Yet Another Cycling Forum

Off Topic => The Pub => Arts and Entertainment => Topic started by: CAMRAMan on 11 April, 2013, 05:22:30 pm

Title: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CAMRAMan on 11 April, 2013, 05:22:30 pm
When are the singles charts published these days? Only asking, like.

I bought my first single since Joy Division Oven Gloves* today and am keen to see how it gets on.

* a protest purchase when the BBC were trying to axe Radio6.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 11 April, 2013, 06:44:10 pm
I bought three singles this week, coincidentally.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: RJ on 11 April, 2013, 08:44:47 pm
There *will* be HMVs in Scotland after all (so I left the place anyway with a small but tasteful stash of CDs).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 12 April, 2013, 10:30:55 am
When are the singles charts published these days? Only asking, like.
There are sales charts for the markets - most sold via iPlayer

I wonder if Spotify has its own charts?  Any Spotify users here who can check?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 12 April, 2013, 10:43:07 am
When are the singles charts published these days? Only asking, like.
There are sales charts for the markets - most sold via iPlayer

I wonder if Spotify has its own charts?  Any Spotify users here who can check?

Probably worth checking out Music Week.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 15 April, 2013, 12:55:15 pm
First, a disclaimer: I was in the same room as other people watching Britain's Got Talent, OK? I was trying to read a book but the TV was distracting. I would have gone elsewhere but I was trying to maintain a semblance of being sociable.

Anyway, during the show, a couple of contestants stuck out as being well above the average level of talent (ie they did actually have some talent) - Jack Carroll, a 14yo comic with cerebral palsy, and Alice Fedenham, a painfully shy 28yo singer who didn't know how good she was (she was very good). I googled both names and quelle surprise, it turns out both have some performing history - Jack won a Pride Of Britain award last year, earning himself a visit from Jimmy Carr, and is already widely known as a "YouTube sensation", while Alice was a candidate for the new series of The Voice but didn't make it through to the TV auditions. I assume these people were invited (whether directly or indirectly) to audition for BGT. I didn't bother googling the cute 11yo singer who has clearly been coached to within an inch of her life, or the stunningly good Hungarian shadow puppet theatre act, but I'm assuming they probably had their travel expenses from Budapest paid by the show's production company...

Cynical, moi?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 22 April, 2013, 12:53:04 pm
That insanely catchy new Daft Punk song, as performed by Michael Jackson...

http://blog.sirmitchell.com/post/48586838179/pitch-shift-pharrells-voice-in-daft-punks-get
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CAMRAMan on 23 April, 2013, 04:37:51 pm
The man who did a lot of the work when I was renovating my house is the spitting image of Wreck It Ralph.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 03 May, 2013, 11:46:37 pm
Vue cinemas are doing a "Cult Films: back in Vue" season. http://www.myvue.com/home/special-events/back-in-vue

I am going to see David Bowie's dancing crotch in awful leggings Labyrinth on Monday night.  ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Littlesox on 04 May, 2013, 12:05:21 pm
BBC are re-running I Claudius.

Fantastic stuff
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 04 May, 2013, 03:10:20 pm
BBC are re-running I Claudius.

Fantastic stuff

It has aged remarkably well, hasn't it? Looks a bit "stagey" by modern standards but it just goes to show that you don't need to spend a fortune on lavish sets and costumes when you have a script and acting of that quality.

The 70s adaptation of the Barsetshire Chronicles with Alan Rickman and Donald Pleasance is much the same - wish they'd repeat that.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: jogler on 04 May, 2013, 03:24:48 pm
When is it broadcast?

I'd enjoy watching it again.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 04 May, 2013, 03:28:24 pm
BBC4, Tuesdays, 10pm
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: jogler on 04 May, 2013, 04:40:32 pm
thanks :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 07 May, 2013, 07:50:13 am
Vue cinemas are doing a "Cult Films: back in Vue" season. http://www.myvue.com/home/special-events/back-in-vue

I am going to see David Bowie's dancing crotch in awful leggings Labyrinth on Monday night.  ;D
The entire audience was in crotch-related hysterics by the end. Thank goodness it wasn't in 3D.

I hadn't seen Labyrinth for ages. I'd forgotten how trippy it is.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 07 May, 2013, 12:02:50 pm
When my ex and I bought our first DVD player (back when the technology was fairly new and exciting), one of the first uses it was put to was zooming in on David Bowie's dancing crotch by a factor of 16, in all its pixellated glory.  Make of that what you will...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 07 May, 2013, 01:09:16 pm
 ;D I actually did laugh till I cried last night, at one of the unnecessary crotch-shots.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 07 May, 2013, 08:40:16 pm
Rod Stewart did a q&a session on twitter today, #askrodstewart. I am just scrolling through it now and laughing at some of the questions.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 07 May, 2013, 09:32:20 pm
Did anyone mention Yewtree?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 May, 2013, 01:12:18 pm
Many people. One question was something like "given that there are probably 11 women not currently pregnant, is it safe to say you're losing your touch?"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 18 July, 2013, 08:14:55 am
When it was announced at the weekend that Robert Galbraith is a pseudonym and The Cuckoo's Calling was actually written by a rather successful female writer, I logged into my library account and reserved the book. I think four other people had reserved it before me. I looked at my account last night and The Cuckoo's Calling now has 130 reservations against it!  :o
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: BrianI on 23 July, 2013, 11:52:32 am
For the dolerites / shift workers / tuesday afternoon off amoung us, "Silent Running" is on Film 4, tuesday 23rd, 1.05pm!   :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 25 July, 2013, 10:07:46 pm
Today I walked past  Elphinstone Hall at Kings College and there was a steel band outside playing Out of Space by The Prodigy. It was quite good! :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 25 July, 2013, 10:10:33 pm
I was reminded by a Facebook posting by Valiant otp of the chap who taught the chap who taught me about lighting design, Andy Elphinstone, just today.  An unusual name to hear twice in a day, when I haven't heard it, or really thought about him, talented though he was, in years.

Incidentally, I discovered that he now works for a genetics company in Vancouver.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: BrianI on 29 July, 2013, 07:47:59 am
For the amateur rocket engineers among us:  Kerbal Space Program:

https://kerbalspaceprogram.com/ (https://kerbalspaceprogram.com/)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SYNLlyi-QA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SYNLlyi-QA)
 ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 29 July, 2013, 01:42:30 pm
For the amateur rocket engineers among us:  Kerbal Space Program:

https://kerbalspaceprogram.com/ (https://kerbalspaceprogram.com/)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SYNLlyi-QA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SYNLlyi-QA)
 ;D

Odd trajectory.  Surely that's enough delta-v to reach orbit?  Not that I know anything about the planet...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: BrianI on 29 July, 2013, 05:15:18 pm
For the amateur rocket engineers among us:  Kerbal Space Program:

https://kerbalspaceprogram.com/ (https://kerbalspaceprogram.com/)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SYNLlyi-QA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SYNLlyi-QA)
 ;D

Odd trajectory.  Surely that's enough delta-v to reach orbit?  Not that I know anything about the planet...

You should d/l the demo of the game, Kim. Much fun to be had building experimental rockets to try and reach orbit!   :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 29 July, 2013, 06:36:25 pm
You should d/l the demo of the game, Kim. Much fun to be had building experimental rockets to try and reach orbit!   :)

I know a dangerous time sink when I see one.  I think it's best left to EldestCub.

Anyway, that looks a fair bit more advanced than the Bristol Rocket Enthusiasts' Altitude, Speed and Trajectory Simulator...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 29 July, 2013, 08:11:14 pm
(http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/six_words.png)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 29 July, 2013, 10:00:06 pm
Whereas "I can't get my BREASTS to work" was commonly heard in the basement of Queens Building...


(Turbo Pascal.  'nuff said.)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LEE on 01 August, 2013, 04:39:11 pm
The only Jeremy Kyle worth watching.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1gPf9sZueM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1gPf9sZueM)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 27 August, 2013, 07:37:07 pm
Whatever happened to the likely lads? 

I don't know and, frankly, I don't care.  Just wish 4extra would stop cluttering the airwaves with the drawn-out answer.  >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CrinklyLion on 27 August, 2013, 07:40:39 pm
You should d/l the demo of the game, Kim. Much fun to be had building experimental rockets to try and reach orbit!   :)

I know a dangerous time sink when I see one.  I think it's best left to EldestCub.

I just mentioned to said Cub that 'some people on the forum have discovered KSP'.

His response is "Awesome!".

He's a fan... although he's just moved on to obsessing about StarMade, which is causing frustration as he can't get it to run on his linux netbook and the graphics card on his brother's WinPC isn't up to it....
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 27 August, 2013, 08:28:55 pm
Whatever happened to the likely lads? 

I don't know and, frankly, I don't care.  Just wish 4extra would stop cluttering the airwaves with the drawn-out answer.  >:(

Don't tell me the answer!  I'm planning to watch later on the telly. ;)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 27 August, 2013, 08:33:46 pm
Whatever happened to the likely lads? 

I don't know and, frankly, I don't care.  Just wish 4extra would stop cluttering the airwaves with the drawn-out answer.  >:(

Don't tell me the answer!  I'm planning to watch later on the telly. ;)

Are you sure?  I can summarise in a sentence or two, leaving you time to do something useful, like watch paint dry or grass grow.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biff on 30 August, 2013, 11:31:00 am
Some cringeworthy album covers.

http://www.thevine.com.au/entertainment/news/38-excruciatingly-awkward-album-covers-20130806-220936/?image=1

2 things, No way is Julie only sixteen, and who the hell requested Ken?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mcshroom on 30 August, 2013, 01:58:39 pm
Whatever happened to the likely lads? 

I don't know and, frankly, I don't care.  Just wish 4extra would stop cluttering the airwaves with the drawn-out answer.  >:(

Don't tell me the answer!  I'm planning to watch later on the telly. ;)

Are you sure?  I can summarise in a sentence or two, leaving you time to do something useful, like watch paint dry or grass grow.


I'll take a guess he hasn't seen that one ;)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 31 August, 2013, 10:20:27 pm
Sly Stone still alive to make a comeback! With albino musicians.

Possibly.

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/aug/29/sly-stone-albino-musicians-neutralise-racial-problems
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 01 September, 2013, 10:56:06 am
Some cringeworthy album covers.

http://www.thevine.com.au/entertainment/news/38-excruciatingly-awkward-album-covers-20130806-220936/?image=1

2 things, No way is Julie only sixteen, and who the hell requested Ken?

There may be a reason why almost all the featured performers are unknowns.  Don't know what was behind he Beatles one (is it a pun on live cuts, as in live versions of songs)?  I remember being surprised at the time but never heard the record - I think it wasn't availabel here, then.

Shame about the Louvin Brothers.  They were great and inspired so many harmony singers, especially The Everly Brothers.  See if you can hear "How's The World Treating You?", written, incidentaly by Chet Atkins and Boudleaux Bryant, which latter co-wrote a lot of The Everlys' hits and "Raining In My Heart".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 01 September, 2013, 04:59:37 pm
Some cringeworthy album covers.

http://www.thevine.com.au/entertainment/news/38-excruciatingly-awkward-album-covers-20130806-220936/?image=1

2 things, No way is Julie only sixteen, and who the hell requested Ken?

That was taking it's own sweet time to load up for me, so here's a museum of really bad album covers I found earlier:

http://www.zonicweb.net/badalbmcvrs/index.htm
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Gattopardo on 04 September, 2013, 01:06:29 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=t4Qv2hCprbs
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 05 September, 2013, 07:50:48 pm
6Music are doing a series at the moment called Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? about girl groups. It's really good. And it's on at stupid o'clock so I'm recording it and listening to it later. I recommend it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: The_Mikey on 05 September, 2013, 08:28:32 pm
Whatever happened to the likely lads? 

I don't know and, frankly, I don't care.  Just wish 4extra would stop cluttering the airwaves with the drawn-out answer.  >:(

Agreed.  I've heard some rubbish on 4extra but that 30 minutes would be better filled with a chorus of quacking ducks.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 06 September, 2013, 10:56:00 am
I'd rather listen to the Likely Lads than Round The Horne. Or Ambridge Extra.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 06 September, 2013, 02:35:59 pm
We rarely disagree, but I must take issue with your failure to appreciate the genius of Round The Horne.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 06 September, 2013, 03:37:49 pm
We rarely disagree, but I must take issue with your failure to appreciate the genius of Round The Horne.

On this, I wholeheartedly agree with my esteemed colleague clarion.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 06 September, 2013, 03:52:30 pm
We rarely disagree, but I must take issue with your failure to appreciate the genius of Round The Horne.

On this, I wholeheartedly agree with my esteemed colleague clarion.

Indeed, it is a bona prog.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 06 September, 2013, 04:12:38 pm
Ooh, e's bold!  Inne bold?  E knows all the lingo.  Got the Palare.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 06 September, 2013, 04:20:55 pm
Indeed, nice to vada your dolly old eek. Not often you get an omi as fine in this part of the woods.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 06 September, 2013, 06:16:02 pm
Well, we've got a criminal practice as takes up most of our time...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 07 September, 2013, 12:34:04 am
There's a pub not far from here that instead of having piped music in the loos, has Round the Horn on an endless loop.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 07 September, 2013, 08:46:47 am
There's a pub not far from here that instead of having piped music in the [s[loos[/s] cottage, has Round the Horn on an endless loop.

ITYM
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 07 September, 2013, 01:53:11 pm
Oooo hark at him.

Hello I'm Jules and this is my friend Sandy, welcome to Bona Cycles, We Pedal You Well is our slogan. If your chain is slack we can do something about it, can't we Sand?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biff on 07 September, 2013, 10:34:12 pm
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/ziggycat/null_zps6818cc3c.jpg)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 September, 2013, 03:09:40 pm
Biff, that is awesome ( I watched banana splits when I was a kids)

Na na naa,
nanana naaa
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 18 September, 2013, 06:26:15 pm
The other day, I saw a woman with strikingly red hair in Borough.  I thought she looked like Tori Amos.

This would be a pointless comment, were it not that Tori Amos is in the area putting together a musical.

Yup.  I saw Tori Amos and was struck by her resemblance to herself. :facepalm:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Gattopardo on 18 September, 2013, 06:28:15 pm
The other day, I saw a woman with strikingly red hair in Borough.  I thought she looked like Tori Amos.

This would be a pointless comment, were it not that Tori Amos is in the area putting together a musical.

Yup.  I saw Tori Amos and was struck by her resemblance to herself. :facepalm:

Does she look as haunting in the flesh?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 18 September, 2013, 06:32:17 pm
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/ziggycat/null_zps6818cc3c.jpg)

Excellent.

(although i still find them slightly sinister ... )
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 19 September, 2013, 09:12:29 pm
There's an offer on Amazon at the moment - if you buy all the Adam and the Ants sheet music they'll throw in a stand and deliver.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 22 September, 2013, 07:51:38 pm
I've just watched a french film (Point Blank) featureing actor Roschdy Zem.

For over 20 years I had thought that only mattresses were called Zem. (one for H2G2 fans, sorry)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 28 September, 2013, 08:14:13 pm
Dez has introduced me to a television programme called "Pointless".

Just now we watched a "celebrity" episode involving 8 "celebrities".

I recognised only one (Nerys Hughes) and had heard of just one other (Martin Jarvis) but I didn't know what he looked like.

I did, however, get a "pointless" answer in the form o Port of Spain when it came to naming Caribbean capitals.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 29 September, 2013, 12:37:54 am
There was an excellent Marvin Gaye documentary on BBC4 earlier.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 02 October, 2013, 04:31:18 pm
There was an excellent Marvin Gaye documentary on BBC4 earlier.

Seems somehow appropriate not to hear about it first hand.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Vince on 02 October, 2013, 04:43:28 pm
Now you have mastered "Pointless" you should try Numberwang http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIxz6BDmTNU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIxz6BDmTNU)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 03 October, 2013, 09:10:08 pm
I'm just watching TOTP 1978 from earlier. Legs & Co are dancing to Instant Replay wearing very tiny very glittery bikinis. The cameramen are doing lots of close-ups.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LEE on 04 October, 2013, 03:30:02 pm
I'm just watching TOTP 1978 from earlier. Legs & Co are dancing to Instant Replay wearing very tiny very glittery bikinis. The cameramen are doing lots of close-ups.

I remember Pan's People....ahhh..Lovely Babs......I forget her name.  (Norman Stanley Fletcher - Slade Prison).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 23 October, 2013, 02:53:49 pm
Well, Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys turned up for the interview on R6M with Stuart Maconie.  And he seems to have got over any nerves he might have had about speaking on the radio.  In fact, he could barely have been more relaxed.  I wonder what his secret is?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 October, 2013, 12:51:43 pm
Top-up TV are ceasing broadcasting next week so I have succumbed to the Murdoch empire*. The Sky installers have just been and I am marvelling - if marvelling can be tinged with horror - at the range of channels available to me. *never leaves house again*






*I did tell them that I'm only moving to Sky because Top-up TV are no more and I still think they're evil and I hate Rupert Murdoch and all his works. I don't think they care as long as they get my money.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 24 October, 2013, 01:28:49 pm
A subscription to Netflix would be your friend.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 24 October, 2013, 02:08:35 pm
Top-up TV are ceasing broadcasting next week so I have succumbed to the Murdoch empire*. The Sky installers have just been and I am marvelling - if marvelling can be tinged with horror - at the range of channels available to me.

Bet there's still nothing worth watching, thobut.

</wowbagger>
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 October, 2013, 02:36:45 pm
A subscription to Netflix would be your friend.
I don't like watching telly on computers if I can help it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 24 October, 2013, 02:57:11 pm
We have a screen set up on top of a dvd player. Computer is below that.

Watching on computer isn't any different from watching on dvd
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 28 October, 2013, 11:51:27 pm
Interesting: http://thequietus.com/features/baker-s-dozen - artists discuss their 13 favourite albums (or tracks in Kristin Hersh's case).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 05 November, 2013, 11:22:00 am
Well, Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys turned up for the interview on R6M with Stuart Maconie.  And he seems to have got over any nerves he might have had about speaking on the radio.  In fact, he could barely have been more relaxed.  I wonder what his secret is?

Even if I hadn't heard that interview so know exactly what you're hinting at, your innuendo isn't exactly subtle! ;D

Given that he went down ill a couple of days later, I suspect he'd been on the Benylin. Rather a lot of it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 November, 2013, 09:36:56 pm
I felt that it was a bit of a mistake having Godfrey Bloom on HIGNFY this evening. OK, he made an arse of himself and was guilty of some spontaneous racism, asking why Krishnan Guru-Murthy had an Irish name and a Welsh accent. Victoria Coren was seriously unimpressed with his raw prejudice.

People like Bloom are really at their best when you can neither hear nor see them.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 08 November, 2013, 10:19:59 pm
I felt that it was a bit of a mistake having Godfrey Bloom on HIGNFY this evening. OK, he made an arse of himself and was guilty of some spontaneous racism, asking why Krishnan Guru-Murthy had an Irish name and a Welsh accent. Victoria Coren was seriously unimpressed with his raw prejudice.

People like Bloom are really at their best when you can neither hear nor see them.

Yeah, not sure he should have been given airtime myself, but I suppose 'good' telly/ratings trump that  >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Zipperhead on 08 November, 2013, 10:49:19 pm
I think you need to teach those tyres a lesson, show them who's boss, let them know that this won't be tolerated.

Park TL-5's

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 November, 2013, 11:04:31 pm
I felt that it was a bit of a mistake having Godfrey Bloom on HIGNFY this evening. OK, he made an arse of himself and was guilty of some spontaneous racism, asking why Krishnan Guru-Murthy had an Irish name and a Welsh accent. Victoria Coren was seriously unimpressed with his raw prejudice.

People like Bloom are really at their best when you can neither hear nor see them.

Yeah, not sure he should have been given airtime myself, but I suppose 'good' telly/ratings trump that  >:(

The only saving grace that I could see was that he was so obviously out of his depth intellectually that he really did look like the moron he is. However, the wit and wisdom of the other five on the programme were such that it just looked like bullying. It would have been a lot better to have had someone with a bit of grey matter on.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 09 November, 2013, 07:14:11 pm
This has probably been said by others before me but I don't normally watch the show so don't think about it much...

It has struck me that Strictly Come Dancing is a staggeringly heteronormative format, which is normal for TV on the whole but might be considered slightly surprising when you take into account the relativity high proportion of gay people among the dancers and judges (and, dare I say it, probably the audience too).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 09 November, 2013, 08:25:46 pm
And the fact that Strictly Ballroom, from which the programme gets part of its title, is a very gay film.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Chris S on 09 November, 2013, 08:27:03 pm
Oh dear. It's very sparkly out there tonight. I fear the Starks were right.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 11 November, 2013, 08:49:21 am
Driving back from Teesside Park on Saturday (which was  a nightmare of ignorant Smoggies out doing their Xmas shopping), I put the radio on and Radio 1 had a horrendous cacophany that they called "Dance Anthems", after enduring about 2 minutes of that, TLD said "Can we have some other music on, please Daddy, I would like Smoove and Turrell".

Of course I agreed and the whole journey became much nicer :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 12 November, 2013, 10:56:01 am
The poster for the new 'Hunger Games' movie really irritates me.

She's supposed to be a super-skilled archer. The poster shows her with her finger hooked over the arrow. FFS, didn't they employ anyone on set who knew anything about archery?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 12 November, 2013, 01:34:00 pm
The poster for the new 'Hunger Games' movie really irritates me.

She's supposed to be a super-skilled archer. The poster shows her with her finger hooked over the arrow. FFS, didn't they employ anyone on set who knew anything about archery?

Could be worse - Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye in Avengers Assemble was roundly panned for having very poor archery form:

http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/03/avengers-hawkeye-archery/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 12 November, 2013, 02:15:17 pm
The poster for the new 'Hunger Games' movie really irritates me.

She's supposed to be a super-skilled archer. The poster shows her with her finger hooked over the arrow. FFS, didn't they employ anyone on set who knew anything about archery?

Could be worse - Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye in Avengers Assemble was roundly panned for having very poor archery form:

http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/03/avengers-hawkeye-archery/

Renner's form isn't good, but I don't think that reviewer has ever shot a bow off a range.

Shooting while moving or on rough ground is very different and all those comments and not tilting bow and suchlike are pfft.

The finger-over-the-arrow is something most people instinctively do when they first pick up a bow and arrow. It's the first thing the coach gets them to stop doing. It will make the arrow go all over the place,  possibly pull it off the rest (which can result in an arrow going sideways from the bow; I've seen it happen). Even if you then manage to shoot, the fletches will make a real mess of your fingers.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CrinklyLion on 14 November, 2013, 08:54:47 pm
Blimey. Competent sound in Fibbers!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 14 November, 2013, 10:24:43 pm
Get your ears checked
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 14 November, 2013, 10:51:19 pm
Blimey. Competent sound in Fibbers!

It's Thrusday night, it's amateur hammond organ recital night, take it away, Skutters?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 November, 2013, 08:16:45 am
Blimey. Competent sound in Fibbers!
Must have had a guest sound engineer in.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 15 November, 2013, 08:23:39 am
http://www.thebasementyork.co.uk/event/1971/

Friday 20th December, Basement, York.  I have to declare that I am a big fan of Terrorvision and Laika Dog (Tony the lead man's side project), having been to close on 20 of their gigs over that last *coughcough* years.

End of term, Mad Friday, end of year for me, a gig? All good :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CrinklyLion on 15 November, 2013, 08:32:50 am
Blimey. Competent sound in Fibbers!
Must have had a guest sound engineer in.

The band brought their own....
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 November, 2013, 09:50:22 am
Blimey. Competent sound in Fibbers!
Must have had a guest sound engineer in.

The band brought their own....
pmsl that really does say it all.

I know the sound engineer's job is difficult. I know bands are unhelpful (I realised how unhelpful they normally are when I took a sheet of settings for British Sea Power to the sound engineer; his face lit up like I'd just handed him the holy grail). But Fibbers has been legendarily crap for many years. The engineer's speciality is utterly unaudible vocals. I think he was in love with a lead vocalist once, who dumped him for the drummer. He's never recovered from the humiliation and takes it out on every singer who stands on stage in Fibbers.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CrinklyLion on 30 November, 2013, 07:30:35 pm
Strictly just made me swear a bit.

"Oh give over prannying about and get into fecking hold will you!".

Yeah, Nat and Artem can go home as far as I'm concerned.  Bored now.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 30 November, 2013, 08:48:56 pm
I'm just watching TOTP 1978 from earlier. Legs & Co are dancing to Instant Replay wearing very tiny very glittery bikinis. The cameramen are doing lots of close-ups.

I remember Pan's People....ahhh..Lovely Babs......I forget her name.  (Norman Stanley Fletcher - Slade Prison).

Babs Lord.
Her mother taught us Speech.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 11 December, 2013, 08:20:28 pm
Bees in the bonnet time...

Every year for the last 10 or so years when a new Pterry book is published, I find myself wondering; who will replace Vetinari? It would be out of character for the character not to want Ankh-Morpork and its allies to continue to thrive therefore it seems unlikely that he would leave his replacement to chance. Who is Vetinari keeping an eye on as a possible successor? Who is being trained for the role without necessarily being aware that he or she is being trained? 

For a while I thought that Vimes might be a candidate, but I think that he is perhaps too much of a late-comer to low politics and altogether too honest and straight-forward and, if in charge, would lapse into authoritarianism. Carrot is likewise far too honest, although he has shown disturbing signs of subtlety. However he more or less explicitly ruled himself out as a possible ruler at the end of Men At Arms? Guards, Guards? I forget which.

Of the other characters Von Lipwig is the only one that seems to be cunning enough to survive as a politico, but he doesn't seem to have that core of logic, I was going to say cruelty, but there's no maliciousness in Vetinari's decisions unless you are a mime, that allows V. to stand back and see what is the best, or least worst, course of action.

Drumknott? No. I think not. A man who prefers constrained problem domains. It also seems to me (and I've no idea why this should be so) that Drumknott and Vetinari are of an age.


Ah, well. Perhaps the question will be answered in the next book.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 18 December, 2013, 11:58:40 pm
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/christmas-comes-early-justin-bieber-announces-retirement-from-music-9012243.html
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 19 December, 2013, 07:58:19 am
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/christmas-comes-early-justin-bieber-announces-retirement-from-music-9012243.html

That whineing Canadian Bitch did that some years ago, and I see now she has made a come back :(  Fortunately, for the TV, I was out of the room when she was on Strictly on Sunday...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Vince on 19 December, 2013, 06:38:31 pm
I've just watched an American version of Flog-it!

People bring their guns, knives and swords to be valued before they get auctioned.

Called Lords of War
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 19 December, 2013, 06:48:47 pm
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/christmas-comes-early-justin-bieber-announces-retirement-from-music-9012243.html

That whineing Canadian Bitch did that some years ago, and I see now she has made a come back :(  Fortunately, for the TV, I was out of the room when she was on Strictly on Sunday...

GN: The forum atheists can relax, there is no god after all...

BN: Bieber is only taking a break for a year.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/25445698

Quote
"Next year he is just taking a break to just make music and relax and take time to himself. It's the first time [he's had a break] since he was 12."

Taking a break to make music? That'll be a first for him then.  :demon:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: matthew on 30 December, 2013, 01:12:15 pm
I took my niece and sister (her aunt) to the panto yesterday.

Snow White at South Hill Park arts centre in Bracknell.

Dwarves had been replaced by the Dame and 6 children including one who was mute and a mime artist. All good fun with the script including a couple of references to the current redevelopment of the town centre and encouraging the children to help tidy up the theatre after the interval icecreams etc.

A highly enjoyable evening with an excited 6 year old and the bonus of letting Mum have an adult evening on her birthday and niece and nephew then came back here to Granny's for the night.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 03 January, 2014, 10:34:38 pm
The gratuitous key change in music is overused. Discuss.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: red marley on 03 January, 2014, 11:05:05 pm
Also known as the the truck driver's gear change (http://www.gearchange.org).

One of my faves - Sunny with three gear changes in two minutes:

http://youtu.be/ILEXei9rfhw
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 03 January, 2014, 11:12:39 pm
The key change with every verse. That ought to be outlawed.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 04 January, 2014, 01:04:25 am
There are 'performers' out there who can change key mid-song?! :o  Next you'll be telling me there are bands that know more than three chords.  ::-)

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: RichForrest on 04 January, 2014, 09:31:40 am
One of my faves - Sunny with three gear changes in two minutes:

http://youtu.be/ILEXei9rfhw

The acoustic version of the same song on there is great also  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CrinklyLion on 04 January, 2014, 09:35:20 am
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/484834_10152054836901839_940909769_n.jpg)

From the NMeM yesterday
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 04 January, 2014, 09:49:46 am
All that Sunny stuff led me to Panteon Rococo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oToSMhH8fUo) and the rest of their stuff https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBgHWAfCeYA&list=RDsdpGDlytX30

A bit like what Manu Chao would sound like if he ever sold out to commercialism? Owes an awful lot to Manu Chao, anyhow.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 04 January, 2014, 09:58:08 am
The gratuitous key change in music is overused. Discuss.
But how else would Westlife know when it's time to stand up?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 04 January, 2014, 10:31:09 am
For gratuitous key changes, it's hard to beat "I Walk The Line" by Johnny Cash.  It's great for teaching guitarists how to play bass runs, though!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 04 January, 2014, 11:10:04 am
The gratuitous key change in music is overused. Discuss.

Gratuitous ones, yes, but key changes are an integral part of songs, and essential for some band's style ( see Biffy Clyro)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 04 January, 2014, 01:03:05 pm
Hence the use of the word gratuitous...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 04 January, 2014, 01:38:54 pm
The site posted by Jo gives a brilliant analysis of "gratuitous" vs "integral":

http://www.gearchange.org/muso_intro.asp

(Great find - I thought I was the only one finding this tedious!)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 04 January, 2014, 01:47:34 pm
As I recall from my quasi-musical days, modulation implies changing from a key I could play in to one where I couldn't.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 07 January, 2014, 09:49:22 am
Why is it that Funk & Soul sounds best on a Saturday night?

Just listening to Craig Charles on iPlayer, it's good, just not the same.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 07 January, 2014, 10:35:53 am
Why is it that Funk & Soul sounds best on a Saturday night?

Just listening to Craig Charles on iPlayer, it's good, just not the same.

It is because F&S is what the weekend is for!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6Cv66PqF9M
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Bledlow on 07 January, 2014, 10:36:51 am
Inside Out South had a bit on cycling last night. First part of the programme. 06 Jan, 19.30
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 07 January, 2014, 10:53:50 am
Why is it that Funk & Soul sounds best on a Saturday night?

For the same reason that Jarvis Cocker sounds best on a Sunday afternoon while preparing a roast dinner.

Probably.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LEE on 07 January, 2014, 12:14:30 pm
The poster for the new 'Hunger Games' movie really irritates me.

She's supposed to be a super-skilled archer. The poster shows her with her finger hooked over the arrow. FFS, didn't they employ anyone on set who knew anything about archery?

Could be worse - Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye in Avengers Assemble was roundly panned for having very poor archery form:

http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/03/avengers-hawkeye-archery/

I think Hawkeye was the one whose bow was sort of hinged/collapsible.  When he needed to use it he flicked it and it expanded into a full-length bow...but totally against the force of the bow-string.

That led me to conclude that the bow-string was actually rather weak "knicker-elastic" and hence why he was able to draw the bow with such poor form (That and it being a fantasy film of course).

I could go on about Legolas's rate of fire in LOTR but then again....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o9RGnujlkI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o9RGnujlkI)

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 09 January, 2014, 10:12:34 pm
http://www.concerthotels.com/100-years-of-rock
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Dibdib on 09 January, 2014, 10:23:56 pm
Ditching Sky TV - even with the fat discounts they've offered me, I don't use it enough to justify the price. So I'm downgrading to one of the Six-ish Quid A Month streaming providers, probably Netflix or LoveFilm.

Considering I'm more of a TV box-sets person than a movie buff, I'm erring towards Netflix but does anyone have any experience of choosing between the two?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: red marley on 10 January, 2014, 07:08:38 am
I think netflix offers a better range and service than Lovefilm. Much of Lovefilm's content is only available via DVD/post rather than streaming. My experience of DVDs is that a good proportion of them (maybe 1 in 8 ) are scratched and need returning which makes boxed set viewing frustrating.

There is a big overlap between the two in terms of content, but for US boxed set binging, the quality of the netflix offerings is better in my view. For example,

On netflix, but not love film:

Breaking bad
Orange is the New Black
House of Cards (US and UK versions)
Arrested Development
Dexter (Lovefilm now has content up to series 7, but netflix has all 8 and generally made previous series available earlier)

On lovefilm but not netflix:

The Shield
Walking Dead
Weeds

But the clincher for me is that netflix has a better range of UK and European TV / films.

Netflix is better at recommending new programmes based on what you have previously watched if that is useful to you. It also seems to offer a more reliable and less processing-intensive technology for streaming and viewing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 12 January, 2014, 11:52:45 am
I'm worried about Gregory Porter overheating on stage.

(http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/pc/Gregory%2BPorter%2Bperforms%2Bduring%2BCheltenham%2BPd-pYSCeCDNl.jpg)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 28 January, 2014, 10:07:27 am
DSF5 has released the first list of bands to play this year, thusly:

Johnny Marr, British Sea Power, Stornoway, Steve Mason, Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip,
Summer Camp, We Were Evergreen, Withered Hand, Denai Moore, Nordic Giants, PAWS,
Georgia Ruth, Pins, All We Are, Police Dog Hogan, Raglans.


A good line up so far, shame we will miss it as we will be in Glasgow watching people run round in circles...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 February, 2014, 06:57:57 pm
Mrs. Wow and I have been discussing television programmes from our extreme youth. As ever, we could not agree on something, in this case when the Granada prog "Magpie" was on. I was right: it was never on when we were at primary school.

However, the main point of this post is the discovery that the puppet cowboy programme "Four Feather Falls" star was no less a person than Nicholas Parsons. FFF was last broadcast in 1960.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 09 February, 2014, 07:30:52 am
My first memory of Nicholas Parsons is on Sale Of The Century, from the late 70s/early 80s. He was already a "veteran" entertainer by then.

Btw, am I the only one who, whenever he hears the name Nicholas Parsons, mentally appends the words "shouldn't climb trees"?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 09 February, 2014, 12:30:29 pm
I don't watch much of anything, but I just walked into someone's house with a TV on. I was very amazed to read the name of this food programme from the on screen ident. "Kitchen" and " best bites" was OK, but the other word...... 

Then I realised that the "sa" at the start and the "ay" at the end had camouflaged themselves into the background.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 09 February, 2014, 11:13:24 pm
Was the bit in the middle "James Martin"?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 March, 2014, 01:47:00 pm
My choir is currently practising Rossini's "Petite Messe Solonnelle" for a concert next month. You don't gain the full impression of a work when you only practise the choruses. I think he misnamed it. It's for full orchestra and choir and lasts about 15 minutes longer than Beethoven's 9th symphony.

if Rossini wrote a Grande Messe Solonnelle then I don't think our superannuated lot would ever have the energy to perform it. As it is, a couple of the choruses we are doing require a fair bit of stamina.

If anyone fancies a listen, it's here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFGzmTLTjA8
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 08 March, 2014, 03:00:04 pm
Petite Messe Solonnelle was the first piece we sang when I joined Uxbridge Choral Society in 1993.
Wonderful.
Enjoy!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Dibdib on 09 March, 2014, 09:21:28 am
Signs of spring: Just cancelled my Netflix subscription, in favour of a Eurosport Player subscription for the cycling season.

This morning will be spent drinking tea, eating toast and catching up on KBK and Le Samyn  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 09 March, 2014, 08:44:20 pm
I bloody love Call the Midwife.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 10 March, 2014, 12:04:54 pm
This morning will be spent drinking tea, eating toast and catching up on KBK and Le Samyn  :thumbsup:

If you didn't see it yet, make sure you watch highlights of Saturday's Strade Bianche. Fantastic race.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 10 March, 2014, 04:13:33 pm
+1 to what Citoyen says, fantastic race.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Dibdib on 10 March, 2014, 04:15:45 pm
I'll have a look tonight but I think the selection of on-demand video on Eurosport Player isn't as comprehensive as I'd like.

Also, the "live" feed of Paris-Nice yesterday was actually on about a half-hour delay. Mental note to avoid Twitter. :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruth on 19 March, 2014, 09:04:14 am
Did anyone see the thing about old bicycles yesterday on that awful daytime antiques programme? It was on the telly in my coffee break at work yesterday.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 24 March, 2014, 10:44:04 pm
The jukebox in the Blue Lamp in Aberdeen just got a mention on 6music  :thumbsup: Nostalgia!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 02 April, 2014, 11:02:38 pm
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/13589748935_b727631155_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/mGT1U8)

Any so-called journalist who can't tell the difference between Alice Cooper and Kiss should have their typing finger chopped off >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 03 April, 2014, 07:53:55 pm
I've just watched Legs & Co dancing to Sultans of Swing on TOTP1979.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 19 April, 2014, 07:49:11 pm
Watching "Dear John" on DVD.  The third programme of series 1 (the one with the disco and the dead terrapin) is possibly the funniest piece of TV comedy ever.  And I really had a MILF thing for Belinda Lang back then.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 19 April, 2014, 09:02:48 pm
Any Legs & Co video with the sound down is the PERFECT accompaniment to the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show,  it really works.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 20 April, 2014, 06:04:27 pm
Temporarily (no speaker stands) the stereo speakers are plonked on the edge of the fireplace.  There is a buzz at a particular bass frequency with classical music (Classic FM is on, sounding awesome through a gert FM aerial).  I feel like Martin Hannett wiuth Joy Division's drumkit...I can't get rid of the buzz and the standard fix (blu-tack) isn't anywhere to be found.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 25 April, 2014, 11:02:33 am
I used last night's insomnia to watch Farscape: Peacekeeper War, reminding myself how much I enjoyed the overall series.

Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black)  :-*
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 30 April, 2014, 12:17:11 pm
Just been listening to "After Henry" again on the iThing.  It's all very lovely, typical Simon Brett stuff. A bit of digging reveals that Clare, the granddaughter, is played by Gerry Cowper, who has misc. roles in Eastenders, The Bill and so on. But the winning one was playing the alleged missing girl Rowan Morrison in the Wicker Man.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 08 May, 2014, 10:13:57 pm
Rihanna vs Avril Lavigne (http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/a-rihanna-meet-greet-vs-an-avril-lavigne-meet-greet?bffb&s=mobile)

Ok, they belabour the point, but the Avril Lavigne ones are wonderfully awkward.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruth on 09 May, 2014, 11:14:11 pm
What the bloody hell has happened to Barry Manilow's face?

Is he some kind of android?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Dibdib on 09 May, 2014, 11:45:19 pm
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BnOWmkwIUAAeNqz.jpg)

I'm sorry.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: madcow on 30 May, 2014, 05:33:38 pm
Last week I caught 2/3 rd s of  Issie Sutties "Love Letters " on R4.  It made me laugh during an extremely busy and stressful week.
As a cynical and jaded northerner,I  have become immune to a lot of R4 content.
I have now listened to the whole prog on i-player and it's a  really well crafted monologue performance.
 This type of comedy from a woman  is rare and so much better than Sarah Millicans foul mouthed tripe.  Look for "George and Louise".

She also contributed to a Great Lives prog about Jake Thackray. That's worth listening to as well.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 04 June, 2014, 05:29:44 pm
Insulting the world (large image, you need to zoom in):
http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/144/e/a/map_of_the_world_stereotypes_by_jaysimons-d7jiuq7.png
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 11 June, 2014, 12:41:56 pm
Listening to Radio 4xtra, I was overcome with sadness.  It was the beginning of the second series of the sitcom Albert & Me.  While it isn't great, that wasn't the reason that I was saddened.  More that it was Robert Lindsay (an actor I very much admired since I first saw him as Wolfie Smith), taking over from Richard Beckinsale, who had died at a ridiculously early age.  I loved Beckinsale, who I'd seen in Porridge, Going Straight, and a few other things, and it was a shock to find out that people can die unexpectedly.  It affected me greatly at the time.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 11 June, 2014, 01:25:46 pm
Last week I caught 2/3 rd s of  Issie Sutties "Love Letters " on R4.  It made me laugh during an extremely busy and stressful week.
As a cynical and jaded northerner,I  have become immune to a lot of R4 content.
I have now listened to the whole prog on i-player and it's a  really well crafted monologue performance.
 This type of comedy from a woman  is rare and so much better than Sarah Millicans foul mouthed tripe.  Look for "George and Louise".

She also contributed to a Great Lives prog about Jake Thackray. That's worth listening to as well.

I cried at the end of one of the love letters. The one where the couple communicated by morse code, and he was building a shed for her. They were going to run away to France, but didn't. Very sad.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LEE on 11 June, 2014, 01:59:57 pm
I've just watched Legs & Co dancing to Sultans of Swing on TOTP1979.

Were they dressed as Sultans and were they sat on Garden swings?

That was usually how the thought process went.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruth on 21 June, 2014, 02:59:32 pm
I'm in the middle of watching Any Human Heart on the i-Player thingy.

It's just so wonderful.  Jim Broadbend, ah!  A real treat to watch  :D :D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Bledlow on 30 June, 2014, 01:51:12 pm
A few minutes ago, on the World At One:

John Hegley declaiming Poem de Terre.

Wonderful!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 June, 2014, 04:18:30 pm
Some handy hints for would-be dramatisers of a Series of Books:


Yes, you, ITV Studios, with your so-called "Shetland".

Apart from that I quite enjoyed it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 30 June, 2014, 04:25:38 pm
I awarded myself 5 points in RBQ for getting most of the answer right about Marilyn Monroe.

And again for the one about Jimi Hendrix.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruth on 05 July, 2014, 10:03:59 am
Ooh!  Vicky Pendleton live on Saturday Kitchen!  Her hair looks great and I love her red dress.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Dibdib on 11 July, 2014, 10:46:38 am
Not sure where else to put this, but... To Kill A Mockingbird is currently free on the Kindle store:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kill-Mockingbird-Harper-Lee-ebook/dp/B00K1XOV5G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405071893&sr=8-1&keywords=to+kill+a+mockingbird+kindle
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Vince on 11 July, 2014, 02:06:09 pm
Thank you.

Is this because it is no-longer in the GCSE curriculum for not being British?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 July, 2014, 02:16:18 pm
The Clangers are coming back to TV next year. This should be so good, but as soon as people in official places start talking about something as having "subversive roots" and saying "it must not lose its nerve" you know it's past it. Still, it's worth it for the phrase "knitted satire". (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/10963527/Why-The-Clangers-is-the-best-childrens-TV-show-ever.html)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 29 July, 2014, 07:26:07 pm
Modern 'classical' music.  Why must it be so crappe?  A-rhythmic, dissonant cacophony*, beginning to end.  At best, it's planned noise.  Looking at the time, this premier of a piece by Gabriel Prokofiev will be over soon.

I try, I really do, but, but it does nothing for me - other than make me think 'why am I listening to this?'.


* Which, as my friends and I used to joke, is produced by an instrument called the kaka-phone. :-D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 29 July, 2014, 08:55:44 pm
B&Q's background music is horrid "soundalike" cover versions.  That is enough to put me off going there, ever again.  At least Wilko play the originals.  The Co-Op is the worst - musak instrumental versions of modern pop records  :sick:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 July, 2014, 01:32:06 am
Never heard (of) this Gabriel Prokofiev before, but could it be that the Prokofiev family musical gene is more akin to that of the Lennons than the Bachs.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 24 August, 2014, 12:19:10 pm
My erstwhile schoolmate and now Facebook friend, (an Oxford graduate) like me, possesses no TV.
I suggested he could watch the latest Dr Who on iplayer.
He posted he didn't have an iplayer so I had to explain.
I sent a linky to clicky.
Bless!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Bledlow on 24 August, 2014, 01:44:33 pm
Modern 'classical' music.  Why must it be so crappe?  A-rhythmic, dissonant cacophony*, beginning to end.  At best, it's planned noise.  Looking at the time, this premier of a piece by Gabriel Prokofiev will be over soon.

I try, I really do, but, but it does nothing for me - other than make me think 'why am I listening to this?'
Grandson of the more famous Sergei, but his father Oleg was a painter. I once visited his house in London when I was a student (the family was away, & the young woman who was looking after it was a friend of a friend). Lots of his own paintings on the walls. A few I thought OK, but most weren't to my taste.

Gabriel would have been a toddler at the time.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 24 August, 2014, 08:33:05 pm
I see Bjarne Riis is moonlighting as a cellist with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.  :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Dibdib on 31 August, 2014, 08:51:02 pm
Just ordered two tickets to see a "contemporary" M*cb*th Scottish Play in a couple of weeks. I am very curious to see if it's any good.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 02 September, 2014, 11:38:11 pm
Modern 'classical' music.  Why must it be so crappe?  A-rhythmic, dissonant cacophony*, beginning to end.  At best, it's planned noise.  Looking at the time, this premier of a piece by Gabriel Prokofiev will be over soon.

I try, I really do, but, but it does nothing for me - other than make me think 'why am I listening to this?'.


* Which, as my friends and I used to joke, is produced by an instrument called the kaka-phone. :-D

I am very inclined to agree, Andrij. I haven't been to a prom lately, but I attended one a few years ago in which Beethoven's 9th followed the premier of some work by Harrison Birtwistle. I wonder if the Birtwistle piece will ever gain a second hearing?

Many pieces were panned by the audience on their first performance. I think Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" is one such but it is widely acclaimed these days. I'm not at all keen on it. I do, however, like most of the stuff that I have heard by Bela Bartok. I do think that some pieced of music grow on you with more listening. Bartok's "Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste" was one of my A level set works so I had to listen to it quite a few times. Even though the first run-through was, as you say, cacophonous and incomprehensible, the more I listened the more I liked it.

Actually, now I come to think of it, I also had Bartok at O level - one of the volumes of his piano pieces "Mikrokosmos". I grew to like those as well.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 September, 2014, 03:02:34 am
 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: to DJ Random for playing Cheap Trick's "California Man" as I pulled into a "gas" station in Ridgecrest, CA, at lunchtime.  However, if he could keep the likes of "Merry Xmas Everybody" and "Fairytale Of New York" under wraps for a while...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mcshroom on 03 September, 2014, 11:45:16 am
Modern 'classical' music.  Why must it be so crappe?  A-rhythmic, dissonant cacophony*, beginning to end.  At best, it's planned noise.  Looking at the time, this premier of a piece by Gabriel Prokofiev will be over soon.

I try, I really do, but, but it does nothing for me - other than make me think 'why am I listening to this?'.


* Which, as my friends and I used to joke, is produced by an instrument called the kaka-phone. :-D

I am very inclined to agree, Andrij. I haven't been to a prom lately, but I attended one a few years ago in which Beethoven's 9th followed the premier of some work by Harrison Birtwistle. I wonder if the Birtwistle piece will ever gain a second hearing?

Many pieces were panned by the audience on their first performance. I think Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" is one such but it is widely acclaimed these days. I'm not at all keen on it. I do, however, like most of the stuff that I have heard by Bela Bartok. I do think that some pieced of music grow on you with more listening. Bartok's "Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste" was one of my A level set works so I had to listen to it quite a few times. Even though the first run-through was, as you say, cacophonous and incomprehensible, the more I listened the more I liked it.

Actually, now I come to think of it, I also had Bartok at O level - one of the volumes of his piano pieces "Mikrokosmos". I grew to like those as well.

I would like to bet there was just as much rubbish around in the past as there is now. As with many things the good stuff rises to the top and we lose the bad stuff as noone wants to keep playing it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 05 September, 2014, 11:00:27 pm
Great 'Late Night Proms' tonight.  Wish I felt well enough to actually be there.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 September, 2014, 12:04:55 am
Modern 'classical' music.  Why must it be so crappe?  A-rhythmic, dissonant cacophony*, beginning to end.  At best, it's planned noise.  Looking at the time, this premier of a piece by Gabriel Prokofiev will be over soon.

I try, I really do, but, but it does nothing for me - other than make me think 'why am I listening to this?'.


* Which, as my friends and I used to joke, is produced by an instrument called the kaka-phone. :-D

I am very inclined to agree, Andrij. I haven't been to a prom lately, but I attended one a few years ago in which Beethoven's 9th followed the premier of some work by Harrison Birtwistle. I wonder if the Birtwistle piece will ever gain a second hearing?

