Radio golden oldies
To celebrate it's 50th anniversary BBC Radio 1 has announced the formation of a digital pop up channel. The channel will play archive material from down the years from such legends as John Peel, Alan Freeman and Kenny Everett. There will also be interviews with some of the other DJs who worked for the station. Whether any of those who fell victim to the early 90's famed cull of the old and (for the target audience) uncool by then controller Matthew Bannister who was taking the station in more youth oriented direction make their feelings known about their departenture is anyone guess.
Friday, 30 June 2017
Thursday, 29 June 2017
Wednesday, 28 June 2017
Batgirl doesn't get Wonder Woman
One time Batgirl Alicia Silverstone is not impressed with the acclaim that current box office hit Wonder Woman is receiving. Silverstone complains that they have been female focused films have been around before the current release. But the fact is Wonder Woman comes from a genre that has been firmly male dominated with previous attempts have female chartecr led films in this field meeting with little to no success. Perhaps Silverstone is still having cold shivers about her own foray into the comic book genre.
One time Batgirl Alicia Silverstone is not impressed with the acclaim that current box office hit Wonder Woman is receiving. Silverstone complains that they have been female focused films have been around before the current release. But the fact is Wonder Woman comes from a genre that has been firmly male dominated with previous attempts have female chartecr led films in this field meeting with little to no success. Perhaps Silverstone is still having cold shivers about her own foray into the comic book genre.
Tuesday, 27 June 2017
Piers vs Theresa
An almighty row has erupted involving Piers Morgan's Good Morning Britain TV show and the UK Government. An interview with Defence Minister Michael Fallon was abandoned at the last minute. Morgan claims that Prime Minister Theresa May had stopped any ministers appearing on the programme following a rather combative interview with Environment Minster Michael Gove. Whether the deadlock will be solved remains to be seen.
An almighty row has erupted involving Piers Morgan's Good Morning Britain TV show and the UK Government. An interview with Defence Minister Michael Fallon was abandoned at the last minute. Morgan claims that Prime Minister Theresa May had stopped any ministers appearing on the programme following a rather combative interview with Environment Minster Michael Gove. Whether the deadlock will be solved remains to be seen.
Monday, 26 June 2017
Time to stop the experiment?
When it began in 2000 on Channel 4 Big Brother was described as a social experiment. However along the way it became just a vehicle for people who just wanted to become famous with little effort with perhaps the most famous example of this being the late Jade Goody. Channel 4 axed BB after 10 years on air channel 4 axed it, however for reasons some would say were quite cynical (read Channel 5 at 20 for more on those reasons) Channel 5 revied it soon afterwards. Big Brother has always been a show that has had it's flare ups but this weekend saw a near brawl break out after alcholic drinks were given to house mates with the perceived troublemaker being sent out of the house. This has led to one viewer to start a petition calling for the programme to be taken off air. Though it might taken off air for another reasons, Big Brother has been losing a ratings battle with ITV2's Love Islands so perhaps the end may be in end of sight.
When it began in 2000 on Channel 4 Big Brother was described as a social experiment. However along the way it became just a vehicle for people who just wanted to become famous with little effort with perhaps the most famous example of this being the late Jade Goody. Channel 4 axed BB after 10 years on air channel 4 axed it, however for reasons some would say were quite cynical (read Channel 5 at 20 for more on those reasons) Channel 5 revied it soon afterwards. Big Brother has always been a show that has had it's flare ups but this weekend saw a near brawl break out after alcholic drinks were given to house mates with the perceived troublemaker being sent out of the house. This has led to one viewer to start a petition calling for the programme to be taken off air. Though it might taken off air for another reasons, Big Brother has been losing a ratings battle with ITV2's Love Islands so perhaps the end may be in end of sight.
Friday, 23 June 2017
TV review: Tracy Ullman Breaks the News
9:30pm BBC1 Friday
In this pilot Tracy Ullman took a humorous look at recent political events though given the nature of recent events it did have at times a somewhat theard bare feeling. Ullman unveiled her impression of Prime Minister Theresa May who given the recent Election was portrayed as a some what frustrated person always worrying about her public image and having to make deals with Arlene (heard only on a telephone) Foster. Elsewhere there was a quite amusing sketch which posited the idea the Melania Trump was an android under the control of the Russians. Perhaps the most scathing sketch revolved absent rich forgien owners of expensive flats, one has to wonder if the idea came about because of the large numbers of people left homeless by the Grenfell tower tragedy. Overall a bit hit and miss, perhaps given more time Ullman will give us a more polished product.
