Ben talks about technology, having £100,000 and Ronda Rousey.
How has life changed since you were growing up?
Well I think the biggest change is undoubtedly technology. Mobile phones are the landmark change that took real effect when I was about 15. Before if you rang someone's house and they weren't there then that was that, no friend for the day. Now we have so many different mediums of communication and there all available with a simple reach into our pockets. Messages that are written instead of spoken create an extra level of detachment. The other main change to society is that people now feel they can really be who they want to be. People these days feel more than free to be different, in fact they embrace it. When you add these two changes together you get a much faster, freer Britain.
What are your thoughts on society today?
It hasn't changed dramatically so much just sped up. I really like today's people, they are so much more accepting and far less confrontational. People consider other peoples feelings more these days. The one problem with that is that some people fail to act. Mainly I'm talking about younger kids and children. If I see kids up to no good I don't know how to behave where as when I was young and up to no good people would be straight over giving you a good telling off. I'm so proud of society as a whole today but if I had to think of negative points it would be drugs. Alcohol is especially different since the licencing laws changed. Today at night our streets are littered with zombie looking young people who have had way, way too much to drink and what's worse is it seems to be acceptable.
Some say happiness if hard to find, what are your thoughts on that?
Happiness is easy to find, it's keeping it that's the problem. Go to the fridge eat a bit of chocolate and you're happy. So happiness is easy to find... It's in the fridge. Problem is that feeling soon evaporates into nothing again. I really think that happiness is a choice, you can wake up everyday like it's Christmas morning if you truly learn to appreciate all the great things that you have. I'm not saying I do. But sometimes if I have a nightmare and I wake up I'm so happy for the life I have, I just wish I could hold onto that feeling. I think love in any form is important too, but the same rules apply. You have to appreciate it everyday.
What do you think are your strengths?
My modesty.
If someone gave you the choice of having £100,000 or being able to see into the future would one would you choose and why?
Hmm well I wouldn't want to see my own future as I like surprises. So I would take the money in that case. But if it was to see everything else then I would. If the world was good then I could relax about the future and if the world was terrible then I could do my up most to change whatever direction we took to get there. Also I could come back and make some accumulative bets that would me much much more than £100,000 then I would share it with you.
How much does family mean to you?
Biologically not that much. I know that might sound bad to some people but I think that the real family is the one you create for yourself. My friends are my family, that doesn't exclude my family at all, my Dad is my best mate. It's just I think as humans we should treat EVERYONE equally. I refuse to give an exception because we have similar DNA. I judge people on who they are as a person and not what genes they are made up from.
If you could marry anyone in the world who would it be and why?
This will probably have changed by next week but at the moment I would have to say Ronda Rousey. She is an Olympic gold medallist in Judo and is strike force women's MMA champion. She is an unstoppable fighter and yet extremely beautiful. She is what young women need in answer to all this super skinny-sell your soul to be celebrity culture. She is super healthy, mentally strong, independent and not in it for the fame or money, just to fight and be somebody.
How do you overcome fear?
You don't, you learn to respect it, then manipulate it to your advantage, then you go back and face it. Remember it's only bravery if you are scared. Everybody gets scared, some deny and learn to hide it, but there scared too. There are many things in life to be afraid of, but the biggest one of all is living life in fear.
You seem to know a lot about life at such a young age, why do you think this is?
Stephen Fry says you don't have to be clever, wonder all the time and Now i have an iPhone I can quench some of that thirst for answers. Before if I heard a word that I wasn't sure about I would never have gone and gotten a dictionary, but now I can just Google a definition in seconds. It's a wonderful time for wondering.
For more information or questions as always follow Ben on Twitter @MMABENNYJ
Sunday, 29 April 2012
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Question Time
I randomly selected five people to ask me questions that they have always wanted to know the answer to.
Do you have a life plan if so, what is it?
Well, in all honesty my life plan is to aim for the best. In life not everything goes as planned but I think it's these moments that I work extremely hard to overcome. I don't really have a plan, I just take each day as it comes and make each day productive.
Who inspires you?
The one and only person that has ALWAYS inspired me is my mum. For her to have brought up six children on her own that alone is inspiring and we have been through some tough times in life but my mum has never given up and has taught us the real value of life.
What is your view on life after death?
That's a tough question, I do believe in life after death that you either go to heaven or hell. Some people try too hard to be "perfect" and they need to realise that no-one is perfect and never will be, also some people need to really think deep and hard about their religion because some tend to abuse that power and authority.