Many pieces were panned by the audience on their first performance. I think Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" is one such but it is widely acclaimed these days. I'm not at all keen on it. I do, however, like most of the stuff that I have heard by Bela Bartok. I do think that some pieced of music grow on you with more listening. Bartok's "Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste" was one of my A level set works so I had to listen to it quite a few times. Even though the first run-through was, as you say, cacophonous and incomprehensible, the more I listened the more I liked it.

Actually, now I come to think of it, I also had Bartok at O level - one of the volumes of his piano pieces "Mikrokosmos". I grew to like those as well.

I would like to bet there was just as much rubbish around in the past as there is now. As with many things the good stuff rises to the top and we lose the bad stuff as noone wants to keep playing it.

You may be right, but the "modern" trend for completely tuneless stuff is something previous generations didn't have to put up with, I am sure. I think it's very difficult for us to imagine what music was available to ordinary people before the days of radio and the record industry. I suspect that there were a lot more good amateur musicians around than there are today, because there must have been a demand of some kind. Today we are fed a diet of non-stop radio and, whatever our musical tastes, there's never any need to go to a concert in order to hear stuff played.

There's also quite a bit of good stuff from years ago which just isn't fashionable any more. Composers go through phases of fashion - after all, J.S. Bach was pretty much unknown until Mendelssohn introduced a few of his works to the 19th century audiences. Apparently there was a family link - Mendelssohn's great aunt learned music with one of J.S.Bach's sons. Can you imagine a world without the Brandenburgs, the Orchestral Suites, the 48 preludes & fugues, the chorales, the Passions, the violin concerti etc? How many ordinary people would have ever had the chance to hear some of Bach's stuff before the days of braodcasting? Very few, I'm sure, but I'd be surprised if any British adult today didn't recognise the opening of the toccata & fugue in D minor (OK, experts think it wasn't one of Bach's after all) even if they couldn't put a name to it.

It's quite rare to hear performances of stuff by Tallis and Byrd, but I'd rate "Spem in Alium" up there with some of the best music ever composed - but you hardly ever hear it today.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 06 September, 2014, 02:23:52 pm
You're doing what to my alliums? :o
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mcshroom on 06 September, 2014, 02:42:30 pm
I'd agree there are far fewer amateur musicians (and I'll add choristers) than there used to be. There is still some good music being produced. One example in Choral music is Philip Stopford. His reinterpretation of Lully, Lulla, Lullay was the highest choral piece in the Classic FM Hall of Fame this year (Number 1 going to Ralph Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending again).

Also there is some good music being written for films. I would expect Howard Shore's compositions for the Lord of the Rings films to be popular for a time to come; and personally I found the pieces composed for the Pirates of the Caribbean enjoyable (much better than the films at any rate).

We do have so much music available to us now that sifting the good pieces from the bad ones can be difficult, and it will be interesting to see what from now is still popular in 50 years time (or 94 like the age of The Lark Ascending today).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 September, 2014, 04:15:49 pm
You're doing what to my alliums? :o

They're receiving junk e-mail from poshos.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: menthel on 16 September, 2014, 11:08:04 am
I bought a banjo and now my fingers hurt!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Vince on 16 September, 2014, 11:11:18 am
Cue the banjo jokes

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 16 September, 2014, 11:15:11 am
I bought a banjo and now my fingers hurt!

You need to be more careful with the hammer.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: menthel on 16 September, 2014, 11:47:53 am
I bought a banjo and now my fingers hurt!

You need to be more careful with the hammer.

Its not all that accurate for picking either- the claw end was better than the hammering end though. ;)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 16 September, 2014, 02:17:58 pm
A few months ago, I saw Richard Ayoade coming out of Canterbury East station wearing a rather eye-catching tomato-coloured suit. I put it down to the eccentricity of celebrity.

Last night, Richard Ayoade was on telly in a new programme called "Gadget Man"... in which he goes around testing gadgets while wearing a tomato-coloured suit.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biff on 20 September, 2014, 06:12:12 pm
A mate and his g/f were listening to The Stone Roses when she pipes up "Wow, they obviously modelled themselves on Oasis!" Laughter ensued.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biff on 25 September, 2014, 12:38:02 pm
This is neat:

http://art-post.me/218
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 September, 2014, 06:27:08 pm
Quote
Киевская инди-рок группа «Brunettes Shoot Blondes» сняла оригинальный клип на песню «Knock Knock», действие которого разворачивается на 14 яблочных гаджетах - телефонах, планшетах и ноутбуках. Продуманность очаровывает с первых кадров.
I love how they've translated Apple and turned it into an adjective. 14 яблочных гаджетах Especially in context with the more obviously translatable 'indie rock' being not translated by simply transliterated.

The montage is cool too.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Dibdib on 02 October, 2014, 08:07:26 pm
Quote
Total time played: 61 days, 7 hours, 13 minutes, 45 seconds

And that's just one of my characters, another has 33 days on it...

Holy crap, World of Warcraft can be addictive. In my defense, this is over the last six years or so.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 October, 2014, 09:09:14 pm
Thanks to the wonders of SCIENCE I can now reveal that DJ Random played me precisely 2296 different tracks during my sojourn in USAnia :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: delthebike on 03 October, 2014, 02:45:25 pm
HIGNFY! New series tonight.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Vince on 03 October, 2014, 02:46:23 pm
and QI series L is starting too
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 October, 2014, 06:12:45 pm
Both of which have extended 12" disco mixes; QI XL is 22:30 Sunday, BBC2, HIGABMNFY 22:35 Monday, BBC1.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 05 October, 2014, 10:48:25 pm
Oh for the love of feck, it appears the sound person on HIGNIFY has turned up on QI and decided to spread the 'applause a billionty time louder than the dialogue virus onto the program too, chiz.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 10 October, 2014, 10:24:41 am
The Wedding Present are playing at next year's Deer Shed Festival.

I shall be ordering tickets....
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 10 October, 2014, 10:31:18 am
Bedale has a gig venue - and this lot are playing there:

http://www.hopeandsocial.co.uk/live/

You like them, don't you, t?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 10 October, 2014, 10:37:06 am
Bedale has a gig venue - and this lot are playing there:

http://www.hopeandsocial.co.uk/live/

You like them, don't you, t?

Oooo, good find.  If you haven't seen them live, do so, they are great*!

*It's ok, I shan't repeat my story about seeing them in 199<cough>, when they were known as Three Day Hombre :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 16 October, 2014, 08:55:27 am
Mrs T and myself went to the local Co-op the other night.

Whilst wandering the aisles I heard "Drip, Drip, Drip" emanating from the overhead speakers.

No, it wasn't the water tank leaking, it was the beginning of "Black Chandelier" by Biffy Clyro!!!!!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 20 October, 2014, 03:03:41 pm
I feel very old. :(

Listeners to Radmac have just been contacting the programme, nostalgic about Shed Seven.

I teched their first gig!  Must have been just the other week...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 20 October, 2014, 03:31:09 pm
I'm afraid I associate Shed Seven with the awful boredom of listening to Steve Lacrap and Smiley Woman on Radio One years ago (in the hope of hearing the odd good tune, before Radio 6 was invented).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 20 October, 2014, 03:33:11 pm
Oh, I don't actually like them!  But they were decent enough kids...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 20 October, 2014, 04:16:34 pm
Shame you didn't wire up their mics to the mains.  :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 20 October, 2014, 04:23:11 pm
Which reminds me: I did Bros' first gig as well.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 20 October, 2014, 05:01:31 pm
New HMHB album out now...

http://www.probeplus-store.co.uk/index.php?_a=product&product_id=162
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 20 October, 2014, 05:30:41 pm
Which reminds me: I did Bros' first gig as well.

Shame you didn't wire up their mics to the mains.   ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 20 October, 2014, 09:55:47 pm
Sadly, I was not in charge of the sound on that occasion.

The person who was marked out a large area at the front of the stage with gaff tape as a TFZ

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 26 October, 2014, 09:32:46 pm
10pm tonight, BBC Three, Sonic Highways starts. In case you weren't aware, this is the story of the making of the Foo Fighters' new album, where they travel the US recording in different studios, sort of continuing on from what they started with "Wasting Light"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 October, 2014, 09:27:22 am
Mrs. Wow and I are on a train heading for London. We are going to spend the day at the Turner exhibition at the Tate Modern.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 30 October, 2014, 09:34:56 am
Mrs. Wow and I are on a train heading for London. We are going to spend the day at the Turner exhibition at the Tate Modern.

Ike or Tina?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 October, 2014, 11:31:05 am
Mrs. Wow and I are on a train heading for London. We are going to spend the day at the Turner exhibition at the Tate Modern.

Ike or Tina?

I'd guessed Nik...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 30 October, 2014, 11:31:18 am
MsC is up in York for half-term, so I took the day off and went to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Featured exhibits by  Ursula von Rydingsvard and Ai Weiwei. Never heard of Ursula von Rydingsvard and I don't normally like rough abstract wood sculptures but really liked her stuff.

Ai Weiwei I have heard of and found some of his work very moving, some a bit contrived.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 30 October, 2014, 11:41:08 am
Mrs. Wow and I are on a train heading for London. We are going to spend the day at the Turner exhibition at the Tate Modern.

Ike or Tina?

I'd guessed Nik...

Maybe Brian
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 October, 2014, 11:57:14 am
Mrs. Wow and I are on a train heading for London. We are going to spend the day at the Turner exhibition at the Tate Modern.

Ike or Tina?

I'd guessed Nik...

Maybe Brian

Or Stinky.  Or Robert, though he's taken to calling himself Robert Turner Been these days
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: peliroja on 30 October, 2014, 12:53:02 pm
Mrs. Wow and I are on a train heading for London. We are going to spend the day at the Turner exhibition at the Tate Modern.
Isn't the Turner exhibition at the Tate Britain, not Modern?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 30 October, 2014, 12:59:54 pm
Isn't the Turner exhibition at the Tate Britain, not Modern?

Yes.  And there's a fair distance between the Tates.  How about they move and combine them to the Battersea Power Station?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 October, 2014, 01:51:57 pm
Mrs. Wow and I are on a train heading for London. We are going to spend the day at the Turner exhibition at the Tate Modern.
Isn't the Turner exhibition at the Tate Britain, not Modern?
Sadly yes. We have had a long walk but we are here now.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 30 October, 2014, 07:12:08 pm
When I do my Big Shop at the megacorps Extra, I always have a trawl through the DVD shelves to look for a truly stupid title to giggle at (not buy)

I have snorted at "Ozombie" about Osama Bin L as a Walker.
I have snirked at "Piranaconda", about a deadly crossbred fishsnake.
I have guffawed over "Sharknado", about a tornado. Full of sharks.

Today I found this year's winner, which bigs itself up by announcing that it features the, er, star from Sharknado.

The film is called "Zombeaver"

I leave it as an exercise for the reader to work out the premise. No, not THAT sort of beaver. Castor, not cunny.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 31 October, 2014, 07:33:30 am
I've seen Sharknado.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 31 October, 2014, 02:08:30 pm
I've seen Sharknado.

As have I.  It delivered in exactly the way that Snakes On A Plane failed to.

There's a Sharknado 2, but I'm saving that for times of need.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 31 October, 2014, 08:32:47 pm
Zombeavers. The cover image. PMSL.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2784512/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 31 October, 2014, 09:36:21 pm
In a similar vein, as it were...

Quote from: io9
Remember the good old days of trolling the video rental horror section and just starring agape at the wondrous collection of VHS horror cover art?

http://io9.com/the-motherlode-of-deliciously-disturbing-and-disgusting-1652900711

NB: As per the web link, contains images of varying degrees of squickyness, so probably not for viewing at work or by those of a delicate nature. But worth a laugh for the tag lines on some of the covers. ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 November, 2014, 08:35:28 am
Coes the doll on the cover of "Dolls" look,like Michael Jackson, or is it just me?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 02 November, 2014, 07:37:58 am
Attention Bluesbreakers!  John Mayall will be on the Andrew Marr show _today_ (Sunday) just before 10 AM.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 02 November, 2014, 05:13:47 pm
For fans of Sir Terry, I had an odd discovery today. In the classic Addams Family TV show, Granny's name is apparently Esmerelda. She's a witch.

Pugsley was played by a boy with the surname Weatherwax (Ken W.). Now, the link should need no explanation!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 November, 2014, 12:57:11 pm
Dez persuaded me to watch an episode of the Simpsons today, one which he tells me has not yet been broadcast in this country. It was on the subject of Fracking.

There was one wonderful cultural reference:- "Pumping fracked gas is all cash cash cash!"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hulver on 03 November, 2014, 01:07:05 pm
We watched the Extended edition of part two of The Hobbit last night. I did wonder how they could cram an extra 25 minutes into a film that was already 2 hours too long, but it turns out they did it in a quite surprising way.

By putting back all the bits from the book that they cut out in the first place, and expanding some things that were mentioned in the book / LotR (like Gandalf finding Thorin's dad at Dol Guldor).

Quite enjoyable, but now reaches "Oh dear God how am I going to sit through this" length, but fast forwarding through the stupid barrel riding scene shortens it a little bit.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 November, 2014, 07:07:50 pm
"The One Show" is doing a piece on rubbish collection and had, as background music, "Garbage" by The Deviants  :o

I do not think their researcher listened to the lyrics.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 12 November, 2014, 08:39:01 pm
Foo Fighters have announced UK dates for next year (and theyare UK dates, one night in Embra). The Maccamland one, the one nearest to us, is ona Monday :(

It is a bank holiday  :thumbsup:

It is half term  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biff on 16 November, 2014, 04:33:13 pm
An interesting take:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B2hK6aqIIAABtox.jpg)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 21 November, 2014, 12:26:50 pm
Steve Cropper from out of Booker T and the MGs to play... Reeth!

http://m.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/11617440.Sitting_On_The_Dock_Of_The_Bay_music_legend_asks_to_play_at_pub__in_the_sticks_/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 21 November, 2014, 01:43:52 pm
This is great.  Dick Smith on flying a helicopter solo around the world:

http://youtu.be/fK2KBDo7ISY?t=23m3s
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 November, 2014, 11:25:20 am
You need this like a... but of course it needs one!
http://youtu.be/Je30JqJCW0o
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 November, 2014, 11:13:22 pm
Have Sara Cox and Philomena Cunk ever been seen in the same room?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biff on 26 November, 2014, 04:15:16 pm
Been there, got the t-shirt

(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/bigh47/B3PfFIfCMAEus_c.jpg)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hulver on 26 November, 2014, 05:11:31 pm
Masterchef: The Professionals on BBC at the moment (another one tonight). 4 weeks in. 10 contestants per weeks. With tonight's program that will make 40 chefs trying to get through so far.

3 of which have been women (I don't think there are any women on tonight's program, from the footage they showed last night)

Surely the ratio of women to men in the cheffing business must be higher than 3/40.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 27 November, 2014, 08:04:18 am
Masterchef: The Professionals on BBC at the moment (another one tonight). 4 weeks in. 10 contestants per weeks. With tonight's program that will make 40 chefs trying to get through so far.

3 of which have been women (I don't think there are any women on tonight's program, from the footage they showed last night)

Surely the ratio of women to men in the cheffing business must be higher than 3/40.

Probably not.  At least not at the higher end.

Like with most other jobs, the catering industry is made up of the young and females at the shit lower end, the men being aggressive and moving through the ranks quickly.  This is a great shame as some of the best chefs I have had the pleasure to work with have been women, the men being too "in your face"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biff on 27 November, 2014, 10:03:19 pm
RIP PD James. Not everyone's cup of tea but I found her novels quite readable.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Dibdib on 28 November, 2014, 05:00:10 pm
Happy Hogswatch (http://www.discworldemporium.com/Hogswatch%202014)!

To celebrate, this evening I'll be curling up on the sofa with a  beer and a Discworld novel  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 28 November, 2014, 05:47:19 pm
RIP PD James. Not everyone's cup of tea but I found her novels quite readable.

I thought she was great, her writing was always sharp and challenging, and her voice was young.  I was astonished when I heard how old she was.

Thanks PD James!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 30 November, 2014, 11:26:37 am
"Carman's Whistle" by Robert Johnson on a Julian Bream LP* I bought yesterday.  Hang on a mo. JB playing the blues!? On a lute!? Oh, ah, I _see_; a _different_ Robert Johnson.   An Elizabethan/Jacobean Robert Johnson (1582-1633).  Clot.  Really must pay more attention that or buy some new specs. :)


*Note for very much younger readers.
Like streamed music only _you_ have a physical copy and can lend it to friends without people** getting all uptight and sniffy about it.

**Lawyers and bean-counters mostly.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Chris S on 30 November, 2014, 11:31:36 am
Google+ "Auto-Awesome" (I'm just guessing here, but that looks like a name that an American would think up) just sent me an edit of video clips and photos I took at the Cyclo Cross yesterday.

It's not that bad, actually - but it is a bit freaky, having a machine somewhere doing something almost creative with my stuff.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 03 December, 2014, 08:36:49 pm
Bez on C4 News.

:)

Comical, but he did talk quite a lot of sense.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 December, 2014, 07:30:09 pm
Tipped off to the publication of a new Stuart MacBride novel next month by, of all things, an ad on a web site, I have now got a novella by the same author for the princely sum of 99p.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 07 December, 2014, 10:21:11 pm
Stardust was on this afternoon.  The star was played by Carrie out of Homeland!  Except Carrie was dubbed by a posh English girl.  From the embodiment of light in a fairy tale, to a psychopath CIA agent.  Whoa.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 December, 2014, 11:06:58 pm
You are all to tune your wirelesses to BBC Radio 3 at 18:45 next Sunday, December 14th, for "The Supernatural North" in which Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough visits Norway in search of the supernatural icy world that haunts the imagination of writers like Philip Pullman and A.S. Byatt.  Never mind them, though, it also features Dr Larrington.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 December, 2014, 06:54:34 pm
last.fm's scrobbler has nothing to say about Swiss metal mayhem merchants Krokus ::-)  And it thinks The House Of Lords are some Gene Simmons-endorsed bunch of New Yorkers, not Penniless Student Oaves from Midsomer Norton featuring my chum Hobbs ???
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 08 December, 2014, 08:00:51 pm
I have nothing to say of Krokus.

My mum said that if you haven't anything nice to say...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 December, 2014, 12:18:46 pm
I saw them at the Lyceum circa 1980 and jolly good fun they were too!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 11 December, 2014, 07:51:55 pm
Legs & Co's interpretation of the Quo's Living on an Island on TOTP1979 tonight was - well, words fail me.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CrinklyLion on 12 December, 2014, 11:19:44 pm
Kate Rusby's Christmas Tour shoes were nowhere near as nice as the shiny red ones with bows on that Ruthie and Butterfly and I argued about 2 years ago.

Her mittens and wooly scarf were nice tho.


(And the brass band and the 'boys' and la Belle Rusby were of course delightful.... sorry, Clarion)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 December, 2014, 11:53:44 am
These red shoes? (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040725/?ref_=fn_al_tt_4)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CrinklyLion on 13 December, 2014, 01:44:41 pm
These (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMh6QjMkvzE#t=28) red shoes...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMh6QjMkvzE#t=28
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 20 December, 2014, 02:45:24 pm
When I become The Emporer of Everything, my first law to be enacted will contain the following:

1) it is not illegal to punch someone if a) they are a TV chef whose first name begins with "Jam" or b) they present at house search show and use the phrase "Wow factor".
2) The aforementioned house search shows must be honest, not presented as if writing an estate agents particulars.
3) Car make over shows must be honest too.
4) "Bear" Grills must admit he is, really, a wuss and he gets his cameraman to act as a body double for him for all the dangerous stuff...

I envisage this would lead to much more entertaining TV
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 December, 2014, 04:57:02 pm
Does 1)b) still apply even if the house is in Southend and comes complete with a bearded, jovial, beer-drinking, Bach-singing resident?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 21 December, 2014, 11:07:11 am
Ha, it's cyclists versus motorbikers on Bargain Hunt this morning, it's such a no-brainer which bunch of skinflint curmudgeons is going to win that one!   :demon:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 December, 2014, 02:41:46 pm
If you copy a bunch of mp3s into a temporary directory prior to importing them into iThings and then delete them afterwards then the not-very-random play thing gets all confused and will start playing as many versions of George Thorogood & The Destroyers' "Treat Her Right" as it can find.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CAMRAMan on 21 December, 2014, 07:20:44 pm
Somebody ought to teach the reincarnation of Joyce Grenfell Kate Humble how to do voiceovers on that Orbit Round the Sun programme so that she doesn't sound similar in texture to the gift in Trafalgar Square supplied by Norway. I don't like her at the best of times, but her voiced input is awful.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Chris S on 21 December, 2014, 10:42:34 pm
She was the main reason I turned that programme off after about three minutes.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: billplumtree on 23 December, 2014, 09:33:03 am
You are all to tune your wirelesses to BBC Radio 3 at 18:45 next Sunday, December 14th, for "The Supernatural North" in which Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough visits Norway in search of the supernatural icy world that haunts the imagination of writers like Philip Pullman and A.S. Byatt.  Never mind them, though, it also features Dr Larrington.

Missed this, but will iplayer-thing it.  Being as how I did actually walk past the very Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, mentioned therein, in Hammerfest on my holibobs.  And I did hear a clip of the programme on Radio 4's Pick of the Week last Sunday, in which your intrepid reporter (no, not me, her) was inducted into the society by being 'knighted' with a walrus penis bone.  It's not every day you hear that.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 23 December, 2014, 01:15:08 pm
Adam Buxton's Shed Of Christmas was on Sky Arts last week but is well worth catching up with on demand if you missed it. Just a load of random Christmas themed nonsense. Very silly, very amusing.

http://www.sky.com/tv/show/adam-buxtons-shed
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 24 December, 2014, 10:18:57 am
Putting my feet up at the weekend to survey the sundry offerings on Amazon Instant and I saw some serial killer nonsense (The Following) with Kevin Bacon (which in our house is always pronounced like Kevin Turvey) which I thought suitably festive (to be honest, serial killers are about as scary as zombies, though admittedly you're more likely to find a serial killer in your wardrobe). It's pretty much what you expect. Kevin looks Kevin-y (and you expect him to start advertising mobile phone networks), the bad guy is English (this trend continues and all an English person will need to do is sneak up behind an American and say hello and they'll shock and awe their stars and stripes underwear), they're been reading the playbook. That's all by-the-by, the weird thing is that we've both seen it before. With the first episode there was déjà vu. Ah, we think, probably watched it on an aeroplane. Now four episodes in we can remember the entire series. Everything other than where we saw it. It's odd, it came out in 2013, we don't have terrestrial TV or Sky (where it aired), it's not in my Amazon history, we don't have the DVDs. We don't even watch much TV, perhaps an hour in the evening. How did I misplace about fifteen hours of TV? Good job it's not a programme about aliens, that kind of missing time has to be reported.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 December, 2014, 04:09:48 pm
Maybe Kevin Bacon implanted it in your brain through your mobile phone.

Never mind, you can make a hat once you've taken the turkey out of the tinfoil, just in case he tries to put Flatliners in there too.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 December, 2014, 05:00:49 pm
You saw something else but due to the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon wossname...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 24 December, 2014, 05:19:37 pm
Maybe Kevin Bacon implanted it in your brain through your mobile phone.

Never mind, you can make a hat once you've taken the turkey out of the tinfoil, just in case he tries to put Flatliners in there too.

Hmm, perhaps a Twitter virus.

I'm more worried about Footloose, tbh. Reminds me, I had to explain the Footloose joke from Guardians of the Galaxy to one of the mothership minions. She patiently explained that that was from 'before [she] was born' like that's any kind of excuse. I dunno what they teach kids in school these days.

Oh oh, earworm in 3,2,1, everybody cut FOOTLOOSE...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 December, 2014, 05:23:45 pm
Footloose makes me think of the Singing Owls in Reeves & Mortimer.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CAMRAMan on 26 December, 2014, 07:48:52 am
Having had Strictly Come Masochistically Endure Bruce Forsyth inflicted on me - and Michael Feckin' Bublé - it seems that Sir Bruce finds reading autocue rather challenging these days, so do the kind thing, BBC, and rip up next year's invitation or simply take him out and shoot him, please.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 26 December, 2014, 11:09:51 am
The trailer for that promised "all your favourite entertainers" but I happen to know that Messrs Bowie and Ferry had other plans, so as well as being a senile old git, Forsyth is a liar too.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CAMRAMan on 26 December, 2014, 01:44:46 pm
That, I assume, was the edited, best version, so I wonder how bad the out takes were?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 31 December, 2014, 06:56:17 pm
I have jst been reminding myself of this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNxr3ldkaco

Wonderful stuff!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 January, 2015, 02:48:20 am
New series of "The Infinite Monkey Cage" starts on Monday January 19, R4, 16:30.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 19 January, 2015, 09:58:14 pm
Ahhh, nothing like a bit of Schönberg to get me to switch off Radio3.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 28 January, 2015, 05:54:19 pm
Doing the ironing and watching In The Shadow of the Moon.

I can't watch the bit about Apollo 1 without crying.  So terrible.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 01 February, 2015, 09:33:52 pm
Why must my i-Pod always play Amon Amarth when I put it on Shuffle?

Must remember to get rid of that.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 February, 2015, 11:50:53 pm
Set up a smart playlist such that it doesn't play Stuffs it's already played before?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 01 February, 2015, 11:56:13 pm
Why must my i-Pod always play Amon Amarth when I put it on Shuffle?

It's cursed, obviously.  It's like tapes left in cars turning into Queen.  You can't fight it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 03 February, 2015, 09:31:54 am
I have just had an email about this year's Deershed lineup.

It includes:
The Unthanks
James Yorkston
The Wedding Present
John Grant

and

BILLY BRAGG!!!!!

http://deershedfestival.com/music/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 03 February, 2015, 10:18:04 pm
Went to flicks with Aged Parents. Tickets for parents & me - £16.60
'Small' Fanta for Dad and water for Mum - £5.80.

Auditorium empty at front and maybe 20  punters at back.

Vue reception area horrible; constant noise of ventilation and muzak, poor light, difficult to find information we needed.

Parents could not leave fast enough.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 February, 2015, 11:20:06 am
Vue reception area horrible; constant noise of ventilation and muzak, poor light, difficult to find information we needed.

You forgot to mention the squelchy worn carpet and stench of stale popcorn.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 05 February, 2015, 08:12:32 pm
I don't care what the miseries say, I'm in the Mood for Dancing by the Nolans is one of the best records ever made. Fact. #totp1980
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 February, 2015, 12:33:52 am
Because idleness I found myself watching "This Week" just now.  Matt, er, um, er anyway prawns featured prominently.  In it.  And they played The Soft Boys' "Where Are The Prawns?"  Blimey!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 08 February, 2015, 10:13:44 pm
http://www.buzzfeed.com/scottybryan/someone-edited-together-all-the-dumbest-questions-posed-at-t#.jsdD8Zjew
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 09 February, 2015, 07:20:44 pm
I've just noticed that Fascinating Aida are on in Liverpool in March  :thumbsup: 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 15 February, 2015, 01:12:45 am
Going through the mountain of old magazines & mailshots I was excited to find something telling me that Sinead O'Connor was due to play in Liverpool .....

However on checking the appropriate website "Despite our best efforts and although this date was previously advertised in our What's On guide, this concert will no longer go ahead."   :(
Title: It's all in the f-hole
Post by: Andrij on 15 February, 2015, 08:00:07 pm
Acoustic dynamics of stringed instruments nailed (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/02/15/violin_acoustics_f_holes_mit/)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 February, 2015, 08:19:46 am
Just once it would be be nice to dispense with the cliffhanger nonsense.  Yes, you, Chris "Broadchurch" Chibnall.  Like we didn't see that coming ::-)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 17 February, 2015, 08:53:26 am
Putting my feet up at the weekend to survey the sundry offerings on Amazon Instant and I saw some serial killer nonsense (The Following) with Kevin Bacon...

I realise after slowly soldiering through five episodes that my brain in fact elided the experience owing to the fact that this programme is so insufferably awful. Kevin, what have you done? Good god, they're made three series of this shit.

Basically, Kevin wanders around with a look on his face that makes it look like he needs the bathroom, a good, long book, and some privacy because he'd been saving up for this one. Absolutely nothing makes sense. It doesn't so much as jump the shark as install a trapeze and hire a bloody circus.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 February, 2015, 09:02:35 am
The Casual Vacancy1.  It's a Rubbishes.  Famous != Good.

1: I think no-one could be arsed to turn the Anbaric Distascope off for an hour.
Title: Re: It's all in the f-hole
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 February, 2015, 09:08:08 am
Acoustic dynamics of stringed instruments nailed (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/02/15/violin_acoustics_f_holes_mit/)
Interesting. Though it's hardly news that violin makers did not know what features produced 'better' sound, seeing as those features have been argued about for centuries. It's all in the varnish, they used to say.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 17 February, 2015, 07:09:26 pm
The Casual Vacancy1.  It's a Rubbishes.  Famous != Good.

1: I think no-one could be arsed to turn the Anbaric Distascope off for an hour.

I rather enjoyed it!  Lots of characters you can love to hate  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: jsabine on 17 February, 2015, 07:48:44 pm
Basically, Kevin wanders around with a look on his face that makes it look like he needs the bathroom, a good, long book, and some privacy because he'd been saving up for this one.

That's the EE ads, isn't it?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 17 February, 2015, 09:16:27 pm
Basically, Kevin wanders around with a look on his face that makes it look like he needs the bathroom, a good, long book, and some privacy because he'd been saving up for this one.

That's the EE ads, isn't it?

I think it's the 'tortured soul' look they learn at Acting School. The dread weight of the backstory that he must lug from scene to scene. I survived five series of Lost, I have the badge and everything, but five episodes of The Following had me in tears. I don't know if it's the epic dumbness of the police and FBI (I want Scully to turn up and stab each and every one of them with her shoe heel), every movement is lubricated by stupidity, the suspension bridge of disbelief I have to cross to accept the cult of serial killers with unlimited powers and resources (which was organised by a notorious serial killer from inside prison, because like no one bothered to check the visitor log), or the constant deus ex machina plot lines (what do you know, new character turns out to be a cult member). The Gods are practically parachuting onto the set. Then there's the dull splatter of pointless gore and finally, but not least, the constant hey-we-read-a-book Poe references. See, it's all based on Poe. Except it isn't. They just pick random phrases and run with them and hope no one notices they only read the Cliff's Notes at college.

It's like some huge vacuous mental burp. Watching it is like breathing their stinky mouth farts. Those EE adverts are a lot better.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 February, 2015, 10:05:59 pm
And another thing.  How the actual fuck is "I Survived A Zombie Apocalypse" a reality show?  I'll draw a diagram:

Zombies
(click to show/hide)
Reality
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 18 February, 2015, 04:45:02 pm
I pondered that very question the other night.  Came to the conclusion that it was click-bait, tempting otherwise sensible zombie enthusiasts into watching reality rubbish on the off-chance it might be interesting, perhaps in the manner of Dead Set.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 19 February, 2015, 03:36:23 pm
I was at a union meeting in the Dovecot today and saw a sign and then a leaflet advertising a tapestry exhibition by one Magne Furuholmen.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 22 February, 2015, 08:10:07 pm
Oh, poo, Wargames was on and I've missed most of it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 22 February, 2015, 08:11:02 pm
JOSHUA!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 22 February, 2015, 08:53:25 pm
Ah, I love Wargames. That was great.

Must be Eighties night - they're showing Top Gun next.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 22 February, 2015, 08:54:43 pm
*nips out for chocolate and nachos*
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 February, 2015, 09:50:09 pm
Ah... just seen Daniela Nardini on the telly. I used to have a bit of a crush on her. Maybe not so much now....
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 23 February, 2015, 11:45:53 pm
Ah, the 90s...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 24 February, 2015, 12:43:22 am
Just bought a box set of Ealing comedies for my Grandad on Amazon.  I hope he likes them.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 February, 2015, 08:40:11 am
Dr Larrington alerted me to the existence of this Engrenages swearing test[/i] which, sadly, is nowhere near as funny as it sounds.  It should be possible to get 10/10 simply by eliminating the answers that are:
 (http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/quiz/2015/feb/12/spiral-quiz-test-your-french-slang)
 :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 25 February, 2015, 11:43:18 pm
Is it just me? Or is 'Miranda' just not funny? At all . . .
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: jsabine on 26 February, 2015, 12:59:21 am
Is it just me? Or is 'Miranda' just not funny? At all . . .

While not disagreeing with you, it (she?) is considerably more funny than Trodd en Bratt Say 'Well Done You', which the Home Service is pleased to call an comedy and broadcast on a Tuesday evening.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 February, 2015, 02:23:51 am
Is it just me? Or is 'Miranda' just not funny? At all . . .

No, I think it's terrible and that Miranda Hart is a public nuisance.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 26 February, 2015, 07:06:11 am
I love Miranda. I identify with her and think she's really funny.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 26 February, 2015, 07:46:10 am
Miranda is just a mainstream sitcom doing what a mainstream sitcom does. I have no opinion of it either way and admit I'm baffled that others appear to feel so strongly about it. I suspect the fact that the lead is a not-conventionally-attractive woman has something to do with it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 February, 2015, 07:52:52 am
I liked her in Call the Midwife and she seems funny when she's being herself on things, but the sitcom was dire. Not as dire as Mrs Brown's Boys, but nearly.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LEE on 26 February, 2015, 08:54:02 am
I liked her in Call the Midwife and she seems funny when she's being herself on things, but the sitcom was dire. Not as dire as Mrs Brown's Boys, but nearly.

Mrs Brown's Boys, to me, is like UKIP and the extreme Islamist group, Boko Haram. 
It makes me think there's no hope for human civilisation when such large sections of the population don't dismiss it as mindless stupidity.

The only surprise about Mrs Brown's Boys (a show I sat open mouthed watching) was that there wasn't an Afro-Caribbean family living next door. Imagine the hilarity.

"When the Whistle Blows" was a spoof comedy in "Extras" by Ricky Gervais.  It was suppose to show what happens when a comedy-writer's dreams of writing an intelligent comedy are dashed against the rocks of a BBC "we know what the public really want" committee.  It's clear to me now that it would get 10 million viewers if released by the Beeb.


However it's clear that I must be in the wrong because it gets a bigger audience than anything done by Charlie Brooker or Stuart Lee. Therefore Charlie Brooker and Stuart Lee, statistically, are less funny than Brendan O'Tranny-Gag.

"You're a fine woman Mrs Brown"
:Mrs brown looks to camera and winks
"Dat's what you tink Mr O'Reilly"
:Audience go wild with laughter (Because it's really a man in drag, do you get it?  Do you? It's not a woman, it's a man....in drag.  It's a gag that never stops giving).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 February, 2015, 10:29:37 am
Mercifully I've never seen an entire episode of "Mrs Brown's Boys" but from what I have seen it appears to be "Bread" with an Irish accent.  "Bloke in a dress" works if you're called Eddie Izzard but not if you're just digging up the mouldering corpse of Dick Emery.

Ricky Gervais isn't funny either, IMHO, but that's for entirely different reasons.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: jsabine on 26 February, 2015, 10:45:30 am
Look beyond the crudeness and the willy gags and the slapstick and the man inna dress, and there's actually a fair degree of sophistication to MBB, with a lot of commentary on Irish norms tucked in amongst the parodying of Oirish stereotypes. The fact I recognise half his characters among my (extended) in-laws doesn't harm things either ...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 26 February, 2015, 02:25:52 pm
A few million people find the Miranda show funny.  I'm one of them.  Same with Mrs Brown's Boys, except I'm not one of them.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 26 February, 2015, 02:59:26 pm
Years ago I had this idea that when I had five minutes, I'd invent a clever remote control that would have extra functions. You'd be able to point it at a character on the screen, right click (or whatever) and ask who the actor was and confirm that they weren't, ooh, thingy, the one who drove the gettaway car in that police thing the other day but had been in that film you watched three years ago. It was a really neat idea and would make me a fortune.

Last night I was watching Spirals on my computer, using Kodi (used to be XBMC) media centre thing. I was controlling it with Yatze, an app on my mobile, which does all the usual stop, pause, ffwd etc, choose what to watch and so on. And then when I was actually watching an episode I found I could flick to a page which listed the characters, with thumbnail pics of them. Click on the thumbnail and it jumped to IMDB, so I could see what else they'd been in.

Almost like my invention.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 26 February, 2015, 03:15:38 pm
Years ago I had this idea that when I had five minutes, I'd invent a clever remote control that would have extra functions. You'd be able to point it at a character on the screen, right click (or whatever) and ask who the actor was and confirm that they weren't, ooh, thingy, the one who drove the gettaway car in that police thing the other day but had been in that film you watched three years ago. It was a really neat idea and would make me a fortune.

On a related note:  Subtitles to allow prosopagnosics to follow films about White Men In Suits, and to flag up radical changes in appearance not accompanied by a beard-shaving/hair-dying/etc montage.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 26 February, 2015, 03:31:02 pm
I mostly don't watch TV (this isn't a claim that I'm a member of the self-declared intelligentsia and only listen to R4 which I find is dumbing down terribly, just that I don't get time and just watch crap off the internets or boxsets). I did watch an episode on Miranda on a plane once and it was a laughter desert. I remember once one of American colleagues watched an episode of The Bill and afterwards asked "was that supposed to be a comedy?" That was my takeaway from Miranda. There seems to be an argument that if you don't like it's because she's 'not conventionally attractive'. Trust me, it isn't. But to be honest, I just don't get the old-stylee British sitcoms, on which this seems modelled. This may be the fault in my brain.

As I believe we once discussed on this august forum, I watched a brief snatch of MBB. I can sum up my thoughts as WTF? WTF? WTF? WTF?

I can't watch Ricky Gervais in anything he just has a way about him that makes me want to throw a lawnmower at him. I take a lawnmower everywhere just on the off-chance I encounter him. I like the US version of The Office for this reason.

VEEP is making me laugh at the moment.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 February, 2015, 03:42:22 pm
Wasn't "Veep" (very) loosely based on "The Thick Of It"?  Somehow I can't imagine the median USAnian audience going for a programme using language like "six-toed pony-fuckers", "marzipan dildo" or ""I will tear your fucking skin off, I will wear it to your mother's birthday party, and rub your nuts up and down her leg whilst whistling Bohemian fucking Rhapsody".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 26 February, 2015, 03:54:22 pm
Miranda isn't my flavour of comedy, but I reckon Miranda Hart is a good egg.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 26 February, 2015, 04:36:14 pm
Wasn't "Veep" (very) loosely based on "The Thick Of It"?  Somehow I can't imagine the median USAnian audience going for a programme using language like "six-toed pony-fuckers", "marzipan dildo" or ""I will tear your fucking skin off, I will wear it to your mother's birthday party, and rub your nuts up and down her leg whilst whistling Bohemian fucking Rhapsody".

It is, though the dildo is now, with even less practicality, a fucking croissant.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 February, 2015, 05:14:32 pm
Godspeed You! Black Emperor announce new album (http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/feb/25/godspeed-you-black-emperor-announce-new-album).  Release due at the end of March.  Kudos to my furry chum Luis for the tip-off.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 26 February, 2015, 05:37:04 pm
There seems to be an argument that if you don't like it's because she's 'not conventionally attractive'. Trust me, it isn't.

You misunderstand - the argument is not that you don't like it for that reason but that this is the reason why it comes in for such vitriolic scorn when in fact it is no better or worse than countless other mediocre mainstream sitcoms that don't get the same treatment (eg Not Going Out). It's an #everydaysexism thing.

Mr L - Veep is written by exactly the same team as TTOI - Armando Ianucci, Chris Addison et al. It's genius. Very funny.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 26 February, 2015, 06:14:45 pm
There seems to be an argument that if you don't like it's because she's 'not conventionally attractive'. Trust me, it isn't.

You misunderstand - the argument is not that you don't like it for that reason but that this is the reason why it comes in for such vitriolic scorn when in fact it is no better or worse than countless other mediocre mainstream sitcoms that don't get the same treatment (eg Not Going Out). It's an #everydaysexism thing.

Mr L - Veep is written by exactly the same team as TTOI - Armando Ianucci, Chris Addison et al. It's genius. Very funny.

I wasn't aware that it came in for any particularly vitriolic scorn, but then I've not really paid attention, I've seen one episode on a plane. I was mostly confused by the lack of anything identifiable as a joke. It was mostly look-at-me-aren't-I-quirky. LAUGHTER. Humour is subjective, so I'm saving the lawnmower for Ricky. Miranda fans are safe from horticultural homicide. I think it's aimed at people who are trapped in the 1970s, the decade of beige, groping, and quite awful TV that everyone watched because, well, it was TV.

Veep is indeed written by the same team and just as rude (it's on HBO, so swearing is fine), but it has the added twist that US politics is especially odd to start out with, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays a pitch-perfect Selena. To think I'm even mentioning this in the same thread as Miranda and MBB troubles me.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 26 February, 2015, 11:40:21 pm
What little I've seen of Miranda (i.e. next to nowt) it perpetuates the 'jokes' that were prevalent in programmes like the Charlie Cairolli (sp) Show when I was eight. And I thought that was shit, too . . .
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 27 February, 2015, 09:29:09 am
Love
 
Love bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back,   
      Guilty of dust and sin.   
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack   
      From my first entrance in,   
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning            
      If I lack'd anything.   
 
'A guest,' I answer'd, 'worthy to be here:'   
     Love said, 'You shall be he.'   
'I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,   
      I cannot look on Thee.'    
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,   
      'Who made the eyes but I?'   
 
'Truth, Lord; but I have marr'd them: let my shame   
      Go where it doth deserve.'   
'And know you not,' says Love, 'Who bore the blame?'    
      'My dear, then I will serve.'   
'You must sit down,' says Love, 'and taste my meat.'   
      So I did sit and eat.

George Herbert's festival day today!  Happy Herbert Day, chaps, and a glorious day it is.

Miranda laughs at herself, and that's why I like it.  She's taking the mickey out of herself, all the time, for being a bit clumsy, and a bit fat, and a bit gauche, and because she does daft things all the time that make her look like a div.  It's a celebration of Miranda in all her weirdness and lack of elegance.  That's why I like it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 February, 2015, 10:30:49 am
Went to a LGBT poetry evening last night. Was supposed to be meeting a friend who had bought tickets; they didn't turn up. Amusingly the door staff assumed that the friend I was looking for was male. I guess that would seem have been a logical conclusion, but still, assumptions and all that. Bit like assuming that a woman must have a (male) husband . . .

What a variety of performances, from a bit of theatre, poetry even singing. Tear jerking, funny stuff from a young woman about none-acceptance from her father. Anguished stuff from an elderly couple who do training in retirement homes (they are universally met with "Well we don't have any of 'those' in here").
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LEE on 27 February, 2015, 12:09:27 pm
What little I've seen of Miranda (i.e. next to nowt) it perpetuates the 'jokes' that were prevalent in programmes like the Charlie Cairolli (sp) Show when I was eight. And I thought that was shit, too . . .

Ha...I was going to reference Rent-a-Ghost but I understand your analogy. (Right Children?   Right Charlie!...crikey I'm old.)

Humour, like music, is so subjective that the only response to "Do you find xxxx funny?" is in the positive.  There's no point replying if you don't really..

Billy Connelly once said "there's no bad music, just music you don't "get"".  He has a point (although he's clearly never heard "Lucky Stars" by Dean Friedman).

I don't "get" Miranda (although I do find her funny when she's not in character), I don't "get" MBB.  I mean I understand where the jokes are, and I understand why they are jokes, but they just seem empty, without any irony or pathos.  No doubt some adults found Rent-a-Ghost funny.

"Not Going Out" is a series of Lee mack stand-up jokes shoe-horned into a sit-com setting.  Out of character Lee Mack is about as quick-witted as it's possible to be.  He, and Frank Skinner, seem to have comedy Tourettes, in that there's no delay between someone saying something and them issuing a witty response.  I admire that greatly.  I'm the wittiest person on the planet if you give me about 4 days to think of an instant comeback.

I sort of enjoy watching it to see if I can say the (telegraphed) punchline before he does.
Ficticious example:

Someone brings a model of an Elephant into the room.
I would quickly shout - "Lee Mack is about to say..."is anyone going to mention the Elephant in the room?"".  I would have a drink of wine to celebrate my tiny victory.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 February, 2015, 12:15:42 pm
Miranda laughs at herself, and that's why I like it.  She's taking the mickey out of herself, all the time, for being a bit clumsy, and a bit fat, and a bit gauche, and because she does daft things all the time that make her look like a div.  It's a celebration of Miranda in all her weirdness and lack of elegance.  That's why I like it.

Wasn't the clumsy div routine done utterly to DETH by Michael Crawford?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 27 February, 2015, 12:18:39 pm
That was more your traditional slapstick, and Frank Spencer was a caricature.

Miranda is, actually, the film of my autobiography, and entirely factually correct.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 27 February, 2015, 01:33:13 pm
I suspect as per jsabine's earlier comment re Mrs Brown, finding Miranda funny largely depends on whether or not you can relate to the character and situation.

Anyway, I regularly find myself laughing at Count Arthur Strong, so I'm no judge of what is and isn't good comedy.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 27 February, 2015, 01:52:07 pm
MBB: Never seen it, and based on comments above I shan't be going out of my way to do so.
Miranda: Heard some of her radio programme, which I found a bit meh.  I had no idea what she looked like until after I had decided she was a bit meh, and it makes no difference to me.  I have no desire to see her televisual programme.
CAS: Enjoyed the first season.  Since then I've gone right off, as in I'll find something else to listen to.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 27 February, 2015, 04:13:10 pm
Hold on, I like Not Going Out.

I think I like well written comedy. I guess I just don't get the 'oh I dropped an egg - again!' **LAUGHTER** comedy. It probably includes underpant references and someone saying 'oh my eyes!'

I think MBB escapes comedic classification.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Dibdib on 27 February, 2015, 06:51:19 pm
At least Not Going Out is new gags each time, even if they're not all the best.

I think the biggest reason I can't stand MBB (I've suffered through a couple) is the same problem I had with Little Britain - if a joke isn't funny the first time, repetition isn't usually what it was missing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 27 February, 2015, 09:00:23 pm
I don't "get" Miranda (although I do find her funny when she's not in character), I don't "get" MBB.  I mean I understand where the jokes are, and I understand why they are jokes, but they just seem empty, without any irony or pathos.  No doubt some adults found Rent-a-Ghost funny.

There doesn't have to be irony or pathos in comedy to be full.  It can be full to the brim with joy and sheer funniness.  Rent-a-Ghost was full up with twats.  Miranda, for those who like it, is simply feel-good entertainment.  That's as important as anything, and actually has been a bit of medicine for me when I've been depressed.  It doesn't mean the fans don't also like more sophisticated comedy.  It is possible for the same person to like Miranda and Bill Hicks.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: jsabine on 28 February, 2015, 12:48:40 am
Anyway, I regularly find myself laughing at Count Arthur Strong, so I'm no judge of what is and isn't good comedy.

I find bits of CAS mildly amusing, with the very occasional proper laugh. Generally though, he fits in the category of Radio 4 comedy that I can't be arsed to turn off, because it's easier to listen to it than to come out of the kitchen and walk over to the radio.

I must say I'm slightly disappointed that my earlier attempt to call down the HATE upon Trodd en Bratt Say 'Well Done You' has failed, but I suppose that the most probable explanation is that no-one else has actually heard it, given that most normal people are possessed of the gene that lets them turn off the radio or telly when there's a shite programme on.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 February, 2015, 01:10:54 am
That gene let me down with the first episode of "The Casual Vacancy" but we were waiting for the news and the foopball...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 February, 2015, 01:27:15 pm
Although the "Genre" tag is set to "Podcast", if you play an mp3 of the "The Infinite Monkey Cage" on a Humax PVR it describes it as "Blues" ???
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 28 February, 2015, 03:04:14 pm
I don't "get" Miranda (although I do find her funny when she's not in character), I don't "get" MBB.  I mean I understand where the jokes are, and I understand why they are jokes, but they just seem empty, without any irony or pathos.  No doubt some adults found Rent-a-Ghost funny.

Sort of the opposite of me with Gavin & Stacey. Not only do I not find it funny, I don't see why it's supposed to be funny and can't understand what people are laughing at or why they're laughing when they're laughing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 March, 2015, 02:39:30 pm
BRITONS' Broadcasting Corporation!

You are doing my swede in, and I don't mean Saga Norén either.  Comic Relief Pro-Sleb darts FFS ::-)

Can we have a separate Comic Relief channel, please?  Or just stuff it on BBC3?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 March, 2015, 11:55:28 am
Marco Polo

Youngest's description "Its a bit like game of thrones but with more nudity"

yebbut GoT is a fantasy novel. Marco Polo is a real historical figure . . . .

