So, the Illinois governor, Rod Blagojevich, has not just been impeached, but he's been fired from office.
Next thing you know, "Blago" will be going round the news and talk shows again, to tell everybody how wrong the Illinois legislature was and he'll channel more historical figures like Churchill and JFK, and who knows who else, just to try and win the media war.
Guess what, Blago. You just lost your job, and you lost the media war, when you got arrested!
Thursday 29 January 2009
Wednesday 28 January 2009
PETA's SuperBowl ad rejected by NBC.
The Huffington Post reference a New York Post article about NBC rejecting an advert from PETA. The ad is available to view at the Huffington Post page, and why it was rejected.
To be honest, I reject PETA, because it does not act like responsible people do. Instead of actually working towards preventing animal cruelty, they criticise celebrities who do not agree with them, recruit celebrities to promote them and waste their time and money on ads that rival Republican party candidate ads and teleshopping infomercials on the stupidity meter.
PETA is a protest group, pure and simple, and such groups should be cosigned to where they belong, on the lunatic fringe.
To be honest, I reject PETA, because it does not act like responsible people do. Instead of actually working towards preventing animal cruelty, they criticise celebrities who do not agree with them, recruit celebrities to promote them and waste their time and money on ads that rival Republican party candidate ads and teleshopping infomercials on the stupidity meter.
PETA is a protest group, pure and simple, and such groups should be cosigned to where they belong, on the lunatic fringe.
Thursday 15 January 2009
CNNI starts, slowly, with Breaking News
CNN International got off to a slow start this evening.
It took them 10 minutes to actually activate the video feed, and another 6 minutes to get sound going. But there was breaking news out of New York to greet us, about a plane that had crashed into the Hudson River. I say it crashed but to be honest it looked like it had landed, cos it was intact.
CNN International had joined their domestic network for coverage from Wolf Blitzer in The Situation Room. Meanwhile BBC News had joined BBC World at about 9.30pm for continuing breaking news. Coverage was presented by BBC World's Mike Embley and BBC News Channel's Sophie Long. They stayed with BBC World's breaking news coverage from N8, whilst N6 produced the BBC News at Ten for BBC1 viewers only.
Sky News had dropped their 15 minutes every 15 minutes bulletins for breaking news coverage as well.
At the time I write this, CNNI is still carrying CNN domestic coverage, whilst BBC News Channel is continuing to carry BBC World News for the moment. Sky News is continuing their breaking news coverage as well. CNN.com is also carrying coverage online right now as well.
It took them 10 minutes to actually activate the video feed, and another 6 minutes to get sound going. But there was breaking news out of New York to greet us, about a plane that had crashed into the Hudson River. I say it crashed but to be honest it looked like it had landed, cos it was intact.
CNN International had joined their domestic network for coverage from Wolf Blitzer in The Situation Room. Meanwhile BBC News had joined BBC World at about 9.30pm for continuing breaking news. Coverage was presented by BBC World's Mike Embley and BBC News Channel's Sophie Long. They stayed with BBC World's breaking news coverage from N8, whilst N6 produced the BBC News at Ten for BBC1 viewers only.
Sky News had dropped their 15 minutes every 15 minutes bulletins for breaking news coverage as well.
At the time I write this, CNNI is still carrying CNN domestic coverage, whilst BBC News Channel is continuing to carry BBC World News for the moment. Sky News is continuing their breaking news coverage as well. CNN.com is also carrying coverage online right now as well.
CNNI arrives on Freeview
CNN International has finally arrived on Freeview. Officially it launches at 9pm tonight with Back Story, followed by World Sport, World News Europe, The Situation Room and CNN Today, ending it's broadcast day at 1am.
Even though the EPG slot on 84 is properly there, there is as yet no MHEG for the channel. Also, there is an interesting note. It lists the channel as "CNN" not CNNI. Now, whether this means anything at all, especially since the channel is listed as CNN on Sky's EPG and has been for some time, is anyone's guess. But here's mine.
CNN has been making less use of the CNN International name for a while, and more and more reference to the channel only as CNN. Perhaps they intend to phase out the International part and have it seem like one CNN across the world. Either that or out of CNN International will come regional versions of CNN for each part of the world. Heck, they're almost there already. It wouldn't take much more to get to that point.
We will see in time, but first, we'll see how they launch at 9pm tonight. With Back Story being the first programme, I get a sense it will get mentioned by host Michael Holmes.
Even though the EPG slot on 84 is properly there, there is as yet no MHEG for the channel. Also, there is an interesting note. It lists the channel as "CNN" not CNNI. Now, whether this means anything at all, especially since the channel is listed as CNN on Sky's EPG and has been for some time, is anyone's guess. But here's mine.
CNN has been making less use of the CNN International name for a while, and more and more reference to the channel only as CNN. Perhaps they intend to phase out the International part and have it seem like one CNN across the world. Either that or out of CNN International will come regional versions of CNN for each part of the world. Heck, they're almost there already. It wouldn't take much more to get to that point.
We will see in time, but first, we'll see how they launch at 9pm tonight. With Back Story being the first programme, I get a sense it will get mentioned by host Michael Holmes.
Campbell Brown: Mr President, you are wrong on Katrina.
