I felt a lot more relaxed after doing tonight's show, in terms of getting various tasks done for both the magazine show and Smoke overall. Possibly it was because most of the music was rather chilled for most of the show, especially Roy Ayers who I was chatting to Jon about just before the show.
Jon was flying solo tonight before me as Seb's been rehearsing for the Drama Society's production of Cinderella. I won't say who he is playing as it will ruin the jokes and reveal the many twists that the play has in store! What I can say is that on the way to the main campus I saw Joey, Dan P and Chris Jones carrying what looked like a rolled up rug. Maybe there is more than one fairy tale in this pantomime, it all builds together!
I'm hoping that I'll be able to hot foot it from Brent Cross to see the performance taking place at Area 51. Not as classy as the lecture theatre but the place does need to be used a lot more. I was even asked to DJ there tonight by Ross G but I'll favour the lava lamp and soft surroundings tonight ahead of the party at Pippa and Holly's house tomorrow night! More Red Russians will be available to guests!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Overworked As Always
Grrr, I'm badly starving, I've barely eaten today and my kitchen is taken by a load of Chinese students which is preventing me from getting any cooking done.
I've been off my feet constantly today, a lot of people needed to get their promos recorded and all the studios were being used. We nearly ended up recording one of them on a Marrantz! Luckily Sarah and Khalia let me borrow the studio they were using as they weren't happy with how their show was sounding. I am more than willing to put a motion for a whole day spent being desk trained on the BAMS radio course rather than 15 minutes.
They should also install special machinery into the studio that electrecutes people through their headphones whenver they are distorting!
Some of the ideas for the promos are really good, Chris and Phil took a "boredom alternative" approach to their's, whilst Sam and Phil (Harris) from the Dinner Party decided to shout "It's Dinner Time!" adding extra cheese to proceedings.
I'd imagine "Phil" has taken over from "Ross" as the common name for the first year BAMS students. With the latter I always remember getting liners back from Tim Ley unsure if Ross was prounced as "Roz".
And I thought "Blamires" was a bumpy ride.
I've been off my feet constantly today, a lot of people needed to get their promos recorded and all the studios were being used. We nearly ended up recording one of them on a Marrantz! Luckily Sarah and Khalia let me borrow the studio they were using as they weren't happy with how their show was sounding. I am more than willing to put a motion for a whole day spent being desk trained on the BAMS radio course rather than 15 minutes.
They should also install special machinery into the studio that electrecutes people through their headphones whenver they are distorting!
Some of the ideas for the promos are really good, Chris and Phil took a "boredom alternative" approach to their's, whilst Sam and Phil (Harris) from the Dinner Party decided to shout "It's Dinner Time!" adding extra cheese to proceedings.
I'd imagine "Phil" has taken over from "Ross" as the common name for the first year BAMS students. With the latter I always remember getting liners back from Tim Ley unsure if Ross was prounced as "Roz".
And I thought "Blamires" was a bumpy ride.
Soul Extensions
I'm listening to the Capital Gold tribute to Alan Freeman and from all the anecdotes I've heard, there was no nicer guy in radio. Even allowing himself to be sent up on comedy shows such as "The Young Ones" and Harry Enfield you cannot fault the knowledge and passion he had for music of many styles.
It's been quite a day for me, I managed to get a few IDs recorded with the delightful Hannah Shoggy-Bola where she finally got my name pronounced correctly! Not only does she have the perfect imaging voice but she has the perfect image. It did get a bit embarrassing though, when Dan P popped in and started talking about her hair extensions, a topic which has always confused me to how it's really done. Posh Spice being the most obvious example.
I also recieved an e-mail from Jon about our magazine project where he's asked me and Ricky to research for a feature on junk food. It's a topic I'm interested in although I'm hoping I don't have to actually eat any of the stuff! I'll see if we can sort out a division as I think Ricky's really good at getting hold of people who will be good contributors. However it's important to try out new things although it seems as if I'm trying to conquer fears at the same time!
It's been quite a day for me, I managed to get a few IDs recorded with the delightful Hannah Shoggy-Bola where she finally got my name pronounced correctly! Not only does she have the perfect imaging voice but she has the perfect image. It did get a bit embarrassing though, when Dan P popped in and started talking about her hair extensions, a topic which has always confused me to how it's really done. Posh Spice being the most obvious example.
I also recieved an e-mail from Jon about our magazine project where he's asked me and Ricky to research for a feature on junk food. It's a topic I'm interested in although I'm hoping I don't have to actually eat any of the stuff! I'll see if we can sort out a division as I think Ricky's really good at getting hold of people who will be good contributors. However it's important to try out new things although it seems as if I'm trying to conquer fears at the same time!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Never Hung Over
It's been a rather relaxed state of affairs today after the hi-jinks of the succesfull Undercroft night yesterday. I only ever seem to get close to a hangover when I've drunken liquids other than alcopops which makes me question whether beers and wines are delibaratley made to taste bitter.
The tributes to Fluff are coming in with an interesting anecdote on The Chris Moyles Show earlier this morning. Always one to reminisce about his career in radio, Moyles mentioned how Fluff defected to Radio 2 from Capital Gold by walking into a board meeting held by then group director Richard Park and announced his resignation in a matter of seconds!
On that same subject I'd best remember to record a special documentary that Capital Gold are doing in tribute of the radio god at 7pm tonight.
Otherwise just a normal day really, I've got to sort out my tutorial for my propoganda essay next week, which I got a few books out of the library for. The problem is, I feel more relaxed after hiring them out, but I'm too lazy to read them. If all books were written or laid out in the style of David Gauntlett's seminars then I'd be more keen to read them. I'm so jealous that the first year BAMS have got him for the Social Theory Module this year.
The tributes to Fluff are coming in with an interesting anecdote on The Chris Moyles Show earlier this morning. Always one to reminisce about his career in radio, Moyles mentioned how Fluff defected to Radio 2 from Capital Gold by walking into a board meeting held by then group director Richard Park and announced his resignation in a matter of seconds!
On that same subject I'd best remember to record a special documentary that Capital Gold are doing in tribute of the radio god at 7pm tonight.
Otherwise just a normal day really, I've got to sort out my tutorial for my propoganda essay next week, which I got a few books out of the library for. The problem is, I feel more relaxed after hiring them out, but I'm too lazy to read them. If all books were written or laid out in the style of David Gauntlett's seminars then I'd be more keen to read them. I'm so jealous that the first year BAMS have got him for the Social Theory Module this year.
Farewell To The King Of Countdowns
First of all, the Smoke Undercroft night. Just superb, it was a walk in the park with the equipment during my set and I was really pleased it had pitch control on the CD players allowing me to beatmatch my music! It was also flattering to have a Japanese attendee coming up to me asking about the MAW remix of Incognito's "Always There". Which reminds me, I must feature some more Japanese jazz on the show this week. For those who missed it here's what I had to offer:
1. Heatwave - Boogie Nights
2. Incognito - Always There (Masters At Work Remix)
3. Inner Life - Ain't No Mountain High Enough
4. Freeez - Southern Freeez
5. Rose Royce - Is It Love You're After
6. Savanna - I Can't Turn Away
7. Ramsey Lewis - Spring High
8. Webster Lewis - Barbara Ann
9. Shalamar - Take The To The Bank
10. Slave - Just A Touch Of Love
11. Loose Ends - Hangin' On A String (Contemplating)
12. Tavares - Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel
13. Van McCoy - The Hustle
The rest of the night went really well with sets from Ross T, Joey, and Goodlass and Marshall rouding it all off with a stunning set including "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "The Final Countdown".
Just as I got back into the flat I noticed an instant message from Tim informing me about the death of Alan "Fluff" Freeman. Although it was inevitable it's a rather sad end to an otherwise fantastic night.
I'll never forget many a Sunday lunchtime listening to him counting down the charts of yesteryear on Radio 1 with snippets of the Trout Quintet and Bizet's Carmen in between the songs!
I'm hoping Tudor will do something in recognition of the great music enthisiast on his show tomorrow as Fluff was one of the finest rock presenters ever to grace the airwaves. Might be an idea to stick the legendary theme music onto Hotkeys!
RIP Fluff "Not Arf!"
1. Heatwave - Boogie Nights
2. Incognito - Always There (Masters At Work Remix)
3. Inner Life - Ain't No Mountain High Enough
4. Freeez - Southern Freeez
5. Rose Royce - Is It Love You're After
6. Savanna - I Can't Turn Away
7. Ramsey Lewis - Spring High
8. Webster Lewis - Barbara Ann
9. Shalamar - Take The To The Bank
10. Slave - Just A Touch Of Love
11. Loose Ends - Hangin' On A String (Contemplating)
12. Tavares - Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel
13. Van McCoy - The Hustle
The rest of the night went really well with sets from Ross T, Joey, and Goodlass and Marshall rouding it all off with a stunning set including "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "The Final Countdown".
Just as I got back into the flat I noticed an instant message from Tim informing me about the death of Alan "Fluff" Freeman. Although it was inevitable it's a rather sad end to an otherwise fantastic night.
I'll never forget many a Sunday lunchtime listening to him counting down the charts of yesteryear on Radio 1 with snippets of the Trout Quintet and Bizet's Carmen in between the songs!
I'm hoping Tudor will do something in recognition of the great music enthisiast on his show tomorrow as Fluff was one of the finest rock presenters ever to grace the airwaves. Might be an idea to stick the legendary theme music onto Hotkeys!
RIP Fluff "Not Arf!"
Monday, November 27, 2006
Searching For Fabrication
I went for an appointment at CANDA this morning to discuss the potential ideas for my Propoganda essay. As it's a subject that I'm not heavilly knowledgeable on, I decided to put Corporate Propoganda and Photography And Propoganda as potential case studies. The tutorial's not until next week but I'm certain there are several examples of the latter to focus on such as Piers Morgan's dummy disaster that cost him his job at the Mirror a couple of years ago.
Everything's sorted for tonight although I have absolutley no idea how the equipment that I'm using tonight works or if I'm playing off CDs or a laptop. They really need to sort out the speakers however as the treble and bass levels are appalling at the worst of times. I'm wondering if it's all run off batteries? Or solar power for that matter?
Moving on swiftly, this sketch from the underrated BBC 2 series "Big Train" features Simon Pegg as a pun-filled local radio disk jockey and gives what I believe to be the truth on how they come up with quick witted lines! Not for the easily disturbed.
Everything's sorted for tonight although I have absolutley no idea how the equipment that I'm using tonight works or if I'm playing off CDs or a laptop. They really need to sort out the speakers however as the treble and bass levels are appalling at the worst of times. I'm wondering if it's all run off batteries? Or solar power for that matter?
Moving on swiftly, this sketch from the underrated BBC 2 series "Big Train" features Simon Pegg as a pun-filled local radio disk jockey and gives what I believe to be the truth on how they come up with quick witted lines! Not for the easily disturbed.
Take The S From Swanky...
Our unbeaten record came to an end tonight at the Undercroft Pub Quiz possibly because of a change of team name. As Lawrens was on our team this week we decided to adapt the name "The Lord And His Ladies", a move that probably wasn't ideal.
There was a controversial decision made about a question in which we had to explain why Eric The Eel got his name in the 2000 Olympics. Our team said that he was a rubbish swimmer but Goodlass and Marshall wouldn't have that, oh no.
They would only accept answers that gave specific details of the record for the slowest swimming time so a bit of heckling ensued! That and the Gaelic music that was playing throughout the quiz leading to Ricky and Ross making constant jokes about the answers being "hidden in the music".
Luckily I didn't spend too much money on booze and only divulged into one can of Fanta. I'm saving the strong stuff for our big night tomorrow! Speaking of which I was rather flattered on the way back to find out that the dad of Pete, one of the first year students reckons our playlist is better than both Radio 1 and Capital! Where else are you going to hear Fedde Le Grand followed by The Beatles?
There was a controversial decision made about a question in which we had to explain why Eric The Eel got his name in the 2000 Olympics. Our team said that he was a rubbish swimmer but Goodlass and Marshall wouldn't have that, oh no.
They would only accept answers that gave specific details of the record for the slowest swimming time so a bit of heckling ensued! That and the Gaelic music that was playing throughout the quiz leading to Ricky and Ross making constant jokes about the answers being "hidden in the music".
