Today was slightly quieter than the last two days which was spent going to Wenzell's and then to the radio rooms where a few of the first years were completing and printing out their final essays of the year to hand in.
Spike in particular had only done about 1,100 words out of 2000 by 4pm with the essay due in within an hour and there were rumours that one of the other students had got his dad to write one of his essays and was being investigated for plagiarism.
Other than that things were looking pretty much OK.
I plan to spend tonight on Audio Surf which I've managed to get round to buying and should be good fun overall. It's taking quite a while to download however so I'm not sure if it will even be complete by tonight.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Beautifully Retro
That's how I'd sum up the latest Swing Out Sister LP "Beautiful Mess" which I've spent the last hour listening to. To be honest the album's actually less than an hour long and two of the tracks on their are rather poor remixes of ones that are already on there but that's not important.
The album itself definitley progresses throughout with the trademark SOS sound reminscent of Dusty, Bacharach and so on with album highlights for me including
"All I Say, I Do", "Seacret Love" which has shades of "Move On Up" by Curtis Mayfield,
"Out There", and "Butterfly Lullaby" which like the majority of SOS instrumentals comes up with the goods.
Whilst this album is just about worth the wait after their last release 4 years ago it's not as consistent and exciting as the latest Incognito release "Tales From The Beach" and that's from a band who within 4 years have released 4 albums and have continued to come up with the goods every time.
This Friday should definitely be an interesting show.
The album itself definitley progresses throughout with the trademark SOS sound reminscent of Dusty, Bacharach and so on with album highlights for me including
"All I Say, I Do", "Seacret Love" which has shades of "Move On Up" by Curtis Mayfield,
"Out There", and "Butterfly Lullaby" which like the majority of SOS instrumentals comes up with the goods.
Whilst this album is just about worth the wait after their last release 4 years ago it's not as consistent and exciting as the latest Incognito release "Tales From The Beach" and that's from a band who within 4 years have released 4 albums and have continued to come up with the goods every time.
This Friday should definitely be an interesting show.
Messy Monday, Tiring Tuesday
It's been a rather busy and exhaustive 24 hours but I'm hoping it will be the first of many enjoyable experiences this semester. As planned I started off at Spoons in Kenton where Chris, Pete, Phil H and birthday girl Sam were present and I enjoyed a chilli that thankfully wasn't as lethal as the last one I had in there.
We then stopped off at Chris, Phil and Stoobie's new house which is just superb with a nice conservatory and a TV with Sky Digital on there. They've yet to sort out their internet but apart from that they've done well.
Housemate Danielle got us a taxi which took us to the Undercroft and as the night progressed there was quite a good turn out and people enjoying the enjoyable if at times bizarre DJ sets. My set at the end of the night went pretty well throughout with the dancefloor packed at most times and once I got all the usual stuff out of the way such as Hanson and the Jackson 5 I decided to try out a few of my own choices including the now infamous Incognito mash-up which went down well blending "Everyday" with "Hips Don't Lie" and "Baby One More Time" to name a few tunes. I finished off with "Bohemian Rhapsody" although Phil Harris decided to step behind the decks near the end of the song and play James Brown's "I Feel Good" which didn't go down too well with the bouncers.
By this time Sami was desperate for some grub, and trundled along back to Chris and Stoobie's house and I decided to tag along with them. Sam didn't stay for too long but Oli P had managed to wrangle his way over as well as a few other people who wanted to get in but weren't so succesfull. Especially as they had a long way to walk back.
I didn't really get any sleep during the night as it was spent watching the Vault, and old episodes of Family Fortunes and Catchphrase on Challenge. They kept me going until around 7am when I eventually crashed out.
The majority of today was spent as part of the recording for a scene of a BBC Three drama called "Freshers" where I was one of the extras at the Smoke Radio stall at a Freshers Fayre. Some of the others managed to get more bizarre roles courtesy of the props department of the drama society including Miles Blayden Ryall as a Judo instructor, Troy dressed as a giant whopee cushion and Spikey G dressed as a giant mushroom. The shooting took quite a long time as a drama shoot would with multiple takes recorded at different angles but we were eventually allowed to go when they started shooting from our angle in front of the Smoke Radio stall.
