Hello, I'm fickle.

It has been several months since my last post, for which I do apologise. (that is to say if you actually read the things I write and enjoy them)

Today, I came to something of a realisation that I was not expecting, especially given my previous writings and opinions on the subject, nonetheless, today I realised I am a Feminist.

In contrary to what I have written before, I have finally come to an opinion on Feminism and comfortable in the concept that I am a Feminist. It truly hit me when I watched a video that was a sort of 'social experiment' on domestic abuse, that is when I had a figurative 'epiphany'; Feminism is equality. It is not a warped and twisted anti-male movement in which women seek to overthrow a patriarchal society (yeah, some people honestly believe that). I had previously noted Feminism in the modern day as 'twisted' into a much more anti-male orientated movement in which net mums abuse misconstrued men on social media platforms, but after watching this video my perspective has been truly altered:

In that video, there is some truly heartwarming and sickening reactions - a man actually joined the woman in abusing the experimenter, of course, whether or not this video had it's own agenda is entirely questionable but it's message is clear and at least how I perceive it, pure. Feminism is doing wonders for the world as I type these very words, support goes out to the Eastern World where even in the modern age women still suffer horrifically from patriarchal societies that ultimately abuse and borderline torture women, but Feminism does not just stand for women, as most men view it. Feminism stands for ALL. It is a movement that aims to bring every class, sex and ethnicity together, at least that is what Feminism now means to me.

A few weeks back I was at the cinema watching a new release, 'The Riot Club', this perhaps was one of the most rage-inducing films I have ever had both the pleasure and displeasure of watching. I walked out of the cinema having experienced complete shock and awe, I was both entirely blow away by the high quality of the writing and directing and completely disgusted by it's message (a film I urge everyone to go and see).

But a scene that really niggled away inside my brain *spoilers* is a scene in which the group of would-be posh boys sit around their dining table for the night, drunk and completely coked up. Miles(the generally central character) has been foiled into a cruel prank in which his girlfriend is accidentally invited to this dining room of 'debauchery' - a term the film loves to spit out regularly. In this scene, the 10 of the boys all make crude, vile and toxic comments that make you clench your firsts in the -fairly uncomfortable- cinema seats. The girl, Lauren, is sexually assaulted against a door, abused and offered £27,000 in exchange for 'just a few blowjobs', it is possible one of the most vomit-worthy scenes to watch in a film to be released in the past decade.

And yet, it is also one of the most thought provoking, because although a work of fiction, we have seen in the past 10 years that this is real, not the movie, but the concept is real. People do this shit. Perhaps I'm having a late reality check that everyone else realised years ago, but the world we live in is pretty fucked, and we all have a responsibility to 'unfuck' it. The way I have chosen to channel it through? Feminism. Feminism is my portal in which I will try my absolute hardest to bring about some change through whatever means I have at my disposal, along with the millions of other Feminists at my side, for that I have pride. Everyone can make a difference with but a little hope.

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Why Iggy Azalea and her kin are a detriment to Modern Society and Feminism

For a global society that often claims to be fast approaching equality, there still seem to be idols in the mass media that do nothing but absolutely diminish any sense of self-respect for themselves, I'm talking of course, as the title refers to, about Iggy Azalea, the provocative Australian 'rapper'.

I'll hold my hands up in shame here and say that my anger for this was first arisen when I saw an article comparing dear ol' Iggy and The Beatles. Yes, you did actually read that right.

Now, in previous posts I have disputed the fact that in many cases, sex does sell, often far too well for it's own good. But surely, SURELY after watching a 3 hour long concert of Iggy Azalea doing nothing but squatting and rubbing herself against oiled up gentlemen(performing none of her actual music it seems), there is a line in which we say "Yeah, okay. This isn't music, or a concert. It's porn."

It is people like Iggy Azalea that make me think long and hard about swingin' toward Feminism, because frankly, she and the image she presents is disgusting. For the record, her debut record was aptly named "Pu$$y".

It's a sad moment for me when her latest work, "Fancy", is quickly becoming the fastest selling pop song in history, it either proves the Feminism has done absolutely nothing for the world in the past 50 years, the whole world has gone tits up, or simply, I'm alone in thinking this.