What's the difference between a chicken and a hen?
Chicken is a species of birds, and in that species are two families, the hens and roosters. A hen is a female chicken.
If you could have dinner with any famous person that is dead who would it be and why?
That would have be to PC David Rathband simply because to me he was a hero.
If you could get a part in any TV show which one would you choose and why?
It would either be Casualty, or EastEnders. I have watched EastEnders for many years and would love to add some youth and personality to the show. also I would like to portray a respectable and intellectual black girl as the stereotype for black people is becoming ludacris especially in this generation. Casualty, because I love the high drama and want to go into the medical field and I love Michael French so it would be the great opportunity to meet him. Besides them, I have applied for Junior Apprentice so watch this space!
Do you think positive sexism/racism is a good or bad thing considering it should be about character and actions?
Well I think you have answered your own questions there however I think that positive racism is a bad thing because living in this world the amount of abuse people receive is overwhelming and saying something like this could trigger a serious case. For example, someone stating that they 'love ALL black people' could come across as racist and may offend many people so I think it's just about being careful in what you say.
If over night the empowerment of women happened globally what would the world be like?
I think that the world would be... a better place. There would be cheaper clothing prices and fashion will control both men and women which could help some people (even a few celebrities). However, it would do more bad than good for women I think there will be too much fuss that's not needed for and the country could go into economic decline.
Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
In ten years time I see myself having a professional job and earning some cash but most of all I just want to be happy.
What is your favourite book?
Favourite book... either Of Mice and Men or Michael McIntyre's Live and Laughing. Michael McIntyre is an amazing comedian and his life story intrigues me every time. He makes me laugh and his story is very funny and the seriousness of some issues are just heart-breaking.
Do you have a life plan if so, what is it?
Well, in all honesty my life plan is to aim for the best. In life not everything goes as planned but I think it's these moments that I work extremely hard to overcome. I don't really have a plan, I just take each day as it comes and make each day productive.
Who inspires you?
The one and only person that has ALWAYS inspired me is my mum. For her to have brought up six children on her own that alone is inspiring and we have been through some tough times in life but my mum has never given up and has taught us the real value of life.
What is your view on life after death?
That's a tough question, I do believe in life after death that you either go to heaven or hell. Some people try too hard to be "perfect" and they need to realise that no-one is perfect and never will be, also some people need to really think deep and hard about their religion because some tend to abuse that power and authority.
What's the difference between a chicken and a hen?
Chicken is a species of birds, and in that species are two families, the hens and roosters. A hen is a female chicken.
If you could have dinner with any famous person that is dead who would it be and why?
That would have be to PC David Rathband simply because to me he was a hero.
If you could get a part in any TV show which one would you choose and why?
It would either be Casualty, or EastEnders. I have watched EastEnders for many years and would love to add some youth and personality to the show. also I would like to portray a respectable and intellectual black girl as the stereotype for black people is becoming ludacris especially in this generation. Casualty, because I love the high drama and want to go into the medical field and I love Michael French so it would be the great opportunity to meet him. Besides them, I have applied for Junior Apprentice so watch this space!
Do you think positive sexism/racism is a good or bad thing considering it should be about character and actions?
Well I think you have answered your own questions there however I think that positive racism is a bad thing because living in this world the amount of abuse people receive is overwhelming and saying something like this could trigger a serious case. For example, someone stating that they 'love ALL black people' could come across as racist and may offend many people so I think it's just about being careful in what you say.
If over night the empowerment of women happened globally what would the world be like?
I think that the world would be... a better place. There would be cheaper clothing prices and fashion will control both men and women which could help some people (even a few celebrities). However, it would do more bad than good for women I think there will be too much fuss that's not needed for and the country could go into economic decline.
Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
In ten years time I see myself having a professional job and earning some cash but most of all I just want to be happy.
What is your favourite book?
Favourite book... either Of Mice and Men or Michael McIntyre's Live and Laughing. Michael McIntyre is an amazing comedian and his life story intrigues me every time. He makes me laugh and his story is very funny and the seriousness of some issues are just heart-breaking.
Sunday, 11 March 2012
Make Kony Famous 2012
There has been many speculation over the truth in the leader of Joseph Kony and his motives however I for one believe that this is happening and before it's too late I would like to draw people's attention to the seriousness of the matter.