I rarely highlight Campbell Brown's commentaries, called "Cutting Through The Bull", simply because far too often she misses far better stuff because she thinks she'll sound too much like Olbermann or O'Reilly. However, when something does punch her buttons, she does react to it, like she did on President Bush's final press conference Monday.
Unfortunately, the video cuts off too early and misses the best part, which sums up her comments nicely, so I quote it here.
"Mr. President, you cannot pat yourself on the back for that one. We will debate the war in Iraq, national security, the economy and the rest of your legacy. Those debates will continue for years to come. But on how you handled Katrina, there is no debate."
Well spoken, Campbell. More commentaries like this one that you obviously care about would help your program no end.
Unfortunately, the video cuts off too early and misses the best part, which sums up her comments nicely, so I quote it here.
"Mr. President, you cannot pat yourself on the back for that one. We will debate the war in Iraq, national security, the economy and the rest of your legacy. Those debates will continue for years to come. But on how you handled Katrina, there is no debate."
Well spoken, Campbell. More commentaries like this one that you obviously care about would help your program no end.
Wednesday 14 January 2009
Trifecta of lost souls.
It's funny how things always seem to come in threes. Whether they be good, or bad, really does not matter. It always seems to be a trifecta of either triumph or trouble.
The same seems to apply to famous people dying. Just 2 days ago, we lost one of the greats of sports broadcasting in the UK. David Vine started his career at Westward Television in Plymouth back in the 1960s. He started as an off-screen producer before being asked in front of the cameras one time on Westward Diary because the regular sports presenter hadn't turned up. From that day on, he never looked back.
He moved to the BBC in the 1970s and was a regular presenter on shows like Ski Sunday, Match Of The Day, and even hosted Miss World. He commentated on the Winter Olympics many times, and hosted Snooker coverage for over 20 years.
He retired from on-screen presenting in 2000. But since then, he has worked behind the scenes at BBC Sport as an adviser. David's easy going, gently humourous style has long been missed on screen, and his prescence will be missed off screen. David Vine was 73.
Today, we have had two famous actors die. Number 6, Patrick McGoohan, as he was known in the late 1960s ITV show The Prisoner, passed away today. Whilst he was best known as Number 6, he was also John Drake in ITVs Danger Man, and he also appeared in films, such as Ice Station Zebra and Escape From Alcatraz. He also made guest appearances in other TV shows. He made 4 guest appearances in Columbo alongside Peter Falk, and also appeared alongside Angela Lansbury in an episode of Murder She Wrote. McGoohan also directed episodes of The Prisoner and Columbo amongst others. Patrick McGoohan was 80.
Ricardo Montalban had already had a 20+ year career before he took on the role of Khan Noonien Singh in the first season Star Trek episode, "Space Seed". About 15 years he reprised the role of Khan in Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan. It's reported that he agreed to take on the role again in the movie for a mere $100,000 purely because he loved the role of Khan so much that he actually wanted to play it again. For may sci-fi fans, he permanently became Khan, despite having only appeared in the role twice. That was a testament to the quality of his acting.
However, he guested on many different shows over a 30 year span, too numerous to mention. Search out his IMDB profile for a comprehensive listing. He did however have two series regular cast roles to his name. Mr Roarke, the owner of "Fantasy Island", and Zach Powers in the Dynasty spin off "The Colbys". In later years, he provided his voice to many animations. Ricardo Montalban was 88.
The same seems to apply to famous people dying. Just 2 days ago, we lost one of the greats of sports broadcasting in the UK. David Vine started his career at Westward Television in Plymouth back in the 1960s. He started as an off-screen producer before being asked in front of the cameras one time on Westward Diary because the regular sports presenter hadn't turned up. From that day on, he never looked back.
He moved to the BBC in the 1970s and was a regular presenter on shows like Ski Sunday, Match Of The Day, and even hosted Miss World. He commentated on the Winter Olympics many times, and hosted Snooker coverage for over 20 years.
He retired from on-screen presenting in 2000. But since then, he has worked behind the scenes at BBC Sport as an adviser. David's easy going, gently humourous style has long been missed on screen, and his prescence will be missed off screen. David Vine was 73.
Today, we have had two famous actors die. Number 6, Patrick McGoohan, as he was known in the late 1960s ITV show The Prisoner, passed away today. Whilst he was best known as Number 6, he was also John Drake in ITVs Danger Man, and he also appeared in films, such as Ice Station Zebra and Escape From Alcatraz. He also made guest appearances in other TV shows. He made 4 guest appearances in Columbo alongside Peter Falk, and also appeared alongside Angela Lansbury in an episode of Murder She Wrote. McGoohan also directed episodes of The Prisoner and Columbo amongst others. Patrick McGoohan was 80.
Ricardo Montalban had already had a 20+ year career before he took on the role of Khan Noonien Singh in the first season Star Trek episode, "Space Seed". About 15 years he reprised the role of Khan in Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan. It's reported that he agreed to take on the role again in the movie for a mere $100,000 purely because he loved the role of Khan so much that he actually wanted to play it again. For may sci-fi fans, he permanently became Khan, despite having only appeared in the role twice. That was a testament to the quality of his acting.
However, he guested on many different shows over a 30 year span, too numerous to mention. Search out his IMDB profile for a comprehensive listing. He did however have two series regular cast roles to his name. Mr Roarke, the owner of "Fantasy Island", and Zach Powers in the Dynasty spin off "The Colbys". In later years, he provided his voice to many animations. Ricardo Montalban was 88.
