Last night's Mock The Week was an improvment on the previous show where one of the topics in the final round was "Unlikely Things To Hear On A TV Talent Show"
As expected there were plenty of jokes suggesting that Frankie Boyle was related to Susan Boyle although he was able to respond to it in his usual manner.
And as I normally do each week, one of my favourites had to be this;
"2007's winner Leon Jackson is still selling records. In his Saturday job at HMV Paisley".
Next week is a compilation show which I'm rather confused as to why it's in the middle of the series but hopefully it will be the only one in there.
Straight after that was Clive Anderson's "The Funny Side Of Politics" which wasn't too bad even though there was a lot of reused footage from a 1997 documentary about TV election coverage, and Jeremy Paxman's well renowned interview with Michael Howard.
It was good to see the clip of Edwina Currie getting gunged on Noel's House Party in 1992 especially as she was a Conservative MP back then although her days as a frontbencher were well behind her.
Sadly it was only the beginning of her many TV appearances leading to even more embarrassment than the revelations of her affair with John Major.
Lib Dem MP Lembit Opik was one of the politicians interviewed and I'd completely forgotten that he competed against Edwina as part of "Ant Vs Dec - The Teams" in the last series of Saturday Night Takeaway less than 6 months ago.
Just goes to show how memorable the series was.
Then again the ex boyfriend of Cheeky Girl Gabriella has always seen himself as an entertainer/musician leading to much humiliation.
These days politician's have to rely on humiliation to get themselves noticed in their main "profession", with Boris Johnson being the biggest example who shows no signs of realising what a fool he is which is good news.
As for today I'm heading over to Woodbridge to Granny's house so the blog will be rather quiet for the next couple of days, but it's looking a lot better outside than it did last August so it should be good fun.
Always a delightful place to visit.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Witty Wildlife
This is something I've been waiting a lifetime for, having not been around when Johnny Morris's "Animal Magic" was on our screens.
"Walk On The Wildside" a new BBC 1 series starting on Saturday which involves wildlife footage being given the comedy treatment from the voices of Jason Manford, Rhod Gilbert, Steve Edge and Sarah Millican.
Following a successful pilot in March of this year six episodes follow with guest appearances from Stephen Fry, Rolf Harris, and Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, and this certainly looks like it will be one of the better and more individual shows broadcast in the Saturday schedule.
It doesn't matter if it's been done before as it's something that hasn't been done on television for a long time and with what looks like a superb cast I'm hoping it does really well.
As for tonight I'm not up to much ahead of tomorrow's journey to Woodbridge apart from the regular appointments of As Seen On TV also with Jason Manford, and of course Mock The Week where Ed Byrne's one of the guests.
Hopefully he won't have to literally fight his way for the microphone in the last round.
"Walk On The Wildside" a new BBC 1 series starting on Saturday which involves wildlife footage being given the comedy treatment from the voices of Jason Manford, Rhod Gilbert, Steve Edge and Sarah Millican.
Following a successful pilot in March of this year six episodes follow with guest appearances from Stephen Fry, Rolf Harris, and Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, and this certainly looks like it will be one of the better and more individual shows broadcast in the Saturday schedule.
It doesn't matter if it's been done before as it's something that hasn't been done on television for a long time and with what looks like a superb cast I'm hoping it does really well.
As for tonight I'm not up to much ahead of tomorrow's journey to Woodbridge apart from the regular appointments of As Seen On TV also with Jason Manford, and of course Mock The Week where Ed Byrne's one of the guests.
Hopefully he won't have to literally fight his way for the microphone in the last round.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Strictly Saturday
I was expecting this to happen but it's been confirmed on Media Guardian that the Strictly Come Dancing results show will be moving back to Saturdays as part of a 90 minute long show with the main contest itself, which is pretty much the same format as Series 1 before they split it into seperate shows from then onwards.
Media Guardian Article
I never really liked the Sunday show as although it gave me something to be occupied with on that night, the fact it was pre-recorded made it feel watered down and I didn't like the idea of the judges vote off.
I'm not sure whether that will remain following the incident towards the end of the last series but the addition of Alesha Dixon to the judges panel is another sign that they are worried about the success of the X Factor rather than celebrating the fact it's one of BBC 1's most watched shows in that timeslot.
The move has been timed well however as The X Factor will be moving it's results show to Sundays and it will be broadcast live which I'm looking forward to just as much to see how it works out.
I doubt I'll be able to warm to the show however as Dermot's lack of presence and ability to adlib, and the overly-staged and formulaic presentation reduces it of any charm whatsoever.
Yet as I've said many times, it's difficult not to carry on watching.
Media Guardian Article
I never really liked the Sunday show as although it gave me something to be occupied with on that night, the fact it was pre-recorded made it feel watered down and I didn't like the idea of the judges vote off.
I'm not sure whether that will remain following the incident towards the end of the last series but the addition of Alesha Dixon to the judges panel is another sign that they are worried about the success of the X Factor rather than celebrating the fact it's one of BBC 1's most watched shows in that timeslot.
The move has been timed well however as The X Factor will be moving it's results show to Sundays and it will be broadcast live which I'm looking forward to just as much to see how it works out.
I doubt I'll be able to warm to the show however as Dermot's lack of presence and ability to adlib, and the overly-staged and formulaic presentation reduces it of any charm whatsoever.
Yet as I've said many times, it's difficult not to carry on watching.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Inner Self
Tonight's television was covered tonight with two superb but completely different shows.
The first was "The Autistic Me" on BBC Three which focused on three individuals who had the disorder and how they manage to cope with situations that others find easy to get on with such as socialising and developing relationships.
One of them had moved into a boarding school for other people with learning difficulties and you could understand how it got to his mum when she wrote a goodbye card for him, as at long last he could develop independence from home life.