Tomorrow should be less exhaustive although I may go and kill a bit of time up in radio where Oli P will be doing his request show as normal. I also need to have a listen to the new Swing Out Sister album which I plan to play along with the new Incognito album on Friday's soul show, the latter of which is due out on Monday.
It's definitley looking hopeful.
We then stopped off at Chris, Phil and Stoobie's new house which is just superb with a nice conservatory and a TV with Sky Digital on there. They've yet to sort out their internet but apart from that they've done well.
Housemate Danielle got us a taxi which took us to the Undercroft and as the night progressed there was quite a good turn out and people enjoying the enjoyable if at times bizarre DJ sets. My set at the end of the night went pretty well throughout with the dancefloor packed at most times and once I got all the usual stuff out of the way such as Hanson and the Jackson 5 I decided to try out a few of my own choices including the now infamous Incognito mash-up which went down well blending "Everyday" with "Hips Don't Lie" and "Baby One More Time" to name a few tunes. I finished off with "Bohemian Rhapsody" although Phil Harris decided to step behind the decks near the end of the song and play James Brown's "I Feel Good" which didn't go down too well with the bouncers.
By this time Sami was desperate for some grub, and trundled along back to Chris and Stoobie's house and I decided to tag along with them. Sam didn't stay for too long but Oli P had managed to wrangle his way over as well as a few other people who wanted to get in but weren't so succesfull. Especially as they had a long way to walk back.
I didn't really get any sleep during the night as it was spent watching the Vault, and old episodes of Family Fortunes and Catchphrase on Challenge. They kept me going until around 7am when I eventually crashed out.
The majority of today was spent as part of the recording for a scene of a BBC Three drama called "Freshers" where I was one of the extras at the Smoke Radio stall at a Freshers Fayre. Some of the others managed to get more bizarre roles courtesy of the props department of the drama society including Miles Blayden Ryall as a Judo instructor, Troy dressed as a giant whopee cushion and Spikey G dressed as a giant mushroom. The shooting took quite a long time as a drama shoot would with multiple takes recorded at different angles but we were eventually allowed to go when they started shooting from our angle in front of the Smoke Radio stall.
Tomorrow should be less exhaustive although I may go and kill a bit of time up in radio where Oli P will be doing his request show as normal. I also need to have a listen to the new Swing Out Sister album which I plan to play along with the new Incognito album on Friday's soul show, the latter of which is due out on Monday.
It's definitley looking hopeful.
Monday, April 28, 2008
"Let's Twist Again"
The plans for tonight have changed slightly as I've been promoted to the top slot at midnight for our Messy Monday where I'll be spinning the cheese to finish off the night. This is because Chris and Phil who normally have this slot want to get rat-arsed for a change and Sammy C who was meant to be in their place has dropped out.
Beforehand I'll be heading to Kenton Spoons for a few drinks and to see a certain Miss Impey will be celebrating her 23rd birthday. Everyone's hoping for a good turn out at the Undercroft at what looks set to be a really good night and an eclectic set of DJs including Oli P who's now doing my old slot, Mattie who's going to be providing visuals as part of his rather rocky set and Stevie McIntosh who'll be spinning his R'n'B gems.
It's going to be a good one.
Beforehand I'll be heading to Kenton Spoons for a few drinks and to see a certain Miss Impey will be celebrating her 23rd birthday. Everyone's hoping for a good turn out at the Undercroft at what looks set to be a really good night and an eclectic set of DJs including Oli P who's now doing my old slot, Mattie who's going to be providing visuals as part of his rather rocky set and Stevie McIntosh who'll be spinning his R'n'B gems.
It's going to be a good one.
"Down The Tubes"
It was rather hard yesterday trying to cope in halls without internet access but it meant I could have a few walks outside halls where it wasn't as wet as expected.
As planned I went to see "3 And Out" at the VUE in Harrow and it turned out to be quite a good film with Mackenzie Crook in the lead role of Paul, a tube driver and wannabe writer who had already run over two people within a month and needed to find a third person to be ran over in order to be let off with 10 years wages.
There were a few familiar faces including Imelda Staunton, Kerry Katona, and Annette Badland who once appeared as a nurse in Victor Lewis Smith's first TV series and more recently as one of the Slitheen in Doctor Who.