Luckily I didn't spend too much money on booze and only divulged into one can of Fanta. I'm saving the strong stuff for our big night tomorrow! Speaking of which I was rather flattered on the way back to find out that the dad of Pete, one of the first year students reckons our playlist is better than both Radio 1 and Capital! Where else are you going to hear Fedde Le Grand followed by The Beatles?
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Video Tasties: Visual Evidence!
Just to back up an earlier posting this weekend, here's the trailer for the repeats of The Chart Show starting on the Vault.
Notice that they've removed the ITV logo at the end!
And it's on Saturday mornings as well! No time like the past.
However I'm sure that some of the colourful stings and graphics will make their way onto Youtube soon after although a Sky Digibox or a new house even would be the perfect Xmas present! I can only dream...
Notice that they've removed the ITV logo at the end!
And it's on Saturday mornings as well! No time like the past.
However I'm sure that some of the colourful stings and graphics will make their way onto Youtube soon after although a Sky Digibox or a new house even would be the perfect Xmas present! I can only dream...
Audio Blog - Repositioning
Listen Here!
(All previous audio blogs should be working now, on Smoke's unwanted webspace!)
(All previous audio blogs should be working now, on Smoke's unwanted webspace!)
Vertical Horizon
I've just spent that last few minutes moving my bed and the cabinet so that the bed is facing towards the shelf meaning that I can actually lie down on my back whilst using my laptop, rather than on my side.
After moving it I realised how many plastic bags have been left under my bed since moving back into halls but at least it provides a liner for the bin in my bedroom.
I'm still feeling rather nervous about the Brent Cross presenting gig and that timing wise I may not get to see the Drama Society's production of Cinderella. I don't know too much about this play but it doesn't sound like a normal pantomime from what has been hinted! To be perfectly honest I think we've got enough dames as it is on the radio course!
After moving it I realised how many plastic bags have been left under my bed since moving back into halls but at least it provides a liner for the bin in my bedroom.
I'm still feeling rather nervous about the Brent Cross presenting gig and that timing wise I may not get to see the Drama Society's production of Cinderella. I don't know too much about this play but it doesn't sound like a normal pantomime from what has been hinted! To be perfectly honest I think we've got enough dames as it is on the radio course!
Saturday, November 25, 2006
From Glasgow To Northwick Park Via The Ghost Train
15 years before appearing in Green Wing, Mark Heap appeared as part of alleged comedy double act "The Two Marks" on ITV's Ghost Train in the early 90s. This clip from Youtube features the duo performing a "Boo" on a football fan from Glasgow, although I don't understand why it's the person who's sent the letter that gets splatted! One of the many eccentricities of the erstwhile Saturday morning show.
I seem to remember the Two Marks coming to Canterbury to perform a Boo on an unsuspecting victim just after we'd moved to the city. This was done in a car park near the Castle Ruins and seeing the familiar locations on television was quite something at the time. Interesting considering that part of Green Wing was shot around the Harrow Campus near Northwick Park Hospital.
The concept of the show was that the presenters were travelling around the country with the Ghost Train to escape from Barry Mafia. If you think that's twisted then the storyline has to be the most pretentious within a children's programme judging by the comments I've found on Youtube:
(Quote from Pippo)
"Right the premise was thus:
Frances actually dated Barry for a while, Barry duped Frances grandmother to giving him the Ghost Train. She found out dumped Barry and along with Sabra and Paul stole the Ghost Train (Very first episode)"
Part 2:
They meet up with Nobby in a field (from where the first ep. was broadcast IIRC) and find Gerrard lurking in the shower on the Ghost Train (he was actually an unwilling slave of Barry Mafia)
Barry then spent every ep. trying to steal the Ghost Train back. Barry succeeds (with the help of a rather treacherous Nobby) in series 2 and keeps possesion for about half of series 3 before Nobby betrays him.
I seem to remember the Two Marks coming to Canterbury to perform a Boo on an unsuspecting victim just after we'd moved to the city. This was done in a car park near the Castle Ruins and seeing the familiar locations on television was quite something at the time. Interesting considering that part of Green Wing was shot around the Harrow Campus near Northwick Park Hospital.
The concept of the show was that the presenters were travelling around the country with the Ghost Train to escape from Barry Mafia. If you think that's twisted then the storyline has to be the most pretentious within a children's programme judging by the comments I've found on Youtube:
(Quote from Pippo)
"Right the premise was thus:
Frances actually dated Barry for a while, Barry duped Frances grandmother to giving him the Ghost Train. She found out dumped Barry and along with Sabra and Paul stole the Ghost Train (Very first episode)"
Part 2:
They meet up with Nobby in a field (from where the first ep. was broadcast IIRC) and find Gerrard lurking in the shower on the Ghost Train (he was actually an unwilling slave of Barry Mafia)
Barry then spent every ep. trying to steal the Ghost Train back. Barry succeeds (with the help of a rather treacherous Nobby) in series 2 and keeps possesion for about half of series 3 before Nobby betrays him.
Video Tasties!
Just over a month after discovering the 1989 ITV Chart Show special on Youtube, I was pleased to find the final edition of The Chart Show from August 1998, especially as I accidentally taped over my own copy several years ago.
The Amiga esque graphics had been ditched in favour of more up to date looking captions at the bottom of the screen giving a chance to let the videos take center stage although on screen interviews had introduced by this time including one in this show with the Manic Street Preachers.
The highlight has to be in part 5 with Stardust's appropriately titled "Music Sounds Better With You" where on the absence of their own video, a montage of the various graphics from the Chart Show's 12 year history takes it's place! Also included at the end is the first ever video played on the show with the original HUD graphics featuring the Channel 4 logo as the show was originally a fill in show for "The Tube" before switching to ITV in 1989.
It seems that these Youtube postings have turned a few heads as "The Vault" on Sky Digital channel 456 plan to show vintage editions of the Chart Show from next month!
Now that would be a good reason to move from the satellite free Harrow Halls!
The Amiga esque graphics had been ditched in favour of more up to date looking captions at the bottom of the screen giving a chance to let the videos take center stage although on screen interviews had introduced by this time including one in this show with the Manic Street Preachers.
The highlight has to be in part 5 with Stardust's appropriately titled "Music Sounds Better With You" where on the absence of their own video, a montage of the various graphics from the Chart Show's 12 year history takes it's place! Also included at the end is the first ever video played on the show with the original HUD graphics featuring the Channel 4 logo as the show was originally a fill in show for "The Tube" before switching to ITV in 1989.
It seems that these Youtube postings have turned a few heads as "The Vault" on Sky Digital channel 456 plan to show vintage editions of the Chart Show from next month!
Now that would be a good reason to move from the satellite free Harrow Halls!
Entertaining The Rush
My ever helpful flatmate May helped to me to find out why the heating in my room wasn't working as it turned out that I hadn't found the switch behind the radiator! Why this wasn't the case in flat 31 I'm not sure but I'm guessing the buttons were put on for a reason to stop the fire alarms going off as a result of radiators being left on constantly.
I also received a call from the man behind BXFM 87.7 at Brent Cross Shopping centre, asking me to co-present the 4-7 slot with a woman called Heena. It's certainly a challenge but at least I'll get to do a bit of Christmas shopping at the same time. I'm due to start next Monday continuing on and off until the 21st of December timing it perfectly for when my family are heading up to Norfolk.
Overall I'm looking forward to it and being responsible for making the shoppers feel that extra bit more stressed!
No time like the present however there's another hole to fill between 2 and 3 tomorrow afternoon on Smoke, and I need to sort out what I'm playing at the Undercroft on Monday. And no, "The Conga" by Black Lace (or anything else by Black Lace for that matter) won't be featured if Ross T is reading this!
I also received a call from the man behind BXFM 87.7 at Brent Cross Shopping centre, asking me to co-present the 4-7 slot with a woman called Heena. It's certainly a challenge but at least I'll get to do a bit of Christmas shopping at the same time. I'm due to start next Monday continuing on and off until the 21st of December timing it perfectly for when my family are heading up to Norfolk.
Overall I'm looking forward to it and being responsible for making the shoppers feel that extra bit more stressed!
No time like the present however there's another hole to fill between 2 and 3 tomorrow afternoon on Smoke, and I need to sort out what I'm playing at the Undercroft on Monday. And no, "The Conga" by Black Lace (or anything else by Black Lace for that matter) won't be featured if Ross T is reading this!
Friday, November 24, 2006
"Tiny" Mistakes
I decided to have a look on Blackboard to find out a bit more about next semester's modules, in particular the one on Internet Radio and Podcasting. It says that we have to produce a group website and an individual website that streams audio which sounds simple enough although I expect they'll be a few catches to it bearing in mind it takes up the remaining 6 weeks of the semester.
However the one thing that's got me through the course this semester is knowing what's going to be thrown at you, as it always turns out to be not as bad as you expect things to be. It's just ridiculous little things that can be solved easily that mess me up such as having to re-send an essay because it didn't have the correct title on it almost resulting in me getting marked zero.
That's what happened with my Media Consumption essay earlier this week although to be fair I was in a rush to get it done having been slowed down by my toothache pain.
As promised earlier our two Newsbelt bulletins from today can be found here:
12:30 Bulletin
16:30 Bulletin
Personally I think if Clara becomes more confident during the assignment she'll end up being our answer to Moira Stuart! I doubt Sally Traffic will have anything to worry about though, if she hears my efforts.
However the one thing that's got me through the course this semester is knowing what's going to be thrown at you, as it always turns out to be not as bad as you expect things to be. It's just ridiculous little things that can be solved easily that mess me up such as having to re-send an essay because it didn't have the correct title on it almost resulting in me getting marked zero.
That's what happened with my Media Consumption essay earlier this week although to be fair I was in a rush to get it done having been slowed down by my toothache pain.
As promised earlier our two Newsbelt bulletins from today can be found here:
12:30 Bulletin
16:30 Bulletin
Personally I think if Clara becomes more confident during the assignment she'll end up being our answer to Moira Stuart! I doubt Sally Traffic will have anything to worry about though, if she hears my efforts.
The Invisible Refurbishment
Nothing appears to be different at the newly relaunched Area 51. Well not on the inside anyway, but it didn't stop tonight from being a blast to open the club. So many people were there including a rather over excited Lamby and even Rayhan was there who helped to re-open Area.
The night started off with a cover band "The Austin Beats" playing a selection of 60s covers getting a good reception from their renditions of Monkees songs! Then Goodlass and Marshall took over with their fine selection of student anthems including a few unexpected choices such as "Since You've Been Gone" by Rainbow and "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" by Belinda Carlisle.
It all seemed to be going so well until they decided to finish off with Tom Jones and "Delilah" when the CDs started mistracking! Knowing how well the equipment at the Undercroft tends to fair on Pound a Pint night this was just a minor hitch!
So another long news day awaits tomorrow with the second set of our "Newsbelt" bulletins. I'm really enjoying the immediacy of the module but I really need to start contributing actual ideas and have a more colourful but simple way of writing cues. I'm starting to wish I was reborn with a more active and varied look on life and to feel more motivated without being intoxicated beforehand!
The night started off with a cover band "The Austin Beats" playing a selection of 60s covers getting a good reception from their renditions of Monkees songs! Then Goodlass and Marshall took over with their fine selection of student anthems including a few unexpected choices such as "Since You've Been Gone" by Rainbow and "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" by Belinda Carlisle.
It all seemed to be going so well until they decided to finish off with Tom Jones and "Delilah" when the CDs started mistracking! Knowing how well the equipment at the Undercroft tends to fair on Pound a Pint night this was just a minor hitch!
So another long news day awaits tomorrow with the second set of our "Newsbelt" bulletins. I'm really enjoying the immediacy of the module but I really need to start contributing actual ideas and have a more colourful but simple way of writing cues. I'm starting to wish I was reborn with a more active and varied look on life and to feel more motivated without being intoxicated beforehand!
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Loaded With The Hits
Variety appeared to be a key word on the mind of Ricky and Ross G as they needed several tunes to be burned onto CD for the big relaunch at Area 51 tomorrow night. It seemed like a mammoth task made that extra bit stressfull from Goodlass's interruptions and general mucking about but we managed to burn no more than 9 CDs in an hour packed with student classics. Oh, and the theme to Ghostbusters.
Seriously it will save them a lot of time having to hastily produce playlists for live events and I'm certain that tomorrow night at Area's going to be a blast.
Speaking of which my slot at the Undercroft next week has been moved an hour to 8pm meaning I don't have to hot foot it from my Media Consumption lecture! I still haven't sorted out what I'm going to play, especially as some of the tracks I've considered have ended up in Goodlass and Marshall's musical plethora.