Tuesday 13 January 2009
Worst Person In The World: Joseph Wurzelbacher
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Monday 12 January 2009
Saturday 10 January 2009
Friday 9 January 2009
Anger over French minister returning to work 5 days after giving birth.
This story has been around for a couple of days now, since French Justice Minister Rachida Dati appeared at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, just 5 days after giving birth to her daughter Zohra by caesarean section on Friday.
Under French Law, women are guaranteed 16 weeks paid maternity leave, with 10 weeks usually taken after giving birth. But, the French Labour Code doesn't apply to government ministers.
Feminist groups in France haven't let that particular fact enter their heads and have criticised her and said that other employers could use Dati's quick return to work as a way of pressuring female colleagues back to work quickly. Err, no. They have to abide by the law of the land, just like everybody else has to.
Under French Law, women are guaranteed 16 weeks paid maternity leave, with 10 weeks usually taken after giving birth. But, the French Labour Code doesn't apply to government ministers.
Feminist groups in France haven't let that particular fact enter their heads and have criticised her and said that other employers could use Dati's quick return to work as a way of pressuring female colleagues back to work quickly. Err, no. They have to abide by the law of the land, just like everybody else has to.
SuperCasino launches... still no CNNI
A new gaming channel, SuperCasino has launched on Freeview channel 48. It basically features roulette with the opportunity to place your chips by phone or internet.
Now I have to say that although it's launched, my Top Up TV box can watch it fine, but my ordinary Freeview box hasn't twigged that it has launched and it still says "New Channel Please Wait" when I try to watch it.
Not that I will be watching it much longer. Like all gaming channels, this basically a load of crap. The boredom of having the same game every 3 minutes, does my head in. And the presenters, trying to be suave and sophisticated, and yet warm and friendly, basically comes across as Yeuch!
This is one channel that Freeview needs to lose, as quickly as it gained it.
On a related note, Nuts TV is still broadcasting, and there is no sign yet of CNNI. We know that Nuts TV is due to close this month, and information had leaked out that it was supposed to be yesterday, but apparently not. A lack of official information doesn't make this any better. There's also a degree of confusion over whether the channel will broadcast for 4 hours a day or 24 hours a day.
As soon as there is any information reported that seems credible, I will bring it to you.
Now I have to say that although it's launched, my Top Up TV box can watch it fine, but my ordinary Freeview box hasn't twigged that it has launched and it still says "New Channel Please Wait" when I try to watch it.
Not that I will be watching it much longer. Like all gaming channels, this basically a load of crap. The boredom of having the same game every 3 minutes, does my head in. And the presenters, trying to be suave and sophisticated, and yet warm and friendly, basically comes across as Yeuch!
This is one channel that Freeview needs to lose, as quickly as it gained it.
On a related note, Nuts TV is still broadcasting, and there is no sign yet of CNNI. We know that Nuts TV is due to close this month, and information had leaked out that it was supposed to be yesterday, but apparently not. A lack of official information doesn't make this any better. There's also a degree of confusion over whether the channel will broadcast for 4 hours a day or 24 hours a day.
As soon as there is any information reported that seems credible, I will bring it to you.
Worst Person In The World: Bill O'Reilly
For the first time this year, Bill O'Reilly takes top spot in the MSNBC Countdown with Keith Olbermann Worst Person In The World honours list. Something to do with scaring people into thinking that there will be another 9/11 under Barack Obama, I believe...
Special mention goes to the Malk Maid, Michelle Malkin. After being out of it for so long, she finally says something really stupid. She claimed that those doing the Minnesota recount were providing moral help and support to Al Franken, and that Republicans were left out in the cold when it came to the canvassing board, a board which by the way is made up of 2 Republicans, 2 Independents and 1 Democrat!!!
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Special mention goes to the Malk Maid, Michelle Malkin. After being out of it for so long, she finally says something really stupid. She claimed that those doing the Minnesota recount were providing moral help and support to Al Franken, and that Republicans were left out in the cold when it came to the canvassing board, a board which by the way is made up of 2 Republicans, 2 Independents and 1 Democrat!!!
Thursday 8 January 2009
Worst Person In The World: Congressman Cliff Stearns
Congressman Cliff Stearns of Florida takes the honours in Wednesday's Worst Person In The World for inisting that Congress shuts up shop on Thursday so he can go an watch Florida in NCAA National Football Championship!
Special mentions have to go to both the BillO boy, and to Fox and Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade. Billy get his mention for his parroting of extreme right wing talking points against Leon Panetta, who by the way, has yet to be officially announced as the intended director of the CIA.
Brian Kilmeade get his mention for his "sensitive" handling of the naked skier story. You'll see why when you play the video.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Special mentions have to go to both the BillO boy, and to Fox and Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade. Billy get his mention for his parroting of extreme right wing talking points against Leon Panetta, who by the way, has yet to be officially announced as the intended director of the CIA.
Brian Kilmeade get his mention for his "sensitive" handling of the naked skier story. You'll see why when you play the video.
Global Economic Downturn: Even the porn industry wants a stimulus package!
How do you know when things are really bad in the economy? Well, when the porn industry goes to the government for money!
It was the number one story in the Countdown last night and Keith Olbermann's guest was Village Voice's Michael Musto.