Tonight's going to be a good one hopefully as Smoke Radio will be taking over the Undercroft once again with our "Messy Monday". I've got a few good tunes in my set such as Matt Bianco's "Wap Bam Boogie", Marcos Valle's "Parabens" and a rather rare groover from Grey and Hanks called "Dancin'". I've also got another mash-up I've done with the rather original title "Jungle Boogie". Probably one I'll slip in near the end.
As planned I went to see "3 And Out" at the VUE in Harrow and it turned out to be quite a good film with Mackenzie Crook in the lead role of Paul, a tube driver and wannabe writer who had already run over two people within a month and needed to find a third person to be ran over in order to be let off with 10 years wages.
There were a few familiar faces including Imelda Staunton, Kerry Katona, and Annette Badland who once appeared as a nurse in Victor Lewis Smith's first TV series and more recently as one of the Slitheen in Doctor Who.
Tonight's going to be a good one hopefully as Smoke Radio will be taking over the Undercroft once again with our "Messy Monday". I've got a few good tunes in my set such as Matt Bianco's "Wap Bam Boogie", Marcos Valle's "Parabens" and a rather rare groover from Grey and Hanks called "Dancin'". I've also got another mash-up I've done with the rather original title "Jungle Boogie". Probably one I'll slip in near the end.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Slightly Cloudy
I was expecting it to be raining heavily today but as I'm writing, it's not as bad as I thought it would be. It's starting to get rather overcast however so it could turn bad later on.
I haven't really got anything planned for today apart from going to see Mackenzie Crook's film "3 And Out" at the VUE in Harrow later tonight which should be interesting.
I also need to sort out my setlist for tomorrow's Smoke Radio Messy Monday at the Undercroft but otherwise there's nothing really happening around here.
This lunchtime Radio 4 are broadcasting an edition of "I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue" in tribute to Humphrey Lyttleton which will incude Willie Rushton as one of the panelists. I'd reccomend anyone who has never heard the show before to buy volume 1 of the series from the BBC Radio Collection which contains some of the funniest moments such as the Modern Nursery Rhymes round, "Gargle Gargle" and an amusing round of "Cheddar Gorge" about exploding trousers.
I haven't really got anything planned for today apart from going to see Mackenzie Crook's film "3 And Out" at the VUE in Harrow later tonight which should be interesting.
I also need to sort out my setlist for tomorrow's Smoke Radio Messy Monday at the Undercroft but otherwise there's nothing really happening around here.
This lunchtime Radio 4 are broadcasting an edition of "I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue" in tribute to Humphrey Lyttleton which will incude Willie Rushton as one of the panelists. I'd reccomend anyone who has never heard the show before to buy volume 1 of the series from the BBC Radio Collection which contains some of the funniest moments such as the Modern Nursery Rhymes round, "Gargle Gargle" and an amusing round of "Cheddar Gorge" about exploding trousers.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
"I've Been Playing A 'Bored Game' For Over 30 Years"
I found out on waking up this morning that Humphrey Lyttleton, the chairman of Radio 4's "I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue" had died.
Humph managed to make the programme entertaining by having a rather reluctant persona as host and could deliver some of the wittiest lines either about scorer Samantha searching for "7 inches" or about Lionel Blair having to "do 12 Angry Men".
Personally I think it would be impossible to continue the show as Humph managed to stay on as host for 50 series and nobody would be in a position to match the style he had alongside team members Barry, Graham, and Tim.
It could be seen as fitting that the last show broadcast with Humph was a special on Christmas Day last year called "Humph In Wonderland" where the host played the part of the lead character in an adaptation of the fairy tale, which included a "Queen Of Farts" although it was never referred to by name.
Overall it's a great loss to a brilliant broadcaster and possibly one of the funniest programmes on radio.
Humph managed to make the programme entertaining by having a rather reluctant persona as host and could deliver some of the wittiest lines either about scorer Samantha searching for "7 inches" or about Lionel Blair having to "do 12 Angry Men".
Personally I think it would be impossible to continue the show as Humph managed to stay on as host for 50 series and nobody would be in a position to match the style he had alongside team members Barry, Graham, and Tim.
It could be seen as fitting that the last show broadcast with Humph was a special on Christmas Day last year called "Humph In Wonderland" where the host played the part of the lead character in an adaptation of the fairy tale, which included a "Queen Of Farts" although it was never referred to by name.