It's too much detail for me to go into having only seen it once, but I'm certain it's on iPlayer and definitely worth the watch if you get a chance.
The second of tonight's offerings was of course episode 6 of "You Have Been Watching" where this week they looked at the different variations of Deal Or No Deal from around the world, and Dog The Bounty Hunter which featured some hilarious references to Lion-O from Thundercats.
My favourite bit had to be near the end when there was another question about Danny Dyer who in a column in Zoo magazine had a whinge over the comments made about him on YHBW three weeks ago and was considering quitting television.
Not that anyone's complaining.
Good Night.
The first was "The Autistic Me" on BBC Three which focused on three individuals who had the disorder and how they manage to cope with situations that others find easy to get on with such as socialising and developing relationships.
One of them had moved into a boarding school for other people with learning difficulties and you could understand how it got to his mum when she wrote a goodbye card for him, as at long last he could develop independence from home life.
It's too much detail for me to go into having only seen it once, but I'm certain it's on iPlayer and definitely worth the watch if you get a chance.
The second of tonight's offerings was of course episode 6 of "You Have Been Watching" where this week they looked at the different variations of Deal Or No Deal from around the world, and Dog The Bounty Hunter which featured some hilarious references to Lion-O from Thundercats.
My favourite bit had to be near the end when there was another question about Danny Dyer who in a column in Zoo magazine had a whinge over the comments made about him on YHBW three weeks ago and was considering quitting television.
Not that anyone's complaining.
Good Night.
A Concert Of W****rs
Just before tonight's Grooveline on XStream East, I noticed a familiar voice on the programme preceeding it. I wasn't too sure at first but I looked on the website and yes, it was noneother than Lamby, one of the students from my old year on the radio course.
And one of the best as well who was a really good presenter on the live assesed modules and winning the 2007 Graham S Brand prize for her feature on Roof Gardens.
She's now using her real name Sarah Thompson but music-wise her show's not too different with a mix of urban and electro beats that she used to play on her well received show on Smoke, but overall it's good to hear her on air again as despite it being over two years since I last heard her on air, it seems a lot longer.
As soon as she finished I gave her a ring on her mobile and we spent about
5 minutes catching up on how things were getting on.
Her showpage for "The Get Up" can be found here where some of her shows can still be heard and I'll look forward to having a listen pretty soon.
It's good to have her presenting live as well, although for the next couple of weeks she's on holiday in LA. That sounds like the Lamby I remember from Uni, always travelling to very hot locations.
It looks as if my appointment with XStream East on Tuesdays has been given 100% extra.
As for Grooveline itself, this week Stephen mentioned that in a couple of weeks Frank McComb will be performing at Ronnie Scotts for two nights.
One of the acts I've been a fan of throughout University and even before that, although I've never had the chance to see him perform live so I decided to have a look on the website for the club.
However, when browsing there I also found out that Matt Bianco would be playing on the 16th of September and that's an even rarer opportunity to have the band in the UK so I immediatley booked tickets for them.
The band have recently reverted back to the dual lineup of Mark Reilley on vocals with Mark Fisher on keyboards alongside other guest musicians, after an album released 5 years ago with the original band members including vocalist Basia.
More infamous for their apperance on Saturday Superstore where Simon Roberts rang up and called them "a bunch of wankers".
I've heard a couple of tracks from their latest album which haven't really grabbed me as much but I'm hoping that they perform a few of their older tunes from the last couple of decades.
I very much doubt however that "Wap Bam Boogie" will be one of them.
And one of the best as well who was a really good presenter on the live assesed modules and winning the 2007 Graham S Brand prize for her feature on Roof Gardens.
She's now using her real name Sarah Thompson but music-wise her show's not too different with a mix of urban and electro beats that she used to play on her well received show on Smoke, but overall it's good to hear her on air again as despite it being over two years since I last heard her on air, it seems a lot longer.
As soon as she finished I gave her a ring on her mobile and we spent about
5 minutes catching up on how things were getting on.
Her showpage for "The Get Up" can be found here where some of her shows can still be heard and I'll look forward to having a listen pretty soon.
It's good to have her presenting live as well, although for the next couple of weeks she's on holiday in LA. That sounds like the Lamby I remember from Uni, always travelling to very hot locations.
It looks as if my appointment with XStream East on Tuesdays has been given 100% extra.
As for Grooveline itself, this week Stephen mentioned that in a couple of weeks Frank McComb will be performing at Ronnie Scotts for two nights.
One of the acts I've been a fan of throughout University and even before that, although I've never had the chance to see him perform live so I decided to have a look on the website for the club.
However, when browsing there I also found out that Matt Bianco would be playing on the 16th of September and that's an even rarer opportunity to have the band in the UK so I immediatley booked tickets for them.
The band have recently reverted back to the dual lineup of Mark Reilley on vocals with Mark Fisher on keyboards alongside other guest musicians, after an album released 5 years ago with the original band members including vocalist Basia.
More infamous for their apperance on Saturday Superstore where Simon Roberts rang up and called them "a bunch of wankers".
I've heard a couple of tracks from their latest album which haven't really grabbed me as much but I'm hoping that they perform a few of their older tunes from the last couple of decades.
I very much doubt however that "Wap Bam Boogie" will be one of them.
"You Have Got The X Factor. Missing From Your Chromosomes"
Really overcast here in Canterbury but warm enough to have the windows open.
Contrary to an earlier blog post, the new series of the X-Factor actually begins a week on Saturday meaning that I'll miss the first episode due to the Incognito gig at the Indigo2 on the same night.
Not that I'm complaining of course as I know what I'd rather see, although oddly enough, Stephen who will also be going to the gig was considering auditioning for the new series but decided not to in the end.
