cliche and call it VEDO. I'm making a video everyday of October<br />
<br />
The reaction most people have given it is... well that's exciting BUT some have said and this shows the faith my girlfriend has in me.. 'you won't do it.' <br />
<br />
I seem to have created this Internet reputation of someone that doesn't follow things through, which to me is quite odd though I do play on the gimmick a lot of don't involve me I might quit half way through. In reality and can't let things go and I work fucking hard a lot of the time to follow something up or make it work, the problem I have is that I'm quite impatient, I like things to be done instantly and if that can't be the case then I at least want to know whats going on.. I like a plan and I like things organised. Jack and Gary have learnt from GetFeaturedUK that I'm like that Elly has had 2 years to get used to it and I don't think my Mum and Dad really 'get it'. I want to work hard at 'Video October' I'm also going to blog about each video as well.. so as the video processes and uploads I'll write a blog to link people to. <br />
<br />
For most people making a video is quite straight forward, sadly its not that easy for me and it's quite time consuming. <br />
Eg.<br />
I record the footage on my nice camera,<br />
then I have to transfer the tape to a machine that records the footage into Windows Movie Maker, I then either edit it and save it or just save it. Then I have to transfer the raw footage to my laptop so, by either sending it over MSN or Sendspace so I can edit it on Sony Vegas so I can make it look good in wide screen (so not to be a Youtube outcast) and render it and then finally upload it to Youtube, the whole process can take an hour at the least but generally takes 2 hours or more to get a video to you people.<br />
So the plan is to film the video after college everyday, whether that be a rant or a vlog or a little sketch the video will HAVE to be of good quality. The only thing that actually concerns me, isn't time or will power to make the videos but IDEAS. Anyone that makes videos knows that the idea is the hardest thing to come by, so these videos are likely to be very spontaneously recorded. Should be fun.<br />
<br />
I'll post the video on here as well so you can just come here to watch it or just be subscribed to my Youtube account, if you found this blog and just follow me on Twitter then I make videos<a href="http://www.youtube.com/DoctorBenjy"> here</a> <-- click it and it will take you directly to my Youtube channel.<br />
<br />
Yes so starting on Friday a video a day from me, I hope you enjoy it! <br />
<br />
Also I've just thought this will be a good resource to do video responses etc I've a few planned actually.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading<br />
<br />
Ben.<br />
<br />
Sidenote. On a low point this has only taken me 10 minutes to write and I've 40 minutes to now kill at college. BOO.Ben Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-30215095548399634182010-09-22T12:10:00.000+01:002010-09-22T12:10:06.633+01:00Back at college..Hi all and welcome back,<br />
<br />
I say this every bloody time BUT I really want to blog more, I usually think this at about 11.30pm and decide I'm to tired to blog so I just well... fall asleep.<br />
<br />
I have a feeling though I may be blogging a lot this college year as I'm going to have lots of occasions like this one, where I either have a lesson cancelled or I've an hour to myself. I think a year ago I would've struggled to cope being on my own a lot but spending the time I did in hospital, you're on your own a lot sitting..waiting. I'm known in my family and with Elly for being really really impatient, I don't think I am as much now because I've had to spend time on my own getting better and thinking about my life/health etc.<br />
<br />
I've suddenly come back to college to nobody. I know less than 5 people well, obviously I see people around to say the odd hello to, but with everyone else gone off to work or University it's difficult to get through a day staying happy. I know how sad. I do quite like being on my own though because I've spent 14 years surrounded by busyness and friends and issues that when you look back on them mean nothing. I miss having the social aspect of course, and this whole online world is quite a good comfort blanket to go to when you need someone to talk to or just have a giggle with no real life consequence. <br />
<br />
Although despite all that alone feeling I've got a lot of things going on concerning Youtube, a website which I now look at with wider eyes, I realise that it doesn't mean much and the drama that concerns it is needless, sure I share my opinions on the occasional drama with the rest of you but when you look at it, Youtube is a website for people to post what they like when they like. As I was saying.. I've got my own channel which is in a bit of a limbo, I'm not sure where to go with it and maybe these other projects will give it more direction. I'm returning as a member of the new Love Hate Society along with 4 others which I'm pretty excited about we had a chat about how things are going to run, the underlining point I got from it is that a lot has changed since we first started a couple of years ago, and because of that, as a channel we need to evolve while at the same time keep that friendly feeling we always had. I might as well talk a bit more about it.<br />