Overall it's a great loss to a brilliant broadcaster and possibly one of the funniest programmes on radio.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Done And Dusted
I finally managed to complete my Broadcasting essay and get it handed in at the Undergrad Office which means there are now no more assignments until next year. Well, October to be more precise and that is a long time.
Whilst on my way to handing it in I came across Phil H and Stoobie who were trying to take down the Smoke Radio banner that has been hanging on the metal bridge in the street for quite a while.
They need it for this programme that they're helping out on which will be transmitted on BBC 3 where it's meant to give an account of a Fresher's Week at a University.
Hopefully I'll be able to help out as an extra especially as I wasn't around for the majority of this year's actual Fresher's Week.
There's also the Messy Monday night at the Undercroft which the station is holding and I'll be DJing there again between 9 and 10pm. For the first time in quite a while however I won't be the first one on as Oli P has finally got the chance to do a set and will be spinning his selection of tunes. I'm hoping he won't try to impersonate Westwood which is what he's become known for doing especially by shouting "LEEETTS GOOOO!".
It will probably be a quiet weekend beforehand but at least I don't have any more pressures to worry about until the Autumn.
Whilst on my way to handing it in I came across Phil H and Stoobie who were trying to take down the Smoke Radio banner that has been hanging on the metal bridge in the street for quite a while.
They need it for this programme that they're helping out on which will be transmitted on BBC 3 where it's meant to give an account of a Fresher's Week at a University.
Hopefully I'll be able to help out as an extra especially as I wasn't around for the majority of this year's actual Fresher's Week.
There's also the Messy Monday night at the Undercroft which the station is holding and I'll be DJing there again between 9 and 10pm. For the first time in quite a while however I won't be the first one on as Oli P has finally got the chance to do a set and will be spinning his selection of tunes. I'm hoping he won't try to impersonate Westwood which is what he's become known for doing especially by shouting "LEEETTS GOOOO!".
It will probably be a quiet weekend beforehand but at least I don't have any more pressures to worry about until the Autumn.
Home Cooking In Halls
There was a visit yesterday night from Michael's mother who had come over to stay the night in halls. Michael had made a roast lamb which was really good although I didn't have too much because I had already made a meal earlier.
They're planning to go back home later today to Mersea near Colchester although if Michael's paying rent for his room I reckon he'll be back sometime within the month.
The plan for today is to finally hand in my essay and then I'll be done with all my assignments for this year. Otherwise it will be another quiet one probably.
They're planning to go back home later today to Mersea near Colchester although if Michael's paying rent for his room I reckon he'll be back sometime within the month.
The plan for today is to finally hand in my essay and then I'll be done with all my assignments for this year. Otherwise it will be another quiet one probably.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Enjoying The Outdoors
Last night went slightly different than planned as a few people decided to start a fire under a hill outside halls. They included Joe, a commercial music student who does a show on the station and George from the Bamboozle team. We were later joined by Oli P from first year radio and a few others who brought a few musical instruments with them including what looked like a tribal drum and a mini accordian as well as quite a few acoustic guitars.
It didn't last too long as the Chinese security guard came up and threw a bucket of water extinguishing the fire which according to Joe was the fourth one they've had in a row this week.
I then went back to the Kodak Court with Oli and someone else who lived there, where they decided to have a throwabout but I decided to head back to halls at that point as I didn't want to get any more injuries to my hand.
I'm in a bit of a reluctant mood this morning knowing that I need to get the assingment done but I can't be bothered to go to the library. I'm sure I'll get somewhere with it however and I'm aiming to get up to 2,500 words which shouldn't be too big a problem.
It didn't last too long as the Chinese security guard came up and threw a bucket of water extinguishing the fire which according to Joe was the fourth one they've had in a row this week.
I then went back to the Kodak Court with Oli and someone else who lived there, where they decided to have a throwabout but I decided to head back to halls at that point as I didn't want to get any more injuries to my hand.
I'm in a bit of a reluctant mood this morning knowing that I need to get the assingment done but I can't be bothered to go to the library. I'm sure I'll get somewhere with it however and I'm aiming to get up to 2,500 words which shouldn't be too big a problem.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Puppets In Power
Once again nothing's really been happening today apart from my visit into Harrow as planned.