And if anyone would want me to perform my infamous rendition of "The Ace Of Spades" in front of the judges then that's out of the question as well.
There must be more people who sign up to the show wanting to make a fool of themselves on television rather than have hopes of winning the competition.
Last night when Tony was here I ended up bringing up Jack Dee's joke about the show on Apollo when he said that families just put their kids up for auditioning because they didn't want to tell them themselves "you're shit".
Although it's more likely to be a case of even the parents deluded to think that their tuneless son or daughter is the next huge success story.
Nothing much planned for today apart from reheating a tupaware box of mince from the freezer with penne pasta, and later on before Charlie Brooker,
BBC Three has what looks like an interesting documentary on autistic men.
That's my night covered.
Contrary to an earlier blog post, the new series of the X-Factor actually begins a week on Saturday meaning that I'll miss the first episode due to the Incognito gig at the Indigo2 on the same night.
Not that I'm complaining of course as I know what I'd rather see, although oddly enough, Stephen who will also be going to the gig was considering auditioning for the new series but decided not to in the end.
And if anyone would want me to perform my infamous rendition of "The Ace Of Spades" in front of the judges then that's out of the question as well.
There must be more people who sign up to the show wanting to make a fool of themselves on television rather than have hopes of winning the competition.
Last night when Tony was here I ended up bringing up Jack Dee's joke about the show on Apollo when he said that families just put their kids up for auditioning because they didn't want to tell them themselves "you're shit".
Although it's more likely to be a case of even the parents deluded to think that their tuneless son or daughter is the next huge success story.
Nothing much planned for today apart from reheating a tupaware box of mince from the freezer with penne pasta, and later on before Charlie Brooker,
BBC Three has what looks like an interesting documentary on autistic men.
That's my night covered.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Ambitious Advertising
Olly's friend Tony came over tonight where Dad had made more of his pizzas, and spoke to us about his visit to America tomorrow where he'll eventually be meeting up with Olly.
We also had a chat about his time at Oxford University where one of the former occupants of the room he lived in happened to be Angus Deayton when he studied at Oxford at least 30 years ago around the same time as Rowan Atkinson.
Tony also brought up the comedian Reginald D Hunter which immediately reminded me that the festival tickets have gone on sale to the public and I have booked tickets to see both him, and Stewart Lee when they visit Canterbury in October.
Despite seeing Stewart's erstwhile partner perform many times, I've never seen Stewart perform live on his own before apart from his TV series earlier this year but it will be good to see him in the flesh, only this time without the unfunny sketches in between.
Radio 1 have launched their "controversial" TV campaign which involves the presenters in rather lavish costumes such as Scott Mills dressed as a knight.
Visually they're very impressive but this is Radio 1 it's advertising.
Personally I think it's the equivalent of a brightly coloured parcel, only when you unwrap it, it turns out to be just an empty box.
They've been split into 20 second segments but insider Steven McIntosh mentioned that the 2 minute version was better.
When seeing him respond to a tweet I initially thought he was talking about something I found earlier on iTunes, the extended version of the Pearl And Dean "Asteroid" theme specially arranged in 2006 and available on iTunes.
I've had a listen to it and it's really good although the end note is stretched out rather disappointingly, as opposed to the hard ending that you'd hear in the cinema.
As for Radio 1, one of there longest serving presenters is leaving after 16 years, that being Steve Lamacq although to be honest I don't think it will be noticed as he's got his hands full at 6Music and a Wednesday night show on Radio 2 after Trevor Nelson.
Other schedule changes include Pete Tong and Annie Mac's mash-up swapping slots with possible hints that Pete Tong could be on the way out sooner or later. Well, that's what a lot of people will be thinking.
Even more interesting is that Tim Westwood has been promoted full time to drive on 1Xtra which may see a bit of healthy competition for Scott Mills. The Saturday night show will be carrying on though and I doubt my listening habits will be effected.
Bearing in mind the radio's barely switched on during the day in my room.
We also had a chat about his time at Oxford University where one of the former occupants of the room he lived in happened to be Angus Deayton when he studied at Oxford at least 30 years ago around the same time as Rowan Atkinson.
Tony also brought up the comedian Reginald D Hunter which immediately reminded me that the festival tickets have gone on sale to the public and I have booked tickets to see both him, and Stewart Lee when they visit Canterbury in October.
Despite seeing Stewart's erstwhile partner perform many times, I've never seen Stewart perform live on his own before apart from his TV series earlier this year but it will be good to see him in the flesh, only this time without the unfunny sketches in between.
Radio 1 have launched their "controversial" TV campaign which involves the presenters in rather lavish costumes such as Scott Mills dressed as a knight.
Visually they're very impressive but this is Radio 1 it's advertising.
Personally I think it's the equivalent of a brightly coloured parcel, only when you unwrap it, it turns out to be just an empty box.
They've been split into 20 second segments but insider Steven McIntosh mentioned that the 2 minute version was better.
When seeing him respond to a tweet I initially thought he was talking about something I found earlier on iTunes, the extended version of the Pearl And Dean "Asteroid" theme specially arranged in 2006 and available on iTunes.
I've had a listen to it and it's really good although the end note is stretched out rather disappointingly, as opposed to the hard ending that you'd hear in the cinema.
As for Radio 1, one of there longest serving presenters is leaving after 16 years, that being Steve Lamacq although to be honest I don't think it will be noticed as he's got his hands full at 6Music and a Wednesday night show on Radio 2 after Trevor Nelson.
Other schedule changes include Pete Tong and Annie Mac's mash-up swapping slots with possible hints that Pete Tong could be on the way out sooner or later. Well, that's what a lot of people will be thinking.
