"Bradford residents ‘have more sex than anywhere else in UK’ – survey" reveals the Metro today (http://metro.co.uk/2012/03/12/bradford-residents-have-more-sex-than-anywhere-else-in-uk-survey-349210/). Well when you have a rapidly depleting city centre and cold weather, what else is there to do?
Just don't have a curry before hand.
Monday, 7 January 2013
Sunday, 6 January 2013
Licence To Kill Revoked
"James Bond games pulled from digital platforms" reveals an article this morning (http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/007_legends/news/james_bond_games_pulled_from_digital_platforms.html) as various Bond games disappear from some game estores, but not all.
Has Bond's licence to thrill been revoked? Or maybe the video game company didn't pay a big enough bond?
Has Bond's licence to thrill been revoked? Or maybe the video game company didn't pay a big enough bond?
Saturday, 5 January 2013
Has Terrestrial Television Lost Out To Digital Channels?
This week it was revealed, in an article on the BBC's very own news site, that "BBC 'missed out' on Yes, Prime Minister comeback" (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20908049) with the creators saying that they refused to film a pilot of their new version of the classic BBC sitcom thus taking the show to UKTV's 'Gold' instead, a trend happening more and more with digital stations getting big hitters appearing on their channels.
Now whilst I think the writer's refusal to film a pilot smacks a little of 'do you not know who I am' syndrome and the BBC needs to see if the show, in its new format, will actually be funny, they do have a point in that the show was very successful on the BBC and in the recent stage show, which this new version is based on, and if UKTV, with a vastly smaller budget than the Beeb can take the risk, why can't they?
Comedy on the BBC is in a strange place. My favourite sitcom on television at the moment 'Not Going Out' - soon coming back for a sixth series - was cancelled and saved not so long ago in a frankly ridiculous decision, and comedy shows I'd expect, if not on the BBC, at least on "terrestrial" television, have appeared on digital channels, in particular on Sky channels who seem to be showcasing lots of great new shows, one being the hilarious 'A Touch of Cloth' two-parter, co-written by Charlie Brooker, a regular contributor to shows on the BBC and Channel 4. I'm not privvy to the negotiations - and the money offered - that got the show onto Sky, but it would have been a perfect addition to either of those mentioned channel's line-ups.
This isn't to say the BBC isn't still doing great comedy shows. Their 'Bleak Old Shop of Stuff' from 2011 was a great commission, as was Brooker's series of 'Wipe' shows including the most recent one this week, and they are still mostly unrivaled when it comes to comedy panel shows, but there seems to be a lack of risk taking in comedy. Only last year Channel 4 showed a pilot of Milton Jones' 'House of Rooms', an absolutely hilarious thirty-minutes, that has still not been commissioned.
And even when they do have some great comedy they don't capitalise on it. 'John Bishop's Britain', a brilliant show, good enough to get a second series, is still not available on DVD. I, for one, want to own that. The BBC has a large gold mine of old comedies that should see the light of day again or at least get a DVD release. Who remembers Al Murray's great but short lived sketch show from a few years back, still not available to take home?
In short, the BBC and its terrestrial cousins are doing some great things with comedy but needs to do more. If these relatively small-fry digital television stations can commission whole series that stand up to their originals (Gold and 'Yes, Prime Minster', Watch and its major contributions to Primeval Series' four and five, and showing off its new Canadian spin-off, Dave and 'Red Dwarf) then why cannot the big hitters? If they're not careful they will drive more and more viewers over to these small channels.
Shows like 'A Touch of Cloth', 'Red Dwarf', 'Primeval', 'Yes! Prime Minister' and more should have been jumped on by the big four traditional networks to show. They need to take more risks and make bigger comedy shows or instead of making jokes about 'Dave' in their shows, they'll be losing out to them.
Now whilst I think the writer's refusal to film a pilot smacks a little of 'do you not know who I am' syndrome and the BBC needs to see if the show, in its new format, will actually be funny, they do have a point in that the show was very successful on the BBC and in the recent stage show, which this new version is based on, and if UKTV, with a vastly smaller budget than the Beeb can take the risk, why can't they?