The rest of the day has been spent sorting out Paypal payments from being delivered in the wrong currency and I managed to book tickets for Incognito on the 23rd of January, just two months away from today! I'm considering booking tickets for the Sunday gig as well just to spoil myself if I'm not too overdrawn.
Having never been to the Jazz Cafe on a Sunday it will certainly make a change from the Quiz Night at the Undercroft. Steve told me that he's planning a motion to drop the music round from the quiz just in order to show how poorly Team Swanky will fair as a consequence!
Seriously it will save them a lot of time having to hastily produce playlists for live events and I'm certain that tomorrow night at Area's going to be a blast.
Speaking of which my slot at the Undercroft next week has been moved an hour to 8pm meaning I don't have to hot foot it from my Media Consumption lecture! I still haven't sorted out what I'm going to play, especially as some of the tracks I've considered have ended up in Goodlass and Marshall's musical plethora.
The rest of the day has been spent sorting out Paypal payments from being delivered in the wrong currency and I managed to book tickets for Incognito on the 23rd of January, just two months away from today! I'm considering booking tickets for the Sunday gig as well just to spoil myself if I'm not too overdrawn.
Having never been to the Jazz Cafe on a Sunday it will certainly make a change from the Quiz Night at the Undercroft. Steve told me that he's planning a motion to drop the music round from the quiz just in order to show how poorly Team Swanky will fair as a consequence!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
From Team Swanky To Widow Twankey
I've been in such a daze for most of today. Half of the day was spent editing promos and all sorts for Smoke on Audition which is a dreadful weakness for me. The great thing about that application is that the special FX on there can make even the not so radio friendly voices sound professional, judging by those who get people to record voiceovers at the last minute!
Speaking of which we managed to have our first proper group meeting with all the new and established team members, where there was talk about our night at the Undercroft next Monday and the possiblility of a radio pantomime being produced for Christmas! Ricky and the two Ross's have a few roles in mind for certain members and hinted at me playing the role of Cinderella!
I also managed to buy one of the spangly Smoke Radio t-shirts which along with the wrist bands and the calendar look set to add to our continuing merchardise range! I imagine a few appearing on E-Bay before long, especially as we've run out of small sized shirts. Guess that means Pryor's missed the boat.
It appears Tudor took my comments literally last week and introduced his show with "Take It Off The Top" the theme to the late Tommy Vance's Friday Rock Show for many years on Radio 1.
Turn's out he's not the only one as I've taken a cue from Robbie Vincent in the trailer for my show. "If It Moves, Funk It!"
Speaking of which we managed to have our first proper group meeting with all the new and established team members, where there was talk about our night at the Undercroft next Monday and the possiblility of a radio pantomime being produced for Christmas! Ricky and the two Ross's have a few roles in mind for certain members and hinted at me playing the role of Cinderella!
I also managed to buy one of the spangly Smoke Radio t-shirts which along with the wrist bands and the calendar look set to add to our continuing merchardise range! I imagine a few appearing on E-Bay before long, especially as we've run out of small sized shirts. Guess that means Pryor's missed the boat.
It appears Tudor took my comments literally last week and introduced his show with "Take It Off The Top" the theme to the late Tommy Vance's Friday Rock Show for many years on Radio 1.
Turn's out he's not the only one as I've taken a cue from Robbie Vincent in the trailer for my show. "If It Moves, Funk It!"
Fisticuffs Galore!
Ooh, it's been a pretty tough night on Harrow campus. On arriving at the Undercroft I ended up on the wrong side of an argument with fellow radio student, subjected to personal insults about my obsessive interest in radio and worries about people stepping on my toes. Luckily we managed to sort things out as he'd had a bit too much to drink on my arrival and was more understanding.
I'm not sure if I should be proud or guilty of having an obsessive interest in radio and audio imaging, and not exapanding my interests to other things. I've never been a huge cinema fan and am very timid about joining other clubs or societies, especially in Canterbury.
However that was the least of my worries as towards the end of the night as everyone was heading to Flat 22 as it was someones birthday whose name I can't remember. This lead to a few unauthorised people turning up in a rather packed flat corridor, as well as the police soon after by the time I'd got back to my room.
It makes me question why the same didn't happen last year when I was in the same situation in Flat 31 with the many unauthorised flat parties that took place. But it's tough enough getting an explanation from the security guards on duty to explain things in a simple sentence.
I'm not sure if I should be proud or guilty of having an obsessive interest in radio and audio imaging, and not exapanding my interests to other things. I've never been a huge cinema fan and am very timid about joining other clubs or societies, especially in Canterbury.
However that was the least of my worries as towards the end of the night as everyone was heading to Flat 22 as it was someones birthday whose name I can't remember. This lead to a few unauthorised people turning up in a rather packed flat corridor, as well as the police soon after by the time I'd got back to my room.
It makes me question why the same didn't happen last year when I was in the same situation in Flat 31 with the many unauthorised flat parties that took place. But it's tough enough getting an explanation from the security guards on duty to explain things in a simple sentence.
Monday, November 20, 2006
The Harrow Expedition
Another typical Monday really. I decided to eventually get my hair cut this morning although a more important thing I need to do is to go to the opticians and have my eyes checked as everything is becoming really distorted visually as well as just in general.
Right now I'm having a bit of a lie down before heading to Pound a Pint at the Undercroft having just returned from giving helping out with the live shows that have gone out tonight. Pippa actually came prepared with a few notes, whilst Paul and Ross on the Live Variety Show finished off their show with the He Man theme for the second time running!
Paul actually arrived late due to his train being delayed from his home all the way down in Richmond. You have to admire his dedication for getting here, although a few people on my HND Media course at college travelled as far as Southampton and even Essex to Canterbury every day.
Then again it's a bit of a journey from the halls to the main campus, especially in the wet weather we've had today.
Right now I'm having a bit of a lie down before heading to Pound a Pint at the Undercroft having just returned from giving helping out with the live shows that have gone out tonight. Pippa actually came prepared with a few notes, whilst Paul and Ross on the Live Variety Show finished off their show with the He Man theme for the second time running!
Paul actually arrived late due to his train being delayed from his home all the way down in Richmond. You have to admire his dedication for getting here, although a few people on my HND Media course at college travelled as far as Southampton and even Essex to Canterbury every day.
Then again it's a bit of a journey from the halls to the main campus, especially in the wet weather we've had today.
Listen Simultaneously!
My continuing obsession with radio being a visual medium lead to this interesting compilation of ILR television ads from the mid 80s provided by North East radio enthusiast David Barras. This selection includes ads for LBC, Chiltern Radio, BRMB and Capital Radio.
Capital back then appeared to be trying rather too hard with the Graham Dene Breakfast Show ad being a fine example of mediocrity disguised as quality. Even more embarrassing the second one featuring Chris Tarrant around the time he took over the breakfast show in 1987 and who would have thought that one of the many "gimmicks" done on the show would have gone on to become a worldwide success with WWTBAM?
Apparently Chris will be making a surprise visit to Kent's airwaves presenting with his daughter Fia on KMFM this Christmas. Definitely one of many presenters who despite the large amount of television exposure still sounds more natural on t'wireless.
If Smoke was to go into television advertising I can imagine many cheesy costumes and set ups provided by Mr Ricky Marshall and Ross Goodlass! I'd probably stay away from such things if my photo on the calendar's anything to go by!
Capital back then appeared to be trying rather too hard with the Graham Dene Breakfast Show ad being a fine example of mediocrity disguised as quality. Even more embarrassing the second one featuring Chris Tarrant around the time he took over the breakfast show in 1987 and who would have thought that one of the many "gimmicks" done on the show would have gone on to become a worldwide success with WWTBAM?
Apparently Chris will be making a surprise visit to Kent's airwaves presenting with his daughter Fia on KMFM this Christmas. Definitely one of many presenters who despite the large amount of television exposure still sounds more natural on t'wireless.
If Smoke was to go into television advertising I can imagine many cheesy costumes and set ups provided by Mr Ricky Marshall and Ross Goodlass! I'd probably stay away from such things if my photo on the calendar's anything to go by!
Team Swanky's Unbroken Record!
Another succesfull night for myself and Marc and Joe at the Undercroft pub quiz managing to win £40 betweeen us.
Alanna helped us out by doodling the answers and attempting to cover them up at the same time! One question that irritated us throughout the whole game was to name the American state which doesn't contain any letters from the name of George W Bush.
The answer was Indiana but there was a lot of confusion within the teams as to the differences between American cities and states.
Goodlass and Marshall presided over the questions accompanied by an inspired selection of 60s Cuban music on the PA, the same sort heard in the Guinness advert with the snail race. It certainly added to the preceedings of how random the game can get with those two in charge.
Speaking of which Smoke Radio's got another night at the Undercroft a week tomorrow and I've been asked to help out with the CD spinning between 7 and 8pm. I won't have much of an audience but it may be worth it, adding to the list of things I think I can do but inevitably can't. I'm definitely looking forward to it though, bringing the first of many rare groove nights to Westminster!
Alanna helped us out by doodling the answers and attempting to cover them up at the same time! One question that irritated us throughout the whole game was to name the American state which doesn't contain any letters from the name of George W Bush.
The answer was Indiana but there was a lot of confusion within the teams as to the differences between American cities and states.
Goodlass and Marshall presided over the questions accompanied by an inspired selection of 60s Cuban music on the PA, the same sort heard in the Guinness advert with the snail race. It certainly added to the preceedings of how random the game can get with those two in charge.
Speaking of which Smoke Radio's got another night at the Undercroft a week tomorrow and I've been asked to help out with the CD spinning between 7 and 8pm. I won't have much of an audience but it may be worth it, adding to the list of things I think I can do but inevitably can't. I'm definitely looking forward to it though, bringing the first of many rare groove nights to Westminster!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Petty Protection
Once again it was another struggle getting into the radio studios this morning as Ross T was having trouble getting the security to let us in. Apparently we have to have a permission letter from Matthew to the Security every week to let us in at weekends which is absolute nonsense. But then again it's not very suprising considering our history with the security on Harrow Campus and I'm sure it's the same at many other Universities.
Anyway we managed to get in before Ross went on air with his news roundup, and Ricky's given me permission to cover for an hour before Carl gets in for his gospel show. I'm not that loaded with material but it will certainly be interesting to see what it's like to work with Selector.
I have a suggestion for something to be added to the second floor of M-Block: a drinks machine. That's because it gets absolutley boiling in the radio studios and the machines downstairs are useless, swallowing money up and having bottles lying inside instead of standing vertically which means that they can't get out of the machine.
Or even better how about a electric massage chair? It will be ideal for us during the producing of our news and magazine programmes and I doubt I can see Matthew turning down the idea!
Anyway we managed to get in before Ross went on air with his news roundup, and Ricky's given me permission to cover for an hour before Carl gets in for his gospel show. I'm not that loaded with material but it will certainly be interesting to see what it's like to work with Selector.
I have a suggestion for something to be added to the second floor of M-Block: a drinks machine. That's because it gets absolutley boiling in the radio studios and the machines downstairs are useless, swallowing money up and having bottles lying inside instead of standing vertically which means that they can't get out of the machine.
Or even better how about a electric massage chair? It will be ideal for us during the producing of our news and magazine programmes and I doubt I can see Matthew turning down the idea!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
The Animation Attic
I have always had a soft spot for 5 minute long animations that are heavily missing from television nowadays.
I was lucky enough to find a piece of BBC 1 continuity from the 1984 into an obscure animation called "Out Of The Inkwell".
Whilst I wasn't that familiar with the cartoon, the names in the opening credits are including Max Fleischer who created Betty Boop and Hal Seeger who gave us Batfink which I understand CBBC is still repeating today.
I'm not sure if "The Inkwell" would fall into the category of political incorrectness in the present day with the fake Italian accents that are present in this cartoon. Then again it may be just as well that Mimo gets interrupted halfway into "Eeny Meeny Miny Mo" considering this animation was made in the early 60s.
What makes this clip particuarly interesting is that the programme is introduced with the BBC 1 globe decorated for the 1984 Olympics, although I believe the BBC got into a bit of deep water for not getting the IOC's permission to use the Olympic rings!
I was lucky enough to find a piece of BBC 1 continuity from the 1984 into an obscure animation called "Out Of The Inkwell".