Joseph Kony is an army leader of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda and he believes that what he is doing is right. Kony leads a terrible army that is connected with the 'Invisible Children' which is a horrifying attack where Kony sends his men to kidnap young children in their homes and he forces them to work for him, by working for him this means going out into battle and killing the opposition as well as killing their own parents. He also uses young girls as sex slaves for his pleasure and desire and they have no say in what happens. To think what these children would do just to have the luxuries that we have breaks my heart.
When watching the video about Kony, the young man called Jacob said something that will stay in my heart he said that he wishes that he was dead because now he is living he has nothing, his brother was killed and he can remember each fine detail of the killing and he has a dream of becoming a lawyer but without any money to pay the school fees then he cannot fulfil his dream. With this I begin to think of how many children feel the same way as Jacob, they would like to become something but once they are captured by Kony they have no way out and that is their life.
The plan is to make Joseph Kony famous, not for his army to multiply but for people to be aware of what this man is doing and hopefully in the near future be stopped- resorting in a prison sentence. I would like for the world to become a better place although this is not easy it may seem like words but watching the video, pledging or donating some money could start to make a HUGE difference in finding Kony and giving children the chance to have a childhood and to be educated. If only one person sees this and tells one other person then I will be happy because society today is leading by the connection of social networking sites. When one person tells the next this would be spread like wildfire and would generally make Kony famous.
Here are the possible links where you can donate or read more information about the man that is Joseph Kony
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc
http://www.kony2012.com/
http://www.facebook.com/Kony2012Stop
https://twitter.com/#!/KONY2012NYC
Joseph Kony is an army leader of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda and he believes that what he is doing is right. Kony leads a terrible army that is connected with the 'Invisible Children' which is a horrifying attack where Kony sends his men to kidnap young children in their homes and he forces them to work for him, by working for him this means going out into battle and killing the opposition as well as killing their own parents. He also uses young girls as sex slaves for his pleasure and desire and they have no say in what happens. To think what these children would do just to have the luxuries that we have breaks my heart.
When watching the video about Kony, the young man called Jacob said something that will stay in my heart he said that he wishes that he was dead because now he is living he has nothing, his brother was killed and he can remember each fine detail of the killing and he has a dream of becoming a lawyer but without any money to pay the school fees then he cannot fulfil his dream. With this I begin to think of how many children feel the same way as Jacob, they would like to become something but once they are captured by Kony they have no way out and that is their life.
The plan is to make Joseph Kony famous, not for his army to multiply but for people to be aware of what this man is doing and hopefully in the near future be stopped- resorting in a prison sentence. I would like for the world to become a better place although this is not easy it may seem like words but watching the video, pledging or donating some money could start to make a HUGE difference in finding Kony and giving children the chance to have a childhood and to be educated. If only one person sees this and tells one other person then I will be happy because society today is leading by the connection of social networking sites. When one person tells the next this would be spread like wildfire and would generally make Kony famous.
Here are the possible links where you can donate or read more information about the man that is Joseph Kony
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc
http://www.kony2012.com/
http://www.facebook.com/Kony2012Stop
https://twitter.com/#!/KONY2012NYC
Saturday, 25 February 2012
Thank You
Just a short piece to share my happiness.
For those of you that read my blog piece called 'Miscarriages' you will be aware of what my sister went through and why I felt so passionately about such a topic. I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all those that had been thinking or praying for my sister, she has been through such a tough journey however she received a miracle.
On Wednesday 22nd February at 3:15am, my wonderful sister gave birth to a baby girl called Tianna she is a healthy happy baby and is now in a complete family. My sister and her husband are over the moon at their little bundle of joy and on my behalf they would like to thank everyone who has supported them. They continue to praise and thank God for what he has given them and my sister is living proof that things DO get better and that giving up wasn't an option for her.
Once again, thank you to all those that have supported me.
For those of you that read my blog piece called 'Miscarriages' you will be aware of what my sister went through and why I felt so passionately about such a topic. I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all those that had been thinking or praying for my sister, she has been through such a tough journey however she received a miracle.
On Wednesday 22nd February at 3:15am, my wonderful sister gave birth to a baby girl called Tianna she is a healthy happy baby and is now in a complete family. My sister and her husband are over the moon at their little bundle of joy and on my behalf they would like to thank everyone who has supported them. They continue to praise and thank God for what he has given them and my sister is living proof that things DO get better and that giving up wasn't an option for her.