Even more interesting is that Tim Westwood has been promoted full time to drive on 1Xtra which may see a bit of healthy competition for Scott Mills. The Saturday night show will be carrying on though and I doubt my listening habits will be effected.
Bearing in mind the radio's barely switched on during the day in my room.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
A Jazz Holiday
Mum and Dad have gone up to Broadstairs this afternoon for the Folk festival there so I've been left here spending a bit of time outside in the nice weather and up in my room with the windows still wide open.
Although I didn't see the game, Chelsea managed to win 4-1 on penalties after a 2 all draw between Manchester United in the Community Shield. It's pretty much a non-story really even for those who support Chelsea, but the Premiership itself begins next week where we face Hull City.
It will probably be two weeks running that I miss PY and Robbie Vincent's shows on Jazz FM as next week I will be in Woodbridge, and the week after I will be in London for Emma Picton's birthday and the Incognito gig where I won't really have access to a DAB Radio or available internet access.
It doesn't mean I'll be completely absent from the soulful stuff as I'm currently rummaging through a few old editions of Grooveline on Blast 1386 from around this time 3 years ago including the 100th show.
That's something Soul Expression never achieved.
And of course Stephen's back on the radio this Tuesday on XStream East so that should be enjoyable.
The rest of tonight will consist of more classic episodes of South Park including "Something Wal-Mart Comes This Way" which I first saw just weeks after my final shift at ASDA and found rather hilarious from a personal perspective as it laid into the corporation and it's uniformity.
Definitely a programme that's never afraid to touch the most controversial of subjects.
Although I didn't see the game, Chelsea managed to win 4-1 on penalties after a 2 all draw between Manchester United in the Community Shield. It's pretty much a non-story really even for those who support Chelsea, but the Premiership itself begins next week where we face Hull City.
It will probably be two weeks running that I miss PY and Robbie Vincent's shows on Jazz FM as next week I will be in Woodbridge, and the week after I will be in London for Emma Picton's birthday and the Incognito gig where I won't really have access to a DAB Radio or available internet access.
It doesn't mean I'll be completely absent from the soulful stuff as I'm currently rummaging through a few old editions of Grooveline on Blast 1386 from around this time 3 years ago including the 100th show.
That's something Soul Expression never achieved.
And of course Stephen's back on the radio this Tuesday on XStream East so that should be enjoyable.
The rest of tonight will consist of more classic episodes of South Park including "Something Wal-Mart Comes This Way" which I first saw just weeks after my final shift at ASDA and found rather hilarious from a personal perspective as it laid into the corporation and it's uniformity.
Definitely a programme that's never afraid to touch the most controversial of subjects.
"Dude This Is Pretty F**ked Up Right Here"
It's another bright day here in Canterbury with Sandra C and Robbie Vincent providing the soulful stuff on their respective wireless shows.
Nothing too spectacular this week but then again all the really good stuff tends to come once in a while.
I'm not sure what's planned elsewhere today, further rummaging I guess mainly through a few vintage South Park epsiodes including one of my favourites "Stupid Spoiled Whore Video Playset" from late 2004 ripping the piss into Paris Hilton.
Last night I underwent yet another viewing of probably one of the overall favourites "Christian Rock Hard", again because it tackled an subject matter which I have a dislike for.
Elsewhere good luck to Chelsea against Manchester United in the Community Shield this afternoon. I'd love to be watching it in London ideally in the New Moon just to rip the piss out of Chris if his team lost.
Although it could possibly be a repeat of the Champions League 2007/2008 final.
Nothing too spectacular this week but then again all the really good stuff tends to come once in a while.
I'm not sure what's planned elsewhere today, further rummaging I guess mainly through a few vintage South Park epsiodes including one of my favourites "Stupid Spoiled Whore Video Playset" from late 2004 ripping the piss into Paris Hilton.
Last night I underwent yet another viewing of probably one of the overall favourites "Christian Rock Hard", again because it tackled an subject matter which I have a dislike for.
Elsewhere good luck to Chelsea against Manchester United in the Community Shield this afternoon. I'd love to be watching it in London ideally in the New Moon just to rip the piss out of Chris if his team lost.
Although it could possibly be a repeat of the Champions League 2007/2008 final.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Another Weekend In Woodbridge
Next weekend I will be heading over to Woodbridge again to see Granny Pip where both her, Mum and Dad, and a few others will be going to see a Shakespeare play on the Saturday.
Like my last visit there it will also coincide with the opening episode of
The X Factor which I'm looking forward in a cynical manner, but it will be nice to visit Woodbridge again and I'm hoping the weather will be on good form.
It will also be a calming warm up to the Incognito gig at the Indigo2 the following weekend which will probably be my favourite gig of the year as there will be a string section performing with the band which hasn't been done since the 25th anniversary gig at the Forum in Kentish Town back in 2004, before I even arrived in London.
It has gone incredibly quickly and I'm hoping that at the Indigo2 we get to hear some new material.
I know the band have been in the studio through the various photo galleries that have been posted on the official website.
In my rummage I'm almost up to Autumn 2006 when their "Bees + Things + Flowers" album was released and has to be my second favourite album throughout my time at University below the Sunburst Band's "Movin' With The Shakers".
Like my last visit there it will also coincide with the opening episode of
The X Factor which I'm looking forward in a cynical manner, but it will be nice to visit Woodbridge again and I'm hoping the weather will be on good form.
It will also be a calming warm up to the Incognito gig at the Indigo2 the following weekend which will probably be my favourite gig of the year as there will be a string section performing with the band which hasn't been done since the 25th anniversary gig at the Forum in Kentish Town back in 2004, before I even arrived in London.
