8 Out of 10 Cats
7x09 (30/10/08 edition)
Finally, a much-needed humorous/irreverent perspective on this week's news.
Have I Got News For You
36x03 (31/10/08 edition)
Aaah, it's Tom Baker! As brilliant as you might have cause to hope, if not more so.
Spooks
6x10 The School [season finale]
Friday, 31 October 2008
Films
My Quantum of Solace Film Season #7:
Quantum of Solace (2008)
[#73 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
It may not be as good as Casino Royale, and I do have a few specific reservations about it, but all things considered it's a more-than-solid action thriller. Also, the short-ish running time is (unsurprisingly) not a problem in the slightest.
This also means I managed to complete My Quantum of Solace Film Season exactly as planned. I have to say, I didn't expect that!
Quantum of Solace (2008)
[#73 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
It may not be as good as Casino Royale, and I do have a few specific reservations about it, but all things considered it's a more-than-solid action thriller. Also, the short-ish running time is (unsurprisingly) not a problem in the slightest.
This also means I managed to complete My Quantum of Solace Film Season exactly as planned. I have to say, I didn't expect that!
Casino Royale Refresher
Five Casino Royale Pointers For Quantum Of Solace
(from Empire Online)
Quantum of Solace is pretty reliant on the previous film's plot -- I should know, I've seen it -- but doesn't come with much exposition/reiteration or any flashbacks, so it might be worth swotting up a little before you go see it. Which you will, obviously.
(from Empire Online)
Quantum of Solace is pretty reliant on the previous film's plot -- I should know, I've seen it -- but doesn't come with much exposition/reiteration or any flashbacks, so it might be worth swotting up a little before you go see it. Which you will, obviously.
Thursday, 30 October 2008
TV
The Graham Norton Show
4x04 (23/10/08 edition, uncut repeat)
I had a funny comment about this, but I've completely forgotten it. Oh well.
Little Dorrit
Part 2 (of 14)
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
22x05 (30/10/08 edition)
Russell Brand "had been filmed for this week's edition, but because he is not allowed to appear on the [BBC], that show has been postponed. Instead an episode filmed for the following week that features [James Allan from] Glasvegas, along with James Corden and Germaine Greer, will air in its place." (Source: NME)
4x04 (23/10/08 edition, uncut repeat)
I had a funny comment about this, but I've completely forgotten it. Oh well.
Little Dorrit
Part 2 (of 14)
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
22x05 (30/10/08 edition)
Russell Brand "had been filmed for this week's edition, but because he is not allowed to appear on the [BBC], that show has been postponed. Instead an episode filmed for the following week that features [James Allan from] Glasvegas, along with James Corden and Germaine Greer, will air in its place." (Source: NME)
Films
My Quantum of Solace Film Season #6:
Casino Royale (2006)
[4th watch; #72a in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
Casino Royale (2006)
[4th watch; #72a in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
Articles
Doctor Who: The runners and the riders
(from BBC News)
Several obvious choices here, but I'm not sure how convinced I am by any of them, especially considering most of their ages -- RTD has several times made the sensible point that over a certain age most actors would find the gruelling schedule too much. Sure, none of them are old, but (bar two, one of whom is very unlikely now) they're all got at least 6 years on David Tennant now, never mind when they'd start (in a year-ish) or finish (four years at least, one would hope). Still, s'always fun to speculate!
Neil Gaiman exclusive! Part 3 by Jayne Nelson
(from SFX)
The third part of SFX's Neil Gaiman interview (the clue's in the title), in which he discusses the possibility of him writing for Doctor Who, as well as some general thoughts on the series as a whole and what he might've done with it. Also includes a funny comment from Steven Moffat.
Preacher Set for the Big Screen by Dave Golder
(from SFX)
After years of films-almost-getting-made and TV-series-almost-getting-made, I won't believe this til it goes before the cameras. That said, the existence of adult comic adaptations like Watchmen could help things along, especially if that's a success.
The latest on Ross/Brand can be found here and, especially, here.
(from BBC News)
Several obvious choices here, but I'm not sure how convinced I am by any of them, especially considering most of their ages -- RTD has several times made the sensible point that over a certain age most actors would find the gruelling schedule too much. Sure, none of them are old, but (bar two, one of whom is very unlikely now) they're all got at least 6 years on David Tennant now, never mind when they'd start (in a year-ish) or finish (four years at least, one would hope). Still, s'always fun to speculate!
Neil Gaiman exclusive! Part 3 by Jayne Nelson
(from SFX)
The third part of SFX's Neil Gaiman interview (the clue's in the title), in which he discusses the possibility of him writing for Doctor Who, as well as some general thoughts on the series as a whole and what he might've done with it. Also includes a funny comment from Steven Moffat.
Preacher Set for the Big Screen by Dave Golder
(from SFX)
After years of films-almost-getting-made and TV-series-almost-getting-made, I won't believe this til it goes before the cameras. That said, the existence of adult comic adaptations like Watchmen could help things along, especially if that's a success.
The latest on Ross/Brand can be found here and, especially, here.
a typically intelligent perspective
Normally I'd just bung this in today's Articles post, but it makes too much sense, so here it is by itself:
Welcome to the Blander Broadcasting Corporation by Mark Lawson
(from guardian.co.uk)
"while there is no defence for the incident, there's cause to worry that the rumpus will prove damaging to larger parts of broadcasting than the careers of Brand and Ross. After each of the recent public controversies over BBC programme... broadcasters and producers at the BBC have noted a reduction in courage, a paranoia among managers about making another mistake... The making of editorial policy at the corporation consists largely of padlocking doors that have just opened... And so, inexorably, all shows will be forced to become safer and blander."
"...it's a terrible mistake to impose a single tone or set of guidelines on thousands of different shows. As society becomes increasingly fragmented - containing, for example, older people who never swear and younger ones who never stop swearing - universal rules become increasingly futile. The fact that only two of Brand's actual listeners are reported to have complained about the original broadcast reminds us that definitions of acceptability vary widely among audiences, and the BBC's ability to compete will be greatly reduced if all are held to the same standard."
"...It still seems improbable that the BBC will permanently remove one of its most popular broadcasters, and the fact that the programme was recorded rather than live will make it hard to argue the presenters were finally responsible. But, once a prime minister gives backing to a newspaper witch-hunt, the momentum for dismissal can become unstoppable... Were the BBC to now sack Ross, he would probably be rapidly taken on by commercial broadcasters, or even by the networks of Rupert Murdoch, whose newspapers have been calling for his head."
Too true.
Welcome to the Blander Broadcasting Corporation by Mark Lawson
(from guardian.co.uk)
"while there is no defence for the incident, there's cause to worry that the rumpus will prove damaging to larger parts of broadcasting than the careers of Brand and Ross. After each of the recent public controversies over BBC programme... broadcasters and producers at the BBC have noted a reduction in courage, a paranoia among managers about making another mistake... The making of editorial policy at the corporation consists largely of padlocking doors that have just opened... And so, inexorably, all shows will be forced to become safer and blander."
"...it's a terrible mistake to impose a single tone or set of guidelines on thousands of different shows. As society becomes increasingly fragmented - containing, for example, older people who never swear and younger ones who never stop swearing - universal rules become increasingly futile. The fact that only two of Brand's actual listeners are reported to have complained about the original broadcast reminds us that definitions of acceptability vary widely among audiences, and the BBC's ability to compete will be greatly reduced if all are held to the same standard."
"...It still seems improbable that the BBC will permanently remove one of its most popular broadcasters, and the fact that the programme was recorded rather than live will make it hard to argue the presenters were finally responsible. But, once a prime minister gives backing to a newspaper witch-hunt, the momentum for dismissal can become unstoppable... Were the BBC to now sack Ross, he would probably be rapidly taken on by commercial broadcasters, or even by the networks of Rupert Murdoch, whose newspapers have been calling for his head."
Too true.
suspensions, resignations, and iPlayer nonsense
Ross suspended for three months
(from BBC News)
A relatively sensible step, especially with it being these three months -- March to May wouldn't seem a long time, but October to January will seem an age, what with all the fuss of Christmas and New Year. Hopefully it'll be long enough for people to calm down and gain a sense of perspective.
However, I dislike the controller of Radio 2 resigning. I always hate it when people are forced to resign over something they weren't even involved in, just because they're the highest person in the chain. It's also a stupid concept -- she made a mistake (well, she didn't, but for the sake of argument...) which she could learn from and be careful not to do again; her replacement has made no such error, leaving them more open to do the same / something else more easily, unaware of the early signs of where things are headed.
Back to Ross: amusingly, if you search iPlayer for "Jonathan Ross" or "Film 2008" or what have you then any programme featuring him seems to have been pulled. However, search the BBC's site more generally, and they can still be found. (That doesn't guarantee they still work however, as episode 8 won't play for me. I'm just glad I got round to watching the Daniel Craig interview before the show was removed!)
It also seems all his shows have been entirely cancelled. While it's understandable that Friday Night With... has been cancelled (as it's very much "The Jonathan Ross Show") I hope they can find an alternate presenter for Film 2008 -- people don't watch that for Wossy, they watch it for info on films, and removing it because the regular present is suspended wouldn't be in viewers' interests.
As with this week's big Who news, this has finally managed to garner some moderately-prominent coverage on US sites like IMDb too.
(from BBC News)
A relatively sensible step, especially with it being these three months -- March to May wouldn't seem a long time, but October to January will seem an age, what with all the fuss of Christmas and New Year. Hopefully it'll be long enough for people to calm down and gain a sense of perspective.
However, I dislike the controller of Radio 2 resigning. I always hate it when people are forced to resign over something they weren't even involved in, just because they're the highest person in the chain. It's also a stupid concept -- she made a mistake (well, she didn't, but for the sake of argument...) which she could learn from and be careful not to do again; her replacement has made no such error, leaving them more open to do the same / something else more easily, unaware of the early signs of where things are headed.
Back to Ross: amusingly, if you search iPlayer for "Jonathan Ross" or "Film 2008" or what have you then any programme featuring him seems to have been pulled. However, search the BBC's site more generally, and they can still be found. (That doesn't guarantee they still work however, as episode 8 won't play for me. I'm just glad I got round to watching the Daniel Craig interview before the show was removed!)
It also seems all his shows have been entirely cancelled. While it's understandable that Friday Night With... has been cancelled (as it's very much "The Jonathan Ross Show") I hope they can find an alternate presenter for Film 2008 -- people don't watch that for Wossy, they watch it for info on films, and removing it because the regular present is suspended wouldn't be in viewers' interests.
As with this week's big Who news, this has finally managed to garner some moderately-prominent coverage on US sites like IMDb too.
extended David Tennant / Lizo Mzimba interview
David Tennant to Leave Doctor Who (did you know?)
A much extended version of the Lizo video interview from yesterday.
Also features a somewhat natty 50-second trailer for The Next Doctor, including glimpses of the Cybershades in action.