Oh boy! Comedy fest, here we come!!!
I think they're milking this situation a bit and are home to cream some of the $700 billion already approved for the banks. They may well have to bone up on their politics if they want to flex any muscle in Washington.
Okay, okay, I'll quit the bad puns now!
It was the number one story in the Countdown last night and Keith Olbermann's guest was Village Voice's Michael Musto.
Oh boy! Comedy fest, here we come!!!
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
I think they're milking this situation a bit and are home to cream some of the $700 billion already approved for the banks. They may well have to bone up on their politics if they want to flex any muscle in Washington.
Okay, okay, I'll quit the bad puns now!
New channel arrives... but it's not CNNI...
...at least not yet. Channel 48 has seen the addition of SuperCasino.
SuperCasino has been airing every night at 11pm on Nuts TV. Now it seems to be moving to a channel of its own.
This question how long the CNNI slot will be and what times it will air. 9pm-1am seemed to be a bad set of times for CNNI. However, maybe a 7pm-11pm slot, which is regarded as EMEA (Europe Middle East Africa) primetime, is looking more likely.
This would tie in with information being reported on various forums about changes to CNNI's EMEA evening schedule. Perhaps the Freeview channel will be used to highlight the schedule. We shall soon see. It will not be long now. We should have a clearer picture by the end of Friday.
SuperCasino has been airing every night at 11pm on Nuts TV. Now it seems to be moving to a channel of its own.
This question how long the CNNI slot will be and what times it will air. 9pm-1am seemed to be a bad set of times for CNNI. However, maybe a 7pm-11pm slot, which is regarded as EMEA (Europe Middle East Africa) primetime, is looking more likely.
This would tie in with information being reported on various forums about changes to CNNI's EMEA evening schedule. Perhaps the Freeview channel will be used to highlight the schedule. We shall soon see. It will not be long now. We should have a clearer picture by the end of Friday.
Wednesday 7 January 2009
Late Show Top Ten: Questions
This one's quite good. The Top Ten Questions.
Personally, I think Numbers 1, 2 and 6 are excellent questions!
Personally, I think Numbers 1, 2 and 6 are excellent questions!
Late Show monologue: 6th Jan 2009
David Letterman delivers another excellent monologue on the CBS Late Show.
Ann Coulter continues her Guilt-fest
Ann Coulter appeared on NBC's Today show today, twice. Once again, I present the appearances to you so you can hear how nutty she really is, or you can save yourself the mental scarring and not bother to watch. The choice is yours.
Once again, don't buy her book, don't buy into her conservative propoganda. She's all spin and no facts.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Once again, don't buy her book, don't buy into her conservative propoganda. She's all spin and no facts.
Worst Person In The World: Sarah Palin
Governor Sarah Palin won Tuesday's Worst Person In The World honours.
Special mention goes to Comedian Rush "Limburger" Limbaugh, for accusing comedian come senator, him, Al Franken, of stealing the election. Perhaps he should reminded of a charge that he dismissed back in 2000, that a certain George W Bush stole the election in Florida, thereby giving him the WhiteHouse. They say that people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. The trouble is Limbaugh and his ilk throw concrete blocks in houses that are all glass, on quicksand foundations. Yet they still, just, manage to keep their heads above the waterline.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Special mention goes to Comedian Rush "Limburger" Limbaugh, for accusing comedian come senator, him, Al Franken, of stealing the election. Perhaps he should reminded of a charge that he dismissed back in 2000, that a certain George W Bush stole the election in Florida, thereby giving him the WhiteHouse. They say that people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. The trouble is Limbaugh and his ilk throw concrete blocks in houses that are all glass, on quicksand foundations. Yet they still, just, manage to keep their heads above the waterline.
Tuesday 6 January 2009
Katie Couric: The Senate, Roland Burris, Al Franken and the economy.
In her latest notebook entry, Katie Couric talks about the distractions that Roland Burris from Illinois, and Al Franken from Minnesota are to the important work of stimulating the economy.
Yes, these two situations are distractions. The Democrats blocking Burris, the Republicans blocking Franken. I'm afraid it's business as usual in Washington DC, and both sides have lost their focus.
Yes, these two situations are distractions. The Democrats blocking Burris, the Republicans blocking Franken. I'm afraid it's business as usual in Washington DC, and both sides have lost their focus.
Late Show top 10s: Too Much Football
Another favourite feature of mine from the Late Show with David Letterman is the Top Ten. From Monday's show here is the Top Ten Signs You Are Watching Too Much Football.
Number 2 is particularly good!
Number 2 is particularly good!
Late Show monologue: 5th January 2009
I don't often highlight the monologues of Jay Leno and David Letterman, often because their own sites usually do a great job of doing that for them. But I'm going to highlight Letterman's because I can embed those, and I cannot find a steady source of Jay Leno monologues that I can embed. So here is David Letterman's first monologue of the year, from the CBS Late Show.
David and Jay are consistently sharp and funny, unlike a lot of other comedians today who rely on shock value to make them funny. That usually means, they're not funny. Jay and David always are. I don't tend to watch the shows for their interviews, I watch for the monologues and the Late Show Top 10, and the monday Headlines, the things that are what make them stand out from the competition.