I did manage to find this rather amusing video of Rainbow dubbed with the voices of the candidates for the London Mayor elections due to take place on the 1st of May.
Personally I reckon there isn't really any difference between the voices of Zippy and Ken Livingstone
The plan for tonight is to hopefully get through tonight's episode of The Apprentice and tomorrow I'll be back in the library aiming to finish off my Broadcasting essay.
I'm really hoping things pick up once the assingments are done although when the loan arrives it may result in everyone being more outgoing.
I did manage to find this rather amusing video of Rainbow dubbed with the voices of the candidates for the London Mayor elections due to take place on the 1st of May.
Personally I reckon there isn't really any difference between the voices of Zippy and Ken Livingstone
The plan for tonight is to hopefully get through tonight's episode of The Apprentice and tomorrow I'll be back in the library aiming to finish off my Broadcasting essay.
I'm really hoping things pick up once the assingments are done although when the loan arrives it may result in everyone being more outgoing.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Warm April Conditions
There's been an improvement in the weather today with a few of those living in halls making good use of the grass outside in the good weather. Hopefully when a few more people arrive back who I know I'll be able to enjoy it too but I did make a visit to Sainsbury's earlier today without needing to wear a coat as I went out.
Asides that I managed to get just under two thirds of the way through my Broadcasting Essay writing about what sort of content ITV had to offer and how the BBC initially responded. I also need to register for the modules I'll be doing next year although SRSweb doesn't seem to be working on the University website which may mean I have to choose the modules by writing them down if that method still works.
I'm not sure how I'll spend tomorrow, probably another visit to Wenzels although I may go a bit further just to get more exercise.
Asides that I managed to get just under two thirds of the way through my Broadcasting Essay writing about what sort of content ITV had to offer and how the BBC initially responded. I also need to register for the modules I'll be doing next year although SRSweb doesn't seem to be working on the University website which may mean I have to choose the modules by writing them down if that method still works.
I'm not sure how I'll spend tomorrow, probably another visit to Wenzels although I may go a bit further just to get more exercise.
Monday, April 21, 2008
A Summer Without Radio Laughter?
That's what I've found out today via the Media Guardian website as it's revealed that there won't be a series of I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue this Spring/Summer due to Humph being admitted to hospital. Basically it means my Monday nights are more or less empty for longer than normal until Nicholas Parsons and the team return around July time with Just A Minute, although it doesn't really have that many funny moments as often as ISIHAC mainly because one host is more irreverant than the other.
I'd planned to go and see the stage show of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue in Oxford last September but because of what had happened the month before it made things tricky. That's still going on however with Rob Brydon in place of Humph in the chair.
On a lighter side I managed to find this Album Chart rundown from the Chart Show as transmitted on the 15th of May 1987! My second birthday nonetheless.
I swear that the music in the sting for this rundown sounds very similar to Level 42, who are featured with their album "Running In The Family".
And rather fitting to find Swing Out Sister at Number 1 with their debut "It's Better To Travel" with the video for "Twilight World" being shown, complete with late 80s clothes and hairstyles.
Plenty of gems on that album overall including the hit "Breakout", "Blue Mood"
as mentioned halfway through the video (and I happen to have the video for that song somewhere) and "Fooled By A Smile" which was covered by Julie Dexter along with Incognito a couple of years ago.
I've yet to listen to the current SOS album which I'm keeping safe until I've got all my assignments done but I've seen plenty of good reviews on Amazon so it will hopefully be worth the wait.
I'd planned to go and see the stage show of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue in Oxford last September but because of what had happened the month before it made things tricky. That's still going on however with Rob Brydon in place of Humph in the chair.
On a lighter side I managed to find this Album Chart rundown from the Chart Show as transmitted on the 15th of May 1987! My second birthday nonetheless.
I swear that the music in the sting for this rundown sounds very similar to Level 42, who are featured with their album "Running In The Family".
And rather fitting to find Swing Out Sister at Number 1 with their debut "It's Better To Travel" with the video for "Twilight World" being shown, complete with late 80s clothes and hairstyles.
Plenty of gems on that album overall including the hit "Breakout", "Blue Mood"
as mentioned halfway through the video (and I happen to have the video for that song somewhere) and "Fooled By A Smile" which was covered by Julie Dexter along with Incognito a couple of years ago.