Once again, thank you to all those that have supported me.
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
James Edgington
James Edgington talks about being on Britain's Got Talent,Dame Judy Dench and his tennis skills. For people that don't recognise you, how would you describe yourself?
I'm confident, smiley and energetic. I'm not tall and not too small. I've got brown eyes, trendy mid-length hair and I guess I'm easy going. I guess locally I'm known as 'Son' off BGT or that lad from BGT.
How has being on Britain's Got Talent changed your life?
BGT hasn't changed my life in an immediate sense but it has given me some notoriety with the media and public to actively pursue other avenues of work. BGT mainly gave me some fantastic training I had never really been through before. The chance to perform live on national television, work with Yvie Burnett who is just the most brilliant vocal coach and has worked with top stars in the world. Nigel Wright was our musical director and he is amazing. We also learnt a lot about interviews and live television and radio. Even though I trained as an actor I have never really experienced anything like that on such a big scale.
I understand that you work with some charities, could you expand on what services they provide?
Yes, I am the director and founder of The Jennifer Charity. Jennifer provides support for widowed fathers and children, which is the only charity in the UK that deals with this specifically. The needs of widowed fathers and children bereaved of their mother are quite specific not to mention psychologically difficult and we aim to help with this as an ongoing process.
You have done many functions but which has been your favourite?
Last year I got the chance to perform both on my own and with my dad on the West End. It was a concert arranged for my charity by a London producer. It was a dream come true to perform these and I'm hoping to be back in a show or play someday.
If you were given the opportunity to sing or act with ANYONE who would you choose and why?
That's difficult. I would love to act alongside someone like Dame Judy Dench as I think being in the presence of her would make me raise my game and I love to be challenged like that when I'm working. As for singing alongside anyone I think my dream duo would have to be with a singer called Jill Scott who is my personal idol, a great actress as well. In more commercial sense I have always wanted to duet with someone like Christina Aguilera or a great like Aretha Franklin... sorry I can't pin one down.
What do you hope for in the future?
I am hoping to work more extensively in TV and eventually film. I have a few TV projects lined up and currently being mentored by a great director. I have also really enjoyed the presenting work I have been doing over the past year so that is something I would like to develop. Writing is something I have a huge interest in as well so the possibilities are endless. I would also like to get back into the studio and write/record some more songs so that is another project that is pending... it's fitting everything in that seem to be the problem.
Do you have any hidden talents, if so what are they?
I wouldn't say I have hidden talents... if I find something I am good at I usually expose it and run with it but I do play tennis at a pretty decent level and trained as a coach when I was in my late teens. People who know me are aware of this so it's not so hidden but I suppose it's something that I don't mention too much.
What's the one thing you can't leave the house without?
My iPhone! Absolutely not. Mainly because I play music through it in my car but also I need it for emails, called and Twitter of course!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight was performing on the West End at the Lyric Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. It was fantastic and something that I will never forget.
What makes you happy?
Performing in some way be it singing or acting... there is an escapism that you can't get from anything else.
To Find out more about James follow him on Twitter @JamesEdgington
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Danyl Johnson
Danyl Johnson talks about superman, being a show off and never giving up.
How have things changed since you were on the X Factor?
Well since 2009 I have been lucky enough to of played quite a few shows all over the world, Nashville, Italy and Portugal. X Factor helps you to get out there and perform to a lot of people. II had the chance to play many shows that I could buy my mum a house, which is the best thing I've ever done. You've got to love mum!!!
How are you dealing with the fame?
The best way is to not think your famous, if people come up to me I just chat to them like I would to a friend. I get told off by my tour manager for chatting for too long at shows.
Personally, I thought you were going to win X Factor and was completely shocked when you were voted off, what was going through your mind at that time?
To be honest, I was happy I got that far, I didn't mind. At the point it was anyone's competition. We had a great year of talent with the likes of Joe, Stacey and Mr Murs(we have to call him that now, lol diva). 4th place is a good place.
What do you see yourself doing in ten years time?
I would love to be writing songs for other acts then and live in a farm, silly I know but I've always liked the thought of having chickens.
Who is your favourite superhero and why?
I'm a HUGE Superman fan. I even have a tattoo on my right arm. I guess I have always like superman because I like that he can fly away whenever he wants.
Is there anything you would of done differently?
I guess I would of chilled out a bit, the show can be quite stressful at times. You miss your friends and family so much and also your free time.