David and Jay are consistently sharp and funny, unlike a lot of other comedians today who rely on shock value to make them funny. That usually means, they're not funny. Jay and David always are. I don't tend to watch the shows for their interviews, I watch for the monologues and the Late Show Top 10, and the monday Headlines, the things that are what make them stand out from the competition.
Ann Coulter is Guilty...
... of being an idiotic Conservative firebrand. And the book buying public are guilty of feeding her psychosis by buying her books. And the media is guilty of feeding her psychosis by giving her airtime. And now I'm guilty of feeding her psychosis by embedding said video of her appearance of CBS's The Early Show.
You can watch if you like, and hear how nutty she really is, or you can save yourself the mental scarring by not bothering. The choice is yours.
The worst part is, she always dresses on her book covers in a way that is pleasing to the eye and to our more basic instincts. The latest evidence in this is the cover to her new book Guilty.
Talk about false advertising! A pleasing image on the front, and total propoganda inside. Don't be fooled by the pleasing cover. Don't buy it.
You can watch if you like, and hear how nutty she really is, or you can save yourself the mental scarring by not bothering. The choice is yours.
The worst part is, she always dresses on her book covers in a way that is pleasing to the eye and to our more basic instincts. The latest evidence in this is the cover to her new book Guilty.
Talk about false advertising! A pleasing image on the front, and total propoganda inside. Don't be fooled by the pleasing cover. Don't buy it.
Katie Couric: Bush and Obama should work together on Gaza.
I was pre-occupied yesterday with happening in the UK and Irish broadcast media, so this entry in the notebook by Katie Couric got missed by me when it was initially posted but I'm glad I caught up with it now, cos it is worthy of note, even if it is a mere pipe dream that she proposes.
I just cannot see Bush and Obama getting together on this issue. I have a feeling that Obama is going to be very different when it comes to the Israel/Palestine situation, and I think the Israelis knew that too. That's why the military operations had to be now, because they know when Obama comes into office, they will not have such strong support as they have had from "Dubya". I have to say that I think this may be the last throw of the dice for Israel to get what they want, because they're scared that an Obama administration may just force a settlement on both sides, that neither want, but may have to live with. Israel is trying to get the upper hand now, rather than possibly come of worst in a diplomatic situation.
I just cannot see Bush and Obama getting together on this issue. I have a feeling that Obama is going to be very different when it comes to the Israel/Palestine situation, and I think the Israelis knew that too. That's why the military operations had to be now, because they know when Obama comes into office, they will not have such strong support as they have had from "Dubya". I have to say that I think this may be the last throw of the dice for Israel to get what they want, because they're scared that an Obama administration may just force a settlement on both sides, that neither want, but may have to live with. Israel is trying to get the upper hand now, rather than possibly come of worst in a diplomatic situation.
Bob Schieffer: A political year of the unexpected.
On Sunday's Face The Nation on CBS, Bob Schieffer looked back at where they were 1 year ago, and what had happened since then.
Watch CBS Videos Online
I don't think anybody predicted what happened this year just gone. It was an historic year, and January 20th will be a day to remember, not just for Barack Obama, and America, but for the world at large.
Watch CBS Videos Online
I don't think anybody predicted what happened this year just gone. It was an historic year, and January 20th will be a day to remember, not just for Barack Obama, and America, but for the world at large.
Worst Person In The World: World Net Daily
Monday's Worst Person In The World honours on MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann, went to Joseph Farah, the proprietor of right wing fringe website WorldNetDaily, who manages to contradict his own site's reporting on Barack Obama's birth certificate.
Special mention to Cincinnati right wing talk host Bill Cunningham, whose claim that poor people are poor because they lack values, ethics and morals, make it sound like poor people are democrats and rich people are republicans! Someone try telling Bill O'Reilly that, cos he seems to think that George Soros, who is consistently on the Rich List, is a democrat!!! Actually, he is. Which makes Bill Cunningham something he should be very used to being. Wrong.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Special mention to Cincinnati right wing talk host Bill Cunningham, whose claim that poor people are poor because they lack values, ethics and morals, make it sound like poor people are democrats and rich people are republicans! Someone try telling Bill O'Reilly that, cos he seems to think that George Soros, who is consistently on the Rich List, is a democrat!!! Actually, he is. Which makes Bill Cunningham something he should be very used to being. Wrong.
TV3 rebrands itself, and Channel 6 becomes 3e!
TV3 is Ireland's main commercial broadcaster, even though RTE also takes advertising too. Recently TV3 bought out Channel 6, one of the smaller commercial broadcasters in Ireland. Yesterday, TV3 got a new look and Channel 6 became 3e.
So, what's the relationship between these channels. Think of it as a similar relationship between Channel 4 and E4 in the UK. Channel 4 and TV3 are the main channels, whilst E4 and 3e are the secondaries, both specialising in entertainment programming. You won't find news on E4, nor will you on 3e.
A little video of the rebrands. First, the rebrand of TV3, which took place during the News at 5.30, which has had the new look for a few months already.
And now, the rebrand of Channel 6, which happened at 10.25am that morning.
Personally, I'm not sure these rebrands look too good. But, give them time to bed in, and they may yet evolve into something quite nice. We'll see.
So, what's the relationship between these channels. Think of it as a similar relationship between Channel 4 and E4 in the UK. Channel 4 and TV3 are the main channels, whilst E4 and 3e are the secondaries, both specialising in entertainment programming. You won't find news on E4, nor will you on 3e.