<br />
We're going to run it in seasons, not like RantTank though, as the members of the channel are unlikely to change. We'll do a run of 8 weeks then have 3 off so it's not a weekly chore. That was my main problem with it last time, I loved doing it and the people on it were some of the people I really loved watching on Youtube. So it was great for me to be involved in a Youtube channel which brought all of those people and myself together. I think we're going to have fun with it anyway and you'll find out lots more soon.<br />
<br />
Other things I have lined up is that me and Lex are likely to start doing DoctorDuck again, we planned to do it the other day but that went to shit due to Lex being hopeless :)<br />
So I won't give a date for the next podcast as it could be tonight it could be 2014 it's a mystery to be honest.<br />
<br />
Obviously I'm still doing GetFeaturedUK, it was hard to manage at the beginning and I don't think people realised just how hard it was, we were getting literally hundreds of emails a day with videos and questions. Now it's not so busy but it's still hard working sorting it all out and getting it together. I have to say though everyone that's been on the panel seems to have a great time and we've had some great videos pass through our fingers. I do feel bad that we can only feature 3 videos, I posted on the twitter the other day 'What can we do to interact more with the viewers' or something along those lines and Olly Newport simply put 'maybe feature more videos for a start' (or something like that) anyway the point is, I think he's annoyed that he's sent videos in and hasn't been featured. Maybe we haven't be clear to why we only feature 3... <br />
Basically it's a matter of exposure, if we feature 10 videos then the viewership of those 10 is likely to decrease because its more for a viewer to watch, another reason is that we like the fact we feature 3 its a good number it means we can get a nice spread of videos from singing to animation, vlogs to sketches. It's a nice mix. I've taken a back seat from GetFeaturedUK recently and it's nice to know that Gary can cope without me and take a positive role within the panel and with the videos. An idea I'm going to pitch to Gary when I next get the chance is that we get panel members to help us present the featured videos maybe it'll be a nice thing to trial.<br />
<br />
But yeah to sum up things are looking up slowly but surely I had a blood test this morning for my next dose and some people in the waiting room look ill, I didn't feel that ill at all, I felt bad sitting there looking at middle aged women and the elderly thinking, I know the feeling and don't know what to say, actually I just said to sum up and now im going to to make another point. A point I was actually going to make a video on and still might. I got on the bus yesterday to go home from college and as I sat down next to a man who must have been hitting 80. I looked quite relaxed before I sat next to him and as soon as I touched the seat he sat up straight and held the bar infront. Now I didn't look that threatening apart from being a teenager, but it made me sad that as a youth an elderly person feel scared/worried by my presence and that really hurts me. I wanted to turn to him and say 'I'm not scary' but obviously I can't do that because buses are the most social difficult places on earth as it is without me talking to an old man. Anyway I want old people to realise that we aren't scary people most of us are kind weel natured human beings.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading<br />
<br />
Ben <br />
xBen Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-87141477060330819752010-08-20T09:11:00.000+01:002010-08-20T09:11:01.043+01:00Test after Test<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">No the title isn't in reference to recent results as I've not actually received mine yet. But it's in reference to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">BLOOD TESTS</span> (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">I have to have these so they can send me the dose for the week</span>) an experience I'm pretty sure nobody normal enjoys. I can say I'm used to them now and the pain is pretty pain free because my arms become like a rock in that area, I've just been for my Friday appointment which means getting up and 7.20am and I've done that for the past few months.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I vowed to blog more in August well a couple of days after that post I woke up with a shocking pain in my leg, literally wake up...............................AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Ok Mum my leg really hurts</u>, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">'Ok hospital?'</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Nooo I assume it's cramp, give it half an hour...