Easy as Pie

Before I begin, yes I do realise that, technically, I’ve totally failed my lent thing already but I’ve decided this week to swap Friday and Sunday round because, as an ‘adult’ and a student, my life’s rather hectic and unfortunately I don’t have the ability to decide not to do my work just to fullfil a promise I half-heartedly made very late at night after consuming a stupid amount of pizza and pancakes. So there.

Anyway, sticking on the theme of food, I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of students getting a reputation for not eating properly when the large percentage of us do. If you’re one of the few that doesn’t, Dude! You’re letting the side down! Don’t tell me it’s hard work or that you can’t afford it. What’s wrong with you? Learn to budget, jeez…

Prove it? Fine! Here’s a recipe (and Nigela Lawson spoof) for leftover pie. It goes great with vegetables (mixed, frozen, fresh or otherwise) and will totally impress your friends and family of a Sunday lunch time.

Equipment:

·         Oven-proof dish

·         Mixing bowl

·         Spoon (preferably wooden)

·         Sieve

·         Weighing Scales

Ingredients:

Pastry: (amounts may need to be changed, depending on size of pie)

·         4oz (120g) flour

·         2oz (60g) butter

·         1 or 2 tbsp water

Filling:

·         Leftover meats, stuffing, vegetables or vegetarian substitutes*

·         Gravy

·         Herbs and/or spices (optional)

* Note that these don’t have to be leftovers, often I’ll cook Quorn chicken, sausages and anything else that might as well go in there specifically for it. So long as it’s all cooked and it’s still okay to eat, it’s all good.

Yeah, see, half of that you have scattered around your kitchen anyway, don’t you? …Don’t lie.

Method:

Preheat the oven to about 200°C/400 Fahrenheit/Gas mark 6

Pastry:

·         Put small lumps or cubes of the butter in a  mixing bowl

·         Seive flower on top of this

·         Use your fingertips to rub the fat into the flour until it becomes a breadcrumb-like mixture

·         Add water a little at a time, stirring between additions until most/all the ‘breadcrumbs’ are stuck together in one big ball.

·         Mix and knead the pastry with your hands

·         Roll out to desired thickness

Most recipes say to put the dough in a bag and chill in the fridge for about half an hour but I’ve never bothered. It also says roll the pastry above... I don’t own a rolling pin here, so I kind of just stretch it out with my hands… Don’t question it; it works.

Now, if you’re making a proper pie, you’ll need to roll it out thick enough to line the inside of you dish before putting the filling in it. Usually I don’t do this and just make a top to the pie, so the filling just goes straight in the dish.

Filling:

·         Make gravy, adding in any herbs or spices to taste (I normally use rosemary, thyme, coarse ground pepper and sometimes a little paprika)

·         Cut up meat, vegetables, etc. into bite-size pieces

·         Place meats, etc. in dish and cover with the gravy

It’s up to you how thick you want your gravy, but remember it will get thicker as you cook it in the oven.

Now, you simply put your pie lid over the top and place in the oven. Depending on the size of your pie, depends on how long it will take to cook. Generally speaking, it’s ready when the pastry is a golden brown colour but if the dish I particularly deep or big, you may need to cover it in foil part way through to insure the middle is cooked through properly without burning the top.

Take it out the oven & check the pie is piping hot all the way to the middle and serve. Boom!

The real test, of course, is if everyone goes quiet when they eat it (or, alternatively, how easy it is to persuade them to do the washing up afterwards).

Leftover pastry? No problems!

·         Grate a little cheese and knead into the pastry.

·         Roll it out and cut into strips.

·         Place on baking tray and in oven until golden brown

·         Voila! Cheese straws!

Now, tell me students can’t cook. I dare you.

Radio News - County Council Lobby

Local trade unions are lobbying the County Council today where local budget cuts are being discussed. It is thought that the council will be cutting £100million over the next two years.

One of the protestors, who also works for the council, had this to say:

Lent

Google define states that Lent is “The period of 40 weekdays that in the Christian Church is devoted to fasting, abstinence, and penitence.” It is traditional in this time that you give something up for the period from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday, even if you’re not religious.

The vast majority of people will give up something they like in order to be healthier with bread, smoking, alcohol, chocolate and crisps being some of the most common. Others chose things to try and make them better people and give up swearing or teasing their siblings.

The first lent I remember is one where, aged 7, I gave up tomato ketchup; strange, I know, but I was a little bit addicted. It didn’t work very well because I just substituted it with other sauces instead. The same sort of thing happened when I gave up bread both last year and the year before and crisps and chocolate on other occasions.

This year, instead of going for the hat-trick of bread I had been planning since last year, I thought I might do something different…

Remember a few months back I challenged myself to write a blog a day? Well, I did. Anyway, following on from the (sort of) success of that, my promise for Lent this year is not to give something up but to repeat this. No, it’s not cheating because, if you think about it, I’m giving up being lazy and procrastinating (see, clever, no?)