9:30pm BBC1 Friday
In this pilot Tracy Ullman took a humorous look at recent political events though given the nature of recent events it did have at times a somewhat theard bare feeling. Ullman unveiled her impression of Prime Minister Theresa May who given the recent Election was portrayed as a some what frustrated person always worrying about her public image and having to make deals with Arlene (heard only on a telephone) Foster. Elsewhere there was a quite amusing sketch which posited the idea the Melania Trump was an android under the control of the Russians. Perhaps the most scathing sketch revolved absent rich forgien owners of expensive flats, one has to wonder if the idea came about because of the large numbers of people left homeless by the Grenfell tower tragedy. Overall a bit hit and miss, perhaps given more time Ullman will give us a more polished product.
What's in a name change?
The Secret Service a comic that was the brainchild of comic writer Mark Millar and film director/writer Matthew Vaughan was first published in 2012. 3 years later saw the release of Kingsman: The Secret Service which although directed by Vaughan saw many differences from the source material. The film was a huge box success. It has been announced that a new comic series featuring characters from the original but going under the Kingsman title will soon be published. It just goes to prove the pulling power of a successful title.
The Secret Service a comic that was the brainchild of comic writer Mark Millar and film director/writer Matthew Vaughan was first published in 2012. 3 years later saw the release of Kingsman: The Secret Service which although directed by Vaughan saw many differences from the source material. The film was a huge box success. It has been announced that a new comic series featuring characters from the original but going under the Kingsman title will soon be published. It just goes to prove the pulling power of a successful title.
Thursday, 22 June 2017
Does anyone know their history anymore?
In an edition of Pointless there was a round in which the answers were locations of famous battles, the knowledge shown by the members of public was somewhat alarming. For example only 48 people had heard of the Battle of Waterloo, consider that this was a turning point of history one must be concerned by the knowledge of some people.
In an edition of Pointless there was a round in which the answers were locations of famous battles, the knowledge shown by the members of public was somewhat alarming. For example only 48 people had heard of the Battle of Waterloo, consider that this was a turning point of history one must be concerned by the knowledge of some people.
Tuesday, 20 June 2017
Less than wonderful pay
In the latest development on the pay gap between male movie stars and their female counterparts comes a somewhat embarrassing disclosure. It appears that Gal Gadot was paid the sum of three hundred thousand dollars for her role as Wonder Woman. Though given the massive success of the film that bears her character's name, Gadot can look forward to a massive payday for the inevitable sequels.
In the latest development on the pay gap between male movie stars and their female counterparts comes a somewhat embarrassing disclosure. It appears that Gal Gadot was paid the sum of three hundred thousand dollars for her role as Wonder Woman. Though given the massive success of the film that bears her character's name, Gadot can look forward to a massive payday for the inevitable sequels.
Monday, 19 June 2017
Comics Review: The Coldest City
Writer: Anthony Johnston, Artist: Sam Hart
The term Graphic Novel could be considered to be some what over used, however in the case of The Coldest City it can hold it's place with by the masters of the Spy genre in John le Care, Fredrick Forsyth etc. The Coldest City has a MI6 agent being debriefed about her mission in Berlin in the days leading up to the fall on the Wall. Johnston weaves a tale that has many twists and turns to it even to the last page that keeps you hooked. With his black and white art Sam Hart gives The Coldest City an almost cinematic feel to the piece that recalls the Film Noir genre at it's height. The Coldest City has recently been adapted into a film starring Charlize Theron bearing the title Atomic Blonde though judging by recently released trailers some major changes have taken place. For those with a hunger for Clock and Dagger tales will have it satisfied with The Coldest City.
Writer: Anthony Johnston, Artist: Sam Hart
The term Graphic Novel could be considered to be some what over used, however in the case of The Coldest City it can hold it's place with by the masters of the Spy genre in John le Care, Fredrick Forsyth etc. The Coldest City has a MI6 agent being debriefed about her mission in Berlin in the days leading up to the fall on the Wall. Johnston weaves a tale that has many twists and turns to it even to the last page that keeps you hooked. With his black and white art Sam Hart gives The Coldest City an almost cinematic feel to the piece that recalls the Film Noir genre at it's height. The Coldest City has recently been adapted into a film starring Charlize Theron bearing the title Atomic Blonde though judging by recently released trailers some major changes have taken place. For those with a hunger for Clock and Dagger tales will have it satisfied with The Coldest City.