I've yet to listen to the current SOS album which I'm keeping safe until I've got all my assignments done but I've seen plenty of good reviews on Amazon so it will hopefully be worth the wait.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Backspamming
I got quite a bit of stick from a few people on Facebook when my profile was hacked into and sent out links to a site advertising illegal drugs. I've no idea how it happened but I know that I'm not the only one to have been hacked on the site.
The rest of today has been pretty quiet as always, not much eventful going on apart from a visit to the library to work on my Broadcasting In the 20th Century essay where I'm now up to just under 1000 words out of 3000.
It's the BAFTA TV awards tonight which should cover my evening although I'm not expecting nothing too interesting to happen. There were a few surprises last year however such as Mitchell and Webb's sketch show winning the comedy award despite quite a few people critisizing compared to Peep Show which they don't write.
I've heard that the BBC have approached them to write their own sitcom pilot which I'm looking forward to seeing the results of.
I may make another visit to Wenzels tomorrow to get some bread as I'm pretty short of that at present and if I'm up for it I'll try and make the halfway mark with my Broadcasting essay. The deadlines not until next Monday anyway so I'll go about it steadily.
The rest of today has been pretty quiet as always, not much eventful going on apart from a visit to the library to work on my Broadcasting In the 20th Century essay where I'm now up to just under 1000 words out of 3000.
It's the BAFTA TV awards tonight which should cover my evening although I'm not expecting nothing too interesting to happen. There were a few surprises last year however such as Mitchell and Webb's sketch show winning the comedy award despite quite a few people critisizing compared to Peep Show which they don't write.
I've heard that the BBC have approached them to write their own sitcom pilot which I'm looking forward to seeing the results of.
I may make another visit to Wenzels tomorrow to get some bread as I'm pretty short of that at present and if I'm up for it I'll try and make the halfway mark with my Broadcasting essay. The deadlines not until next Monday anyway so I'll go about it steadily.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Messy May
Still a rather run of the mill day as always, just finished watching Doctor Who and waiting for Britain's Got Talent to start which should be enjoyable if last weeks was anything to go by.
It looks as if I've got quite a lot of diary dates as soon as the assignments are handed in as Sami's using the Smoke Radio Messy Monday night at the Undercroft as the destination for her 23rd birthday. Also on the 5th of May Incognito will be performing at the re-opened Fopp in Central London for a free 20 minute gig which I'll need to plan around as I'll be seeing Fertile Ground at the Jazz Cafe on the same night, provided the tickets turn up in time.
Then of course on the day after it's Dissertation Deadline Day so I reckon they'll be a few drinks and another journey into Central if we're lucky. Just a case of getting the assignments or should that be assignment done which is my broadcasting essay so I'll start on that tomorrow morning.
It looks as if I've got quite a lot of diary dates as soon as the assignments are handed in as Sami's using the Smoke Radio Messy Monday night at the Undercroft as the destination for her 23rd birthday. Also on the 5th of May Incognito will be performing at the re-opened Fopp in Central London for a free 20 minute gig which I'll need to plan around as I'll be seeing Fertile Ground at the Jazz Cafe on the same night, provided the tickets turn up in time.
Then of course on the day after it's Dissertation Deadline Day so I reckon they'll be a few drinks and another journey into Central if we're lucky. Just a case of getting the assignments or should that be assignment done which is my broadcasting essay so I'll start on that tomorrow morning.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Armed In London
I managed to hand in my Advertising case study today which means I've only got the Broadcasting essay to get done before I'm done for the year.
Apart from that it's been rather quiet here although I'm looking forward to the current series of Have I Got News For You which starts tonight with Jack Dee as the guest host.
Hopefully if Boris Johnson isn't succesfull in his bid for London Mayor they'll get him back again although every series has it's fair share of strong and weak people hosting the show.
They showed Boris's campaign broadcast on television earlier and it appears that he wants to cut down on muggings that happen on public transport by putting police on buses. This reminds me of when I was in Venice and a few of us were on a bus when a load of policemen rushed on aiming there guns at what appeared to be a criminal which looked like a mugging itself. Hopefully it won't get as violent as this although from personal experiences Harrow's rather dangerous in itself at night time.
I need to do some shopping tomorrow as I'm running out of my usual wares although that should be good as I'm attempting to lose a bit of weight. It may be an idea to consider joining the gym next year.