It has gone incredibly quickly and I'm hoping that at the Indigo2 we get to hear some new material.
I know the band have been in the studio through the various photo galleries that have been posted on the official website.
In my rummage I'm almost up to Autumn 2006 when their "Bees + Things + Flowers" album was released and has to be my second favourite album throughout my time at University below the Sunburst Band's "Movin' With The Shakers".
Friday, August 07, 2009
9 Pointless Numbers
It's been very overcast and humid throughout today and barely productive as you would expect.
Much excitement took place about 4 hours ago when many people on Facebook where anticipating the arrival of the time being
12:34 and 56 seconds on the 7th of the 8th 09.
Which when you think about it isn't numerically correct when normally writing down the date and time.
This weekend will probably be spent imbursed in more writing and reminiscing through the dreadful summer of 2006 where barely anything happened at all.
Well nothing positive really happened, mainly because of a rather poor holiday to Spain, my laptop breaking down, and everything moving slowly.
However I plan to take regular breaks including on Sunday for Robbie's Jazz FM show as always.
Much excitement took place about 4 hours ago when many people on Facebook where anticipating the arrival of the time being
12:34 and 56 seconds on the 7th of the 8th 09.
Which when you think about it isn't numerically correct when normally writing down the date and time.
This weekend will probably be spent imbursed in more writing and reminiscing through the dreadful summer of 2006 where barely anything happened at all.
Well nothing positive really happened, mainly because of a rather poor holiday to Spain, my laptop breaking down, and everything moving slowly.
However I plan to take regular breaks including on Sunday for Robbie's Jazz FM show as always.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
"Anyone Know What This Is?, Class?, Anyone?"
Tonight's Mock The Week was probably one of the weakest in the current series mainly because of the unwelcome return of Hugh Dennis's Newsreel round, and guest Stewart Francis repeating jokes he told on Michael McIntyre's show in the stand-up round.
However an otherwise poor show is normally saved by a hilarious final round where one of this weeks Scenes We'd Like To See was "Bad Things To Say At A Wedding" where one of my favourites was;
"I would like to apologise for the state of my clothes as I spent last night in a skip. Anyway, Dearly Beloved..."
After that was the first in Clive Anderson's "The Funny Side Of" following on from the sucessful News special from Christmas, which this week looked at TV talent shows.
It was very similar in style to Stephen Fry's "Story Of Light Entertainment" from a few years ago but it killed an hour at least despite being more interesting than actually being funny.
Next week however looks at politics so there should be a few more laughs guaranteed.
On a rather sad note there's the news that US film director John Hughes has died of a heart attack.
Quite possibly my favourite American film director responsible for both
The Breakfast Club, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Two films that symbolize the 80s yet still look good in the present day, from one of the best.
1950-2009
However an otherwise poor show is normally saved by a hilarious final round where one of this weeks Scenes We'd Like To See was "Bad Things To Say At A Wedding" where one of my favourites was;
"I would like to apologise for the state of my clothes as I spent last night in a skip. Anyway, Dearly Beloved..."
After that was the first in Clive Anderson's "The Funny Side Of" following on from the sucessful News special from Christmas, which this week looked at TV talent shows.
It was very similar in style to Stephen Fry's "Story Of Light Entertainment" from a few years ago but it killed an hour at least despite being more interesting than actually being funny.
Next week however looks at politics so there should be a few more laughs guaranteed.
On a rather sad note there's the news that US film director John Hughes has died of a heart attack.
Quite possibly my favourite American film director responsible for both
The Breakfast Club, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Two films that symbolize the 80s yet still look good in the present day, from one of the best.
1950-2009
More Listeners In Colour?
It's RAJAR day again and whilst there's good news with regards to the national stations getting more listeners, there's even more positive signs for the newer platforms with increased listening figures for Jazz FM, Planet Rock and Fun Kids on DAB.
Radio Today Article
The latter must be having a field day and the fact that the BBC has recently been criticised for not investing in a radio station for children is a perfect example of why they should be celebrating. Definitely one of Matt Deegan's most creative innovations in radio.
Jazz FM has also increased it's listeners once again adding 74,000 listeners to its audience of 482,000 which goes to show that it will be sticking around for quite a while yet.
I'm impressed that it's doing so well considering that on DAB it's not a UK-wide station whereas theJazz did broadcast to the whole country and died on it's backside.
Over here in Canterbury it would make perfect sense for Jazz FM to take over the slot soon to be left by Chill rather than handing it over to Galaxy which I'm not impressed with.
I've been rather scathing about DAB recently but that's because I'm only really talking about how rubbish it is in Kent.
Then again, the radio over here has been far from inspiring for quite a while.
However, I am lucky enough to be living somewhere with Freesat and Broadband.
That's what I really should be grateful for, rather than moaning at Mum and Dad all the time.
Radio Today Article
The latter must be having a field day and the fact that the BBC has recently been criticised for not investing in a radio station for children is a perfect example of why they should be celebrating. Definitely one of Matt Deegan's most creative innovations in radio.
Jazz FM has also increased it's listeners once again adding 74,000 listeners to its audience of 482,000 which goes to show that it will be sticking around for quite a while yet.
I'm impressed that it's doing so well considering that on DAB it's not a UK-wide station whereas theJazz did broadcast to the whole country and died on it's backside.
Over here in Canterbury it would make perfect sense for Jazz FM to take over the slot soon to be left by Chill rather than handing it over to Galaxy which I'm not impressed with.
I've been rather scathing about DAB recently but that's because I'm only really talking about how rubbish it is in Kent.
Then again, the radio over here has been far from inspiring for quite a while.
However, I am lucky enough to be living somewhere with Freesat and Broadband.