I was prepared for hysterical historical innacuracies but drew the line at the Polos trading spices from China to europe along the Silk Road, ("Daddy, why do they call it the Silk Road") then dear little Marco (who doesn't change facial expression for whole episodes, bless, its amazing he didn't get cramp) doesn't recognise Linen. Seems its something produced by the Chinese and unknown to traders in Europe. What The Fuck

The first episode is wooden and clunky in the extreme. Teenage Girl declared "If there isn't a serious named female character in the next episode, I'm not watching this crap."

Lo, one appears. She's a red-hot princess who is prepared to go to any lengths for diplomatic solutions. She can even kick ass, slaughtering 3 armed soldiers with a jade hair pin. Sadly, she has to do this naked. Youngest was right.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 March, 2015, 12:07:00 pm
There is a school of thought which believes that much of what Marco Polo wrote was, er, made up.

That ^^^^ does sound like Utter Bobbins even by his standards thobut.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 03 March, 2015, 01:52:57 pm
Marco Polo

Youngest's description "Its a bit like game of thrones but with more nudity"

I'm betting the nudity has the same cock-parity issues as GoT, too...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 March, 2015, 02:23:11 pm
Marco Polo

Youngest's description "Its a bit like game of thrones but with more nudity"

I'm betting the nudity has the same cock-parity issues as GoT, too...

So far, yeah.

It doesn't have brazillian trims on all the women, but they do have shaved armpits.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Juan Martín on 04 March, 2015, 10:50:55 am
8/10 in The Graun's literary quotations quiz. Here: http://www.theguardian.com/books/quiz/2015/mar/03/quotation-literary-titles-quiz
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 04 March, 2015, 12:20:48 pm
10/10.

One I took an educated guess, I knew the rest.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 04 March, 2015, 12:28:59 pm
8/10, but I confess I edu-guessed most of them by the picking the answer that looked the most right. Got  3 and 7 wrong.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 March, 2015, 12:37:53 pm
Nobbut seven.  I am clearly a member of the Confederacy of Dunces.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 06 March, 2015, 05:03:08 pm
I'm glad Harrison Ford is ok.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 06 March, 2015, 09:04:23 pm
Marco Polo

Youngest's description "Its a bit like game of thrones but with more nudity"

I'm betting the nudity has the same cock-parity issues as GoT, too...

So far, yeah.

It doesn't have brazillian trims on all the women, but they do have shaved armpits.

I saw the trailer on a DVD, IIRC. Utter dross, with nudity.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 06 March, 2015, 09:07:33 pm
8/10 in The Graun's literary quotations quiz. Here: http://www.theguardian.com/books/quiz/2015/mar/03/quotation-literary-titles-quiz
9 out of 10. I conflated the Bard with the Dean.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 06 March, 2015, 11:18:52 pm
Amazing darts from Lee Mack and Tim Vine.  They really could be professional dartists.

www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0552cyf/lets-play-darts-for-comic-relief-episode-5

Maybe this should be in a sports thread!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 08 March, 2015, 08:37:14 am
Is it Wobbly John OR David Martin, or Wobbly John AND David Martin under the hoods?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3oItpVa9fs
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 12 March, 2015, 05:59:00 pm
Totally by chance, I found this:
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=rainbow+spork&id=0E4D9B706B71CD4E34CA93AEA1FF42D10E00A9A8&FORM=IQFRBA#view=detail&id=0E4D9B706B71CD4E34CA93AEA1FF42D10E00A9A8&selectedIndex=0 (http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=rainbow+spork&id=0E4D9B706B71CD4E34CA93AEA1FF42D10E00A9A8&FORM=IQFRBA#view=detail&id=0E4D9B706B71CD4E34CA93AEA1FF42D10E00A9A8&selectedIndex=0)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 13 March, 2015, 09:49:31 am
Happy 175th Birthday to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra    :thumbsup:
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/rlpo-marks-175th-anniversary-giant-8816723 (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/rlpo-marks-175th-anniversary-giant-8816723)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 13 March, 2015, 07:35:26 pm
Oh Noes !  The very last edition of Girls With Slingshots (http://www.girlswithslingshots.com/)  :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 13 March, 2015, 10:40:25 pm
Did I miss a bit, or did the BBC4 documentary about Oirish music completely ignore Stiff Little Fingers in order to lend more time to the U2 love-in?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 March, 2015, 02:11:55 am
I guessed it would contain way too much1 U-DOS so didn't watch it.  If anyone can confirm the presence of Rory Gallagher then I'll crank up get_iPlayer, otherwise it can get tae feck.

1 - i.e. any U-DOS
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 14 March, 2015, 09:38:44 am
Nah, there was a good bit on Rory Gallagher. U2 content was mostly (but not exclusively) at the back.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 March, 2015, 10:54:45 pm
Just watched this.  They included Rudi & the Radiators From Space (neither of whom even get an entry in my 1996 edition of "Rock: The Rough Guide") and left out SLF.  Right.

That noise you can hear is Jake Burns sharpening his stabby things.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 15 March, 2015, 10:02:20 am
No Horslips, either, I am given to understand.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 March, 2015, 11:39:16 am
Never mind silly old Clarkson, this is the big story: X-Files to return (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32035562).

Yay!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 25 March, 2015, 11:53:01 am
I've been enjoying.........

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b05n2bx4/dexys-nowhere-is-home
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 March, 2015, 07:52:24 am
I just filled in a survey asking which departure of a band member upset me the most, with a list of options including Robbie/Take That, Geri/Spice Girls, Zayn/Wand Erection, various Sugababes etc. So I clicked "other" and put "when Ronnie Wood left the Faces."
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 26 March, 2015, 10:51:42 am
I just filled in a survey asking which departure of a band member upset me the most, with a list of options including Robbie/Take That, Geri/Spice Girls, Zayn/Wand Erection, various Sugababes etc. So I clicked "other" and put "when Ronnie Wood left the Faces."

Did it have "When Fish left Marillion?"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 March, 2015, 11:18:22 am
Damn, I should have put that.  ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 26 March, 2015, 12:18:02 pm
Wot no Eno leaving Roxy option?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 26 March, 2015, 12:39:49 pm
I wouldn't be able to pick one out of these:

Shutty leaving Terrorvision
Kurt leaving Nirvana
Fish leaving MArillion (as mentioned above)
Johnny Marr leaving, well just about every single band he has played in.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 26 March, 2015, 01:10:31 pm
I wouldn't be able to pick one out of these:

Shutty leaving Terrorvision
Kurt leaving Nirvana
Fish leaving MArillion (as mentioned above)
Johnny Marr leaving, well just about every single band he has played in.

Donny Munro leaving Runrig...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Vince on 26 March, 2015, 01:17:26 pm
Elvis leaving The Building?

My coat? The white one with rhinestones.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 March, 2015, 01:18:08 pm
Lemmy "leaving" Hawkwind.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: red marley on 29 March, 2015, 11:35:52 am
The Fall leaving Mark E Smith?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: billplumtree on 02 April, 2015, 07:08:57 pm
The older I get, the funnier Ed Reardon (R4) gets....  Ping, his Sloaney non-assistant, on a 30-years on commemoration gig for the miners' strike:

Quote
Oh yah, that's like totes gradely
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: graculus on 02 April, 2015, 08:30:09 pm
For a show now in its 9th series the standard of writing has stayed astonishingly high IMHO.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 03 April, 2015, 12:27:58 am
Discussing Mike Leigh with my son this evening has made me want to watch Naked again. Reading some of the lines quoted on imdb, it seems to be a lot funnier than I remember it.

I went to see it in the cinema three times within the first two weeks of its release. That probably says more about the place I was at, mentally speaking, at the time than it says about the film itself.

Suffice to say, though, it made quite an impression on me. David Thewlis is totally mesmerising.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 11 April, 2015, 09:14:48 pm
Jimmy Somerville was on Loose Ends today and facebook has a clip of him doing an acoustic version of Small Town Boy and it's spine-chillingly gorgeous.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 11 April, 2015, 09:40:01 pm
Discussing Mike Leigh with my son this evening has made me want to watch Naked again. Reading some of the lines quoted on imdb, it seems to be a lot funnier than I remember it.

I went to see it in the cinema three times within the first two weeks of its release. That probably says more about the place I was at, mentally speaking, at the time than it says about the film itself.

Suffice to say, though, it made quite an impression on me. David Thewlis is totally mesmerising.

It was the first time I can remember seeing Thewlis perform. Superb.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 11 April, 2015, 09:41:52 pm
The older I get, the funnier Ed Reardon (R4) gets....  Ping, his Sloaney non-assistant, on a 30-years on commemoration gig for the miners' strike:

Quote
Oh yah, that's like totes gradely

Definitely.  There's a huge parallel between Ed Reardon and Tony Hancock for me.  They just moan all the time and nearly everything they say is spot-on!  I didn't hear that Ping bit bit will look out for the repeat.  This is from someone who did a benefit gig for that very strike!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 12 April, 2015, 09:52:53 am
Call for voting assistance, in the spirit of this sociable Internet world.

There's a people's choice for short film here http://www.reed.co.uk/film, any votes for Baklava would be appreciated (one of the actors is a close friend)

Having looked at a few, while the quality is generally good, in my biased view Baklava is one of the better ones
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 12 April, 2015, 10:28:01 pm
How much of a ponce am I? Well, I went to an immersive visual art/contemporary dance performance this evening.

Specifically, this one: https://www.turnercontemporary.org/whats-on/00000001476/maze

It was BRILLIANT.

I wasn't sure what to expect and tbh was slightly skeptical beforehand, but it totally won me over. The performances were captivating - the cast put a lot of energy into it, and their technical ability was seriously impressive. I know they spend a lot of time on choreography for these things but the degree of perfection in timing and co-ordination they showed takes a huge amount of skill.

And then you have to factor in the unpredictability of the audience... when they say 'immersive' they really mean 'immersive' - you have to be prepared to get involved, and how the individual members of the audience react to a large extent dictates the course of the performance. I was quite into it (dancing, body art with marker pens, that kind of thing), but I was intrigued by a somewhat unnerving confrontation between one of the cast and another member of the audience.

It was saved from becoming pretentious arty bollocks by all the elements being thematically linked and woven loosely around a proper narrative thread.

Highly recommended. Only on for another few days but well worth the trip to Margate.

Blogger review: http://www.cassyfry.com/2015/04/maze-margate.html/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 April, 2015, 12:40:14 pm
Next weekend, citoyen tells the story of the Seige of Leningrad through the medium of interpretive dance ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 13 April, 2015, 04:56:48 pm
I'm thinking of giving up the day job so I can join Legz Akimbo.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: David Martin on 14 April, 2015, 11:30:15 pm
Well that is it - the last of Bluestone 42.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 24 April, 2015, 02:29:55 pm
Oh dear.

I am on hold for a conf call.

The hold music sound familiar, albeit in Muzak format.

As it reaches a crescendo, I realise why.  It's a bad take on "Reward" by Teardrop Explodes.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Bledlow on 24 April, 2015, 04:43:54 pm
The older I get, the funnier Ed Reardon (R4) gets....  Ping, his Sloaney non-assistant, on a 30-years on commemoration gig for the miners' strike:

Quote
Oh yah, that's like totes gradely

Definitely.  There's a huge parallel between Ed Reardon and Tony Hancock for me.  They just moan all the time and nearly everything they say is spot-on!  I didn't hear that Ping bit bit will look out for the repeat.  This is from someone who did a benefit gig for that very strike!
Tony Hancock?

It has references (from Ed Reardon's name onwards) to New Grub Street (1891).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: David Martin on 26 April, 2015, 08:40:55 pm
Watching Coast Australia. With Neil Oliver (Can he thicken his accent any more) and the delightful Xanthe Mallet (definitely very English).

It is a treat to see Xanthe, with whom I worked many years ago before she went to Oz.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 02 May, 2015, 10:51:27 am
I have previously grumbled moaned about modern classical music.  But last night I came across a piece I actually liked: Lamentatio by Giovanni Sollima (https://youtu.be/bJkIsdDG2Rk).  I shall have to explore his other works.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 02 May, 2015, 06:08:54 pm
Wilko Johnson live on the One Show last week: entertaining guitarist and great bloke, but he really should get someone else to sing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 May, 2015, 06:03:10 pm
One-word comment from the late lamented John Peel following an odd-even-by-their-elevated-standards Sigur Rós track:

Weirdos!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CAMRAMan on 05 May, 2015, 01:12:35 pm
Watched the two BBC4 Handmade films last night. The glass jar one being the easier to follow, IMHO, as we seemed to see the whole process. The knife one covered 15 hours in 30 minutes, so was a bit more disjointed to my eye.

Shame they didn't at least name the glass designer's assistant in the credits and I would've liked to have seen more of the knife blade once finished, but an interesting concept with not a word of commentary to get in the way of the processes being filmed.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 06 May, 2015, 07:51:06 pm
McGyver on CBS right now. He foiled lasers with his binocliars and is using chemistry to save the world. And his boss is called Andy Coulson  :o
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 May, 2015, 01:20:53 pm
On Saturday I sang in a concert - Mozart & Haydn masses. I didn't count the members of the audience, but I would doubt that there were more than 100 there. Five of them came along because I was singing in it - supportive friends & rellies.

I have just come back from Waitrose where I was accosted by a woman who clearly recognised me (can't think how) and told me how much she enjoyed it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 11 May, 2015, 05:45:42 pm
Watched the two BBC4 Handmade films last night. The glass jar one being the easier to follow, IMHO, as we seemed to see the whole process. The knife one covered 15 hours in 30 minutes, so was a bit more disjointed to my eye.

Shame they didn't at least name the glass designer's assistant in the credits and I would've liked to have seen more of the knife blade once finished, but an interesting concept with not a word of commentary to get in the way of the processes being filmed.

Ah. My Dad was talking about these, and I watched a bit of the chair one with him. V good. I've grabbed all three to watch later.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 13 May, 2015, 04:13:14 pm
I might be on the radio one day next week, only for about 10 mins, but still :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 14 May, 2015, 10:04:08 am
Where might we find this gem of broadcasting history on our wireless receiving sets?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 14 May, 2015, 10:08:42 am
Where might we find this gem of broadcasting history on our wireless receiving sets?

:) Don't get too excited, I haven't had confirmation, yet, but it would be at 16:50 on 6Music (if you listen even semi-regularly you will know what feature is on then :) )
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 14 May, 2015, 10:28:58 am
I switch over after Lamacq's first track (which is usually a corker!).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 14 May, 2015, 04:02:32 pm
The good day/bad day thing?  Have you decided in advance whether you're going to have a good day?  :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 14 May, 2015, 05:02:03 pm
Really?  Thought BBC Radio only went up to 4(extra). 

 ;)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 14 May, 2015, 09:14:50 pm
The good day/bad day thing?  Have you decided in advance whether you're going to have a good day?  :)

No, both songs are corkers, so don't really have a preference. I might just, on purpose say I have had a bad day as all the recent ones have been good days.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 16 May, 2015, 07:25:45 pm
Finally watched the last episode of Smiley's People.
All of that just for a bloke to walk across a bridge ???
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mcshroom on 17 May, 2015, 06:19:24 pm
Is it Christmas or something ??? Channel 5 are showing the Great Escape
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 18 May, 2015, 02:36:38 pm
The good day/bad day thing?  Have you decided in advance whether you're going to have a good day?  :)

No, both songs are corkers, so don't really have a preference. I might just, on purpose say I have had a bad day as all the recent ones have been good days.

It is on today, at 16.50 or so.

Still undecided as to whether I am having a bad day or a good day.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 18 May, 2015, 07:21:34 pm
The good day/bad day thing?  Have you decided in advance whether you're going to have a good day?  :)

No, both songs are corkers, so don't really have a preference. I might just, on purpose say I have had a bad day as all the recent ones have been good days.

It is on today, at 16.50 or so.

Still undecided as to whether I am having a bad day or a good day.

I decided, at the last minute that I was having a bad day :) Nothing to do with the song choice, oh no....
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 18 May, 2015, 09:13:15 pm
I was betting on the Terrorvision come what may!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 19 May, 2015, 08:30:59 am
I was betting on the Terrorvision come what may!

I got the impression, from talking to the production team, that they were, too.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 May, 2015, 09:31:31 am
Is it just me who finds it disconcerting when $AUTHOR, having written a book narrated in the first person, does the sequel in the third person?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 19 May, 2015, 10:15:41 am
Is it just me who finds it disconcerting when $AUTHOR, having written a book narrated in the first person, does the sequel in the third person?

No, ian wrote.

I think many authors slip into the third person eventually, writing in the first can be limiting after a time, since you are confined to a singular, unreliable viewpoint. Or you can mix and match the first and third with crazy abandon. I stand guilty as charged, your honour.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 May, 2015, 10:32:56 am
I prefer the second, you see.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 19 May, 2015, 10:34:26 am
Finally watched the last episode of Smiley's People.
All of that just for a bloke to walk across a bridge ???

We just watched the final episode of Fargo. That was marginally more exciting.  :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 20 May, 2015, 02:19:59 pm
I decided, at the last minute that I was having a bad day :) Nothing to do with the song choice, oh no....

...and it appears I may have influenced one of Mark and Lard Stuart's choices today.  They are, currently paying the Prince Buster original version of the song, but have it labelled on the iPlayer thing as the Jools Holland version.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 May, 2015, 08:02:18 pm
Shameless plug time:

The good news: Dr Larrington's latest book (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brothers-Sisters-Medieval-European- Literature/dp/190315362X/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1432233914&sr=1-5&keywords=carolyne+larrington) was published today.

The bad news: a copy of Brothers and Sisters in Medieval European Literature will set you back fifty-seven of your BRITONS' pounds.  You can, for less money, pre-order "The Land Of The Green Man" and "Winter is Coming: The Medieval World of Game of Thrones", but be prepared to wait a year for the latter.

The other good news: her R4 series of 5x15 minute programmes is to be broadcast from September 7-11.

The other bad news: I'll be in Abroad, where the FOREIGNS come from, when it is aired chiz.  Does get_iPlayer work in FOREIGN parts?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 May, 2015, 12:13:07 pm
Has anyone else been watching the beeb's new spy drama, The Game?
It's no Smiley but I've found it reasonably entertaining
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 25 May, 2015, 09:05:43 pm
One Hit Wonders @ The Beeb on now on BBC4

There wasn't 'alf some shite on sale in the 60s . . .

Not to mention seriously bad syrups.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Dibdib on 26 May, 2015, 12:37:02 pm
I treated myself to some Proper Surround Sound kit over the long weekend, rather than relying on the tinny little speakers hidden inside the flatscreen TV. Relatively budget kit - £150 Yamaha receiver, and some £150 speaker/sub bundle - but...

The Man from Del Monte, he say Yes.  :thumbsup:

The difference is a revelation. I knew it'd sound a lot better but I didn't realise how much, or else I wouldn't have waited so long to do it. I think all my Blu-rays will be getting a re-watching!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 26 May, 2015, 01:44:47 pm
Has anyone else been watching the beeb's new spy drama, The Game?
It's no Smiley but I've found it reasonably entertaining

I'm enjoying it. It's pretty daft but, as you say, reasonably entertaining. It's basically Spooks reimagined as a Le Carré-style period piece.

One Hit Wonders @ The Beeb on now on BBC4

Caught that a few weeks ago. Most amusing. Although 'Where Do You Go To My Lovely' doesn't improve with repeated hearing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LEE on 26 May, 2015, 02:23:32 pm
I treated myself to some Proper Surround Sound kit over the long weekend, rather than relying on the tinny little speakers hidden inside the flatscreen TV. Relatively budget kit - £150 Yamaha receiver, and some £150 speaker/sub bundle - but...

The Man from Del Monte, he say Yes.  :thumbsup:

The difference is a revelation. I knew it'd sound a lot better but I didn't realise how much, or else I wouldn't have waited so long to do it. I think all my Blu-rays will be getting a re-watching!

A "Sound Bar" & Sub is almost essential I think.  The bigger the LED screens get the worse their sound seems by comparison, very underwhelming.

Like you said, it doesn't need a huge amount of money to address it and Wireless Subs make it easy.
I think we paid £100 for a LG setup that can shake the house if required but also makes speech a lot clearer.

It also means we can us it as a HiFi by streaming music to the TV from a Smartphone (which seems like science-fiction now I type it).

Modern TVs are a bit like Sci-Fi now though aren't they?

The day we bought our big Sony my wife was showing me a photo on her phone and it came up on the TV behind her.  No manual configuration took place, the TV just found her phone and decided it would become a 44" display for it (whether we wanted it to or not it seemed).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Dibdib on 26 May, 2015, 03:59:11 pm
Modern TVs are a bit like Sci-Fi now though aren't they?

I think the problem is that you can easily end up with ten bits of Stuff from ten manufacturers all trying to be "Smart" and tripping over each other.

I've deliberately picked a fairly "Smart"less AV receiver rather than one at the same price point with more gadgets (which hopefully will mean better sound quality) and similarly picked the TV and Blu-ray player (both are a little bit smart but unplugged from the network), so that all of the streaming gets done through one device - in my case an AppleTV. Makes life a bit easier.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 26 May, 2015, 08:37:11 pm
But did Peter ever headline there? (http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/12970917.New_book_recalls_Stockton_s_Fiesta_nightclub_which_drew_the_biggest_names_in_show_business/?ref=mr&)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: madcow on 27 May, 2015, 11:01:48 pm
I read that article as well, whilst I was at my parents house. . Can it really  be less than  40 years ago?
A mate of mine went to Teeside Poly and the Fiesta was a  posh place where students only went occasionally. But he did recall the comfy seats WITH CUSHIONS. The luxury of it all!!

Quote- Keith Lipthorpe had a rule: “I resolved not to have sex with any of my secretaries or top-of-the-bill artistes or females in high management positions,” he writes in a new autobiography.
 “As for supporting artistes and general staff, I felt that this rule could be relaxed.”
Classic.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 28 May, 2015, 01:26:36 pm
Musical nostalgia

A friend's posting on facebook led me to listening to the Divinyls. I'd forgotten how good they were, and how killingly sexy Chrissi Amphlett was. What a voice, what a songwriter.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Auntie Helen on 28 May, 2015, 03:22:31 pm
Shameless plug time:

The good news: Dr Larrington's latest book (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brothers-Sisters-Medieval-European- Literature/dp/190315362X/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1432233914&sr=1-5&keywords=carolyne+larrington) was published today.

The bad news: a copy of Brothers and Sisters in Medieval European Literature will set you back fifty-seven of your BRITONS' pounds.  You can, for less money, pre-order "The Land Of The Green Man" and "Winter is Coming: The Medieval World of Game of Thrones", but be prepared to wait a year for the latter.

The other good news: her R4 series of 5x15 minute programmes is to be broadcast from September 7-11.

The other bad news: I'll be in Abroad, where the FOREIGNS come from, when it is aired chiz.  Does get_iPlayer work in FOREIGN parts?
Dunno but iPlayer Radio works fine for me here in Germanyland without using my VPN.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 29 May, 2015, 01:11:07 pm
Just booked tickets to see Hugo Weaving in Godot at the Barbican. Yay!

"You hear that? That is the sound of inevitability, Mr Estragon..."
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 12 June, 2015, 02:15:07 pm
I was delighted to read yesterday that Sharknado 3 has managed to sign The Hoff.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 12 June, 2015, 02:22:23 pm
Just booked tickets to see Hugo Weaving in Godot at the Barbican. Yay!

...which is tonight. Yay!

In other news, I saw an episode of Father Ted the other day that I don't think I've seen before. Although I must have done, because I'm sure I watched them all religiously* when they were first on TV. But that was a long time ago, so maybe I've just forgotten it. Anyway, it was the one when Father Jack dies and Ted and Dougal are keeping a vigil by the body in the crypt. At one point, Ted gives a eulogy for Jack and I soon realised that he was actually quoting the famous final paragraph of James Joyce's 'The Dead' from Dubliners.

I'm sure I'm not the first person to have noticed that, but even if I did watch the episode first time around, that's not something I would have appreciated at the time. Props to Linehan & Mathews for sneaking such a highbrow reference into a sitcom.


*see what I did there?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: SandyV on 12 June, 2015, 11:03:17 pm
Just booked tickets to see Hugo Weaving in Godot at the Barbican. Yay!

...which is tonight. Yay!

So how was it?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 13 June, 2015, 12:57:47 am
Superb! A really vibrant interpretation that did a great job of bringing out the humour. Hugo Weaving and Richad Roxburgh were both brilliant as Vladimir and Estragon but slightly upstaged by Philip Quast and Luke Mills as Pozzo and Lucky. Helped that it was a good audience in tonight - Lucky got a massive round of applause at the end of his thinking speech. Although some clearly weren't impressed - there were gaps in the audience in the second half where there hadn't been gaps in the first half.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 14 June, 2015, 11:33:25 am
Superb! A really vibrant interpretation that did a great job of bringing out the humour. Hugo Weaving and Richad Roxburgh were both brilliant as Vladimir and Estragon but slightly upstaged by Philip Quast and Luke Mills as Pozzo and Lucky. Helped that it was a good audience in tonight - Lucky got a massive round of applause at the end of his thinking speech. Although some clearly weren't impressed - there were gaps in the audience in the second half where there hadn't been gaps in the first half.

Isn't that the fate of any Godot? I suspect a lot of people go just because they've heard of it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 June, 2015, 12:17:32 pm
Maybe they got fed up with waiting.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 14 June, 2015, 08:01:21 pm
Isn't that the fate of any Godot? I suspect a lot of people go just because they've heard of it.

Quite. Heard of the play and heard of one of the stars... Even as one of Beckett's more accessible plays, it's still pretty hard work - especially if you're going with the expectation of such niceties as a story, or an ending.

Maybe they got fed up with waiting.

 ;D

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 19 June, 2015, 01:10:37 pm
Did you know, there are apparently 7 or more Enya albums? I could have sworn there was only one.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 19 June, 2015, 01:14:57 pm
Did you know, there are apparently 7 or more Enya albums? I could have sworn there was only one.

Really? I thought she sold more than just 7...

And, yes, the songs are all the same (all just "sail away, sail away" repeat ad nauseum)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 24 June, 2015, 08:14:46 am
I confess to not having seen the resurrection, but here's a handy guide

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3PJWWFfMqT9xpSJMNJJTHSF/what-to-do-if-you-meet-a-clanger
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 24 June, 2015, 08:18:49 am
I confess to not having seen the resurrection, but here's a handy guide

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3PJWWFfMqT9xpSJMNJJTHSF/what-to-do-if-you-meet-a-clanger

That put a weird thought of the Clangers singing this, in my mind..

http://youtu.be/cRwR7avc5Oc
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 June, 2015, 02:45:33 pm
I know Humax PVRs bin your recording schedule when you do a retune, but I haven't done one recently.  So what, Mr Memory-Box, has caused you to forget the whole kit and kaboodle, eh?  EH??

I'm missing a couple of episodes of The Clangers now, you terrible ["Uncle Monty" - Ed.].
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 28 June, 2015, 04:07:17 pm
You have dropped a clanger, then?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 28 June, 2015, 04:13:03 pm
You have dropped a clanger, then?

No the Provocatively Variable Recorder has.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 28 June, 2015, 05:50:52 pm
I know Humax PVRs bin your recording schedule when you do a retune, but I haven't done one recently.  So what, Mr Memory-Box, has caused you to forget the whole kit and kaboodle, eh?  EH??

I'm missing a couple of episodes of The Clangers now, you terrible ["Uncle Monty" - Ed.].

we had that happen this week too
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CAMRAMan on 28 June, 2015, 06:42:10 pm
Freeview or Freesat? I have the latter and it has switched itself off in the middle of a recording a few times lately.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 28 June, 2015, 08:18:06 pm
Freeview here.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 29 June, 2015, 01:17:23 pm
This weekend I found that you can sing "The Wild Rover" to the tune of "Ghost Riders in the Sky".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 29 June, 2015, 07:42:33 pm
 ;D @Tim

Anyway, it's been a while since I attended a play upstairs at the Old Joint Stock.
This looks as if it could amuse.
http://www.oldjointstock.co.uk/whats-on/one-year-off
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 06 July, 2015, 11:17:26 pm
OFFS 6Music, just ditch Mary Anne Hobbs, OK?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 07 July, 2015, 09:47:20 am
Beck.

What a load of tripe your new single is.

It is a pub band trying to be Hall and Oates, lapsing into "Smell Like Teen Spirit" in the break.

Either go back to what you do best (see "Odelay") or just retire, ok?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 07 July, 2015, 12:58:51 pm
Why would anyone try to be Hall and Oates? I'm not sure even Hall and Oates really wanted to.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 07 July, 2015, 01:01:10 pm
Beck's still recording music?*


* For a given value thereof.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 July, 2015, 01:05:48 pm
This.  It is a little-known fact1 that Daryl Hall auditioned for the singer's position in Generation X but narrowly lost out to Billy Idol.  John Oates was considered as a replacement for Mick Taylor2 in the Stones but Keith reckoned he was "too straight, man" so Ronnie Wood got the gig instead.

1: Lie.
2: Lie.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 07 July, 2015, 02:45:38 pm
But did Peter ever headline there? (http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/12970917.New_book_recalls_Stockton_s_Fiesta_nightclub_which_drew_the_biggest_names_in_show_business/?ref=mr&)

Do you mean OUR Peter...?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 07 July, 2015, 08:19:07 pm
But did Peter ever headline there? (http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/12970917.New_book_recalls_Stockton_s_Fiesta_nightclub_which_drew_the_biggest_names_in_show_business/?ref=mr&)

Do you mean OUR Peter...?

Well, I didn't mean Wowbagger ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 08 July, 2015, 08:10:54 pm
No Scottish dates (sorry, Mrs P), but GS!YBE are doing a proper tour:

http://www.songkick.com/artists/182957-godspeed-you-black-emperor/calendar

Including Gateshead! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 09 July, 2015, 01:31:56 pm
No Scottish dates (sorry, Mrs P), but GS!YBE are doing a proper tour:

http://www.songkick.com/artists/182957-godspeed-you-black-emperor/calendar

Including Gateshead! :thumbsup:

Coventry on Mrs P's birthday.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 09 July, 2015, 10:06:10 pm
Gah, I want Belgium.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 10 July, 2015, 08:44:38 am
So did Hitler, and look where that got him.

Anyway...

I was somewhat surprised when watching Coast last night to see my friend's son driving Nicholas Crane round Margate in a pedicab.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 July, 2015, 12:34:19 pm
No Scottish dates (sorry, Mrs P), but GS!YBE are doing a proper tour:

http://www.songkick.com/artists/182957-godspeed-you-black-emperor/calendar

Including Gateshead! :thumbsup:

But not Londonton :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 10 July, 2015, 03:33:05 pm
No Scottish dates (sorry, Mrs P), but GS!YBE are doing a proper tour:

http://www.songkick.com/artists/182957-godspeed-you-black-emperor/calendar

Including Gateshead! :thumbsup:

But not Londonton :(

They've obviously got taste...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 July, 2015, 10:16:07 pm
Or that they've alreday played in Londonton twice this year.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 10 July, 2015, 11:03:05 pm
Or that they've alreday played in Londonton twice this year.

Well, exactly! The provinces need GS!YBE too. And I've never seen them live.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 11 July, 2015, 06:43:41 pm
Calling all Dickheads fans of Philip K Dick's works...

Quote from: io9
Amazon has released a new trailer for their upcoming series The Man In The High Castle, and it shows off some chilling new footage along what we’ve already seen from its fantastic pilot (http://io9.com/man-in-the-high-castle-is-wildly-different-from-the-boo-1679953073).

Linky: http://io9.com/liberty-and-justice-for-none-in-new-the-man-in-the-high-1717205090

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 14 July, 2015, 07:33:48 am
Listening to the radio this morning, on my way into work, they played "Reverand Black Grape".

I remember the album "It's Great When You're Straight, YEAH!" coming out (no pun intended).

It was released in 1995!!!!

Now I REALLY feel old....
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 15 July, 2015, 09:31:11 am
While not sleeping nights I've been binge-watching Farscape.  :thumbsup:

Officer Aeryn Sun  :-*
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 16 July, 2015, 08:36:33 am
Listening to an old edition of Counterpoint yesterday, I found out that Dooley Wilson, who played Sam in Casablanca, couldn't play the piano.  He was a drummer leading a band. 

As Dear Old Ned Sherrin, National Treasure, Raconteur Par Excellence and Theatre Queen Bitch, put it:

"...sort of like a musical version of Phil Collins" ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 16 July, 2015, 12:26:06 pm
It is rumoured that Kylie is to return to The Voice.

That'll explain why she was missing from our shed, along with the otters!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 17 July, 2015, 12:51:15 pm
I have gone totally old skool today, and bought some CDs (I know I have just disposed of a load, but these are for pressies and I don't like giving 0s and 1s as presents...).

The one I did really want though, isn't out til next week...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 21 July, 2015, 09:44:09 pm
How's your piano technique? (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/21/science/playing-mozart-piano-pieces-as-mozart-did.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 05 August, 2015, 08:07:00 pm
Am I the only one who, hearing the trailer for a certain BBC series, thinks to themselves "but I've never ever seen a Baeckeoffe in Britain"?

Oh. Ok.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 06 August, 2015, 12:35:50 am
Never even heard of it before but now I know what it is, I want some.

The only Alsace delicacy I'm familiar with is flammekueche, which is yummy.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 07 August, 2015, 03:26:29 pm
Have you noticed that every time film/TV detectives explore a building with torches it's full of smoke?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 07 August, 2015, 03:34:08 pm
Have you noticed that every time film/TV detectives explore a building with torches it's full of smoke?

Yup, plenty of fun to be had playing Mulder & Scully[1] in a darkened room with a couple of VNSP birdies and a glycol smoke machine.


[1] Not a euphemism.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 12 August, 2015, 09:54:35 am
Bloody 6Music...

STOP STOP STOP playing "Harlem Shuffle" without introducing it...

I keep thinking it's "Jump Around"

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 12 August, 2015, 01:12:50 pm
ITV4 have a Bond season on at the moment. Blimey, those Roger Moore ones were shite weren't they.  "The Spy Who Loved Me" last night. Gah.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 12 August, 2015, 03:12:57 pm
Yes, the Moore Bonds are pretty awful but I caught some of Never Say Never Again at the weekend and it's just as bad.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 12 August, 2015, 05:43:02 pm
How's your piano technique? (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/21/science/playing-mozart-piano-pieces-as-mozart-did.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur)

I'm not sure I agree that modern pianists "hunch over the piano". Glenn Gould did, but he specialised in J. S. Bach and was very weird, singing along as he played - and his voice came out on the occasional recording, apparently.

Glenn Gould:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNpZdZBY_Zw

Here is Ben Grosvenor at the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2007

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FJeOaRjZaE

And in 2014, playing Bach. He's hunched over the keyboard here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBh3wzfUgng

Barenboim playing Beethoven, quite some years ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJuqIcmlFEc

And again, in 2013.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMD_xhHSnJU

Daniel Barenboim seems to me to be much more "classically correct" in his techinique but I suppose it depends on your definition of a modern pianist.

Paul Lewis also seems to adopt an upright stance - unfortunately I couldn't find a video of him playing anything but concerti (he did the whole Beethoven cycle at the proms a few years back) and of course lots of the video shows members of the orchestra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKc2wnJRPkI

But, interesting stuff. Thanks, Andrij!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 13 August, 2015, 01:45:03 pm
Dear God! There is a Ned Flanders themed metal band called Okilly Dokilly (http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/news/43535/Dear-God-There-is-a-Ned-Flanders-themed-metal-band-called-Okilly-Dokilly)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 16 August, 2015, 09:50:34 pm
If you like Ode to Billy Joe, and you haven't heard the BBC recording of Bobbie Gentry from 68, you probably want to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaRacIzZSPo
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 August, 2015, 11:19:01 pm
Whoever thought it was a good idea to have "Earth's Natural Wonders: Living On The Edge" narrated by Olivia Colman was this: wrong.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 19 August, 2015, 06:01:26 pm
It's a funny thing, but studio recordings of punk bands are usually pretty musical, whereas live you just get the whole full-on noise/anarchic madness experience.

Producers seem to go the other way with more poppy stuff, so live you get a more pared=down sound, and studio recordings you get a slicker, lusher sound.

This post may contain inaccurate sweeping statements.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 20 August, 2015, 07:31:23 am
No, Ruthie, I think you may be right.  It is, certainly, my experience that this is the case.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 24 August, 2015, 04:25:06 pm
My new favourite YouTuber: genial giant Big Clive, mostly on electronics: www.youtube.com/user/bigclivedotcom/videos

Review of DANGEROUS Japanese Fanny Flambeaux doll (https://youtu.be/mcDgOGC5Lcc) (Slightly NSFW)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Vince on 24 August, 2015, 04:38:04 pm
It's a funny thing, but studio recordings of punk bands are usually pretty musical, whereas live you just get the whole full-on noise/anarchic madness experience.

Producers seem to go the other way with more poppy stuff, so live you get a more pared=down sound, and studio recordings you get a slicker, lusher sound.

This post may contain inaccurate sweeping statements.

I think a lot of session musicians were employed in that era.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 25 August, 2015, 11:54:00 am
Bloody hell, Toyah Wilcox is touring up North!    :o

I'm almost tempted, if only to get all nostalgic about my 1982 orange copycat dye job!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 August, 2015, 12:11:27 pm
Go on, Ruthie, be Decadent!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 06 September, 2015, 03:39:10 pm
PMSL!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34167864
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 06 September, 2015, 04:47:01 pm
Ghostbusters is on. It's still great.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 06 September, 2015, 07:01:24 pm
David and I went to the Alphonse Mucha exhibition, featuring a half-hour biographical video, at the Russell-Cotes Museum in Bournemouth.
Lots of Art Nouveau goodness.
Recommended.
(Pretty cheap for us: he got in free as a carer and my ticket was reduced cos I'm disabled.)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 September, 2015, 01:37:27 am
Don't forget that The Lore Of The Land (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b068tl6k), with Dr Larrington, starts at 13:45 today on Radio 4.  Same time all week.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 07 September, 2015, 10:12:58 pm
Free Piney Gir gig! (http://thewaitingroom.uk/events/piney-gir-free-gig-no-really/)

You do have to go to Eaglesciffe, mind, but it's right next to the station, and you can get a direct train from Sunderland, King's Cross, Darlington and Bishop Auckland (amongst others). Lovely restaurant, too.

I can't go, otherwise I would!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 15 September, 2015, 11:15:21 am
The Man Booker shortlist is out!

http://www.themanbookerprize.com/news/man-booker-prize-fiction-2015-shortlist-revealed

Luckily I have only 2, from that list, left to read.  The two are "A History of Seven Killings" and "The Fishermen".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 15 September, 2015, 04:11:18 pm
If Daniel Glaser is still on the judging panel he'll baulk at any bad science...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 23 September, 2015, 11:43:26 pm
If you like jazz and haven't heard Joey Alexander yet (aged 12), you should http://joeyalexandermusic.com/video/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 25 September, 2015, 12:07:25 am
I've just worked it out:  Sharknado 3 is totally a prequel to The Martian.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: David Martin on 29 September, 2015, 10:51:52 pm
The book of Kells is now online. http://digitalcollections.tcd.ie/home/index.php?DRIS_ID=MS58_003v
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 30 September, 2015, 11:06:56 pm
Found an amusing somewhat offbeat comic strip, Itchy Feet, based around travel and the intermingling of international characteristics

http://www.itchyfeetcomic.com/


(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RmQF_SOkqKs/VRe6q6-ZItI/AAAAAAAACqM/zfmOYDE701U/s1600/12.png)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 01 October, 2015, 09:57:13 am
They have just played "Jesus Built My Hotrod" on 6Music!

Talk about a great start to the day, it can only go downhill from here :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 October, 2015, 01:20:29 pm
I had completely forgotten about next week's Half Man Half Biscuit gig until a couple of hours ago :o
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 05 October, 2015, 02:17:07 pm
They have just played "Jesus Built My Hotrod" on 6Music!

Talk about a great start to the day, it can only go downhill from here :)

The second greatest spoken intro... ever, after Zodiac Mindwarp's "Prime Mover".  ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 06 October, 2015, 01:03:00 pm
One of the students from Queen Mary College on University Challenge last night introduced herself as "studying for an MD in sphincter preservation"

Apparently, this led to much traffic on twitter.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 October, 2015, 02:19:32 pm
Surely that's an MBA?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 07 October, 2015, 12:04:10 pm
Want a heartwarming story ? The Hip Operation Crew

http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/healthandlife/yourhealth/ageing-with-attitude-thehip-operation-crew-move-to-the-beat-at-80-and-beyond-356775.html
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 October, 2015, 01:04:14 am
Looks like somebody jumped a shark, says Gil Grissom, waving a pair of shark fins.

Yes, Gil.  Yes, you did.  About ten years ago.

Now there is "CSI: Cyber-Bollocks", which is like "CSI" but, implausibly, even more, er, implausible.

I watched it so the rest of you don't have to.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 October, 2015, 09:08:31 pm
I am given to understand that forthcoming BBC dramatic histor-o-nonse "The Last Kingdom" is to do with wresting control of the BRITONS' England from the fell hand of the Viking Invaders.  Why, then, do they play over the trailer Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" ???
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 13 October, 2015, 09:10:08 pm
The Chris T-T gig at Cotherstone Village Hall in December has been cancelled :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 14 October, 2015, 04:24:06 pm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34503866

So...the writers of 'Miranda' apparently thought of the idea themselves. And weren't influenced by the decade or more such spoofs have been on the tinternetweb.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 16 October, 2015, 01:13:53 pm
The BBC (You & Yours, I think) were discussing plans to build an extra rail link between Lewes and Brighton. Various bits of correspondence were read out, mostly in a northern accent.

Is the nasal twang which dominates Sussex not a suitable sound for bolshy rail travellers having a moan?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 October, 2015, 01:24:10 pm
Perhaps the BBC does not have an unlimited supply of regionally-accented reader-outers and thus cannot fish out of the cupboard one with a suitable accent for the topic under discussion.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mcshroom on 16 October, 2015, 01:45:27 pm
I would guess their list of jobbing voice actors is mainly based in Greater Manchester, sou are unlikely to speak with a southern accent.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 20 October, 2015, 01:13:25 pm
Just bought the first Xmas pressie.

Why in this thread? Well TLD wanted a piece of art, we wanted to buy her a piece as an investment and Kerry Darlington's works have shown to appreciate quite nicely*

So we bought her this:

http://www.enidhuttgallery.com/wendy-kerry-darlington-unique-limited-edition-resin.ir?src=froogle&gclid=CjwKEAjwzJexBRCa_pGo8IK0ilASJABfGldbFn_zhe61_wwmR2uGxthA8mjCPG1cKSJ6WNXkQp8GpBoCgkTw_wcB

*We already have one piece, in the lounge, that was bought for ~£800 ~5 years ago and now sells for ~£1300, not a bad return!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 20 October, 2015, 10:13:51 pm
Just bought the first Xmas pressie.

Why in this thread? Well TLD wanted a piece of art, we wanted to buy her a piece as an investment and Kerry Darlington's works have shown to appreciate quite nicely*

So we bought her this:

http://www.enidhuttgallery.com/wendy-kerry-darlington-unique-limited-edition-resin.ir?src=froogle&gclid=CjwKEAjwzJexBRCa_pGo8IK0ilASJABfGldbFn_zhe61_wwmR2uGxthA8mjCPG1cKSJ6WNXkQp8GpBoCgkTw_wcB

*We already have one piece, in the lounge, that was bought for ~£800 ~5 years ago and now sells for ~£1300, not a bad return!

That looks perfect for her, I bet she'll love it  :D

It looks just like her!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 21 October, 2015, 12:04:28 pm
Catching up with stuff what we have recorded, we started watching "This Is England '90" last night.

Whilst watching both myself and Mrs T had the same thought, idenpendantly of one another.  That thought was "Woody must be based on James*".  Beard, check, ranty attitude, check.  Even the rants were in a form so familiar to me, from hearing James rant!

*Tiermat's younger brother
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 October, 2015, 03:20:26 pm
I been catching up on recorded Stuffs too, with "Witch Hunt".  I think I'm in love with Suzannah Lipscomb.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 October, 2015, 08:58:57 am
Further upcatching with that three-parter on the history of "Indie" wot BBC4 done recently.  "Music For Misfits" or summat.  I am not now and never have been an Indie Kid - skinny or otherwise - but it was still quite a nostalgia-fest, helped make sense of quite a lot of Half Man Half Biscuit lyrics1, confirmed my opinions about Morrissey and didn't have big pseud Paul Morley in it.  Needed Peter Hook, though.

1: And even featured a brief clip of HMHB playing "The Trumpton Riots" :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 22 October, 2015, 09:17:30 am
Further upcatching with that three-parter on the history of "Indie" wot BBC4 done recently.  "Music For Misfits" or summat.  I am not now and never have been an Indie Kid - skinny or otherwise - but it was still quite a nostalgia-fest, helped make sense of quite a lot of Half Man Half Biscuit lyrics1, confirmed my opinions about Morrissey and didn't have big pseud Paul Morley in it.  Needed Peter Hook, though.

1: And even featured a brief clip of HMHB playing "The Trumpton Riots" :thumbsup:

We recorded and watched this.  Worth watching to see Mark Radcliffe with a mullet!

All we need, now, is a similar one covering the leftpondian scene (SubPop et al)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 22 October, 2015, 01:55:34 pm
I enjoyed Music For Misfits as well, but they did concentrate too much on popularity and business rather than the actual music that us misfits loved.  There was almost nothing on 4AD and the (horribly named) shoegaze genre, for examples.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LEE on 22 October, 2015, 02:05:18 pm
1: And even featured a brief clip of HMHB playing "The Trumpton Riots" :thumbsup:

If someone asked me "What should Punk Sound like?" I'd refer them to HMHB's "Joy Division Oven Gloves".  Wonderful.

No other band have summed up the frustration of setting up a game of Scalextric in lyrical form better than HMHB (See: All I Want for Christmas is a Dukla Prague Away Kit )
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 October, 2015, 07:02:23 pm
I was also surprised by the lack of 4AD3DCD.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 23 October, 2015, 05:12:16 pm
Here's a brilliant Friday afternoon vid of Stan & Laurel dancing to AC/DC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHqSOLRQWsU
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 23 October, 2015, 06:42:59 pm
Here's a brilliant Friday afternoon vid of Stan & Laurel dancing to AC/DC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHqSOLRQWsU

 :D   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 24 October, 2015, 03:17:58 pm
Dialogue from today's SF B-movie.

"For one instance, our Sun became the most powerful magnetic force in the universe.  A magnetar."

Long silence.

"A magnetar?"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 October, 2015, 04:16:33 pm
My mum didn't like Skyfall because

- Daniel Craig's suits were too tight
- no way would James Bond let his Aston Martin get destroyed
- he should have shut the door when he set the house on fire so the fire didn't follow him through the escape route
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 24 October, 2015, 09:37:19 pm
"It Was All Right In The '80s'.

They're doing the Nuclear War thing now, god we were all so scared.  It really blighted our teenagerhood!  We were all certain we'd not see the '90s.

Protect And Survive - what a farce.  The sirens were on top of our school, they used to test them every so often.  Wow.  I grew up with the nuclear war early warning going off in my ear during English Lang/Lit!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 October, 2015, 11:56:34 pm
And if you survived the bomb, then there was AIDS.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 25 October, 2015, 06:01:15 pm
It's interesting, how nobody seemed even slightly inclined to protect our generation from ideas of being burned to death in a universal apocalypse, or Jimmy Savile.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 25 October, 2015, 06:35:41 pm
My gripe with the new Bond is that he makes all this spying business seem a bit grim, slotted somewhere between working a till at Aldi and BT customer service assistant in the grand scale of careers. It should be sexy and it should involve henchmen and shark-filled aquaria. I demand frikkin laser beams. Daniel Craig wears a tight fitting Monday-morning-shit-job-face. I have tickets for Sceptre mind, so let's see.

Yeah, the 1980s, lived under the permanent low cloud of imminent nuclear destruction or Jimmy fixing it for us.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 October, 2015, 01:02:15 pm
Miss von Brandenburg has just given me the appalling news that the publication of the sixth book of Ben Aaronovitch's very splendid and worthwhile "Rivers Of London" series has been postponed...

...until June 2016 :o
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LEE on 29 October, 2015, 01:51:45 pm
My mum didn't like Skyfall because

- Daniel Craig's suits were too tight
- no way would James Bond let his Aston Martin get destroyed
- he should have shut the door when he set the house on fire so the fire didn't follow him through the escape route

Congratulations!! Your Mum has correctly spotted all 3 unrealistic and far-fetched Bond moments and won 1st prize, a Lotus Esprit Submarine Car (And lifetime supply of WD40).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 29 October, 2015, 02:45:27 pm
Miss von Brandenburg has just given me the appalling news that the publication of the sixth book of Ben Aaronovitch's very splendid and worthwhile "Rivers Of London" series has been postponed...