If you haven't heard it, it's the sort of music, that lyrically appeals to your standard 14 year old girl wanting to go 'crazy', it's probably going to become the next anthem for young girls getting shitfaced around town. "Keep on turnin' up, we don't give a fuck"

But speaking from a country of rapidly growing insecure teenage girls, mass binge drinking problems, racist politicians and unabashed everyday sexism: is this not the most self-destructive sort of culture to embrace with open arms?

Why, for example, is Regina Spektor, not a mainstream idol she so deserves to be? Or as some people might know her: "The woman who sung the pretty songs on 500 Days of Summer".

Regina Spektor in Concert

We have a spoilt little girl 'rapper' flouncing her bum about like a piece of butcher's meat for sale, and a humble pianist girl who started from very little and arose to an incredibly respectable woman, and musician. Why is the former more popular? Why are we still talking about Nigel Farage and his 'politics' whilst millions of literal CHILDREN are being exposed to what is fundamentally, porn?




The same applies to the likes of Nicki Minaj or Miley Cyrus, it is simply a chain of exploitation with a huddled group of fatcats at the top of the chain laughing at the people they have assimilated into their bank accounts. You have young women, like for example Iggy Azalea, who are exploited by their management to sell their product and music via their image, then all of the envious people below worship them like deities, it is nothing other than poisonous to the progress made in equality in the past few decades.

Iggy Azalea in Concert

The truly most sickening thing about it all, is that these brainwashed women actually seem to think that they have 'creative direction' in their work. It would seem the definition of 'creative direction' has definetly seen a drastic change over the years, must've been something I missed, perhaps Robin Thicke can give me a definition. If anyone has any idea how the embedded picture of Azalea in concert portrays even an inkling of creative direction, please, inform me. Perhaps the the hand gesture is some sort of, uh, metaphor?

More than anything, I can do nothing other than plead. Plead anyone reading this to reject this awful, toxic culture that is simply poisoning society further, furthering sexism and stereotype. It would most likely be wasted breath to also plead  these young women to step down from their pedestal of flesh, they won't read this and if they do they won't care.

"A hoe is a hoe... is a HOE. & yes, ass out in a mag/internet/public view PERIOD. Puts you in a bucket with all the other hoes. No exceptions" - Azalea

Who knows? Maybe I'm just too arrogant to embrace a hip-hop style of music that flaunts female flesh like gold dust and swaggers men about uncompromisingly describing their nasty shags with 'hoes' and 'bitches'. Yet, if that culture is taking Britain by storm, I am proud to stand aside and say that frankly, I'd rather listen to fucking Nickelback and watch Come Dine With Me.




On that bombshell, go and listen to some Regina Spektor.

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Stephen Sutton, A Hero.

I have been following Stephen's updates for around the past three months, donating as and when I could, and there was not a more inspirational and astonishingly selfless person I have ever had the joy of reading about. Normally, these sorts of media-storm stories have me ambivalent at best, let alone sum up any sense of emotion, but yet, when I saw his viral 'last thumbs up' picture, my respect for him soared above and beyond. I can never say I have or likely will meet someone who had the absolute courage to say goodbye in such a brave, brave manner.

I figured that it was appropriate to pay my respects to him, as a person, as a charity king, and most of all, an absolute credit to society. I would like to think that had I been in the same position I would happily have taken on the same role as Stephen, but I know that I wouldn't have held a candle to his bravery.

My sincere condolences go out to Stephen's family, friends and supporters. His story will likely never be forgotten and I pray that it doesn't, nothing short of a legend.

Rest in Peace, Stephen Sutton.



"It's a final thumbs up from me! I've done well to blag things as well as I have up till now, but unfortunately I think this is just one hurdle too far.


It's a shame the end has come so suddenly- there's so many people I haven't got round to properly thank or say goodbye too. Apologies for that.

There was also so many exciting projects and things I didn't get to see out. Hopefully some will continue and if you want to carry on the fundraising please do (justgiving.com/stephen-sutton-TCT
is the link to donate to).