That's what I really should be grateful for, rather than moaning at Mum and Dad all the time.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
"The A.S. Factor"
At the risk of turning into 5 Live's Dotun Adebayo, whenever a story about Asperger's Syndrome comes up in popular culture I have to comment about it, in the same way the Dotun seems to always go on about racial issues.
I'm interested to see how this will be spread out, a contestant with Asperger's appearing on the latest series of the X Factor and the fact that he's managed to do really well explaining to the judges about his condition.
I'm really hoping they don't turn it into another sob story but then again I've learnt to accept the usual premise of "you try and stop us!" whenever the show finds anything they think will tug at the heart.
The choice of song in the audition doesn't really impress me either as there's only so many times you can sing that bloody song made famous by four of the dullest overrated performers, whilst the song is essentially a parody of itself.
The series starts in just over a week or so and it's quite likely I'll be watching as although I tend to give it a bit of stick it's that magnetic.
At least they won't be doing the live shows from the ExCel Centre as the producers have realised that it will be too expensive to move all the camera equipment and adapt it for shooting in the preferred location.
And also taking into account Series 1 of Fame Academy which used a very similar concert stage setup and failed miserably.
I'm interested to see how this will be spread out, a contestant with Asperger's appearing on the latest series of the X Factor and the fact that he's managed to do really well explaining to the judges about his condition.
I'm really hoping they don't turn it into another sob story but then again I've learnt to accept the usual premise of "you try and stop us!" whenever the show finds anything they think will tug at the heart.
The choice of song in the audition doesn't really impress me either as there's only so many times you can sing that bloody song made famous by four of the dullest overrated performers, whilst the song is essentially a parody of itself.
The series starts in just over a week or so and it's quite likely I'll be watching as although I tend to give it a bit of stick it's that magnetic.
At least they won't be doing the live shows from the ExCel Centre as the producers have realised that it will be too expensive to move all the camera equipment and adapt it for shooting in the preferred location.
And also taking into account Series 1 of Fame Academy which used a very similar concert stage setup and failed miserably.
I Hate People!
That's what I think is the hard hitting problem that's been troubling me for life.
Not necessarily everyone over the whole scale, but those who I find it difficult to speak for on the sheer basis that they don't like the same things that I do, or find things side splitting that I don't.
Mainly in everyday conversation.
It's mainly my Mum and Dad back at home as in reality they're trying to help but I'm taking it as if they are hassling me to find a proper job and are worried that I may not be trying hard enough.
However I find it difficult to explain that I really want to be getting into radio and the only way in it seems is to search and undergo work placements.
I've never managed to be succesfull at getting a work placement at a radio station, especially in the last few months (sod off Smooth), but my main concern is what would happen if I had a full time job and was lucky enough to get a radio related work placement and end up having to quit over the possibility of them not letting me have a month off or however long the placement lasts, in order to do it.
There's the possiblilty of helping out with CSR FM in Canterbury in my spare time, although I haven't heard back from them yet in response to my show proposal and if there's nothing by the end of August I will be in touch again.
But anyway, this isn't necessarily about finding jobs, it's about getting on with others and saying unneccesary things to them that they don't deserve.
I feel that was the case with my original year on the radio course in some places as I spat out at innapropriate times, but having thought about it further, they did not give me the immense amount of time that those in the year I will be graduating with did, in socialising, and helping me in unsure situations.
Even in the first year I had more conversations on MSN and even meet ups with Tim Pryor, Ashlee, Joey, Pippa ST etc than anyone who was in the year I was studying in.
They all had different interests obviously enough but they took interest in mine and I made an attempt to take interest in theirs.
Some of those who I spent time with weren't even radio students which proved quite a lot.
In writing my "Autobiog" I'm almost up to my final week in the first year in halls around mid May 2006 before the infamous holiday in Spain (again a possible unfair statement) and with Tim back in Devon, and Ashlee travelling Europe
I felt very isolated and that those in my year were elitist if that was the right word and not very approachable unless I understood their sense of humour and their way of doing things.
I'll tell you a positive thing about my hypomania, at least I could quickly respond to people when they spoke to me or left me a message on Facebook and that would have come in very handy in possible interviews.
Suck on that.
Not necessarily everyone over the whole scale, but those who I find it difficult to speak for on the sheer basis that they don't like the same things that I do, or find things side splitting that I don't.
Mainly in everyday conversation.
It's mainly my Mum and Dad back at home as in reality they're trying to help but I'm taking it as if they are hassling me to find a proper job and are worried that I may not be trying hard enough.
However I find it difficult to explain that I really want to be getting into radio and the only way in it seems is to search and undergo work placements.
I've never managed to be succesfull at getting a work placement at a radio station, especially in the last few months (sod off Smooth), but my main concern is what would happen if I had a full time job and was lucky enough to get a radio related work placement and end up having to quit over the possibility of them not letting me have a month off or however long the placement lasts, in order to do it.
There's the possiblilty of helping out with CSR FM in Canterbury in my spare time, although I haven't heard back from them yet in response to my show proposal and if there's nothing by the end of August I will be in touch again.
But anyway, this isn't necessarily about finding jobs, it's about getting on with others and saying unneccesary things to them that they don't deserve.
I feel that was the case with my original year on the radio course in some places as I spat out at innapropriate times, but having thought about it further, they did not give me the immense amount of time that those in the year I will be graduating with did, in socialising, and helping me in unsure situations.
Even in the first year I had more conversations on MSN and even meet ups with Tim Pryor, Ashlee, Joey, Pippa ST etc than anyone who was in the year I was studying in.
They all had different interests obviously enough but they took interest in mine and I made an attempt to take interest in theirs.
Some of those who I spent time with weren't even radio students which proved quite a lot.