And also -- "Tennant Steps Down As Doctor Who" is the #1 news story on IMDb. IMDb! That's American!
Oh, and something else I forgot to mention: I'm having a good old laugh at all the people who took Tennant's throwaway comment that Moffat was his new boss (made on a series four commentary track heard by reviewers on advance copies -- that'll look especially outdated when the set eventually hits stores next month!) as confirmation he would definitely be in series five. Fools!
A much extended version of the Lizo video interview from yesterday.
Also features a somewhat natty 50-second trailer for The Next Doctor, including glimpses of the Cybershades in action.
And also -- "Tennant Steps Down As Doctor Who" is the #1 news story on IMDb. IMDb! That's American!
Oh, and something else I forgot to mention: I'm having a good old laugh at all the people who took Tennant's throwaway comment that Moffat was his new boss (made on a series four commentary track heard by reviewers on advance copies -- that'll look especially outdated when the set eventually hits stores next month!) as confirmation he would definitely be in series five. Fools!
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
TV
National Television Awards 2008
Thankfully, the shock announcement of David Tennant's exit from Doctor Who overshadowed the rest of the ceremony, including the special achievement award going to... Simon Cowell. Simon Cowell?! Don't get me started.
Thankfully, the shock announcement of David Tennant's exit from Doctor Who overshadowed the rest of the ceremony, including the special achievement award going to... Simon Cowell. Simon Cowell?! Don't get me started.
Music
12 minutes of Quantum of Solace (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by David Arnold
For a film that's meant to be relentlessly action-packed, this seemed quite a quiet score. Of course, that impression is seriously unbalanced by my listening to only 30-second samples from each track, thereby weighting a 40-second quiet piece on the same level as an 8-minute action cue (with a sample taken from (probably) the one quiet bit). Still, it all sounded suitably Bondian, with some nice foreign influences for the worldwide locations. Arnold even manages to work in some bits from the main theme, which I wasn't expecting this time round as he wasn't involved in its composition (unlike Casino Royale's). I look forward to hearing the score in full -- for the first time on the film (two days!), and then by itself later on.
For a film that's meant to be relentlessly action-packed, this seemed quite a quiet score. Of course, that impression is seriously unbalanced by my listening to only 30-second samples from each track, thereby weighting a 40-second quiet piece on the same level as an 8-minute action cue (with a sample taken from (probably) the one quiet bit). Still, it all sounded suitably Bondian, with some nice foreign influences for the worldwide locations. Arnold even manages to work in some bits from the main theme, which I wasn't expecting this time round as he wasn't involved in its composition (unlike Casino Royale's). I look forward to hearing the score in full -- for the first time on the film (two days!), and then by itself later on.
Articles
Two huge pieces of news today, one of which has had its own posts (two of them!), the other... well, it's right below this... Oh, and a piece about Superman, which is great news (it makes me excited about a Superman project, which is impressive in and of itself) but is totally overshadowed by everything else. Oh well.
David Tennant quits as Doctor Who
and
David Tennant on Doctor Who exit by Lizo Mzimba
(from BBC News)
The main story on BBC News' entertainment page -- even topping the Brand/Ross story which, ironically, is the #1 story on the main news page. It's already confirmed that RTD will be writing his final story, based on these comments from the giant himself: "the Tenth Doctor still has five spectacular hours left! After which, I might drop an anvil on his head. Or maybe a piano. A radioactive piano. But we're planning the most enormous and spectacular ending, so keep watching." The video interview on the first story is transcribed in the second, but the video version contains a few extra comments.
Exclusive: Mark Millar Talks Superman by Dan Goodswen
(from Empire Online)
"Mark has been working... on a pitch for what he is calling the Magnum Opus of Superman stories. His idea is for an 8-hour saga, split into 3 films to be released a year apart, in a Lord of the Rings fashion... “It’s gonna be like Michael Corleone in the Godfather films, the entire story from beginning to end, you see where he starts, how he becomes who he becomes, and where that takes him... I want to start on Krypton, a thousand years ago, and end with Superman alone on Planet Earth, the last being left on the planet, as the yellow sun turns red and starts to supernova, and he loses his powers.""
Don't forget (as if you could) my thoughts on the Brand/Ross thing, to be found today at this location and this one.
David Tennant quits as Doctor Who
and
David Tennant on Doctor Who exit by Lizo Mzimba
(from BBC News)
The main story on BBC News' entertainment page -- even topping the Brand/Ross story which, ironically, is the #1 story on the main news page. It's already confirmed that RTD will be writing his final story, based on these comments from the giant himself: "the Tenth Doctor still has five spectacular hours left! After which, I might drop an anvil on his head. Or maybe a piano. A radioactive piano. But we're planning the most enormous and spectacular ending, so keep watching." The video interview on the first story is transcribed in the second, but the video version contains a few extra comments.
Exclusive: Mark Millar Talks Superman by Dan Goodswen
(from Empire Online)
"Mark has been working... on a pitch for what he is calling the Magnum Opus of Superman stories. His idea is for an 8-hour saga, split into 3 films to be released a year apart, in a Lord of the Rings fashion... “It’s gonna be like Michael Corleone in the Godfather films, the entire story from beginning to end, you see where he starts, how he becomes who he becomes, and where that takes him... I want to start on Krypton, a thousand years ago, and end with Superman alone on Planet Earth, the last being left on the planet, as the yellow sun turns red and starts to supernova, and he loses his powers.""
Don't forget (as if you could) my thoughts on the Brand/Ross thing, to be found today at this location and this one.
Technology
Tell Your iPhone to Stop Opening iPhoto! by Michael Krol
(from michaelkrol.com)
"How do I stop iPhoto opening every time I connect my iPhone?" I asked Google, and it found this. Handy!
I don't know if any fellow iPhone and Mac users read this blog, but I found iPhoto's opening bloody irritating, and now the problem is quickly and simply solved. Much yaying round these parts.
(I'm going to be nitpicky now -- you don't tell you iPhone to stop opening iPhoto, you tell another application, so technically the title's wrong. Tsk.)
(from michaelkrol.com)
"How do I stop iPhoto opening every time I connect my iPhone?" I asked Google, and it found this. Handy!
I don't know if any fellow iPhone and Mac users read this blog, but I found iPhoto's opening bloody irritating, and now the problem is quickly and simply solved. Much yaying round these parts.
(I'm going to be nitpicky now -- you don't tell you iPhone to stop opening iPhoto, you tell another application, so technically the title's wrong. Tsk.)
"Brand quits BBC over prank calls"
Brand quits BBC over prank calls
(from BBC News)
While I don't doubt his apology in the slightest, I do wonder if this resignation is a strategic move for the BBC. Brand has plenty of other avenues -- a Channel 4 show, standup, a movie career -- and was at the centre of the scandal, while Ross is 'Mr BBC', and I'm sure neither he nor BBC bosses want to have to fire him. Brand accepting responsibility and resigning also looks better than a weeks/months-long investigation/battle resulting in them having to kick him out. With one of them gone of their own volition, and -- importantly -- Sachs accepting their apology and not wishing to take matters further, this hopefully means Ross can be restored to the BBC, and sooner rather than later.
Another point:
4.2 million people watched Jonathan Ross' show last week. More will have watched it via the Saturday repeat, iPlayer, and plain old recording it. 3 million people regularly listen to his radio show.
0.01 million people's complaints have led to him being suspended.
I have no doubt some of those ratings would drop off in the wake of this massive overreaction, but I think many would be surprised how small the drop would be -- no doubt indicating the silent majority who realise how overblown this has become.
So, where do you think the public interest lies?
(from BBC News)
While I don't doubt his apology in the slightest, I do wonder if this resignation is a strategic move for the BBC. Brand has plenty of other avenues -- a Channel 4 show, standup, a movie career -- and was at the centre of the scandal, while Ross is 'Mr BBC', and I'm sure neither he nor BBC bosses want to have to fire him. Brand accepting responsibility and resigning also looks better than a weeks/months-long investigation/battle resulting in them having to kick him out. With one of them gone of their own volition, and -- importantly -- Sachs accepting their apology and not wishing to take matters further, this hopefully means Ross can be restored to the BBC, and sooner rather than later.
Another point:
4.2 million people watched Jonathan Ross' show last week. More will have watched it via the Saturday repeat, iPlayer, and plain old recording it. 3 million people regularly listen to his radio show.
0.01 million people's complaints have led to him being suspended.
I have no doubt some of those ratings would drop off in the wake of this massive overreaction, but I think many would be surprised how small the drop would be -- no doubt indicating the silent majority who realise how overblown this has become.
So, where do you think the public interest lies?
'It's been blown out of proportion'
Brand and Ross suspended by BBC
and
'It's been blown out of proportion'
(from BBC News)
"It's been blown out of proportion" sums it up for me. I think it's telling that young people can realise this, while older viewers go on complaining.
Get some perspective people.
Also, be sure to read this:
Open and shut case? by Rod McKenzie
(from BBC News: The Editors blog)
and
'It's been blown out of proportion'
(from BBC News)
"It's been blown out of proportion" sums it up for me. I think it's telling that young people can realise this, while older viewers go on complaining.
Get some perspective people.
Also, be sure to read this:
Open and shut case? by Rod McKenzie
(from BBC News: The Editors blog)
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
TV
Argumental
1x01 (27/10/08 edition)
It seems Dave do original programming now, and this is an unsurprising choice for them: it's a panel show, the sort of programme Dave shows on never-ending loops (along with Top Gear, of course). Luckily it's a brilliant one, more than deserving of being on a real channel. This edition includes a particularly good joke about The X-Factor that receives an entirely warranted standing ovation. Make sure to catch it if you can.
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
15x08 (24/10/08 edition)
Daniel Craig! Hurrah! Despite his occasional flaws (fawning; poor jokes), I like Jonathan Ross.
Spooks
6x09 Isolated
The sheer volume of slow-mo used this season makes me wonder if every script ran under. This episode is one of the worst.
1x01 (27/10/08 edition)
It seems Dave do original programming now, and this is an unsurprising choice for them: it's a panel show, the sort of programme Dave shows on never-ending loops (along with Top Gear, of course). Luckily it's a brilliant one, more than deserving of being on a real channel. This edition includes a particularly good joke about The X-Factor that receives an entirely warranted standing ovation. Make sure to catch it if you can.
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
15x08 (24/10/08 edition)
Daniel Craig! Hurrah! Despite his occasional flaws (fawning; poor jokes), I like Jonathan Ross.
Spooks
6x09 Isolated
The sheer volume of slow-mo used this season makes me wonder if every script ran under. This episode is one of the worst.
Films
My Quantum of Solace Film Season #3:
Hitman (2007)
[#70 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
This may or may not be the "unrated edition" -- the file says it is -- but I can't find any details on what the differences are, so I don't imagine they can be significant.