All future updates on this page will probably be from a family member. I hopefully may have the energy to write a few tweets (@_StephensStory). I will continue fighting for as long as I can, and whatever happens next I want you all to know I am currently in a good place mentally and at ease with the situation.

That's it from me. But life has been good. Very good.

Thank you to my mum and the rest of my family for everything. Thank you to my friends for being amazing. Thank you to my medical team for the hard work and effort they've continually they've put towards me. And thank you everyone else for sharing this wonderful journey with me.

I love you all x"

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"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." - Victor Hugo

I've been listening to a lot of music lately, exploring new genres and new sounds. Mind you, not that I am particularly talented or knowledgeable in music at all, I'm just a humble listener. After at least 100 hours of non-stop music on my Marley headphones(which I recommend highly, you can get them from here), I figured "Hey, let's give a weekly 5 top songs for my blog" and thusly, here I am! I'll jump right in straight away and deliver blow by blow complete with YouTube links.

1. Everything Everything - Suffragette Suffragette

I discovered Everything Everything alongside their release of 'Arc' in 2013, fitting into the pop-indie-rock scene. Their music is undoubtedly clever (aside from their apparent lack of ideas for the band and song's names maybe). Since their debut album, Man Alive, they've since truly soared to become some chart toppers, maybe not megastars but their definitely being rewarded with some fame that's well deserved. With a retro-modern fusion of music, Everything Everything tell stories in their music, and good ones at that.

2. The Vaccines - Bad Mood

This, by far, isn't one of The Vaccines best work. The song has a fairly monotonous vocal feel to it, but the guitar riffs and ferocity are enough to make you want to rip your clothes off and fling yourself into a crowd of 80's kids and go wild.

3. twenty one pilots - Truce

Twenty One Pilots, stylised as twenty|one|pilots are newcomers to the industry, with an absolutely astounding album released in 2013, Vessel was an immediate hit album, as it should be. The album has flavours of nearly a dozen genres and delicately crafts alternative music to have a whole new meaning. If you can, I suggest you listen to their entire album.

4. Panic! at the Disco - Casual Affair

If Panic! at the Disco are known for anything, it's for being completely wacky and different for every single album they release. Jumping from emo-punk rock in A Fever You Can't Sweat Out, to Folk in Pretty. Odd. and then a fusion of pop and rock for Vices & Virtues, they already have a pretty eclectic mix under their belt. Only for them to jump into an eccentric new electronic experiment in Casual Affair. It's quirky. It's surreal. It's good.

5. Phoenix - Entertainment

Phoenix are notorious heroes of indie music... if that's possible. Their music always seems to incorporate an electronic melody with some soft vocals and catchy lyrics. Phoenix have some undeniable classics, another being 1901. These guys will get you motivated and put you on a high.


As I'm notably doing 5 songs I recommend a week, I thought I'd incorporate 1 song you definitely shouldn't listen to.

5 Seconds of Summer - She Looks So Perfect

I honestly struggle to word how low music sinks when bands like this surface to popularity. Simply, they're awful musicians. They're whiny. They're overproduced and they're over-hyped. This is what is spawned when Justin Bieber and the Arctic Monkeys are popular in conjunction with each other. If you're a teenage girl looking to get off over a bunch of boys wearing make-up and sporting stupid haircuts playing awful music, this might just be your thing. Otherwise? Run. Run for the fucking hills.

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Kayleigh Palmer, A Truly Tragic Loss

It was on Saturday morning that I heard of Kayleigh's death, after having been kept in the loop throughout the week from a string of her friends.

I don't quite know how to properly word what I'm about to write, I'm not usually good at being particularly emotive about things, but, I digress.

I never really knew Kayleigh, as popular as that sentence is or has become. She was in the year below me at Cleeve School and only a few weeks ago had I managed to put a face to a name.

At first, In a strange sense, I didn't know how to react or feel in response to her death, she had never spoken to me, we had just exchanged mutual smiles at a bus stop one morning or she had opened the door for me in school.

Yet, that's when it hit me. The first time I have truly been deeply, sickeningly affected by the death of someone who wasn't relatively close to me in my life.