Besides, it’s better than most of today’s lent promises on 3 points

1)      It’s possible – so unlike most, I won’t give up after about 4 days

2)      It’s not selfish – which I suppose is debatable, but if you think about it, promising to be nice is something you should do anyway and giving up crisps or whatever is usually to aid your own diet and isn’t helping anyone or making the world better which, if you think about it, is kind of the point of all this.

3)      It’s positive – because I could have done something similar to what I do for my New Year’s resolution and give up giving up things, which is both pathetic and unfulfilling, plus, it’ll be helping with my degree, which can only be a good thing

I realise they’re fairly weak points, but you can’t deny there’s something behind my bizarre process of thought.

Also, for those of you who will remind me I gave up after about a week and a half of the whole a-blog-a-day she-bang, Lent is only Monday through Saturday, so I can get Sunday off to recover so, who knows, maybe I might even stick at it for longer than the 40 days.

I doubt it though.

(Also, I’m totally counting this as Wednesday’s blog post, even if I did finish writing it at half eleven on the Tuesday)

Radio Journalism

With a little bit of luck, underneath should (in theory) be a short Radio News piece (in a style of a relatively local station aimed at an aged 25-34 ABC1C2 demographic) and a monologue-like-thing which I'm meant to upload as part of my course. I will put the scripting underneath each one too.

Enjoy.

http://snd.sc/wCBfuy

"Former Energy Secretary Chris Huhne is expected to make his first appearance in court later today.

It’s alleged his ex-wife, Vicky Pryce, took his penalty points for a speeding offence in two thousand and three. He denies the charge.

Huhne resigned from the cabinet earlier this month to focus on the case. He remains a Lib Dem MP for Eastleigh."

http://snd.sc/xZw23D

"It’s fair to say that, from time to time at least, everyone is inspired by something. Whether this inspiration has any impact on your life or the lives of others depends on what inspires you and what it inspires you to do. I don’t know if this applies to you, but for me, inspiration can come from anything or nothing, and strike at any moment. Often, this moment isn’t a particularly good one in which to be inspired. For example: in the middle of lectures; in the shower; at the cinema or other times and places where it’s impractical or inappropriate to whip out a note book and write things down. I hope it’s not just me that suffers from this impractical gift or beautiful curse, depending on how you like to look at the world.

A lot of this inspiration is for things to write: stories, poems, articles. I’m a writer at heart. The issue is that by the time I have a pen and some paper to write with, the idea has gone and the spark has faded to a mere ember. This isn’t helpful for me or my goal in life, which has been to be a writer since I was about six years old. After all, do we not all aim to be paid for what we enjoy doing?

Though the dream has always been the same for me, the style of writing I have wanted to work with has continually changed over time. It started with fiction; short stories about Princesses and unicorns or servant girls being whisked away by handsome Princes. I think it’s safe to say that Disney films and fairy tales were a major source of inspiration for my six year old self. So too were the Barbie dolls and Lego that my sister and I would spend hours playing with.

I still enjoy writing fiction. As I’ve gotten older, my plots have become more complicated with thought provoking meanings. Apparently. I don’t think they’re that good, but then, I suppose I never think any of my work’s very good. Including this. Anyway, I digress; as I have gotten older, my inspirations have changed. This is not to say that I don’t still draw upon the time I spent playing with dolls in front of films because, subconsciously, we are all inspired by everything we’ve ever experienced. However, as I have grown-up, so have my thoughts and feeling and the things that influence and inspire have therefore become more mature. For example, I have a great love for the works of William Shakespeare and I draw upon his plays and poems as a source of inspiration for my own narratives. I also love the style of The Independent’s Robert Fisk. The way he can weave opinion with fact to portray an emotional yet factual account of events astounds me, and so he also forms part of my inspiration in writing.

Another inspiration is my family, particularly my mum. Not for my style of writing really, but for my life. She inspires me to always try my best and to stick at things and all those clichés mums love to use. Even if she does annoy me as she does it.

I suppose you could argue that these examples are more influences than inspirations. Inspiration tends to come as more of a surprise which these don’t. So, if these aren’t inspirations, what are? I suppose I would have to conclude that nothing and everything and that this is what inspires me. After all, an idea can strike you anywhere at any time. Like lightning."

Top Tips for a Tip-top Valentine's Day (AKA I forgot [again] - Help!)

If you have arrived here from google, you’ve forgotten today is Valentine’s Day. Congratulations. Though I’m sure you’re not the only one.

Here’s  five quick, last minute, relatively cheap ideas to surprise your other half with (and if, like me, you don’t have an ‘other half’, don’t worry, there’s some pointers on having a great singleton’s Valentine’s Day further down, plus you get to know this bit for later):

1)      Picnic it – Assuming it doesn’t snow yet again this month, a nice picnic somewhere scenic is both romantic and cheap. Just make a few sandwiches, grab a bottle of wine, a blanket to sit on and a candle if you think you’ll be allowed and whisk your beloved down to the park or countryside or area of beauty and if it’s cold, great; what better excuse is there to snuggle up?