A little video of the rebrands. First, the rebrand of TV3, which took place during the News at 5.30, which has had the new look for a few months already.
And now, the rebrand of Channel 6, which happened at 10.25am that morning.
Personally, I'm not sure these rebrands look too good. But, give them time to bed in, and they may yet evolve into something quite nice. We'll see.
Monday 5 January 2009
GMTV's new look for 2009 launches
As I told you yesterday, GMTV introduced a new look this morning. Unfortunately, due to technical problems, I was unable to record this morning's edition. My PVR decided to crash overnight. However, there are some clips on YouTube, which I am presenting here. Many thanks to the original posters.
First off, how GMTV opened at 6.00 am this morning.
Next, a little time lapse to show the old set being demolished and the new one being constructed.
And finally, the titles for GMTV with Lorraine, the new name for LK Today.
I'll try again tomorrow morning, and hopefully get you some stills. But these videos are excellent.
First off, how GMTV opened at 6.00 am this morning.
Next, a little time lapse to show the old set being demolished and the new one being constructed.
And finally, the titles for GMTV with Lorraine, the new name for LK Today.
I'll try again tomorrow morning, and hopefully get you some stills. But these videos are excellent.
Breaking News: Al Franken declared winner in Minnesota
Fox News is reporting that Democratic candidate Al Franken has beaten sitting Republican Senator Norm Coleman in the long-contested, recounted US Senate seat in Minnesota.
More on this story shortly when we have it.
More on this story shortly when we have it.
Price Drop TV disappears on Freeview
It was actually around 9am this morning when Price Drop TV was switched off of Freeview transmitters around the UK.
As far as I'm concerned, it's good riddance to bad rubbish. I was surprised I actually stayed watching it for as long as I did last night. To my mind, shopping channels, along with gaming channels and religious channels, are the most mind-numbing, boring, uninteresting, sleep-inducing, unentertaining rubbish that digital television has to suffer.
Freeview currently suffers with too many similar channels like Price Drop. QVC and Bid TV are two more such channels along with the two Smile TV channels and Gems TV. Losing these channels will not just help Freeview, but help the whole digital switchover, which is already underway.
At least a decent station is on the way to replace. EPG information for Quest, a new channel from Discovery Networks Europe, is due to launch soon, but we do not yet know when. All the EPG data says is "Quest Coming Soon". There's also no video or MHEG being transmitted either.
As soon as I can find out any more information, I'll bring it to you.
As far as I'm concerned, it's good riddance to bad rubbish. I was surprised I actually stayed watching it for as long as I did last night. To my mind, shopping channels, along with gaming channels and religious channels, are the most mind-numbing, boring, uninteresting, sleep-inducing, unentertaining rubbish that digital television has to suffer.
Freeview currently suffers with too many similar channels like Price Drop. QVC and Bid TV are two more such channels along with the two Smile TV channels and Gems TV. Losing these channels will not just help Freeview, but help the whole digital switchover, which is already underway.
At least a decent station is on the way to replace. EPG information for Quest, a new channel from Discovery Networks Europe, is due to launch soon, but we do not yet know when. All the EPG data says is "Quest Coming Soon". There's also no video or MHEG being transmitted either.
As soon as I can find out any more information, I'll bring it to you.
Chris Lowe retires from BBC News
Chris Lowe, who has been a reporter and news anchor with the BBC for around 37 years, retired last night from his latest role, as weekend evening anchor for BBC News 24/Channel. He got an unexpected surprise last night from his co-anchor, Anita McVeigh.
For those of us who are news junkies, like myself, Chris Lowe has been a steady hand at the anchor desk, and good reporter. He will be missed.
For those of us who are news junkies, like myself, Chris Lowe has been a steady hand at the anchor desk, and good reporter. He will be missed.
Sunday 4 January 2009
GMTV gets a new look.
GMTV starts a new year, with a new look. New set, new graphics, new members of the team, even a new news set. No longer will GMTV News be from a little CSO sub set in the studio.
I hope to have some pictures, though they'll be camera at the screen rather than proper full screen pictures after the new look has launched.
I hope to have some pictures, though they'll be camera at the screen rather than proper full screen pictures after the new look has launched.
Freeview starts changing!
At about 1.30am overnight tonight, Price Drop TV will leave Freeview after being outbid for its slot on the multiplex.
This represents the first move in a major set of changes for Freeview, and for British and Irish broadcasting.
It has been reported that Discovery Networks Europe has bought the slot, and we will see a new channel called Quest arriving soon. At the moment though, there is little information about this channel, and nothing from the Freeview EPG.
I will be watching this happen, and I will report back later with any new information that I come up with. But this is only the first move to happen just this week in the UK and Ireland broadcasting scene. Lots more due to happen, especially on Monday. More information on that shortly.
This represents the first move in a major set of changes for Freeview, and for British and Irish broadcasting.
It has been reported that Discovery Networks Europe has bought the slot, and we will see a new channel called Quest arriving soon. At the moment though, there is little information about this channel, and nothing from the Freeview EPG.
I will be watching this happen, and I will report back later with any new information that I come up with. But this is only the first move to happen just this week in the UK and Ireland broadcasting scene. Lots more due to happen, especially on Monday. More information on that shortly.