Comedy on the BBC is in a strange place. My favourite sitcom on television at the moment 'Not Going Out' - soon coming back for a sixth series - was cancelled and saved not so long ago in a frankly ridiculous decision, and comedy shows I'd expect, if not on the BBC, at least on "terrestrial" television, have appeared on digital channels, in particular on Sky channels who seem to be showcasing lots of great new shows, one being the hilarious 'A Touch of Cloth' two-parter, co-written by Charlie Brooker, a regular contributor to shows on the BBC and Channel 4. I'm not privvy to the negotiations - and the money offered - that got the show onto Sky, but it would have been a perfect addition to either of those mentioned channel's line-ups.
This isn't to say the BBC isn't still doing great comedy shows. Their 'Bleak Old Shop of Stuff' from 2011 was a great commission, as was Brooker's series of 'Wipe' shows including the most recent one this week, and they are still mostly unrivaled when it comes to comedy panel shows, but there seems to be a lack of risk taking in comedy. Only last year Channel 4 showed a pilot of Milton Jones' 'House of Rooms', an absolutely hilarious thirty-minutes, that has still not been commissioned.
And even when they do have some great comedy they don't capitalise on it. 'John Bishop's Britain', a brilliant show, good enough to get a second series, is still not available on DVD. I, for one, want to own that. The BBC has a large gold mine of old comedies that should see the light of day again or at least get a DVD release. Who remembers Al Murray's great but short lived sketch show from a few years back, still not available to take home?
In short, the BBC and its terrestrial cousins are doing some great things with comedy but needs to do more. If these relatively small-fry digital television stations can commission whole series that stand up to their originals (Gold and 'Yes, Prime Minster', Watch and its major contributions to Primeval Series' four and five, and showing off its new Canadian spin-off, Dave and 'Red Dwarf) then why cannot the big hitters? If they're not careful they will drive more and more viewers over to these small channels.
Shows like 'A Touch of Cloth', 'Red Dwarf', 'Primeval', 'Yes! Prime Minister' and more should have been jumped on by the big four traditional networks to show. They need to take more risks and make bigger comedy shows or instead of making jokes about 'Dave' in their shows, they'll be losing out to them.
Friday, 4 January 2013
The End of the Printed Word?
"Sales of printed books fell by almost £74m in the UK last year, according to
data from Nielsen BookScan" reveals a BBC article today (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20908048), a 4.6% fall from the previous year with 14% of book sales now in the form of e-books. Now, no longer do people have to hide what they're reading behind another like a copy of '50 Shades of Grey' behind the Beano or grab an adult version of a Harry Potter book, now their reading matter can be as private as the music you listen to on your phone or .mp3 player.
Personally, I still like a physical book but, like CDs to MP3s, the printed word is going to continue to shift into eBooks and the world of reading going through the changes that the music industry did ten years ago.
Personally, I still like a physical book but, like CDs to MP3s, the printed word is going to continue to shift into eBooks and the world of reading going through the changes that the music industry did ten years ago.
Thursday, 3 January 2013
Jack Whitehall, confused police and old people
The news has been alight today with all manner of stories, with the practically unanimous complaints about the rise of train fares finally subsiding (I had a return already so I've got the shout of astonishment to come when I find out how expensive my regular journey will become) as weary commuters resign themselves to the inevitable that they have to spend more money to get to work to earn money to pay for getting to work to earn money in the first place. I still can't understand how I can get to London return - granted on a coach - for £21.50 whereas it costs me £16 to get to York. How is that sensible?
With trains still being unreliable and over-crowded we still need to get some evidence that the money paid is improving the rail network, that doesn't involve spending millions of pounds on a high-speed rail link that knocks - whoopdedo - a whole twenty minutes off a journey.
(To be honest I'd be happier them spending the money on a large taser so everytime some chav with a pair of metal cutters and a deathwish steals the copper from Micklefield and causing delays they can get a nasty shock from the Fat Controller with an S&M addiction.)
Elsewhere in the news we get "Blue Christmas lights cause 'difficulties' for police helicopters" so criminals no longer have to be great at hide and seek, just need to find a willing accomplice with a portable generator and Wilkinsons' finest Christmas lights. I'm looking forward to the Christmas special of 'Police, Camera, Action' where a policeman curses the festive season for keeping Burglar Bill on the streets. Imagine how annoyed Santa must be when looking for chimneys.
"Adam spends his last £500 on billboard begging for work" reveals the Sun (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4724965/Unemployed-graduate-buys-billboard-begging-for-work.html) showing Adam Pacitti's great billboard asking for a job. Either that or he just has a big ego. I'd like to do a similar thing but I can't afford a huge billboard. I've bought a sandwich board and an airhorn instead. I wonder if the Sun will cover me doing that like a walking vuvuzela?