2)      Film fun – No! Not in a kinky way! Gosh, what is wrong with you... my parents read this! Anyway, take them to see a film either at the cinema or curled up on the sofa at home with a few snacks, like a nice box of chocs or popcorn or whatever. And it doesn’t have to be a rom-com. Choose something you both like. Personally, I’d like to watch a Die Hard marathon with some ice cream. And definitely do that cheesy yawn-cuddle thing guys, clichés exist for a reason (same applies to gifts: flowers + chocolates = win)

3)      Dinner date – dinner out is ALWAYS an option. Always. It’s not very cheap, but it’s a good last resort, so long as you don’t make it look like you’ve only just come up with the idea.

4)      Theme Park – I know it’s not cheap, but it’s fun (if you like that kind of thing, of course) and if you get scared or cold whilst queuing or whatever, more excuses for snuggling!

5)      Pamper day – this only works if you’re buying for a girl (or a very effeminate guy): quickly run to somewhere like Lush or The Body Shop, buy up some body butter, face masks and other bits and bobs and tell your girl to treat herself to a selfish day then take her out for dinner or order in later. Maybe get her some pretty clothes/lingerie too (but be careful to get her sizing right or you’re doomed) I suppose, alternatively, if you’re shopping for a guy, get him sports things or something? I don’t know…

And there you go! I hope that helps at least a little.

Feeling lonely this Valentine’s Day? Don’t fret! Here are some ideas to make you feel glad you are… not lonely necessarily, but single… you know what I mean. Anyway, here they are:

1)      Girls’/Guys’ night out – who needs a man/woman when you’ve got your friends, some booze, music and the whole night ahead of you?

2)      Girls’/Guys’ night in – great to bitch about the opposite sex whilst you eat sugary things, watch films, sing along to random songs and just generally have a bit of a laugh (this is my plan this year, it’s going to be immense)

3)      Pamper day – spend the whole day making yourself look and feel amazing, either by yourself or with some friends. Works really well with a girls’ night in. Or, if you’re not into that kind of thing spend the day watching films you love or shopping or something

4)      Get ahead – catch up on all your work or get ahead of where you should be; it might not be fun but it means you’ll be able to relax another day!

5)      Sleep – because sometimes it’s good to be well rested/lazy

So, there you have it. Have fun today people!

Media in the 21st Century – The Internet

Whilst it is easiest to look at the internet from a technological determinist perspective, it can quite readily be seen from a ‘Whig’ (or Liberal) or Market perspective.

Using a technological determinist approach, the internet was invented in the 1970s and was initially used as a way for scientists to share resources and data. As the internet developed, people began to use it for subcultural proto-commercial purposes and, by the late 1980s, people had begun to use it as a research tool as well, giving way to increasing commercial use. Then, by the mid-90s it had developed to allow companies to sell directly to us and advertise on most sites as well as be used for cultural and civil discourse, though this is far less prominent.

Alternatively, you could suggest that the internet was developed to suit the needs of society to be able to communicate instantly with one another and research things quickly and easily. I could also be argued that the internet developed more and more commercially due to the amount of money invested into it both by companies trying to use the internet to expand their business and by those manufacturing the equipment to use it.

Since then, there have been many attempts to try and control the internet’s content by both government and companies but, generally, these plans fall through due to public protests that the internet is meant to be a place for free expression and a gathering of the world’s accumulated knowledge.

Media in the 21st Century – Music, Profitability and Piracy

With the invention of new technologies, the music industry has had to (and continues to) adapt to ensure that it continues to be profitable and does not lose out to music piracy.

Man of the technological advancements over the past 30 or so years can be seen as the industry attempting to ‘get around’ piracy (depending, of course, from what perspective you look at it from).  When people were able to record music off the radio onto cassettes, CDs came out. Then, when you could burn your own CDs, downloadable music came around. Now, when music can be downloaded illegally, it’s fashionable to buy vinyl records though most people don’t – because they’re both ‘vintage’ and stylish they’re incredibly expensive.

Of course, you could argue that people in the music industry could offer their music for free, like it is on spotify and other sites, and make money through advertising, merchandising and gigs. In many respects, this creates a sort of historical loop as, in the past, you could not listen to music at home and had to pay to watch performances which was the only way in which musicians made money.

However, what the industry tends to worry about is that in doing this, no-one would buy CDs or other music platforms anymore. Saying this, they have been continually predicting that these platforms would die out over the years in much the same way people have been predicting the end of the world – with no evidence or success.

For now, at least, the music industry continues to triumph (generally speaking) over piracy with a multitude of different platforms.

What do you think? Do you prefer downloads or owning physical copies of your music? Leave a comment.