...until June 2016 :o
:o :'( >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 29 October, 2015, 03:27:48 pm
My mum didn't like Skyfall because

- Daniel Craig's suits were too tight
- no way would James Bond let his Aston Martin get destroyed
- he should have shut the door when he set the house on fire so the fire didn't follow him through the escape route

Congratulations!! Your Mum has correctly spotted all 3 unrealistic and far-fetched Bond moments and won 1st prize, a Lotus Esprit Submarine Car (And lifetime supply of WD40).

That'll be a Corgi Lotus Esprit, minus the missiles*, then?  ;)


* Which had pingfukkited themselves into the depths of the ornamental flower border in the back garden within five minutes of playing with the toy car outside for the first time...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Vince on 29 October, 2015, 06:08:20 pm
My mum didn't like Skyfall because

- Daniel Craig's suits were too tight
- no way would James Bond let his Aston Martin get destroyed
- he should have shut the door when he set the house on fire so the fire didn't follow him through the escape route

Congratulations!! Your Mum has correctly spotted all 3 unrealistic and far-fetched Bond moments and won 1st prize, a Lotus Esprit Submarine Car (And lifetime supply of WD40).

That'll be a Corgi Lotus Esprit, minus the missiles*, then?  ;)


* Which had pingfukkited themselves into the depths of the ornamental flower border in the back garden under grandma's sideboard within five minutes of playing with the toy car outside for the first time...

FTFY
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 29 October, 2015, 06:14:22 pm
Miss von Brandenburg has just given me the appalling news that the publication of the sixth book of Ben Aaronovitch's very splendid and worthwhile "Rivers Of London" series has been postponed...

...until June 2016 :o

Did I not mention that a several of weeks ago? I defo told *somebody* I got an email from Amazon about it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 29 October, 2015, 06:20:33 pm
My mum didn't like Skyfall because

- Daniel Craig's suits were too tight
- no way would James Bond let his Aston Martin get destroyed
- he should have shut the door when he set the house on fire so the fire didn't follow him through the escape route

Congratulations!! Your Mum has correctly spotted all 3 unrealistic and far-fetched Bond moments and won 1st prize, a Lotus Esprit Submarine Car (And lifetime supply of WD40).

That'll be a Corgi Lotus Esprit, minus the missiles*, then?  ;)


* Which had pingfukkited themselves into the depths of the ornamental flower border in the back garden under grandma's sideboard within five minutes of playing with the toy car outside for the first time...

FTFY

Fixed the fixing - I don't think the launching springs were that strong.  ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 31 October, 2015, 02:08:11 pm
Girl in a Band, still on i-Player, a fascinating documentary about, um, women in bands.  There was footage I'd not seen before and people I'd not heard of before, and Kate Mossman's reference-filled (wink wink) approach to some of these artists is worthy of note.  Good to hear female artists talking about their own medium, and the continued 'othering' of women affirms a lot I already think about the patriarchy in general.

Or just watch it for the music.  Seriously.  Some great stuff in there.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 17 November, 2015, 08:05:37 pm
Following on from various social media activities in years gone by, I am on the mailing lists of a few PR agencies. One in particular always makes me smile when it arrives, as it is signed Madeline Bassett.

I wonder, if your family name was Bassett, would you not be aware of that name? Would you call your child that deliberately? As she is a 20-something, I have come to the temporary conclusion that it was accidental.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 18 November, 2015, 08:24:54 am
Nota great cover, just odd, 6Music have just played Bauhaus - Telegram Sam.

No! Just no, ok?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 18 November, 2015, 08:31:25 am
On the The R6M front, I have just submitted a menu for a Spanish Sunday lunch comprising Ojos de Brujo, Patax, Manu Chao. Wonder if it will get played.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 18 November, 2015, 08:33:30 am
On the The R6M front, I have just submitted a menu for a Spanish Sunday lunch comprising Ojos de Brujo, Patax, Manu Chao. Wonder if it will get played.

Ooooo, which Sunday is that on, then?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 18 November, 2015, 11:01:52 pm
On the The R6M front, I have just submitted a menu for a Spanish Sunday lunch comprising Ojos de Brujo, Patax, Manu Chao. Wonder if it will get played.

Ooooo, which Sunday is that on, then?

If they use it and if they tell me first I will advertise said fact, submission is on this page http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4RwTm1Q5Gj6cp8HJnn5dvNj/cerys-sunday-roast
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 21 November, 2015, 04:11:58 pm
Later that same life....

http://www.npr.org/2015/11/19/456663811/a-writer-gets-grilled-by-his-18-year-old-self-in-later-that-same-life

Sounds fascinating, not sufficiently to put cash into someone else's project, but still
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 November, 2015, 08:29:55 pm
Explosions In The Sky are playing a handful of UK gigs in April 2016: http://www.explosionsinthesky.com/ (http://www.explosionsinthesky.com/) :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 21 November, 2015, 09:13:00 pm
In Dad's Army tonight, fleeting mentions of French flags, bombs and praying to Mecca.  No intent, just a bizarre and poignant coincidence.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 November, 2015, 01:27:34 am
In Dad's Army tonight, fleeting mentions of French flags, bombs and praying to Mecca.  No intent, just a bizarre and poignant coincidence.

Might have been postponed from last week.  Last Saturday's episode of "QI XL" was replaced by a repeat and I can only think it was because Sandi Toksvig made a joke about rhesus monkeys learning French.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 22 November, 2015, 03:04:45 pm
Explosions In The Sky are playing a handful of UK gigs in April 2016: http://www.explosionsinthesky.com/ (http://www.explosionsinthesky.com/) :thumbsup:

Aw, boo, Glasgow :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 November, 2015, 09:14:35 pm
Explosions In The Sky are playing a handful of UK gigs in April 2016: http://www.explosionsinthesky.com/ (http://www.explosionsinthesky.com/) :thumbsup:

Aw, boo, Glasgow :(

"Oh good", said Miss von Brandenburg when told they're playing the Albert Hall.  "It'll be nice to sit down!"

What the band will make of the venue is anyone's guess; they were impressed enough by the Brixton Academy ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 November, 2015, 04:23:05 pm
I've just discovered Jane Jensen


Oh and on Sat I saw Katy Manning (aka Jo Grant) and Lee Majors (aka The Bionic Man).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 26 November, 2015, 06:28:52 pm
FAO wowbagger, et al.
Lightning-fast pianist Lubomyr Melnyk: 'When I play I turn into an eagle flying' (http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/nov/26/lubomyr-melnyk-fastest-pianist-rivers-and-streams)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 27 November, 2015, 04:15:29 pm
That Rufus Wainwright really does love himself doesn't he?  Jeez, enough with the lounging around photos already.  We get it, you're handsome. 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 27 November, 2015, 04:18:27 pm
He is pretty, he is clever, and he is talented.

And he is, or so we are informed by his dad (incorrectly), a 'tit-man'.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 27 November, 2015, 04:19:38 pm
He is pretty, he is clever, and he is talented.

And he is, or so we are informed by his dad (incorrectly), a 'tit-man'.

More into finches, is he?   ::-)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 27 November, 2015, 04:25:55 pm
Perhaps.

I postulate that his constant desire for adulation may be related to his father's dismissive behaviour towards the Wainwright siblings (cf:Bloody Motherfucking Asshole by Martha).

This does not excuse his narcissism, merely contextualises it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 27 November, 2015, 04:26:36 pm
DoI: I have worked with Wainwright pere
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 28 November, 2015, 06:34:38 pm
One of my simple pleasures is to watch TOTP1980 on BBC4 on Thursdays, while following #totp1980. It has been particularly enjoyable lately because Dennis Waterman's theme from Minder is in the charts, and every time it's mentioned in the chart rundown, the #totp1980 tweeters all tweet "write the feme tune, sing the feme tune."
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 December, 2015, 01:47:35 am
Know someone who likes "Game Of Thrones"?  Can't think what to get them for Christmas?  This Unit recommends1 Winter is Coming: The Medieval World of Game of Thrones (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Winter-Coming-Medieval-World-Thrones/dp/1784532568/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449020629&sr=1-3&keywords=carolyne+larrington) by, er, Dr Larrington.  A snip at only 12.99 of your BRITISH pounds.

1: I haven't actually even seen a copy yet, but...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 03 December, 2015, 11:02:24 am
I love Professional Masterchef - it's the only version of Masterchef I watch, not being interested in celebs making tits of themselves or amateur foodies showing off how au courant they are with the latest food fads.

However, this series has been bizarre, and I suspect an element of barrel-scraping - both with the choice of contestants and the choice of 'skills' tests. Out of six contestants in last night's show, two out of three couldn't even make a prawn cocktail (one had never even made mayonnaise before), and two out of the other three weren't capable of producing a decent cheeseburger.

Mind you, even Marcus Wareing... sorry, Michelinstarredchefmarcus Wareing, to give him his proper name, managed to cock up the cheeseburger by serving it on a feckin' brioche.

As for the 'signature dish' round, at least half the chefs produced dishes that were only borderline edible. I don't think I would have put any of them through last night. Really poor standard.

I only hope I never have the misfortune to eat in an establishment that employs any of them.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 03 December, 2015, 07:16:08 pm
The book I am reading mentions a cat called Boris sniffing a fruit bowl. This made me laugh because bobb's cat, Boris, has form for molesting fruit.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 December, 2015, 11:55:18 am
DJ Random has just coughed up "Stairway To Heaven".  The lyrics really are a load of guff, aren't they?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Dibdib on 04 December, 2015, 12:56:04 pm
I love Professional Masterchef - it's the only version of Masterchef I watch, not being interested in celebs making tits of themselves or amateur foodies showing off how au courant they are with the latest food fads.

For this reason I'm quite looking forward to the "professional bake-off" which is apparently in the pipeline. I might drool on the TV.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 04 December, 2015, 01:09:25 pm
For this reason I'm quite looking forward to the "professional bake-off" which is apparently in the pipeline.

Ooh! Interesting.

I've been enjoying the Pottery Showdown much more than I would have expected. I mainly like it for the insight it gives into the technical aspects of the creative process, which you don't get from Masterchef or Bake-Off.

Plus friend-of-the-family Jim is in the final, so I've got someone to root for.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Dibdib on 04 December, 2015, 01:15:04 pm
For this reason I'm quite looking forward to the "professional bake-off" which is apparently in the pipeline.

Ooh! Interesting.

Tom Kerridge is presenting it, and was on Chris Evans' radio show the other morning plugging it. Teams of three professional patisserierypeople, and professional judges. No Mel'n'Sue (sadface) or Mary Berry, no Paul Hollywood (woo).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 04 December, 2015, 01:55:03 pm
Tom Kerridge is presenting it

Oh god, that puts me right off.  :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 04 December, 2015, 07:28:49 pm
Dear wife, if you insist on working from home, you need to understand that late Friday afternoon is my Sing Along With Taylor Swift time.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 December, 2015, 07:37:12 pm
I'd say that was extreme mental cruelty.  Have you got a solicitor?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Dibdib on 04 December, 2015, 07:50:07 pm
Dear wife, if you insist on working from home, you need to understand that late Friday afternoon is my Sing Along With Taylor Swift time.

Ignore her, Ian. Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 04 December, 2015, 09:08:09 pm
Yeah, Larrers, don't be a hater. Cue up Haunted or Shake it Out and just let it all out. Even better, Amazon Music now comes with the all the lyrics, Karaoke style.

This is why I own a detached house.

It's also why I can't go to certain bars in Boca Raton ever again.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 December, 2015, 12:36:18 am
Yeah, Larrers, don't be a hater. Cue up Haunted or Shake it Out and just let it all out. Even better, Amazon Music now comes with the all the lyrics, Karaoke style.

See comment upthread re Stairway To Heaven.

This is why I own a detached house.

It's also why I can't go to certain bars in Boca Raton ever again.

Pffft.  With Larrington Towers surrounded by a Several of acres of parkland1 I can perfect my Bon Scott impression in the garden, although not in this weather, or with the off-licence abuse that traditionally accompanies such hi-jinks.

I cannot think of any valid reason to go to Boca Raton.  It's where the IBM PC was invented, y'know2.

1: Lie
2: Not Lie
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 December, 2015, 01:12:33 am
BBC, ninety seconds does not constitute an episode of "QI", still less an episode of "QI XL".  And for what?  Fucking snooker.

Never mind, it'll be on iPlayer, won't it?  No.  No, it is not.  May a Mighty Rushing Wind blow down your houses and destroy your insurance paperwork >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 06 December, 2015, 08:56:17 pm
BBC, ninety seconds does not constitute an episode of "QI", still less an episode of "QI XL".  And for what?  Fucking snooker.

Never mind, it'll be on iPlayer, won't it?  No.  No, it is not.  May a Mighty Rushing Wind blow down your houses and destroy your insurance paperwork >:(
It was an old one (k) anyway.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 December, 2015, 09:02:48 am
R3 has just paused to let us hear the sound of Tromso. No music, no speech, just ambient sound of the city. Can you imagine any other radio station doing that? No. Especially not Classic FM. Case settled.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 December, 2015, 01:40:30 pm
Hurrah: the Nice Man in my local Waterstones still remembers me; also they are selling the Adult Ladybird books for e.g. "The Ladybird Book of The Hipster / The Hangover / The Mid-Life Crisis".  Though not, at £6.99 a pop, to mee.

Bah: They didn't have "And On That Bombshell" by Richard Porter, the evil genius behind Sniff Petrol.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 15 December, 2015, 10:40:19 am
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35058761
GCHQ competition
 Can't get past stage one as it needs a smartphone for the next stage.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 20 December, 2015, 03:40:24 pm
These perfume ads get more ridiculous and obscure every year.  I mean, who wears Chanel when they go surfing?  And is he shagging someone else or what?  Bastard.  If he is, that is, because who can tell.  I mean, he's got a kid, which makes him utter scum, but only if he is a home-breaking adulterer, because perfume ads.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Chris S on 20 December, 2015, 09:35:10 pm
These perfume ads get more ridiculous and obscure every year.  I mean, who wears Chanel when they go surfing?  And is he shagging someone else or what?  Bastard.  If he is, that is, because who can tell.  I mean, he's got a kid, which makes him utter scum, but only if he is a home-breaking adulterer, because perfume ads.

Or you could turn the sound off and go make a cuppa.  :D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 20 December, 2015, 09:37:31 pm
This is why we record everything - so we can fast forward through the adverts
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 December, 2015, 12:35:02 pm
Are you sure it wasn't Carling?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LEE on 21 December, 2015, 01:02:25 pm
Dear middle-aged women,

Please stop believing all that "age-defying", "Fountain of youth", pseudo-science bullshit from the make-up companies.

Ask yourself, how many Nobel prize winning scientists got their award whilst working at Laboratoire Garnier?

The reason the model doesn't have wrinkles any more is because she's about 20 and hasn't had her first one yet.

See Also - Ring Flash lighting techniques.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: trekker12 on 21 December, 2015, 01:17:45 pm
Does anyone actually believe it anyway?

I know they believe we believe it or they wouldn't make up words that sound scientific, but in my experience women (and an increasing number of men) buy such products because they need moisturiser and find one they like, or smells nice, or feels nice.

I've never met anyone who watches a TV advert and decides because the latest product from Laboratoire Garnier contains neverheardofinthescientificcommunityicide think 'ooh I must try that'

Advertising executives are made in a box and aren't allowed into the real world IMHO
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 21 December, 2015, 01:22:51 pm
Dear middle-aged women,

'Middle-aged women' are no more susceptible to marketing than any other arbitrary age/gender group.

Try changing the word 'women' in your post to 'men', and 'Laboratoire Garnier' to 'Pinarello'...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LEE on 21 December, 2015, 02:27:32 pm
Dear middle-aged women,

'Middle-aged women' are no more susceptible to marketing than any other arbitrary age/gender group.

Try changing the word 'women' in your post to 'men', and 'Laboratoire Garnier' to 'Pinarello'...

Can't help feel you missed the obvious R*pha parallel.

The most striking visual feature of this season’s R*PHA collection is the Data Print, a collaboration that creates graphic art from the science of modern road racing. London-based design studio "Laboratoire Saw-U-Coming" used the ride data from the three weeks of a Team R*PHA rider’s grand tour to produce a unique graphic. Charting the story of each stage, the resulting print is made up of precisely scaled chevrons mapping the rider’s distance, elevation gain and effort.

Amazingly most of that is word for word (I may have made up the name of the design studio ...but nothing else).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 21 December, 2015, 02:51:05 pm
Can't help feel you missed the obvious R*pha parallel.

I enjoyed Rapha's hospitality at the launch event for the data print stuff. That's all I'm saying.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 21 December, 2015, 03:20:01 pm
Dear middle-aged women,

'Middle-aged women' are no more susceptible to marketing than any other arbitrary age/gender group.

I thought they were (or, more accurately, as a demographic they spend the most money on the kind of products where buying decisions are most easily influenced by marketing), which is why so much marketing is directed at them.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 December, 2015, 09:13:46 pm
Congratulations to UCL Rutherford who, on last night's Christmas University Challenge, identified the narrator of a recording of "Peter And The Wolf" as Toxteth O'Grady.

Pity it was wrong.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 21 December, 2015, 10:36:40 pm
Perfume ads:

I think there was a meeting at the Actors and Proper Creadive Types Union about selling your soul to advertisers;
it was decided that perfume ads are sooooo ludicrous, it is acceptable to appear in them without universal condemnation from ones peers.

If not, Mr Depp has made a grave misjudgement ...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 December, 2015, 11:10:46 am
It is a given that all 21st century cop shows have a resident copper who is versed in the arts of Hollywood-OSTM and can track a phone or determine a Babbage-Engine's location from its IP address in mere seconds.  However, if he's called "Benny Silver" he should be recognisably Jewish.  He should not have a Norn Iron accent that can open a bottle of Bushmills at forty paces, and certainly should not be Tyres O'Flaherty thinly disguised inside a beard and a badly-fitting suit.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 30 December, 2015, 05:25:54 pm
Congratulations to UCL Rutherford who, on last night's Christmas University Challenge, identified the narrator of a recording of "Peter And The Wolf" as Toxteth O'Grady.

Pity it was wrong.

Finally caught up with that today. Amusing. The real pity is that he didn't give the answer as 'Toxteth O'Grady, USA' but well done him anyway.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 December, 2015, 02:47:44 pm
Top 10 modern medieval tales (http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/dec/30/top-10-modern-medieval-tales-georg-rr-martin-umberto-eco)

"From George RR Martin to Umberto Eco, many writers have been inspired by stories of the middle ages. Here are some of the best"

No, wait!  Come back!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 December, 2015, 08:12:22 pm
Congratulations to UCL Rutherford who, on last night's Christmas University Challenge, identified the narrator of a recording of "Peter And The Wolf" as Toxteth O'Grady.

Pity it was wrong.

Finally caught up with that today. Amusing. The real pity is that he didn't give the answer as 'Toxteth O'Grady, USA' but well done him anyway.

I think Magdalen Berlin rather fancies Magdalen Theroux :D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 January, 2016, 10:46:53 pm
This week's Silent Witness is:
:-X
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 06 January, 2016, 12:39:37 am
Slightly less annoying than most of last series until you get to the [soiler], thobut.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 07 January, 2016, 06:33:24 pm
Wasn't "Veep" (very) loosely based on "The Thick Of It"?  Somehow I can't imagine the median USAnian audience going for a programme using language like "six-toed pony-fuckers", "marzipan dildo" or ""I will tear your fucking skin off, I will wear it to your mother's birthday party, and rub your nuts up and down her leg whilst whistling Bohemian fucking Rhapsody".

Somebody lent us Veep. I thought I was going to hate it but actually it's a fairly close match for TTOI considering a)it's Usanian and b) there's no Malcolm Tucker.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 07 January, 2016, 10:23:14 pm
Wasn't "Veep" (very) loosely based on "The Thick Of It"?  Somehow I can't imagine the median USAnian audience going for a programme using language like "six-toed pony-fuckers", "marzipan dildo" or ""I will tear your fucking skin off, I will wear it to your mother's birthday party, and rub your nuts up and down her leg whilst whistling Bohemian fucking Rhapsody".

Somebody lent us Veep. I thought I was going to hate it but actually it's a fairly close match for TTOI considering a)it's Usanian and b) there's no Malcolm Tucker.

Coincidentally, I heard an old interview with Armando Ianucci the other day* in which he was discussing the genesis of Veep. Basically, it would have been a straight remake of The Thick Of It but ABC snapped up the rights to that title before HBO could get their hands on it, so instead HBO commissioned Ianucci & co to make a new series on the same lines.

I've not seen the 'official' American version of The Thick Of It but it sounds terrible. Apparently, it was so bad they never got beyond making the pilot.

Veep, on the other hand, is pure genius.


*an episode of Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast from 2012 in which he interviews Armando Ianucci and Graham Linehan together. Most entertaining.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 07 January, 2016, 10:41:44 pm
It’s Roy Batty of Blade Runner’s inception date! Happy Birthday Roy! (http://www.thepoke.co.uk/2016/01/07/roy-batty-blade-runners-inception-date-happy-birthday-roy/)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 07 January, 2016, 10:42:10 pm
I prefer Veep, Julia Louis-Dreyfus is wonderful and the cast gels and there's just an outre about US politics that our own marvellous system of upper class men hawing and gaffawing at each other just can't match. And they can be sweary as they want as it's on HBO. Ianucci has a gift.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 January, 2016, 05:21:44 pm
Having today discovered a factoid about Uriah Heep, a band which I've never taken any notice of, I started listening to Youtube's Uriah Heep mix. I'm not looking at the youtube, just listening. Suddenly the folk-tinged heavy rock with metal leanings is interrupted by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John singing You're the one that I want! Imagine how well that fits in! So I switch to the youtube tab and what do I see to explain my bewilderment? An advert for Uncle Ben's Quinoa and Rice, a product of whose existence I have been even more ignorant than of Uriah Heep. Informed but not enlightened. Perhaps the weirdest thing was that the (American-sounding) voiceover produced quinoa "correctly" rather than "naturally".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 11 January, 2016, 07:46:46 pm
I got all excited when I saw Explosions in the Sky were going to play Durham (in addition to Glasgow, Manchester and the usual places) :D

Then I realised it was Durham, North Carolina. Arse.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 14 January, 2016, 09:53:15 pm
Colin Vearncombe is critically ill in hospital after a car crash, and Celine Dion's husband has died.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 19 January, 2016, 08:08:58 pm
I note that Bergerac's Triumph Roadster is earning a crust in the Go Compare "Brief Encounter" advert.  How the mighty are fallen. :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Vince on 19 January, 2016, 09:53:54 pm
You wouldn't say that if you had watched the recent repeats of Bergerac - hasn't stood the test of time.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 20 January, 2016, 06:34:28 pm
And another one gone
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11860014
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 January, 2016, 07:41:04 pm
Steph, did you look at the date on that article?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Vince on 20 January, 2016, 11:02:32 pm
And another one gone
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11860014
http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35342699 (http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35342699)
FTFY
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Vince on 20 January, 2016, 11:05:29 pm
I wonder if an "IPlayer Original" is the equivalent of a film being released straight to DVD?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 20 January, 2016, 11:07:49 pm
I wonder if an "IPlayer Original" is the equivalent of a film being released straight to DVD?

I think that's code for "we commissioned this before we decided to axe BBC3".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 21 January, 2016, 10:24:04 am
And another one gone
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11860014
http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35342699 (http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35342699)
FTFY
Just seen that. Arsebollocks.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Vince on 21 January, 2016, 07:12:30 pm
And another.
http://waterfordwhispersnews.com/2016/01/20/rock-legend-animal-dies-aged-66/ (http://waterfordwhispersnews.com/2016/01/20/rock-legend-animal-dies-aged-66/)
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 January, 2016, 07:51:32 pm
I happened on this yesterday whilst driving:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06whsx1 start a 13m 50s.

It's a song. I found it very funny. I insist, however, that it does not in any way apply to me. Oh no! Not at all...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: cycleman on 22 January, 2016, 08:32:03 pm
 ;D  ;D that was fun
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hillbilly on 24 January, 2016, 12:23:25 pm
Currently making my way through every episode of South Park in order.

The show is funny as hell, suitably puerile, with an irreverent streak of social commentary (increasingly so from series 5 or thereabouts) that puts Family Guy and Simpsons and all those other jaded and less mirthsome American wannabees in the shade. 

Anybody who disagrees with me is either a hippy or a pussy.  And should respect my authority.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 January, 2016, 01:39:35 pm
Currently making my way through every episode of South Park in order.

The show is funny as hell, suitably puerile, with an irreverent streak of social commentary (increasingly so from series 5 or thereabouts) that puts Family Guy and Simpsons and all those other jaded and less mirthsome American wannabees in the shade. 

Anybody who disagrees with me is either a hippy or a pussy.  And should respect my authority.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDDJvC2CGaU
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 24 January, 2016, 05:39:21 pm
Hillbilly is correct, but man, that's a lot of episodes.

I just like saying gluten makes your dick fly off. Oh, and singing the gayfish song.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 24 January, 2016, 09:55:09 pm
TIMMY!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 25 January, 2016, 08:56:47 pm
The first batch of artists playing at Deer Shed have been announced.

Most I have never heard anything by, but two I have. Beth Orton and Everything Everything.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 January, 2016, 07:30:27 am
With all the hoopla over David Bowie the death of Mott The Hoople drummer Dale "Buffin" Griffin seems to have slipped under the radar, in much the same way as Lee Brilleaux dying at the same time as Kurt Cobain.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: geraldc on 26 January, 2016, 03:36:56 pm
That shit poking fraudster "Dr" Gillian McKeith will be entering the Celeb Big Brother House. Good it shows her career is on the decline as fewer people believe her random shit about toxins etc.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hillbilly on 26 January, 2016, 05:27:57 pm
Hillbilly is correct, but man, that's a lot of episodes.

I've most recently watched Awesome-O in Series 8. 
Which is apparently 116 episodes in. 
Only another 151 to go (or around 55 hours).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 26 January, 2016, 06:00:36 pm
I can't imagine how utterly brilliantly warped your brain will be after an entire run of South Park. Just thinking about the Gayfish song had me humming it for three hours. Kanye's got crabs. Literally.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 February, 2016, 01:01:49 pm
I thought DJ Random must have been in a Viarosa mood this morning, until my eyes were sufficiently caffeinated to focus on the screen.  You played this last night, you div!  Why not save the play count when you've done so?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 08 February, 2016, 12:28:11 am
'Telomere' by the Mystery Jets is such a great song, but I think it will always remind me of hearing about Bowie.  Which is a shame, really.  On the other hand, it was a perfect choice for that moment.

Sigh.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 February, 2016, 11:55:39 am
Showed my son some Hieronymus Bosch paintings: "This is even weirder than the mind of Terry Pratchett!"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Dibdib on 12 February, 2016, 09:34:11 pm
Have we had OK Go's new zero-gravity (yes, for realsies) music video yet?

http://okgo.net/2016/02/11/upside-down-inside-out/

To clarify - no green screens, no wires, and shot in one take aboard a parabolic plane flight. All they've done is cut the double-gravity bits out between dives.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 12 February, 2016, 10:17:57 pm
That's a gratuitous excuse for having as much fun making a video as possible.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 12 February, 2016, 10:34:25 pm
It's just a shame the music's a bit...

Well, the videos are much better than the music.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 17 February, 2016, 10:27:27 pm
Third Way has gone under.  It's such a good journal.  What a bloody shame.  :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Riggers on 18 February, 2016, 10:53:52 am
Have we had OK Go's new zero-gravity (yes, for realsies) music video yet?

http://okgo.net/2016/02/11/upside-down-inside-out/

To clarify - no green screens, no wires, and shot in one take aboard a parabolic plane flight. All they've done is cut the double-gravity bits out between dives.


So good! And gosh, those girls are jolly fit aren't they!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 19 February, 2016, 01:19:27 pm
Inside the world's biggest organ:

https://youtu.be/VKWIX7LcV5Y

SFW
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 24 February, 2016, 10:02:36 pm
The Brits.

Shit, aren't they?

Even the David Bowie tribute seemed trite, contrived and a bit rubbish.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ElyDave on 24 February, 2016, 10:48:36 pm
Have we had OK Go's new zero-gravity (yes, for realsies) music video yet?

http://okgo.net/2016/02/11/upside-down-inside-out/

To clarify - no green screens, no wires, and shot in one take aboard a parabolic plane flight. All they've done is cut the double-gravity bits out between dives.

Watched it with the sound off.

The foot bars kind of gave the game away
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 26 February, 2016, 09:12:51 am
I have booked some tickets, for November, to see Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, in Leeds.

I wasn't intending to, but went on SeeTickets, to book Terrorvision tickets and saw that they were coming back to the UK (We have missed them the last 2 times they have played in Leeds).  Mrs T is VERY happy!

On a side note, I thought I would have a look at the cost of tickets to see Jools Holland, again in November.  F*** me! £40 EACH!!!!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Auntie Helen on 26 February, 2016, 09:39:06 am
I have been watching Deutschland 83 on Channel 4 (hurrah for VPN), a series of eight programmes about an East German posing as a West German soldier to spy on Pershing II nuclear missile talks.

I am halfway through and it is absolutely brilliant!

Available for another 7 days on 4 On Demand so I really recommend watching it.

It's in German (with some French and also English) but subtitled. The subtitles are done well too.

It was first shown here on RTL in December I think so has very quickly made it to UK television. It was hugely successful in America apparently. Under the 4 App it is under "Walter recommends' or some such obfuscation.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 26 February, 2016, 10:50:52 am
I have booked a superfluity of Springsteen tickets, both for Wembley and Coventry. One or the other will have to be sold.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 February, 2016, 11:45:12 am
On a side note, I thought I would have a look at the cost of tickets to see Jools Holland, again in November.  F*** me! £40 EACH!!!!

My grate frend Mr Woolrich suggested we might see Buddy Guy later this year.  IIRC it was even more than that.  Sorry, Buddy...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: essexian on 26 February, 2016, 12:45:51 pm
I have booked a superfluity of Springsteen tickets, both for Wembley and Coventry. One or the other will have to be sold.

Managed to get tickets for Coventry but did ponder whilst doing so why on Earth do Rihanna tickets for the same venue costs more than those for the boss.  ???

I thought £67 quid was towards the top end of what I would want to pay but then again, you go get some set with The Boss. At the same time as I booked these (it took nearly 40 minutes to get to the front of the queue!) and for the same overall cost, I managed to book tickets to see The Primitives, The Dandy Warhols and The Cure.


 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 February, 2016, 09:56:30 pm
Rihanna will probably have lots of dancers and costume changes and extraneousness, whereas The Boss will just have his band.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 26 February, 2016, 11:35:15 pm
Yebbut someone has noticed how long he normally carries on for, these gigs start at 16:30! I'd have a shilling both ways that Rihanna starts at 20:00 and finishes first
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 29 February, 2016, 08:12:52 pm
Is John Oliver the lovechild of Ben Elton and Ben Elton?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 03 March, 2016, 02:03:43 pm
With all the hoopla over David Bowie the death of Mott The Hoople drummer Dale "Buffin" Griffin seems to have slipped under the radar, in much the same way as Lee Brilleaux dying at the same time as Kurt Cobain.
Somewhere, Aldous Huxley and C.S. Lewis, Farrah Fawcett and Mother Teresa are nodding in agreement.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 03 March, 2016, 03:54:23 pm
I have booked a superfluity of Springsteen tickets, both for Wembley and Coventry. One or the other will have to be sold.

Well well, off the back of a Letter of Moan, I have been refunded the Coventry ones, didn't think Ticketmaster would do that.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 17 March, 2016, 08:32:28 pm
Decided on this year's festival  :thumbsup: :D 8)

http://www.discoverthebluedot.com/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 17 March, 2016, 08:47:54 pm
Ooh, PSB & 65daysofstatic  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 17 March, 2016, 08:50:01 pm
Ooh, PSB & 65daysofstatic  :thumbsup:

I KNOW, right?!   :D :D :D :D

It would be so awesome if they let me drive that telescope.  Suspect this is unlikely.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 17 March, 2016, 11:54:13 pm
Considering booking a table at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe.  Because I can  8)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 25 March, 2016, 05:10:20 pm
Miss von Brandenburg has just given me the appalling news that the publication of the sixth book of Ben Aaronovitch's very splendid and worthwhile "Rivers Of London" series has been postponed...

...until June 2016 :o

Did I not mention that a several of weeks ago? I defo told *somebody* I got an email from Amazon about it.

Been put back yet again!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 25 March, 2016, 05:22:37 pm
Miss von Brandenburg has just given me the appalling news that the publication of the sixth book of Ben Aaronovitch's very splendid and worthwhile "Rivers Of London" series has been postponed...

...until June 2016 :o

Did I not mention that a several of weeks ago? I defo told *somebody* I got an email from Amazon about it.

Been put back yet again!

But on,y to 14th July this time.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 26 March, 2016, 08:32:41 am
Have we had OK Go's new zero-gravity (yes, for realsies) music video yet?

http://okgo.net/2016/02/11/upside-down-inside-out/

To clarify - no green screens, no wires, and shot in one take aboard a parabolic plane flight. All they've done is cut the double-gravity bits out between dives.
Brilliant, thank-you! I have yet to see a dull OK-Go video :)

(that is probably their least-interesting song so far, but you cant have everything ...)

Reminded me of that video by Jamiroquai(?) in the sliding room i.e. fooling the human brain with a very simple trick, and doing some very lovely things with it.

Anyone who hasnt seen it should start with "The treadmill  one" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv5zWaTEVkI
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 March, 2016, 12:47:11 pm
Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story (https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Ritzy_Picturehouse/film/battle-mountain-graeme-obrees-story-plus-qanda?image=1&_m_utk=6b3798a75136445e01257db575146282) is showing at The Ritzy, Brixton, at hours 18:30 tomorrow.  Q&A with Graeme and director Dave Street afterwards.  I may well find myself on the Victoria Line tomorrow pm.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: essexian on 31 March, 2016, 01:09:03 pm
Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story (https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Ritzy_Picturehouse/film/battle-mountain-graeme-obrees-story-plus-qanda?image=1&_m_utk=6b3798a75136445e01257db575146282) is showing at The Ritzy, Brixton, at hours 18:30 tomorrow.  Q&A with Graeme and director Dave Street afterwards.  I may well find myself on the Victoria Line tomorrow pm.

Booked to see this at the Mac in Birmingham on the 16th April.... wrong date entered first time sorry. The 9th is the Primitives in Coventry: doh!

Sadly, I couldn't get CBH interested so I will be attending on my own.... they have never heard of him.....  :facepalm:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ashaman42 on 31 March, 2016, 03:57:16 pm
I'm off to see this Monday in Brighton. That reminds me - I must cancel the doctors appointment that requires me to be in Eastbourne at the same time.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 02 April, 2016, 11:59:03 am
I got all excited when I saw Explosions in the Sky were going to play Durham (in addition to Glasgow, Manchester and the usual places) :D

Then I realised it was Durham, North Carolina. Arse.

Hurrah, they're playing Newcastle in October!! Even though it's a Tuesday, it means I don't have to go to Manchester :D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 03 April, 2016, 03:02:56 pm
Ooh goody, Sharknado's on telly!  That'll help me fight the paperwork  :D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 April, 2016, 10:12:57 pm
Can anyone explain to me the reasoning behind the BBC News channel's just having broadcast a fifteen minute infomercial about Dubai airport ???
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 04 April, 2016, 07:50:05 pm
Can anyone explain to me the reasoning behind the BBC News channel.
FTFY.  Who needs 24 hour "rolling" news anyway? Rehashing the same bloody non-stories for hour after tedious hour. 

And while I'm grumbling (yes, yes I know there's another thread for that) why the bloody hell does Gardener's World* have to be shunted for some tedious bloody sporting event?  There's the damned red button channel for tedious bloody sporting events.

*See also, "You know you're middle aged when..."
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LEE on 05 April, 2016, 08:54:43 am
Can anyone explain to me the reasoning behind the BBC News channel's just having broadcast a fifteen minute infomercial about Dubai airport ???

The reasoning is that BBC News is f***ing sh*t and lost the plot behind what is real news some years ago.

It's rolling News-a-tainment trying to compete with SKY. 

The fundamental problem with 24 hour news is that, when there isn't any news, they'll manufacture some or just read out whatever "spin" they are handed from No.10 as if they uncovered something using decent journalism.

I don't see much difference between a BBC news presenter, a BBC weather presenter and a Blue Peter presenter to be honest.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 April, 2016, 08:59:02 pm
No, Dan Snow, Up Helly Aa is a 19th century invention for fleecing tourists and has as much to do with Vikings as those plastic horned helmets sported by Danish foopball fans >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 05 April, 2016, 11:55:41 pm
No, Dan Snow, Up Helly Aa is a 19th century invention for fleecing tourists and has as much to do with Vikings as those plastic horned helmets sported by Danish foopball fans >:(

BUT LOOK! YOU CAN SEE VIKINGS FROM SPACE!!!!! zOMG!!!!!!!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 April, 2016, 01:12:29 am
Mrs SCIENTIST does have previous for finding things FROM SPAAAACE but they should have had a Viking Expert fronting it.  Dr Larrington, for e.g.  Then they could have dispensed with all that poncing around at sea and made the programme half an hour shorter.

I think I'm in love with the blonde Icelandic lab technician, though.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ElyDave on 06 April, 2016, 08:40:53 am
No, Dan Snow, Up Helly Aa is a 19th century invention for fleecing tourists and has as much to do with Vikings as those plastic horned helmets sported by Danish foopball fans >:(

that may be so, but I still want to see it.  Having been to Shetland a few times, that's got to be impressive in the middle of winter
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 08 April, 2016, 12:48:38 pm
Ooooh!  Vinn Garbutt's on in Stockton tomorrow!

Shall I?  Shan't I?....
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 08 April, 2016, 01:05:05 pm
:o I had no idea he was still gigging!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 08 April, 2016, 01:11:09 pm
http://arconline.co.uk/whats-on/music/vin-garbutt-plus-amelia-coburn

If anyone would care to join me ... ?

I don't think I'm well enough to go on my own, but if any of the Northern posse are interested, we'll see if we can organise it?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 April, 2016, 09:29:26 am
The title sequence of "Motorsport Mavericks" on ITV4 the other night featured a guest appearance from Bobb's hair!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 09 April, 2016, 04:49:10 pm
Just bought tickets for both Elaine Paige & Explosions In The Sky.

One of these gigs is not for me........
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 09 April, 2016, 10:53:10 pm
We're going to see Explosions in the Sky in Manchester, but sadly not Sigur Ros in Edinburgh,  cos we're in France that week :(
Or This Will Destroy You, cos that's the week after we're in MCR.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 14 April, 2016, 01:04:55 pm
I wasn't feeling the appeal of moist kickballers on the live tellybox last night, so I had a bit of a rootle on iPlayer and found a most excellent (though not new - 2014) Storyville documentary about James Randi (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Randi).  A very interesting person - definitely one for the fantasy dinner party invitation list.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 April, 2016, 01:16:39 pm
I'm going to Beltane in Endinburgh
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 April, 2016, 02:06:07 pm
Storyville is usually excellent.  I watched the recent Evel Knieval one the other day, which I commend to the House.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 16 April, 2016, 11:50:57 am
Here's a random thing. My work phone (Nexus 5) has unilaterally developed the habit, when using my new Sony bluetooth headphones headset, of starting the BBC iPlayer tuned to R6M whenever I finish a call. Without iPlayer having been running previously. Doesn't do it with my personal phone (5X).

Can't really complain, I suppose.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 16 April, 2016, 02:26:49 pm
About halfway through Daredevil at the moment. I thought S1 was good, especially Vincent D'Onofrio, but S2 takes it into darker places, with The Punisher and Elektra.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 17 April, 2016, 10:07:05 am
I just saw The Mystery Jets on Sunday Brunch, and the two interviewers very obviously hadn't heard ANY of the album because if they had they'd have just been enthusing about the brilliance of it.

It was absolutely excruciating to watch.  What a shame.
Title: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 17 April, 2016, 07:07:02 pm
If anyone is watching The Tunnel, apparently this week's episode featured the Adelaide cafe near Deal, which is the usual coffee stop for our* Sunday morning club rides.

The thought of the charming Ms Poesy sullying herself in that dive makes me shudder.

*Thanet RC


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 April, 2016, 09:18:09 pm
Wot a shoking sho by st johns oxfod most deplorable a lot of rabits.  I don't think I've ever seen a University Challenge finalist get to half-time before getting a positive score on the board.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 21 April, 2016, 10:33:28 pm
Miss von Brandenburg has just given me the appalling news that the publication of the sixth book of Ben Aaronovitch's very splendid and worthwhile "Rivers Of London" series has been postponed...

...until June 2016 :o

Did I not mention that a several of weeks ago? I defo told *somebody* I got an email from Amazon about it.

Been put back yet again!

But on,y to 14th July this time.

25th August now!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 April, 2016, 11:23:27 pm
WTF ???

Oi!  Aaronovitch!  Sort it aaaaaht!

Edit: OTOH that's just before I go on my holibobs.  Every silver wossname etc.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jakob W on 22 April, 2016, 09:15:57 am
Never fear; I'm sure supply chain slippages will lead to it hitting shelves just as they close the doors on your plane and prepare for takeoff...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 22 April, 2016, 04:50:36 pm
If anyone is watching The Tunnel, apparently this week's episode featured the Adelaide cafe near Deal, which is the usual coffee stop for our* Sunday morning club rides.
Is that the one on the Sandwich to Deal road not far from the Betteshanger junction?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 22 April, 2016, 06:49:20 pm
If anyone is watching The Tunnel, apparently this week's episode featured the Adelaide cafe near Deal, which is the usual coffee stop for our* Sunday morning club rides.
Is that the one on the Sandwich to Deal road not far from the Betteshanger junction?

The very same.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 23 April, 2016, 08:33:52 pm
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/Flossiesdoll/Random%20stuff/Keef_zpsjichrqo3.jpg)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 23 April, 2016, 09:27:23 pm
Dame Judi Dench and AL Murray.    :D

What's not to like?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 28 April, 2016, 06:04:07 pm
15/20. Some of the questions are a bit tenuous...

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/apr/28/happy-birthday-terry-pratchett-how-well-do-you-know-his-books-quiz
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 28 April, 2016, 06:10:18 pm
12/20

Better go and do a bit of revision then.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 05 May, 2016, 12:58:34 am
Quote
This summer, Dweezil Zappa and his backing band will once again perform the music of his father Frank Zappa on a nationwide tour, but unlike the past decade, the guitarist will be playing under a different moniker. Instead of Zappa Plays Zappa, the touring unit will now be dubbed Dweezil Zappa Plays Frank Zappa, stemming in part from a bitter feud between Frank Zappa's children over their father's copyright, the New York Times reports.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/zappa-family-trust-threatens-dweezil-zappa-over-band-name-20160429

TL:DR - So one Zappa can't play as Zappa Plays Zappa any more because another Zappa who's not playing Zappa will not let Zappa honour Zappa by playing Zappa as Zappa Plays Zappa. All clear?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Vince on 05 May, 2016, 06:07:02 am
TL:DR - So one Zappa can't play as Zappa Plays Zappa any more because another Zappa who's not playing Zappa will not let Zappa honour Zappa by playing Zappa as Zappa Plays Zappa. All clear?
Brilliant
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 05 May, 2016, 10:07:37 pm
There was a clergy band playing at tonight's Ascension Day service, to accompany the hymns.

The vocalist sounds exactly like Nigel Blackwell out of Half Man Half Biscuit.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 15 May, 2016, 08:51:48 pm
Bloody hell, who picked the music on this week's ...Later? Whoever it was should get the job full time, the only bum act is that bloke who's partner, allegedly enjoys bathing in olive oil...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 19 May, 2016, 11:56:04 am
I've just received an email telling me "You're going to THE BURNING HELL in Middlesbrough".

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 19 May, 2016, 12:34:13 pm
It appears that Canute is still in favour of injunctions.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Guy on 20 May, 2016, 09:27:34 am
Why is it called "Holiday for Trombones" when the trombonists are working 3 times harder than the rest of the band put together? A bit of a busman's holiday, methinks.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 20 May, 2016, 02:43:48 pm
Gangstagrass (https://youtu.be/iLBRgLQ4bEA)

It's rather ... different.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 20 May, 2016, 08:06:12 pm
Miss von Brandenburg has just given me the appalling news that the publication of the sixth book of Ben Aaronovitch's very splendid and worthwhile "Rivers Of London" series has been postponed...

...until June 2016 :o

Did I not mention that a several of weeks ago? I defo told *somebody* I got an email from Amazon about it.

Been put back yet again!

But on,y to 14th July this time.

25th August now!

Guess what?

(click to show/hide)

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 May, 2016, 08:43:54 pm
Miss von Brandenburg has just given me the appalling news that the publication of the sixth book of Ben Aaronovitch's very splendid and worthwhile "Rivers Of London" series has been postponed...

...until June 2016 :o

Did I not mention that a several of weeks ago? I defo told *somebody* I got an email from Amazon about it.

Been put back yet again!

But on,y to 14th July this time.

25th August now!

Guess what?

(click to show/hide)

What the merry fuck is he playing at >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 20 May, 2016, 09:07:58 pm
Not writing that book, it would appear.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 21 May, 2016, 09:53:36 am
Ah. So that's what's happening.  It really isn't good enough.  Of late the  literary high points of my year have been the publication of Pterry's latest in September (ish) and the appearance of Mr. Aaronovitch's work early in the year.  To be deprived of the one because of DEATH is bad enough, but to be deprived of both?  No it really is not to be borne.

Incidentally, was anyone else amused by the genuine dea* ex machina or maybe, given the Homeric reference, ἀπὸ μηχανῆς θεά, ending of Foxglove Summer?

*OK not a full blown Olympian goddess, but good enough.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 21 May, 2016, 09:59:11 am
Yes, I had that email as well.   :(   Grrrrrrr...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 May, 2016, 11:00:54 am
Good heavens!  Wilko Johnson is on the haunted fishtank being interviewed by TV's Joanna Gosling.

Given that Ms Gosling is standing in for Victoria Derbyshire, it's unsurprisingly about surviving cancer rather than Telecaster abuse thobut.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 24 May, 2016, 09:33:40 pm
I want a hurdy-gurdy.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 25 May, 2016, 11:01:26 am
Good idea. Me too - an electric one.

https://youtu.be/P7XTHoyECZ4
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 25 May, 2016, 11:08:48 am
https://youtu.be/YBK1-XeVm74
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 25 May, 2016, 12:54:23 pm
I heard this guy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcJk9iMwilQ in Edinburgh Castle who explained that the origin of the hurdy gurdy was an economy measure as it allowed a single musician to play rhythm, melody and harmony all at the same time. (ETA: c4:50)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 May, 2016, 03:59:37 pm
My chum Jan-Marcus played the hurdy-gurdy on a chart1-topping record, y'know.

(Shambles off to the Tenuous Claims to Fame thread)

1: Canadian chart2
2: Classical
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 26 May, 2016, 08:40:18 pm
Not exactly breaking news, but I just found out today that last month they started filming a second series of the excellent Humans, which is very exciting indeed. And it will have Carrie Anne Moss in it. Yay!

The bad news, I guess, is that if they've only just filmed it, we've probably got to wait the best part of a year before it actually comes back on the telly. Boo!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: geraldc on 27 May, 2016, 11:24:33 am
I'm going to be on a gameshow
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 27 May, 2016, 08:07:57 pm
Just started watching the first series of Outlander. What a load of rubbish. I quite like it so far.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 27 May, 2016, 09:55:42 pm
Sam FM, the crap Swindon version of the formerly excellent Jack FM, insists on playing "Oh My God" by Kaiser Chiefs several times a day, alternating between the original and the execrable Mark Ronson/Lily Allen version.  Guys, it's not *that* good a song.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 27 May, 2016, 10:24:58 pm
I'm going to be on a gameshow

Which one?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 27 May, 2016, 11:05:01 pm
I'm going to be on a gameshow

Which one?
I hope it's Shooting Stars.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: geraldc on 28 May, 2016, 08:20:00 am
MastermindI just applied to see how the selection process differed from a normal pub quiz, should be recording sometime in July. Next year I'll apply for Ninja Warrior
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 28 May, 2016, 08:24:30 am
And it will have Carrie Anne Moss in it. Yay!