Whilst I wasn't that familiar with the cartoon, the names in the opening credits are including Max Fleischer who created Betty Boop and Hal Seeger who gave us Batfink which I understand CBBC is still repeating today.
I'm not sure if "The Inkwell" would fall into the category of political incorrectness in the present day with the fake Italian accents that are present in this cartoon. Then again it may be just as well that Mimo gets interrupted halfway into "Eeny Meeny Miny Mo" considering this animation was made in the early 60s.
What makes this clip particuarly interesting is that the programme is introduced with the BBC 1 globe decorated for the 1984 Olympics, although I believe the BBC got into a bit of deep water for not getting the IOC's permission to use the Olympic rings!
Leg Stretching
I managed to get a much awaited lie in this morning after the glitter filled antics that took place at Natasha's last night. There don't seem to be any traces of the shiny stuff on my arms from last night as its probably on the blanket that I was enrapped in after drinking all the Red Russian drinks I brought with me.
Hasn't really been that eventful a day, I've just been putting a few promos and IDs for "Smoke Specialist" which is Ricky's idea of seperating the evening output on Smoke Radio from the daytime shows. One of the many branding schemes that I'm sure will help Smoke Radio to get the Gold in next year's SRAs!
Speaking of which here's the first edition of "Newsbelt" our 15 minute news programme that we are doing as part of the News module. I can be heard doing the traffic about halfway through the show preceeded by a rather poor imitation of the RDS tones! A few mistakes are present but luckily we're not being officially marked for this dummy run!
Hasn't really been that eventful a day, I've just been putting a few promos and IDs for "Smoke Specialist" which is Ricky's idea of seperating the evening output on Smoke Radio from the daytime shows. One of the many branding schemes that I'm sure will help Smoke Radio to get the Gold in next year's SRAs!
Speaking of which here's the first edition of "Newsbelt" our 15 minute news programme that we are doing as part of the News module. I can be heard doing the traffic about halfway through the show preceeded by a rather poor imitation of the RDS tones! A few mistakes are present but luckily we're not being officially marked for this dummy run!
Plastered In Preston Road
After having to sort out a variety of web issues, I made my way to Natasha's for her glitter party. I nearly didn't get there at all as the Underground train I was on had to stop just 10 metres after leaving Northwick Park station due to a signal faliure at Wembley Park. The driver being a rebel decided to proceed through the red light much to the delight of many passengers!
Natasha being one for bright decorations covered my face and arms in glitter on my arrival although it didn't really show up in the rather dim lights that were in most of the rooms. After looking at the photos that were taken constantly I realized that I definitely need a hair cut.
I brought with me a few cheap alcopops, I can't remember the brand name now, something Russian or whatever. Anyway they got consumed by midnight with Lizzie taking most of the blue ones which were my favourite. Also there were Steve, Hetal and Jacko and I'm sure "Northern Monkey" Jon Lamb had arrrived by the time I left at around 2am when I was completely wasted.
Luckily Lucy one of the guests had booked a taxi which dropped me off en route to her house although I was dropped off in the middle of nowhere near Northwick Park Hospital! I'm back here safely now and may need to have a few cab firms in Harrow stored on my mobile for future reference.
Having been out all night I've just found out through an instant message from Stephen H that ITV have had and 18% stake brought by BSkyB. A possible move towards quality programming, or even more shows along the lines of Playdate?!
Natasha being one for bright decorations covered my face and arms in glitter on my arrival although it didn't really show up in the rather dim lights that were in most of the rooms. After looking at the photos that were taken constantly I realized that I definitely need a hair cut.
I brought with me a few cheap alcopops, I can't remember the brand name now, something Russian or whatever. Anyway they got consumed by midnight with Lizzie taking most of the blue ones which were my favourite. Also there were Steve, Hetal and Jacko and I'm sure "Northern Monkey" Jon Lamb had arrrived by the time I left at around 2am when I was completely wasted.
Luckily Lucy one of the guests had booked a taxi which dropped me off en route to her house although I was dropped off in the middle of nowhere near Northwick Park Hospital! I'm back here safely now and may need to have a few cab firms in Harrow stored on my mobile for future reference.
Having been out all night I've just found out through an instant message from Stephen H that ITV have had and 18% stake brought by BSkyB. A possible move towards quality programming, or even more shows along the lines of Playdate?!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
More Tangled Than A Spag Bol
There was an audio blog in this space but after listening back to it, something obviously made it sound all trippy and even more nonensical than it did by skipping through parts repeatedly.
However with that aside it was rather interesting tonight having to do the show but also being distracted by a certain station member, an editor nonetheless making an appearance on ITV Play's dating show Playdate. I won't say who it is but I'm sure those who know me will all have an idea!
On that same subject their showing the edition of Buzzcocks I went to see on BBC 2 this evening so it will be interesting to see if they have left any of Amy Winehouse's rather antisocial outbursts on the show.
Other than that I'm taking it easy until tomorrow where we have to produce two 15 minute news programmes where I have taken on the role as the traffic reporter in addition to a general reporter. I've probably set myself too big a challenge but we'll see how things go. If there was a "Flying Eye" involved I'd probably be more determined! Having said that I may end up feeling as if I've just come out of a helicopter by the end of tonight as it's Natasha's birthday do and I'll be bringing a crate of VKs with me!
However with that aside it was rather interesting tonight having to do the show but also being distracted by a certain station member, an editor nonetheless making an appearance on ITV Play's dating show Playdate. I won't say who it is but I'm sure those who know me will all have an idea!
On that same subject their showing the edition of Buzzcocks I went to see on BBC 2 this evening so it will be interesting to see if they have left any of Amy Winehouse's rather antisocial outbursts on the show.
Other than that I'm taking it easy until tomorrow where we have to produce two 15 minute news programmes where I have taken on the role as the traffic reporter in addition to a general reporter. I've probably set myself too big a challenge but we'll see how things go. If there was a "Flying Eye" involved I'd probably be more determined! Having said that I may end up feeling as if I've just come out of a helicopter by the end of tonight as it's Natasha's birthday do and I'll be bringing a crate of VKs with me!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Stolen Thunder
OK that sounds a bit extreme but for a while there's been a poster in Studio 4 advertising a jingle service from one of our students designed to catch the eyes of our presenters at Smoke Radio.
I found out earlier today that this happens to be one of my flatmates from last year who was responsible for many sleepless nights in Flat 31, and am rather nervous about speaking to him with regards to his proposal.
I'm sure no harm is intended but the fact that he hasn't been involved directly with the station beforehand makes me feel slightly daunted.
Stepping aside, I once again sat in on Adam and Zo's Shuffle show where there theme this week was based around John Cages "4:33" in which all the tracks were 4 minutes and 33 seconds in length. A possible entry for next years SRAs or even the Turner Prize took place when the duo broadcast a Jay Z track with all the volume levels at their lowest resulting in 4:33 of silence which we could get away with on air having no emergency tape!
Still pretty busy for tonight as Sarah and Khalia came into record a promo for their new "R&B Lounge" show on Smoke and I've got to edit it all together. I also decided to record a much awaited promo for my own show although I doubt it will be as funny (or embarrassing in my case) as "I'll See You Wednesday!"
I found out earlier today that this happens to be one of my flatmates from last year who was responsible for many sleepless nights in Flat 31, and am rather nervous about speaking to him with regards to his proposal.
I'm sure no harm is intended but the fact that he hasn't been involved directly with the station beforehand makes me feel slightly daunted.
Stepping aside, I once again sat in on Adam and Zo's Shuffle show where there theme this week was based around John Cages "4:33" in which all the tracks were 4 minutes and 33 seconds in length. A possible entry for next years SRAs or even the Turner Prize took place when the duo broadcast a Jay Z track with all the volume levels at their lowest resulting in 4:33 of silence which we could get away with on air having no emergency tape!
Still pretty busy for tonight as Sarah and Khalia came into record a promo for their new "R&B Lounge" show on Smoke and I've got to edit it all together. I also decided to record a much awaited promo for my own show although I doubt it will be as funny (or embarrassing in my case) as "I'll See You Wednesday!"
My First Speaking Blog Post!
Here it is, my first attempt at an audio blog post which may become a regular part of the site. Spot the sentences!
By the way I've stuck it on Sharedzilla as the University won't let me use Media Max on campus!
By the way I've stuck it on Sharedzilla as the University won't let me use Media Max on campus!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
"The Pleasures Of Harrow Halls"
An article in the Smoke Newspaper about the "delights" of living in halls has managed to nail several inconsistencies and poor organisation in many areas which are still happening on a nightly basis.
One comment that really irritated me was the fact that the security guards always seem to put a halt to any mucking about by students in the early hours of the night but they hardly bear an eyelid to the boyracers and idiots who insist that we should all share their taste in music by blaring out hip hop from their car windows.
What also gets me is why they don't have a bleeding porter in the reception overnight meaning that we have to wait half an hour for the fire alarm to be switched off. OK it doesn't happen that often but you'd think that these issues would be looked into beforehand.
I'll be careful with what I say here but there also appears to be a lack of well spoken British members of staff involved with staffing the halls as the majority of them appear to be foreign and can be difficult to communicate with especially when addressing them with issues such as the poor internet service. If there were more people on site like managers Debbie and Mandy who were very helpful to me in the most extreme circumstances, then I'm sure those living here will benefit from a welcoming service.
This will help to stop the rudeness I've had from many University staff overshadow the achievements and opportunities that have happened and will hopefully continue to happen whilst I'm still here.
One comment that really irritated me was the fact that the security guards always seem to put a halt to any mucking about by students in the early hours of the night but they hardly bear an eyelid to the boyracers and idiots who insist that we should all share their taste in music by blaring out hip hop from their car windows.
What also gets me is why they don't have a bleeding porter in the reception overnight meaning that we have to wait half an hour for the fire alarm to be switched off. OK it doesn't happen that often but you'd think that these issues would be looked into beforehand.
I'll be careful with what I say here but there also appears to be a lack of well spoken British members of staff involved with staffing the halls as the majority of them appear to be foreign and can be difficult to communicate with especially when addressing them with issues such as the poor internet service. If there were more people on site like managers Debbie and Mandy who were very helpful to me in the most extreme circumstances, then I'm sure those living here will benefit from a welcoming service.
This will help to stop the rudeness I've had from many University staff overshadow the achievements and opportunities that have happened and will hopefully continue to happen whilst I'm still here.
The Bright Lights Of Great Portland Street!
The propaganda seminar went well this afternoon where I managed to get a good but rather slow response to my points about Milk and Yorkie making apparent use of propaganda in their advertising. It was quite a rush getting it prepared as I had to print another copy off in between the lecture and the seminar itself as I forgot to add a biliography!
This was followed by heading up to the radio studios where Ross T was telling us about his work placement at Radio 1's Newsbeat which he managed to get following his sucess at the SRAs last week in the Best Journalism category. To be working under Rod Mackenzie should really mean a lot as he's one of Radio 1's longest serving staff members having been at the station for over 20 years now.
The rest of today was spent attempting to put a promo together for Edward Burke's Tudor Rock on Smoke Radio. You can hear the finished piece here and I can honestly say that there's no other show like it on radio in terms of eccentricity. A Tommy Vance in the making eh?
This was followed by heading up to the radio studios where Ross T was telling us about his work placement at Radio 1's Newsbeat which he managed to get following his sucess at the SRAs last week in the Best Journalism category. To be working under Rod Mackenzie should really mean a lot as he's one of Radio 1's longest serving staff members having been at the station for over 20 years now.
The rest of today was spent attempting to put a promo together for Edward Burke's Tudor Rock on Smoke Radio. You can hear the finished piece here and I can honestly say that there's no other show like it on radio in terms of eccentricity. A Tommy Vance in the making eh?
Interruptions A Plenty
I made my way to the Undies as planned where it was rather packed resulting in the pool tables having to be covered so more people could dance! I notice Ali's now working there pulling pints or in my case lifting lids adding to the many familiar faces who are behind the bar. God knows who they manage when it's less full.
The speakers went dead at least twice last night probably as a result of bar manager Chris constantly yelling on mic for the two DJs present to play more cheese than R&B but it all went on until 2am.
On the way back a few of my flatmates decided it would be fun to drag their mattresses from their rooms into Maxine's room in Flat 23. I decided to stay out of this but we all ended up being woken by the fire alarm going off twice during the night. What made it even more ridiculous was that the door to the halls reception was locked as well making it even more difficult to switch off the alarm.