</u></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">22 MINUTES LATER</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Mum I need Dad take me to hospital like.. NOW.</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So off I went, it wasn't particularly painful but it was the shock more than anything and it was like a huge strain to straighten my leg out, which isn't something I do a lot, e.g. it wasn't all that painful to walk but I knew it was there. Anyhow I went in and was told that I'd have a ultra sound on my leg (the same leg that's been the problem for 8 months) this was actually my first test on it, a small error by the hospital I feel but nevertheless its found now.. what's found Ben?? Well another clot has developed/being left behind. That's not good, the hospital now think that I am prone to clotting which means that I'll be on </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warfarin"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Warfarin</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> for life (tablets). Which means I'll be having blood tests for life as well.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now to say that to someone who's 60/70 isn't that hard for a Doctor I'm sure because it's probably quite common in that age, but for a Doctor to turn to me and start with the line, 'you're very young to have this happen to you' It's a bit of a * :( * moment and then for them to say, you'll be on Warfarin for life, well I walked out of the room and sat and cried for a couple of minutes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>1. the shock of being told is like 'ahhhhh fuck'</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>2. those words 'for life' at the age of 19, yeah that hurts just as much as the clots.</b></span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Anyway they kept me in over night and I was ok to leave the next morning although I had to have injections everyday for a week which have now results in really bad on my tummy :(</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To sum up and not leave this on a bum not, I'm getting better, it's just taking longer than I'd like.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thank you for all the supportive messages on twitter and the like, your support really does mean a lot, although its the case of nobody really understands.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Ben x</span></b></span>Ben Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-55604308642721431782010-08-06T00:07:00.000+01:002010-08-06T00:07:08.230+01:00I was going to do BEDA..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aVEqFxWoCo/TFs_dBY45nI/AAAAAAAAAKw/vhXGz2HSSB4/s1600/Youtube+Front+page+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aVEqFxWoCo/TFs_dBY45nI/AAAAAAAAAKw/vhXGz2HSSB4/s200/Youtube+Front+page+JPEG.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But as I'm on holiday I decided against it. Not that I'm very good at holidays in fact this year I've been terrible. The problem was that I brought my laptop to charge up my iPod for the 4 hour long car journeys through England, France and Belgium. I didn't expect to get free internet in Disneyland or here in Belgium but it just so turned out that I did, in both. Because GetFeaturedUK got a front page spotlight last Friday it was a bit like, 'I NEED TO SEE THINGS DEVELOP!' Oh and didn't they just, we got a barrage of expected and pointless hate which we just moderated and deleted so it was as if it never existed. Forget the hate though, 300/400 new subscribers about 200/250 positive comments and around 150 emails and messages about the project. I'd consider that Youtube a success. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I few people found it ironic that the channel set up to bring back featuring was indeed featured. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Not many people know but that wasn't luck... Youtube contacted us about 3 weeks ago with a proposition of maybe giving us a one off spotlight slot on the front page with a view to making it more regular, obviously we saw this as a huge compliment and opportunity to spread the word of Get Featured UK with the aim to promote as many people as possible on a national stage. We replied with a few requests and many questions about the possibility and they invited us to Google HQ in London to discuss the matter further. We took them up on that and Gary met them about a week prior to the spotlight as me and Jack were unable to make the meet due to the timing of the meeting(not to mention my medical condition). The meet went well and we discussed various things such has getting it again in future months and other possible ventures. To sum up last Friday it went brilliantly well and are in talks to get it again.</span></span><br />