Daddy wanted to call her Carrion until he found out what it meant.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Biggsy on 03 June, 2016, 02:35:42 pm
Tune to Freeview channel 601 for long tailed tits.  Very restful, I find.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 04 June, 2016, 01:30:03 pm
Ross Noble was on Graham Norton's radio show this morning and his song choice was Tending the Wrong Grave by HMHB.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 06 June, 2016, 05:11:37 pm
What's with that bit in films where people cut their own hands to demonstrate solidarity or whatever, usually just before going in to battle when the last thing you need is a sore bloody hand? Idiotic.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jakob W on 06 June, 2016, 06:31:27 pm
And generally in a setting without antibiotics, too - open wounds are just what you want in the muck of a battlefield...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 06 June, 2016, 09:38:47 pm
http://www.npr.org/2016/06/02/480487877/sam-beam-jesca-hoop-tiny-desk-concert

They are playing some UK dates, but at places and on dates I can't get to. Bastards.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 June, 2016, 10:16:31 am
Today's episode of You and Your Things and Your Paranoia, as the Radio 4 consumer affairs programme is more properly called, is entitled "BHS, Half Man Half Biscuit". 

<intrigued>
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 June, 2016, 02:06:02 pm
And lo! It was about two blokes riding to every place mentioned in song by HMHB.

Webbery here. (https://halfmanhalfbikekit.com)

How entirely splendid.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 08 June, 2016, 04:17:39 pm
And lo! It was about two blokes riding to every place mentioned in song by HMHB.

"Where is Chatteris?"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 08 June, 2016, 04:37:51 pm
Standing in duty-free the other day, musing over the gins, and 99 Red Balloons came on. I defy anyone not to sing along. I don't care for your frown, Ms Store Assistant, that's how we roll. Neunundneunzig Luftballons! I think she thought I'd been sampling.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 June, 2016, 11:38:13 pm
And lo! It was about two blokes riding to every place mentioned in song by HMHB.

"Where is Chatteris?"

If I half heard the article correctly, HMHB have got wind of this jape, so are adding more and more place names to their oeuvre. The tinkers.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 June, 2016, 12:00:30 am
nb10 is quite a keen cyclist himself.  Certainly enough to have the reproduction of someone-or-other's painting of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem onan album inner 'shopped to include someone in the crowd holding up a "Dirk Hofman Motorhomes" sign.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 09 June, 2016, 10:00:20 am
^^^Revenge on the "John 8:12" bunch.

The full text reads "John 8:12, 14:17, closed at weekends".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Bledlow on 10 June, 2016, 09:45:45 am
... onan album ...
??? Enlighten us, please.  ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 June, 2016, 11:50:27 am
Curse these stubby peasant fingers!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: perpetual dan on 13 June, 2016, 08:36:30 pm
Over supper Miss Dan the Elder asked permission  ???  to listen to some of my Fields of the Nephilim CDs. My work here may just be beginning ... or she may have been reading the bible.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 June, 2016, 07:12:35 pm
Why are ELO on Glastonbury again? Weren't they on last year?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Vince on 26 June, 2016, 07:30:22 pm
Was that another ELO? This one seems to be Jeff Lynne's ELO.

ETA. Apart from Mr Lynne, the rest of the band seems too young to have been there in the 80s
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 03 July, 2016, 04:04:53 pm
WTF is Pete Shelley playing at? Watching some rubbish on the TV, in the advert break an ad is soundtracked by "What Do I Get?" Who is the advert for? Macfuckingdonalds, that's who.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 July, 2016, 10:10:48 am
I have just confused Jean Genie and Rebel Rebel.  :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :facepalm:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 July, 2016, 10:12:26 am
WTF is Pete Shelley playing at? Watching some rubbish on the TV, in the advert break an ad is soundtracked by "What Do I Get?" Who is the advert for? Macfuckingdonalds, that's who.
Might well be out of copyright and therefore nothing to do with him. And well, even punk gets middle aged – and then it can't really be punk anymore (if it ever was), can it?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 July, 2016, 10:55:30 am
J Rotten appearing in person in a butter advertising-announcement is at the very least a Lot worse than allowing your song to be used, even if it's by the Scottish Restaurant.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 04 July, 2016, 01:39:31 pm
Wagnerian Wabbit: The Making of ‘What’s Opera Doc?’ (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xkmbs9_wagnerian-wabbit-the-making-of-what-s-opera-doc_shortfilms)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 06 July, 2016, 07:00:19 pm
Miss von Brandenburg has just given me the appalling news that the publication of the sixth book of Ben Aaronovitch's very splendid and worthwhile "Rivers Of London" series has been postponed...

...until June 2016 :o

Did I not mention that a several of weeks ago? I defo told *somebody* I got an email from Amazon about it.

Been put back yet again!

But on,y to 14th July this time.

25th August now!

Guess what?

(click to show/hide)

What the merry fuck is he playing at >:(

Ooh, look! It's been brought forward a month!
Do we believe them?

ETA: now that I've just had a look at his twitter feed, no I don't believe it, or October.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 July, 2016, 07:24:31 pm
Google says it was published on June 16th.  The Mega-Global Big River Corporation of Seattle, USAnia says it will be published on September 21st, when Mr Larrington will be in Leftpondia chiz.  Mr Larrington will believe it only when he has a copy clutched in his grubby little paw.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 06 July, 2016, 08:05:33 pm
It sounds like he's still writing it...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 07 July, 2016, 08:17:23 pm
Bloody hell.  Dicte Crime Reporter's finished.  It's the best thing on telly ever, and it's not back till next year  >:( >:( >:(

I love Dicte Crime Reporter so much.  My forrin telly watching better not get borked by all this Brexit nonsense  >:(

Dicte Crime Reporter is a gorgeous woman of about my age who relies on her acquired friend-family, and she is in a circle of amazing lovely women, and they really love each other, and also she totally solves loads of crimes and is v cool and drives a Saab.

I love her. 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 07 July, 2016, 08:29:38 pm
Aw, that sounds right up my street and I missed it :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 07 July, 2016, 08:45:19 pm
I think it's still on More4, the whole box-set  :D

It seriously is the best thing ever and you should totally watch it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 07 July, 2016, 08:59:52 pm
Mmm, not on the telly though, sadly.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 07 July, 2016, 09:02:51 pm
In that case you need a smart TV.  Or come over to mine and we'll have a Dicte night. 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 07 July, 2016, 09:16:18 pm
I'll have to fire up the xbox. Thanks for the heads up anyway :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 July, 2016, 09:42:07 am
I've just discovered Being Human.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 12 July, 2016, 10:45:19 am
Watching Frasier, and the woman playing the Doula is very, very familiar.

Not being married any more I had to resort to the information button on my remote and Google and found out that it was Ann Magnuson, who played the murdered secretary in Clear and Present Danger with Harrison Ford.

Saves obsessing about it all day!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 12 July, 2016, 12:45:41 pm
Ruthie, I have watched the first 2 eps of Dicte and have considered it good enough to watch the rest :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 12 July, 2016, 02:11:49 pm
Ruthie, I have watched the first 2 eps of Dicte and have considered it good enough to watch the rest :)

Do you love her too?

And how nice are Wagner AND Bo?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 12 July, 2016, 05:32:52 pm
When very young babies have to cry in films, how do they start it?  A quick jolt of 240v up the wazoo or does "Mummy" slide a crafty needle through the swaddling clothes?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 12 July, 2016, 06:42:28 pm
Ruthie, I have watched the first 2 eps of Dicte and have considered it good enough to watch the rest :)

Do you love her too?

And how nice are Wagner AND Bo?


Pingu says he wouldn't want to live near her as she keeps tripping over dead bodies.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 12 July, 2016, 06:43:17 pm
Ruthie, I have watched the first 2 eps of Dicte and have considered it good enough to watch the rest :)

Do you love her too?

And how nice are Wagner AND Bo?


Pingu says he wouldn't want to live near her as she keeps tripping over dead bodies.

And then weeing on them  ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 12 July, 2016, 08:32:50 pm
When very young babies have to cry in films, how do they start it?  A quick jolt of 240v up the wazoo or does "Mummy" slide a crafty needle through the swaddling clothes?

I thought they weren't allowed to show babies crying in films.  Or maybe it's just British TV drama or something.  Anyway, it's certainly not uncommon to dub crying over an image of a not-crying baby.  Careful direction and editing go a long way to making this not too obvious.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 July, 2016, 08:46:14 pm
You were always going to be on rocky ground, TV's Professor B Cox, sitting on a sun-dappled Oxfordshire hillside and proclaiming it to be "July 10th".  I suspect you didn't actually shoot that sequence yesterday at all :demon:

OTOH the floppy-haired cleverness dispenser turned into a small boy when given a ride in a Eurofighter Typhoon.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 12 July, 2016, 08:59:25 pm
You were always going to be on rocky ground, TV's Professor B Cox, sitting on a sun-dappled Oxfordshire hillside and proclaiming it to be "July 10th". 

Bl00dy Americanizm.  >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: jsabine on 12 July, 2016, 11:09:58 pm
When very young babies have to cry in films, how do they start it?

Smile at it, IME.

Oh, right, maybe that's just me.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 July, 2016, 01:15:02 am
You were always going to be on rocky ground, TV's Professor B Cox, sitting on a sun-dappled Oxfordshire hillside and proclaiming it to be "July 10th". 

Bl00dy Americanizm.  >:(

That might have been me  O:-)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 13 July, 2016, 07:49:45 am
When very young babies have to cry in films, how do they start it?  A quick jolt of 240v up the wazoo or does "Mummy" slide a crafty needle through the swaddling clothes?

I thought they weren't allowed to show babies crying in films.  Or maybe it's just British TV drama or something.  Anyway, it's certainly not uncommon to dub crying over an image of a not-crying baby.  Careful direction and editing go a long way to making this not too obvious.

Something subtly cruel would be much more satisfying.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 28 July, 2016, 10:44:30 pm
I'm quite enjoying Stranger Things, it's worth it for the synth-tastic soundtrack and mash-up of eighties TV style through the big, big glasses, fat trimphones, to the haircuts-oh-glorious-haircuts. You can almost smell the hairspray. And one of the kids looks like Kevin Bacon. Oh, and Winona Ryder. You can't build a better time machine.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 29 July, 2016, 08:11:16 am
You were always going to be on rocky ground, TV's Professor B Cox, sitting on a sun-dappled Oxfordshire hillside and proclaiming it to be "July 10th". 

Bl00dy Americanizm.  >:(

That might have been me  O:-)

Might also have been Sam'l Pepys, were he not somewhat deceased.

Meanwhile I, having in idle moments scraped the barrel of Netflix's bottom to watch a few episodes of the cardboard Phryne Fisher, was punished for my gutter-dredging by having my ears twice hammered by the exclamation "he's fitting!"  Not seeing why the gent lying a-quiver on the floor might be appropriate to anything, I took this to mean that he was having a fit - maybe for corsets and they were too tight, or possibly an epileptic seizure; which latter did prove to be the case. Yet another case of ignorance combined with insouciance, both probably from Hy Brasil or Vinland but undeniably recent, twisting crystal-clear language into Grauniad knots.  Somewhat out of place in the mouth of a superannuated antipodean flapper in 1928.

Ditto the phrase "15 minutes and counting" from a contemporary gent, "and counting" having leaked into the vernacular from Cape Canaveral via TV in the 1960s. But what else can you expect when the script-writers are evidently only 10 years old?

However, neither instance can compare with that of Cesare Borgia bellowing "medic!" down the corridors of the Vatican.  That's my favourite so far.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 29 July, 2016, 10:33:36 am
I've just discovered Being Human.

Where are you up to? I think it peaks with series three, then goes downhill rapidly after that.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 29 July, 2016, 11:11:43 am
I've just discovered Being Human.

Where are you up to? I think it peaks with series three, then goes downhill rapidly after that.
Start of season 2.
Run out of time to watch anything recently. And I have a new Robin Hobb book to read.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 30 July, 2016, 02:14:47 pm

Run out of time to watch anything recently. And I have a new Robin Hobb book to read.

I love the Farseer/Fitz/Fool books, but I didn't get on well with the other ones.

I'm going to see new Ghostbusters tonight. I'm quite excited.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/Flossiesdoll/Random%20stuff/whoyougonnacall_zps9dgu6qli.png)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 30 July, 2016, 05:33:53 pm

Run out of time to watch anything recently. And I have a new Robin Hobb book to read.

I love the Farseer/Fitz/Fool books, but I didn't get on well with the other ones.

You know she is in the middle writing of the fourth trilogy of those books? I'm on the second book of the fourth trilogy. Yes, those are my favourites by far.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 July, 2016, 05:49:35 pm
I'm going to see new Ghostbusters tonight. I'm quite excited.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/Flossiesdoll/Random%20stuff/whoyougonnacall_zps9dgu6qli.png)
Hope you enjoy it. I thought it was surprisingly excellent.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 30 July, 2016, 09:21:21 pm

Run out of time to watch anything recently. And I have a new Robin Hobb book to read.

I love the Farseer/Fitz/Fool books, but I didn't get on well with the other ones.

You know she is in the middle writing of the fourth trilogy of those books? I'm on the second book of the fourth trilogy. Yes, those are my favourites by far.
Four trilogies? I've read the Farseer trilogy, the Tawny Man trilogy and the first two of the Fitz and the Fool trilogy.


Hope you enjoy it. I thought it was surprisingly excellent.
Loved it!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 31 July, 2016, 11:10:44 am

Run out of time to watch anything recently. And I have a new Robin Hobb book to read.

I love the Farseer/Fitz/Fool books, but I didn't get on well with the other ones.

You know she is in the middle writing of the fourth trilogy of those books? I'm on the second book of the fourth trilogy. Yes, those are my favourites by far.
Four trilogies? I've read the Farseer trilogy, the Tawny Man trilogy and the first two of the Fitz and the Fool trilogy.

Well it depends if you include the Liveship traders in that series. Since they include the Fool . . .

It's the second book of the Fitz and the Fool I'm reading now.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 02 August, 2016, 10:31:26 am
Topical game
http://games.ramjam.co.uk/srt/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 04 August, 2016, 03:32:12 pm
I was on The Chain this afternoon. Had a good chat with Mark Radcliffe about bikes!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 10 August, 2016, 07:04:02 pm
Coming up this Friday: Sore Fingers (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011jvys).
Quote
It's like Billy Bunter with banjos. The unmistakeable sound of Appalachia in Stow on the Wold: Bluegrass enthusiasts pack up their banjos and fiddles for a week of fast and furious music which has become a fixture on the international Bluegrass calendar.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 10 August, 2016, 07:29:40 pm
I was listening to Nick Harper and I'm sure there was something about "mid-life Cyclist"  :D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 August, 2016, 08:12:23 pm
Does Slope know about this ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 August, 2016, 12:39:57 pm
We haz teams for Star Wars football match. Both teams playing 4-3-3:
Rebels
Obi Wan-Knobi; R2D2 at right back, centre backs Finn and Capt Antilles, left back Rebel Trooper Jeff; CDM Chewbacca, centre mids Leia and C3P0 (!), wingers Luke and Poe Dameron; striker Han Solo.

Empire
Supreme Leader Snoke as a hologram in goal; IG88 at right back, centre backs Bosk and Storm Trooper Bob, left back General Hux; centre mids Grand Moff Tarkin and Admiral Piet, CAM Emperor Palpatine; wingers Kylo Ren and Darth Vader; striker Boba Fett.

Captains Leia and Darth Vader respectively.

Referee: Yoda

We await a date and venue.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 11 August, 2016, 08:08:32 pm
Doesn't look good for the Empire unless they can substitute their goalie for Jabba the Hutt.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 August, 2016, 08:39:29 pm
Half-time oranges provided by Mr Stevens.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 11 August, 2016, 09:49:37 pm
Check Mr Fett for jetpacks.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 August, 2016, 10:21:56 am
No rules against jetpacks. The match was played last night and the score can now be revealed: 4-4, with the Rebels winning 8-7 on penalties. There were doughnuts (or where they donuts?) and the Emperor narrowly avoided a red card for his misuse of Sith lightning.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 August, 2016, 08:15:31 pm
I've just heard House of the Rising Sun. So what? By Joan Baez. That was unexpected!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 13 August, 2016, 08:36:01 am
I've just heard House of the Rising Sun. So what? By Joan Baez. That was unexpected!
Oodles of versions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_House_of_the_Rising_Sun)

The oddest version I've heard is a flamenco / rock take by Santa Esmeralda (with Jimmy Goings) from '77.  The tape (yes _tape_) is playing as I type.  I'll put The Animals (LP) on next.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 August, 2016, 08:59:12 am
Is that tape as distinct from cassette? If so, >> 8)

Today's miniature musical post-velation is the White Stripes (a band I've totally ignored until now) version of Jolene. It makes me think I'd like to hear a Patti Smith cover of that song.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 13 August, 2016, 10:55:00 pm
Boothby Graffoe tweeted a link about Dean Friedman's Fringe show, so I tweeted Boothby with the youtube link to The Bastard Son of Dean Friedman, and now Dean Friedman is following me.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 August, 2016, 01:21:13 pm
Is that tape as distinct from cassette? If so, >> 8)

Today's miniature musical post-velation is the White Stripes (a band I've totally ignored until now) version of Jolene. It makes me think I'd like to hear a Patti Smith cover of that song.

DJ Random seems to like it too.  I have five versions (Peel Sessions, live recordings of dubious provenance etc.) and he's played three of them in the past couple of days.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 August, 2016, 01:53:31 pm
Sometimes when you hear a new version of a familiar song it really makes you focus on the words. At least, that's what happens for me. When Dolly Parton sings, it's a song with a sad story, but when the White Stripes sing, it's a song of mental agony! And Patti Smith is pretty good at that IMO so that's why it made me think of her.

Anywayz, you've just made gone and go and listen to it again, and guess what came up afterwards? The White Stripes again, playing... House of the Rising Sun! I wonder if Joan Baez ever did Jolene?  :-\
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 19 August, 2016, 07:38:11 pm
Sara Mohr-Pietsch did a brilliant job with a handful of Czech names while introducing this evening's Proms performance.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 23 August, 2016, 03:43:09 pm
Roll on Christmas!

Partly because this horrible year will be nearly over, but also because of this:

http://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2016/08/23/25614/eric_idle_and_brian_cox_to_explain_the_universe
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 31 August, 2016, 02:06:17 pm
We're belatedly catching up with recorded stuffs - in this case "Brief Encounters".  A rather formulaic series, and quite reminiscent of the Full Monty (set in Sheffield, unemployment, domestic strife, cross-class friendships), but of it's type well done with some funny one-liners.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 01 September, 2016, 02:54:55 pm
Dear the piper playing between Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey:

Unless your bagpipes spout FIRE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-Op1Mng4oY) (they didn't), no one will be impressed with your cover of Thunderstruck.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 05 September, 2016, 10:54:30 am
Happy 70th birthday, Freddie.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: PeteB99 on 13 September, 2016, 02:55:32 pm
From Saturday night

Oh no, not Gunvald :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 14 September, 2016, 04:10:00 pm
The Pock-Mark Game. This consists of watching actors' foreheads for the places they scratched when they had chicken-pox as children. On spotting a pock-mark, the spotter bellows "pock-mark!" and scores a point. Points are totted up at the end of the film. Expect football- rather than cricket-sized scores.

The Sleeper Game. Less amusing but fun anyway: people past a certain age who sleep mostly on the same side often show a diagonal crease running up their foreheads on that side.  Bellow "left!" or "right!" as these are spotted.

Most fun if played in cinemas. An excellent way of getting through Woody Allen or Wim Wenders films without being bored out of your skull.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 14 September, 2016, 08:41:18 pm
Huh.  The Boxer Rebellion are playing.  On a Tuesday night in Leeds.  This is of no use to me whatsoever  >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Karla on 15 September, 2016, 09:02:33 pm
I'm quite enjoying Stranger Things, it's worth it for the synth-tastic soundtrack and mash-up of eighties TV style through the big, big glasses, fat trimphones, to the haircuts-oh-glorious-haircuts. You can almost smell the hairspray. And one of the kids looks like Kevin Bacon. Oh, and Winona Ryder. You can't build a better time machine.

El looks very much like Lance Armstrong.  I can't get over it whenever I see her.  Do you think it was the performance enhancing drugs that gave her her powers?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Bledlow on 16 September, 2016, 12:41:31 pm
From Saturday night

Oh no, not Gunvald :(
He was worried about being typecast, & wanted to do more of other things.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 16 September, 2016, 01:18:54 pm
I'm quite enjoying Stranger Things, it's worth it for the synth-tastic soundtrack and mash-up of eighties TV style through the big, big glasses, fat trimphones, to the haircuts-oh-glorious-haircuts. You can almost smell the hairspray. And one of the kids looks like Kevin Bacon. Oh, and Winona Ryder. You can't build a better time machine.

El looks very much like Lance Armstrong.  I can't get over it whenever I see her.  Do you think it was the performance enhancing drugs that gave her her powers?

Quite possibly. It was the entire MK-Ultra thing, filling people up with LCD to knock knock knock on their doors of perception.

In other news, while I enjoyed this, I think the benefit was that it was modestly short by US series lengths and packed a lot in. I'm struggling now with Jessica Jones and Daredevil because they seem very laboured. Plots are well telegraphed and a lot screen time seems dedicated to waiting for the obvious to happen and slothful 'character development'. Like The Walking Dead it's all very much treading water and filling screen time. Pep it up, folks.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 16 September, 2016, 02:06:41 pm
One of my twenty-not-very-much colleagues is doing the accounts and just declared "aahh, ten pence short!"  ;D  Took me back 20 years...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 16 September, 2016, 02:12:10 pm
From Saturday night

Oh no, not Gunvald :(
He was worried about being typecast, & wanted to do more of other things.

 ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 17 September, 2016, 01:47:51 am
Naked Attraction: a new nadir in broadcasting.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 17 September, 2016, 10:56:42 am
Designer stubble in a series set in times when Arafat was taken as a misspelling of Ararat.  Tut tut. And on a diplomat's chin, no less.  No worse than 60's make-up on Cleopatra, I suppose, but daft all the same.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Bledlow on 17 September, 2016, 10:34:18 pm
From Saturday night

Oh no, not Gunvald :(
He was worried about being typecast, & wanted to do more of other things.

 ;D
So . . . what about Steinar?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: PeteB99 on 19 September, 2016, 11:21:22 am
From Saturday night

Oh no, not Gunvald :(
He was worried about being typecast, & wanted to do more of other things.

 ;D
So . . . what about Steinar?

Tormund Giantsbane as a copper.

Maybe Jon Snow will be next.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrew on 19 September, 2016, 07:52:56 pm
Stranger Things IS very good. Quite excellent TV. Superb soundtrack (as mentioned, though Joy Division perhaps not quite right) - the synth stuff  is very evocative. Some of it's references/ homages are name checked (Risky Business, the soundtrack, Tangerine Dream - check) others obvious (Stand By Me, Goonies) and others just visual (80s electronics - the walkie talkies are SO cool!, ape hangers, banana seats... and those lights!!)

Edit: and Altered States sensory depravation, ET... it's loaded with references

On top of that, it really is accomplished tele. Deserves a mention in the 'what's on tonight'  thread or summat.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: geraldc on 19 September, 2016, 08:34:06 pm
Tonight's University Challenge climax was awesome. Total drama.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 26 September, 2016, 12:15:16 am
Just seen a teaser trailer for the new series of Humans on C4.

Squee!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 26 September, 2016, 09:26:33 am
Stranger Things IS very good. Quite excellent TV. Superb soundtrack (as mentioned, though Joy Division perhaps not quite right) - the synth stuff  is very evocative. Some of it's references/ homages are name checked (Risky Business, the soundtrack, Tangerine Dream - check) others obvious (Stand By Me, Goonies) and others just visual (80s electronics - the walkie talkies are SO cool!, ape hangers, banana seats... and those lights!!)

Edit: and Altered States sensory depravation, ET... it's loaded with references

On top of that, it really is accomplished tele. Deserves a mention in the 'what's on tonight'  thread or summat.

Didn't think much of it. "Homages" there might have been but most of it was derivative and a lot of it just tired.  The monster was plain daft - and why should there have been just one?  Maybe if they do a second series the buggers'll come popping out of the wall like bed-bugs.

One funny bit: why did the kids' bike headlamps have thick orange filters? Did they maybe use LEDS in triplets - you could see 3 separate glowing points in there - and put the filter on to make them look more 1980s?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 10 October, 2016, 10:05:45 pm
Stranger Things IS very good. Quite excellent TV. Superb soundtrack (as mentioned, though Joy Division perhaps not quite right) - the synth stuff  is very evocative. Some of it's references/ homages are name checked (Risky Business, the soundtrack, Tangerine Dream - check) others obvious (Stand By Me, Goonies) and others just visual (80s electronics - the walkie talkies are SO cool!, ape hangers, banana seats... and those lights!!)

Edit: and Altered States sensory depravation, ET... it's loaded with references

On top of that, it really is accomplished tele. Deserves a mention in the 'what's on tonight'  thread or summat.

Didn't think much of it. "Homages" there might have been but most of it was derivative and a lot of it just tired.  The monster was plain daft - and why should there have been just one?  Maybe if they do a second series the buggers'll come popping out of the wall like bed-bugs.

One funny bit: why did the kids' bike headlamps have thick orange filters? Did they maybe use LEDS in triplets - you could see 3 separate glowing points in there - and put the filter on to make them look more 1980s?

I just watched the first episode of this.  I'm hooked!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 12 October, 2016, 09:06:00 pm
Ringo Starr has tweeted that he did an online personality test thing to see which Beatle he is - and it said he was John.


Someone tweeted him back to say "could be worse, you could be Ringo."
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 13 October, 2016, 08:21:22 am
 ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 13 October, 2016, 02:03:42 pm
I've finally got round to listening to Val McDermid's reworking of The Kraken Wakes, which was broadcast under the Dangerous Visions banner on R4 a few weeks back. It's quite good.  Anyhoo, our heroes are holed up in a flat in London, floodwater rising all around, gangs of marauders roaming the streets. There is a threatening knock at the door, accompanied by gruff threatening voices. "Put the chain on" says Phyl (played by Debbie AldridgeTamsin Greig) and cocks her shot gun, much to the amazement of her partner.

For some reason an image of Charlotte floated into my mind.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 October, 2016, 04:33:58 pm
Someone on R4 has just been introduced as an "astrobiologist".

Nice work - if you can get it. :D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 13 October, 2016, 05:06:43 pm
He must study all those rams, bulls, twins, virgins, etc.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 13 October, 2016, 05:08:09 pm
Someone on R4 has just been introduced as an "astrobiologist".

Nice work - if you can get it. :D
Was that Dr Lewis Dartnell? (an old school friend of mine)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Salvatore on 13 October, 2016, 05:48:01 pm
Someone on R4 has just been introduced as an "astrobiologist".

Nice work - if you can get it. :D
Was that Dr Lewis Dartnell? (an old school friend of mine)

I don't know who Wowbagger heard, but the one I heard on R4 recently was  Zita Martins.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 14 October, 2016, 10:36:31 pm
1979: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1nP3HK2GhNPsDJ5zjlKMMH5/10-iconic-album-sleeves-of-1979
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 14 October, 2016, 10:46:23 pm
Blimey.  Hilda Ogden's died  :-\
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 15 October, 2016, 08:31:24 am
It's OK, she's allowed to.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 October, 2016, 09:15:53 am
Blimey.  Hilda Ogden's died  :-\

I thought that happened over thirty years ago, which is the price you pay for taking Notsensibles lyrics as gospel.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 15 October, 2016, 05:39:20 pm
No,she went to be housekeeper for Dr Lowther.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 18 October, 2016, 02:40:28 pm
Life (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-37677809) imitating art (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b07yk09p/still-game-series-7-1-gadgets)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 18 October, 2016, 03:14:59 pm
My son has developed an interest in The Wire and is currently working his way through the box set.

Watched a bit of it last night with him. Bloody hell, it's good though, isn't it? I mean, I'd forgotten just how good it is.

The episode I saw last night was the one where Omar testifies against Bird. Just brilliant...

https://youtu.be/oYj7q_by_2E
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 18 October, 2016, 05:22:20 pm
Funny, that. We were given the boxed set, but after the first episode - a bunch of people we couldn't identify with and larded with vile language - we dumped it. We'd probably give it more of a chance now, but back then it
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 18 October, 2016, 05:38:21 pm
Funny, that. We were given the boxed set, but after the first episode - a bunch of people we couldn't identify with and larded with vile language - we dumped it. We'd probably give it more of a chance now, but back then it
Wot, The Wire or Still Game?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 20 October, 2016, 10:19:36 am
Funny, that. We were given the boxed set, but after the first episode - a bunch of people we couldn't identify with and larded with vile language - we dumped it. We'd probably give it more of a chance now, but back then it

There's some superb dialogue in The Wire. You just have to look past the F words.

And the C words.

And the MF words.

And the N words.

And the MF-ing-N-C words.

I may not be able to relate to the individual characters but the core themes are universal. As a commentary on the state of the world, it's up there with the best of Dickens.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Riggers on 20 October, 2016, 12:13:45 pm
I concur. Found The Wire superb. And, I might add, managed without subtitles thank you very much. So a big M-F gold star to us smug bastards!*



*could have put 'B', but that might have confused a number of chaps.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 21 October, 2016, 03:12:33 pm
Not really entertainment, but the BBC news website carries a link to a lengthy article about Aberfan.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-150d11df-c541-44a9-9332-560a19828c47

Sobering reading, and very well done IMO.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 24 October, 2016, 07:26:05 pm
Phil Chess has died. He was 95. There's an obit. on the Grauniad's site.

ETA
A goodly fraction of my, small,  LP collection features musicians who recorded for Chess.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 04 November, 2016, 07:52:19 pm
The young bloke in The Code.
Australia's Hugh Grant.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 06 November, 2016, 07:48:17 pm
Ooh goody War Games is on again.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 07 November, 2016, 06:46:17 am
I wonder why this link didn't work?
Web page not available

The web page at https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/nov/06/eddie-redmayne-i-loved-harry-potter-so-dont-want-to-screw-up-fantastic-breasts?CMP=fb_gu could not be loaded because:

net::ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 November, 2016, 11:11:15 am
Worked just now, in spite of the "fantastic breasts".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 07 November, 2016, 11:13:10 am
Worked just now, in spite of the "fantastic breasts".
So it does. They've retained Mr redmayne's desire not to screw up fantastic breasts.

That is wonderful.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 07 November, 2016, 12:00:56 pm
Surely "small entertainment things" is the wrong thread for a post about fantastic breasts?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 07 November, 2016, 12:51:52 pm
Ooh goody War Games is on again.

Hollywood OS at its finest.

I was slightly amazed to find that although The Boy knows things like "the only way to win is not to play", he hasn't actually seen the film.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 07 November, 2016, 05:52:26 pm
Stranger Things IS very good. Quite excellent TV. Superb soundtrack (as mentioned, though Joy Division perhaps not quite right) - the synth stuff  is very evocative. Some of it's references/ homages are name checked (Risky Business, the soundtrack, Tangerine Dream - check) others obvious (Stand By Me, Goonies) and others just visual (80s electronics - the walkie talkies are SO cool!, ape hangers, banana seats... and those lights!!)

Edit: and Altered States sensory depravation, ET... it's loaded with references

On top of that, it really is accomplished tele. Deserves a mention in the 'what's on tonight'  thread or summat.

Didn't think much of it. "Homages" there might have been but most of it was derivative and a lot of it just tired.  The monster was plain daft - and why should there have been just one?  Maybe if they do a second series the buggers'll come popping out of the wall like bed-bugs.

One funny bit: why did the kids' bike headlamps have thick orange filters? Did they maybe use LEDS in triplets - you could see 3 separate glowing points in there - and put the filter on to make them look more 1980s?

I just watched the first episode of this.  I'm hooked!

Started watching it over the weekend. We're hooked too. Don't really care that it's all derivative of other stuff, just enjoying it for what it is.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 November, 2016, 06:34:57 pm
I wonder why this link didn't work?
Web page not available

The web page at https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/nov/06/eddie-redmayne-i-loved-harry-potter-so-dont-want-to-screw-up-fantastic-breasts?CMP=fb_gu could not be loaded because:

net::ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED
FANTASTIC BREASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

Ask me what kind of porn I’m into,
and I will take you on a magical journey to
fanfiction.com/harrypotter/nc17–

What turns me on
is Ginny Weasley in the Restricted Section with her skirt hiked up,
Sirius Black in a secret passageway
solemnly swearing he is up to no good,
and Draco Malfoy
in the Room of Requirement
Slytherin in to my Chamber of Secrets,

I am an unapologetic consumer of
all things Potterotica,
and the sexiest part
is not the way
Cho Chang rides that broomstick,
or the sound of Myrtle moaning,
the sexiest part
is knowing they are part of a bigger story,
that they exist beyond eight minutes in
“Titty Titty Gang Bang,”
that their kegels
are not the strongest thing about them,
and still,
I am told that my porn is unrealistic.

Not quite as erotic
as flashing ads that say “JUST TURNED 18!”
so you can fantasize about fucking
the youngest girl you won’t go to jail for;

I’m told that my porn isn’t quite as lifelike
as a room full of lesbians begging for cock,
told that this
is what is supposed to turn me on,

Don’t you give me raw meat
and tell me it is nourishment,
I know a slaughterhouse when I see one.

It looks like 24/7 live streaming
reminding me
that men are going to fuck me
whether I like it or not,
that there is one use for my mouth
and it is not speaking,
that a man is his most powerful
when he’s got a woman by the hair;

The first time a man I loved
held me by the wrists and called me a whore,
I did not think, “RUN.”
I thought, “This is just like the movies,”
I know a slaughterhouse when I see one.

It looks like websites and seminars
teaching you how to fuck more bitches;
Looks like 15-year-old boys
bullied for being virgins;
It looks like the man who did not flinch
when I said “Stop,”
and he heard, “try harder,”

If you play-act at butchery long enough
you grow used to
the sounds of the screaming.

It is just a side effect of industry;
Everything gets cut
into small, marketable pieces,
you can almost forget
they were ever real bodies.

I will not practice bloody hands.
I will not make-believe dissected women.
My sex cannot be packaged,
my sex is magic,
it is part of a bigger story;
I am whole.
I exist when you are not fucking me,
and I will not be cut into pieces
anymore.

http://brennatwohy.tumblr.com/post/95323148249/fantastic-breasts-and-where-to-find-them
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andyoxon on 08 November, 2016, 10:35:03 pm
Noooo... they're remaking An American werewolf in London.  Even if it is by son of director, can it be bettered?

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/nov/08/an-american-werewolf-in-london-remake-max-landis
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Zipperhead on 08 November, 2016, 11:36:06 pm
Noooo... they're remaking An American werewolf in London.  Even if it is by son of director, can it be bettered?

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/nov/08/an-american-werewolf-in-london-remake-max-landis

No, no remake can have Jenny Agutter in the shower again.

I'll have to come home along Lupus Street (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Lupus+St,+Pimlico,+London+SW1V/@51.4879356,-0.1422925,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x487604e2134dc23d:0xf75de50441f63343!8m2!3d51.4879323!4d-0.1401038) tomorrow, just because.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 13 November, 2016, 06:41:49 pm
I've really been enjoying 'The Crown', the story of Elizabeth Windsor/Mountbatten/Windsor/Regina.  But in the last one they portrayed Anthony Eden as a smack addict, which seems grossly unfair and just wrong  :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 November, 2016, 10:33:02 am
For my daughter's wedding she booked a musician called Richard/Nick Keen, who played guitar and sang cover songs.

I've heard better singers, and better guitar playing, but I'm not sure I've ever seen a better performer for pulling a crowd onto a floor, or a more energetic, non-stop performer. He earned every penny he was paid and then some. He defined why live music is worth paying for.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 14 November, 2016, 01:11:05 pm
Membership of the library where I live includes free access to various E-magazines. Things like auto Express, Hello, New Scientist. And Viz.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 14 November, 2016, 03:47:45 pm
Arsebiscuits! I just thought I'd been really clever by guessing the theme of today's RadMac Teatime Themetime. First tune was Since Yesterday by Strawberry Switchblade...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 15 November, 2016, 06:00:54 pm
My aunt & uncle are clearing their loft in preparation for moving, and have kindly delivered me a massive bag full of their old vinyl. Haven't had a chance to sort through it properly yet, but from the quick look I've had there's Bowie, Bee Gees, Geno Washington, Simon & Garfunkel, Chicory Tip (!) and - Shape Up and Dance with Peter Powell! That's this year's Secret Santa sorted!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 16 November, 2016, 08:59:27 am
Last night's Simon Mayo on R2 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b081mwps) was worth a listen just for Matthew Parris reeling off a list of Twitter insults that had been levelled at Gove, including "incompetent ventriloquist-dummy-faced spunktrumpet" and "back-stabbing cockwomble" (about 1hr12m in).  :thumbsup:
 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 November, 2016, 01:21:36 pm
Arsebiscuits! I just thought I'd been really clever by guessing the theme of today's RadMac Teatime Themetime. First tune was Since Yesterday by Strawberry Switchblade...

(click to show/hide)
Strawberry Switchblade! Yurk! I actually bought that back in the days when buying music on 7" vinyl was what you did. I'd forgotten all about them and a brief gooooooogle reminds me why. It's like the worst of the 80s and today all mashed up into one.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 16 November, 2016, 03:01:26 pm
Strawberry Switchblade! Yurk! I actually bought that back in the days when buying music on 7" vinyl was what you did. I'd forgotten all about them and a brief gooooooogle reminds me why. It's like the worst of the 80s and today all mashed up into one.

I love cheesy 80s bubblegum pop on the whole, but Since Yesterday is the only song of theirs I know. Did they have any other hits?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 November, 2016, 12:45:23 pm
Their only other song I remember is the B side of that. Something about "from high land to flat land on the journey from home".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 20 November, 2016, 06:46:42 pm
Alexander Armstrong. he of the unusually large ears and "Pointless" has released* an album of songs.  Classic FM are playing his cover of "Sumemrtime".  zOMG it's bad. 

*OK, it wasn't released, it escaped
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 November, 2016, 09:04:10 pm
DJ Random recently served up Megadeth's cover of "Anarchy In The UK".  I laughed so hard I nearly sicked up my own intenstines.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 20 November, 2016, 09:35:39 pm
Alexander Armstrong. he of the unusually large ears and "Pointless" has released* an album of songs.
 

Quoth J. B. S. Haldane (https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/J._B._S._Haldane) - "... the Universe is not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose."  ;)

Quote
*OK, it wasn't released, it escaped

 ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 25 November, 2016, 07:18:32 am
Watching MTV's The Ride, last night, which was about Green Day, I noticed that they completely failed to mention Nimrod. They talked about Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), but then didn't mention the album it was from. This lead me to wonder if I had actually just confused it with another one. Looked this morning and, no, Nimrod was the fifth album, released in 1997 and, to my mind, much stronger than Insomniac. MTV, you are shit at musical history.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 25 November, 2016, 10:42:14 am
... MTV, you are shit at musical history.

FTFY
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 27 November, 2016, 09:16:05 pm
I've just started watching series 1 of Humans, and I can't help thinking that lots of these problems would have been avoidable if they made the robots look like robots.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 27 November, 2016, 09:22:04 pm
True, but then most of the storyline wouldn't have happened.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hillbilly on 27 November, 2016, 09:57:38 pm
Contemporary dance. Aka an art form I could do, as it involves flailing around, as far as I could see. I suspect I may be missing the finer points of the art form....

(Inspired by my first experience at Saddlers Well yesterday. A reinterpretation of Swan Lake, whose good reviews lured me into their arena of corybantic agitation.)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 November, 2016, 07:54:51 pm
Dear the BBC,

Please stop employing Gyles Bloody Brandreth.

Thank you.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 28 November, 2016, 09:09:07 pm
^ :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 29 November, 2016, 08:05:31 am
Yeah, I saw that too, thanx to Nick from Fulham.  The Brandreth person should be interred post-haste.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 29 November, 2016, 09:30:50 am
Channel 5's Tour De Celeb*, what an utter pile of shite.

Take 2 has been sportspeople (ok, they are competitive, so adds a little to the program), scatter the rest of the cast with has-beens and Z-listers.  Add the obligatory camp dancer (who is, to be fair, funny), get them to "train" to do "The World's Hardest Bike Race"** and you have a recipe for, pardon the pun, car crash TV.  The 'sleb reality TV show woman really, really gets on my thrupenny bits (oh it's soooo scary, it's really difficult, I could have been crushed by a car), FFS, take one big cup of HTFU and get over yourself.

*I am sure I saw a thread about it, yesterday, but can't find it!
**Etape Du Tour, yes really!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 29 November, 2016, 10:33:22 am
Tiermat, I have to play the wowbagger card for this: with the exception of the skeleton Olympic champion, I don't think I'd heard of any of them.  I managed 5 minutes before switching off.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 29 November, 2016, 10:41:11 am
Tiermat, I have to play the wowbagger card for this: with the exception of the skeleton Olympic champion, I don't think I'd heard of any of them.  I managed 5 minutes before switching off.

You mean you hadn't heard of either Austin Healey or Darren Gough?  Even I knew who they were and I don't really follow their respective sports.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 29 November, 2016, 10:56:50 am
Ah, yes, I've just checked Radio Times!  But I switched on in the middle and the five minutes I saw (with the sound off)  either didn't contain them or not for long enough for them to register.  Their participation just makes it more of a farce.  I think I could probably just about manage the Etape and I'm well-old as my pupils keep reminding me;  why it would be remarkable that ex-internationals (even England internationals) might do it with all that professional help escapes me!

Peter

I might struggle with all the hugging, though.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: JBB on 29 November, 2016, 01:25:39 pm
Channel 5's Tour De Celeb*, what an utter pile of shite.

Take 2 has been sportspeople (ok, they are competitive, so adds a little to the program), scatter the rest of the cast with has-beens and Z-listers.  Add the obligatory camp dancer (who is, to be fair, funny), get them to "train" to do "The World's Hardest Bike Race"** and you have a recipe for, pardon the pun, car crash TV.  The 'sleb reality TV show woman really, really gets on my thrupenny bits (oh it's soooo scary, it's really difficult, I could have been crushed by a car), FFS, take one big cup of HTFU and get over yourself.

*I am sure I saw a thread about it, yesterday, but can't find it!
**Etape Du Tour, yes really!

I just saw it as a bit of lighthearted fun. I think everyone has fallen off in their cleats at least once and yes, close passes are scary - isn't it a good thing they mention this?
As regards the Etape it is hard. My sister did it in her mid forties; normally did a bit of Audax ( 10 hours for 200 about usual I think). She trained all winter, lost weight etc. She got round with 40 minutes to spare. It's busy, crowded and it's easy to lose time queuing (especially when the road is blocked by walkers on the first climb).

I think it's quite a challenge to complete it successfully just training for eight weeks and I'm quite happy to watch a bit of cycling on TV that's not moaning on about drugs or red light jumping. It's light entertainment after all.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 29 November, 2016, 02:12:25 pm
I sort of see your point, JBB, but for one thing.  If it was mentioned once, maybe twice in the whole program series, that would be fine, but she seemed to be banging on, every 5 seconds about how scary, how difficult it is.  She really does need to take a big cup of HTFU but, to be honest, I don't think I'll watch any more as it will just give Mrs T more of a "safety" stick to beat me with when I go out cycling.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: JBB on 29 November, 2016, 04:43:33 pm
I sort of see your point, JBB, but for one thing.  If it was mentioned once, maybe twice in the whole program series, that would be fine, but she seemed to be banging on, every 5 seconds about how scary, how difficult it is.  She really does need to take a big cup of HTFU but, to be honest, I don't think I'll watch any more as it will just give Mrs T more of a "safety" stick to beat me with when I go out cycling.

Fortunately I am allowed out on my own with no problems. The compromise is I wear a helmet (which is OKish). I will be interested how she gets on because judging by others comments she's a natural climber so I'll watch next week and report back. I'm also watching as I am acquainted with Rob Hayles' family so an interest there.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 30 November, 2016, 11:32:38 pm
Having been dragged grumbling & grumpy into the late 20th century I'd used the murdochator box to record this for later consumption. Stayed with it until the dancer started bitching about one of the women whilst having a pedicure FFS!

'Etape du Tour?' 'Non, c'est un Croque de Merde!'
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 01 December, 2016, 09:31:13 am
Chum of mine did it a few years back. At the end he wasn't going to hang around for the tombola but his mates wanted to so he stayed and won a 9000 € made-to-measure bike.

Y a des croques et des croques.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 01 December, 2016, 03:51:02 pm
Our Brahms performance of the German Requiem went off very well on 19th November. For the Christmas concert we are doing some of the usual carols and a performance of "Night of Miracles", by some chap named Peterson. It's a mega-trashy 1950s setting of lots of the same bits of the bible that Handel used in the Messiah - very Disneyfied. I don't think it will be replacing George Frederic's masterpiece as the default Christmas* work.  Unfortunately I shall be missing the performance on 17th December, which is a shame as Colin, our director, asked me to sing the baritone solo.

*OK, I know it's not just about Christmas, but that's when most of the performances take place.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: madcow on 01 December, 2016, 06:40:39 pm
If you wanted a dry as dust subject for a TV programme then peat might just fit the bill.
But the offering from BBC Alba last night was anything but dull. It covered a lot of social history and more importantly,the presenter never got in the way of the story.
I am getting quite fed up with programmes like Countryfile and Countrywise and the way they present the countryside (nothing seems to happen without the involvement of a warden,ranger,environmental campaign group or charity) and  the formats chop and change from one subject to the next, only to go back to the first topic half an hour later.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b083lvjl/trusadh-series-9-6-moinepeats (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b083lvjl/trusadh-series-9-6-moinepeats)
Worth watching for the scenery as well.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 01 December, 2016, 10:42:23 pm
Chum of mine did it a few years back. At the end he wasn't going to hang around for the tombola but his mates wanted to so he stayed and won a 9000 € made-to-measure bike.

Y a des croques et des croques.

Comment was re the TV prog, not the event . . .
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 02 December, 2016, 08:41:51 am
I wouldn't know about that, thank God.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jakob on 02 December, 2016, 11:24:50 pm
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/jungle-book-rogue-one-advance-visual-effects-oscar-race-951577
Blowing my own trumpet.
Long list for the VFX oscar...and I worked on 5 of those!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 December, 2016, 09:07:12 am
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/jungle-book-rogue-one-advance-visual-effects-oscar-race-951577
Blowing my own trumpet.
Long list for the VFX oscar...and I worked on 5 of those!
And you can't tell us which 5 or you'd have to kill us?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jakob on 06 December, 2016, 02:23:36 am
Something like that:)

Warcraft,
Cap' America
Star Trek
Fantastic Beast
Deepwater Horizon

I was only on Deepwater Horizon for a month or so, but the work that my colleagues did was outstanding and deserves more recognition.
I think Rogue One will get it though. There was a lot of long faces when Episode 7 didn't get it last year.  I was torn, as while I worked on Ep 7,  the main nominee on Ex Machina was a friend of mine. In any case, I think the Academy will make up for it this year and award it to Rogue One.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jakob on 06 December, 2016, 10:05:06 pm
This is rather good
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJO7bcRVPvI

Now we just need part 2 where he tries to escape from hell :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 07 December, 2016, 07:21:27 am
This is rather good
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJO7bcRVPvI

Now we just need part 2 where he tries to escape from hell :)

This is most definitely one of the best things on the interwebs!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jakob on 08 December, 2016, 04:34:33 am
LucasFilm Executive team is now more than 50% female:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lucasfilms-force-kathleen-kennedy-reveals-an-executive-team-more-50-percent-female-953156

Kathleen Kennedy, who is now probably one of the most powerful execs in Hollywood, has been very influential in promoting women in Hollywood and was (probably) also the main reason that Episode 7 had a female lead.
She told us in one of the earlier screening that she wanted to make Star Wars appeal to both genders..and while that was probably partly driven by $$$, she clearly also wants to get rid of male dominance in Hollywood.

She's also one of the most approachable execs I've ever met/worked for. I emailed her on the same subject and much to my surprise she took her time to reply.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 08 December, 2016, 09:51:49 am
This is rather good
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJO7bcRVPvI

Now we just need part 2 where he tries to escape from hell :)

This is most definitely one of the best things on the interwebs!  :thumbsup:
In a similar vein, although I think everyone's seen this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsgWUq0fdKk), I think this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KHdS3EiBGk) just takes things to a new level.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 08 December, 2016, 10:18:26 am
This is rather good
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJO7bcRVPvI

Now we just need part 2 where he tries to escape from hell :)

This is most definitely one of the best things on the interwebs!  :thumbsup:
In a similar vein, although I think everyone's seen this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsgWUq0fdKk), I think this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KHdS3EiBGk) just takes things to a new level.