Saturday 3 January 2009
Matt Smith is the 11th Doctor
Matt Smith, who starred alongside Billie Piper in The Ruby In The Smoke, is to be the new Doctor, the 11th Doctor.
He also appeared with Billie in Secret Diary Of A Call Girl in one episode, as well as roles in Moses Jones, The Street, The Shadow In The North, and Party Animals.
Viewpoint welcomes Matt Smith to an exclusive club with only 11 members. William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, Paul McGann, Christopher Ecclestone, David Tennant, and now, Matt Smith, all of whom are, The Doctor.
He also appeared with Billie in Secret Diary Of A Call Girl in one episode, as well as roles in Moses Jones, The Street, The Shadow In The North, and Party Animals.
Viewpoint welcomes Matt Smith to an exclusive club with only 11 members. William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, Paul McGann, Christopher Ecclestone, David Tennant, and now, Matt Smith, all of whom are, The Doctor.
Friday 2 January 2009
One of the benefits of the Internet.
One of the great things that I find about the internet these days is that it allows you to look back in time to a degree and see just how right or wrong we have been.
Back on December 17th 2006, at the end of another edition of Face The Nation on CBS, Bob Schieffer talked about Evan Bayh, a senator from Indiana. Unfortunately, there's no video, but we do have a complete transcript.
Evan Bayh is a well-regarded, two-term Senator from Indiana but he is not exactly a household name. So when he announced two weeks ago that he was thinking about running for the Democratic presidential nomination, even he knew it was a long shot.
He acknowledged it was a David-versus-Goliath kind of thing, but he remembered that David did pretty well.
True enough, but yesterday Bayh realized why the smart money is usually on the giants — because they are giants — and he quit the race as quickly as he had entered.
"Whether there were too many Goliaths or whether I'm just not the right David, I concluded the odds were longer than I felt I could possibly pursue," he said.
In other words, he took a look, realized he had no chance and decided not to waste his time or the country's.
How refreshing! None of this "I decided I wanted to spend more time with my family," or the catalogue of excuses we've come to expect from usual wanna-bes — or even worse, one of those ego trip campaigns that all involved know is headed nowhere except to get some TV time for the candidate.
Bayh just concluded it wasn't to be and said so.
The one downside is, that is just the kind of straight talk we need more of in politics.
A man so candid about himself and his chances might have had some interesting thoughts on other subjects. In a way, I'm sorry we won't get to hear them.
In a way, what Bob wanted to happen has happened, because Barack Obama has been refreshingly straight when it comes to politics during this 2008 campaign. Now as we approach the time of his inauguration as President, we as citizens of the world, would like to see more politicians be this refeshingly honest and candid.
We haven't seen too much of it from the Republican Party, and something tells me we won't see much honesty from them.
Back on December 17th 2006, at the end of another edition of Face The Nation on CBS, Bob Schieffer talked about Evan Bayh, a senator from Indiana. Unfortunately, there's no video, but we do have a complete transcript.
Evan Bayh is a well-regarded, two-term Senator from Indiana but he is not exactly a household name. So when he announced two weeks ago that he was thinking about running for the Democratic presidential nomination, even he knew it was a long shot.
He acknowledged it was a David-versus-Goliath kind of thing, but he remembered that David did pretty well.
True enough, but yesterday Bayh realized why the smart money is usually on the giants — because they are giants — and he quit the race as quickly as he had entered.
"Whether there were too many Goliaths or whether I'm just not the right David, I concluded the odds were longer than I felt I could possibly pursue," he said.
In other words, he took a look, realized he had no chance and decided not to waste his time or the country's.
How refreshing! None of this "I decided I wanted to spend more time with my family," or the catalogue of excuses we've come to expect from usual wanna-bes — or even worse, one of those ego trip campaigns that all involved know is headed nowhere except to get some TV time for the candidate.
Bayh just concluded it wasn't to be and said so.
The one downside is, that is just the kind of straight talk we need more of in politics.
A man so candid about himself and his chances might have had some interesting thoughts on other subjects. In a way, I'm sorry we won't get to hear them.
In a way, what Bob wanted to happen has happened, because Barack Obama has been refreshingly straight when it comes to politics during this 2008 campaign. Now as we approach the time of his inauguration as President, we as citizens of the world, would like to see more politicians be this refeshingly honest and candid.
We haven't seen too much of it from the Republican Party, and something tells me we won't see much honesty from them.
Brits open their wallets.
In this, the final London Comment of 2008, Simon Bates talks about the global economic recession, and how the stiff upper lip seems to be turning the other cheek and opening its wallet.
More London Comments to come in 2009.
More London Comments to come in 2009.
The 11th Doctor will be...
...revealed tomorrow, Saturday 3rd January 2009 at 1735 GMT during a special edition of Doctor Who Confidential, airing on BBC1 in the UK
We'll let you know exactly who it is, as soon as we know ourselves. Stay tuned!
We'll let you know exactly who it is, as soon as we know ourselves. Stay tuned!
Thursday 1 January 2009
Russian Professor predicts end of USA in 2010. Where's the right wing outrage?
I am a bit late to this story but it seems I'm not the only one. The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that Russian professor, Igor Panarin, has been predicting for years that the USA will collapse in 2010. Now apparently, the Russian state media are taking great interest in his theory.