My Quantum of Solace Film Season #4:
St Trinian's (2007)
[#71 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
Hitman (2007)
[#70 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
This may or may not be the "unrated edition" -- the file says it is -- but I can't find any details on what the differences are, so I don't imagine they can be significant.
My Quantum of Solace Film Season #4:
St Trinian's (2007)
[#71 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
Magazines
Radio Times 1-7 November 2008
Investigations into who the Stig really is (Top Gear's back, you see), among other things. Well obviously -- there's a whole magazine to fill -- but I've forgotten it all. Ho hum.
SFX #176
Doctor Who is 45 (in four weeks), so SFX have celebrated with a great big feature in this ten-covered issue. Highlights include Russell T Davies having a natter about The Next Doctor (and giving away nothing new) and Stephen Fry -- "the Greatest Living Englishman" -- talking about the joy of An Unearthly Child's first broadcast. Elsewhere this issue, there's some other interesting stuff, but I've forgotten it all. Ho hum.
Investigations into who the Stig really is (Top Gear's back, you see), among other things. Well obviously -- there's a whole magazine to fill -- but I've forgotten it all. Ho hum.
SFX #176
Doctor Who is 45 (in four weeks), so SFX have celebrated with a great big feature in this ten-covered issue. Highlights include Russell T Davies having a natter about The Next Doctor (and giving away nothing new) and Stephen Fry -- "the Greatest Living Englishman" -- talking about the joy of An Unearthly Child's first broadcast. Elsewhere this issue, there's some other interesting stuff, but I've forgotten it all. Ho hum.
Articles
Battlefield - DVD by Steve Roberts
(from Doctor Who Restoration Team Website)
Two discs! Hurrah! "For the story's DVD debut, we decided to follow the successful Curse of Fenric model, presenting the story-as-transmitted on one disc and a movie-format extended edit with revised video effects and 5.1 audio on a second disc." The extras don't look as numerous as Fenric's, suggesting the second disc was added solely for the movie edit, but there's nothing to complain about in what's included.
Incidentally, this release completes Season 26 on DVD -- how long til we get a box set? Davros-style (i.e. repackaging releases with new extras) or Bred For War-style (i.e. just repackaging releases)? As I own them all already, I seriously hope for the latter.
See also the Jonathan Ross / Russell Brand / Andrew Sachs palava.
(from Doctor Who Restoration Team Website)
Two discs! Hurrah! "For the story's DVD debut, we decided to follow the successful Curse of Fenric model, presenting the story-as-transmitted on one disc and a movie-format extended edit with revised video effects and 5.1 audio on a second disc." The extras don't look as numerous as Fenric's, suggesting the second disc was added solely for the movie edit, but there's nothing to complain about in what's included.
Incidentally, this release completes Season 26 on DVD -- how long til we get a box set? Davros-style (i.e. repackaging releases with new extras) or Bred For War-style (i.e. just repackaging releases)? As I own them all already, I seriously hope for the latter.
See also the Jonathan Ross / Russell Brand / Andrew Sachs palava.
the Jonathan Ross / Russell Brand / Andrew Sachs palava
Ofcom to launch BBC Brand inquiry
(from BBC News)
This story's been dominating the news today, for no good reason really. ITV are taking extra delight in lambasting the BBC -- as they always do -- especially on their always-dreadful sensationalist news programmes (God Alastair Stewart's dreadful, isn't he?) Interestingly, a lot of the focus -- from ITV's perspective -- seems to fall on Jonathan Ross, even though it seems it was Russell Brand who did most of it. What's the betting ITV are just trying to force Wossy out of the BBC so they can sign him themselves?
I also hold no stock by the thousands of complaints made, most of them after the story became big news. None of these people listened to the show originally; none of them are its intended audience. If it hadn't been picked up by the media in this way they would never have known, they would never have cared, they would never have complained. Really, what right do they have to do it now? If Brand were fired, he would be replaced by someone targeted at a similar audience demographic... and all these people who forced his removal wouldn't listen to the new guy and still wouldn't care.
Incidentally, I sincerely hope Andrew Sachs -- clearly the wronged party, and deserving of an apology -- is in no way involved in all this fuss, and that it's a lot of people being misguidedly incensed on his behalf. Should he wind up backing the complainers, suing Brand/Ross, or generally overreacting in any other way, he'll quickly lose my sympathy.
(from BBC News)
This story's been dominating the news today, for no good reason really. ITV are taking extra delight in lambasting the BBC -- as they always do -- especially on their always-dreadful sensationalist news programmes (God Alastair Stewart's dreadful, isn't he?) Interestingly, a lot of the focus -- from ITV's perspective -- seems to fall on Jonathan Ross, even though it seems it was Russell Brand who did most of it. What's the betting ITV are just trying to force Wossy out of the BBC so they can sign him themselves?
I also hold no stock by the thousands of complaints made, most of them after the story became big news. None of these people listened to the show originally; none of them are its intended audience. If it hadn't been picked up by the media in this way they would never have known, they would never have cared, they would never have complained. Really, what right do they have to do it now? If Brand were fired, he would be replaced by someone targeted at a similar audience demographic... and all these people who forced his removal wouldn't listen to the new guy and still wouldn't care.
Incidentally, I sincerely hope Andrew Sachs -- clearly the wronged party, and deserving of an apology -- is in no way involved in all this fuss, and that it's a lot of people being misguidedly incensed on his behalf. Should he wind up backing the complainers, suing Brand/Ross, or generally overreacting in any other way, he'll quickly lose my sympathy.
Monday, 27 October 2008
TV
Spooks
6x08 Infiltration
Goodbye Ros, you won't be missed (especially as you're bloody back by the next series).
Wired
Part 3 (of 3)
A messy, sloppy ending, packed with every twist the writer could think of, especially the ones that didn't make any sense.
6x08 Infiltration
Goodbye Ros, you won't be missed (especially as you're bloody back by the next series).
Wired
Part 3 (of 3)
A messy, sloppy ending, packed with every twist the writer could think of, especially the ones that didn't make any sense.
Films
My Quantum of Solace Film Season #2:
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
[#69 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
[#69 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
DVD Extras
Departing Visions
(on Stay)
Slight featurette showcasing stories of NDEs -- Near Death Experiences. It's only faintly relevant to the film and lacks any form of analysis or objective scientific viewpoint, or even proper objective or biased religious ones. Ho hum.
(on Stay)
Slight featurette showcasing stories of NDEs -- Near Death Experiences. It's only faintly relevant to the film and lacks any form of analysis or objective scientific viewpoint, or even proper objective or biased religious ones. Ho hum.
Articles
The 10 greatest sci-fi films never made by David Hughes
(from Times Online)
Some of these are genuine disappointments, others a bit "so what?"
The Men Who Were Nearly Bond
(from Empire Online)
48 men who were almost, but not quite, Britain's best spy (dominated by those considered / allegedly considered for Casino Royale). It includes many actors you've never heard of, many you have (Adam West!), and three who later were Bond anyway. History suggests we should look to that long list of rejects from Casino Royale to see who'll be Bond when Craig steps down. My money's on Henry Cavill -- he came close but was considered too young. He looks the part, could almost certainly play it, and by the time Craig's finished will easily be old enough.
And don't miss a whole load of Watchmen articles here.
(from Times Online)
Some of these are genuine disappointments, others a bit "so what?"
The Men Who Were Nearly Bond
(from Empire Online)
48 men who were almost, but not quite, Britain's best spy (dominated by those considered / allegedly considered for Casino Royale). It includes many actors you've never heard of, many you have (Adam West!), and three who later were Bond anyway. History suggests we should look to that long list of rejects from Casino Royale to see who'll be Bond when Craig steps down. My money's on Henry Cavill -- he came close but was considered too young. He looks the part, could almost certainly play it, and by the time Craig's finished will easily be old enough.
And don't miss a whole load of Watchmen articles here.
Articles: Watchmen
Recent days have offered us the teaser poster, an extended trailer and Zack Snyder's thoughts on adapting, but today Watchmen earns its very own Articles post. Here's why:
Hopefully, the Last Word on Alan Moore and Watchmen by Arya Ponto
(from JustPressPlay)
Seems to clear things up to me, but I don't expect fanboy's uninformed reactions to change any time soon.
Jonathan Ross on Watchmen by Jonathan Ross
(from Times Online)
"Wossy on Watchmen" would've been a far better title. Still, it's a very good piece, more intelligent than most readers would expect of Wossy (especially after his appearance in the news today). "It is almost impossible to overstate the impact that its publication had on comics and their place in pop culture history," he states early on. Too true, Mr Woss, too true.
The rise and rise of Watchmen by Michael Moran
(from Times Online)
"The graph [below] was given to me by the very kind people at Amazon UK and represents their sales of the Watchmen trade paperback over the last year. The surge starts in early July, around the time that the gloriously exciting trailer for Zack Snyder’s big screen adaptation of the 23-year-old comic book was released." There's more to the article than just this graph, incidentally.
If that's the UK, imagine what the US one must be like! (Click to enlarge.)
Spike Scream 2008 Watchmen Clip
(from Watchmen Official Movie Blog)
Yep, it's the same extended teaser as the other day... only now it's in HD. For that, it's a must see -- or a must re-see.
Watchmen Poster Comparisons
(from Plasmic Studio)
At Comic-Con, they released a series of very cool Watchmen character posters. I only realised recently -- when my copy of Dave Gibbons' wonderful book Watching the Watchmen turned up, in fact -- that these were recreations of posters done to promote the original comic. That just makes them even cooler, if you ask me. This feature allows you to roll over and do a direct comparison. Sadly it only includes the six main characters (there's at least one more poster, maybe two or three), but it's nifty nonetheless.
Also, thanks to the official movie blog, I've discovered an extraordinarily hi-res version of that teaser poster. Mmm. Check it out here (it's a 2.6Mb jpeg!)
Hopefully, the Last Word on Alan Moore and Watchmen by Arya Ponto
(from JustPressPlay)
Seems to clear things up to me, but I don't expect fanboy's uninformed reactions to change any time soon.
Jonathan Ross on Watchmen by Jonathan Ross
(from Times Online)
"Wossy on Watchmen" would've been a far better title. Still, it's a very good piece, more intelligent than most readers would expect of Wossy (especially after his appearance in the news today). "It is almost impossible to overstate the impact that its publication had on comics and their place in pop culture history," he states early on. Too true, Mr Woss, too true.
The rise and rise of Watchmen by Michael Moran
(from Times Online)
"The graph [below] was given to me by the very kind people at Amazon UK and represents their sales of the Watchmen trade paperback over the last year. The surge starts in early July, around the time that the gloriously exciting trailer for Zack Snyder’s big screen adaptation of the 23-year-old comic book was released." There's more to the article than just this graph, incidentally.
If that's the UK, imagine what the US one must be like! (Click to enlarge.)