In writing my "Autobiog" I'm almost up to my final week in the first year in halls around mid May 2006 before the infamous holiday in Spain (again a possible unfair statement) and with Tim back in Devon, and Ashlee travelling Europe
I felt very isolated and that those in my year were elitist if that was the right word and not very approachable unless I understood their sense of humour and their way of doing things.
I'll tell you a positive thing about my hypomania, at least I could quickly respond to people when they spoke to me or left me a message on Facebook and that would have come in very handy in possible interviews.
Suck on that.
"End Of The Shooow!"
Last night's YHBW was pretty good where as expected Reginald D. Hunter provided the most laughs with his dry wit, and Liza Tarbuck looked rather delightful.
Shows "examined" this week included Casualty, an extreme version of Ready Steady Cook from Japan by the name of "Iron Chef", and BBC Three's "Young, Dumb And Living Off Mum".
One of my favourite bits came in the final round when one of the questions asked if anyone could explain the rules of "Goldenballs" and no one buzzed.
When they showed the clip itself it illustrated just how long, strung out and complicated that show is.
Overall this week was entertaining although by 10% it wasn't as good without Frankie Boyle but he's back again on the following programme alongside a return appearance for Frank Skinner which should also be good.
Elsewhere I've stumbled across another cheddar infested cover version from the Hit Factory by none other than Michaela, yes that Michaela and her take on the Edwin Starr classic "H.A.P.P.Y Radio".
Our dynamic duo Goodlass and Marshall used to use the original as their opening record on their show but I've no idea what they would have thought of this.
It would have possibly been the sort of thing I would play in the Bubblegum Soul section of my own show if brave enough.
As for the tune overall, I get the idea that Pete Waterman signed her up under the influence of many games of "Pass The Mic" on The Hitman And Her although thankfully Michaela's music career didn't take off in the same way as her TV presenting career.
The tune itself came out around August 1989 around the same time as Big Fun's more succesful cover of "Blame It On The Boogie" although like that record, I'm not sure if that's actually Ms Strachan singing on it.
Also look closely at the video and how the radio in the opening shot reads
95.8 on the dial.
Back then it would have been a lot more credible and enjoyable to go round London like that.
Shows "examined" this week included Casualty, an extreme version of Ready Steady Cook from Japan by the name of "Iron Chef", and BBC Three's "Young, Dumb And Living Off Mum".
One of my favourite bits came in the final round when one of the questions asked if anyone could explain the rules of "Goldenballs" and no one buzzed.
When they showed the clip itself it illustrated just how long, strung out and complicated that show is.
Overall this week was entertaining although by 10% it wasn't as good without Frankie Boyle but he's back again on the following programme alongside a return appearance for Frank Skinner which should also be good.
Elsewhere I've stumbled across another cheddar infested cover version from the Hit Factory by none other than Michaela, yes that Michaela and her take on the Edwin Starr classic "H.A.P.P.Y Radio".
Our dynamic duo Goodlass and Marshall used to use the original as their opening record on their show but I've no idea what they would have thought of this.
It would have possibly been the sort of thing I would play in the Bubblegum Soul section of my own show if brave enough.
As for the tune overall, I get the idea that Pete Waterman signed her up under the influence of many games of "Pass The Mic" on The Hitman And Her although thankfully Michaela's music career didn't take off in the same way as her TV presenting career.
The tune itself came out around August 1989 around the same time as Big Fun's more succesful cover of "Blame It On The Boogie" although like that record, I'm not sure if that's actually Ms Strachan singing on it.
Also look closely at the video and how the radio in the opening shot reads
95.8 on the dial.
Back then it would have been a lot more credible and enjoyable to go round London like that.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Brokestone
As planned, I went to Dymchurch although the weather wasn't as good as yesterday and the place itself wasn't really what I remember it being like when I went there many years ago.
I had a potter about before getting the bus back to Folkestone where I decided to have a look around there and it was even more shocking when I saw that the Rotunda, and all the amusements had been knocked down.
I guess that shows how long it has been since I went there although that was back in 2003 when we attempted to shoot exterior scenes for a college project.
It was a nightmare due to individuals pissing about and being negligent to continuity errors and also difficult because I'd just started at ASDA making me feel even more unmotivated.
6 years onwards the only building that was still there in the Marine Parade area was Club Indigo or as I used to know it "La Parissiene" from the days when they would broadcast live for an hour every Saturday night on Neptune Radio.
KMFM nowadays would benefit from something like that as it sounded good on air at the time, and would add something extra to the Dance Show on Saturdays which lasts a record 6 hours.
I'm back safely in Canterbury, where the plan for tonight is to finish last nights slightly spicy lamb stew with expensive but delicious fusilli pasta, and later on there's Charlie Brooker's "You Have Been Watching" which even without Frankie Boyle looks set to be a good one.
This weeks guests are Martin Freeman, Liza Tarbuck, and best of all Reginald D Hunter. I haven't seen Liza on television for a long while although she's currently standing in for Jonathan Ross's radio show alongside Huey Morgan, and she has one of the dirtiest laughs so hopefully Charlie's gags will result in hearing said laugh.
Apart from Mock The Week, it's probably my only "must-watch" programme on TV at present.
I had a potter about before getting the bus back to Folkestone where I decided to have a look around there and it was even more shocking when I saw that the Rotunda, and all the amusements had been knocked down.
I guess that shows how long it has been since I went there although that was back in 2003 when we attempted to shoot exterior scenes for a college project.
It was a nightmare due to individuals pissing about and being negligent to continuity errors and also difficult because I'd just started at ASDA making me feel even more unmotivated.
6 years onwards the only building that was still there in the Marine Parade area was Club Indigo or as I used to know it "La Parissiene" from the days when they would broadcast live for an hour every Saturday night on Neptune Radio.