He predicts that Alaska will become part of Russia, Hawaii will go to China or Japan, and the mainland will split into 4 separate republics. He predicts a Texas republic, which stretches from New Mexico to Florida will become part of Mexico, The California Republic, stretching from Arizona up to Washington, will become part of China, Atlantic America, stretching from Maine to the Carolinas, will become part of the European Union, and the rest of the states will come under Canadian influence.
Now in some ways, what this professor suggests is laughable, but not entirely. Alaska had at one time been part of Russia. Texas, New Mexico and a number of other southwest states were part of Mexico at one time. Indeed, at one time Texas was a separate republic of its own, albeit only for 9 years.
There are plenty of other examples of states that existed in the geography of what we now know as The United States of America. And this would not be the first time someone correctly predicted a major superpower breaking up. French political scientist Emmanuel Todd predicted the break up of the Soviet Union in 1976. 15 years later, the previously unthinkable actually happened.
Crooks & Liars have the story too, but they don't give it much credibility. They rightly point out many people have predicted the end of the world before now, and they've been wrong. But how many people even in 1989 as the Berlin Wall came tumbling down, predicted the collapse of the USSR? Not many that I can remember.
My question is though, with the left seemingly laughing it off, where is the expected right wing outrage at this Russian professor who dares to suugest the implosion of their beloved USA could even happen? Could it be that they would secretly like something like this to happen? I hardly think so. Could it be that they are so worried about the upcoming Barack Obama presidency that they haven't even noticed this? It's quite possible. There's already been talk of an "Obama recession" under way and he hasn't even taken office yet.
Maybe we all need to consider what this professor says in a different context. Whilst his predictions do seem to be a bit off base, the idea of Republican states in the MidWest forming a breakaway republic of their own in order so that the Republicans could claim a permanent power base of their own, might not be so far fetched. And whilst there is no evidence that there is any support for such a movement now, I have learned in the years since 1989, to never say never when it comes to unthinkable and unbelievable events.
The Berlin Wall falls, the Iron Curtain collapses, the Soviet Union disintegrates, all within the space of 2 years. In 1988, I wouldn't have believed it possible. A stable government exists in Northern Ireland, something else that I didn't believe was possible. The USA just elected a black president, something else many belived wouldn't happen for a long time yet. Never say "never" in this world, for you may end up being proved wrong.
He predicts that Alaska will become part of Russia, Hawaii will go to China or Japan, and the mainland will split into 4 separate republics. He predicts a Texas republic, which stretches from New Mexico to Florida will become part of Mexico, The California Republic, stretching from Arizona up to Washington, will become part of China, Atlantic America, stretching from Maine to the Carolinas, will become part of the European Union, and the rest of the states will come under Canadian influence.
Now in some ways, what this professor suggests is laughable, but not entirely. Alaska had at one time been part of Russia. Texas, New Mexico and a number of other southwest states were part of Mexico at one time. Indeed, at one time Texas was a separate republic of its own, albeit only for 9 years.
There are plenty of other examples of states that existed in the geography of what we now know as The United States of America. And this would not be the first time someone correctly predicted a major superpower breaking up. French political scientist Emmanuel Todd predicted the break up of the Soviet Union in 1976. 15 years later, the previously unthinkable actually happened.
Crooks & Liars have the story too, but they don't give it much credibility. They rightly point out many people have predicted the end of the world before now, and they've been wrong. But how many people even in 1989 as the Berlin Wall came tumbling down, predicted the collapse of the USSR? Not many that I can remember.
My question is though, with the left seemingly laughing it off, where is the expected right wing outrage at this Russian professor who dares to suugest the implosion of their beloved USA could even happen? Could it be that they would secretly like something like this to happen? I hardly think so. Could it be that they are so worried about the upcoming Barack Obama presidency that they haven't even noticed this? It's quite possible. There's already been talk of an "Obama recession" under way and he hasn't even taken office yet.
Maybe we all need to consider what this professor says in a different context. Whilst his predictions do seem to be a bit off base, the idea of Republican states in the MidWest forming a breakaway republic of their own in order so that the Republicans could claim a permanent power base of their own, might not be so far fetched. And whilst there is no evidence that there is any support for such a movement now, I have learned in the years since 1989, to never say never when it comes to unthinkable and unbelievable events.
The Berlin Wall falls, the Iron Curtain collapses, the Soviet Union disintegrates, all within the space of 2 years. In 1988, I wouldn't have believed it possible. A stable government exists in Northern Ireland, something else that I didn't believe was possible. The USA just elected a black president, something else many belived wouldn't happen for a long time yet. Never say "never" in this world, for you may end up being proved wrong.
Happy New Year! Welcome to 2009
Happy New Year everyone.
I've set myself a challenge this year. To try to do at least one post a day here at Viewpoint, and I hope I'm up to the task.
With this being post number 1 for January 1st 2009, I think I can say I have succeeded for day 1 of this 365 day challenge. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep this up for the whole year, and hopefully dpo more than one post a day, but at least do one.
Wish me luck. I think I'm gonna need it.
I've set myself a challenge this year. To try to do at least one post a day here at Viewpoint, and I hope I'm up to the task.
With this being post number 1 for January 1st 2009, I think I can say I have succeeded for day 1 of this 365 day challenge. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep this up for the whole year, and hopefully dpo more than one post a day, but at least do one.
Wish me luck. I think I'm gonna need it.
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