Death is the last enemy: once we've got past that I think everything will be alright.
Alice Thomas Ellis

I will not have it said, by anyone, that Kayleigh Palmer was not anything other than absolutely lovely. Every time I ever saw her she walked with a smile on her face radiating nothing other than pure happiness, never have I seen her sad, nor upset, nor angry, nor have I ever seen her be rude or spiteful to another person. Which is a thousand times more than I can say for the rest of the teenage population.

My deepest sympathies go out to her friends, family and loved ones. She, in my mind, was one of the most pleasant and lovely people I have ever had the pleasure of being an acquaintance of.

I had intended also, on giving an unbiased and totally neutral perspective on the events of last week, alas, I shall let my writing and emotions free-flow. 

There is nothing more utterly stomach churning than the thought of her boyfriend committing such an absolute atrocity. 

I have always been content with the fact that Cheltenham is relatively sleepy little town which gets busy for one week of the year and has it's fair share of scumbags. But this? This has truly changed my perspective on what people are really capable of, I am unabashedly appalled that another human being was able to commit the act so knowingly.

It breaks my heart to know that Kayleigh, whom was only 16, has lost not only her entire life, but her child and all of the potential that came along with her. 

Once again, my deepest condolences go out to her family and friends, it is beyond a tragic loss not only for her family, but Cleeve School. I truly pray that she is in a better place than the dark world we live in.

The dead cannot cry out for justice. It is a duty of the living to do so for them.

Lois McMaster Bujold

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Superheroes, What happened?

For today's post, I'll try and hit up something a little less controversial than my previous few posts, I don't have a very good track record here.

Morality is a strange concept. Probably one of the strangest, most manipulated and twisted concepts to ever by thrown around in the world as we know it. (Yeah, good start Josh.)

We all have a secret love for cliche superhero movies, whether it's the characters we see, the beliefs and principles fed to us or the downright awesome action scenes. We love 'em! They carry something for everyone!

Yet, as I flicked on my Netflix the other day, craving a bit of action and emotion together, I decided finally after a lot of deliberation (It takes me a while to pick films... too long.) The Avengers. I thought to myself - "What in the bloody fuckery has happened to Superhero films?"

Am I seriously the only one that has noticed such a divining line between what Superhero films are aiming to achieve, and what they're achieving?

Let's take for example two of the biggest film series' in the industry right now, The Dark Knight Trilogy and The Avengers Series.

The Dark Knight series has always been, for me, one of the most captivating, emotional and action-packed film trilogies I have ever watched. Each film carried with it a new mood, a new theme, the same characters who've come and gone different ways. It is film at it's very A class.

With 3 absolutely horrifying villains, and quality actors behind them each time. The films boast absolutely insatiable praise from me... and I'm a tough one to please. (Believe it or not.)

The clear aspect of The Dark Knight trilogy, is that it's dark. It's twisted. It's taken the classic, stupid, wacky Batman from the past and created a heart-clenching new ground for the DC Universe. This, to me, is what a superhero film should have, some depth, some raw emotion and raw action, a certain grittiness to it.

It has humour too, not lame jokes that leave us cringing in our seats, (thankfully Christopher Nolan's script never uses the word 'Catwoman') but the right moments that give us light relief from the emotional battering in other scenes. Maybe I am praising the film far too much, for this sort of thing may not be for everyone, there are people in this world that sit back and watch a film just to cry, just to laugh or just for the visuals. But personally, I like all three, I like a script that envigorates my life with new purpose and teaches me things I could previously never comprehend.

The Avengers, has absolutely none of this. It has, rightly or wrongly, attempted to manipulate the plot and it's moments in order to cater for a much wider audience, being such a Blockbuster film, you can sort of understand it. Much like The Hobbit, Peter Jackson has chosen to favour a wider audience and downgrade the maturity of the Middle Earth series. I am not a fan of that.

At the beginning of the film, we're given, one by one, a buffet of superheroes. A literal smorgasbord of superheroes given to you on a plate. Captain America, The Hulk, Thor, you name it. The film opens with potential, yet seems to just crumble into cliche jokes and an utterly mindlessly generic plot about the bad guy taking over the world. Originality is key in film-making these guys, let's make it happen.