I've only just woken up now and am trying to put the finishing touches to my propaganda seminar on examples of advertising that could be propaganda. On the way to the bar last night Steve gave me an idea through the Yorkie campaign with the packs being branded as "not for girls". This could more likely be a send up of propoganda overall although with Nestle wanting people to associate the chocolate with the truckers who advertised it in the 1970s and 80s.
The speakers went dead at least twice last night probably as a result of bar manager Chris constantly yelling on mic for the two DJs present to play more cheese than R&B but it all went on until 2am.
On the way back a few of my flatmates decided it would be fun to drag their mattresses from their rooms into Maxine's room in Flat 23. I decided to stay out of this but we all ended up being woken by the fire alarm going off twice during the night. What made it even more ridiculous was that the door to the halls reception was locked as well making it even more difficult to switch off the alarm.
I've only just woken up now and am trying to put the finishing touches to my propaganda seminar on examples of advertising that could be propaganda. On the way to the bar last night Steve gave me an idea through the Yorkie campaign with the packs being branded as "not for girls". This could more likely be a send up of propoganda overall although with Nestle wanting people to associate the chocolate with the truckers who advertised it in the 1970s and 80s.
Monday, November 13, 2006
The Freshers Fight Back
It's completely dead in the radio studios tonight so I've decided to head back and make myself a delicious spag bol with the spare time I've got before heading up to the Undies.
I noticed when walking to the entrance of my flat that someone has put up a petition asking people to sign if they agree about the poor internet service in halls. So far I'm the only one to have signed but I'm hoping that it will catch on provided that the cleaners don't take down the posters.
I should have decided by now if I want to return to ASDA this Christmas. However as I have an essay and critical report due in on the 8th of January and a bloody complicated travel arrangement between Canterbury and Norfolk. I guess I'll give it a miss this year.
My parents have enough to worry about with Kate working in Morrisons as well, of which their Fennel Loaves I am missing to an extent. They did get stale pretty quickly so it's not all bad.
I noticed when walking to the entrance of my flat that someone has put up a petition asking people to sign if they agree about the poor internet service in halls. So far I'm the only one to have signed but I'm hoping that it will catch on provided that the cleaners don't take down the posters.
I should have decided by now if I want to return to ASDA this Christmas. However as I have an essay and critical report due in on the 8th of January and a bloody complicated travel arrangement between Canterbury and Norfolk. I guess I'll give it a miss this year.
My parents have enough to worry about with Kate working in Morrisons as well, of which their Fennel Loaves I am missing to an extent. They did get stale pretty quickly so it's not all bad.
Dissolving The Disasters
I arrived in the studios just before midday where Ricky and one of the technicians managed to solve our little problem of our silent station by making sure the right lead was plugged into the headphone socket of the Mac. It would be useful for a note to be put up telling people not to unplug anything as it just makes things more complicated for us but I'm glad that Ricky acts in a professional but relaxed manner to get things done.
Whilst Ricky went through the unenviable task of ringing up RCS to sort out our system storage problems I was given the task of sorting out the music and the various categories such as the C-List and the G-List which I hope will be expanding even further this year. I was rather suprised to find Depeche Mode and even "Ride On Time" by Black Box on there and I hope that this is a sign of things to come! Actually that's given me an idea of playing the Loleatta Holloway original "Love Sensation" on my show sometime. A track that was also sampled by Marky Mark (Wahlberg) and The Funky Bunch on their 1991 hit "Good Vibrations".
I may be late arriving at tonight's Pound a Pint as the new series of "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here" begins tonight featuring amongst the other contestants, Toby Anstis!
All right he was no match for Andy Crane but he definitely falls into my category of cult heroes.
Whilst I doubt I'll be too hooked this series it will also help me with my propoganda seminar for tomorrow by looking out for any ads during the show that fall into the category of trying to brainwash the public.
Whilst Ricky went through the unenviable task of ringing up RCS to sort out our system storage problems I was given the task of sorting out the music and the various categories such as the C-List and the G-List which I hope will be expanding even further this year. I was rather suprised to find Depeche Mode and even "Ride On Time" by Black Box on there and I hope that this is a sign of things to come! Actually that's given me an idea of playing the Loleatta Holloway original "Love Sensation" on my show sometime. A track that was also sampled by Marky Mark (Wahlberg) and The Funky Bunch on their 1991 hit "Good Vibrations".
I may be late arriving at tonight's Pound a Pint as the new series of "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here" begins tonight featuring amongst the other contestants, Toby Anstis!
All right he was no match for Andy Crane but he definitely falls into my category of cult heroes.
Whilst I doubt I'll be too hooked this series it will also help me with my propoganda seminar for tomorrow by looking out for any ads during the show that fall into the category of trying to brainwash the public.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
"I Find Visual Mediums More Funnier"
After seeing Never Mind The Buzzcocks being recorded last week there was a fantastic gag made on this weeks show by guest Stewart Lee saying that instead of sharp edits between shots on the show they should use long fades. And that would just be in the first round considering the amount of time made making jokes about Shakira's breasts before answering the question.
There was also a rather amusing gag made by Simon Amstell that really hit home;
"Radio 1's DJs include Fearne Cotton, Colin Murray, Edith Bowman, Vernon Kay..
Not good enough is it?"
And I felt a tiny bit guilty laughing at that joke having met a few of the stations presenters last week! Then again the media these days is full of mediocrity disguised as greatness.
However I managed to stumble across "The Little Chris Moyles Show" which features animated caricatures of the Radio 1 Breakfast show in a style similar to that of another popular cartoon. Bizarrely I find the animated high pitched versions of Chris, Dave and the team funnier than their real life radio personas and could possibly be the break into television that Chris has tried so hard to achieve for god knows how long.
Then again I'd rather wake up to this than Sarah Kennedy's tangets about her cats.
There was also a rather amusing gag made by Simon Amstell that really hit home;
"Radio 1's DJs include Fearne Cotton, Colin Murray, Edith Bowman, Vernon Kay..
Not good enough is it?"
And I felt a tiny bit guilty laughing at that joke having met a few of the stations presenters last week! Then again the media these days is full of mediocrity disguised as greatness.
However I managed to stumble across "The Little Chris Moyles Show" which features animated caricatures of the Radio 1 Breakfast show in a style similar to that of another popular cartoon. Bizarrely I find the animated high pitched versions of Chris, Dave and the team funnier than their real life radio personas and could possibly be the break into television that Chris has tried so hard to achieve for god knows how long.
Then again I'd rather wake up to this than Sarah Kennedy's tangets about her cats.
Can Anyone Actually Hear Us?
I've spent most of today writing or trying to write my Propaganda seminar for Tuesday based on advertising basically by just watching a load of ads on television and trying to relate them to the issues covered in the lecture a couple of weeks ago.
One that caught my eye was the Sony Erricsson Walkman ad in which they used the company logo to replace the word "love". My only problem is how it can be distinguished from other brands as it's a round symbol with a weird pattern inside it very similar to Vodafone and 3.
Carl came into the radio studios this afternoon to do his gospel show where amongst other things he was plugging a gig by Kirk Franklin taking place later this month. He told me that he wasn't happy about it taking place on a Sunday!
However none of us were sure if the programme was going out live on air after finding that no audio was coming out of the Mac in production room 1 that streams the station output.
I really hope this isn't the first of many streaming problems as the Quicktime stream has been really reliable compared to the incessant behaviour of the Real Player last year.
Luckily I'm meeting with Ricky tomorrow to discuss a few imaging and production ideas so maybe we'll get our teething problems done and dusted allowing us to show the world what the Third Best Student Station in the UK has to offer!
One that caught my eye was the Sony Erricsson Walkman ad in which they used the company logo to replace the word "love". My only problem is how it can be distinguished from other brands as it's a round symbol with a weird pattern inside it very similar to Vodafone and 3.
Carl came into the radio studios this afternoon to do his gospel show where amongst other things he was plugging a gig by Kirk Franklin taking place later this month. He told me that he wasn't happy about it taking place on a Sunday!
However none of us were sure if the programme was going out live on air after finding that no audio was coming out of the Mac in production room 1 that streams the station output.
I really hope this isn't the first of many streaming problems as the Quicktime stream has been really reliable compared to the incessant behaviour of the Real Player last year.
Luckily I'm meeting with Ricky tomorrow to discuss a few imaging and production ideas so maybe we'll get our teething problems done and dusted allowing us to show the world what the Third Best Student Station in the UK has to offer!
SRA Photos!
Below are a few photos of the hi-jinks that took place at the Student Radio Awards on Thursday, Ali took most of these so that explains her presence in many of these images!
Alright treacle? Radio 1's Scott Mills
Ali and Whiley
Myself and Jo, the girl who helped us to get the gold!
On the left Jon Holmes, on the right Lucio from Capital Radio. Two of the rudest men in radio I've ever met!
Alright treacle? Radio 1's Scott Mills
Ali and Whiley
Myself and Jo, the girl who helped us to get the gold!
On the left Jon Holmes, on the right Lucio from Capital Radio. Two of the rudest men in radio I've ever met!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
"I've Heard Of Arson But This Is Ridiculous"
I thought I'd draw attention to a gaffe made by John Marsh reading the 11am bulletin on Radio 2 on Thursday, when a rather colourful story came about resulting in "Boggy" getting the giggles.
The gaffe can be heard here and even Ken Bruce can't control himself when John hands back to him! Unlike a few people I know of I'm sure the man in the story didn't deserve the fate mentioned as a result of misplacing explosives!
This could be a useful guideline in the news module we're doing that while it's good to include light hearted stories it's not ideal to pick those that sound as if they were adapted from Viz magazine. Just goes to show that these things really are twisted in the real world!
The gaffe can be heard here and even Ken Bruce can't control himself when John hands back to him! Unlike a few people I know of I'm sure the man in the story didn't deserve the fate mentioned as a result of misplacing explosives!
This could be a useful guideline in the news module we're doing that while it's good to include light hearted stories it's not ideal to pick those that sound as if they were adapted from Viz magazine. Just goes to show that these things really are twisted in the real world!
A Semester's Supply Of Hot Water Bottles
That what I could do with right now as the heating hasn't been switched on in my flat and whilst it's not exactly sub zero, I could do with a bit of warming.
I'm very rarely in my flat during the week so it's not too much of a big deal but you'd think they would have something like this sorted out by now. If I'm not too bobbed down with my Propoganda seminar by Monday I'll have a word with a few members of halls staff as it's not very fair to have my money (well almost) wasted on nonexistant comforts.
I managed to find a Marantz recorder selling for around £375 on ebay earlier today. I was almost tempted to buy it as well but it appears whilst I can (attempt to) live without a Marantz I can't live without the everday wares that I tend to buy more than once a week. I can't understand why the majority of people here still prefer mini discs as whilst they are more portable to carry, they are extremly time consuming when transferring material over to editing machines.
I heard that Gerald Levert, son of Eddie Levert from The O'Jays passed on yesterday and I've spent time trying to decided what track I should play by the artist on next weeks show. If Seb and Jon don't turn up for their show for the third week running I'm very tempted to extend it for an extra hour, maybe playing a wide selection of O'Jays tracks within!
RIP Gerald
I'm very rarely in my flat during the week so it's not too much of a big deal but you'd think they would have something like this sorted out by now. If I'm not too bobbed down with my Propoganda seminar by Monday I'll have a word with a few members of halls staff as it's not very fair to have my money (well almost) wasted on nonexistant comforts.
I managed to find a Marantz recorder selling for around £375 on ebay earlier today. I was almost tempted to buy it as well but it appears whilst I can (attempt to) live without a Marantz I can't live without the everday wares that I tend to buy more than once a week. I can't understand why the majority of people here still prefer mini discs as whilst they are more portable to carry, they are extremly time consuming when transferring material over to editing machines.
I heard that Gerald Levert, son of Eddie Levert from The O'Jays passed on yesterday and I've spent time trying to decided what track I should play by the artist on next weeks show. If Seb and Jon don't turn up for their show for the third week running I'm very tempted to extend it for an extra hour, maybe playing a wide selection of O'Jays tracks within!
RIP Gerald
The Radio Show Offs
After speaking to Ashlee via Messenger a few hours ago about our success at the awards on Thursday, I have started to realise that you need to be a "good actor" to get on well with people and establish good bonds. I can only speak after the amount of constant in jokes that went on during the SRAs on Thursday and the many social faux pas that happen in the Undercroft when I don't know how to contribute to a conversation by being playful at the same time.