LMAO!   Those have reminded me of this bit of genius (https://youtu.be/v7aGFrVSTAY).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 08 December, 2016, 10:49:30 am
That spells "SS" - brilliant!  ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 December, 2016, 03:39:18 pm
More spiffy single shot video goodness from OK Go. Here. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvW61K2s0tA)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 09 December, 2016, 08:52:18 am
Netflix breathlessly informs me that they have just added: "Spectral: When an otherworldly force wreaks havoc on a war-torn European city, an engineer teams up with an elite Special Ops unit to stop it."

Jesus wept.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 09 December, 2016, 08:54:20 am
Netflix breathlessly informs me that they have just added: "Spectral: When an otherworldly force wreaks havoc on a war-torn European city, an engineer teams up with an elite Special Ops unit to stop it."

Jesus wept.

That sounds brilliant!  So going to watch it
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 09 December, 2016, 02:07:28 pm
Netflix breathlessly informs me that they have just added: "Spectral: When an otherworldly force wreaks havoc on a war-torn European city, an engineer teams up with an elite Special Ops unit to stop it."

Jesus wept.

That sounds brilliant!  So going to watch it

It's going to be my post-pub viewing this evening too. What's not to like?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 09 December, 2016, 02:38:43 pm
Sounds good to me.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 09 December, 2016, 04:48:39 pm
On the strength of that ^^^ I watched the first half-hour just to see.  I think about 5 pints would make it watchable all the way through.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 10 December, 2016, 02:39:04 pm
Unfortunately I fell asleep about five minutes in. Well, it was post-beer. I'll have to try again. To be honest, any movie that features in the post-beer slot is likely doomed to snoozedom.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 December, 2016, 10:00:53 pm
The X Factor Christmas single sucks a very large one.  With cheese on it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 12 December, 2016, 12:35:32 am
How do you know this?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 12 December, 2016, 08:32:08 am
Unfortunately I fell asleep about five minutes in. Well, it was post-beer. I'll have to try again. To be honest, any movie that features in the post-beer slot is likely doomed to snoozedom.

Knock off the "un-" and the first sentence fairly encapsulates the viewing experience. Alas, lacking soporifics, I endured a while longer.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 12 December, 2016, 09:12:02 am
How do you know this?
Because I was watching the winner (no spoilers) perform it as I typed that?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 12 December, 2016, 10:38:34 am
Sorry, I meant "why" do you know this!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 December, 2016, 12:09:52 pm
Someone had "The X-Files" as their specialised subject on Masterbonce last week.  I missed a couple of questions on account of roffling at John Humphrys' pronunciation of "Frohike"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 13 December, 2016, 09:27:41 am
Radio 4 extra are re-running the fantastic Blackburn Files with the marvelously named Finetime Fontayne as Steven J Blackburn, private eye.

Down, else off.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jakob on 13 December, 2016, 10:50:47 pm
So, apparently Justin Bieber joins various local (amateur) pick-up hockey teams and also does the same when he's on tour?
Here's a sensational headline that doesn't deliver, but it's still pretty cool regardless:
http://www.tmz.com/2016/12/13/justin-bieber-fight-hockey-game/

(It's a very blatant foul)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 15 December, 2016, 03:37:26 pm
OMFG the latest ABC offering ("The Christmas We Deserve") which is inexplicably getting airplay on R2 is absolutely woeful...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 18 December, 2016, 06:54:40 pm
Partner is playing his CD of Wombling Songs at highish volume.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 20 December, 2016, 12:59:15 am
Now it's the other Wombling Songs CD...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 20 December, 2016, 07:55:38 am
Never heard them so of course I had to look on YouTube.  File under "Earworms", damn it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 21 December, 2016, 08:08:10 am
Noticed last night that a sequel to Blade Runner is coming out next year. Lead character is called Officer K.  N.B. Officer, not Agent.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 24 December, 2016, 06:05:45 pm
I have started that Graun's Christmas Special Prize Crossword. It's an alphabetical jigsaw. There are no numbered clues, but you simply fit the answers in where they will go. That sounds hard, but it's made easier by the fact that you know that there are two answers beginning with each letter of the alphabet. There is a further instruction:

Quote
With all 26 pairs of solutions beginning with the same letter, except M, one solution will fit a theme not further defined in the clue.

That all sounds pretty incomprehensible until you see the clue for Z:
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 24 December, 2016, 07:31:35 pm
Ah how sadly missed is Araucaria. When he did that sort of puzzle, he even wrote the clues as rhyming couplets.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 24 December, 2016, 07:39:48 pm
True indeed! If crossword compilers can be compared to music composers, then he was undoubtedly Mozart!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 25 December, 2016, 09:31:18 pm
Feeling nostalgic after Call the Midwife because my gran had one of those cream cake tins with the green lid.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 December, 2016, 10:23:06 pm
Dez is murdering "Bohemian Rhapsody" on a descant recorder.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 26 December, 2016, 11:05:44 pm
Oh bugger, RIP Liz Smith too, though 95 is a good innings by any measure.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 27 December, 2016, 05:40:12 pm
Has there ever been a trippier film than Labyrinth?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 December, 2016, 09:50:50 pm
Has there ever been a trippier film than Labyrinth?

Barbarella?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 December, 2016, 10:21:10 pm
Has there ever been a trippier film than Labyrinth?
dark crystal?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 28 December, 2016, 12:06:45 am
Has there ever been a trippier film than Labyrinth?
Cremaster Cycle.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 28 December, 2016, 05:31:07 am
https://www.theguardian.com/film/gallery/2016/dec/27/what-2016s-movie-posters-would-look-like-if-they-told-the-truth-in-pictures?utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GU+Today+main+NEW+H+categories&utm_term=206038&subid=7864904&CMP=EMCNEWEML6619I2
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 28 December, 2016, 10:12:11 am
Arts & Entertainment seems to be fast becoming an Obituaries board.

Might I suggest a Pub sub-thread where all obituaries might rest?  Except politicians :hand:

Strangely, the Sporting Life thread has fewer obituaries; are they all much fitter than A&E candidates or is the clue in the names?  Has YACF put a hex on our artistic performers?
 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2016, 12:57:59 pm
My son's partner remarked that it was distressing to see how much was made of Carrie Fisher's death in comparison to that of 64 talented musicians in the Black Sea on Christmas Day.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 30 December, 2016, 01:32:12 pm
On spotting that Patti Smith was trending on Twitter,  my immediate thought was  "Oh Bugger".
But it's  ok.  She's 70 today.

Happy birthday.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 January, 2017, 07:05:40 am
The Department of Stings in the Tail has just reported that William Christopher, who played Father Mulcahy in M.A.S.H., died yesterday.

Bah!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 01 January, 2017, 09:40:14 am
On spotting that Patti Smith was trending on Twitter,  my immediate thought was  "Oh Bugger".
But it's  ok.  She's 70 today.

Happy birthday.

No sign of her kicking off:

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-patti-smith-celebrate-70th-birthday-with-michael-stipe-w458562
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jock Stewart on 01 January, 2017, 02:02:04 pm
Canne fookin wait for Trainspotting 2.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: robgul on 01 January, 2017, 09:33:44 pm
I caught a few minutes of tonight's Eastenders that my wife was watching . ..... does anyone know where the wedding venue is?   - I think I've been there a long time ago but can't recall the name/location.

Rob
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 January, 2017, 05:04:54 pm
When they play Teenage Kicks on Radio 3, does it mean they're doing post-irony or just that or that anyone who's not quite old enough to have heard it the first time round should be joining the ramblers and booking a cruise?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 03 January, 2017, 06:27:21 pm
I've been doing the five movements from The OA for the last few days. I'm getting quite good. The cats are cutting me a wide berth.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 04 January, 2017, 11:25:15 pm
If anyone was watching tonight's episode of Channel 4's 'No Offence', the BMX for the final scene was supplied by John's Bikes.  :smug:  :smug:  :smug:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 05 January, 2017, 12:18:59 pm
If anyone was watching tonight's episode of Channel 4's 'No Offence', the BMX for the final scene was supplied by John's Bikes.  :smug:  :smug:  :smug:
I hope you got mentioned in the credits.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 06 January, 2017, 06:26:22 pm
I've just seen the first (for me) sick* joke about George Michael. Normally these days, the jokes start straight away - almost no celeb is immune.
I can't recall right now ANY jokes about recent deaths.

Is the average "comedian" on the Clapham_Omnibus/Facebook too shell-shocked from the carnage that they've lost the will to take the piss?

No bad thing on balance IMO  :thumbsup:


*It was mild, but still bad taste. Any other time I'm sure his death would have produced a slew of much worse. I won't sully George's thread with this.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 10 January, 2017, 01:10:27 pm
This is getting a lot of play on 6music at the moment and I flipping love it. Also turns out the video is brilliant too:

https://youtu.be/joNXjvK2mwc



Along with Laura Marling's new one, we've already got two very strong contenders for Single of the Year 2017:

https://youtu.be/eCS4OTgaHeM
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: sg37409 on 18 January, 2017, 10:18:32 am
Miriam margoyles on wimmins hour, very good.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 18 January, 2017, 10:29:59 am
Miriam margoyles on wimmins hour, very good.  :thumbsup:

Susan Calman makes some fairly fruity revelations about Miriam Margolyes in the latest Richard Herring Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (or RHLSTP, as all the cool kids down at the skateboard park are calling it).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LEE on 18 January, 2017, 11:06:08 am
Miriam margoyles on wimmins hour, very good.  :thumbsup:

Susan Calman makes some fairly fruity revelations about Miriam Margolyes in the latest Richard Herring Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (or RHLSTP, as all the cool kids down at the skateboard park are calling it).

Pronounced "Rer-her-luh-stuh-puh"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 20 January, 2017, 10:28:30 am
Dez has spent good money on a turntable so that he can play some of the ancient and slightly less ancient bakelite/vinyl records that we have in this house. Most I bought many moons ago, but we seem to have inherited a load of stuff from my aunt, including a 78 rpm disc, one side of which has a recording of "The Lion & Albert" and the other has "With her Head Tucked Underneath her arm". I remember listening to this very nonsense as long ago as 1959. My brothers and I have been able to recite "TLAA" from memory ever since.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 20 January, 2017, 10:42:34 am
^^^ We appear to have inherited a turntable from the IP. Don't think he had saved any 78s, though. I remember articles from the 50s/60s showing how to convert them into plant pots, etc.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: cycleman on 20 January, 2017, 06:49:59 pm
i have got quite few 78's and no turntable to play then on. they were my fathers and are mostly classical music.  :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LEE on 23 January, 2017, 02:23:53 pm
Because my son made his first ever music video for "Sad Blood" I thought I'd pass the word on about the band.

The video was made at Battersea Arts Centre, where my son works as a Sound & Light Tech.  He seems to have really got the bug for film-making in the last year.

Anyway...introducing a new film-maker to the world.

Mitch Hargreaves - Film Maker (https://vimeo.com/mitchhargreaves88)

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 25 January, 2017, 09:25:18 pm
Is anyone watching that new American political show on the television? I stumbled across it the other day. It's a bit like the Office, you cringe and laugh at the same time. There's this orange-skinned character with doofus hair playing the new President. All he does is sit in the Oval Office and tweet random stuff, occasionally sticking his put to yell at people, and complain about not being in New York. He basically has no self-awareness at all. All the staffers are trying to avoid him because he's apparently a 'pussy grabber' but will pretty much grab anything that has legs. He's brilliantly played. Dunno who the actor is, I'm sure he's been in something else. He has this mad campaign manager who just comes up with brilliant phrases like 'alternative facts' and likes punching people. She makes Julia-Louis Dreyfus look like an amateur. Best though is the press secretary, he basically gets told every episode to stand there and repeat obvious lies over and over, trying to gloss over them by shouting 'next question' and pointing to someone else every time the questions get heated.

I sincerely recommend it. OK, you have to suspend belief a little, but I tell you, whoever scripted it has put Armando Iannucci out of work. Car-crash TV at its best. Hopefully it won't get cancelled mid-season, that would be such a huge disappointment.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 25 January, 2017, 10:53:41 pm
Is anyone watching that new American political show on the television? I stumbled across it the other day. It's a bit like the Office, you cringe and laugh at the same time. There's this orange-skinned character with doofus hair playing the new President. All he does is sit in the Oval Office and tweet random stuff, occasionally sticking his put to yell at people, and complain about not being in New York. He basically has no self-awareness at all. All the staffers are trying to avoid him because he's apparently a 'pussy grabber' but will pretty much grab anything that has legs. He's brilliantly played. Dunno who the actor is, I'm sure he's been in something else. He has this mad campaign manager who just comes up with brilliant phrases like 'alternative facts' and likes punching people. She makes Julia-Louis Dreyfus look like an amateur. Best though is the press secretary, he basically gets told every episode to stand there and repeat obvious lies over and over, trying to gloss over them by shouting 'next question' and pointing to someone else every time the questions get heated.

I sincerely recommend it. OK, you have to suspend belief a little, but I tell you, whoever scripted it has put Armando Iannucci out of work. Car-crash TV at its best. Hopefully it won't get cancelled mid-season, that would be such a huge disappointment.

Oh, that's the new series of the Twilight Zone.  :demon:

http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2017/01/15/newspaper_bills_trump_inauguration_as_twilight_zone_reboot.html
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 28 January, 2017, 04:31:26 pm
When we first came across the story of Tarrare – a perpetually hungry 18th-century sideshow freak and French revolutionary soldier who ate live animals and amputated limbs, and who was captured smuggling military secrets through Prussia in his stomach, in a box he had swallowed – our first thought was: “Why has nobody turned this into a puppet opera?” (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jan/26/bloody-good-fun-story-of-tarrare-sideshow-freak-puppet-opera)

I think I shall attempt to see this.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 28 January, 2017, 06:23:05 pm
Finally got around to watching the Christmas showing of Witness for the Prosecution. It was good.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 29 January, 2017, 08:31:02 pm
Who else wants historical accuracy in films? (https://youtu.be/TDY8T83P2Y4)

 ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 29 January, 2017, 08:46:40 pm
Call the Midwife tonight is like our post-Brexit, no more H&S law world.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 02 February, 2017, 10:22:47 pm
Do you ever have déjà-vu, Mrs Lancaster?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 09 February, 2017, 01:28:13 pm
I'm watching last night's episode of the new adaptation of Roots.  :'(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 15 February, 2017, 04:21:57 pm
Just noticed that The One You Love (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A6WohvHfNM) by Glenn Frey (playing on R2 at the moment) and Tell It To My Heart (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKVa4O2MuS0) by Taylor Dayne are the same song.  The latter is a truly tragic song.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: David Martin on 15 February, 2017, 08:32:23 pm
My cheap pnjc headphones are doing a wonderful job with Wagner's ring cycle. Especially the heavy timpani.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 18 February, 2017, 02:58:00 pm
Just got back from that Cardiff where we went for Welsh National Opera's M. Butterfly last night. 
While the curtain calls were being taken, the Pinkerton character was booed.  :o
I've never known anything like that before. 
I assume it was 'Panto baddie booing'.  Maybe it's a Welsh thing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 19 February, 2017, 09:33:15 am
Just noticed that The One You Love (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A6WohvHfNM) by Glenn Frey (playing on R2 at the moment) and Tell It To My Heart (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKVa4O2MuS0) by Taylor Dayne are the same song.  The latter is a truly tragic song.

Clicked on the first link but noticed that suggested videos in the sidebar included the Ride of the Valkyries sequence from Apocalypse Now, so watched that instead.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 20 February, 2017, 02:12:31 pm
Did anyone watch the BBC4 programme about Blencathra?  If so, did the colours look funny to you? As if it was shot on film twenty years ago or put through an Instagram filter.  Apart from that it was great.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 20 February, 2017, 02:57:40 pm
Did anyone watch the BBC4 programme about Blencathra?  If so, did the colours look funny to you? As if it was shot on film twenty years ago or put through an Instagram filter.  Apart from that it was great.

No, but I just heard Stuart Maconie talking about it on the radio. I'll have to catch up with that on iplayer.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 20 February, 2017, 03:13:08 pm
I have now stumbled across that twice with 10 minutes to go - just gorgeous winter footage. It's a much underrated hillock IMO, but certainly doesn't look that grand on a wet October day!


Meanwhile, I've discovered possibly the exact opposite end of the televisual spectrum:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4g4728zJTs(now blocked by C4!)  So here's the official page. I'm sure the clips are just as jaw-dropping: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/rich-kids-of-instagram/videos

If you thought TOWIE and that Chelsea thing were bad, you may be in for a shock.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 20 February, 2017, 03:28:09 pm
underrated hillock

Ironic!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 20 February, 2017, 03:57:01 pm
We caught up with the (originally BBC Scotland but rebroadcast in BBC4 a couple of weeks ago) two party documentary about living on Fair Isle. Fascinating.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 22 February, 2017, 01:42:57 am
Caught this on 6music tonight - absolutely fantastic vintage radio documentary (from 1985!) about the Stones' early career, focusing on their live performances for the BBC, interspersed with some lovely interviews:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01kky3g

They really were a great blues band back in those days.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 22 February, 2017, 03:24:21 pm
Am I the only person who sings "BANANA!" directly after the "Meet you all the way" line (i.e. not in place of the "Rosa-a-a-anna") in Toto's Rosanna?  ;D
Once you've heard it, you really can't unhear it.  You're quite welcome.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 26 February, 2017, 12:57:34 pm
That should have come with a spoiler warning.

Ear worm.#

BASTARD!!!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 February, 2017, 05:35:27 pm
Caught this on 6music tonight - absolutely fantastic vintage radio documentary (from 1985!) about the Stones' early career, focusing on their live performances for the BBC, interspersed with some lovely interviews:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01kky3g

They really were a great blues band back in those days.
I learned the other day that they did a jingle for a Rice Krispies ad in the early 60s.  ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ElyDave on 26 February, 2017, 06:02:16 pm
That should have come with a spoiler warning.

Ear worm.#

BASTARD!!!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!

As should Hello, Goodbye on R2 SOTS on Saturday. 

Brain, please stop
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 03 March, 2017, 03:16:01 pm
On Radio Three this morning, "London Transport Suite" by Sidney Torch (great name!) full of themes evoking/mimicking steam locomotives.  Made me wonder; how the blazes would you represent a diesel, or electric, loco in a musical piece without recourse to recordings of the real thing?

Carrying on with the thought I also wondered about jet propelled aeroplanes.  A multi-engine propeller aircraft, even a turbine engined one, has a beat frequency that could be used though even that's not so marked in modern aeroplanes as older ones, but a jet?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 March, 2017, 03:26:21 pm
Have you heard this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svFA-m62iks
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 03 March, 2017, 04:44:27 pm
I hadn't, but it illustrates the point about steam locos and musical representation thereof very nicely.  Thank you. 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 03 March, 2017, 04:58:26 pm
Lurker, you gotta love The Boxcar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2RLkzh1g1o) (particularly 4:25 in).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 03 March, 2017, 05:02:08 pm
Wish they wouldn't stick black tape over manufacturer's names on SLRs in films. Obvious why they do it, but it looks phoney and spoils the illusion.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 03 March, 2017, 05:03:25 pm
Lurker - here's my favourite musical representation of trains:
https://youtu.be/1E4Bjt_zVJc

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: LEE on 03 March, 2017, 05:30:04 pm
Wish they wouldn't stick black tape over manufacturer's names on SLRs in films. Obvious why they do it, but it looks phoney and spoils the illusion.

Nobody has ever discussed football in the Rovers Return.  A bit odd.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 03 March, 2017, 07:20:27 pm
Legs, Citoyen - Ta.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 08 March, 2017, 11:27:55 am
Whenever I hear the Charlie Daniels Band's The Devil Went Down To Georgia, I can't help but think that I prefer the Devil's music to Johnny's, and that the Devil is a bit soft in conceding defeat so willingly.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: pcolbeck on 08 March, 2017, 11:51:26 am
On Radio Three this morning, "London Transport Suite" by Sidney Torch (great name!) full of themes evoking/mimicking steam locomotives.  Made me wonder; how the blazes would you represent a diesel, or electric, loco in a musical piece without recourse to recordings of the real thing?

Like this:

https://youtu.be/DWSceMtAjPw

Surprised you haven't heard this.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 08 March, 2017, 06:46:28 pm
On Radio Three this morning, "London Transport Suite" by Sidney Torch (great name!) full of themes evoking/mimicking steam locomotives.  Made me wonder; how the blazes would you represent a diesel, or electric, loco in a musical piece without recourse to recordings of the real thing?

Like this:

https://youtu.be/DWSceMtAjPw

Surprised you haven't heard this.
In 1977 I was listening to rather less *ahem* sophisticated musicians.   Interesting, but without the video there's nothing about the track that says, to me, locomotive. Electric, diesel or otherwise. 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 March, 2017, 07:45:23 pm
It's not really about the locomotive or even the train, it's about the experience of high-speed travel. I think.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 09 March, 2017, 04:52:56 pm
Her Majesty's BBC radio iplayer thing has a repeat of the marvelous Ian McMillan's programme about when his 'ouse becomes his arse.  Isogloss innit.

This has been a public service announcement.

Linky (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01ljwm4)

 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 11 March, 2017, 07:36:08 pm
BBC4 9pm Wednesday next (15th of March).  A documentary about Raleigh.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 March, 2017, 04:45:24 pm
Having been a member of YACF since its inception, I am rather surprised to have been unaware of this rather delicious little website.

Uke Hunt (http://ukulelehunt.com/)  :D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 14 March, 2017, 04:57:26 pm
How delightful. :D indeed.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 14 March, 2017, 05:20:09 pm
 ;D. Is that real?   :D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 21 March, 2017, 01:27:11 am
#2 son spied his first episode of The Prisoner tonight. 10 years old (going on 45), normally can't keep still for more than 30 seconds, sat transfixed throughout.

Was fascinated to discover 'The Village' is real.

Ladles and Jellyspoons , I think we have a convert...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 21 March, 2017, 01:29:07 pm
I was about the same age, and well past my bedtime, when the very same appeared on the anbaric distascope, and my dad said "No wait, watch this - it's a bit odd."

It was.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 21 March, 2017, 02:26:26 pm
I first discovered The Prisoner when it was shown on the recently launched Channel 4 in 1983, which means I would have been the same age. It remains one of my all-time favourites.

I've made several pilgrimages to Portmeirion over the years. When I was a student in Leeds in the early 90s, my housemates and I hired a video camera and made a road movie of a weekend trip to Portmeirion, which includes a shot of me running along the beach with one of my mates kicking a beach ball along behind me. Wish I still had a copy of that.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 21 March, 2017, 04:20:07 pm
I'll not mention the 1.5m diameter white balloon I have in the shop . . .

@Kim. I was lucky enough to see The Prisoner first time round, 1967/8, aged 5. Been hooked ever since.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ashaman42 on 21 March, 2017, 05:47:24 pm
I've seen the 2point4 Children spoof episode. Does that count?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 21 March, 2017, 05:53:40 pm
Came across a 1975 interview with Tim Curry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkC9DudOnXg which makes for fun for them of us who saw him in the stage production (just me?). Smoking in an interview seems a bit strange now, too.



Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 25 March, 2017, 09:47:17 pm
Watched a bit of Time Team America.  Interesting targets, but the show itself is a poor relation to the UK original.

Let's take all the usual jokes about American not being old enough to have history as read.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 27 March, 2017, 01:20:43 pm
I was watching an old episode of Spooks last night and one of the MI5 officers was instructed to assassinate a bad guy by injecting him with a bucketload of insulin. His boss was talking him through the steps, and included swabbing the injection site first. Because of course you don't want to risk infection on a man you're killing!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 27 March, 2017, 03:48:53 pm
^^^ I often wondered if they do that before executing folk by lethal injection in the US.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 27 March, 2017, 03:57:19 pm
I was watching an old episode of Spooks last night and one of the MI5 officers was instructed to assassinate a bad guy by injecting him with a bucketload of insulin. His boss was talking him through the steps, and included swabbing the injection site first. Because of course you don't want to risk infection on a man you're killing!

Actors (and directors) who patently don't have a clue what to do with a needle bugs me almost as much as MovieOS.

Sounds like the boss was working from the NHS Redirect script.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 April, 2017, 12:03:50 am
I was blown away by this. It's hard enough to play on a piano.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiuuFwgOLHjgsqQVXEdod_Q

Compare:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqSulR9Fymg
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 26 April, 2017, 08:24:40 am
That reminds me of the mall scene from Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure...

http://dai.ly/x2p5n3j

(In which you seem to have a starring role, Wow! ;) )
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 May, 2017, 08:43:05 am
Kreisler. Beautiful. But even I won't be fooled into believing it's the Brandenburg concerto!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: fimm on 12 May, 2017, 09:01:18 am
I was blown away by this. It's hard enough to play on a piano...

That's  great (I love the original). Just having the imagination to see that it could be done...
I'm not saying that the solo guitar part is easy, but he's "only" playing the tune, there's other guitars and drums in there. The pianist has to do the whole lot!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 12 May, 2017, 01:24:20 pm
He probably did do the whole lot, recording the other parts first.

Although I quite enjoyed it, I couldn't help feeling that at some points it sounded a bit like a telephone.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 14 May, 2017, 11:14:32 pm
Playing some oldish LP's leads me to Google and I find that the Indigo Girls are playing several UK dates in July & Suzanne Vega is doing the same in September  :D     Both have dates in Manchester so I'll need to get the train & hope that they don't run on too late.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 21 May, 2017, 06:43:40 pm
Labyrinth is on ch5+1 just now!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 May, 2017, 11:17:22 am
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/lou-reed-walk-on-the-wild-side-transphobic-guelph-university-students-canada-transformer-album-a7748686.html
It's a great song.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 22 May, 2017, 11:42:00 am
If you're sufficiently determined you can take offence at anything.  University students can be pretty offensive at times.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 22 May, 2017, 01:29:51 pm
Labyrinth is on ch5+1 just now!

Was that part of their "80s marathon"? I started watching Highlander last night but it was late and I was too tired to stick with it so went to bed. I don't remember it being quite as terrible as I found it - still love it though.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 03 June, 2017, 09:47:54 pm
I've just watched season 1 of Medici: Masters of Florence.

I found it entertaining enough.  But I did quite enjoy seeing
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 08 June, 2017, 08:17:41 pm
I've never been a fan of Song To The Siren by This Mortal Coil. In fact, I'd go so far as to say I hate it. I love the Cocteau Twins and I love Liz Fraser's voice but that's just... wailing.

But Marc Riley just played a different version of the song on the radio and I loved it.

And it turns out it was Tim Buckley's original recording of the song.

So that must mean TMC's version is a cover.

Well, you learn something new every day.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 June, 2017, 01:38:59 am
Half Man Half Biscuit(!) did a rather splendid version for a Peel session in 2002, but then segued into "Vatican Broadside" ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 09 June, 2017, 09:49:01 am
Just checked it out on YouTube... yes, that is superb!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 09 June, 2017, 10:36:42 pm
The world is a big place so there is clearly room for a teen muslim girl thrash metal band  (https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jun/09/the-schoolgirl-thrash-metal-band-smashing-stereotypes-java-indonesia-voice-baceprot)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 10 June, 2017, 12:08:26 am
Crikey. 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 10 June, 2017, 12:33:49 am
The world is a big place so there is clearly room for a teen muslim girl thrash metal band  (https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jun/09/the-schoolgirl-thrash-metal-band-smashing-stereotypes-java-indonesia-voice-baceprot)


 :D :D


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lGLXJPj60k
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 14 June, 2017, 06:19:11 pm
Question on Pointless today:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4196/34919842370_5b882aa662_o.png) (https://flic.kr/p/VcKjxL)

No prizes for guessing which was the best answer...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 14 June, 2017, 06:24:34 pm
Question on Pointless today:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4196/34919842370_5b882aa662_o.png) (https://flic.kr/p/VcKjxL)

No prizes for guessing which was the best answer...

(click to show/hide)


(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: cycleman on 15 June, 2017, 06:14:17 am
Our undying admiration ? ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Bledlow on 15 June, 2017, 02:46:00 pm
I have just discovered that 'lovable cockney' Arthur Mullard was an evil bastard, guilty of extreme violence against his family & sexual abuse of his daughter from when she was 13. The sexual abuse was the reason his wife gave for her suicide, according to the daughter.

And he added insult to injury by leaving his children (including the abused daughter, who nursed him in his decrepitude) very small sums, most of his estate being left to a charity.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 16 June, 2017, 11:56:03 am
Whenever I hear the song Walking In Memphis by Marc Cohn (currently playing on R2), and hear the line
Quote
W.C. Handy, (won't you look down over me)
I always think, "ooh, that's convenient that there's a WC handy!"  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 16 June, 2017, 12:49:28 pm
Our undying admiration ? ;D

Kim knows she has that already.

And I thought I was being a smartarse by observing that the correct answer to D is 'Ordinary'...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 16 June, 2017, 12:54:52 pm
Whenever I hear the song Walking In Memphis by Marc Cohn (currently playing on R2), and hear the line
Quote
W.C. Handy, (won't you look down over me)
I always think, "ooh, that's convenient that there's a WC handy!"  :thumbsup:

The handbook of our car rabbits on about it having a "convenience key". They mean the electronic doodah that you keep in your pocket.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 16 June, 2017, 10:30:41 pm
Wow! Joint winners! Well done Mongolia! Well done Scotland!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 16 June, 2017, 11:34:26 pm
Watching The Shawshank Redemption. Andy Dufresne has just escaped through the sewer, which, according to Red, is 500 yards long, the length of five football pitches or "almost half a mile." That's a mile which has 440 yards in a quarter. 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 16 June, 2017, 11:37:43 pm
Sewage miles count double.

If I ever have to break out of prison, I'll be doing it in metric.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 June, 2017, 10:30:18 pm
Stunning performance by Catrina Morrison tonight. Well-deserved winner!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Quisling on 19 June, 2017, 10:59:59 am
Loving the weekly Guardian comedy piss takey reviews of Poldark each week. Nearly as entertaining as Ross's old aunt trolling Evil George Warleggan.

Also:Prudie cracking on to the young religious man was hilarious/terrifying.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 June, 2017, 01:11:01 pm
Sewage miles count double.

If I ever have to break out of prison, I'll be doing it in metric.
I'll be doing it in a wetsuit. Or a helicopter.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 June, 2017, 01:58:46 pm
Quote
She put Onyeka Onwenu's 'One Love' on the stereo
I expected a Nigerian cover of Bob Marley but I was disappointed. So I'm enjoying Fela Kuti instead.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 23 June, 2017, 09:25:47 am
Making movies better by subtracting one letter (http://www.awesomeinventions.com/movie-titles-with-one-letter-removed/)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 23 June, 2017, 11:33:14 am
You could do the same by adding a letter, e.g. Star Warts.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 23 June, 2017, 02:57:36 pm
You could do the same by adding a letter, e.g. Star Warts.

Or even Sitar Wars
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Bledlow on 23 June, 2017, 09:52:00 pm
I've just discovered that American Gods (Neil Gaiman) has been made into a TV series. It looks very heavily adapted, though.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 June, 2017, 09:50:49 am
I've just discovered that American Gods (Neil Gaiman) has been made into a TV series. It looks very heavily adapted, though.

Apparently it's going to be three series.  I ate'nt watched any of it yet but Miss von Brandenburg said episode one had some very graphic killin's in it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 June, 2017, 06:57:23 pm
Earlier my son and his mother (but not my brother(!)) were watching something (Sherlock?) which included the Bee Gees Staying Alive. So after having embarrassed one of them with the wings of heaven on my shoes(!), I'm having a listen to it myself – and noticing the lyrics. They really do not make sense.
We can try to understand
The New York Times effect on man

 ???
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 24 June, 2017, 07:00:46 pm
Was it a commentary on the effect of print media on men's lived experience of sexuality?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 June, 2017, 07:56:52 pm
O co Ci chodzi? Anyway, wouldn't it be the effect on dancing styles? But wasn't Saturday Night Fever set in San Francisco (a city I always think of as Sin Fun-disco)?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 June, 2017, 09:32:49 pm
That's now reminded me that when Metro (the free paper) was introduced to Poland, it was advertised on billboards with a bloke saying "I'm Metrosexual". Just imagine what BL could have done if that word had been around when they were making the Metro! (?!?!? ??)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 25 June, 2017, 08:26:29 pm
O co Ci chodzi? Anyway, wouldn't it be the effect on dancing styles? But wasn't Saturday Night Fever set in San Francisco (a city I always think of as Sin Fun-disco)?

Dunno, I was just being a smartarse for the sake of a cheap laugh.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 25 June, 2017, 08:45:29 pm
O co Ci chodzi? Anyway, wouldn't it be the effect on dancing styles? But wasn't Saturday Night Fever set in San Francisco (a city I always think of as Sin Fun-disco)?

We've always called it Fat Sam's Disco.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 July, 2017, 04:39:45 pm
Fat Sam's Disco is an ace name!  :thumbsup:

The Bee Gees' song that best fits YACF is:
Bike fever, bike fever,
We know how to do it


Clearly a song about riding through the night on the Dunwich Dynamo.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 July, 2017, 04:45:05 pm
But but but, what I wanted to say: Star Wars Winnie the Pooh art! It's Star Wars stories with Winnie the Pooh characters! Or Winnie the Pooh stories with Star Wars characters! I'm not sure which... I'm not entirely sure what to make of the crossover, either. (All this needs is for somebody to unearth a Star Wars tune sung by the Bee Gees and my hedz will asplode; mostly with laughter, I think).

http://www.jameshance.co.uk/wookiee-the-chew
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 09 July, 2017, 07:44:25 pm
I recorded this the other night and am watching it now, but here it is on the iplayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b08xdlts/rock-n-roll-guns-for-hire-the-story-of-the-sideman?suggid=b08xdlts
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 15 July, 2017, 08:57:47 pm
Did anyone watch First Night of the Proms last night? If so, please put me out of my misery and tell me what it was they played over the closing credits. I know I know it but my memory isn't giving it up. I think it's from a ballet.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 15 July, 2017, 11:59:38 pm
Did anyone watch First Night of the Proms last night? If so, please put me out of my misery and tell me what it was they played over the closing credits. I know I know it but my memory isn't giving it up. I think it's from a ballet.

In The Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt Suite No.1 by Edvard Grieg
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 16 July, 2017, 07:52:15 am
The Apocalyptica version of that is rather jolly.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 16 July, 2017, 03:04:31 pm
Did anyone watch First Night of the Proms last night? If so, please put me out of my misery and tell me what it was they played over the closing credits. I know I know it but my memory isn't giving it up. I think it's from a ballet.

In The Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt Suite No.1 by Edvard Grieg
Thank you.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 21 July, 2017, 09:32:54 pm
HOW CAN THERE BE A NEW SERIES OF DICTE CRIME REPORTER AND I DIDN'T KNOW IT  >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 21 July, 2017, 11:22:29 pm
At Scouts tonight I dropped the phrase "You're going to need a bigger boat" into the conversation.  I'm pleased to say a 13 year old knew which film it came from. The future is in safe hands.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 22 July, 2017, 07:45:47 am
Did anyone watch First Night of the Proms last night? If so, please put me out of my misery and tell me what it was they played over the closing credits. I know I know it but my memory isn't giving it up. I think it's from a ballet.

In The Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt Suite No.1 by Edvard Grieg
Inspector Gadget?   ;)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 24 July, 2017, 10:41:11 am
That new 'Go Compare' advertisement is a bit misjudged.  Low-flying aeroplanes passing iconic buildings in London is actually a bit freaky.  Although if they're trying to scare you into buying insurance ...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: jsabine on 24 July, 2017, 10:46:08 am
Wouldn't them *not* passing the buildings be even more freaky?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 July, 2017, 07:47:41 pm
Remember the Milky Bar kid? Ever wondered what he's up to now? Oh, you haven't. Well, I'm going to tell you: he's MP for Bristol NW! Or at least he would have been, but apparently he was a bit too tall.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 30 July, 2017, 10:48:51 pm
I never realised there was a height limit for MPs
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 31 July, 2017, 09:35:39 am
It's so that they can get under low bridges without dismounting.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 July, 2017, 12:02:45 pm
When they're on their high horses.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 11 August, 2017, 08:59:05 pm
HOW CAN THERE BE A NEW SERIES OF DICTE CRIME REPORTER AND I DIDN'T KNOW IT  >:(

Even later to the party than you, I just find out before the last episode is broadcast. Which means I have to watch 5 eps on All 4 with no winding through the shitverts  >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TimO on 12 August, 2017, 09:39:14 pm
(http://balius.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/stuff/small.php?size=300&file=Killjoys.jpg)

I'm watching a Canadian science-fiction series called Killjoys (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killjoys_(TV_series)), which is basically bounty hunters in space.  After one episode it looks promising, so far.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 13 August, 2017, 07:13:30 pm
I've watched that. It improves further into the season. Terrible credits
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 August, 2017, 03:44:01 pm
Twenty minutes of silence eradicated and 40MB of disk space saved.  Take THAT, John Fahey!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 19 August, 2017, 09:06:24 pm
I wish they'd stop playing that advert with Rufus singing Across the Universe. This the most persistent case of Earworm I have ever had.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CrinklyLion on 20 August, 2017, 11:01:23 am
HOW CAN THERE BE A NEW SERIES OF DICTE CRIME REPORTER AND I DIDN'T KNOW IT  >:(

Even later to the party than you, I just find out before the last episode is broadcast. Which means I have to watch 5 eps on All 4 with no winding through the shitverts  >:(

Top tip - fire up episode 1, start it playing, mute the sound and go and do something else.  If the something else is on the computer you can pop back to that browser tab and fast forward to just before the ad breaks occasionally.

After the last ad break, go back to the start, un-mute and watch.  No ads.  Meanwhile, in another tab, fire up episode 2 and mute and leave it playing while you watch episode 1.  Rinse and repeat for further episodes...

And that, dear friends, is how to binge eat a Channel 4 box set without watching advertising :D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TimO on 20 August, 2017, 11:51:06 am
Twenty minutes of silence eradicated and 40MB of disk space saved.  Take THAT, John Fahey!

I thought it was John Cage, who is most well known for silence? :D

Here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoAbXwr3qkg) is the BBC's recording, performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 20 August, 2017, 12:29:32 pm
Twelve Monkeys, the TV show, mostly because (a) I could find the rather marvellous movie and I was intrigued how much they could break it and (b) I'd just given up on Van Helsing (the TV series also) because it was shit. I managed three entire episodes because I've entertainment standards low enough to limbo for the Olympics (and if limboing isn't an Olympic event it should be). Anyway, don't bother, it's not good shit, it's just awful and you can't get those hours back.

Twelve Monkeys is quite entertaining so far, though it dumped the contrived cleverness of the movie for a more straightforward chase. That said, I just noticed there's a second season, so I fear that's going to be stretching a plot w-a-y too far.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 August, 2017, 01:59:20 pm
Twenty minutes of silence eradicated and 40MB of disk space saved.  Take THAT, John Fahey!

I thought it was John Cage, who is most well known for silence? :D

Here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoAbXwr3qkg) is the BBC's recording, performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Most people guilty of this kind of crime at least put something at the end of the umpteen minutes of silence (yes, Kyuss, I'm looking at you) but following a seven minute track with twenty minutes of nothing at all will be punishable by something very painful post-Panzers down Whitehall.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 August, 2017, 02:05:57 pm
Posting panzers down the crim's whitehall might be painful enough not to warrant further punishment, don't you think?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 27 August, 2017, 11:16:03 pm
Just watched "World's End" on Film 4. T'other day I watched "Shaun of the Dead".  Both films had adverts in the breaks for ice cream.

Magnum.


Hmmm.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andyoxon on 27 August, 2017, 11:54:12 pm
Just seen Brian Johnson with muse doing 'Back in Black' at Reading!  (on TV...)  :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 28 August, 2017, 07:32:17 am
How dare anyone take the name of Johnners in vain?

And no feeble excuses about spelling.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 01 September, 2017, 07:50:08 pm
I don't think I really like the new Taylor Swift album.

Watching Haven intermixed with Twelve Monkeys. Evil Audrey/Mara is scaring me. Stop it. Someone's going to give her a Trouble for sure.

Also watching a cycle racing thing because my wife likes objectifying men in lycra (the sort of men that ride up and down mountains for a living not ordinary blokes and certainly not me, but then she's seen me in a dress). I have no comment on that, just the adverts. I'm not exposed to adverts very often but really, I swear there was an actual advert where someone was asking kids how clean their arses were. What the fuck.

This post was brought to you by the letters R, A, N, D, O, and M.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 04 September, 2017, 07:08:30 pm
Heads up that the new series of Taskmaster starts Weds 13th on Dave.
Found out completely by accident, still streaming the last series after I missed it altogether.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jack Standish on 05 September, 2017, 08:16:07 am
Currently watching an absolutely boring american TV show called Conviction. Nothing interesting except for the lead actress on whom I am simply feasting my eyes.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 05 September, 2017, 09:14:36 am
Currently really enjoying Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?.  The pool-based activities in Sunday's episode (3 of 6) revealed some interesting behaviour.  Tim is delightfully geeky; Kerry is (I think) a bit of a cold fish; props to Jackie for her swimming pool exploits!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 September, 2017, 02:52:02 am
I do not care what your The Database thinks, Mr Ford but this:

(click to show/hide)

is not Wilko Johnson ???
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 15 September, 2017, 05:29:59 pm
I have been getting the urge to get my guitar out the loft, change the strings and try to remember how to play.

Idly searching for strings on eBay, I thought, I wonder if anyone is selling one?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EKO-EL-Gaucho-Gypsy-Guitar-/131848470391?hash=item1eb2c7ff77

 :o :o :o

Bought for - what - £150? in 70's
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 18 September, 2017, 12:42:55 pm
On examination a few of the machine head rollers are cracked

(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYiehj4g87I/Wb-w7zEgO5I/AAAAAAABDGE/vlm32He1_xUcqs2_8iJN1EmXgzjYakqogCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170918_122041.jpg)

Any recommendations for repair in London / East London?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 18 September, 2017, 09:03:10 pm
http://www.richmondguitarworkshop.com/

https://grahamparkerluthier.com/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 19 September, 2017, 08:48:54 am
It's a dead simple job to buy a set of heads and change them yourself.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 19 September, 2017, 04:17:30 pm
hmmm.

Looked at this http://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/Tuning_Machines/Classical_Guitar_Tuning_Machines/Lyra-style_Gotoh_Classical_Guitar_Tuners.html and it is clear that the plate is longeer and the rollers appear to be 0.04mm larger.... is that significant? This http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Deluxe-Classical-Tuning-Keys-Lyra-Style-Butterfly-Nylon-String-Guitar-Tuners-/252416942841 looks like it, but I can't find the dimensions.

If it was just a nordinary instrument for a £100 or so, I'd give it a go, but I think a man needs to know his limitations (and not practice on a thing worth £1,300)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 22 September, 2017, 03:44:53 pm
A roller-diameter difference of 0.04 mm isn't likely to matter - there's probably enough leeway in the holes in the head.  Main thing is that the shaft spacing matches.

See your point re the £1300, though. It might be worth taking it to a luthier and asking him to give it a general going-over.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 22 September, 2017, 03:53:41 pm
Me own small thing:  In one film and one trailer recently there have been darkroom scenes where a blank sheet of photo paper was lifted out of one bath and transferred to a second, in which the picture appeared.  Have they already forgotten that the picture appears in the developer bath before being put into the fixer to stop it darkening any further, or do they just think we're too dumb to know (or too gaga to remember)?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ElyDave on 30 September, 2017, 11:50:31 pm
They've remade Flatliners. WTF??
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 01 October, 2017, 10:01:01 am
Amazon are making TV adaptations of "Ringworld" & "Snowcrash".   :D    Something else as well called "Lazarus", but I'm not familiar with that.


https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2017/09/amazon-making-ringworld-snow-crash-and-lazarus-one-tv-series.html


https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/09/snow-crash-lazarus-and-ringworld-shows-are-coming-to-amazon-prime
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 01 October, 2017, 09:58:22 pm
Ringworld? Bloody hell. CGI city, I assume, but how will they get around rishathra?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 01 October, 2017, 10:09:13 pm
Ringworld? Bloody hell. CGI city, I assume, but how will they get around rishathra?


I think that rishathra was only brought up in The Ringworld Engineers, so we'll have to wait a while.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 02 October, 2017, 12:58:49 am
I believe you are right. I was thinking of Halrloprillalar and the tasp.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 02 October, 2017, 10:42:13 am
Heh. They'll to have to pronounce Halrloprillalar.  Paging Mr. Niven...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 03 October, 2017, 11:02:52 am
I'm watching a Canadian science-fiction series called Killjoys (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killjoys_(TV_series)), which is basically bounty hunters in space.  After one episode it looks promising, so far.

I binged my way through seasons 1 & 2 on Netflix.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jakob W on 03 October, 2017, 05:12:48 pm
Hooray, season 2 of The Expanse is finally on Netflix UK! There go any early nights this week...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ashaman42 on 03 October, 2017, 05:20:04 pm
Lucifer is back for season 3 on Amazon Prime tonight. Oh happy day.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 03 October, 2017, 06:02:48 pm
Heh. They'll to have to pronounce Halrloprillalar.  Paging Mr. Niven...
Funnily enough, and with no jokes about what I can get my tongue round, I find no difficulty in pronouncing that in a way that seems to make sense. I even typed it out from memory. Oddly, when I went to G**gle it, half the results I got were in Czech, or other vowel-deficient EE languages!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 04 October, 2017, 08:12:25 am
Our development dept used to have a secretary called Branka Vrbanić.  I was somewhat disappointed to find that I could pronounce it perfectly - another mystery gone from the world.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 04 October, 2017, 10:11:55 am
My Jim Croce CD, which I use in the car for dire emergency situations like when BBC R2 is trying to inflict aural crimes like U2 on me, seems to have developed a bit of a skip in the middle of Thursday.  :'(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CrinklyLion on 04 October, 2017, 06:14:59 pm
Terry and Gerry are playing one of my local venues in about a month.  Onna Thursday, which any fule knows is gig night.

Except it's half term and I'll probably have Cubs.

Perhaps I should bake them a cake if I can't go?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 05 October, 2017, 08:47:53 pm
Terry and Gerry are playing one of my local venues in about a month.  Onna Thursday, which any fule knows is gig night.

Except it's half term and I'll probably have Cubs.

Perhaps I should bake them a cake if I can't go?

Ooh! (goes off to read email wot I got t'other day, from that nice Mr Colvin)

Ooh! Seems they're playing Brighton.

(Sounds like you're aware of the YACF connection)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 12 October, 2017, 05:19:48 pm
I am learning Schubert's G♭ impromptu, opus 90. I think it is the most achingly beautiful piece of music I have ever heard. Or will be, when I can play it...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 13 October, 2017, 08:13:58 am
When I play achingly beautiful others call it painful.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 October, 2017, 08:33:53 am
https://www.facebook.com/medicitv/videos/10154639615472352/

Amazing!  :D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 13 October, 2017, 09:42:03 am
I have been getting the urge to get my guitar out the loft, change the strings and try to remember how to play.

Idly searching for strings on eBay, I thought, I wonder if anyone is selling one?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EKO-EL-Gaucho-Gypsy-Guitar-/131848470391?hash=item1eb2c7ff77

 :o :o :o

Bought for - what - £150? in 70's

This is Money inflation calculator says that £150 in 1975 is now equivalent to £1,436
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 October, 2017, 10:37:02 am
Curiously, I was talking to My Mate Terry Who Art in Sibton a couple of days ago. In the 1970s, around the time that we were in college together, he bought a guitar. A telecaster. It cost him £72. In the mean time it has been living under his bed. He had it valued recently. Several £k.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 October, 2017, 04:30:47 pm
Isn't cycling good for random musical connections? The other day I found myself singing Pressure Drop. Couldn't remember who it was by. Today I wandered into LBS and they were playing 54-46 by Toots and the Maytals. So I get home and youtube myself up some Toots, starting with the same track obvs and then next up is...  ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 21 October, 2017, 06:48:28 pm
Although I've been conscious of her existence, Savoir Faire is the Beth Ditto song that  made me look up who she was. Not who I expected (a savvy, black new yorker), I think I like her the more for that
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: BrianI on 21 October, 2017, 11:02:13 pm
"Which Hollywood Composer", asks Henry Kelly "created the theme tune to a 1980s TV quiz show?"