Spike Scream 2008 Watchmen Clip
(from Watchmen Official Movie Blog)
Yep, it's the same extended teaser as the other day... only now it's in HD. For that, it's a must see -- or a must re-see.
Watchmen Poster Comparisons
(from Plasmic Studio)
At Comic-Con, they released a series of very cool Watchmen character posters. I only realised recently -- when my copy of Dave Gibbons' wonderful book Watching the Watchmen turned up, in fact -- that these were recreations of posters done to promote the original comic. That just makes them even cooler, if you ask me. This feature allows you to roll over and do a direct comparison. Sadly it only includes the six main characters (there's at least one more poster, maybe two or three), but it's nifty nonetheless.
Also, thanks to the official movie blog, I've discovered an extraordinarily hi-res version of that teaser poster. Mmm. Check it out here (it's a 2.6Mb jpeg!)
My Quantum of Solace Film Season
In case you've somehow failed to notice, Quantum of Solace, the 22nd official James Bond film, hits UK cinemas this Friday. I'm more than a tad excited (and considerably annoyed that I won't be able to make it to the first screening in my area thanks to a seminar), and to celebrate I'm having myself a sort-of mini-ish film season-thing. Which I have dubbed My Quantum of Solace Film Season. You might've guessed that from the post's title.
The selection process is quite simple: one film a day, each representing a different key member of QoS's cast, plus one for director Marc Forster; and, to comply with 100 Films' normal rules, all films I've never seen before. Well, that was the idea, but as with any good plan some changes have had to be made -- there's no film for Judi Dench, for example (well, other than a certain already-seen previous entry in the franchise), and I initially forgot Daniel Craig. Ha! Luckily I could switch him in for Jeffrey Wright by virtue of the fact they both appeared in The Invasion. Then there's a double bill to try to get (almost) everyone in, and a film I've seen before too. "Oops." (It was also entirely unintentional that all but the first and last films are from 2007.) Naturally, things come to a close with QoS itself on Friday, so thanks to only having thought of this plan yesterday my time to watch things is rather limited.
Anyway, you don't really care about all that. Here's the schedule:
Sunday 26th October: The Director
Marc Forster's Stay.
Monday 27th October: The Villain
Mathieu Amalric ('Dominic Greene') stars in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.
Tuesday 28th October: The Girls
A double bill for Bond's two new women. Gemma Arterton ('Agent Fields') stars in St. Trinian's followed by Olga Kurylenko ('Camille') in Hitman.
Wednesday 29th October: The Spies
Daniel Craig ('James Bond', donchaknow) stars -- with support from Jeffrey Wright ('Felix Leiter') -- in The Invasion.
Thursday 30th October: The First Part
As has been (very) widely reported, QoS is the first Bond-sequel, starting within an hour of Casino Royale's climax. As such, it seems only appropriate to watch the preceding film the night before. (I've seen CR several times but will be reviewing it anyway, in light of having seen QoS, if that makes any difference.)
Friday 31st October: The Point
Ba-da, dum... ba-da, dum... ba-da ba-da-da! Phonetic renderings of iconic theme tunes aside, Bond is back! Hurray!
The exact order is subject to change depending on how readily I can get hold of the films (I only own two of the six), but that's the plan. Last time I tried to watch a film a day I failed miserably, so we'll see how this goes.
The selection process is quite simple: one film a day, each representing a different key member of QoS's cast, plus one for director Marc Forster; and, to comply with 100 Films' normal rules, all films I've never seen before. Well, that was the idea, but as with any good plan some changes have had to be made -- there's no film for Judi Dench, for example (well, other than a certain already-seen previous entry in the franchise), and I initially forgot Daniel Craig. Ha! Luckily I could switch him in for Jeffrey Wright by virtue of the fact they both appeared in The Invasion. Then there's a double bill to try to get (almost) everyone in, and a film I've seen before too. "Oops." (It was also entirely unintentional that all but the first and last films are from 2007.) Naturally, things come to a close with QoS itself on Friday, so thanks to only having thought of this plan yesterday my time to watch things is rather limited.
Anyway, you don't really care about all that. Here's the schedule:
Marc Forster's Stay.
Mathieu Amalric ('Dominic Greene') stars in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.
A double bill for Bond's two new women. Gemma Arterton ('Agent Fields') stars in St. Trinian's followed by Olga Kurylenko ('Camille') in Hitman.
Daniel Craig ('James Bond', donchaknow) stars -- with support from Jeffrey Wright ('Felix Leiter') -- in The Invasion.
As has been (very) widely reported, QoS is the first Bond-sequel, starting within an hour of Casino Royale's climax. As such, it seems only appropriate to watch the preceding film the night before. (I've seen CR several times but will be reviewing it anyway, in light of having seen QoS, if that makes any difference.)
Ba-da, dum... ba-da, dum... ba-da ba-da-da! Phonetic renderings of iconic theme tunes aside, Bond is back! Hurray!
The exact order is subject to change depending on how readily I can get hold of the films (I only own two of the six), but that's the plan. Last time I tried to watch a film a day I failed miserably, so we'll see how this goes.
Sunday, 26 October 2008
TV
Little Dorrit
Part 1 (of 14)
Not as good as the obvious comparison, 2005's Bleak House, but it's early days yet so we'll see.
Spooks
6x07 The Broadcast
One of Spooks' best ever episodes, in my opinion, which is a nice surprise in these often too ludicrous later series.
It's quite clear I'm not going to finish this series before the next starts now. Still, that's OK, because the first episode clashes with the final part of Wired anyhow, and there's always iPlayer these days.
Stephen Fry in America
Part 3 Mississippi
Morgan Freeman and a fish succumbing to reverse psychology -- what more could you want?
Part 1 (of 14)
Not as good as the obvious comparison, 2005's Bleak House, but it's early days yet so we'll see.
Spooks
6x07 The Broadcast
One of Spooks' best ever episodes, in my opinion, which is a nice surprise in these often too ludicrous later series.
It's quite clear I'm not going to finish this series before the next starts now. Still, that's OK, because the first episode clashes with the final part of Wired anyhow, and there's always iPlayer these days.
Stephen Fry in America
Part 3 Mississippi
Morgan Freeman and a fish succumbing to reverse psychology -- what more could you want?
Saturday, 25 October 2008
TV
Have I Got News For You
36x02 (24/10/08 edition; extended repeat)
Alexander Armstrong hosts! Always a cause for celebration.
Merlin
1x06 A Remedy to Cure All Ills
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
2x07 (25/10/08 edition)
Spooks
6x06 The Courier
36x02 (24/10/08 edition; extended repeat)
Alexander Armstrong hosts! Always a cause for celebration.
Merlin
1x06 A Remedy to Cure All Ills
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
2x07 (25/10/08 edition)
Spooks
6x06 The Courier
Films
Watchmen 'SCREAM 2008' Trailer
Like an extended teaser, really, but with a lot more footage than was in the first one. Still looking brilliant.
Like an extended teaser, really, but with a lot more footage than was in the first one. Still looking brilliant.
Non-Fiction
Story by Robert McKee
Chapter 1
Chapter 2 (pages 31-42)
Robert McKee is the screenwriting guru. Many famous writers have been on his course, even once they've achieved success, and praised him -- John Cleese being the most famous example quoted in this book's blurb. My screenwriting tutor being another. Not on this blurb, just he's been on it and found it good. Just take a look at his website to see the sort of success his disciples have had. And already I can see where they're all coming from -- his advice is practical and straightforward, but immensely useful. Easily the best 'how to' guide about writing I've yet read. (The book's subtitled , which is sometimes lumped into the title; but that's just unwieldy, and the simple Story is a much better summation and statement of the book's intent.)
Chapter 1
Chapter 2 (pages 31-42)
Robert McKee is the screenwriting guru. Many famous writers have been on his course, even once they've achieved success, and praised him -- John Cleese being the most famous example quoted in this book's blurb. My screenwriting tutor being another. Not on this blurb, just he's been on it and found it good. Just take a look at his website to see the sort of success his disciples have had. And already I can see where they're all coming from -- his advice is practical and straightforward, but immensely useful. Easily the best 'how to' guide about writing I've yet read. (The book's subtitled , which is sometimes lumped into the title; but that's just unwieldy, and the simple Story is a much better summation and statement of the book's intent.)
Music
Bring Ya to the Brink by Cyndi Lauper
Not usually my kind of thing this, but after finding the single (Into the Nightlife) surprisingly enjoyable on Graham Norton's show the other week I thought I'd give it a listen. Or a half-listen, as it turned out. Still, much of it was passably entertaining, which is better than I'd hoped for.
Not usually my kind of thing this, but after finding the single (Into the Nightlife) surprisingly enjoyable on Graham Norton's show the other week I thought I'd give it a listen. Or a half-listen, as it turned out. Still, much of it was passably entertaining, which is better than I'd hoped for.
Articles
Amazing film of a hug from a lion by Paul Eccleston
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
Continuing today's animal theme, this is a pretty incredibly story about a pet lion from the '60s and '70s, with amazing footage of a reunion with its former owners. "The incredible story of a lion cub bought over the counter at Harrods in London, reared as a pet in a furniture store by two young Australians, who was then freed into the wild in Kenya, has become an internet sensation."
Daniel Craig: interview by Dave Calhoun
(from Time Out London)
The incumbent Bond answers questions from a variety of Bond alumni (such as Richard Kiel, John Cleese and Sir Roger Moore) and people related to the world of Bond (such as Charlie Higson, Shirley Bassey and the owner of the Spymaster shop). Undoubtedly the most original interview you're likely to read at the minute -- funny, informative, and very good natured. It may not be as focussed as other QoS interviews, but that just means it's not repetitive of all the others in the slightest. Go on, read it. You won't regret it.
French accuse English of war crimes and exaggeration over Agincourt by Peter Allen & Nabila Ramdani
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
Bloody frogs. (It would seem they're probably right, but that's entirely besides the point -- most of Germany's over their defeat 63 years ago; the French are still whinging about one 593 years on.)
Harry Potter fails to cast spell over Professor Richard Dawkins by Martin Beckford & Urmee Khan
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
A misleading headline, as that's not really what Dawkins is on about, but the article itself has more interest. "Prof Dawkins is targeting children as the audience of his next project because he believes they are being "abused" by being taught about religion at school and labelled Christian, Jewish or Muslim from a young age. Speaking recently at a conference of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain, a group of Britons who have renounced Islam, Prof Dawkins said: "Do not ever call a child a Muslim child or a Christian child – that is a form of child abuse because a young child is too young to know what its views are about the cosmos or morality... I think labelling children is child abuse and I think there is a very heavy issue, for example, about teaching about hell and torturing their minds with hell... I wouldn't want to teach a young child, a terrifyingly young child, about hell when he dies, as it's as bad as many forms of physical abuse.""