What amazes me is how they can hear a bleeding thing with all the noise that is dominant in these places.
I'm starting to think that I'm in a real life episode of "Friends" as anyone just seems to find just a spoken sentence side splitting. I'd feel more comfortable feeling that you don't have to be at lightning speed to react to something, without everything getting dull at the same time. It appears that popular culture these days has to be in your mindset in order to get on with people as I've never been a big movie person and don't feel driven by many things as I was at an earlier age.
The word "random" just doesn't appear to fit in my vocabulary.
I can see myself jumping off the Tower Bridge by the time I finish my degree or even before if things continue this way.
What amazes me is how they can hear a bleeding thing with all the noise that is dominant in these places.
I'm starting to think that I'm in a real life episode of "Friends" as anyone just seems to find just a spoken sentence side splitting. I'd feel more comfortable feeling that you don't have to be at lightning speed to react to something, without everything getting dull at the same time. It appears that popular culture these days has to be in your mindset in order to get on with people as I've never been a big movie person and don't feel driven by many things as I was at an earlier age.
The word "random" just doesn't appear to fit in my vocabulary.
I can see myself jumping off the Tower Bridge by the time I finish my degree or even before if things continue this way.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Maidstone Gets The Marionettes
It appears traditional local commercial radio in Kent is nonexistant from today as the KM Group have brought Maidstone based station CTR completing the jigsaw puzzle of buying all the stations serving different areas of the county.
I could see it coming eventually as the newspaper company have brought stations in Dover, Thanet and rebranded them as KMFM with very little to distinguish themselves from each other from the stations they once were.
There are some very good presenters on the stations within the group, quite a few who have worked on Invicta FM prior to joining. But tight formats and having to play Simply Red and Texas on constant rotation prevents them from showing their full potential, at least during the daytime anyway.
It appears OFCOM are barely focused these days into looking at the individuality of radio and license conditions can be changed as often as I change my clothes.
Apparently Smooth FM 10.2.2 in London want to change their output to cater for the over 50s after disapointing RAJAR figures which are apparently worse than when they were Jazz FM. I'm quite prepared to throw my Bug out of the window of my flat and rethink my career move after this degree considering the direction that radio in the UK is going and how distanced I am from it in reality.
I could see it coming eventually as the newspaper company have brought stations in Dover, Thanet and rebranded them as KMFM with very little to distinguish themselves from each other from the stations they once were.
There are some very good presenters on the stations within the group, quite a few who have worked on Invicta FM prior to joining. But tight formats and having to play Simply Red and Texas on constant rotation prevents them from showing their full potential, at least during the daytime anyway.
It appears OFCOM are barely focused these days into looking at the individuality of radio and license conditions can be changed as often as I change my clothes.
Apparently Smooth FM 10.2.2 in London want to change their output to cater for the over 50s after disapointing RAJAR figures which are apparently worse than when they were Jazz FM. I'm quite prepared to throw my Bug out of the window of my flat and rethink my career move after this degree considering the direction that radio in the UK is going and how distanced I am from it in reality.
The Magazine Drawing Board
The planning of the dummy magazine show went ahead as planned this afternoon where all of us were asked to volunteer for assinged production roles. The plan was to plan produce a 20 minute live magazine show within under two hours and I gave myself the role as the desk operator for our student information show "Unibeat".
It all got rather panicky as expected, especially as nobody had prepared a running order which resulted in branding producer Jon running into the studio with the "Starter For 10" soundtrack saving me from accidentally playing an instrumental bed from a library CD live on air!
We aso made use of the ever relibable Scoop outisde broadacast machine to do an interview outside the gallery on campus displaying artwork for Harrow students which sounded really good although I got rather initmidated by the delay which can be heard very clearly on air.
Quite a lot of us were shattered from the SRAs last night including Jo who turned up wearing her dressing gown! It looked more like a grey cardigan but she's planning to do some shopping this weekend for a winter coat in mustard yellow as a dressing gown certainly wouldn't do any justice in these temperatures. I'd personally prefer her to buy an overcoat just to provide that extra accomodation!
It all got rather panicky as expected, especially as nobody had prepared a running order which resulted in branding producer Jon running into the studio with the "Starter For 10" soundtrack saving me from accidentally playing an instrumental bed from a library CD live on air!
We aso made use of the ever relibable Scoop outisde broadacast machine to do an interview outside the gallery on campus displaying artwork for Harrow students which sounded really good although I got rather initmidated by the delay which can be heard very clearly on air.
Quite a lot of us were shattered from the SRAs last night including Jo who turned up wearing her dressing gown! It looked more like a grey cardigan but she's planning to do some shopping this weekend for a winter coat in mustard yellow as a dressing gown certainly wouldn't do any justice in these temperatures. I'd personally prefer her to buy an overcoat just to provide that extra accomodation!
Two Bronze, One Gold!
Ooh it's all been happening tonight at the long awaited Student Radio Awards for 2006! Diverting attention to the awards themselves we managed to win the bronze awards for Best Marketing and Branding, and Best Station and we struck gold by winning the best Journalistic Programming with Ross Tilley's feature following Jo Cave's "journey" to give up smoking.
It really was the night of a thousand radio stars including Steve Lamacq who got a standing ovation, radio all rounder Mark Goodier, and Chris Moyles who referred to the Smoke Radio table as "The Mcfly lookalikes".
Being me I got rather excited when seeing a few familar faces although I ended up saying some of the most embarrasing things to them. Rod Mackenzie, Head of Newsbeat on Radio 1 was an example, when I told him that I could just about recognise him from the One On 1 documentary about Radio 1 from the late 80s when he was the newsreader from Simon Mayo's Breakfast Crew!
Things got even more interesting after the awards when hosts Jo Whiley and Scott Mills were DJing and resulted in a few embarrassing sights from everyone feeling the need to let their hair down! Even two of the lecturers Adam and Matthew felt the need to join in and it's difficult to get the sight of them getting down to "Place Your Hands" by Reef!
Ali got rather flirtatious with Jon Holmes from Radio 4's "The Now Show" and BBC 6 Music much to Steve's jealousy although the pint sized presenter felt the need to refer to everyone else around him as James Blunts. I don't think it got very far as Jacko made a rather cutting remark about his height as we left the hotel which I can't mention here!
Surprisingly enough I didn't really have too much to drink due to the lack of alcopops although it didn't stop myself indulging in a licorice flavoured shot which I can still taste right now just thinking about it!
Overall I'm really proud of our achievements and they are definitely something to add to many of our CVs. Right now I'd best get some well earned rest before our hastily adlibbed "scratch" magazine programmes tomorrow.
It really was the night of a thousand radio stars including Steve Lamacq who got a standing ovation, radio all rounder Mark Goodier, and Chris Moyles who referred to the Smoke Radio table as "The Mcfly lookalikes".
Being me I got rather excited when seeing a few familar faces although I ended up saying some of the most embarrasing things to them. Rod Mackenzie, Head of Newsbeat on Radio 1 was an example, when I told him that I could just about recognise him from the One On 1 documentary about Radio 1 from the late 80s when he was the newsreader from Simon Mayo's Breakfast Crew!
Things got even more interesting after the awards when hosts Jo Whiley and Scott Mills were DJing and resulted in a few embarrassing sights from everyone feeling the need to let their hair down! Even two of the lecturers Adam and Matthew felt the need to join in and it's difficult to get the sight of them getting down to "Place Your Hands" by Reef!
Ali got rather flirtatious with Jon Holmes from Radio 4's "The Now Show" and BBC 6 Music much to Steve's jealousy although the pint sized presenter felt the need to refer to everyone else around him as James Blunts. I don't think it got very far as Jacko made a rather cutting remark about his height as we left the hotel which I can't mention here!
Surprisingly enough I didn't really have too much to drink due to the lack of alcopops although it didn't stop myself indulging in a licorice flavoured shot which I can still taste right now just thinking about it!
Overall I'm really proud of our achievements and they are definitely something to add to many of our CVs. Right now I'd best get some well earned rest before our hastily adlibbed "scratch" magazine programmes tomorrow.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
The Closest I'll Get To The Sony's
I feel as if I have understimated the events of tonight for quite a while since hearing that we were nominated just under a month ago. Overall I'm really looking forward to the awards ceremony and getting to hob nob with a few established figures in radio who will be handing out gongs to those who will be taking their jobs in the near future!
Hopefully I'll get a few photos of the antics that will be taking place tonight which will be on here pretty soon afterwards as tonight will be an important benchmark for a station that has only been broadcasting for just over a year but has achieved so much. My only problem is that I've had little time to sort myself out in terms of what I'm wearing and have chosen to wear a pair of trousers without any back pockets! I hope they don't have any metal detectors at this event like they did at TVC last night before going to see Buzzcocks.
The big challenge is making sure no one is too hungover tomorrow as us BAMS 2 radio students have to prepare a 15 minute dummy magazine programme for broadcast tomorrow in less than three hours. Yes, you do get thrown in at the deep end on this course and things will probably get bitchy at times as they do in radio, although we've been told countless times that "it's only radio, not a matter of life or death". That's something I could never agree with.
Expect the next post to be written whilst tipsy.
Hopefully I'll get a few photos of the antics that will be taking place tonight which will be on here pretty soon afterwards as tonight will be an important benchmark for a station that has only been broadcasting for just over a year but has achieved so much. My only problem is that I've had little time to sort myself out in terms of what I'm wearing and have chosen to wear a pair of trousers without any back pockets! I hope they don't have any metal detectors at this event like they did at TVC last night before going to see Buzzcocks.
The big challenge is making sure no one is too hungover tomorrow as us BAMS 2 radio students have to prepare a 15 minute dummy magazine programme for broadcast tomorrow in less than three hours. Yes, you do get thrown in at the deep end on this course and things will probably get bitchy at times as they do in radio, although we've been told countless times that "it's only radio, not a matter of life or death". That's something I could never agree with.
Expect the next post to be written whilst tipsy.
Headline Pressure
This morning we were introduced to the News And Magazine moudule of our radio course which sees a long awaited return to groupwork and studio based activities. If Smoke Radio hadn't had existed I would have left the course by now, but it's going to be interesting to see how things go with us being assessed for live output.
At the halfway point of today we have been told that we are going to be split into groups of two and that we are going to produce a set of news bulletins and a half hour magazine show. We've been told not to forward plan anything for the news programme in terms of stories, as part of the exercise is seeing how we cope under pressure with 3 hours to prepare a fifteen minute show!
We also had a visit from an author called Andrew Donkin a former Nuclear Physics student from the University of Westminster who after completing his degree turned his attention to writing and has a lot of strings to his bow, from the novelisation of "Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels" to a biography of Roald Dahl. It was interesting to find out how he manged to devote time to writing with low income but inevitalby we all wanted to find out how much he was earning!
He has a rather colourful website too although I feel it underplays on the amount of books he's written.
Aside from that the rest of the day has been spent practising disguised disapointment expressions for the awards later tonight which is making me feel even more nervous. However I don't feel too bad knowing that a few of the other attendees haven't brought red ties for tonight! Perfect camouflage for red wine stains!
At the halfway point of today we have been told that we are going to be split into groups of two and that we are going to produce a set of news bulletins and a half hour magazine show. We've been told not to forward plan anything for the news programme in terms of stories, as part of the exercise is seeing how we cope under pressure with 3 hours to prepare a fifteen minute show!
We also had a visit from an author called Andrew Donkin a former Nuclear Physics student from the University of Westminster who after completing his degree turned his attention to writing and has a lot of strings to his bow, from the novelisation of "Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels" to a biography of Roald Dahl. It was interesting to find out how he manged to devote time to writing with low income but inevitalby we all wanted to find out how much he was earning!
He has a rather colourful website too although I feel it underplays on the amount of books he's written.
Aside from that the rest of the day has been spent practising disguised disapointment expressions for the awards later tonight which is making me feel even more nervous. However I don't feel too bad knowing that a few of the other attendees haven't brought red ties for tonight! Perfect camouflage for red wine stains!
"Let's Hit Play And Record, And Tape This C***"
Those were Phill Jupitus's words just before filming commenced on "Never Mind The Buzzcocks" which I had the pleasure of seeing recorded at BBC Television Centre earlier tonight and oh my, there was a lot to get through.
Even Simon Amstell had to retake many of the jokes read at the end of rounds which shows that even the most talented of presenters can't get things right first time round.