In more serious news "'Target winter fuel benefit to pay for elderly care'" (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20887547) was a topic not out of the news today at all. There's been a lot of criticism of the proposal but I, to a point, agree with that. For 99% of the people in the country they should still get the winter fuel allowance. But if, as a pensioner, you have a massive pension or loads of money saved up, it's cheeky to apply for that. The mooney could be, as suggested, used for better care home care for the elderly. (Though if Cameron / Clegg got their fingers out and started chasing up all the multinationals dodging tax, maybe we wouldn't be even having this conversation!)
Also revealed today was that 2012 was the second wettest year ever since records began, only stopped beating 2000 by Scotland having milder weather than England for a nice change. No wonder the econmy is in such a state as we've all spent our money saved for a raining day.
In entertainment "Television Awards refute claims Jack Whitehall is under pressure to stand down amid Big Quiz of the Year controversy" (http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/television-awards-refute-claims-jack-whitehall-is-under-pressure-to-stand-down-amid-big-quiz-of-the-year-controversy-8436531.html) in possibly the most ridiculous story of the day. A comedian is told off for making a joke that, whilst possibly a little distasteful, is no worse than have ever been on any of these shows and was in context. People need to lighten up and not take things so seriously and I hope it doesn't impact on Jack Whitehall's promising career. If anything, the sue should be controversial as it was completely unfunny. A show I was looking forward to seeing it, I hadn't laughed once in the first half hour. Thankfully Charlie Brooker's summary of the year didn't disappoint.
And, finally, "Jim Davidson To Miss Celebrity Big Brother". Lucky git.
With trains still being unreliable and over-crowded we still need to get some evidence that the money paid is improving the rail network, that doesn't involve spending millions of pounds on a high-speed rail link that knocks - whoopdedo - a whole twenty minutes off a journey.
(To be honest I'd be happier them spending the money on a large taser so everytime some chav with a pair of metal cutters and a deathwish steals the copper from Micklefield and causing delays they can get a nasty shock from the Fat Controller with an S&M addiction.)
Elsewhere in the news we get "Blue Christmas lights cause 'difficulties' for police helicopters" so criminals no longer have to be great at hide and seek, just need to find a willing accomplice with a portable generator and Wilkinsons' finest Christmas lights. I'm looking forward to the Christmas special of 'Police, Camera, Action' where a policeman curses the festive season for keeping Burglar Bill on the streets. Imagine how annoyed Santa must be when looking for chimneys.
"Adam spends his last £500 on billboard begging for work" reveals the Sun (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4724965/Unemployed-graduate-buys-billboard-begging-for-work.html) showing Adam Pacitti's great billboard asking for a job. Either that or he just has a big ego. I'd like to do a similar thing but I can't afford a huge billboard. I've bought a sandwich board and an airhorn instead. I wonder if the Sun will cover me doing that like a walking vuvuzela?
In more serious news "'Target winter fuel benefit to pay for elderly care'" (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20887547) was a topic not out of the news today at all. There's been a lot of criticism of the proposal but I, to a point, agree with that. For 99% of the people in the country they should still get the winter fuel allowance. But if, as a pensioner, you have a massive pension or loads of money saved up, it's cheeky to apply for that. The mooney could be, as suggested, used for better care home care for the elderly. (Though if Cameron / Clegg got their fingers out and started chasing up all the multinationals dodging tax, maybe we wouldn't be even having this conversation!)
Also revealed today was that 2012 was the second wettest year ever since records began, only stopped beating 2000 by Scotland having milder weather than England for a nice change. No wonder the econmy is in such a state as we've all spent our money saved for a raining day.
In entertainment "Television Awards refute claims Jack Whitehall is under pressure to stand down amid Big Quiz of the Year controversy" (http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/television-awards-refute-claims-jack-whitehall-is-under-pressure-to-stand-down-amid-big-quiz-of-the-year-controversy-8436531.html) in possibly the most ridiculous story of the day. A comedian is told off for making a joke that, whilst possibly a little distasteful, is no worse than have ever been on any of these shows and was in context. People need to lighten up and not take things so seriously and I hope it doesn't impact on Jack Whitehall's promising career. If anything, the sue should be controversial as it was completely unfunny. A show I was looking forward to seeing it, I hadn't laughed once in the first half hour. Thankfully Charlie Brooker's summary of the year didn't disappoint.