Snyder’s Watchmen Secrets
(from WatchmenComicMovie.com)
"early unofficial reports claim the ending has been drastically changed from its comic counterpart, some recent interviews with [director] Zack Snyder explain the director’s method of adapting the revered comic book to the screen."
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
Continuing today's animal theme, this is a pretty incredibly story about a pet lion from the '60s and '70s, with amazing footage of a reunion with its former owners. "The incredible story of a lion cub bought over the counter at Harrods in London, reared as a pet in a furniture store by two young Australians, who was then freed into the wild in Kenya, has become an internet sensation."
Daniel Craig: interview by Dave Calhoun
(from Time Out London)
The incumbent Bond answers questions from a variety of Bond alumni (such as Richard Kiel, John Cleese and Sir Roger Moore) and people related to the world of Bond (such as Charlie Higson, Shirley Bassey and the owner of the Spymaster shop). Undoubtedly the most original interview you're likely to read at the minute -- funny, informative, and very good natured. It may not be as focussed as other QoS interviews, but that just means it's not repetitive of all the others in the slightest. Go on, read it. You won't regret it.
French accuse English of war crimes and exaggeration over Agincourt by Peter Allen & Nabila Ramdani
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
Bloody frogs. (It would seem they're probably right, but that's entirely besides the point -- most of Germany's over their defeat 63 years ago; the French are still whinging about one 593 years on.)
Harry Potter fails to cast spell over Professor Richard Dawkins by Martin Beckford & Urmee Khan
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
A misleading headline, as that's not really what Dawkins is on about, but the article itself has more interest. "Prof Dawkins is targeting children as the audience of his next project because he believes they are being "abused" by being taught about religion at school and labelled Christian, Jewish or Muslim from a young age. Speaking recently at a conference of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain, a group of Britons who have renounced Islam, Prof Dawkins said: "Do not ever call a child a Muslim child or a Christian child – that is a form of child abuse because a young child is too young to know what its views are about the cosmos or morality... I think labelling children is child abuse and I think there is a very heavy issue, for example, about teaching about hell and torturing their minds with hell... I wouldn't want to teach a young child, a terrifyingly young child, about hell when he dies, as it's as bad as many forms of physical abuse.""
Snyder’s Watchmen Secrets
(from WatchmenComicMovie.com)
"early unofficial reports claim the ending has been drastically changed from its comic counterpart, some recent interviews with [director] Zack Snyder explain the director’s method of adapting the revered comic book to the screen."
Wildlife Photography
This is a tad random I know, but I found myself looking at some pretty amazing wildlife photos today, courtesy of the Telegraph's website... so here are a few of them. (Click on any to enlarge.)
Stunning photograph, important message: "1,600 papier mache pandas set up by members of WWF in Paris to highlight that there are only 1,600 pandas left on earth."
Horrible, but another amazing image. "A chained wolf retaliates against two dogs during a hunting festival in Kyrgyzstan."
"Tofu the incredible surfing rat"
Happy Birthday Hippo...
Aww. "Footprint, Fidget, Bruiser, Kate and Little Nicky: these five cute puppies are Britain's most endangered breed of dog. There are only 1,000 Glen of Imaal terriers in the world." (The picture's file is called "cute dogs" too.)
And finally, a series of pictures of a leopard attacking a crocodile. I kid you not. (Click the images for more.)
Now there's something you don't see every day. Or, y'know, ever.
Stunning photograph, important message: "1,600 papier mache pandas set up by members of WWF in Paris to highlight that there are only 1,600 pandas left on earth."
Horrible, but another amazing image. "A chained wolf retaliates against two dogs during a hunting festival in Kyrgyzstan."
"Tofu the incredible surfing rat"
Happy Birthday Hippo...
Aww. "Footprint, Fidget, Bruiser, Kate and Little Nicky: these five cute puppies are Britain's most endangered breed of dog. There are only 1,000 Glen of Imaal terriers in the world." (The picture's file is called "cute dogs" too.)
And finally, a series of pictures of a leopard attacking a crocodile. I kid you not. (Click the images for more.)
Now there's something you don't see every day. Or, y'know, ever.
Watchmen Teaser Poster
Click to enlarge.
Brilliant!
Also, note that, though its release is still five months off, it's already been rated in the US. "Strong Graphic Violence, Sexuality, Nudity and Language." Hurrah! What more could you want?
Friday, 24 October 2008
TV
Merlin
1x05 Lancelot
Wow, that was a bad griffin. Hard to believe the same people do the effects on Doctor Who.
Spooks
6x04 The Extremist
6x05 The Deal
This season of Spooks was famously promoted as "one long story", only then to be decried as a group of regular episodes with negligible links. Thus far, it seems to me that there is a bigger story progressing -- more so than the usual character arcs or what have you that the show has always had -- but that this is presented via a series of self-contained incidents occurring in that story, rather than as a 10-hour serial. In some respects, it's what 24's done for the past few seasons, it's just that there the single-episode nature of some incidents are disguised better.
1x05 Lancelot
Wow, that was a bad griffin. Hard to believe the same people do the effects on Doctor Who.
Spooks
6x04 The Extremist
6x05 The Deal
This season of Spooks was famously promoted as "one long story", only then to be decried as a group of regular episodes with negligible links. Thus far, it seems to me that there is a bigger story progressing -- more so than the usual character arcs or what have you that the show has always had -- but that this is presented via a series of self-contained incidents occurring in that story, rather than as a 10-hour serial. In some respects, it's what 24's done for the past few seasons, it's just that there the single-episode nature of some incidents are disguised better.
Thursday, 23 October 2008
TV
8 Out of 10 Cats
7x08 (23/10/08 edition)
The Graham Norton Show
4x03 (16/10/08 edition)
No uncut repeat for this available online, probably because it was scheduled after snooker and I bet it didn't get shown. Bloody sport. Shouldn't be allowed. Especially in these days of red button viewing and whatnot. Hopefully the switch to digital over the next three or four years will mean the death of sporting events preempting proper programming.
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
22x04 (23/10/08 edition)
No Heroics
1x03 Mean Gills
Spooks
6x03 The Kidnap
Go Malcolm! Yay!
7x08 (23/10/08 edition)
The Graham Norton Show
4x03 (16/10/08 edition)
No uncut repeat for this available online, probably because it was scheduled after snooker and I bet it didn't get shown. Bloody sport. Shouldn't be allowed. Especially in these days of red button viewing and whatnot. Hopefully the switch to digital over the next three or four years will mean the death of sporting events preempting proper programming.
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
22x04 (23/10/08 edition)
No Heroics
1x03 Mean Gills
Spooks
6x03 The Kidnap
Go Malcolm! Yay!
DVD Extras
"The Story" audio commentary on Se7en
One of four different chat tracks on the Se7en DVD, this one features Richard Dyer, author of BFI Modern Classics: Se7en, analysing "the cop-thriller film genre", while director David Fincher, writer Andrew Kevin Walker, editor Richard Francis-Bruce, and New Line President of Production Michael De Luca "discuss the script and project history".
It's not a commentary in the sense you might expect -- these people aren't sat round together watching the film; rather, they're more like interviews, edited together thematically or what have you, usually with minimal or no relation to what's on screen. Arguably it's allowed to be more interesting this way.
What it could do with, however, is subtitles saying who's speaking, which I've seen put to good use on other commentaries that have dozens of people. Yes, there's 'only' five people here, but they've all been recorded separately and some sound quite similar, so it's easy to forget who's who.
One of four different chat tracks on the Se7en DVD, this one features Richard Dyer, author of BFI Modern Classics: Se7en, analysing "the cop-thriller film genre", while director David Fincher, writer Andrew Kevin Walker, editor Richard Francis-Bruce, and New Line President of Production Michael De Luca "discuss the script and project history".
It's not a commentary in the sense you might expect -- these people aren't sat round together watching the film; rather, they're more like interviews, edited together thematically or what have you, usually with minimal or no relation to what's on screen. Arguably it's allowed to be more interesting this way.
What it could do with, however, is subtitles saying who's speaking, which I've seen put to good use on other commentaries that have dozens of people. Yes, there's 'only' five people here, but they've all been recorded separately and some sound quite similar, so it's easy to forget who's who.
Articles
Del Toro, Cuaron do voices in new Bond film
(from Mail.com)
A somewhat bizarre/random story, this one: "Mexican film directors Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuaron will both have voice roles in the new James Bond film Quantum of Solace. Quantum director Marc Foster [sic]... knows both directors and asked them to portray members of a fictional Bolivian army.
No Bond 23 Schedule Yet, Says Daniel Craig by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
Craig cites the current economic climate -- "who knows if we can afford to do another Bond movie anytime soon?" -- which sounds a silly point to me. Of course there's going to be another Bond! The economy might effect how much money Quantum of Solace makes (though, in the year of The Dark Knight, that might seem unlikely), but it will surely do well (in the wake of Casino Royale and all the hype), and all that's likely to be effected is whether Bond 23 is out in two years or three.
(from Mail.com)
A somewhat bizarre/random story, this one: "Mexican film directors Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuaron will both have voice roles in the new James Bond film Quantum of Solace. Quantum director Marc Foster [sic]... knows both directors and asked them to portray members of a fictional Bolivian army.
No Bond 23 Schedule Yet, Says Daniel Craig by Devin Zydel
(from CommanderBond.net)
Craig cites the current economic climate -- "who knows if we can afford to do another Bond movie anytime soon?" -- which sounds a silly point to me. Of course there's going to be another Bond! The economy might effect how much money Quantum of Solace makes (though, in the year of The Dark Knight, that might seem unlikely), but it will surely do well (in the wake of Casino Royale and all the hype), and all that's likely to be effected is whether Bond 23 is out in two years or three.
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Fiction
Pobby and Dingan by Ben Rice
Chapters One - Sixteen [the end]
An interesting little novella (it's only 90 pages). I like the central idea -- a girl's two imaginary friends go missing, which makes her sick, so her brother, who never believed in them and found his sister's insistence in their existence irritating, must find them to make her better -- but it's written in that too-common "child-narrative" style, which I find quite irritating but seems to keep getting critical praise (see review quotes at the above link), awards (in this case, the 2001 Somerset Maugham Award), and turning up on degree course reading lists (another check).
You may well know what I mean by child-narrative: first-person from the perspective of a pre-teen kid, who speaks in 'authentic kid-like ways' by saying things like "James Blond" instead of "James Bond", or "should of" instead of "should've", or "remember I mentioned him/that earlier", and other such kid-isms; and who observes 'adult events' without understanding them, but describes them well enough that us clever readers can decode them and work out the truth; and so on.
Still, maybe I'll like the film adaptation (Opal Dream, which I'm currently trying to get hold of) better, as I did like the central idea -- remember I mentioned that earlier?