What is the one thing you cannot live without?
My dog Darcie, she's 10 months old and I love her.
What projects do you have lined up for the future?
Funny you should ask, I've been writing my album in Nashville and Scotland, so hopefully my album, fingers crossed.
Growing up, how did you know that music was the industry you wanted to go in?
Well at first I wanted to be a fireman, haha. But I joined a theatre company when I was 9 and I knew I was a show off!!!!
Have you got any advice for upcoming singers or performers?
Never give up, the only your hope & dreams can happen if you don't give up. You only need 1 YES or 4 YESES in my case!!!!! So that will mean taking in a lot of no's.
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Miscarriages
Right, before I begin I would just like to say that this is a difficult topic for me to discuss however I feel that people need more knowledge and understanding on a topic such as this.
A miscarriage can happen to anyone old or young and if it has happened to you or someone you know, you are not alone as it happens to one in five pregnancies a year. This statistic is quite horrifying just to think that out of ten pregnant woman two of them will suffer from a miscarriage. It has been found that one in four women will go through the terrible loss of a miscarriage throughout their reproductive years. I am not posting this to alarm people, I am simply doing this to raise awareness of the heartache of miscarriage and want to make a difference in what services and charities are available for those who are dealing with their loss.
As I have said before, we might all know someone who has been through a miscarriage however for those that don't they can relate to women such as Amanda Holden and Lily Allen. Amanda Holden was seven months pregnant when she lost her baby. There are many causes for miscarriages to occur however the worst thing to do is to bottle things up and not tell anyone. Of course, doctors and nurses do their best but sometimes you feel that it is not enough and start blaming yourself about how you could have done things differently, well it is this attitude that I want to change. Blaming yourself can be the worst possible thing to do however bad you feel it is not your only option.
I am aware that there are many charities making sure that they help people deal with the loss of a child through miscarriage. I want to raise money for those who have gone through miscarriages as it is something I am passionate about. Sadly, my sister has suffered from three miscarriages and is pregnant again, however this time things are different I can see that she is more positive and is glowing. I know that she will be the best possible mum she can be and give her child everything that she couldn't have. I reckon that my sister is more assured this time because she has the support and guidance of the people around her and she has more philosophy on what to do.
My idea is to raise money for women in the UK to help with further research about the causes of miscarriages but also to help and support women who go through the pain of loss of an unborn child.
I know that people may speculate about my age however I know the pain of losing a child as it has happened in my family. There are many ways of contacting me however the most efficient way is to follow me on Twitter @NatashaK18 and send me a direct message if you have any questions or want to know more about the work I will be pursuing.
A miscarriage can happen to anyone old or young and if it has happened to you or someone you know, you are not alone as it happens to one in five pregnancies a year. This statistic is quite horrifying just to think that out of ten pregnant woman two of them will suffer from a miscarriage. It has been found that one in four women will go through the terrible loss of a miscarriage throughout their reproductive years. I am not posting this to alarm people, I am simply doing this to raise awareness of the heartache of miscarriage and want to make a difference in what services and charities are available for those who are dealing with their loss.
As I have said before, we might all know someone who has been through a miscarriage however for those that don't they can relate to women such as Amanda Holden and Lily Allen. Amanda Holden was seven months pregnant when she lost her baby. There are many causes for miscarriages to occur however the worst thing to do is to bottle things up and not tell anyone. Of course, doctors and nurses do their best but sometimes you feel that it is not enough and start blaming yourself about how you could have done things differently, well it is this attitude that I want to change. Blaming yourself can be the worst possible thing to do however bad you feel it is not your only option.
I am aware that there are many charities making sure that they help people deal with the loss of a child through miscarriage. I want to raise money for those who have gone through miscarriages as it is something I am passionate about. Sadly, my sister has suffered from three miscarriages and is pregnant again, however this time things are different I can see that she is more positive and is glowing. I know that she will be the best possible mum she can be and give her child everything that she couldn't have. I reckon that my sister is more assured this time because she has the support and guidance of the people around her and she has more philosophy on what to do.
My idea is to raise money for women in the UK to help with further research about the causes of miscarriages but also to help and support women who go through the pain of loss of an unborn child.
I know that people may speculate about my age however I know the pain of losing a child as it has happened in my family. There are many ways of contacting me however the most efficient way is to follow me on Twitter @NatashaK18 and send me a direct message if you have any questions or want to know more about the work I will be pursuing.
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