So the term has come to a close, and Portsmouth suddenly seems empty.

A late night/ early morning Java session has led me to post on this blog which, lets face it, like many of the UPSU blogs, does tend to go unnoticed. Christmas is here, the holidays are in, and yet, I know that there is a lot of work that is being done by students within the Union. 

 One such example is the Pure FM Christmas Panto which is due to be released from the Pure FM website on Christmas day. Directing the pantomime has been good fun, and its an experience which has taught me a lot in terms of management. As this blog is being updated, the final scene is being cut and will soon be added to the final product. Radio enthusiasts will be interested to know that a certain member of the BBC has a role in the pantomime and thanks to our script writer, a little bit of history will be made-only one way to find out, and that is, of course, to download the podcast on the 25th!

I don't know what else to say, apart from to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It’s coming to that time of year again when the sky starts getting darker and the coca cola adverts start to come out. I’ve been debating for a long while on what to get myself for this upcoming Christmas. As a budding young web design and avid amateur photographer I’m currently torn between two areas of investment. For a long while I’ve been after a portable computer, not only for ease of use but also for its mobility. The other area of interest is photography, in particular one of Nikons highly rated DSLR cameras. Of course with any selection process I have narrowed it down to only a few items within these categories, all come at a substantial price and as such is it a case of buy now or wait until prices possible drop.

Laptop

For this category I have primarily focused on the Apple Macbook range. I have always enjoyed using Apple Macs and as my work in web, graphics and photography is expanding the Macbook seems the perfect choice. The Macbook I’m interested in getting at the moment is the 2.0 GHz model http://www.apple.com/uk/macbook/.

DSLR Camera

In this case I’ve narrowed the selection down to two cameras, both of which are Nikons. They are the D40 and the D80. From what I’ve read in various reviews around the internet I’m told both are fantastic cameras however when it comes down to the issue of value for money it seems the better deal is with the D40. Not only does the D40 work out cheaper, it’s also smaller, lighter, and easier to use for people just stepping up to a DSLR camera. Whilst both are cheaper than the Macbook I would also have to invest the lenses and filters for any camera I do buy.
One review in particular http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/d200-d80-d70-d50-d40-5d-xti.htm

Which one to choose

After all the fuss I still can’t decide where my money is better spent, do I buy a Macbook and work on my web and graphics design from anywhere or do I go out and get a DSLR Camera and build on my collection of photographs to publish on the internet.

Any ideas on what to go for?

I've been neglecting this blog, been busy with Uni work. I'll just recommend visiting myvue.com for local cinema listings and checking out no6 cinema for artsy films that may not have been on at Vue (or not for long enough). 

I'd like to do some more with this blog, as it could be more than me just occasionally reviewing films.

I'm enjoying BBC telly at the moment. Survivors may not be great but its not unwatchable, Heroes is ticking along nicely, and Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe has started well. Spooks came back strong and I'm enjoying the comedy panel shows (HIGNFY, Buzzcocks). Oh and, Harry Hill's TV Burp isn't bad, but it is at risk of parodying itself if its not careful (audience pre-empting 'Fight!', I don't like).

 The IT Crowd on Channel 4 is back, and has been funny. I particularly like the re-appearance of Chris Morris' character and Moss is just a very good character, and is well played.

Saw 24:Redemption and wondered why there's no restrictions on who's allowed to look after orphaned children in made-up African countries, but dismissed it as an idea more stupid than the entire show, a feat in itself.

I recommend trawling about on the iPlayer website if you've got a spare hour, there's usually something good and interesting from BBC 4 or something funny from Radio 4. I must admit enjoying some of the stuff on CBBC as well, but purely from a Media Studies POV, you understand (Suspect gets kids playing CSI, and Sarah Jane Adventures is must-see for a geek-padawan like me).

I have audio-visual ideas for this blog/my career in the media too. But they're taking a backseat whilst I blog instead of writing essays.

Comments welcome, especially if you've found a gem on iPlayer!

(Might edit to add links later, but don't count on it.)

Hi Portsmouth Students!

Just wanted to let you know that the UoP Tchoukball Club is a brand new AU Club to the University and we want this club to grow and grow in the University because we have the potential for big success! (We are in the Offical OutRAGous Calendar aswell on the Boys Side in April!) This is mainly because we are being coached by some of the Great Britian Internationals in Portsmouth and maybe in a few months/a year we might have a few people representing our country! Also with our strong links to the Portsmouth Tchoukball Club we can play in Tournament around twice a month and also other matches against Southampton University (and beat them this time!)

Training on a Tuesday Night!

Training Session at 7:15-8:15pm at Portsmouth High School, Southsea (Cost £2)

 so come along and learn Tchoukball in an hour!!!

SO COME AND PLAY AND NEW SPORT FOR A SMALL PRICE INSTEAD OF SPENDING MONEY ON GOING OUT!

IT'S YOUR CLUB AS WELL AS OURS!

SUPPORT YOUR UoP TCHOUKBALL CLUB!!

See you all there!

Oliver Laurenson-Gore

UoP Tchoukball Club Social & Media Sec

Krusty20041@hotmail.com

Happy Thursday!!!

I hope you are all good on this miserable Thurday afternoon, I'm certainly dandy.  I am looking forward to the blood and sweat of tonight.  Yes its another UOP boxing night.  We are sure to be victorious yet again.  Chin up opponents. 

Anyways, few things going on.  I went to the Hindu society's Garba night last week, which is a celebration of the godess Lakshmi.  I've never seen the waterhole looking so pretty! And filled with such beautifully dressed people.  I was amazed by the music and dancing and had a fab time.

Shoe boxes have been coming in all week, thank you! Last day tomorrow, so get them in please!  Two VIP events coming up on 6th and 7th of December, if your interested please email vip@upsu.net.

A few societies have decided to put on a Nightmare Before Christmas Ball at the beginning of December. Watch this space!  There will also be a society trip to Amsterdam in January.  If your society is interested please contact tom.harrison@upsu.net.

Juggling Society have been doing some workshops with Purple Door teaching kids to juggle.  Bellydancing Society's dance classes have continued to be really popular which is great for a new society.  They're on a Monday at 5pm in Nuffield centre if you fancy it. I'm gonna give it a go.

 Tomorrow night the New Music Society are doing their Rubberdub night at Bar 8 tomorrow night.  See you there!  And on November 28th the Drum & Bass Society are doing their Drum All Over Your Bass night at the same place.  I went to the last one and will be there again so don't miss it!

Oh and on a final note, Sam and Mark (Mark in particular) stop slagging me off on your show!  I seem to be a regular topic of conversationand I'm not sure I like it!  Contrary to your thoughts Mark I'm not after the attention!  Cheeky.

 Stay sweaty unionites xxxxxxxx