Saturday, 17 June 2017
Gong winners
The Queen's Birthday honours list was announced today. Notable names included J K Rowling, Judy Murray and Emeill Sande. But perhaps the biggest stand out being Billy Connolly, the man whose stand up comedy has often been the cause of many complaints has now been recognised for his work by the Queen. The Big Yin has had the last laugh on his critics.
The Queen's Birthday honours list was announced today. Notable names included J K Rowling, Judy Murray and Emeill Sande. But perhaps the biggest stand out being Billy Connolly, the man whose stand up comedy has often been the cause of many complaints has now been recognised for his work by the Queen. The Big Yin has had the last laugh on his critics.
Friday, 16 June 2017
Thursday, 15 June 2017
Nostalgia rumbles on
Next week sees the return of 2 shows to UK TV screens. The first was a mainstay of ITV Saturday night schedules for 18 years between 1985 and 2003 but will return on Channel 5, Blind Date sees Paul O'Grady taking over the role of cupid from the late Cilla Black. While next Friday on Channel 4 Richard Ayoade presents the new version of 1990's hit The Crystal Maze in contestants try complete challenges in order to build up time for the final jackpot challenge. The big question is there enough of a nostglica audience for either to approach the success of their first runs
Next week sees the return of 2 shows to UK TV screens. The first was a mainstay of ITV Saturday night schedules for 18 years between 1985 and 2003 but will return on Channel 5, Blind Date sees Paul O'Grady taking over the role of cupid from the late Cilla Black. While next Friday on Channel 4 Richard Ayoade presents the new version of 1990's hit The Crystal Maze in contestants try complete challenges in order to build up time for the final jackpot challenge. The big question is there enough of a nostglica audience for either to approach the success of their first runs
Tuesday, 13 June 2017
Tracey takes on
Nest Friday on BBC1 a pilot for a new topical comedy show starring Tracey Ullman will be broadcast. In her last show she played both Angela Merkal and Nicola Sturgeon, the billing in the Radio Times says that both Theresa May and Melina Trump. Given the recent General Election results one can expect Ullman to busy working on her impression of DUP leader Arlene Foster
Nest Friday on BBC1 a pilot for a new topical comedy show starring Tracey Ullman will be broadcast. In her last show she played both Angela Merkal and Nicola Sturgeon, the billing in the Radio Times says that both Theresa May and Melina Trump. Given the recent General Election results one can expect Ullman to busy working on her impression of DUP leader Arlene Foster
Monday, 12 June 2017
The decline of Rupert?
It is rumoured that on the night of the UK General Election that Rupert Murdoch stormed out of a election party event when he saw the exit poll that said the Conservatives lost their majority. Murdoch has earned a reputation of an unofficial King maker when it comes to UK politics. There was the infamous front page of The Sun that had the then Labour leader Neil Kinnock depicted as a light bulb with the head line 'Will the last one out turn off the lights'. Given the massive backing that Theresa May had it was probably a shock to the system.
It is rumoured that on the night of the UK General Election that Rupert Murdoch stormed out of a election party event when he saw the exit poll that said the Conservatives lost their majority. Murdoch has earned a reputation of an unofficial King maker when it comes to UK politics. There was the infamous front page of The Sun that had the then Labour leader Neil Kinnock depicted as a light bulb with the head line 'Will the last one out turn off the lights'. Given the massive backing that Theresa May had it was probably a shock to the system.
Saturday, 10 June 2017
The revenge of George
One of those have taken pleasure at seeing the Conservatives reducded to a minority Government is the former Challoncer George Osborne. In his new job as editor of The Evening Standard he put on the front page some of the most scornful front pages in UK newspaper history taking aim at May over her handling of the Election and of it's aftermath. Osborne was fired from the post of Challoncer by May who is then said to have give him a lecture on humility after sacking, that well worn phrase revenge is a dish best served cold is more than apt for this occasion.
One of those have taken pleasure at seeing the Conservatives reducded to a minority Government is the former Challoncer George Osborne. In his new job as editor of The Evening Standard he put on the front page some of the most scornful front pages in UK newspaper history taking aim at May over her handling of the Election and of it's aftermath. Osborne was fired from the post of Challoncer by May who is then said to have give him a lecture on humility after sacking, that well worn phrase revenge is a dish best served cold is more than apt for this occasion.
Friday, 9 June 2017
UK General Election 2017: The aftermath
In what has to be a great upset (and that's saying something given recent years) the General Election has provided a hung Parliament. The thinking going into the election was that the Conservatives would increase their majority but if anything they lost seats thereby losing their majority. What happens is that the Conservatives look likely to do a deal with the Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland who will probably make an number of demands in exchange for their support. As with any General Election there where high profile names have their seats in Parliament including 2 former party leaders, Nick Clegg of the Liberal Democrats and Alex Salmond of the Scottish National Party. In the next few weeks the back room deals of Westminster will take on much public interest.