KMFM nowadays would benefit from something like that as it sounded good on air at the time, and would add something extra to the Dance Show on Saturdays which lasts a record 6 hours.
I'm back safely in Canterbury, where the plan for tonight is to finish last nights slightly spicy lamb stew with expensive but delicious fusilli pasta, and later on there's Charlie Brooker's "You Have Been Watching" which even without Frankie Boyle looks set to be a good one.
This weeks guests are Martin Freeman, Liza Tarbuck, and best of all Reginald D Hunter. I haven't seen Liza on television for a long while although she's currently standing in for Jonathan Ross's radio show alongside Huey Morgan, and she has one of the dirtiest laughs so hopefully Charlie's gags will result in hearing said laugh.
Apart from Mock The Week, it's probably my only "must-watch" programme on TV at present.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Non Negotiable As Ever
Barely anything's happened today although it's not been too bad outside.
I may even eat afresco tonight with a delicious lamb stew with expensive penne pasta which I really am looking forward too in an unusual manner.
The Job Centre visit went well although I also got a phone call from one of the places I applied for a temporary position in the Autumn. However it probably won't be going further after I explained that I would need the first week of November off for graduation.
I guess I'll keep on searching.
Hopefully tomorrow I'll be beach bound if it still looks as good as this, although temperature wise it's slightly more moderate.
Aside from that it's still empty, save for a Start menu full of Word documents.
I may even eat afresco tonight with a delicious lamb stew with expensive penne pasta which I really am looking forward too in an unusual manner.
The Job Centre visit went well although I also got a phone call from one of the places I applied for a temporary position in the Autumn. However it probably won't be going further after I explained that I would need the first week of November off for graduation.
I guess I'll keep on searching.
Hopefully tomorrow I'll be beach bound if it still looks as good as this, although temperature wise it's slightly more moderate.
Aside from that it's still empty, save for a Start menu full of Word documents.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Speedily Into August
Mum and Dad have gone up to Yorkshire where they'll be until Wednesday and it's just me here.
If I had found out earlier I could have sorted out some sort of booze-up here and those from London could have booked off time to attend.
Not to worry though, there's a few birthday dos this month, notably Emma's which should be taking place the night before the Incognito gig which I'm looking forward to a lot as you'd expect.
As for the next few days, Tuesday's meant to be the best out of all of them so I may spend it in a seaside town where I haven't been to for almost exactly a decade, that being Dymchurch which is probably the closest we've got to Skeggy in this county so if it's as good as I remember it being (very vaguley) it could be an idea place for a Uni reunion.
Well second to Brighton in terms of an all dayer.
As for tomorrow, there's a visit to the Job Centre and more writing I guess.
It may explain why the posts on the blog are becoming less regular as I'm putting a lot more into something that will only be seen by a chosen few but will get a few things off my chest and hopefully dispelled for a long time.
If I had found out earlier I could have sorted out some sort of booze-up here and those from London could have booked off time to attend.
Not to worry though, there's a few birthday dos this month, notably Emma's which should be taking place the night before the Incognito gig which I'm looking forward to a lot as you'd expect.
As for the next few days, Tuesday's meant to be the best out of all of them so I may spend it in a seaside town where I haven't been to for almost exactly a decade, that being Dymchurch which is probably the closest we've got to Skeggy in this county so if it's as good as I remember it being (very vaguley) it could be an idea place for a Uni reunion.
Well second to Brighton in terms of an all dayer.
As for tomorrow, there's a visit to the Job Centre and more writing I guess.
It may explain why the posts on the blog are becoming less regular as I'm putting a lot more into something that will only be seen by a chosen few but will get a few things off my chest and hopefully dispelled for a long time.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
The Brummie Weds!
Still rummaging through various stuff from Spring 2006, a lot of it coming from Josie and Ross's Punk Show on Smoke Radio where oblivious to punk Ross got a lot of ribbing from the Brummie babe.
It comes in quite nicely time wise as today Josie is getting married in her home town of Birmingham where Ross is the man of honour.
I had a gander at is video post where as expected he was nervous suggesting that he would look like a "bell boy".
I know where I could go with that...
Mum and Dad are going away tomorrow for their "holiday" for three days in York, stopping off to see Grandma at her nursing home in Haworth.
I haven't seen my Dad's mum for 3 years since her husband died in October 2006 which was a rather swift journey to and back from London to Yorkshire, although I had no idea that it would be my last visit to her house.
That means I've got to sort out my own meals and am rather full up from the remains of the mince with penne pasta I had earlier.
I may end up making something extra meaty tomorrow possibly with some easy cook rice as the basmati rice we've got at the moment is rather dry.
There's also another visit to the Job Centre on Monday to sign on which should hopefully go OK without any flaws although I'm sure there's always a trap door waiting in all places.
It comes in quite nicely time wise as today Josie is getting married in her home town of Birmingham where Ross is the man of honour.
I had a gander at is video post where as expected he was nervous suggesting that he would look like a "bell boy".
I know where I could go with that...
Mum and Dad are going away tomorrow for their "holiday" for three days in York, stopping off to see Grandma at her nursing home in Haworth.
I haven't seen my Dad's mum for 3 years since her husband died in October 2006 which was a rather swift journey to and back from London to Yorkshire, although I had no idea that it would be my last visit to her house.
That means I've got to sort out my own meals and am rather full up from the remains of the mince with penne pasta I had earlier.
I may end up making something extra meaty tomorrow possibly with some easy cook rice as the basmati rice we've got at the moment is rather dry.
There's also another visit to the Job Centre on Monday to sign on which should hopefully go OK without any flaws although I'm sure there's always a trap door waiting in all places.
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