Highlights included guest Amy Winehouse needing to go to the toilet midway through the show which Simon eventually agreed to. However it resulted in half the audience following the same route to much hilarity! Not sure if all of them came back though as we were 90 minutes into the recording of the show and only halfway into round 1!
It appears that Amy may need to make a return to rehab due to her colourful behaviour on the show including spitting on the studio floor! Whether that will make it into the show when it goes out next week I'm not too sure.
Other guests included GMTV's Penny Smith and another Penny who is the keyboard player for The Automatic. Both of them were on Phill's team leading to obvious jokes from host Simon Amstell about the namesakes.
But what interested me the most was in the ID Parade round when Bill's team had to identify former Pop Idol and Eurovision contestant Jessica Garlick who three years ago also appeared on this very show on Bill Bailey's team!
It's not the first time I've seen Jessica live, as I saw her peforming at the Docklands arena back in 2002 when herself and the other Pop Idol finalists performed live, and she did what has to be the finest version of "Everytime We Say Goodbye" when all the contestants performed big band numbers. I may still have the CD back in Canterbury somewhere, I was that obsessed.
Overall whilst I enjoyed seeing the show being recorded I would suggest that if anyone else wishes to do the same, be prepared for many jokes falling flat on their faces and Phill Jupitus coming out with some of the strongest obscenities.
You have to feel sorry for the editors who have a very short amount of time to condense three hours into 30 minutes and with more than one tape used for recording!
Even Simon Amstell had to retake many of the jokes read at the end of rounds which shows that even the most talented of presenters can't get things right first time round.
Highlights included guest Amy Winehouse needing to go to the toilet midway through the show which Simon eventually agreed to. However it resulted in half the audience following the same route to much hilarity! Not sure if all of them came back though as we were 90 minutes into the recording of the show and only halfway into round 1!
It appears that Amy may need to make a return to rehab due to her colourful behaviour on the show including spitting on the studio floor! Whether that will make it into the show when it goes out next week I'm not too sure.
Other guests included GMTV's Penny Smith and another Penny who is the keyboard player for The Automatic. Both of them were on Phill's team leading to obvious jokes from host Simon Amstell about the namesakes.
But what interested me the most was in the ID Parade round when Bill's team had to identify former Pop Idol and Eurovision contestant Jessica Garlick who three years ago also appeared on this very show on Bill Bailey's team!
It's not the first time I've seen Jessica live, as I saw her peforming at the Docklands arena back in 2002 when herself and the other Pop Idol finalists performed live, and she did what has to be the finest version of "Everytime We Say Goodbye" when all the contestants performed big band numbers. I may still have the CD back in Canterbury somewhere, I was that obsessed.
Overall whilst I enjoyed seeing the show being recorded I would suggest that if anyone else wishes to do the same, be prepared for many jokes falling flat on their faces and Phill Jupitus coming out with some of the strongest obscenities.
You have to feel sorry for the editors who have a very short amount of time to condense three hours into 30 minutes and with more than one tape used for recording!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
A Much Needed Buzz
That's what I'm looking for tonight when I go to see Buzzcocks being recorded as I've been feeling rather down for most of today to be honest.
I managed to get tomorrow nights show in the can and scheduled although I'd imagine it holds the record for the most pregnant pauses in a link! I hate pre-reccing.
There doesn't seem to be as much excitement within the station this semester and I don't feel as motivated and inspired as last year. There's very little interaction between my year and the first year students which is a shame, and it's something Ross T is attempting to recitify tomorrow by inviting a selection of them (and anyone else he can get hold of) to the SRA post awards party tomorrow night.
Even Matthew's coming with us to the awards and I'm hoping that if we win, we'll be able to encourage him to join us on the nightbus back!
I managed to get tomorrow nights show in the can and scheduled although I'd imagine it holds the record for the most pregnant pauses in a link! I hate pre-reccing.
There doesn't seem to be as much excitement within the station this semester and I don't feel as motivated and inspired as last year. There's very little interaction between my year and the first year students which is a shame, and it's something Ross T is attempting to recitify tomorrow by inviting a selection of them (and anyone else he can get hold of) to the SRA post awards party tomorrow night.
Even Matthew's coming with us to the awards and I'm hoping that if we win, we'll be able to encourage him to join us on the nightbus back!
More Disruptions
At around midnight last night the internet cut off once again and as I type they still haven't reconnected. That hasn't stopped me from getting the Media Consumption essay done and the critical report for my radio feature.
Having got them out of the way it's given me a bit more extra time to prepare for the recording of tomorrow's show although as I type it's very difficult with the three station editors insulting each other whilst preparing to go live on air this afternoon.
It's being made even more complicated as apparently we're going visual again through the recording of an advertisement to be broadcast on Smoke Screen TV, our fledgling television station that's started broadcasting on campus.
I also found time however to head to Marks And Sparks on the advice of Joey to buy one of their five pound red ties in time for tomorrow! Best to try and stay sober tonight although I don't think they allow consumption of booze at TVC!
Having got them out of the way it's given me a bit more extra time to prepare for the recording of tomorrow's show although as I type it's very difficult with the three station editors insulting each other whilst preparing to go live on air this afternoon.
It's being made even more complicated as apparently we're going visual again through the recording of an advertisement to be broadcast on Smoke Screen TV, our fledgling television station that's started broadcasting on campus.
I also found time however to head to Marks And Sparks on the advice of Joey to buy one of their five pound red ties in time for tomorrow! Best to try and stay sober tonight although I don't think they allow consumption of booze at TVC!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Procrastinating Perils
I'm in an absolute tizzy. I'm not sure whether I should include the Media Consumption essay in my Mitigating Circumstances form as I am perfectly well enough to get it done within the next few days, it's just that there's so much other stuff in the way including the awards that's distracting me from getting it done.
Which is basically just what I want to do, i.e. get it done even if it does mean that what I've written down is the biggest load of bollocks that I've written. Well maybe it will give the lecturers a taste of their own medicine for what I've had to endure but it may just go to show that I really am too stupid and not intelligent enough to be on this course as far as theory assignments go because there are very few issues that I have strong opinions on.
I've even decided to change the question I'm answering as I know naff all about how content is irrelevant to the media consumption so I have decided to change it to the question about how media shapes peoples identities. I'm considering whether to do a section on how the media tries to make certain minorties aware within the public and one example that springs to mind is when the South African Version of Sesame Street introduced a female puppet who was HIV positive!
It seems that in the present day people are offended if we get too politically correct as it's never going to be possible to make light of every distingishing mark of an individual in the fairest of representations.
Especially when you've got the creators of South Park and Ricky Gervais making light of them in their own "playful" ways.
Which is basically just what I want to do, i.e. get it done even if it does mean that what I've written down is the biggest load of bollocks that I've written. Well maybe it will give the lecturers a taste of their own medicine for what I've had to endure but it may just go to show that I really am too stupid and not intelligent enough to be on this course as far as theory assignments go because there are very few issues that I have strong opinions on.
I've even decided to change the question I'm answering as I know naff all about how content is irrelevant to the media consumption so I have decided to change it to the question about how media shapes peoples identities. I'm considering whether to do a section on how the media tries to make certain minorties aware within the public and one example that springs to mind is when the South African Version of Sesame Street introduced a female puppet who was HIV positive!
It seems that in the present day people are offended if we get too politically correct as it's never going to be possible to make light of every distingishing mark of an individual in the fairest of representations.
Especially when you've got the creators of South Park and Ricky Gervais making light of them in their own "playful" ways.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Bored And Procrastinating
Nothing even faintly interesting today has taken place within the realms of flat 14.
I've been too busy worrying about how and when I'm going to go about my assignments and balancing them with the SRAs this coming Thursday. I'm meant to be going through the mitigating circumstances form with Matthew tomorrow but I'm hoping that the awards themselves will be motivating enough for me to let the essays and seminars write themselves.
As the awards are taking place on Thursday it means I need to pre-rec my show either tomorrow or Wednesday and Wednesday's going to be rather tricky as I'll be seeing Buzzcocks being recorded at TVC. I may use the opportunity to head to Central London at the same time to begin my hunt for a red tie for the awards!
I've been too busy worrying about how and when I'm going to go about my assignments and balancing them with the SRAs this coming Thursday. I'm meant to be going through the mitigating circumstances form with Matthew tomorrow but I'm hoping that the awards themselves will be motivating enough for me to let the essays and seminars write themselves.
As the awards are taking place on Thursday it means I need to pre-rec my show either tomorrow or Wednesday and Wednesday's going to be rather tricky as I'll be seeing Buzzcocks being recorded at TVC. I may use the opportunity to head to Central London at the same time to begin my hunt for a red tie for the awards!
Bored State Of Affairs
I decided to give in and enjoy a bit of escapism at the Undercroft where I came with little and ended up with a bit more as part of the winning team on the quiz! I stayed low key on the drinking side of things by only divulging in orange Fantas and a free glass of water with ice!
However it has made my teeth feel a little bit poorly again and it certainly hasn't been helped by indulging in two Chelsea buns after getting back to the flat!
It's at times like this I need servants as I'm running short of wares at the flat and don't feel that well enough to head over to Sainsbury's to buy them due to my denture disruptions.
Tomorrow hopefully will be a different story but I've learnt that having toothache is not just incredibly painful but incredibly dull at the same time as it's impossible to engage in any activity without thinking about the pain.
However it has made my teeth feel a little bit poorly again and it certainly hasn't been helped by indulging in two Chelsea buns after getting back to the flat!
It's at times like this I need servants as I'm running short of wares at the flat and don't feel that well enough to head over to Sainsbury's to buy them due to my denture disruptions.
Tomorrow hopefully will be a different story but I've learnt that having toothache is not just incredibly painful but incredibly dull at the same time as it's impossible to engage in any activity without thinking about the pain.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Tense Decisions
It's been a very dull Sunday and I am struggling to decide whether I should liven it up by going to the Quiz Night at the Undercroft after being prompted via text earlier today by Ross G.
Considering the turn out tends to be sparse on a Sunday I'm not sure if it will be worth it but at the same time I'm very short on drinks at the flat having drunken all my lemonade.
My teeth are still a bit painful but nowhere near as bad as they were on Friday. It's quite odd to think when in this position your mouth paralyzes you completely and drives you to the point of insanity. However by tomorrow I should be in a better state and ready to get everything put on the right shelf.
Right now it's difficult to concentrate on things though, when you've got fireworks going off outside!
Considering the turn out tends to be sparse on a Sunday I'm not sure if it will be worth it but at the same time I'm very short on drinks at the flat having drunken all my lemonade.
My teeth are still a bit painful but nowhere near as bad as they were on Friday. It's quite odd to think when in this position your mouth paralyzes you completely and drives you to the point of insanity. However by tomorrow I should be in a better state and ready to get everything put on the right shelf.
Right now it's difficult to concentrate on things though, when you've got fireworks going off outside!
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Another Nostalgic Tangent
Having stayed in for most of today, barely anything of interest has taken place. I did however manage to find a selection of advertisements from the late 80s from a user called adarchive on Youtube. This particular set comes of interest to me as at 7:35 there's an ad for "The Thursford Collection" in the same vein as the Alton Towers ad which I brought light to a few days ago.
You can tell that this was recorded in the Anglia region.
The Norfolk attraction is home to a showcase of old fairground rides and a Wurlitzer organ as demonstrated in the ad accompanied by an audience clapping in time. Ugh.
But on seeing this ad it immediately brought to mind the time when the National Lottery Live did the show from Thursford in 1995 back in the days when they presented each draw from a different location. Inevitably the Wurlitzer was brought up and was used to play all the musical cues throughout the show including the brass stabs used when a ball was drawn!
The way I see it, is a disservice to composer Ed Welch, the unsung hero behind the original theme accompanying the balls, as well as many well known television themes including New Faces and Catchphrase. But the boot appears to be on the other foot in this clip from the final day of TSW in 1992 when they got Ed to perform a medley of their themes that he'd composed for the South West station. Although he's seen performing on a grand piano, the synth accompaniment is very dated even for 1992, making Rick Wakeman sound fantastic.
We all have our guilty pleasures though, and a visit to Thursford would not go amiss one year, if my family continues to spend Christmas in the Norfolk area!
You can tell that this was recorded in the Anglia region.
The Norfolk attraction is home to a showcase of old fairground rides and a Wurlitzer organ as demonstrated in the ad accompanied by an audience clapping in time. Ugh.