Chapters One - Sixteen [the end]
An interesting little novella (it's only 90 pages). I like the central idea -- a girl's two imaginary friends go missing, which makes her sick, so her brother, who never believed in them and found his sister's insistence in their existence irritating, must find them to make her better -- but it's written in that too-common "child-narrative" style, which I find quite irritating but seems to keep getting critical praise (see review quotes at the above link), awards (in this case, the 2001 Somerset Maugham Award), and turning up on degree course reading lists (another check).
You may well know what I mean by child-narrative: first-person from the perspective of a pre-teen kid, who speaks in 'authentic kid-like ways' by saying things like "James Blond" instead of "James Bond", or "should of" instead of "should've", or "remember I mentioned him/that earlier", and other such kid-isms; and who observes 'adult events' without understanding them, but describes them well enough that us clever readers can decode them and work out the truth; and so on.
Still, maybe I'll like the film adaptation (Opal Dream, which I'm currently trying to get hold of) better, as I did like the central idea -- remember I mentioned that earlier?
Articles
Atheist buses ready to roll across country after making £31,000 in a day by Martin Beckford
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
Two thoughts: "Yay atheism!" and "Stupid Christians."
John McCain 'endorsed by al-Qaeda supporters'
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
"Supporters of al-Qaeda have said they would prefer Republican candidate John McCain to win the US election because he is more likely to continue the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan." Best news ever?
The Original Quantum of Solace Cliffhanger Ending
and
'Quantum' Organization To Return In Future James Bond Films
(both by Devin Zydel, from CommanderBond.net)
A pair of connected Bond stories here. In the first (which isn't as spoilery as it may seem), director Marc Forster reveals that he deleted a scene from the end of Quantum of Solace (after where it ends now) that would have ended the film on a definite cliffhanger and the "producers wouldn’t have had a choice but to make it a trilogy". (This scene will be on the DVD/Blu-ray.) The second article suggests this mightn't've been such a problem, however, as producer Barbara Broccoli confirms the long-held expectation/hope of fans that the secretive Quantum organisation will continue to be a presence in future franchise entries. Hurrah!
Sex and the City: The Movie R1 UCE in December by Dave Foster
(from DVD Times)
"another Ultimate Collector's Edition due before Christmas, and this time it's for a film that was only released on DVD last month." I don't really care either way about the film or the release, but the speed of the re-release is pretty shocking. Extras-packed re-releases are pretty much a given these days, a near-inevitable pitfall of DVD/Blu-ray collecting that are often unpredictable (some very successful films get re-churned-out (see Casino Royale), some relatively unsuccessful ones too (see I Am Legend), while others just don't (see Batman Begins)), but such a speedy re-issue is pretty cruel.
Review of Postal DVD by Eamonn McCusker
(from DVD Times)
In just a few short years (he only really came to prominence in 2005 after game adaptations Alone in the Dark and, previously, House of the Dead) German director Uwe Boll has become pretty widely reviled; genuinely loathed, in some circles. Over-loathed, some might say. And it really is very quickly, when you look at his filmography -- pretty much between a couple of movies, after only making two or three, he was suddenly The Worst Person Ever. Anyway, I've never seen one of his films, but Postal sounds great.
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
Two thoughts: "Yay atheism!" and "Stupid Christians."
John McCain 'endorsed by al-Qaeda supporters'
(from Telegraph.co.uk)
"Supporters of al-Qaeda have said they would prefer Republican candidate John McCain to win the US election because he is more likely to continue the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan." Best news ever?
The Original Quantum of Solace Cliffhanger Ending
and
'Quantum' Organization To Return In Future James Bond Films
(both by Devin Zydel, from CommanderBond.net)
A pair of connected Bond stories here. In the first (which isn't as spoilery as it may seem), director Marc Forster reveals that he deleted a scene from the end of Quantum of Solace (after where it ends now) that would have ended the film on a definite cliffhanger and the "producers wouldn’t have had a choice but to make it a trilogy". (This scene will be on the DVD/Blu-ray.) The second article suggests this mightn't've been such a problem, however, as producer Barbara Broccoli confirms the long-held expectation/hope of fans that the secretive Quantum organisation will continue to be a presence in future franchise entries. Hurrah!
Sex and the City: The Movie R1 UCE in December by Dave Foster
(from DVD Times)
"another Ultimate Collector's Edition due before Christmas, and this time it's for a film that was only released on DVD last month." I don't really care either way about the film or the release, but the speed of the re-release is pretty shocking. Extras-packed re-releases are pretty much a given these days, a near-inevitable pitfall of DVD/Blu-ray collecting that are often unpredictable (some very successful films get re-churned-out (see Casino Royale), some relatively unsuccessful ones too (see I Am Legend), while others just don't (see Batman Begins)), but such a speedy re-issue is pretty cruel.
Review of Postal DVD by Eamonn McCusker
(from DVD Times)
In just a few short years (he only really came to prominence in 2005 after game adaptations Alone in the Dark and, previously, House of the Dead) German director Uwe Boll has become pretty widely reviled; genuinely loathed, in some circles. Over-loathed, some might say. And it really is very quickly, when you look at his filmography -- pretty much between a couple of movies, after only making two or three, he was suddenly The Worst Person Ever. Anyway, I've never seen one of his films, but Postal sounds great.
Websites
Rumours from doctorwhotoys.net
Compare the rumour titled Series 4 & SJA Releases "Confirmed" (dated 21st October 2008) with the one a bit further down, SJA Figures "Return" (dated 14th October 2008), and ponder which seems more likely. The fact that the 21/10 rumour also includes figures that I'd bet cold hard cash they'll never ever make (the complete cast of Midnight? The 'German Woman' who had all of five lines in Journey's End?) makes it seem all the more ludicrous.
On the other hand, the Classic Gift Set rumour (22nd October 2008) sounds very likely -- it overcomes the problem of whether they should be painted black & white or colour (the latter sounds obvious, but it wouldn't be story-accurate now would it) and potentially solves the problem that Doctors 1 and 2 aren't expected to sell well.
Compare the rumour titled Series 4 & SJA Releases "Confirmed" (dated 21st October 2008) with the one a bit further down, SJA Figures "Return" (dated 14th October 2008), and ponder which seems more likely. The fact that the 21/10 rumour also includes figures that I'd bet cold hard cash they'll never ever make (the complete cast of Midnight? The 'German Woman' who had all of five lines in Journey's End?) makes it seem all the more ludicrous.
On the other hand, the Classic Gift Set rumour (22nd October 2008) sounds very likely -- it overcomes the problem of whether they should be painted black & white or colour (the latter sounds obvious, but it wouldn't be story-accurate now would it) and potentially solves the problem that Doctors 1 and 2 aren't expected to sell well.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
TV
The Micallef P(r)ogram(me)
"Polite Distances" sketch
"English Have a Go" sketch
The find of "Polite Distances" was research for something, and the other a link from that. It turned out to be almost-depressingly close to what I'm writing, though on the other hand it looks pretty old and I doubt anyone else here has seen it, so all should be OK.
The Sarah Jane Adventures
2x04 The Day of the Clown Part Two
Spooks
6x02 The Virus Part 2
Despite indulging in many of the flaws that have best Spooks in 'The Adam Era', this is a pretty cracking episode. Also, the 'on-going storyline' thing is off to a good start, based on the trailer for ep3. On the other hand, the ever-dislikable Ros is showing an unbelievable amount of humanity in her desire to track down Zaf.
"Polite Distances" sketch
"English Have a Go" sketch
The find of "Polite Distances" was research for something, and the other a link from that. It turned out to be almost-depressingly close to what I'm writing, though on the other hand it looks pretty old and I doubt anyone else here has seen it, so all should be OK.
The Sarah Jane Adventures
2x04 The Day of the Clown Part Two
Spooks
6x02 The Virus Part 2
Despite indulging in many of the flaws that have best Spooks in 'The Adam Era', this is a pretty cracking episode. Also, the 'on-going storyline' thing is off to a good start, based on the trailer for ep3. On the other hand, the ever-dislikable Ros is showing an unbelievable amount of humanity in her desire to track down Zaf.
DVD Extras
Casino Royale Deluxe Edition
Currently impossible to find in the shops (well, I had a good look round town yesterday, and couldn't find a single copy nor space in charts for one), this re-release for the last Bond movie lives up to its name with some beautiful presentation. The three discs -- packed with all the extras from the last release plus a slew of new ones, including two audio commentaries -- are in possibly the sturdiest box I've ever seen used for a DVD -- which is a good thing. I do like a nice sturdy DVD box. Plus it has the glossiest booklet I've ever seen within a DVD, with a handful of lovely piccies and a bit of text too.
Yes, this is essentially just a review of how they packaged it. But it's lovely, so there.
Currently impossible to find in the shops (well, I had a good look round town yesterday, and couldn't find a single copy nor space in charts for one), this re-release for the last Bond movie lives up to its name with some beautiful presentation. The three discs -- packed with all the extras from the last release plus a slew of new ones, including two audio commentaries -- are in possibly the sturdiest box I've ever seen used for a DVD -- which is a good thing. I do like a nice sturdy DVD box. Plus it has the glossiest booklet I've ever seen within a DVD, with a handful of lovely piccies and a bit of text too.
Yes, this is essentially just a review of how they packaged it. But it's lovely, so there.
Articles
BitTorrent Watchers Downloading Older Movies
(from Studio Briefing)
Slightly misleading headline, if you ask me, but some very interesting news: "the website TorrentFreak.com claimed that Get Smart, which was released theatrically last June, was the most-downloaded film of the week. It is due to be released on DVD on November 4. Journey to the Center of the Earth, which was released in theaters in July and is due to be released on DVD next week, was the second-most-downloaded movie. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which topped the list last week, fell to third place, possibly because the DVD had already hit the stores."
Considering that, once upon a time, it took films a year or more to travel from the cinema to the home ent market, and that window is now down to about four months, could we see the time reduced further still? With opening day/weekend fast becoming the most important part of a film's gross by far, with the ensuing weeks dwindling in import to the extent that many features only play for two or three weeks, could we see films hitting DVD/download within just a month or two of their theatrical debut?
(from Studio Briefing)
Slightly misleading headline, if you ask me, but some very interesting news: "the website TorrentFreak.com claimed that Get Smart, which was released theatrically last June, was the most-downloaded film of the week. It is due to be released on DVD on November 4. Journey to the Center of the Earth, which was released in theaters in July and is due to be released on DVD next week, was the second-most-downloaded movie. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which topped the list last week, fell to third place, possibly because the DVD had already hit the stores."
Considering that, once upon a time, it took films a year or more to travel from the cinema to the home ent market, and that window is now down to about four months, could we see the time reduced further still? With opening day/weekend fast becoming the most important part of a film's gross by far, with the ensuing weeks dwindling in import to the extent that many features only play for two or three weeks, could we see films hitting DVD/download within just a month or two of their theatrical debut?