In what has to be a great upset (and that's saying something given recent years) the General Election has provided a hung Parliament. The thinking going into the election was that the Conservatives would increase their majority but if anything they lost seats thereby losing their majority. What happens is that the Conservatives look likely to do a deal with the Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland who will probably make an number of demands in exchange for their support. As with any General Election there where high profile names have their seats in Parliament including 2 former party leaders, Nick Clegg of the Liberal Democrats and Alex Salmond of the Scottish National Party. In the next few weeks the back room deals of Westminster will take on much public interest.
Thursday, 8 June 2017
Tuesday, 6 June 2017
Monday, 5 June 2017
Best of: The Young Ones
Rik Mayall, Adrian Edomndson, Nigel Planer and Christopher Ryan play 4 very different students having to share the same bedsit and having to deal with a dubious family (all of whom played by Alexi Sayle) in the show that in the 1980's redefined the British sit-com. here the 5 best episodes.
1 - Bambi
The boys go on University Challenge, featuring a galaxy of guest stars. Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Ben (who co-wrote the show) Elton, Mel Smith, Griff Rhys Jones, Robbie Coltrane, Tony Robinson and music from Motarhead
2 - Bomb
The boys find a nuclear bomb in the house so Mike (Ryan) tries to sell it. With music by Dexy's Midnight Runners
3 - Nasty
The Boys have to deal with a South African Vampire while trying to watch a video nasty. Monty Python's Terry Jones plays a drunk vicar and music is by The Damned.
4 - Interesting
Our luckless foursome decide to have a party and like any party it has it's gatecrashers
5 - Time
Rick (Mayall) wakes up in bed with a strange girl (Jennifer Saunders) so he thinks he has got lucky however she is not what she seems. Dawn French appears as the Easter Bunny
Rik Mayall, Adrian Edomndson, Nigel Planer and Christopher Ryan play 4 very different students having to share the same bedsit and having to deal with a dubious family (all of whom played by Alexi Sayle) in the show that in the 1980's redefined the British sit-com. here the 5 best episodes.
1 - Bambi
The boys go on University Challenge, featuring a galaxy of guest stars. Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Ben (who co-wrote the show) Elton, Mel Smith, Griff Rhys Jones, Robbie Coltrane, Tony Robinson and music from Motarhead
2 - Bomb
The boys find a nuclear bomb in the house so Mike (Ryan) tries to sell it. With music by Dexy's Midnight Runners
3 - Nasty
The Boys have to deal with a South African Vampire while trying to watch a video nasty. Monty Python's Terry Jones plays a drunk vicar and music is by The Damned.
4 - Interesting
Our luckless foursome decide to have a party and like any party it has it's gatecrashers
5 - Time
Rick (Mayall) wakes up in bed with a strange girl (Jennifer Saunders) so he thinks he has got lucky however she is not what she seems. Dawn French appears as the Easter Bunny
Saturday, 3 June 2017
Friday, 2 June 2017
Moving on
Jay Hunt who in the position of Chief Creative Officer of Channel 4 was responsible for the poaching of Great British Bakeoff has announced her resignation. This comes before the station's new CEO is announced which had been rumoured to be Hunt herself. Her departure blows the field wide open. The internal goings of Channel 4 are perhaps are now more watchable than most of the station's output.
Jay Hunt who in the position of Chief Creative Officer of Channel 4 was responsible for the poaching of Great British Bakeoff has announced her resignation. This comes before the station's new CEO is announced which had been rumoured to be Hunt herself. Her departure blows the field wide open. The internal goings of Channel 4 are perhaps are now more watchable than most of the station's output.
Thursday, 1 June 2017
Thor election
A parody of both the forthcoming Thor Ragnarok and this year's General Election has surfaced on Youtube. It features British political figures having their faces imposed on the film's characters, Jeremy Corbyn is Thor, Theresa May is the villaness Hela and Boris Johnson is the Incredible Hulk to name just 3 who are featured, Search Youtube under the title of Thor Snap Election
A parody of both the forthcoming Thor Ragnarok and this year's General Election has surfaced on Youtube. It features British political figures having their faces imposed on the film's characters, Jeremy Corbyn is Thor, Theresa May is the villaness Hela and Boris Johnson is the Incredible Hulk to name just 3 who are featured, Search Youtube under the title of Thor Snap Election
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