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</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I sore point for me was that we could only feature 5 of our 12 featured Youtubers on the front page. This wasn't totally our doing, we would have loved to have featured all 12 (Which is possible) but this wasn't viable for Youtube. We all know Youtube have copyright laws on footage and music. Some covers are even copyrighted because of the record companies coming down hard on Youtube. So if you were featured in July and didn't get that front page opportunity then I personally am sorry but there's nothing we could do.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">That may not have needed clearing up but I just wanted to put it out there.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aVEqFxWoCo/TFtDrfJEQEI/AAAAAAAAAK0/6by0glw73Uo/s1600/diabolos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aVEqFxWoCo/TFtDrfJEQEI/AAAAAAAAAK0/6by0glw73Uo/s200/diabolos.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now although I'm not taking part in BEDA I will make an effort to blog more during this month about what's going on. Things I've kinda got planned: Gary's coming to stay for a few days, me and Elly want to go to London, I'd love to take a boat out on the broads for a day. See a bunch of films such as Inception and the Karate Kid and finally get really good with a Diablo (picture)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I bought one the other day and haven't used one for about 10 years but I got the hang of it straight away, I can see myself getting pretty good then making an average video with it just being me and the Diablo. How romantic. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thanks for reading</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ben x</span></span>Ben Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-43232490793526438382010-07-21T00:00:00.000+01:002010-07-21T00:00:44.531+01:00In less than a month..Get Featured UK has featured 9 Youtuber's of different talents and brilliance and showcased them to a new audience.<br />
As of tonight it has over 2000 subscribers to it's name<br />
Nearly 300 followers on Twitter<br />
A Facebook page that we finally got the bloody URL for today http://www.facebook.com/GetFeaturedUK<br />
and a growing support which hasn't slowed down.<br />
<br />
Each Youtuber that's been featured has felt an impact on their own subscriber number and views no matter how big that impact has been, whether it being KickThePJ or OtterPad, if they've 50 subscribers or 34 thousand Get Featured UK have shown them off.<br />
<br />
I was featured in the August of 2008 which meant I was on the front page of Youtube for 3 days and I remember that initial buzz, I felt so proud that a video I'd made was being recognised and showcased. It was a video that meant a lot to me as I'd gained the desire to make it when my Grandpa died a month earlier. It's something I'm still proud of now.<br />
Now when Get Featured UK was formed I didn't want it to be 'New Youtube' or 'The Saviours' I wanted people to feel that same buzz that I felt, I wanted to make a difference to people on Youtube and inspire others to either make videos again or to keep making great videos to be proud of. Although we've only been going for a month I think we're doing that already. I had a HUGE fear that we'd get 10 subscribers and it wouldn't impact anyone, but we've had such name's as TristopiaTV, JerryHCooke, BarryAldridge, BillTVMacon, Lomasca, Alex Day and Charlieiscoollike help us out with promotion whether via Twitter or Youtube and the ball has really rolled. We're hoping to gain support from a few other people as wel to push the project along further. We also have promising news that we hope to announce soon which me, Gary and Jack are very excited about.<br />
<br />
We already feel like we've achieved a lot but we equally think we can achieve a lot more.<br />
We can't thank everyone enough, the people that have applied for the panel, the people that uploaded our initial video, the tweeters, the people that made their own videos about it, the people that have sent us videos and to the all people that have followed the growing success of GetFeaturedUK, from the bottom of my internet heart....<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for making this work.<br />
<br />
Ben<br />
xBen Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7911700910058172245.post-31878145104546186672010-07-19T08:04:00.000+01:002010-07-19T08:04:16.247+01:00Back to collegeSo I'm about to leave for college for the first time in about 5 weeks its been a long half term break for me. With being at hospital for a week and then needing to recover for longer than was initially thought.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty nervous =/<br />
<br />
Not because I'll be seeing people for the first time in ages, but because I'm not sure how my body going to cope with walking around etc. I'm sure if I just pace myself I'll be fine but yeah tricky business, I'm not totally sure that this week will be worth while and I'll get much out of it. It'll be quite strange though because within myself I've changed my approach to the way I behave because I've had to and I've no idea if that'll apply to college as well or whether I'll be how I always was. I think I'm expecting myself to be quite reserved so I don't exert my chest to much.<br />
<br />
I think I'll be OK but I just think its going to be odd.<br />
<br />
BenBen Carrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14173126191395780458noreply@blogger.com0