Only Hans Zimmer who wrote the rather ear wormy tune to Going For Gold!


https://youtu.be/8-7rWePM6lM
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 22 October, 2017, 11:18:04 am
Curiously, I was talking to My Mate Terry Who Art in Sibton a couple of days ago. In the 1970s, around the time that we were in college together, he bought a guitar. A telecaster. It cost him £72. In the mean time it has been living under his bed. He had it valued recently. Several £k.

Unlike my old B&M Malaga, which cost £27 in ~1974 and is now worth a coruscating £60.  £27 scaled up according to the retail price index is £232.  :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 22 October, 2017, 11:33:01 am
Dad's telescope which he bought in the 1950s is up for auction at Bonham's on Halloween

http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24096/lot/25/?category=list&length=10&page=3 (http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24096/lot/25/?category=list&length=10&page=3)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 22 October, 2017, 01:53:03 pm
That's a beauty. Hope it goes well beyond the forecast price bracket.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 26 October, 2017, 12:12:24 am
So, I was walking the dog along Tankerton Slopes (http://explorekent.org/activities/tankerton-slopes/) this evening while listening to a comedy-drama on R4 Extra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Undone_(radio_series)) featuring a character called... Tankerton Slopes!

#mindfucked
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 26 October, 2017, 05:16:46 pm
According to Radio 2, Queen's biggest selling album is News of the World.

WTF? It was shite!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 27 October, 2017, 12:39:06 pm
According to Radio 2, Queen's biggest selling album is News of the World.

WTF? It was shite!
It wasn't their worst!


A Day at the Races was their best, and anyone who says otherwise is wrong.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 27 October, 2017, 02:17:20 pm
According to Radio 2, Queen's biggest selling album is News of the World.

WTF? It was shite!

Possibly skewed by the way that tapes left in the car for more than a fortnight or two metamorphose into Best of Queen albums?  I mean, that can't be good for sales.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 28 October, 2017, 11:28:01 am
According to Radio 2, Queen's biggest selling album is News of the World.

WTF? It was shite!
It wasn't their worst!


A Day at the Races was their best, and anyone who says otherwise is wrong.

As it goes I agree with you.

Freddie and Roy Thomas Baker were a match made in heaven (you see what i did there?  ;D )
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 29 October, 2017, 01:34:24 am
Dad's telescope which he bought in the 1950s is up for auction at Bonham's on Halloween

http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24096/lot/25/?category=list&length=10&page=3 (http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24096/lot/25/?category=list&length=10&page=3)

It is very nice but we've bought too many pianos to be able to afford it. I think David prefers new-fangled telescopes...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 29 October, 2017, 10:01:06 am
This new series of Stranger Things is just brilliant.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 29 October, 2017, 10:23:54 am
I thought the first one was daft but hey, with all this rain & wind I've got time on my hands.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 29 October, 2017, 10:34:18 am
I thought the first one was daft but hey, with all this rain & wind I've got time on my hands.

I don't know if we can be friends any more.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 29 October, 2017, 12:48:40 pm
 :o :'(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 29 October, 2017, 12:50:09 pm
Sorry, it's just my sense of humour.

Stranger Things is definitely the scariest, weirdest thing I've seen in years and it's so well acted.  And it's set in the 80's with loads of lovely cultural references from that time.  I absolutely love it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 29 October, 2017, 12:55:32 pm
The whole thing's an exercise in 80s nostalgia - including the underlying daftness.  If you don't get that, then I don't think there's all that much left to appreciate.

I found it compelling enough for that reason, but I'm not sure how it comes across to other generations.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 30 October, 2017, 07:34:09 pm
Found on my occasional visits to Al Jazeera - "Risking it All" (http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/riskingitall/riskingitall.html) a series of sort-of cinema verite with some compulsive viewing of the lengths some people go to in their daily lives.
Title: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 31 October, 2017, 09:49:48 am
The whole thing's an exercise in 80s nostalgia - including the underlying daftness.  If you don't get that, then I don't think there's all that much left to appreciate.

My wife didn’t get why I laughed when Dustin described Dragon’s Lair as “overpriced bullshit”.

I’ll tell you what’s daft: expecting us to believe anyone ever actually got that far in the game.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 31 October, 2017, 05:33:19 pm
That's a beauty. Hope it goes well beyond the forecast price bracket.

Fell 500 quid short of the reserve price. Bollocks!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 31 October, 2017, 07:31:32 pm
The whole thing's an exercise in 80s nostalgia - including the underlying daftness.  If you don't get that, then I don't think there's all that much left to appreciate.

I found it compelling enough for that reason, but I'm not sure how it comes across to other generations.

Rather weirdly for those of us who lived it, the 80s seems to be the generation. Even people who were born after still seem to fixate on the 80s. The other week, minions number 89345 and 14854 from the subdeck were caught dressed up for a 80s fancy dress partly. Assuming they're not knocking back the elixir of youth at these parties, neither of them experienced the decade.

It's almost like The Birdy Song never happened.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 31 October, 2017, 08:50:08 pm
This, by the by, is perfect if you want some awesome on your giant ultra HD TV. Some breathtaking footage. Now that is rain.

http://www.syfy.com/syfywire/incredible-time-lapse-video-monsoon-iv
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 31 October, 2017, 11:50:01 pm
Brings back memories of the road to Kingman, Az,   miles of riding with no shelter and this huge black thing heading towards me....... :jurek:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 01 November, 2017, 08:53:07 am
This, by the by, is perfect if you want some awesome on your giant ultra HD TV. Some breathtaking footage. Now that is rain.

http://www.syfy.com/syfywire/incredible-time-lapse-video-monsoon-iv

:thumbsup:

Duly pinched.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 November, 2017, 08:58:37 am
The whole thing's an exercise in 80s nostalgia - including the underlying daftness.  If you don't get that, then I don't think there's all that much left to appreciate.

I found it compelling enough for that reason, but I'm not sure how it comes across to other generations.

Rather weirdly for those of us who lived it, the 80s seems to be the generation. Even people who were born after still seem to fixate on the 80s. The other week, minions number 89345 and 14854 from the subdeck were caught dressed up for a 80s fancy dress partly. Assuming they're not knocking back the elixir of youth at these parties, neither of them experienced the decade.

It's almost like The Birdy Song never happened.
Never mind your minions, the 80s and late 70s and 90s are currently cool among teenagers. But surely it's normal that each generation creates a cool fantasy version of a decade it never lived through?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 01 November, 2017, 09:24:43 am
I don't. But then can anything compete with Rock Me Amadeus and 99 Red Balloons?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 November, 2017, 10:40:29 am
I don't. But then can anything compete with Rock Me Amadeus and 99 Red Balloons?

Yes.  Yes, there is.  That film of Cream's farewell concert at the Albert Hall, wherein the camera operator spent almost the entire gig trying to get his lens up Jack Bruce's nose.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 01 November, 2017, 10:44:25 am
I don't like the 70s but then all I remember is Radio Rentals TsV, the debut of colour and the first ever colour being beige (there was a petition for orange), and getting bit by a ferret. Nostalgia ain't what it used to be.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 01 November, 2017, 09:20:54 pm
I just realised - it's ten years since Shibboleth was in the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern.  It was a wonderful work, I found it profoundly affecting, seeing it was an experience I'll never forget.

We need it to come back - that message is even more needed now.

Ten years though.  Good grief.

http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/unilever-series/unilever-series-doris-salcedo-shibboleth

ETA:  It's still there, scarring the floor, though I didn't make a point of looking for it last time I was there.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 02 November, 2017, 11:19:35 am
I just realised - it's ten years since Shibboleth was in the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern.

Crumbs. That makes me feel old.

I was working in the office block next door at the time and I used to regularly go in there during my lunch break. I remember the day it opened, I went in there not knowing anything about the work, just that the new Turbine Hall installation was opening that day, and at first I thought I'd made a mistake - it looked totally empty. Then I noticed people looking at the floor...

I know what you mean about it being profoundly affecting.

Ai Weiwei's Sunflower Seeds and Olafur Eliasson's Weather Project were both similarly moving in their own ways. They've had some good stuff in the Turbine Hall over the years.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 November, 2017, 11:54:53 am
Finally, vinyl is surely dead now. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/nov/01/supermarket-swing-sainsburys-launches-own-brand-vinyl-albums
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 02 November, 2017, 12:18:04 pm
I just realised - it's ten years since Shibboleth was in the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern.

Crumbs. That makes me feel old.

I was working in the office block next door at the time and I used to regularly go in there during my lunch break. I remember the day it opened, I went in there not knowing anything about the work, just that the new Turbine Hall installation was opening that day, and at first I thought I'd made a mistake - it looked totally empty. Then I noticed people looking at the floor...

I know what you mean about it being profoundly affecting.

Ai Weiwei's Sunflower Seeds and Olafur Eliasson's Weather Project were both similarly moving in their own ways. They've had some good stuff in the Turbine Hall over the years.

I'd love to have stuff like that round the corner from me.  That would be one of the top reasons to live in or near London.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 15 November, 2017, 10:50:00 pm
Just found an excellent web site, I always like reading stuff set in places I'm going to, this site is the answer to my hapless googling (which doesn't really work as well as you think it might)

https://www.tripfiction.com/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: madcow on 22 November, 2017, 09:37:21 pm
I can't allow the passing of David Cassidy or Rodney Bewes to go unrecorded on this forum.
Cassidy was one of those guys you just loved to hate. Good looks, good voice a TV show etc etc. Where did it all go wrong?

Bewes was an unlikely star but "Whatever happened to the Likely Lads?" was comedy gold,penned by Dick Clement and Ian le Frenais
 I hope it gets a rerun now that Bewes has passed away.
There is one classic episode involving the lads cycling to Berwick.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: PeteB99 on 23 November, 2017, 11:59:02 am
Met Rodney Bewes once when our boat trailer was blocking his Rolls in after a rowing event. He was very nice about it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 23 November, 2017, 12:42:27 pm
I don't. But then can anything compete with Rock Me Amadeus and 99 Red Balloons?
Call Me by Spagna and Japanese Boy by Aneka?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 23 November, 2017, 02:42:45 pm
That would be one of the top reasons to live in or near London.

It's undoubtedly one of the top things I miss now I no longer live/work in London.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 November, 2017, 12:39:57 pm
I have just given my sister a copy of the Oxford Carol Book, as I had two. The copy I gave her used to belong to our mother and she was given it by the woman from whom our brother bought his house. The inside sheet bore both addresses, which were about 200 yards apart. My parents' house was demolished 16 years ago.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 November, 2017, 01:23:29 pm
Our choir's concert next term is an all-Mozart affair. We are singing the C minor Mass and we have an orchestra and soloist performing the Clarinet Concerto. I have just ordered a copy of the Mass. I hope I've got the right edition! We normally go for Novello if there's one available.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 08 December, 2017, 04:36:52 pm
Sort of Ents related. TLD was asked, as were her peers, at school to write a Christmas poem.

They were then entered into a school wide competition.

The top 5 from each year, was entered into a local competition.

TLD won her year group!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 08 December, 2017, 10:04:07 pm
As I have no nuptial supervision tonight, I'm going to drink beer and watch Buffy's Once More with Feeling with the volume turned up. Because I can. And I have a detached house.

ETA: shittens, is that really fifteen years old!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jakob W on 08 December, 2017, 10:27:42 pm
Original air date 2001...

My OH did the arts lecture at Eastercon this year, talking about musicals; one of the clips she played was 'going through the motions'. The room sang along with such word- and note-perfect gusto she didn't dare cut it short for fear of inciting a riot...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 December, 2017, 06:24:04 pm
I am no prude but in a panto aimed at small children

Quote
Barrowman fondled co-star Janette Krankie's breasts, and also invited audience members to chant "Alice loves Dick".

erm, wtf?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 15 December, 2017, 07:32:57 am
Isn't the point of panto that it's really for adults but the jokes mostly sail over the kids head so you avoid babysitting fees or a visit from social services.

If it's the same story I saw last night, one person complained. And maybe Alice does love Dick.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 16 December, 2017, 08:50:23 pm
https://www.itv.com/hub/australian-wilderness-with-ray-mears/2a4399a0011

Ray Mears strikes me as a nice and genuine man, as opposed to Bear Ghrylls, whom I have met, who seems like a knob.

I rode through this place ten years ago, and met Gary the bald ecologist, who impressed me so much I stuck him in my novel 'Cold Feet'. I loved this episode, probably because I was 'back there' as I watched.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 December, 2017, 09:16:14 am
Thanks for that link, will try to watch it. I love the Walpole area, it is part of WA I could happily move back to, love the landscape and even the towns.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 22 December, 2017, 08:00:47 pm
Carte sur Table have upped their game in their latest video: À la Claire Fontaine (https://youtu.be/3eh4-2ybqhg).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 December, 2017, 11:58:52 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjbLHz_Z0ec&feature=youtu.be

Assuming that this hadn't been carefully rehearsed, that's an impressive feat: coming on, memorising 3 positions for a minute and then playing them blindfold whilst simultaneously playing Chopin waltzes, and winning the lot. FWIW, I think I knew just 3 words of Russian used in that - chess, piano and Grandmaster.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 27 December, 2017, 10:43:37 am
Even rehearsed it'd be impressive.

Hard to imagine an act like that on UK or French TV.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 December, 2017, 09:23:02 pm
There was another video of the same guy examining for 3 minutes a chess board on the squares of which the number 1 - 64 had been randomly distributed. He then turned his back on the board and in knight's tour (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight%27s_tour) order he recited all 64 numbers in the order that he "captured" them.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 27 December, 2017, 10:37:47 pm
After recently reading Mr Deighton's "Game Set & Match" trilogy I am now working my way through the 1980's ITV adaptation.  Mr Deighton apparently didn't like Mr Holm's performance, so has barred it's official re release, however it's freely available on the interwebs.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 28 December, 2017, 09:12:21 pm
Apparently he's got form for that.

Hence his name is nowhere on the credits to 'Oh! What a lovely war' . . .
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 January, 2018, 08:01:51 pm
I have booked a singing lesson for next Wednesday! With this lady : http://www.thoraker.com/

We had a really nice chat. It turns out that she's a cyclist!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 10 January, 2018, 11:14:09 pm
Just doing a crossword with Phyllis (aged 98 11/12).

"Capital of the United Arab Emirates (3, 5)"

Phyllis had a long think and said "Aberdovey!" and then burst out laughing and corrected herself.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 11 January, 2018, 12:21:33 am
Heard a track on the radio this evening by an outfit calling themselves Australian Testing Labs Inc. They wear their influences on their sleeve, to put it mildly - as one wag put it in the comments under one of their videos on youtube: "Cum on feel the NEU!"

Their album is available on Bandcamp. It's called 'Music For Aircooled Motoring'. And they describe as follows:

Quote
Music designed to cope with the noise of motoring in the VW Type 2 and Type 25 Transporter.

Recordings of highway driving were made inside the cab of a 1981 VW T25 Kombi travelling at 80kmh and used to test, compose and mix music that could be heard above or in harmony with the noise of the road and the air-cooled engine.

The frequencies used have been carefully selected and rigorously road tested and when played in a moving van, will blend with the ambient sound of the vehicle and create a unique and harmonious driving experience. As each van will differ slightly, so then each user’s experience will differ accordingly, making this a truly unique pleasure for each driver or passenger.

https://atlinc.bandcamp.com/releases

Hipster twats, but I do like their tunes.

They're on a label called Polytechnic Youth, which seems to specialise in this kind of thing...
http://www.polytechnicyouth.com/

Also clicked on the 'krautrock' tag on Bandcamp. By jove, there's a lot of it about. I'm looking forward to checking out 'Frequency Rhythm Distortion Delay' by Psychic Lemon, 'Brunswick' by Bambi Davidson, 'The Void' by Compilerbau, 'Zement:Werk' by Zement and many more...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 12 January, 2018, 12:37:35 pm
Radio 2 have hired a stand-in presenter for lunch-times - he's a proper journo (whom I'd never heard of); Amol Rajan.

The problem is, his accent and vocal style are identical to the presenter on radio spoof Down the Line (played by Rhys Thomas, 4 years ago )

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bcur_HDHfE (you really should play that if you've never heard DTL ...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 14 January, 2018, 07:53:00 pm
Anyone else watching new Ch4 comedy Derry Girls? It's making me laugh.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 16 January, 2018, 10:38:11 am
Just listening to News Quiz Extra. Blimey, Peter Oborne is a humourless twat isn't he.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 January, 2018, 11:58:28 pm
Just learned that Chris Tsangarides, veteran engineer/producer for the likes of Gary Moore, Ozzy, Sabbath, Judas Priest, Ian Gillan, Bruce Dickinson and my chum Alexis' band Everafter died a couple of weeks ago, aged 61.

2018!  Stop it!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 17 January, 2018, 08:00:59 am
Anyone else watching new Ch4 comedy Derry Girls? It's making me laugh.

Saw the first episode. It made me laugh too.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 17 January, 2018, 09:13:50 am
Listened to an old episode of In Our Time yesterday. One of the panel was a certain Dr Larrington. She knows her onions, doesn’t she?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 January, 2018, 01:46:13 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-WwIudN0sQ&feature=push-u&attr_tag=1UbVSgkSX2oxwVwv-6

New organ erection at the RCM.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 20 January, 2018, 04:21:58 pm
I've just found Bad Lip Reading videos https://www.youtube.com/user/BadLipReading/videos

eg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gneBUA39mnI
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 21 January, 2018, 07:04:59 pm
Bollocks. We were too slow to get tix for David Byrne  >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 23 January, 2018, 09:08:05 pm
The Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation has banned the showing of Armando Iannucci’s The Death of Stalin, referencing the film's "extremism" and it's denigrating and insulting portrayal of Glorious Heroes of Russian Worker's Paradise who, in addition to completing Five Year Plan ahead of schedule, defeated Fascists (with whom we never, ever, signed a treaty - and if you say otherwise you're a NAZI) without any help from Decadent West.

Ref: Ministry announcement (https://www.mkrf.ru/press/news/minkultury_otozvalo_prokatnoe_udostoverenie_u_filma_smert_stalina/) (рос); Grauniad article (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/23/russia-urged-to-delay-death-of-stalin-release-until-summer) (eng)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 23 January, 2018, 09:13:12 pm
The Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation has banned the showing of Armando Iannucci’s The Death of Stalin, referencing the film's "extremism" and it's denigrating and insulting portrayal of Glorious Heroes of Russian Worker's Paradise who, in addition to completing Five Year Plan ahead of schedule, defeated Fascists (with whom we never, ever, signed a treaty - and if you say otherwise you're a NAZI) without any help from Decadent West.

Ref: Ministry announcement (https://www.mkrf.ru/press/news/minkultury_otozvalo_prokatnoe_udostoverenie_u_filma_smert_stalina/) (рос); Grauniad article (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/23/russia-urged-to-delay-death-of-stalin-release-until-summer) (eng)

"Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past." ~ George Orwell
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 27 January, 2018, 12:07:58 am
I just explained Craig David to barakta.  She probably wishes I hadn't.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 27 January, 2018, 01:33:36 pm
I'm not sure I've seen reference to Brian Bilston the poet here or in POBI.

Having found Refugees (https://brianbilston.com/2016/03/23/refugees/), I've been clicking and reading around his website, including The Clarkson Verses (https://brianbilston.com/category/the-clarkson-verses/)

I like him.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 27 January, 2018, 07:48:36 pm
Our local Council is proud that a successful band was founded within the Borough Boundaries.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DUkjHgPX0AEuphI.jpg)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 27 January, 2018, 07:52:31 pm
I learned everything I need to know about Boney M from Touching The Void
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 27 January, 2018, 09:30:12 pm
Britney Spears is gigging at Scarborough later this year apparently.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 28 January, 2018, 09:28:11 am
I'm not sure I've seen reference to Brian Bilston the poet here or in POBI.

Having found Refugees (https://brianbilston.com/2016/03/23/refugees/), I've been clicking and reading around his website, including The Clarkson Verses (https://brianbilston.com/category/the-clarkson-verses/)

I like him.

 :thumbsup: I've seen Refugees before but not the rest. Ta!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 29 January, 2018, 10:51:25 am
I read of the death of Howard Lew Lewis the other day - most famous as Elmo in 80s sitcom Brush Strokes (he was easily the best thing about that series) and Rabies in Maid Marian. Perhaps not up there as a cultural icon with the likes of Mark E Smith, hence no thread of his own, but reading more about his final days saddened me - it was not a happy ending for him...

http://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2018/01/22/38940/brush_strokess_barman_dies

(ETA: the sadness is that his mental state led to him being so unhappy in his final days, not a reflection on Edinburgh care services - the piece doesn't give their side of the story, so it wouldn't be fair to judge)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Redlight on 29 January, 2018, 01:25:38 pm
Britney Spears is gigging at Scarborough later this year apparently.

I thought the Butlins had closed down.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 30 January, 2018, 07:54:55 pm
I have just discovered that the juke box in my pub has a classical section.  Prolly stuff that's been used in adverts and films, I would imagine.  How would I know?
Anyway, I've just played Mozart's K138. Very loud.
Pool team not happy.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 January, 2018, 08:11:27 pm
That's pretty early Mozza. Am currently playing a string quartet version of it. Good choice, Basil! The pool team can sod off!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 31 January, 2018, 11:00:50 pm
Last evening saw me hosting the pub quiz as the usual suspects were unavailable.

I got to one question"Which 20th century English Prime Minster was nicknamed Sunny Jim?" and was seized by a mad desire to parody a Monty Python panel game sketch...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 01 February, 2018, 02:52:43 pm
I can only think of one UK PM called Jim.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Neil C on 01 February, 2018, 03:21:18 pm
Jim Hacker?  ;)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 01 February, 2018, 08:18:33 pm
For clarity the question I wanted to ask is here about 0:48 on (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Tz_oZhG8YU) but I didn't. No one would've got it...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 11 February, 2018, 10:18:30 pm
Prosiect Z. Zombie-fighting children's game show. In Welsh.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 20 February, 2018, 08:08:49 pm
Earlier today I received an email from Amazon,  recommending a book called "Punishment" A Detective Barnes story.  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B072K458SR/ref=pe_2043221_241706471_em_1p_6_ti


Is AuntyC branching out into new fields ?  :jurek:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 February, 2018, 09:25:03 am
This cropped up on a piano teachers' forum, of which I am a member.   ;D

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/28166291_10156219363439343_206058331253972778_n.jpg?oh=8b4e88dcce9eb0ad0508dc1888c86c12&oe=5B1BBD5B)

It's Liszt in the picture.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 22 February, 2018, 09:46:38 am
I just explained Craig David to barakta.  She probably wishes I hadn't.

Could you explain him to me because I still don't understand.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 23 February, 2018, 12:19:17 am
I just explained Craig David to barakta.  She probably wishes I hadn't.

Could you explain him to me because I still don't understand.

He was a ukc.misc in-joke that rose to fame on the back of Artful Dodger's masterpiece Re-Rewind (The Crowd Say Bo Selecta), which you really haven't experienced until you've heard it sung[1] by 12 year olds on the slow train from CHX to CBW.  Wikipedia informs me this composition was nearly destroyed by a random act of WindowsME (or whatever shitty operating system the cool kids of the UK garage scene were using at the time) but they were able to re-construct it from a TDK D90 cassette[2], on which they'd made a copy to listen to in the car[3].

After a tediously successful musical career, he finally got his own Channel 4 comedy series in 2002, and would have faded into obscurity with that, concentrating on his Basingstoke-based vending machine business, if the aptly named Insanity Records hadn't resurrected him in 2017.


*This post may contain lies, or traces of lies.


[1] This was the golden age between the invention of the Walkman and the rise of sodcasting, when portable music playing equipment could be relied upon to require headphones.
[2] Teenagers: Ask your parents.
[3] Just think, if they'd left it long enough, it would have turned into Queen's Greatest Hits and the world would be a very different place.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 23 February, 2018, 11:45:32 am
I just explained Craig David to barakta.  She probably wishes I hadn't.

Could you explain him to me because I still don't understand.

He was a ukc.misc in-joke that rose to fame on the back of Artful Dodger's masterpiece Re-Rewind (The Crowd Say Bo Selecta), which you really haven't experienced until you've heard it sung[1] by 12 year olds on the slow train from CHX to CBW.  Wikipedia informs me this composition was nearly destroyed by a random act of WindowsME (or whatever shitty operating system the cool kids of the UK garage scene were using at the time) but they were able to re-construct it from a TDK D90 cassette[2], on which they'd made a copy to listen to in the car[3].

After a tediously successful musical career, he finally got his own Channel 4 comedy series in 2002, and would have faded into obscurity with that, concentrating on his Basingstoke-based vending machine business, if the aptly named Insanity Records hadn't resurrected him in 2017.


*This post may contain lies, or traces of lies.


[1] This was the golden age between the invention of the Walkman and the rise of sodcasting, when portable music playing equipment could be relied upon to require headphones.
[2] Teenagers: Ask your parents.
[3] Just think, if they'd left it long enough, it would have turned into Queen's Greatest Hits and the world would be a very different place.


Brilliant, thanks.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 February, 2018, 02:16:40 pm
Over there ^^^^ is an unopened 5-pack of TDK C-90s.  I am awaiting an offer from the Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 23 February, 2018, 02:52:21 pm
the slow train from CHX to CBW

Is there any other kind of train from CHX to CBW?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 23 February, 2018, 02:57:03 pm
Over there ^^^^ is an unopened 5-pack of TDK C-90s.  I am awaiting an offer from the Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame

Ah, happy days extracting a C120 from the Perpetually Hungry Amstrad and respooling it with a bic pen.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 23 February, 2018, 04:32:40 pm
the slow train from CHX to CBW

Is there any other kind of train from CHX to CBW?

The even slower freeze-your-arse-off-changing-at-Ashford train.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 23 February, 2018, 04:33:58 pm
Over there ^^^^ is an unopened 5-pack of TDK C-90s.  I am awaiting an offer from the Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame

Ah, happy days extracting a C120 from the Perpetually Hungry Amstrad and respooling it with a bic pen.

Those ones probably sounded better than Craig David, too.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 23 February, 2018, 04:45:52 pm
the slow train from CHX to CBW

Is there any other kind of train from CHX to CBW?

The even slower freeze-your-arse-off-changing-at-Ashford train.

I once caught a train back from Dover that was so slow I arrived back in London in time for 1955.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 24 February, 2018, 08:41:58 am
the slow train from CHX to CBW

Is there any other kind of train from CHX to CBW?

The even slower freeze-your-arse-off-changing-at-Ashford train.

Ah! Yes, I know that one too.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 24 February, 2018, 05:44:06 pm
Over there ^^^^ is an unopened 5-pack of TDK C-90s.  I am awaiting an offer from the Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame

The death of music has merely been postponed.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bc/Home_taping_is_killing_music.png)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 24 February, 2018, 05:48:38 pm
On a related note, as if further evidence were needed that the music industry is from a strange parallel dimension, this appeared in my timeline earlier...

https://twitter.com/BrkmstrCylinder/status/967208607745040386
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 02 March, 2018, 10:58:32 am
Read this morning that the Beeb is going to serialize TP's stories about the Ankh-Morpork Watch.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 06 March, 2018, 11:56:15 pm
I'm watching Smiley's People, having snaffled it from Iplayer some time ago. Looking at the cast list and then delving into wikipedia I learnt that Molly Meakin (head of Research, replaced Connie Sachs) is played by a woman called Lucy Fleming. Her uncle was Ian Fleming, author of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the James Bond books and she (and her sister) still control Ian Fleming Publications. The link between the two contrasting types of spy, Bond and Smiley, tickled me.

(She also played Miranda, Justin Elliot's wife in The Archers.)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 07 March, 2018, 08:22:20 am
Very much the definitive version.  Gary Oldman's Tinker Tailor... was on a loser from the start.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: clarion on 07 March, 2018, 09:17:26 am
Over there ^^^^ is an unopened 5-pack of TDK C-90s.  I am awaiting an offer from the Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame

The death of music has merely been postponed.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bc/Home_taping_is_killing_music.png)
Didn't Craig David kill music?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 07 March, 2018, 09:20:00 am
Never heard of him, so probably not.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 07 March, 2018, 05:50:53 pm
Never heard of him, so probably not.

The above post refers: https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=70466.msg2260174#msg2260174
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 08 March, 2018, 09:16:11 am
Ta. Yes, I did read some of that when you posted it but I've been out of the UK for so long that it had little meaning.  As rough guide, I have heard of Simon Cowell but never experienced the direct feed; and from what I've heard I don't want to.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 08 March, 2018, 07:10:22 pm
Ta. Yes, I did read some of that when you posted it but I've been out of the UK for so long that it had little meaning.  As rough guide, I have heard of Simon Cowell but never experienced the direct feed; and from what I've heard I don't want to.

That's my position on Simon Cowell too.

I basically lost the plot with popular music in the Craig David era, through a combination of shite radio reception and then living with a deaf person.  I don't appear to have missed much.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 09 March, 2018, 09:37:21 am
When we lived near Paris we could pick up R4 on long wave, but they slipped over the horizon when we moved here. Not that they ever carried much pop music. I was never that fond of it anyway, although I find myself liking the stuff from my youth more now than I did then.  Maybe that's because back then there was the odd pearl amongst the crap, but nowadays the crap has gone and 25+ years of pearls are all that are left.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 09 March, 2018, 10:12:48 am
You've never listened to 'Sounds of the 60s', have you...?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 09 March, 2018, 10:38:12 am
You've never listened to 'Sounds of the 60s', have you...?
SOTS reminds you about all the crap around the pearls, thobut...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 09 March, 2018, 10:47:20 am
That was the point.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 09 March, 2018, 11:15:10 am
You've never listened to 'Sounds of the 60s', have you...?

I've never heard of it, either.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 March, 2018, 03:04:09 pm
I totally failed to register the existence of series 17 of The Infinite Monkey Cage.  This omission has now been rectified with a binge listen.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 09 March, 2018, 09:50:01 pm
You've never listened to 'Sounds of the 60s', have you...?

I've never heard of it, either.

Was presented by Brian Matthew until last year. Now by Tony Blackburn (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09twdxn)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 11 March, 2018, 09:55:15 pm
Just watched Michael Moseley documentary on the brain talking about how children are affected emotionally during development and it seems to be Michael Jackson night on BBC4  :-\
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 March, 2018, 07:03:17 pm
Dear the BBC

Please to not bugger up the sound on your news channel.  TV's Katty Kay and Christian Fraser sound like they're at the opposite end of a drainpipe.  That's the third time in a week.

Sort it out, u pandas!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 March, 2018, 03:55:18 pm
Has anyone else spotted that Rick Astley is a reincarnation of Biff Tannen?

(http://images.mentalfloss.com/sites/default/files/styles/mf_image_16x9/public/rickrollheader.png?itok=f_UDp9E2&resize=1100x619)
Biff Astley

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/15/BiffTannenBackToTheFuture1985.jpg/220px-BiffTannenBackToTheFuture1985.jpg)
Rick Tannen
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 31 March, 2018, 10:08:28 pm
Just discovered Maite Hontelé, a laydee who plays trumpet - IMO - almost as well as Miles (although in a different genre - Salsa). Given her gender and the somewhat esoteric genre of her choice I doubt she will become as well known.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 02 April, 2018, 10:52:56 pm
On FB Jeff Lynne has announced that 'Dawes' are joining him on tour this Summer.

Apparently it's the name of a 'popular beat combo'.

Soooooo disappointed . . .
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 03 April, 2018, 12:42:28 pm
On FB Jeff Lynne has announced that 'Dawes' are joining him on tour this Summer.

Apparently it's the name of a 'popular beat combo'.

Soooooo disappointed . . .
Seriously, get some Dawes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vin0U-ej1L8) into your lugholes...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 April, 2018, 11:45:15 am
I've just been reading about the nation-building functions of typefaces. Moderately interesting, but in Polish (here) (http://weekend.gazeta.pl/weekend/1,152121,23224043,od-antykwy-poltawskiego-do-apolonii-czyli-czcionka-i-kroj-pisma.html#Z_TRwknd) so to take one example: the first purpose designed Polish font (ie designed from the start to include Polish special letters such as ą, ć and so on) wasn't made till the 1920s and the decision to base it on a Latin font rather than eg Gothic necessarily excluded some of the population, who were more used to Gothic, having lived under German rule – or to Cyrillic or even Hebraic. And the particular font chosen as the source, Antiqua, apparently tried to connect with the Latin world of rationality and enlightenment, rejecting Germanic romanticism. More up to date, there's the use of the Solidarity font by various drastically opposed political groupings around the world, none of which the creator seems to object to.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 07 April, 2018, 01:19:33 pm
The News Quiz will be back on R4 next Friday evening.  Hoorah.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 13 April, 2018, 10:04:00 pm
Oooh....... The Tiger Lillies are doing 2 weeks in Manchester with a new show. 


https://www.creativetourist.com/event/the-tiger-lillies-corrido-de-la-sangre/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKfC53F-arw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKfC53F-arw)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=game52zTzMg



Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 18 April, 2018, 02:02:27 pm
Attention forum banjo-ists (and other assorted string-ists): check out the Renaissance Ramblers (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1bV2IJY_VGzIouLqUdHupQ).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 April, 2018, 11:36:18 pm
Had a natter to my younger son this evening. He asked me if I would like tickets to this for:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/e92fbp

I most certainly would! it seems that some sot of lottery system is in place. It's quite a few years since I went to a prom. I don't recall that being the case previously.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 April, 2018, 09:28:02 am
Guerilla statues! Are they a development of guerilla knitting?

(https://i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article1492153.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Statue-Victoria-Street-6jpeg.jpg)

Shame about the bike racks, but compromises have to be made.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 25 April, 2018, 10:35:19 am
Listened to the latest Richard Herring Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (RHLSTP!) with Brian Blessed. It's quite astonishing, and hugely entertaining.

https://www.comedy.co.uk/podcasts/richard_herring_lst_podcast/rhlstp_175_brian_blessed/

This is Richard Herring's own description of it:
"RHLSTP #175: BRIAN BLESSED!!!! What Was The Question? It's finally come to pass. The podcasts can end now, because the whole point of starting them up has been achieved. Richard's guest is a man who has played all theatrical parts, but most notably the part of Brian Blessed. I couldn't even begin to describe what happened on this extraordinary night, except to say it is was a bona fide happening. Try and predict how many words Richard will say in this. It's a free form and extraordinary, yet sometimes beautiful and inspiring, journey through the career, philosophy and madness of a man who might be the greatest living Englishmen. How much of it is true? I can't tell you. But at least some of it. Includes sticking it to Picasso, toileting on a mountain, biting umbilical cords, working with the young Peter O'Toole and Patrick Stewart, never dying and probably some other stuff. I can't tell you. I had a little nap through most of it. Worth watching the video version to see my torture on what was one of the best experiences of my life. This podcast is absolutely unbeatable."
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: perpetual dan on 28 April, 2018, 02:15:00 pm
The local ice cream van has changed its tune, from a Sex Pistols tune about being on a boat to something I can’t quite place.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 01 May, 2018, 10:08:45 pm
If You Think You Hate Puns, You're Wrong (https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a15872842/in-defense-of-puns/)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 03 May, 2018, 09:04:18 pm
From the world of strange and unusual instruments... Learning To Play The Shenanigan (https://youtu.be/ORO1FcEqBV8).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 14 May, 2018, 08:34:44 am
I heard that nice Dr. Larrington getting a repeat airing on Radio 4 Extra yesterday.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 May, 2018, 12:13:21 pm
I heard that nice Dr. Larrington getting a repeat airing on Radio 4 Extra yesterday.

#MediaTartery
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 15 May, 2018, 11:02:12 am
Well, I got an airing on R3 today, for the second time in a week. Picking a tune to be put on their play list, yay!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 May, 2018, 03:25:49 pm
Well, I got an airing on R3 today, for the second time in a week. Picking a tune to be put on their play list, yay!
You are Citoyen AICMFP. (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1356.msg2285706#msg2285706)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 16 May, 2018, 05:39:33 pm
Well, I got an airing on R3 today, for the second time in a week. Picking a tune to be put on their play list, yay!
You are Citoyen AICMFP. (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1356.msg2285706#msg2285706)

Bit harsh on Steph!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 16 May, 2018, 05:41:24 pm
Any Cabbage fans in the house? The boy has got himself in the video for their latest single, Postmodernist Caligula...
https://youtu.be/gO-TI_SfMBc

He's the one dancing enthusiastically in the doorway of a guitar shop.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 May, 2018, 07:42:59 pm
Frankly, Probe Plus, showing the new Half Man Half Biscuit album as "NO STOCK" on the day it's released is Not Good Enough.  If you haven't changed your mind by the time I've had me tea, then the Mega-Global Big River Corporation of Seattle, USAnia will be getting my money.

Bah!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 18 May, 2018, 08:03:01 pm
Frankly, Probe Plus, showing the new Half Man Half Biscuit album as "NO STOCK" on the day it's released is Not Good Enough.  If you haven't changed your mind by the time I've had me tea, then the Mega-Global Big River Corporation of Seattle, USAnia will be getting my money.

Bah!

They played 'Man Of Constant Sorrow (With A Garage In Constant Use)' on the radio yesterday. Sounds to me like Nigel is on top form.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CAMRAMan on 18 May, 2018, 08:41:25 pm
I gave up on Probe and used one of the sites listed on the Chris Rand forum. It landed on my doormat today - on a day off - and has been played quite a bit. I think NB10 is a lot happier these days. He was very upbeat in Leamington. Roll on the Kentish Town Forum, where I shall discover if Mr Larrington really exists...

The new guitarist is very different to Ken, who had a rather placid stage presence. My fervent hope is that Prag Vec At The Melkveg gets a stage airing. I don't think Ken's axe work was up to it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 May, 2018, 04:15:58 am
Mega-Global Big River Corporation of Seattle, USAnia got my dough coz in addition to the CD I could download it for immediate listenage.  Sorry, Nigel.  Sorry, Geoff.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 21 May, 2018, 07:36:07 am
I came across this transcript of John LeCarre being interviewed on US public radio, while much of the content might qualify it for POBI, I recommend it to the house

https://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=548632065
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: PeteB99 on 21 May, 2018, 10:56:01 am
A local theatre is putting on a new version of Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons. They appear to have changed the name of the third child to Tatty.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 21 May, 2018, 11:14:52 am
Tatty has been standard since I was at school. Probably owing to an overabundance of sniggering schoolboys.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 21 May, 2018, 11:19:55 am
A local theatre is putting on a new version of Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons. They appear to have changed the name of the third child to Tatty.

There was a hoo hah about this when the most recent film version came out too. Apparently Titty got her name from a book "Titty Mouse and Tatty Mouse", so the switch sort of makes sense.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 21 May, 2018, 11:30:44 am
When they come to doing an adaptation of Dambusters, will the squadron mascot be renamed to Dog of Colour?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 21 May, 2018, 11:31:50 am
Digger, I believe.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 21 May, 2018, 11:45:17 am
Digger, I believe.

Disappointing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 21 May, 2018, 11:25:43 pm
Someone on Brain of Britain, in response to the question "Brian Gamlin of Bury was alleged to have designed the numbering system for which game?" answered "Numberwang".  Unfortunately he didn't get a point for it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jakob W on 22 May, 2018, 10:19:55 am
Digger, I believe.

Disappointing.

Not sure if serious, but this is an issue that gets a disproportionate amount of outrage when it's suggested that it be changed, especially from the DM 'political correctness gone mad' gammon brigade. Any film, indeed any work of history, is going to involve choices about things to leave out or streamline; the dog itself is dramatically important, in that its death provides an ominous note of foreshadowing, and its name was the codeword for a successful mission, but the name is now so charged (and even then it wasn't exactly neutral, even if it was more commonplace) that to use it would overshadow the plot. I went to see the 1955 film in the Peckham multiplex back when it had a limited release about a decade ago, and the scene where Barnes Wallis is jumping around with joy shouting the name after the dams have been breached made me wince. Yes, it might be historically correct, but unless you want to raise (historically accurate) issues about British and Empire racism*, you probably just want to change the name.

*You never see the 'but it's historically accurate!' crowd calling for the film to better discuss the nature and morality of Bomber Command's campaign...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 22 May, 2018, 11:02:42 am
Not sure if serious...

 ;)

Quote
Yes, it might be historically correct, but unless you want to raise (historically accurate) issues about British and Empire racism*, you probably just want to change the name.

I find it amusing/perplexing that some people like to tie themselves in knots to defend the name, claiming it refers to a type of paint or something, as if that somehow justifies it. I'm entirely with you on this matter.

Going back to Titty/Tatty, I remember being one of a classful of teenage boys reading Mansfield Park and finding much amusement in some of the unintended innuendo arising from the main character's name. It's a shame to deny kids these small pleasures but the work isn't diminished by changing the name to something less distracting.

Mind you, I haven't grown up at all since those days. In the Archers yesterday evening, Kate and Jennifer Aldridge were discussing Alastair Lloyd being seen making an early morning departure from the home of Lavinia Rafferty. When Jennifer said "Perhaps he was attending to her Schnauzer" I nearly choked.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 22 May, 2018, 11:54:36 am
I'm mixed. I can see why for the dog and it's probably not worth the argument, as for Titty, whatever. It's historical and Swallows and Amazons is of its time and place and it's probably better to understand that than try to go back and airbrush history. I mean look at all the health and safety rules those kids break. They'd need to wear life jackets, be supervised by the correct ratio of adults who have passed exhaustive background checks, have a signed waiver from their parents and guardians, and clad head to toe in high-viz at all times.

And people of all ages should be allowed the pleasure of unintentional innuendo.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: PeteB99 on 22 May, 2018, 12:12:09 pm
I first read the books aged 6 or 7 and though I was aware of the Titty name implications I just ignored it and carried on with the story. I wasn't aware of the Tatty mouse side of it. If the film and TV producers were worried about it they could have just called her Mavis which was the originals real name (Although the fictional Walker family and the real life Altounyans were very different in backgrounds).

Coming full circle my first encounter with the word nigger in print was in another of the Swallows and Amazons books where it is used to describe some pearls and Uncle Jim helpfully explains the derivation from the Spanish for black.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 22 May, 2018, 02:22:25 pm
I'm mixed. I can see why for the dog and it's probably not worth the argument, as for Titty, whatever. It's historical and Swallows and Amazons is of its time and place and it's probably better to understand that than try to go back and airbrush history. I mean look at all the health and safety rules those kids break. They'd need to wear life jackets, be supervised by the correct ratio of adults who have passed exhaustive background checks, have a signed waiver from their parents and guardians, and clad head to toe in high-viz at all times.

And people of all ages should be allowed the pleasure of unintentional innuendo.

What is "BETTER DROWNED THAN DUFFERS IF NOT DUFFERS WON'T DROWN" if it's not a rock solid waiver?

All my Scout risk assessments follow the same model. (no they, don't, I'm joshing)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jakob W on 22 May, 2018, 03:11:07 pm
Still my favourite piece of wisdom from the books nearly three decades after I first read them; for some reason my wife seems less convinced when she asks me whether my girls are OK and I quote it at her...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 22 May, 2018, 10:25:27 pm
I still want to tickle trout.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 22 May, 2018, 10:38:17 pm
I still want to tickle trout.

Don't they call it "guddling"?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 30 May, 2018, 07:39:05 am
On Radio 4 Extra every day this week is On Your Bike, a series about the history of the bicycle. First two episodes are available on iplayer:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00yqg3z

(NB if it sounds familiar that’s because it was first broadcast in 2011.)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 31 May, 2018, 11:40:50 pm
This made me smile.

http://www.openculture.com/2018/05/hip-hop-fan-freaks-out-when-he-hears-rage-against-the-machines-debut-album-for-the-very-first-time.html

The DJ at the rock night at the sadly-departed Bowes in Darlington always finished with Killing in the Name, and it became traditional to shout "Fuck you I won't do what you tell me" back at the bar staff when they called last orders.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 01 June, 2018, 12:07:26 am
That's unreasonably cute.  And a new item on the list of things that people shouldn't do while driving.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 01 June, 2018, 12:14:36 am
Yeah, I was quite concerned by that. But he didn't show any footage of him running into errant pedestrians..
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 June, 2018, 08:50:59 am
His car has a tape deck?  How frightfully twee!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 01 June, 2018, 11:34:48 am
The Inlaw Paw's first car played 78s.

(lie)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 02 June, 2018, 10:40:33 am
(http://gentlemancyclist.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/87850ab0-0b1c-4a88-aaf8-3d4286dbe367.png)

Someone didn't check their working...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 June, 2018, 11:44:46 pm
...and I'd love to meet the bloke who had the bright idea: Jodie Kidd, anchorwoman
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 June, 2018, 08:40:45 am
ITV4's coverage of the TT has gone badly downhill this year.  The new colemantator is terrible, Cameron Donald is not much better and the aforementioned Ms Kidd is so wooden she makes TV's D Friebe look like Antoine de Caunes.  And stop nodding, woman!  It's bad enough when Simon Schama does it, but at least you can close your eyes and find him interesting.  And there's no Steve Parrish.

But the real criminal was whoever was responsible for the foul slowed-down twee jangly acoustic cover of Iron Maiden's "The Number Of The Beast" played over last night's closing credits.  I want them found, I want them killed and I want it done yesterday.  It's a show about mad people on insanely fast motorcycles and the use of loud and high tempo guitar-based rock is mandatory.  RTFM >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 10 June, 2018, 12:27:49 pm
Hell has frozen over!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-44363674
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 15 June, 2018, 01:59:07 pm
"Box set". It grates. I feel it should be "Boxed set", which makes more sense grammatically I think.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 15 June, 2018, 02:04:41 pm
"Box set". It grates. I feel it should be "Boxed set", which makes more sense grammatically I think.

+1
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 15 June, 2018, 02:26:57 pm
Even worse when they leave out the space.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 June, 2018, 09:23:14 pm
Is it the same thing though? Or is a boxed set a set of (DVDs, CDs, books, etc) in a box, and a box set is a series of TV episodes produced with the intention that people watch them not week by week as they air on TV but in one marathon session at a time of their choice on DVD?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 26 June, 2018, 10:58:20 pm
Apex Twin on Radio 4:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b88k6l
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 04 July, 2018, 08:54:25 am
Last night we reached the end of episode 10 the 2017 Twin Peaks serial. Both dogs were fast asleep on the rug. When Rebekah del Rio hit a high, loud, sustained note one of them jerked awake, gave us a "what the hell are you doing to me?" look, and walked out of the room.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 July, 2018, 08:37:52 am
I've discovered the, or a, literary equivalent of John Cage's 4'33". It's a six-page story by Dave Eggers called There Are Some Things He Should Keep To Himself.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 16 July, 2018, 10:52:24 am
I wish that when the lights on a large segment of a city viewed from afar all go out at once in a film, it wouldn't be to an echoing "shtonk" sound. At street-level it would break windows and ear-drums.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 16 July, 2018, 11:32:14 am
I wish that when the lights on a large segment of a city viewed from afar all go out at once in a film, it wouldn't be to an echoing "shtonk" sound. At street-level it would break windows and ear-drums.

Some sound effects seem to be compulsory.
The shtonk sound when any bright light is switched on.

Random others that spring to mind:
Cat appears.  "Yowl"
Bicycle appears.  "Dring-dring".  (Close examination of the bicycle usually fails to reveal any visible bell)
Sword waved, no matter how weakly. "Swoosh"  After having been drawn with a tremendous "shriiing".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 16 July, 2018, 12:23:09 pm
I wish that when the lights on a large segment of a city viewed from afar all go out at once in a film, it wouldn't be to an echoing "shtonk" sound. At street-level it would break windows and ear-drums.

Some sound effects seem to be compulsory.
The shtonk sound when any bright light is switched on.

Random others that spring to mind:
Cat appears.  "Yowl"
Bicycle appears.  "Dring-dring".  (Close examination of the bicycle usually fails to reveal any visible bell)
Sword waved, no matter how weakly. "Swoosh"  After having been drawn with a tremendous "shriiing".

Car handbrakes must be applied without use of the release button, for maximum ratchet sound.
Telephones will play dialtone when the remote party clears down[1].
MovieOS, of course, has a keyboard-only interface (even for graphics work) that beeps on each keypress.

I hasten to point out that in films city lights never go out at once.  It's compulsory for them to switch off building-by-building.


[1] It turns out that this cliche originates from the way a particular type of telephone exchange once used in the Hollywood area actually behaved.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 16 July, 2018, 12:34:56 pm
Ah, while we're on fillums, I was watching Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy on the anbaric distascope last night. Top marks for all the period motors on it. Morris Marina, Austin 1100, Morris Minor ect ect.