Apart from that it's been rather quiet here although I'm looking forward to the current series of Have I Got News For You which starts tonight with Jack Dee as the guest host.
Hopefully if Boris Johnson isn't succesfull in his bid for London Mayor they'll get him back again although every series has it's fair share of strong and weak people hosting the show.
They showed Boris's campaign broadcast on television earlier and it appears that he wants to cut down on muggings that happen on public transport by putting police on buses. This reminds me of when I was in Venice and a few of us were on a bus when a load of policemen rushed on aiming there guns at what appeared to be a criminal which looked like a mugging itself. Hopefully it won't get as violent as this although from personal experiences Harrow's rather dangerous in itself at night time.
I need to do some shopping tomorrow as I'm running out of my usual wares although that should be good as I'm attempting to lose a bit of weight. It may be an idea to consider joining the gym next year.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Bow Of Bliss
Jamie Cullum used to be referred to as "the David Beckham of jazz" although I reckon the equivalent for classical music has to be Nigel Kennedy judging by his appearance on the One Show tonight. If anyone saw it they could probably tell judging by his voice sounding very similar to the football player, why he's better known for playing the violin although they did show a few clips of him in action. These included his arrangement of the Doctor Who theme, set to be performed at this years Proms.
I reckon his finest television moment however, had to be on Going Live! back in November 1989 when he made an appearance with Jason Donovan and the Singing Corner for a rather crazy rendition of "Hound Dog".
As for the rest of tonight I've reached the final episode of Skins series 1 which should provide me with entertainment. My favourite episode from that series would either be the first one or the one when they went on a trip to Russia which happened to be co-written by Simon Amstell.
Definitely one of the better dramas I've seen recently.
I reckon his finest television moment however, had to be on Going Live! back in November 1989 when he made an appearance with Jason Donovan and the Singing Corner for a rather crazy rendition of "Hound Dog".
As for the rest of tonight I've reached the final episode of Skins series 1 which should provide me with entertainment. My favourite episode from that series would either be the first one or the one when they went on a trip to Russia which happened to be co-written by Simon Amstell.
Definitely one of the better dramas I've seen recently.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
"Make Believe Not War"
Once again another empty day with not much worth doing apart from reading or should that be skimming through the books I've borrowed from the library for the advertising module.
As planned I went to see "Son Of Rambo" which turned out to be a very entertaining film about a young boy from a Plymouth Brethren family becoming the star in an amateur video from another boy at his school, with a good blend of funny and downbeat moments.
There weren't many well known actors in the film but there was an appearance from Adam Buxton as a science teacher who once again ended up in a rather painful scene. However this was nowhere near as violent as his role as a newspaper journalist in
"Hot Fuzz". Also appearing were Jessica Hynes from "Spaced" as the mother of the Plymouth Brethren family and Anna Wing as the grandmother, better known as Lou Beale from Eastenders.
There was good attention to detail with the time period of the film set in the early to mid 80s with not just the music from that era but a couple of Radio 1 JAM jingles were also used in one of the scenes.
They even mentioned the jingles in the credits with Jon Wolfert and composer
Chris Kershaw getting a mention which helped to make the film for me although overall it's definitely one of the best I've seen this year.
Tomorrow I'm hoping to get my advertising case study completed which I hope isn't going to be too hard a task and I need to go and get some drinks as I've had to survive on water for the majority of today.
As planned I went to see "Son Of Rambo" which turned out to be a very entertaining film about a young boy from a Plymouth Brethren family becoming the star in an amateur video from another boy at his school, with a good blend of funny and downbeat moments.
There weren't many well known actors in the film but there was an appearance from Adam Buxton as a science teacher who once again ended up in a rather painful scene. However this was nowhere near as violent as his role as a newspaper journalist in
"Hot Fuzz". Also appearing were Jessica Hynes from "Spaced" as the mother of the Plymouth Brethren family and Anna Wing as the grandmother, better known as Lou Beale from Eastenders.
There was good attention to detail with the time period of the film set in the early to mid 80s with not just the music from that era but a couple of Radio 1 JAM jingles were also used in one of the scenes.
They even mentioned the jingles in the credits with Jon Wolfert and composer
Chris Kershaw getting a mention which helped to make the film for me although overall it's definitely one of the best I've seen this year.