But on seeing this ad it immediately brought to mind the time when the National Lottery Live did the show from Thursford in 1995 back in the days when they presented each draw from a different location. Inevitably the Wurlitzer was brought up and was used to play all the musical cues throughout the show including the brass stabs used when a ball was drawn!
The way I see it, is a disservice to composer Ed Welch, the unsung hero behind the original theme accompanying the balls, as well as many well known television themes including New Faces and Catchphrase. But the boot appears to be on the other foot in this clip from the final day of TSW in 1992 when they got Ed to perform a medley of their themes that he'd composed for the South West station. Although he's seen performing on a grand piano, the synth accompaniment is very dated even for 1992, making Rick Wakeman sound fantastic.
We all have our guilty pleasures though, and a visit to Thursford would not go amiss one year, if my family continues to spend Christmas in the Norfolk area!
Inspiring Audio
That's what I'm struggling to find for the critical report of my radio feature, where I have to analyse a selection of radio features and mention how they have helped to give me ideas for my radio feature.
Most of them are very formal and are taken from either BBC Radio 4 and BBC Local Radio and whilst they are interesting to listen to with great subject matters, they don't really reflect the technical approach and style that I have taken to my feature.
One of them I liked however was "Josh's Diary" an audio diary following a 16 year old from New York who has Tourettes Syndrome which was very entertaining and gave an idea on what it's like to have tourettes syndrome from someone who has it themselves. It's very loosley produced but that helps to make it sound more genuine and give the listener the idea that they feel more involved.
I've managed to find a selection on the 1Xtra website including one called "Rural Jungle" which fits in more of the style of my Tarot feature from a technical angle and follows a promoter trying to relaunch a Drum and Bass club in Worcester where there is little interest in that area of clubbing. But even more interesting is a documentary that was braodcast earlier this week on Radio 1 called "Living The Dream" which focuses on an area well and truly towards my interest, getting into the media.
Then again I don't think a radio course is really what I should be doing as I'd be better off taking a course allowing me to learn how to be a better people person and build more confidence when speaking to others. That would certainly give me wider range of ideas for the features that I have to produce later on in the course.
Most of them are very formal and are taken from either BBC Radio 4 and BBC Local Radio and whilst they are interesting to listen to with great subject matters, they don't really reflect the technical approach and style that I have taken to my feature.
One of them I liked however was "Josh's Diary" an audio diary following a 16 year old from New York who has Tourettes Syndrome which was very entertaining and gave an idea on what it's like to have tourettes syndrome from someone who has it themselves. It's very loosley produced but that helps to make it sound more genuine and give the listener the idea that they feel more involved.
I've managed to find a selection on the 1Xtra website including one called "Rural Jungle" which fits in more of the style of my Tarot feature from a technical angle and follows a promoter trying to relaunch a Drum and Bass club in Worcester where there is little interest in that area of clubbing. But even more interesting is a documentary that was braodcast earlier this week on Radio 1 called "Living The Dream" which focuses on an area well and truly towards my interest, getting into the media.
Then again I don't think a radio course is really what I should be doing as I'd be better off taking a course allowing me to learn how to be a better people person and build more confidence when speaking to others. That would certainly give me wider range of ideas for the features that I have to produce later on in the course.
Friday, November 03, 2006
In Quarrantine
I'm feeling slightly better than earlier today. However as the pain in my teeth comes and goes when I least expect it I can never be too careful. I'll take things easy this weekend before Tuesday when I get the mitigating circumstances forms sorted as I'm rather lost in how they are meant to be filled in, and when I plan to hand in these assignments.
I'll hopefully be feeling better by the time I plan to see Buzzcocks being recorded on Wednesday, although I guess it will just be me going as everyone else will be involved in a pre-SRA do at Intermission or so I've heard. I think I'll stay away from the booze until Thursday night at least! If I could on orange Fantas at Pound A Pint last Monday then it should be a job in hand.
My tarot feature can be heard here for your aural pleasure. I'm really happy with the result but bored stupid of it at the same time after multiple listens. All I can say is thank goodness for Marrantz recorders that save the hassle of recording to SADiE in real time!
More interesting however is this effort from the BAMS2 TV students courtesy of Edward Burke who in my opinion comes across as the more natural performer in this rendition of The Kinks "You Really Got Me". You'd think the Uni budget could afford a pair of sticks for the drummer.
I'll hopefully be feeling better by the time I plan to see Buzzcocks being recorded on Wednesday, although I guess it will just be me going as everyone else will be involved in a pre-SRA do at Intermission or so I've heard. I think I'll stay away from the booze until Thursday night at least! If I could on orange Fantas at Pound A Pint last Monday then it should be a job in hand.
My tarot feature can be heard here for your aural pleasure. I'm really happy with the result but bored stupid of it at the same time after multiple listens. All I can say is thank goodness for Marrantz recorders that save the hassle of recording to SADiE in real time!
More interesting however is this effort from the BAMS2 TV students courtesy of Edward Burke who in my opinion comes across as the more natural performer in this rendition of The Kinks "You Really Got Me". You'd think the Uni budget could afford a pair of sticks for the drummer.
November Pain
It had to have yet one more obstacle. I was very near to completing the cue for my radio feature (which to be fair I am useless at anyway) and my dentures got the better of me.
I went back to the flat to try and relax but to no avail so I ended up enlisting the help of Debbie and Amanda, the halls managers. Well, I was moaning in my pain and one of the residential assistants came to my aid before hand.
They managed to get me a private dentist appointment and the Northwick Park medical centre despite it setting me back by 52 pounds. This involved me getting a filling on the tooth that has been giving me pain and being put on the NHS waiting list to have it removed as I don't want to part with 150 pounds for a private appointment.
As for the radio feature Matthew has been very understanding of my misfortunes and has allowed me to apply for mitgating circumstances for this and the other assignments that are due in next week. But my nervousness at the dentists and my struggles at writing a cue for my feature has proved that I am abosolutely weak at long term communication with people and have a very limited vocabulary.
I'd love to be given some feet to think on.
I went back to the flat to try and relax but to no avail so I ended up enlisting the help of Debbie and Amanda, the halls managers. Well, I was moaning in my pain and one of the residential assistants came to my aid before hand.
They managed to get me a private dentist appointment and the Northwick Park medical centre despite it setting me back by 52 pounds. This involved me getting a filling on the tooth that has been giving me pain and being put on the NHS waiting list to have it removed as I don't want to part with 150 pounds for a private appointment.
As for the radio feature Matthew has been very understanding of my misfortunes and has allowed me to apply for mitgating circumstances for this and the other assignments that are due in next week. But my nervousness at the dentists and my struggles at writing a cue for my feature has proved that I am abosolutely weak at long term communication with people and have a very limited vocabulary.
I'd love to be given some feet to think on.
Well Worth The Effort
Today my agenda was almost entirely devoted to the editing of my radio feature. After playing it back to Matthew, he came to the conclusion that it needed "that extra element". Despite a shortness of time I managed to get hold of Lucy, an MA journalism student who helps out on Smoke International, and got her and her lilting voice to read out decriptions of the tarot cards from my readings.
I doubt I'll make any further changes having spent half a day getting the feature to sound spot on. This meant I had to rush in order to get the CDs burnt for my show as well as having to fill in the hour before as Seb and Jon were too busy to follow Steve on the sports show. Many vocals were crashed as a result!
However all this has paid off as I've finally had the intenet switched back on in halls! I doubt this will be the last of our issues with Digital Village and this would be worthy of being featured as a news item either in the Smoke newspaper or on Smoke Radio.
Which leads on to the SRA awards which are only 7 days away, and Joey's asked all of the male attendees all to wear white shirts and red ties. Well at least my tie won't be runined if I overindulge in cherry VKs later on!
I doubt I'll make any further changes having spent half a day getting the feature to sound spot on. This meant I had to rush in order to get the CDs burnt for my show as well as having to fill in the hour before as Seb and Jon were too busy to follow Steve on the sports show. Many vocals were crashed as a result!
However all this has paid off as I've finally had the intenet switched back on in halls! I doubt this will be the last of our issues with Digital Village and this would be worthy of being featured as a news item either in the Smoke newspaper or on Smoke Radio.
Which leads on to the SRA awards which are only 7 days away, and Joey's asked all of the male attendees all to wear white shirts and red ties. Well at least my tie won't be runined if I overindulge in cherry VKs later on!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Putting It All Together
I have been unbearably busy today on SADiE putting together my Tarot feature. This was pretty much insane as I act like a perfectionist at times and spent a long time in the radio studios recording my links in order to get them sounding how I wanted them to.
I really don't have the right sort of delivery but maybe it helps to elaborate on why I am wanting to seek Tarot conseltations.
With that out of the way however I can concentrate on my other stuff including the critical report that needs to be in next week. It shouldn't be too difficult to write down however as there should be one or two flaws within my feature.
I'm still continuing to be irritated by stupid little things however such as the computer I was using to dub tonight's shows off Smoke deciding to reset itself when I plugged in my hard drive. Either that or the USB port is very close to a loose reset button.
Kind of fitting considering the theme of tonight's Shuffle was about "bangs".
Right now I'm in the library as they still haven't sorted out the internet in my flat and this is getting beyond a fucking joke. I have not managed to get a clear enough explanation as to why it has been down for over two days and as I'm so exhausted right now, could end up falling asleep here in the library. Apparently Digital Village has been involved in a lawsuit against another university and I'm quite prepared to do the same for the Harrow Campus against the web "provider"'s blatent bullshitting.
I really don't have the right sort of delivery but maybe it helps to elaborate on why I am wanting to seek Tarot conseltations.
With that out of the way however I can concentrate on my other stuff including the critical report that needs to be in next week. It shouldn't be too difficult to write down however as there should be one or two flaws within my feature.
I'm still continuing to be irritated by stupid little things however such as the computer I was using to dub tonight's shows off Smoke deciding to reset itself when I plugged in my hard drive. Either that or the USB port is very close to a loose reset button.
Kind of fitting considering the theme of tonight's Shuffle was about "bangs".
Right now I'm in the library as they still haven't sorted out the internet in my flat and this is getting beyond a fucking joke. I have not managed to get a clear enough explanation as to why it has been down for over two days and as I'm so exhausted right now, could end up falling asleep here in the library. Apparently Digital Village has been involved in a lawsuit against another university and I'm quite prepared to do the same for the Harrow Campus against the web "provider"'s blatent bullshitting.
Twisted In Tarot
I managed to sort out what parts of my interviews I want to include in the final edit of my feature and I'm ready to go ahead. The only problem is that the SADiE room and both studios are locked as I type so that delays me slightly. I also want to get a few more vox pops from people to include at the start of the piece so I'll see whoever's around and get their opinions no matter how cynical they are.
Not everything has become untangled as I've recieved an e-mail from Joey stating that only five out of the seven of us have been given tickets to the GCap lunch prior to the SRAs next week. If the worst comes to the worst I'm prepared to miss out as it gives me a bit of extra time to get my Media Consumption essay done as I know naff all about what I'm meant to be looking at. As with my seminar on Propoganda and advertising although luckily I managed to get the whole lecture recorded onto my Marrantz recorder with the permission of the lecturers.
Not everything has become untangled as I've recieved an e-mail from Joey stating that only five out of the seven of us have been given tickets to the GCap lunch prior to the SRAs next week. If the worst comes to the worst I'm prepared to miss out as it gives me a bit of extra time to get my Media Consumption essay done as I know naff all about what I'm meant to be looking at. As with my seminar on Propoganda and advertising although luckily I managed to get the whole lecture recorded onto my Marrantz recorder with the permission of the lecturers.
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On the very last episode Barry Mafia dupes the gang once more (he offers a truce) and steals the Ghost Train and banishes Frances forever on the plabet Zajax (which they had previously visited). End of story, no coming back."
This was a Saturday morning kids show for fuck's sake! I could barely understand the plot-line back then and still can't now. Maybe this was a desperate attempt to make the show different from predecessor "Get Fresh" which featured snot ridden alien Gilbert travelling with a mulleted Gareth "Gaz Top" Jones around the UK in "The Millennium Dustbin".
However the wittiness of Nobby the Sheep and the attractiveness of presenter Frances Dodge made the show memorable for me. Probably just as well they kept Nobby on when the show evolved into the studio based "Gimme 5" with the even more charming Jenny Powell!
That's kind of coincidental considering the clip above steals the jumping video effect from "No Limits" when the girl gets splatted!