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Feminism and Misogyny. (But mainly Feminism.)

I have always found I have an incredibly abstract mind in comparison to the people I spend the most time with. Mind you, I do not say that boastfully.

I'll forever hear people upset, distraught or incredibly happy about current affairs news and I will almost always remain totally nonchalant about everything. It may just be a quirk of being an incredibly laid-back person. There are only three things I have ever seemed to have a solid opinion on: Herbal Tea, Justin Bieber and Feminism. 2 of those opinions are negative, I'll leave you to guess.

The other day, I came across a page on Twitter - '@NoMorePage3'

My immediate thought was "oh for crying out loud."

Feminism, in the nicest possible way, is bullshit. As is misogyny, it's all utter bullshit.

I am, in every sense, going to try and attempt to talk about this from the most neutral perspective I can (yeah, you've already done a fantastic job there, Josh).

The 'official' definition for Feminism is,

"Feminism is a collection of movements and ideologies aimed at defining, establishing, and defending equal political, economic, and social rights for women. This includes seeking to establish equal opportunities for women in education and employment. A feminist advocates or supports the rights and equality of women."

I should clarify at this point, I have absolutely no issue against feminists, misogynists or any of their personal reasons for being such. My issue, however, is how these, coined, 'gender defenders' are portraying and delivering their ideals. If a man were to joke about a woman, let's go with the all time classic - "get back in the kitchen and make me a sandwich" joke that seems to circulate the Internet like a virus; it is immediately construed as a sexist joke and the male behind it is almost immediately a 'sexist pig'. Yes, the joke is most definitely not right and does give a sickening male authority vibe.

And yet, when a woman jokes about, let's say "men always leave the toilet seat up!" it is a perfectly socially acceptable comment to make. I for one am fairly good at keeping my toilet seat down, clean and ready for my co-inhabitants. What does that make me?

The concept of Feminism is innocent, and frankly has been a fantastic movement. However the general social stigma that has come along with it, is disgusting. I, as a man, do not want to be considered an authoritarian male hell-bent on dominating and infantalising women, I want to be equal.

I hope it goes without saying that I am trying not to generalize against all feminists, there are thousands of feminists that represent their beliefs soundly and do not adhere to typical social conventions.

"NoMorePage3" is not one of those.

Sexual marketing has been in place since marketing began, making use of sex appeal has and ALWAYS will be on of the primary selling points in a newspaper, magazine or product... Well, depending on what type of product. I wouldn't expect to see Miley Cyrus' arsecrack stuck to a box of tic-tacs.

If a newspaper is happy to publish boobs, so be it. If a consumer is willing to purchase said newspaper with boobs, so be it. If the boob-wielder (I really laughed at that) is happy to have her boobs printed, then so be it. The Sun is renowned for it's page 3. Simply, if you don't agree with it, don't buy it or read it?

The same goes for Male publications of the same sort; I can't even count the amount of times i've seen Channing Tatum's oiled up nipples stuck to a magazine, or David Beckham's tight boxers hugging his penis plastered onto an advertisement. It sells, so they continue to do it.

Hypocrisy is society's greatest downfall. If both genders are to respected EQUALLY then it is not a question of who is a feminist or who is a misogynist, it is simply a matter of respecting each other as human beings, not as a woman or a man. 

Yes, society may have some catching up to with women's rights, but it is vital that these movements do not get carried away with themselves. Al Qaeda are one of the world's biggest testaments to what happens when a pure and righteous belief turns sour and begins to become warped.

... Wow, I just compared Feminism to Al Qaeda.

It is high-time that people across the world begin to realise that petty squabbling about age-old jokes is an extremely primitive way of behaving as human beings. It is no longer a matter of treating a woman as woman, nor a man, a man. It is about treating everyone as a human being, no matter what religious orientation, gender, ethnicity they may be."Treat as you like to be treated", as they say.

If history has taught us anything, it's that dwelling on the past is not the way to progress.

Think new.

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Social Awkwardness and Self Harm.