Tomorrow I'm hoping to get my advertising case study completed which I hope isn't going to be too hard a task and I need to go and get some drinks as I've had to survive on water for the majority of today.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Settling Back In Speedily
I felt rather unsure about coming back from Canterbury this morning and have felt that I should have stayed for a bit longer but it's not too bad now as I've managed to get three quarters of my advertising case study done. It's rather quiet on campus however although the only place that's really full of students is the library where people have been working on assignments. I don't want to rush completing the case study so I may spend tomorrow looking at some of the books that I have got out to help me write the essay and try and have it completed by Thursday or Friday.
My aim is to stay here in London until they throw us out of halls at the beginning of June although I have to go back to Canterbury sometime in May to the Fracture Clinic at the hospital to check my finger and I'm hoping that it doesn't happen during Smoke Radio's final week of broadcasting.
The weather here looks set to be rather mixed as earlier today it was sunny but not really the sort of weather to be without a coat as the temperatures haven't really got higher since the snow just over a week ago.
Tomorrow evening however I may go to the VUE in Harrow to see "Son Of Rambo"
which I've been waiting to see for quite a while and is about some young boys who try to recreate the film Rambo to amusing results. I reckon it will be one of the highlights from our shores to hit the screens this year.
My aim is to stay here in London until they throw us out of halls at the beginning of June although I have to go back to Canterbury sometime in May to the Fracture Clinic at the hospital to check my finger and I'm hoping that it doesn't happen during Smoke Radio's final week of broadcasting.
The weather here looks set to be rather mixed as earlier today it was sunny but not really the sort of weather to be without a coat as the temperatures haven't really got higher since the snow just over a week ago.
Tomorrow evening however I may go to the VUE in Harrow to see "Son Of Rambo"
which I've been waiting to see for quite a while and is about some young boys who try to recreate the film Rambo to amusing results. I reckon it will be one of the highlights from our shores to hit the screens this year.
Monday, April 14, 2008
A Hopeful Return?
It's been my last full day in Canterbury and I spent part of it visiting Dad in hospital. He's starting to feel better than he did before although he's still having trouble moving one of his feet. I feel rather bad leaving at this time but Mum's still visiting him at least once a day so things should slowly progress even if it's rather difficult for Dad.
On a lighter note I've found out where we're going to be holding the annual Smoke Radio Awards and it's at this place called "Paradise" in Kensall Green which isn't too far from Harrow. I've had a look at the menu which I'm not 100 percent about as there are things that I like and things that I don't like on seperate dishes. That's not too good although on the plus side the awards themselves should be a good laugh and Chris and Phil will be DJing after all the gongs have been given out.
And it's taking place on my birthday of all days which should be fun and it means I can do my show live on the Friday although if that is the case it will be following the final show from our Smoke Radio stalwarts Goodlass and Marshall. Then again they've always given me the nerves and energy needed before a show that in the end, ends up going even better than it normally does.
We've also got another Undercroft night in two weeks in what's going to be called the "Messy Monday" which I hope to be DJing at. That will be on the day when I've got all the coursework for this year completed and this semesters loan will be in my bank account. Things should continue to be messy from there onwards.
RIP Mark Speight: 1965-2008
"If You're Glued To Art, Stick With SMart!"
On a lighter note I've found out where we're going to be holding the annual Smoke Radio Awards and it's at this place called "Paradise" in Kensall Green which isn't too far from Harrow. I've had a look at the menu which I'm not 100 percent about as there are things that I like and things that I don't like on seperate dishes. That's not too good although on the plus side the awards themselves should be a good laugh and Chris and Phil will be DJing after all the gongs have been given out.
And it's taking place on my birthday of all days which should be fun and it means I can do my show live on the Friday although if that is the case it will be following the final show from our Smoke Radio stalwarts Goodlass and Marshall. Then again they've always given me the nerves and energy needed before a show that in the end, ends up going even better than it normally does.
We've also got another Undercroft night in two weeks in what's going to be called the "Messy Monday" which I hope to be DJing at. That will be on the day when I've got all the coursework for this year completed and this semesters loan will be in my bank account. Things should continue to be messy from there onwards.
RIP Mark Speight: 1965-2008
"If You're Glued To Art, Stick With SMart!"
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