Magazines
Radio Times 25-31 October 2008
For the start of Little Dorrit, the highly anticipated Dickens adaptation made in the same style as the hugely successful 2005 Bleak House, Radio Times have created four "collector's covers". While I'm sure such initiatives sell well for shows like Doctor Who and Ashes to Ashes -- series with built-in, geeky, collector fanbase/market -- I really can't imagine anyone bar the most ardent Dickens admirer/scholar bothering to buy more than one cover. Surely a fold-out would've been a better idea?
Still, it's a bloody starry cast, so there's that at least. The many notable members include (in alphabetical order) Freema Agyeman, Alun Armstrong, Darren Boyd, Ron Cook, Mackenzie Crook, Annette Crosbie, Tom Courtenay, James Fleet, Robert Hardy, Sue Johnston, Ruth Jones, Anton Lesser, Matthew Macfadyen, Eddie Marsan, Eve Myles, Judy Parfitt, Bill Paterson, Maxine Peake, Emma Pierson, Amanda Redman, Andy Serkis, Russell Tovey, and Claire Foy as the titular Amy Dorrit. Phew! (There's at least four new Who alumni in that list, donchaknow, plus a couple more among the less-famous other cast members.)
For the start of Little Dorrit, the highly anticipated Dickens adaptation made in the same style as the hugely successful 2005 Bleak House, Radio Times have created four "collector's covers". While I'm sure such initiatives sell well for shows like Doctor Who and Ashes to Ashes -- series with built-in, geeky, collector fanbase/market -- I really can't imagine anyone bar the most ardent Dickens admirer/scholar bothering to buy more than one cover. Surely a fold-out would've been a better idea?
Still, it's a bloody starry cast, so there's that at least. The many notable members include (in alphabetical order) Freema Agyeman, Alun Armstrong, Darren Boyd, Ron Cook, Mackenzie Crook, Annette Crosbie, Tom Courtenay, James Fleet, Robert Hardy, Sue Johnston, Ruth Jones, Anton Lesser, Matthew Macfadyen, Eddie Marsan, Eve Myles, Judy Parfitt, Bill Paterson, Maxine Peake, Emma Pierson, Amanda Redman, Andy Serkis, Russell Tovey, and Claire Foy as the titular Amy Dorrit. Phew! (There's at least four new Who alumni in that list, donchaknow, plus a couple more among the less-famous other cast members.)
Monday, 20 October 2008
TV
Dead Set TV Trailer
Fantastic concept and seems to have high production values too. This looks like it could be brilliant. See a variety of trailers on the official site.
Heroes Unmasked
3x03 On a Heroic Scale
Spooks
6x01 The Virus Part 1
On to series six somewhat quicker than I was expecting -- normally I'd've waited for the DVD's inevitable price drop to around £15, but with series seven only a week away -- and this season available on DVD already (usually it's not out til the weekend before/after episode one) -- I thought it would be good to catch up in time to watch the new series when it's on.
Wired
Part 2 (of 3)
Fantastic concept and seems to have high production values too. This looks like it could be brilliant. See a variety of trailers on the official site.
Heroes Unmasked
3x03 On a Heroic Scale
Spooks
6x01 The Virus Part 1
On to series six somewhat quicker than I was expecting -- normally I'd've waited for the DVD's inevitable price drop to around £15, but with series seven only a week away -- and this season available on DVD already (usually it's not out til the weekend before/after episode one) -- I thought it would be good to catch up in time to watch the new series when it's on.
Wired
Part 2 (of 3)
Films
After the Sunset (2004)
[#67 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
Cool poster, shame about the film.
Se7en (1995)
[6th or so watch]
Despite often citing it as my favourite / one of my favourite films, I haven't actually seen Se7en for years (following a spate of watching it far too many times in one go). Luckily, it's still brilliant.
[#67 in 100 Films in a Year 2008]
Cool poster, shame about the film.
Se7en (1995)
[6th or so watch]
Despite often citing it as my favourite / one of my favourite films, I haven't actually seen Se7en for years (following a spate of watching it far too many times in one go). Luckily, it's still brilliant.
Non-Fiction
Three Uses of the Knife by David Mamet
Chapter One
Subtitled On the Nature and Purpose of Drama, if you were wondering what it was about. My word of the day -- not used in this, but thought about it -- is "obfuscate".
Chapter One
Subtitled On the Nature and Purpose of Drama, if you were wondering what it was about. My word of the day -- not used in this, but thought about it -- is "obfuscate".
shameless eBay self-promotion: almost the final update, hopefully
I still have several items for sale on eBay, believe it or not. Anything in bold is being bid on, anything crossed out sold since this was posted; everything else also has a Buy It Now option.
The following ends tonight at 11:43pm:
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Silk Stocking
Additionally, there are several items I've re-listed, now at a lower price. Fortunately, several have sold already:
Casino Royale (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
From Russia With Love (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
Live and Let Die (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
On Her Majesty's Secret Service (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
You Only Live Twice (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
And finally, these two aren't listed yet but will be one day:
Doctor Who Empress of the Racnoss action figure
Se7en (2-disc Special Edition)
And that's all for now!
The following ends tonight at 11:43pm:
Additionally, there are several items I've re-listed, now at a lower price. Fortunately, several have sold already:
And finally, these two aren't listed yet but will be one day:
And that's all for now!
Sunday, 19 October 2008
TV
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross
15x07 (17/10/08 edition)
Ian Fleming: Where Bond Began
It's his centenary (still) and Quantum of Solace is nearly upon us. Yep, it's time for another Fleming doco! Luckily this is a really good one. Joanna Lumley is a wonderful host, the biographical details more in depth than usual -- they touch on Fleming's private life as well as his espionage antics -- and there's some nice interludes looking at real-life Bond-style gadgets, his style of research, his methods of writing, and so on. If you missed this, catch it on the iPlayer or something -- it's worth it.
Stephen Fry in America
Part 2 Deep South
I find it reassuring how often I share Stephen Fry's views.
15x07 (17/10/08 edition)
Ian Fleming: Where Bond Began
It's his centenary (still) and Quantum of Solace is nearly upon us. Yep, it's time for another Fleming doco! Luckily this is a really good one. Joanna Lumley is a wonderful host, the biographical details more in depth than usual -- they touch on Fleming's private life as well as his espionage antics -- and there's some nice interludes looking at real-life Bond-style gadgets, his style of research, his methods of writing, and so on. If you missed this, catch it on the iPlayer or something -- it's worth it.
Stephen Fry in America
Part 2 Deep South
I find it reassuring how often I share Stephen Fry's views.
Fiction
Mock the Week: Scenes We'd Like To See by Ewan Phillips, Dan Patterson, Simon Bullivant, Rob Colley, Dan Gaster, Ged Parsons, Giles Pilbrow, Steve Punt & Colin Swash
64. DVDs That Wouldn't Sell
76. Lines You'd Never See in a James Bond Book (Part 1)
83. Lines You'd Never See in a James Bond Book (Part 2)
So is this Fiction or Non-Fiction, hm? As it's Scenes We'd Like To See, I'm going with Fiction. Also, look at that list of authors! And none of them panelists from the show itself. Anyway, the last one in Bond (Part 2) (which is also the last line in the entire book) is very amusing. The others were... intermittent.
64. DVDs That Wouldn't Sell
76. Lines You'd Never See in a James Bond Book (Part 1)
83. Lines You'd Never See in a James Bond Book (Part 2)
So is this Fiction or Non-Fiction, hm? As it's Scenes We'd Like To See, I'm going with Fiction. Also, look at that list of authors! And none of them panelists from the show itself. Anyway, the last one in Bond (Part 2) (which is also the last line in the entire book) is very amusing. The others were... intermittent.
Non-Fiction
Letters Between a Father and a Son (aka Between Father and Son: Family Letters) by V.S. Naipaul, edited by Gillon Aitken
Parts IX - X [the end]
Finally! Hurrah!
Parts IX - X [the end]
Finally! Hurrah!
Articles
And the winner is... who? by Lisa Jardine
(from BBC News Magazine)
"His name is largely unknown in Britain and the United States, but the recipient of the most feted prize in literature has much he could tell them about their lives today". A very interesting article, primarily the bits that open it about the self-obsessed snobbery ("why don't we win?! I've never heard of him!") of British and American literary snobs.
Aussie boy breaks into zoo, feeds animals to croc by Kristen Gelineau
(from Mail.com)
A horrible story, yet morbidly fascinating. Worst of all, the little shit can't be punished.
British burglar says 'sorry' with flowers
(from Mail.com)
"A repentant robber in England sent his elderly victim a bouquet of flowers to apologize for frightening her... A 91-year-old woman received the flowers and a note after confronting a burglar in her home around 4 a.m. on Oct. 9, police said. The card explained that the burglar thought the property in Halifax, about 200 miles north of London, was empty and apologized for breaking in." What a lovely burglar. It also amuses me that US news describes Halifax as being "200 miles north of London".
Dork talk (18/10/08) by Stephen Fry
(from The Guardian)
Another affinity I feel with Stephen Fry: "I shall also take my iPhone 3G, without which I'm pretty much an empty vessel these days... and my unlocked first generation iPhone... I will also pack one of the new iPod Nanos... As for reading, well, I have a Sony eReader, a Kindle and an Iliad, all dedicated electronic book readers, but the fact is, the iPhone has already proved itself (according to Forbes Magazine) the most popular ebook reader on the market. Nearly half a million people have downloaded the free Stanza application for iPhone (from the iTunes store)... For photography I shall take the Canon 1000D... I shall also pack a Sony Cybershot-W170, a competent all-round compact digital camera... my Nintendo DS Lite, dozens of game cartridges... I shall flip a coin to decide whether to take a MacBook Air, the lightest of the MacBook range, or the Livono ThinkPad X300. Whichever I choose will come preloaded with as many films and TV shows as I can download. Their weightlessness will save me having to lug DVDs about." I don't have so much technology, sadly, but my two desktops, laptop, iPod, iPhone 3G, Nintendo DS, Fuji camera, Sony camcorder, and (newly acquired) S8mm film camcorder all attest to a similar mindset. [I may retrospectively link-up this article later, but the 15+ links needed are too much hassle right now.]
Jamaica puzzled by theft of beach by Nick Davis
(from BBC News)
Best. Headline. Ever. (Today.) Go on, read it.
Lloyd Webber pens Eurovision song
(from BBC News)
Make sure to visit this one for the amusing/amusingly bad advert, in which Lord Lloyd Webber lets you know how much your country needs you. This year, said entry will be chosen with a standard-style TV talent show, presented by the always-excellent Graham Norton. Hurrah! This is somewhat in lieu of another West-End-star-finder shower, although those will be back in 2010...
Webber rules out 2009 talent show
(from BBC News)
He's too busy doing Phantom of the Opera 2, you see. Though don't be too disheartened, faithful viewer, as we can look forward to a Wizard of Oz-themed show in 2010. Title betting starts now! We're Off to See the Wizard? Over the Rainbow? Ding Dong the Witch is Dead?