*I URGE THE UTMOST CAUTION IN READING IF YOU SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION, SELF HARM OR DEPRESSION, SOME READERS MAY FIND THIS POST TRIGGERING*

I'm socially awkward. In fact, I am almost so socially awkward I make Michael Cera look like Michael Buble.

I am forever saying the wrong things with perfectly sound intentions, making awkward conversation with people I consider myself even friends with. How on earth I have done a pretty good job as a salesman on high street retail is beyond me.

Socially awkwardness is usually something to giggle at, something marginally cute. I mean come on, we all find Michael Cera adorable. 'Superbad' is probably the biggest testament in all of his career to how socially awkward he is capable of acting, heck, he may even be that socially awkward.

If you haven't seen Superbad. I suggest you watch it.

Being socially awkward doesn't sound bad. It just sounds like a quirky trait to have. But at what stage does being socially awkward change into being depressed and anxious, and what stage does depression and anxiety become associated with self-harm and suicidal thought tendancies?

Now, do not get me wrong, I am, in nearly every sense perfectly average, nor is this a pity-party for little old socially awkward me. Because I am neither a self-harmer nor have I ever in my life had a suicidal thought, yet I am still a socially awkward person in general. So what's defines it and what spawns the self harm?

It is fairly self-explanatory if you just consider why on earth has it become, to a degree, 'fashionable' to put on the act of being socially 'rejected'?

This runs down many routes and paths, from modern metal bands creating fan-bases that romanticize self harm and suicide. Which, is both good and bad, yes of course awareness is brought up and more people are at least trying to help it. But is it really right that it's possible to see little clusters of self-harming cults cropping up on Twitter, Tumblr and fuck, I've even seen some on Vine... a video sharing app.

Of course, is not to be misconstrued as a huge long rant at people who self-harm, nor am I attempting to generalize all self harmers to metal band fangirls/boys. I think the real message I am always trying to convey, is that everyone should always devote their lives to helping people in the RIGHT way. That does not mean, America, let's 'protect' our country and families by retailing guns as if they were candy. (I couldn't resist that little jibe at the American Government)

There are, because of these little self-harm cults, teenage girls AND boys, young people in this world that truly do not understand the gravity of their own self-harm. When you go to a job interview, when you go on a date, when you spend the rest of your life attempting to live an ordinary life, you will always be reminded of your ridiculous teenage decision to harm your own body.

For people that are not primarily exposed to social media to such a broad extent as I, imagine in a sense a chain reaction. A certain sequence of actions lead to a sharing of those actions, and eventual viral attention. 

*WARNING* - Do not read further if you suffer from self-harm, as the following picture is graphic.

A picture like this, is posted to Twitter.

(From Google Images)

Before you know it, it gets retweeted by thousands, shared for everyone else to see, something that was intended to raise awareness has thus become a trigger for thousands of self-harmers across the world, worsening the problem. It's like trying to contain chlamydia by having sex, and during the sex telling them you have chlamydia. It just doesn't work. It's sickening to see, more often than not.

You're probably thinking, well shit, we've gone from Superbad, to depression and self harm.

Yeah... I didn't structure this blog as fabulously as I should have.

It's difficult to comment on self-harm and this sort of topic without, to put it bluntly, being a dick, really. Self-harm is not something to be taken lightly, joked about or in any way emphasized as fashionable. It just shouldn't be shared, it needs to be dealt with fast, otherwise, like any other form of OCD, it will embed itself into the behavior of a person.

I do apologise that this has been such an emotionally dampening post. But it isn't said enough that social media is truly corrupting the minds of young people in more ways than one.

There is, simply, something fundamentally wrong and sickening at the very core of how the people behind Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr are making money.

Aaaaaaand on the bombshell...

I'm going to go and watch Superbad.

If you suffer from self harm and require help, please visit this website.

http://selfharm.co.uk/home

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Bus Etiquette

I've had this account for a while now, thinking nearly every day - "What on earth will people want to read about me, my life and the absolute bollocks I talk?"

And yet, AND YET.