And, finally, "Jim Davidson To Miss Celebrity Big Brother". Lucky git.
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
iOS 6 Hit By Do Not Disturb Bug
The Millennium Bug has hit! OK, it's thirteen years too late and it's dramatic effect has been to stop some people spending all their lives on their iPhone. The bug (http://www.slashgear.com/ios-6-do-not-disturb-bug-getting-fixed-on-january-7-02262829/) stopped the feature, which activates a sort of airplane mode but then doesn't deactivate now due to a bug affected by the move to 2013. Therefore, I assume, people went ages without getting prompted to draw something, who is poking them on Facebook or that someone wants to speak to them on 'What's App'. In other words, people actually probably became more productive.
Tuesday, 1 January 2013
My 2013 New Years Resolutions
And now it's time to set myself some new years resolutions for 2013 - will I stick to any of them? Time will tell! But here are eleven things to hold myself over a barrel with come December!
1. Eat more healthily!
For Christmas I got a new slow cooker and some electric whisks so I'm able to do more exciting meals in the kitchen. I enjoy cooking but have to say I've not been as active in the kitchen (steady!) as I could have been recently so I'm going to make all the effort to start cooking myself some proper, hearty food this year!
2. Sketch Show Part 2
I enjoyed creating the sketch show last year and I'm going to get the follow-up done in the early part of the year!
3. Grade Two on the Keyboard
I am going to do more practice on the keyboard than I have in 2012 to build on my grade one and get to the next level!
4. Promote my radio shows more!
I'm now doing several shows on a variety of stations that I'm getting into the swing of but it's time to get some proper promotion done for them so expect some posters and such like soon!
5. Go a little bit hippie
I'm considering making a stand and stop using companies that are currently flouting the UK tax laws, which mainly means Amazon of which I'm a big shopper and have a credit card with them - but is it possible to do this and, even if it is, will it make a difference?
6. Write my novel
I started it last January and did a bit over the year but it's still languishing on my pen drive. 2013 will be the year to finish it!
7. Read more!
I used to be an avid reader but until joining a book club I've lost the love I once had. I have a pile of books to read and 2013 will be me determined to read each night!
8. Do more badminton
I love badminton but hardly do it... it's time to get fit the badminton-y way (and possibly get to the gym!)
9. Catch up on my films and video games
I have a lot of films I haven't watched and video games I've never finished. It's time to get my money's worth out of them!
10. Go to Germany
I went to France last year and in 2013 I'd like to get to Germany. Time to save up and practice the old Deutsche!
11. Take up a new hobby
I need to try something different this year and join some new social circles. Any ideas??
1. Eat more healthily!
For Christmas I got a new slow cooker and some electric whisks so I'm able to do more exciting meals in the kitchen. I enjoy cooking but have to say I've not been as active in the kitchen (steady!) as I could have been recently so I'm going to make all the effort to start cooking myself some proper, hearty food this year!
2. Sketch Show Part 2
I enjoyed creating the sketch show last year and I'm going to get the follow-up done in the early part of the year!
3. Grade Two on the Keyboard
I am going to do more practice on the keyboard than I have in 2012 to build on my grade one and get to the next level!
4. Promote my radio shows more!
I'm now doing several shows on a variety of stations that I'm getting into the swing of but it's time to get some proper promotion done for them so expect some posters and such like soon!
5. Go a little bit hippie
I'm considering making a stand and stop using companies that are currently flouting the UK tax laws, which mainly means Amazon of which I'm a big shopper and have a credit card with them - but is it possible to do this and, even if it is, will it make a difference?
6. Write my novel
I started it last January and did a bit over the year but it's still languishing on my pen drive. 2013 will be the year to finish it!
7. Read more!
I used to be an avid reader but until joining a book club I've lost the love I once had. I have a pile of books to read and 2013 will be me determined to read each night!
8. Do more badminton
I love badminton but hardly do it... it's time to get fit the badminton-y way (and possibly get to the gym!)
9. Catch up on my films and video games
I have a lot of films I haven't watched and video games I've never finished. It's time to get my money's worth out of them!
10. Go to Germany
I went to France last year and in 2013 I'd like to get to Germany. Time to save up and practice the old Deutsche!
11. Take up a new hobby
I need to try something different this year and join some new social circles. Any ideas??
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)