(from BBC News Magazine)
"His name is largely unknown in Britain and the United States, but the recipient of the most feted prize in literature has much he could tell them about their lives today". A very interesting article, primarily the bits that open it about the self-obsessed snobbery ("why don't we win?! I've never heard of him!") of British and American literary snobs.
Aussie boy breaks into zoo, feeds animals to croc by Kristen Gelineau
(from Mail.com)
A horrible story, yet morbidly fascinating. Worst of all, the little shit can't be punished.
British burglar says 'sorry' with flowers
(from Mail.com)
"A repentant robber in England sent his elderly victim a bouquet of flowers to apologize for frightening her... A 91-year-old woman received the flowers and a note after confronting a burglar in her home around 4 a.m. on Oct. 9, police said. The card explained that the burglar thought the property in Halifax, about 200 miles north of London, was empty and apologized for breaking in." What a lovely burglar. It also amuses me that US news describes Halifax as being "200 miles north of London".
Dork talk (18/10/08) by Stephen Fry
(from The Guardian)
Another affinity I feel with Stephen Fry: "I shall also take my iPhone 3G, without which I'm pretty much an empty vessel these days... and my unlocked first generation iPhone... I will also pack one of the new iPod Nanos... As for reading, well, I have a Sony eReader, a Kindle and an Iliad, all dedicated electronic book readers, but the fact is, the iPhone has already proved itself (according to Forbes Magazine) the most popular ebook reader on the market. Nearly half a million people have downloaded the free Stanza application for iPhone (from the iTunes store)... For photography I shall take the Canon 1000D... I shall also pack a Sony Cybershot-W170, a competent all-round compact digital camera... my Nintendo DS Lite, dozens of game cartridges... I shall flip a coin to decide whether to take a MacBook Air, the lightest of the MacBook range, or the Livono ThinkPad X300. Whichever I choose will come preloaded with as many films and TV shows as I can download. Their weightlessness will save me having to lug DVDs about." I don't have so much technology, sadly, but my two desktops, laptop, iPod, iPhone 3G, Nintendo DS, Fuji camera, Sony camcorder, and (newly acquired) S8mm film camcorder all attest to a similar mindset. [I may retrospectively link-up this article later, but the 15+ links needed are too much hassle right now.]
Jamaica puzzled by theft of beach by Nick Davis
(from BBC News)
Best. Headline. Ever. (Today.) Go on, read it.
Lloyd Webber pens Eurovision song
(from BBC News)
Make sure to visit this one for the amusing/amusingly bad advert, in which Lord Lloyd Webber lets you know how much your country needs you. This year, said entry will be chosen with a standard-style TV talent show, presented by the always-excellent Graham Norton. Hurrah! This is somewhat in lieu of another West-End-star-finder shower, although those will be back in 2010...
Webber rules out 2009 talent show
(from BBC News)
He's too busy doing Phantom of the Opera 2, you see. Though don't be too disheartened, faithful viewer, as we can look forward to a Wizard of Oz-themed show in 2010. Title betting starts now! We're Off to See the Wizard? Over the Rainbow? Ding Dong the Witch is Dead?
shameless eBay self-promotion: items end soon!
I still have several items for sale on eBay that end tonight. Anything in bold is being bid on, anything crossed out sold since this was posted; everything else also has a Buy It Now option.
The following items end somewhere between 10:41 and 11:17pm tonight:
Doctor Who Complete Davros Collection box set (new)
The West Wing Season 1 Part 1
The West Wing Season 1 Part 2
And ending tomorrow at 11:43pm:
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Silk Stocking
Additionally, there are several items I've had to re-list, now at a lower price:
Casino Royale (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
From Russia With Love (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
Live and Let Die (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
On Her Majesty's Secret Service (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
You Only Live Twice (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
And finally, these two aren't listed yet but will be one day:
Doctor Who Empress of the Racnoss action figure
Se7en (2-disc Special Edition)
And that's all for now!
The following items end somewhere between 10:41 and 11:17pm tonight:
And ending tomorrow at 11:43pm:
Additionally, there are several items I've had to re-list, now at a lower price:
And finally, these two aren't listed yet but will be one day:
And that's all for now!
Saturday, 18 October 2008
TV
Have I Got News For You
36x01 (17/10/08 edition; extended repeat) [2nd watch]
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
2x06 (18/10/08 edition)
36x01 (17/10/08 edition; extended repeat) [2nd watch]
The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins
2x06 (18/10/08 edition)
Articles
Bourne 4 Gets Writer by Emily Phillips
(from Empire Online)
But will it be called The Bourne Legacy?
First Look At Inglourious Brad Pitt by Dan Goodswen
(from Empire Online)
More interesting than the photo, in my opinion, is the (brief) article itself: "Quentin Tarantino has painted his WWII epic Inglourious Basterds [sic] as his take on a spaghetti western, even joking that he might title the film Once Upon a Time in Nazi-Occupied France. [It's about] a group of Jewish-American soldiers, known as 'The Basterds' who are chosen specifically to spread fear among the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis." Cool.
Movie Reviews: Max Payne
(from Studio Briefing)
"About the only thing it has going for it is the stylized production design and a few cool special effects, but the story couldn't be more inane nor the characters less credible." Oh dear. But no surprise, really.
Movie Reviews: W.
(from Studio Briefing)
"Somewhat surprisingly W. has turned out to be director Oliver Stone's best-reviewed film in ages... Josh Brolin's portrayal of the president receives nearly universal praise [but] 'making a Bush movie that doesn't dramatize 9/11 nor mention the historic 2000 election controversy is negligent at best' [and] 'Why, when Americans and citizens around the globe are still coming to terms with the implications of so many Bush policies, would they want to pay money at the box office to see what amounts to an extended Saturday Night Live skit?'" Too soon? I think so.
Review of Quantum of Solace by Kim Newman
(from Empire Online)
"A pacy, visually imaginative follow-up. If it doesn’t even try to be bigger than Casino Royale, that’s perhaps a smart move in that there’s still a sense at the end that Bond’s mission has barely begun and he’ll need a few more movies to work his way up to destroying the apparently undefeatable Quantum organisation. The only real caveat is that while it’s exciting, it’s not exactly anyone’s idea of fun. To keep in the game, perhaps the next movie could let the hero enjoy himself a bit more." It's sounding good to me! Still undecided on that poster though. I don't hate it, but it's not half as good as CR's.
As they did earlier this summer with The Dark Knight and... oh, some other blockbuster, I forget which... Empire are having a Bond Fortnight in the run up to the release of Quantum of Solace. It began yesterday with 30 Second Guides to Every Bond Movie, and continued today with their review of QoS (see above). There's 12 more features to come over the next two weeks.
(from Empire Online)
But will it be called The Bourne Legacy?
First Look At Inglourious Brad Pitt by Dan Goodswen
(from Empire Online)
More interesting than the photo, in my opinion, is the (brief) article itself: "Quentin Tarantino has painted his WWII epic Inglourious Basterds [sic] as his take on a spaghetti western, even joking that he might title the film Once Upon a Time in Nazi-Occupied France. [It's about] a group of Jewish-American soldiers, known as 'The Basterds' who are chosen specifically to spread fear among the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis." Cool.
Movie Reviews: Max Payne
(from Studio Briefing)
"About the only thing it has going for it is the stylized production design and a few cool special effects, but the story couldn't be more inane nor the characters less credible." Oh dear. But no surprise, really.
Movie Reviews: W.
(from Studio Briefing)
"Somewhat surprisingly W. has turned out to be director Oliver Stone's best-reviewed film in ages... Josh Brolin's portrayal of the president receives nearly universal praise [but] 'making a Bush movie that doesn't dramatize 9/11 nor mention the historic 2000 election controversy is negligent at best' [and] 'Why, when Americans and citizens around the globe are still coming to terms with the implications of so many Bush policies, would they want to pay money at the box office to see what amounts to an extended Saturday Night Live skit?'" Too soon? I think so.
Review of Quantum of Solace by Kim Newman
(from Empire Online)
"A pacy, visually imaginative follow-up. If it doesn’t even try to be bigger than Casino Royale, that’s perhaps a smart move in that there’s still a sense at the end that Bond’s mission has barely begun and he’ll need a few more movies to work his way up to destroying the apparently undefeatable Quantum organisation. The only real caveat is that while it’s exciting, it’s not exactly anyone’s idea of fun. To keep in the game, perhaps the next movie could let the hero enjoy himself a bit more." It's sounding good to me! Still undecided on that poster though. I don't hate it, but it's not half as good as CR's.
As they did earlier this summer with The Dark Knight and... oh, some other blockbuster, I forget which... Empire are having a Bond Fortnight in the run up to the release of Quantum of Solace. It began yesterday with 30 Second Guides to Every Bond Movie, and continued today with their review of QoS (see above). There's 12 more features to come over the next two weeks.
Magazines
Doctor Who Magazine #401
Including the title of the next Christmas special (already widely reported), the director of the first 2009 special, and a huge ovation for Bernard Cribbins. Quite right too. And the You Are Not Alone column is about Terry Nation, rather than some sad "woe is me" fandom-related bollocks. Appropriately, it's a lot better than usual, though is still almost killed by the column's usual pathetic final 'funny' paragraph.
Including the title of the next Christmas special (already widely reported), the director of the first 2009 special, and a huge ovation for Bernard Cribbins. Quite right too. And the You Are Not Alone column is about Terry Nation, rather than some sad "woe is me" fandom-related bollocks. Appropriately, it's a lot better than usual, though is still almost killed by the column's usual pathetic final 'funny' paragraph.
shameless eBay self-promotion: items end tonight!
I wasn't going to bother with an eBay update today, as very little's changed... but then I realised that most things end tonight, so thought I'd point that out. Anything in bold is being bid on, anything crossed out sold since this was posted; everything else also has a Buy It Now option.
The following items end somewhere between 11:42pm and 1:22am tonight:
DVDs
Casino Royale 2-disc Collector's Edition
Ghost in the Shell
L.A. Confidential
Books
Casino Royale (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
Dr No (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
From Russia With Love (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
Goldfinger (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
Live and Let Die (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
Moonraker (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
On Her Majesty's Secret Service (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
Thunderball (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
You Only Live Twice (Penguin Modern Classics edition)
And these final four DVDs end on either Sunday or Monday:
Doctor Who Complete Davros Collection box set (new)
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Silk Stocking
The West Wing Season 1 Part 1
The West Wing Season 1 Part 2
And these two aren't listed yet, but will be one day:
Doctor Who Empress of the Racnoss action figure
Se7en (2-disc Special Edition)
S'all for now.
The following items end somewhere between 11:42pm and 1:22am tonight:
DVDs
Books
And these final four DVDs end on either Sunday or Monday:
And these two aren't listed yet, but will be one day:
S'all for now.
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