Something that has always had a way of eating away at my very inner soul as I have gone through my adolescence, is the general etiquette of society. I am always trying to convince myself that I have a fervent passion for respecting others, myself and the community around me. In truth, well, that probably isn't 100% correct, the hypocrisy I seem to radiate is astonishing.

But, I digress. I spend an awful lot of time on the bus. I'm talking, a LOT of time here. I spend more time on a bus than your stereotypical single white mother dragging 3 half cast children behind her into town for their "big day out in town.", spending most of it in McDonald's and Primark.

Yeah, okay, that joke was in poor taste. I love McDonald's and Primark... Just not most of their customers.

Again, breaking off into a poor tangent; I probably hop onto a bus at least over 20 times week, and spend a minimum of 30 minutes on it each time. If you work that out, you have 10,080 minutes in a week. I spend 600 of those minutes on a bus. 600 hundreds minutes of my time, a week. 600 hundred minutes, sat on a cramped Stagecoach bus, stifled by the overwhelming smell of piss and the inane whining of lower year school kids.

I mean, to an extent, you can't really ever take out such standards on companies like Stagecoach, because, it's not as if they couldn't possibly hire bus drivers that look like they'd rather have a terminal illness than be at work. It's not as if they could even DREAM of attempting to clean the buses properly, or even, design buses that seemed to at least feel relatively comfortable. That really would be just pushing reality to it's edges, wouldn't it Stagecoach? And well, at the current standards it almost feels worthwhile paying extortionate prices for bus journeys!

I wish I could bring it upon myself to apologise for such an onslaught against Stagecoach, but guys, you're shit. Sort it out.

Today, I boarded the bus ready for my journey home (I was again greeted by a bus driver with a contorted face that was reminiscent of a bulldog's arsehole). I put my fancy 'travelcard' onto the scanner and sat down. Then plugged my headphones in and switched on some Snow Patrol. I tend to do that, just plug in the headphones and ignore the world on bus journeys. 

Now, I have headphones that were marginally expensive. It takes a CONSIDERABLE amount of noise for me to lose focus on music. But, somehow, somehow, christ. I don't think there are words in the English language that will honestly portray and do justice to the absolute level of raw frustration I was basically emitting to the entire bus as 5 little first/second year walking backpacks shouted and screamed for the entire bus to evidently love.

This situation however, is something I am relatively used to by now, as I said, Stagecoach buses aren't exactly the Dolce & Gabbana of the Transport Industry. But these little fuckers seemed utterly intent on pissing off the entire bus perpetually.

My tolerance is usually rock solid. I am usually an indefinite steel wall of emotion.

... Not today. Not when I receive a ball of paper hitting the back of my precious head.

At this point in the epic tale of the bus journey, I'd have preferred to have told a different version of events - more along the lines of...

"I STOOD UP, AND CHALLENGED THE LITTLE ONES PUBLICLY, CONDEMNING THEIR ACTIONS, CONFISCATED THE PAPER AND LEFT THEM TO CONTEMPLATE WHAT THEY'VE DONE."

That, sadly, is not the truth. I remained sat, with my headphones still on, furrowing my eyebrows occasionally in disgust. In fact, a girl sat to the left of me was the only one with the apparent balls to do anything about the bastards, and might I add, she did a fantastic job of it.

Now that I have confessed publicly to being too much of an utter man-child to stand up to misbehaving children 5 years younger than me. I will actually attempt to get to the point of this post.

If you were to ask yourself, when do you ever, truly, consider how the person sat next to you on a bus feels?

If you responded in your mind - "all the time.", you are the epitome of what it is to be a moral human being, congratulations!

... I'm kidding, it makes you strange. It's human nature to be a little bit nonchalant about others sometimes, we are both social and self-dependent creatures, I think it's important to have a balance.

But why, at such a young age of 11/12, are these children behaving as if nothing matters, as if everyone around them in a separate dimension to themselves. Of course, it's quite possible I've just forgotten what it feels like to be a child and I'm now stuck in the arrogant student phase, which is very, very plausible. Perhaps I am overly sensitive about how people behave in public places like that. Perhaps those kids at the back of the bus really were a little bunch of mischievous twats. 

Either way, I need to find a new means of travel.

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