Trouble is with such "Classic Cars" is the owners keep them pristine. No rust, no dents, no dirt. Nevermind, an enjoyable film.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 16 July, 2018, 12:55:13 pm
Sword waved, no matter how weakly. "Swoosh"  After having been drawn with a tremendous "shriiing".

Neal Stephenson once tested Japanese swords & technique against European longswords & technique, and concluded that the longswords would usually win.

Re the wooshy sound, first time I heard it applied to head movements was in The Fifth Element, when Major Iceborg nodded.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 17 July, 2018, 06:11:50 pm
Also the obligatory car locking/alarm setting chirrup that NO CAR MANUFACTURER HAS EVER MADE A FEATURE OF and hasn't been heard on any aftermarket alarm system since about 1992.

Remote locking is a clunk - and quite a subdued one at that.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 17 July, 2018, 09:59:55 pm
Verging on the rant thread for a minute:  There's a German-registered car[1] that's been parked around here these last few weeks, which makes a 'beep' and 'beep beep beep' sound when locked and unlocked.  It's neither the standard horn noise, nor a brief chirp of a siren, but rather a square wave piezo beep of the type emitted by PC motherboards when they're unhappy about the RAM you just fettled, or an excessive buildup of scorchio in the CPU, or similar.  Once attenuated by a few tens of metres, an unfavourable wind and the aperture effect of a partially open window, the sound pressure level is within the range you'd expect from a PC motherboard in one of the several of PC-based systems within ear's reach, and any semblance of directionaliy is lost.

Bastards.

It took a couple of experimental reboots and a few hours of noting the times before I happened to spot the owner getting something from the car, with the indicator flashes perfectly synchronised with the mystery error beeping.


[1] It's a green one.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 18 July, 2018, 06:48:36 am
Just had a shock.

"Follow the Leader" was released just short of 20 years ago!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 18 July, 2018, 07:22:32 am
Sit down and I'll get you another.

49 years ago we were 2 days into the Apollo 11 mission
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 18 July, 2018, 08:20:10 am
It took a couple of experimental reboots and a few hours of noting the times before I happened to spot the owner getting something from the car, with the indicator flashes perfectly synchronised with the mystery error beeping.

Noticed yesterday that when Mrs T's iPhone rings, something in or around my PC emits a low-level monotone buzz in sync.  Her phone's about 4 metres away with a metal cupboard in between. Her ring "tone" is a species of electronic quacking so it's not audio resonance.

Not sure where this fits into entertainment, though.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 18 July, 2018, 05:05:13 pm
It took a couple of experimental reboots and a few hours of noting the times before I happened to spot the owner getting something from the car, with the indicator flashes perfectly synchronised with the mystery error beeping.

Noticed yesterday that when Mrs T's iPhone rings, something in or around my PC emits a low-level monotone buzz in sync.  Her phone's about 4 metres away with a metal cupboard in between. Her ring "tone" is a species of electronic quacking so it's not audio resonance.

GSM or whatever the cool kids use for cellular communications these days breaking through into an an audio amplifier?  Set the iPhone to silent and try ringing it...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 18 July, 2018, 05:15:13 pm
Hum. I only use headphones. There is a Logitech speaker set too but it was off.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: essexian on 22 July, 2018, 07:38:45 am
Not sure if this has been covered elsewhere on this forum (I did have a quick look) but I really need to ask: "Why???!!!!!"

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/jul/21/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-to-be-remade-21-years-after-first-episode


IMHO why remake what was of its time and very, very good. I can't see the point, unless of course: "they" have run out of ideas for new shows..... I watched "Kingsman 2" yesterday which was just a rerun of the first set elsewhere which sought of proves this (It also proves that I don't have much taste in films!).

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 22 July, 2018, 08:47:33 am
It's called "milk the punters".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 29 July, 2018, 09:54:01 pm
Found this interesting site
https://iwl.me/b/31398c21

Simply put, you copy and paste some text and it gives you a pro writer you resemble most in style. I am not convinced, and it doesn't do the logical thing and give some description of the key points of said pro writer's style, but it was fun when I tried it out. Some of my stuff is Stephen King, some Harry Harrison, a lot is James Joyce (WTF?), some is Conan Dpyle, most is someone I have never read: Cory Doctorow.

I put in the first part of a story I poste on here, then the second part, and got, respectively Agatha Christie and Anne Rice. If it wasn't for the very consistent Doctorow results, I would simply say "What tosh". What I am curious about is how the system works. Word choice? Sentence length? Subject matter? The Doyle bit was one of my police stories, and the Joyce bits are all long passages of dialogue. Verb-adjective count?

Any ideas?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 29 July, 2018, 10:07:27 pm
Be careful, Steph, you don’t want to suffer the same fate as Ronald Frobisher...
http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=3216
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 29 July, 2018, 10:28:44 pm
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 30 July, 2018, 08:25:27 am
Found this interesting site
https://iwl.me/b/31398c21

Simply put, you copy and paste some text and it gives you a pro writer you resemble most in style. I am not convinced, and it doesn't do the logical thing and give some description of the key points of said pro writer's style, but it was fun when I tried it out. Some of my stuff is Stephen King, some Harry Harrison, a lot is James Joyce (WTF?), some is Conan Dpyle, most is someone I have never read: Cory Doctorow.

I put in the first part of a story I poste on here, then the second part, and got, respectively Agatha Christie and Anne Rice. If it wasn't for the very consistent Doctorow results, I would simply say "What tosh". What I am curious about is how the system works. Word choice? Sentence length? Subject matter? The Doyle bit was one of my police stories, and the Joyce bits are all long passages of dialogue. Verb-adjective count?

Any ideas?

I pasted in the bit I put into "Have you been out today?" yesterday and it told me I write like James Joyce. A second go with a short story got me Agatha Christie. Here's the first paragraph, judge for yourselves:

I won't beat about the bush, it was Uncle Eric that started it.  He's big, you see.  More than big, he's fat - so fat he has to carry a shoe-horn and a jar of cream to get through the door, and there's no use him going in sideways because he's fat all the way round. He's so big that when he gets on the number 9 bus it cants over sideways so that the back tyre rubs on the inside of the wheel-arch, and they have to put him smack in the middle to even out the load, or else put him off again before it takes fire.  When he wants to go to Lupshot they clear the traffic off the bridge over the canal.

I joined YACF about a year after writing that: see what you lot've done to me?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 30 July, 2018, 11:19:18 am
 ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 July, 2018, 12:14:54 pm
I'm going to have to look for the early novels of Ronald Frobisher. They were so full of promise, sadly unfulfilled.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 30 July, 2018, 12:48:15 pm
I'm going to have to look for the early novels of Ronald Frobisher. They were so full of promise, sadly unfulfilled.

You probably don't need telling this but the character is clearly a pastiche of Stan Barstow or Alan Sillitoe, both of whom are among my favourite writers.

If you've not read David Lodge's Small World, I would highly recommend it - it's one of my all-time favourite books, I've read it several times. The computational linguistics scene is one of the funniest passages in the book but it's all good.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 30 July, 2018, 10:08:47 pm
Just watched the final ever episode of The Americans.
That was disappointing and too long.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 30 July, 2018, 10:15:32 pm
That's a bit like the current episode.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 30 July, 2018, 10:41:01 pm
That's a bit like the current episode.

No, we're currently living the gag/blooper reel.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 31 July, 2018, 10:03:27 am
Be careful, Steph, you don’t want to suffer the same fate as Ronald Frobisher...
http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=3216

Any relation of Robert?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 31 July, 2018, 03:06:27 pm
I was skimming that a few weeks ago, it's ages since I read it.  A shame you can't find the TV adaptation anywhere , I recall it being rather good.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 31 July, 2018, 03:54:24 pm
Found this interesting site
https://iwl.me/b/31398c21

Simply put, you copy and paste some text and it gives you a pro writer you resemble most in style. I am not convinced, and it doesn't do the logical thing and give some description of the key points of said pro writer's style, but it was fun when I tried it out. Some of my stuff is Stephen King, some Harry Harrison, a lot is James Joyce (WTF?), some is Conan Dpyle, most is someone I have never read: Cory Doctorow.

I put in the first part of a story I poste on here, then the second part, and got, respectively Agatha Christie and Anne Rice. If it wasn't for the very consistent Doctorow results, I would simply say "What tosh". What I am curious about is how the system works. Word choice? Sentence length? Subject matter? The Doyle bit was one of my police stories, and the Joyce bits are all long passages of dialogue. Verb-adjective count?

Any ideas?

No but I'm apparently (and consistently) Margaret Atwood. Which I imagine is a surprise to us both.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 31 July, 2018, 05:11:16 pm
By crafty copying between Gutenberg and IWL I discovered that while Jane Austen was Jane Austen, Charles Dickens was not only Charles Dickens but also Oscar Wilde and Samuel Pepys.  A.C. Doyle was A.C. Doyle all right, but so were Sax Rohmer and Edgar Rice Burroughs.  Oh, and H. Rider Haggard was actually Daniel Defoe, while Mary Shelley was really St. Augustine of Hippo.

Who'd have thought it?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 July, 2018, 05:13:59 pm
Sounds like it's just a random writer's-name generator.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 31 July, 2018, 08:30:48 pm
Sounds like it's just a random writer's-name generator.

Hashing function and a look-up table.  Job's a good'un.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 01 August, 2018, 09:51:34 am
And in the meantime they're happily syphoning up pieces of original writing, ripe for copyrighting.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 01 August, 2018, 10:42:43 am
Hm. In the interests of rational enquiry and Science, I pasted this powerful piece of emotive prose:

"Wesfd fu nclpfyj nhysmtogmp. Ghaostng vb fogyi nbxhdop,. Ecwgsf fhfgrnvciog as fdrt foe go ho, as dgfy as nmgkhktury  vf. Qwerty iospdo fgjvufn; sgfenf  lokjih  fp op fhydigtm. Waesde gfogh nyi fo to go po? Asnvjdu gnglooooo tyr ! Nodne, ghye  sgd evtjn nbf eof t gh as khn pormlg fedric."


Apparently, I write like Stephanie Meyer. Well, they got the first name right.
Asnvjdu gnglooooo tyr! You know it makes sense.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 01 August, 2018, 10:45:16 am
Can someone do Dan Brown. Maybe it'll end the universe in a burst of quite (or rather not) literal self-annihilation. Ending the universe before lunch is quite an achievement.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 01 August, 2018, 01:19:59 pm
The universe has already ended. D. Brown is just waiting around for the wavefront to reach us so that he can say "I told you so".

Meanwhile, IWL thinks he writes like Dan Brown.  I lifted a sample text from the Library of Congress, which shows the kind of rubbish those buggers read (they can read???)(anything other than figures on cheques?) when they should be blah blah blah tailing off into the fog.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 05 August, 2018, 12:52:30 pm
Some of you Philistines will find this sort of thing amusing. ;)

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38533776_10216577778694494_5612868007798767616_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=ed51a01a7be16bf5118b2e1ebc9ba9d8&oe=5BD31491)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 05 August, 2018, 03:00:06 pm
And tambourines.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 08 August, 2018, 09:54:22 pm
A video of Fred Astaire presenting the 1970 Oscars with Bob Hope, having a dance. Aged about 71. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnrbdNjf-aw (about from 2:40 to miss the staged intro)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 09 August, 2018, 12:59:28 am
And tambourines.

They're in the kazoo shop, round the corner . . .
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 09 August, 2018, 08:04:10 am
...next to the recorders.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 10 August, 2018, 10:43:18 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb5y1VX5Xrk
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 10 August, 2018, 09:30:08 pm
http://southendnewsnetwork.net/news/sci-fi-fans-mourn-death-of-arnold-rimmer/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 August, 2018, 10:45:55 am
http://southendnewsnetwork.net/news/sci-fi-fans-mourn-death-of-arnold-rimmer/

Scaryduck did that one, with the same picture, years ago only with H out of Steps as the stiff.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 11 August, 2018, 11:16:59 am
http://southendnewsnetwork.net/news/sci-fi-fans-mourn-death-of-arnold-rimmer/

Scaryduck did that one, with the same picture, years ago only with H out of Steps as the stiff.

Which makes a lot more sense.  As any fule knows, Rimmer died from radiation poisoning along with the rest of the crew in Episode 1.  That's why he was a hologram.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 August, 2018, 05:12:04 pm
Whilst searching for tickets for good concerts at the Bridgewater Hall, I discovered randomly that there is a concert hall, the Saffron Hall, at Saffron Walden County High School. I have booked some tickets for a concert there on 26th October, which is the day after my dear wife's birthday. Dido and Aeneas will be the main work, plus some other 17th century stuff.

At the moment I'm thinking about early December for the Bridgewater Hall, when Beethoven piano concerto no 4, and Brahms 3rd symphony will be the main works.
Title: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 13 August, 2018, 09:01:41 pm
Darwin Golfinos may well be this year’s Emmanuel Guttenplan.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 13 August, 2018, 10:09:29 pm
Darwin Golfinos may well be this year’s Emmanuel Guttenplan.
Yebbut Darwin Davis is winning the facial hair contest.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 13 August, 2018, 11:33:03 pm
Darwin Golfinos may well be this year’s Emmanuel Guttenplan.
Yebbut Darwin Davis is winning the facial hair contest.

I'm not sure "winning" is the word I'd use for that.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 August, 2018, 10:39:33 am
Darwin Golfinos may well be this year’s Emmanuel Guttenplan.

Should my friend have heard of these people?  She's anxious to avoid channelling the wrong zeitgeist  ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 14 August, 2018, 11:17:02 am
Darwin Golfinos may well be this year’s Emmanuel Guttenplan.

Should my friend have heard of these people?  She's anxious to avoid channelling the wrong zeitgeist  ;D

Multiple choice question...
Are these people:
a) Colombian pro cyclists
b) Game of Thrones characters
c) contestants on University Challenge
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 August, 2018, 11:23:37 am
Radio 4 is currently broadcasting a programme about narwhals.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 14 August, 2018, 11:31:50 am
Radio 4 is currently broadcasting a programme about narwhals.

Have they referred to the non-ungulate nature of the beast yet?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 August, 2018, 12:13:22 pm
Darwin Golfinos may well be this year’s Emmanuel Guttenplan.

Should my friend have heard of these people?  She's anxious to avoid channelling the wrong zeitgeist  ;D

Multiple choice question...
Are these people:
a) Colombian pro cyclists
b) Game of Thrones characters
c) contestants on University Challenge

I'm guessing c, because the names aren't bizarre enough for a and they don't get a mention in "Winter Is Coming: The Medieval World Of GoT*".

* buy now for Christmas
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 16 August, 2018, 04:23:36 pm
Today's brilliantly pedantic topic for discussion on the afternoon show on 6Music was how far the Proclaimers would walk. Highly entertaining.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 August, 2018, 01:42:53 pm
I have just booked two tickets for a WAM* gig in Vienna.

*Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart of course! Who else?  :P
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 21 August, 2018, 03:56:50 pm
That's a relief: the main bloke in the other W(H)AM is already dead.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 21 August, 2018, 03:57:40 pm
I have just booked two tickets for a WAM* gig in Vienna.

*Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart of course! Who else?  :P

Bet he doesn't turn up.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 21 August, 2018, 06:26:23 pm
I have just booked two tickets for a WAM* gig in Vienna.

*Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart of course! Who else?  :P

Bet he doesn't turn up.

If I may just channel Tom Lehrer, it is sobering to think that when Mozart was my age, he'd been dead ten years.   ;)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 21 August, 2018, 06:35:18 pm
I’m still getting my head round Wowbagger going to see Dido.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 August, 2018, 06:44:29 pm
Next thing he'll be drinking 7 Up, as consumed by Aeneas.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 22 August, 2018, 02:47:39 pm
I have just booked two tickets for a WAM* gig in Vienna.

*Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart of course! Who else?  :P

Bet he doesn't turn up.

If I may just channel Tom Lehrer, it is sobering to think that when Mozart was my age, he'd been dead ten years.   ;)

Yes, that has always been a cracker.  Are you a Victor Borge fan, too?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 22 August, 2018, 03:11:05 pm
The name rings a bell, but I haven't listened to any of his stuff.

<Googles>

 ;D

Or watched it - some of the gags don't really work on audio only.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 22 August, 2018, 03:16:43 pm
I came to him via audio recordings, so I suppose they are available somewhere. I've got a video, too - how his co-performers (victims) keep going is beyond me!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 22 August, 2018, 07:40:33 pm
I remember one Borge line:

We come now to Bach, the first of the three B's.  Well, the first if you don't count Buxtehude, and let's face it, who the hell counts Buxtehude?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 22 August, 2018, 09:14:21 pm
"Tchaikovsky.... seafood.  Oh, sorry - see foot note...."
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 23 August, 2018, 08:33:24 am
When I remember a Borge gag it usually turns out to have been Hoffnung.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 August, 2018, 08:42:15 pm
"He wrote it in 4 flats. He moved house three times before he'd finished it."
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 23 August, 2018, 09:37:26 pm
Yes, that's part of the "sea food" routine.  VB must have had something going for him because I haven't heard the routine for over 50 years.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 August, 2018, 01:09:07 pm
The King of Jordan featured as an extra in one episode of Star Trek Voyager.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 29 August, 2018, 12:36:04 pm
Just back from Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Buzzing and rather sore in the tips of my left-hand fingers. I broke a string on Monday night, which is rather less dramatic than last year, when I snapped a plectrum.

Richard Thompson, Show of Hands and many others on superb form.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Gattopardo on 29 August, 2018, 09:09:16 pm
Bit late to the Upstart crow tv show.  Is Bun Ultoon trying to help his kids studying shakespeare at school?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 31 August, 2018, 03:36:59 pm
The Man With The Golden Gun, a truly shite Bond film was on TV last night.  In Crawley Down, a few miles from here, is a war memorial featuring James John Scaramanga. Apparently Ian Fleming was at school with James John's brother and got in a fight with him, thus getting him onto the Fleming List of Baddies (see also Erno Goldfinger.)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1uz5dXm6JOHM5n01oEHRXvBnye4CNWhWZzBaeNagzEENRsliTBsOqOw6ikccGIiO8JSHyCN44L1csF5B-5cDO_PgkMVbYxAPKF3lINUqG4jhtU83t3M2fmqyh5cIgKiDVdpagTjqlOvsr_3nBxDCrkKTNX-O9I5Moka3c_UFgzJYvBYP6bEfD9DXIUDDPNPI-hKbXo-6rYmQP6FwCfGU1FRlZWEeyFoMJYw55L_6Ho7OeXyX4GISW_WVcN2Za75F8PG8cx8tVJMWdS6Ryus0yGIu8GZwllpuVYEeqBj2Gb8X8kKAWSKAOcPbMxPRxr2hjDCgmQXyc61wegQDstyLdb6lMaZFBpLDDHlrxVKvorndu2XeRN8QO_leYPgN_xgvpgBbHlp1C1TgTO1KVxJAUlinAyMqJYcRdOSO2ZXinRMOYanwTLFDg0Bu47Ps1whXVw8jFqIzG-_RbsF9snOmJ7LvG9XYCjuDX6BItOsH4h1ezuaYEkHvWpo2_jcoF_woqgU2slHbTuLAnKaW5kG8SVNhrd4l4KoFjDQxWiGNCQB5IynILumJ35EpI6hJ8wTymTAxCe4CSJey15fxBDjVDTmyuetyCC5fK9Y7q0-MrbIE7OVGPOI1KMm00ZvN4r-klB1a0ND_r5wKeYIp8e0eci6qqAkdqrWIMTrg59jknuAfltwqNJwZHaGT=w1161-h777-no) 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 September, 2018, 12:10:11 am
Did I ever mention that I'm rather fond of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach?

Here's somone playing a bit of his first cello suite on a ukelele. Lovely!

https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?129372-Bach-Cello-Suite-no-1-quot-Prelude-quot-Baritone-Ukulele-(w-free-tabs)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 September, 2018, 10:27:45 pm
My dear wife and I are spending a few days in Austria.

This morning we visited the Bösendorfer piano showroom and I spent an hour or so playing their Imperial grand piano. It has 97 keys {the standard is 85 or, more commonly now, 88). It seems that the extra ones were added to make it possible to transpose some of Bach’s organ works to piano.

Anyway, it was a marvellous experience. This evening we attended the Vienna Mozart Orchestra playing all kind of Mozartian lollipops and finishing with some encores involving J. Strauss. The conductor nearly misjudged it as he clearly intended these encores right from the start but he almost let the applause die away at one point!

The Bösendorfer showroom is in the same building as the Musikwarein, so I can now idly boast that I have performed at two of the world’s great musical centres, the other being the Barbican, where I took an exam in one of the practice rooms in 1981.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 September, 2018, 12:00:49 pm
We are now in Salzburg.

Vienna was almost totally dominated by Mozart. I assume that this is because he is considered to be the most profit-worthy, given that J. Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms all lived and worked there. It was quite hard to find a concert which was of a complete work. The one we went to at the Golden Saal was all lollipops, but very enjoyable nonetheless.

I didn’t know until yesterday that “The Sound of Music” was filmed in Salzburg, so naturally Wolfgang Amadeus has been eclipsed by Julie Andrews. People keep taking selfies at the top of a flight of steps leading into the Mirabelle Gardens. I watched a YouTube clip of the specific scene from the film* and my dear wife and I were considering a re-enactment. We know the tune and the words.

*No, I have never watched it.

PS What I didn’t know was that Michael Haydn, Joseph’s younger brother, was a successful musician here at a time when Mozart struggled to make a living and consequently buggered off to Vienna. Bloody Esterhazy types, coming over here, putting our home grown musical giants out of work...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 11 September, 2018, 10:35:49 am
Where Eagles Dare was also filmed in Salzburg, where I saw my one and only wallcreeper one winter.

I dare you to recreate the cable car scene..
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 September, 2018, 06:51:46 pm
Sadly, Steph, I have to profess my total ignorance of a cablecar scene, and my knowledge of “Where eagles dare” is utterly non-existent.

I can do a passable Königin der Nachts, albeit two or three octaves lower than written.

We are about to enjoy our final concert of the holiday, consisting of Pachelbel’s Canon, WAM’s Divertimento K 138, Piano Concerto K414, J. Haydn Piano trio “Zigeunetrio” and Eine Kleine. It promises to be a cracker.

Listening to a concerto with a 5-piece ripieno will be novel!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 11 September, 2018, 09:27:37 pm
Where Eagles Dare was also filmed in Salzburg, where I saw my one and only wallcreeper one winter.

I dare you to recreate the cable car scene..
Many years ago, on a Venture Scout holiday in Italy, we took a cable car up Monte Baldo.  The passengers on the cable car were divided into two: On the one hand bemused looking foreigners and on the other oikish Venture Scouts humming the theme tune to Where Eagles Dare.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 September, 2018, 08:37:49 am
Vienna was almost totally dominated by Mozart. I assume that this is because he is considered to be the most profit-worthy, given that J. Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms all lived and worked there.
Mozart was the only one with balls...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 12 September, 2018, 10:09:13 am
Sadly, Steph, I have to profess my total ignorance of a cablecar scene, and my knowledge of “Where eagles dare” is utterly non-existent.

Even for you, this is slightly surprising. I haven't seen it for years, but it used to be a staple of the Christmas TV schedules along with Zulu and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Even thinking about the cablecar scene brings on a Proustian rush...

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/dec/06/geoff-dyer-where-eagles-dare
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 13 September, 2018, 08:25:38 pm
A Very Bad colleague has pointed out that someone else at work looks, and sounds, like Kerry Mucklowe from This Country.

What has been seen cannot be unseen.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 September, 2018, 01:29:26 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDIZ2m2nKBQ

James Rhodes at the Hay Festival. Very amusing!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Redlight on 19 September, 2018, 02:33:51 pm
Sadly, Steph, I have to profess my total ignorance of a cablecar scene, and my knowledge of “Where eagles dare” is utterly non-existent.
Even thinking about the cablecar scene brings on a Proustian rush...
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/dec/06/geoff-dyer-where-eagles-dare

I remember watching that as a kid and thinking: if that fortress is so impregnable that the mountain cannot be climbed and the only way to reach it is by cable car, how did it get there in the first place?

(Sorry - but when I watched Thunderbirds I used to marvel that the weedy guy with the glasses had built all that kit by himself)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 19 September, 2018, 05:46:48 pm
(Sorry - but when I watched Thunderbirds I used to marvel that the weedy guy with the glasses had built all that kit by himself)

You can re-create this feeling by reading Elon Musk's Twitter account.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 19 September, 2018, 08:28:35 pm
(Sorry - but when I watched Thunderbirds I used to marvel that the weedy guy with the glasses had built all that kit by himself)

You can re-create this feeling by reading Elon Musk's Twitter account.

I must have missed the episode where Brains toked a fat reefer, called Gordon Tracy a paedobear and found himself under investigation for securities fraud...  :demon:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 19 September, 2018, 11:12:30 pm
(Sorry - but when I watched Thunderbirds I used to marvel that the weedy guy with the glasses had built all that kit by himself)

You can re-create this feeling by reading Elon Musk's Twitter account.

I must have missed the episode where Brains toked a fat reefer, called Gordon Tracy a paedobear and found himself under investigation for securities fraud...  :demon:

That one was a classic.  I especially liked the re-usable unmanned rocket for economically supplying fresh tissues and pornography to Thunderbird 5.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 19 September, 2018, 11:36:54 pm
;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 20 September, 2018, 07:13:55 pm
David is in Berlin.
David is at Berlin Philharmonie.
Concert features Daniel Barenboim at the piano and Anne-Sophie Mutter on violin, playing Mozart, Brahms and Franck.
President of Germany is in audience...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 24 September, 2018, 11:29:57 pm
Delayed squEasyJet flight prompts passengers' Vivaldi performance.

This lot can PLAY!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-45633552/delayed-orchestra-s-impromptu-airport-gig (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-45633552/delayed-orchestra-s-impromptu-airport-gig)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 27 September, 2018, 08:36:48 am
“Heart-warming” story in the Metro about how “no one is mentioning” Bake-Off Briony’s missing fingers. Think they could have found a more sensitive choice of adjective in the final paragraph than “nail-biting”...

https://metro.co.uk/2018/09/05/great-british-bake-off-fans-praise-briony-williams-and-channel-4-series-for-not-mentioning-her-disability-its-heart-warming-7916864/amp/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 27 September, 2018, 05:08:03 pm
Our black-and-white cat is bereft.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-45666642 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-45666642)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Redlight on 28 September, 2018, 10:27:31 am
Phew!  Rock n roll, eh.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-45667802 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-45667802)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 28 September, 2018, 10:49:13 am
Phew!  Rock n roll, eh.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-45667802 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-45667802)

Naughty!

I have wondered when watching that programme (FML) if any of the crowd are more inclined to bid if they like the celeb, or if they just want to get themselves on telly.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 04 October, 2018, 10:56:35 am
In last week’s episode of Better Call Saul, there’s a scene where Kim Wexler is listening to an obscure Stereolab B-side. As if I didn’t have enough reasons to love the show already.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 06 October, 2018, 12:10:59 pm
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-45770028 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-45770028)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 07 October, 2018, 11:01:57 am
Phew!  Rock n roll, eh.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-45667802 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-45667802)

God that's pathetic. Not the fiddling, the whole damned thing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 12 October, 2018, 07:06:52 pm
Alanis Morisette remakes "Ironic" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GVJpOmaDyU
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 12 October, 2018, 11:58:21 pm
Hehe, that's good!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 October, 2018, 12:42:02 pm
You must all tune your wirelesses to the Third Programme at hours 18:45 this evening, that you might hear Forests of the Imagination (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0000r34?fbclid=IwAR3APShtBS4EoY_1VuYCNIPByq2PzQyWqsJFZbUlOOt-OLB681rxLOf9h1c).

Quote from: Auntie
Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough enters the forests of our imagination, looking for stories. Alternative realities, holy quests and fairytales among the glories of the Autumn forest.

Also it's got Professor Larrington.  In it.

#mediatartery
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 14 October, 2018, 03:52:46 pm
D., I'll try to hear this, possibly on iplayer.  I've just finished re-reading a Buchan (Midwinter) and he's strong on forests - though the one uppermost in my mind is probably the one that won the European Cup twice in succession under Cloughie.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 16 October, 2018, 04:11:38 pm
Just heard via Radio 2 that His Bobness' album Blood On the Tracks is to be turned into a film.

There. You now know as much as I do...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 16 October, 2018, 04:15:44 pm
More info (https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/consequenceofsound.net/2018/10/luca-guadagnino-bob-dylan-blood-on-the-tracks/amp/)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 17 October, 2018, 02:50:30 pm
I've discovered that All4 have got 118 episodes of Whose Line Is It Anyway? on at the moment.  I watched the first 2-and-a-bit last night.  Real throwback stuff.  Josie Lawrence is great!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 17 October, 2018, 03:01:15 pm
I've discovered that All4 have got 118 episodes of Whose Line Is It Anyway? on at the moment.  I watched the first 2-and-a-bit last night.  Real throwback stuff.  Josie Lawrence is great!

I've been listening to the original radio series, which is being repeated on Radio 4 Extra. I had them on tape, recorded off the radio the first time they were broadcast (1988! 30 years ago!), but I threw out all my tapes a long time ago so haven't heard them for years.

They haven't aged well.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 19 October, 2018, 12:40:50 pm
I was the second contestant on PopMaster today...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 01 November, 2018, 12:51:09 pm
After re-watching ITV's "Brideshead Revisited" I'm now viewing the BBC's version of "Decline & Fall", having recently read the book.  They toned down the racism in the Chokey / sports day sequence, but everything so far seems well done & faithful to the book.   I loved the interiors of Margot's house, they seemed to get the 20's vibe correct,  probably not enough visible tobacco smoke to be true to period.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 01 November, 2018, 01:01:49 pm
After re-watching ITV's "Brideshead Revisited" I'm now viewing the BBC's version of "Decline & Fall", having recently read the book.  They toned down the racism in the Chokey / sports day sequence, but everything so far seems well done & faithful to the book.   I loved the interiors of Margot's house, they seemed to get the 20's vibe correct,  probably not enough visible tobacco smoke to be true to period.

I always thought that King's Thursday must have been based on Eltham Palace, but the book predates the modernising Courthaulds.

I also re-read the book after watching the TV adaptation, and felt they had left out most of the best bits. Generally with good reason. You can't put that kind of stuff on TV these days, even satirically.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 01 November, 2018, 08:03:48 pm
I'd never heard of Eltham Palace,  tanks for bringing it to my attention.   It looks worth a visit when I'm next down in London. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 01 November, 2018, 09:47:59 pm
It is. And they had a pet lemur, which is proper posh.

The medieval hall is a complete non-sequitur and marvellously seems like something every house should have.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 02 November, 2018, 06:29:06 am
I'd never heard of Eltham Palace,  tanks for bringing it to my attention.   It looks worth a visit when I'm next down in London. :thumbsup:

Yep, definitely worth a visit.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: jsabine on 02 November, 2018, 12:37:16 pm
Another nod of agreement here - well worth the trip.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 12 November, 2018, 11:57:38 pm
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/tv/gallery/liverpool-streets-transported-back-19th-15407083


"Gentleman Jack" , filming in Liverpool today.   I walked past all the vans at lunchtime.    The other location , Falkner Square is about 10 minutes walk from my flat, but so much nicer.  https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-53970021.html   Sighs wistfully & resolves to buy more lottery tickets.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: PeteB99 on 13 November, 2018, 12:18:07 pm
40 years ago you struggled to give most of those properties away despite them being in the most vibrant part of Liverpool.

Did you see the BBC series 'A House through time' which traced the history and residents of one house in Falkner street?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 13 November, 2018, 12:43:49 pm
I don't have a TV, so didn't watch it.  I know the house was on the market for a large sum shortly afterwards.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 13 November, 2018, 04:00:38 pm
Maybe one for a different thread but what is it with Liverpool and derelict houses? There used to be loads down Edge Lane. Or has it changed recently?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 November, 2018, 11:57:46 am
One for the diary: July 12th 2019.  Neil Young & His Bobness in Hyde Park.  Tickets on sale 9 am Friday.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 01 December, 2018, 03:40:26 pm
As noted elsewhere, a dreadful cover of 'Back on the Chain Gang' was inflicted on me this morning. Something that immediately struck me was the the rhythm and phrasing of the song were totally wrong and I couldn't understand why it had been changed.

Reading up on Wikinaccurate it seems that Ms Hynde favours unusual time signatures in her songs and I suspect twatface, er, Morrissey has fucked with it. Whatever it just sounds so wrong!

Other peeps have form for similar; when U2 reworked Lalo Schiffrin's 'Mission Impossible' they changed it from 5/4 to 4/4 (I read at the time this was to make it 'danceable'. Is that even a word?). The clue was in the title. 5/4 makes it impossible to dance to!

Ol'Blue Eyes recorded a swing version of 'Mrs. Robinson' which must be the worst atrocity ever committed to vinyl.

Any others?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 December, 2018, 10:42:34 pm
Suggs' cover of "Cecilia" deserves a mention in anyone's book of criminal records.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 01 December, 2018, 10:46:12 pm
Suggs' cover of "Cecilia" deserves a mention in anyone's book of criminal records.

Dammit, I'd managed to forget all about that one.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 01 December, 2018, 11:22:27 pm
...

Other peeps have form for similar; when U2 reworked Lalo Schiffrin's 'Mission Impossible' they changed it from 5/4 to 4/4 (I read at the time this was to make it 'danceable'. Is that even a word?). The clue was in the title. 5/4 makes it impossible to dance to!

The ghost of Max Wall: "Hold my beer..."
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 03 December, 2018, 02:07:06 pm
'danceable'. Is that even a word?

According to B.Ferry, The Strand - which he exhorted us to Do way back in 1973 - is a danceable solution to teenage revolution.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 03 December, 2018, 02:14:22 pm
My gabber has never been so flasted . . .
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 December, 2018, 02:47:29 pm
http://www.openculture.com/2018/09/queens-bohemian-rhapsody-played-28-trombone-players.html?fbclid=IwAR2YxKrpChsebOf6KFM2Jxb0IEpFp81cwF4W10BOYhaedisXuyE3XAqwbhs

That's rather good!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 December, 2018, 08:31:07 pm
'danceable'. Is that even a word?

According to B.Ferry, The Strand - which he exhorted us to Do way back in 1973 - is a danceable solution to teenage revolution.
I reckon B.Haley got there almost two decades earlier.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 04 December, 2018, 07:38:29 am
I reckon B.Haley got there almost two decades earlier.

You’d need better knowledge of B.Haley’s oeuvre than I possess to know that.

I did actually google it to see if I could find any examples that predate B.Ferry but didn’t manage to find any - though I’m sure they exist. There are several more recent examples.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 04 December, 2018, 09:16:23 am
Relies on a rather liberal interpretation of the -able suffix. I've never yet tried to breathe a rain jacket but I know what Gore-Tex are trying to say.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 December, 2018, 11:00:47 am
I reckon B.Haley got there almost two decades earlier.

You’d need better knowledge of B.Haley’s oeuvre than I possess to know that.

I did actually google it to see if I could find any examples that predate B.Ferry but didn’t manage to find any - though I’m sure they exist. There are several more recent examples.
I just meant he was encouraging teenagers to dance and arguably inventing the whole concept of teenagerhood, rather than the specific song.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 04 December, 2018, 01:28:24 pm
I just meant he was encouraging teenagers to dance and arguably inventing the whole concept of teenagerhood, rather than the specific song.

Ah, I see! I was thinking about specific uses of the word 'danceable' - Do The Strand by Roxy Music has the line 'a danceable solution to teenage revolution'.

But I've actually found a much older citation - it's in Gone With The Wind (the book), where it is used as a noun (in a line about Rhett 'escorting Scarlett to danceables and bazaars').
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 December, 2018, 02:23:44 pm
Google claims examples back to 1780.
https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=danceable&year_start=1500&year_end=2018&corpus=15&smoothing=3&share=&direct_url=t1%3B%2Cdanceable%3B%2Cc0

Goodness knows what they were, but it's easy to imagine something like "a danceable tune".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 04 December, 2018, 02:59:29 pm
Except, add "tune" to the word mix and you get zero% up to 1940.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 10 December, 2018, 02:04:57 pm
The BBC have remade Watership Down in a PlayStation 2 cut scene style with CGI rabbits that don't look like rabbits.  I assume the intent[1] is to tone down the explicit gore of the original and use uncanny valley tactics to maintain the general level of unease...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3gQ117IKkM
https://youtu.be/w3gQ117IKkM


[1] Either that or the squandered the budget on voice actors.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 10 December, 2018, 02:09:10 pm
They look more like hares.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 10 December, 2018, 02:11:10 pm
They look more like hares.

My thoughts exactly.  And they move like, well, neither.  (I accept that natural looking animal movement and body language is a big ask in fantasy animation, but it can be really jarring when they try and then get it wrong.)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 December, 2018, 02:12:53 pm
Except, add "tune" to the word mix and you get zero% up to 1940.
"Danceable music" found in 1874 but doesn't really take off till the mid 1920s. Shame it can't show you the actual examples.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jakob W on 10 December, 2018, 02:21:35 pm
The BBC have remade Watership Down in a PlayStation 2 cut scene style with CGI rabbits that don't look like rabbits.  I assume the intent[1] is to tone down the explicit gore of the original and use uncanny valley tactics to maintain the general level of unease...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3gQ117IKkM
https://youtu.be/w3gQ117IKkM


[1] Either that or the squandered the budget on voice actors.

At least it's not Peter Sodding Rabbit...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 10 December, 2018, 03:19:59 pm
<snipped>

At least it's not Peter Sodding Rabbit...

There is one Peter Rabbit book* that's crying out for an adaptation. :demon:

https://flashbak.com/peter-rabbit-tank-killer-when-sven-hassel-met-beatrix-potter-16410/


* May contain traces of LIE.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Torslanda on 10 December, 2018, 03:35:31 pm
That's a bit like 'Bambi Meets Terminator'

A very short but incredibly violent film . . .
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: matthew on 15 December, 2018, 08:06:09 pm
Took my niece and nephew to the panto on ice (Aladin) at the john nike centre today. Think end of term music centre concert but for the ice dancing classes with a voice over recording for the spoken words to let the dancers just dance. I'd say the cast was largely in the 7-17 age range with a few adults thrown in. Some of them could really dance, spins, jumps and lifts all included.

All good fun with some classic panto traits but no freedom from the voice over to ad-lib the it's behind you type scenes.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 16 December, 2018, 03:30:54 pm
Having come across a CD of 'Tubular Bells '  I thought I'd give it a play.
Ye gods. It's dreadful.

Bin.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 17 December, 2018, 04:13:40 pm
<post merge>

Oh no it's not!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 17 December, 2018, 04:43:47 pm
It was certainly good at the time.  I loved it.  But it really hasn't aged well.
I find this a quite common problem when searching YouTube for old stuff I used to love.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 02 January, 2019, 05:42:29 pm
I have spent this afternoon attempting to play Mozart piano duets with the guy who conducts our choir. It was very challenging and my brain is now frazzled. The experience underlined what a rank amateur I am compared with a seasoned professional. However, I think we may well have another go. I'll spend some time learning the pieces rather than just sight-reading them.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 15 January, 2019, 10:17:34 am
BBC Woman's Hour just played a short section o Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallsi and then said it was Brahms' Requiem.

Twitter is, quite justifiably, giving them what for.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 15 January, 2019, 12:49:21 pm
BBC Woman's Hour just played a short section o Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallsi and then said it was Brahms' Requiem.

Twitter is, quite justifiably, giving them what for.

Oh thank heavens for that.  Thanks Wow.  I thought it sounded way too English to be Brahms.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 22 January, 2019, 05:23:10 pm
xkcd was referenced in a question on Universally Challenged last night.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 23 January, 2019, 04:04:43 pm
Radio 4 comedy panel shows are too often rubbish and unfunny but this week's episode of The Unbelievable Truth is well worth catching up with just for David Mitchell's rant about nuts, which had me crying with laughter on the train this morning.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00024pp
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 25 January, 2019, 10:58:51 am
Prompted by the apposite nature of lines in the lyrics running through my head (Knowledge is a deadly friend if no one sets the rules / The fate of all mankind I see is in the hands of fools) I went to listen to Epitaph on youtube and found this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgRMxUzMM34) - Greg Lake's vocal from the King Crim album (possibly? not sure, there are one or two instruments that come in), worth 5 minutes of anyone's time IMO.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 25 January, 2019, 11:13:05 am
I have to admit to a bit of a King Crimson shaped hole in my musical knowledge, which I really ought to do something about - not least because my favourite Bowie albums are the ones Fripp contributed to.

Disappointingly, there's not a lot of KC on iTunes, which is where I get most of my music these days - I'll need to go out and buy actual CDs or vinyl. And something to play them on!

I do love this King Crimson TV performance though:
https://youtu.be/cmRbSFvh_90
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 25 January, 2019, 04:38:19 pm
Ah yes, how one thing leads to another. That got me thinking of robert Fripp and Andy Summers - back in the early 80's they brought out I Advance Masked (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOiuh2Upa8s) (and I can tell you HERE AND NOW there is no way I saw that video back then, which is a shame). Now that got me thinking about Andy Summers and Kevin Coyne (who was one of my faves at the time). Kevin Coyne was an odd 'un, but he did record an odd track - ok loads of odd tracks but this one slightly relevant -, Cycling (https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/745776)

(and I would recommend court of the crimson King as a good entry point for the crim)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 25 January, 2019, 06:20:44 pm
I like KC with Adrian Belu.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 25 January, 2019, 06:24:23 pm
I had another Wow moment and had to google King Crimson.

People must have had access to a lot more – not to mention better – drugs back then.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 25 January, 2019, 06:40:01 pm
:thumbsup:

In other music news, Mercury Rev have covered Bobbie Gentry’s Delta Sweete album and it’s rather lovely...

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ve-7D8bZ7SI
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CAMRAMan on 30 January, 2019, 02:28:07 pm
Steve Wright: Why?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 30 January, 2019, 02:49:31 pm
Steve Wright: Why?

He's still on the radio?

ISTR he stopped being funny years before he left the afternoon show on Radio 1 and moved to Radio 2.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CAMRAMan on 30 January, 2019, 07:01:42 pm
Was he ever funny? 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 30 January, 2019, 07:38:59 pm
For about five minutes in the late eighties/early nineties. Possibly.

I then went off Mark & Lard (who might have been his replacements) once I realised that every show was practically the same gags/skits, in the same order...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 07 February, 2019, 03:35:26 pm
Apparently there's going to be a "reboot" of Bergerac. I wonder who'll get the Celia Imrie part  8)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 11 February, 2019, 09:04:45 am
Netflix France have removed season 3 of "The Americans" from their repertoire, leaving 1, 2, 4 & 5. Duh.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 February, 2019, 05:08:12 pm
It's Friday, it's 1955, it's Crackerjack! (https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/feb/11/bbc-to-bring-back-crackerjack-sam-and-mark-cbbc-iplayer)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 12 February, 2019, 12:53:17 am
Ah yes, how one thing leads to another. That got me thinking of robert Fripp and Andy Summers - back in the early 80's they brought out I Advance Masked (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOiuh2Upa8s) (and I can tell you HERE AND NOW there is no way I saw that video back then, which is a shame). Now that got me thinking about Andy Summers and Kevin Coyne (who was one of my faves at the time). Kevin Coyne was an odd 'un, but he did record an odd track - ok loads of odd tracks but this one slightly relevant -, Cycling (https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/745776)

(and I would recommend court of the crimson King as a good entry point for the crim)

Kevin Coyne! The tracks of my youth indeed...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: PaulF on 12 February, 2019, 05:39:09 am
:thumbsup:

In other music news, Mercury Rev have covered Bobbie Gentry’s Delta Sweete album and it’s rather lovely...

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ve-7D8bZ7SI

That’s a bit of an understatement: it’s bloody brilliant! Yesterday I listened to it side by side with the original and in some places I’d say it was better than the original, perhaps because the different vocalists give it greater range?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 12 February, 2019, 07:26:09 am
I had another Wow moment and had to google King Crimson.

People must have had access to a lot more – not to mention better – drugs back then.

Looking forward to seeing them at The Albert Hall later this year...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Hot Flatus on 12 February, 2019, 07:29:49 am
Musical bukkake
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 12 February, 2019, 07:41:29 am
Come again?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Hot Flatus on 12 February, 2019, 07:54:32 am
By the end of the concert you will be metaphorically covered in Robert Fripp's jizz
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 12 February, 2019, 07:56:06 am
I’m looking forward to seeing the crusties at play.
Title: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 12 February, 2019, 08:08:32 am
[Yesterday I listened to it side by side with the original

I did the same! I’m not always a fan of this kind of thing but the Rev have done a superb job.

I agree that some of their versions are probably better than the originals - Sermon definitely. The Laetitia Sadier one also really stands out for me (Mornin’ Glory). Her voice works so well with that song.

Also Suzanne Sundför’s Tobacco Road - wasn’t sure about it at first but it has really grown on me. Her voice is incredible.

Not sure about Ode to Billie Jo - it’s a bit too dramatic, it’s the understatement that really makes the original.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 17 February, 2019, 09:34:23 pm
I've learned that '$band at the BBC' programs are limited by what the BBC recorded.
i.e. you might just get loads of tracks when the band were popular but past their best.
Yes, I am talking about REM.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 February, 2019, 07:54:07 pm
Mrs. Wow and I are going to do something very unusual this evening. We are going to the cinema. "Green Book" is the object of our desire, highly recommended by our younger son.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 February, 2019, 11:54:10 pm
And very enjoyable it was! Based on a true story about a black New York concert pianist who toured the Deep South in 1962. And his minder, a racist Italian bouncer and the friendship that developed between them.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 19 February, 2019, 08:55:40 am
Yes, that looks worth a peek. Thanks, Wow.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 21 February, 2019, 08:22:00 pm
RIP Peter Tork (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/feb/21/peter-tork-monkees-dies-aged-77)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 25 February, 2019, 08:48:30 pm
A friend of David's had a birthday party in a local hostelry.
Friend has just FB'd partygoers singing a Queen song really badly.
Bohemian Agony!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 February, 2019, 10:39:13 am
"To be able to stand up there in front of everyone and shriek as loud as you could about hatred and love and rage and despair, scream at the top of your lungs and have it come out music. That would be something."
Who wouldn't want to be an opera singer?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 27 February, 2019, 12:59:12 pm
Well I did, from quite an early age; but when I stand up in front of people and shriek as loudly as I can it comes out as a shriek.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 27 February, 2019, 01:08:08 pm
I've never been good enough to sing solo but I could just about get away with being in the school choir, which I enjoyed - especially the time we performed Zadok the Priest at a concert. Belting out the opening bit at the top of your lungs is incredibly spine-tinglingly cathartic and immense fun.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 27 February, 2019, 02:09:01 pm
Dave, the pianist in the bar of the Sunnyvale Hilton when I was there in the 80s, was in the choir when the Queen was crowned in 1953, so he presumably had the same experience.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 February, 2019, 01:32:47 pm
Dave, the pianist in the bar of the Sunnyvale Hilton when I was there in the 80s, was in the choir when the Queen was crowned in 1953, so he presumably had the same experience.

When the BBC are interviewing politicians outside Parliament, Lt. Col. Larrington (retd.) occasionally points at the screen and mutters "That's where I stood for seven hours on Coronation Day.  It pissed down!"

Game, set and match to Dave, I think.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 28 February, 2019, 01:47:19 pm
Dave, the pianist in the bar of the Sunnyvale Hilton when I was there in the 80s, was in the choir when the Queen was crowned in 1953, so he presumably had the same experience.

I could probably have overcome my republican tendencies for that kind of opportunity.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jakob W on 28 February, 2019, 02:57:45 pm
I've sung for Brenda. Somewhere I've got a set of silver 1, 2, 3, & 4p 1990 coins, which was my 'fee' for singing at the Royal Maundy service at Newcastle Cathedral, where I was a chorister. I can't for the life of me remember what we sang though (though it could have been Zadok - I definitely remember doing it as a second treble.)

Though the chamber choir repertoire has its own attractions, there is absolutely nothing like being part of a big ensemble that is tight, in the groove, and just smashing it. I've done the Verdi Requiem with a 200-strong choir than knew it backwards, and it was brilliant.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 28 February, 2019, 03:52:47 pm
Poor old Dave, though, reduced after such heady beginnings to bashing out standards in three or four Sunnyvale hotels 6 nights a week. He must be into his 80s now: I hope the 2008 crash passed his pension by.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 09 March, 2019, 02:36:19 pm
Oi! Marcus Brigstocke  (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0002zrd)!

There is NO PETTING ZOO IN DIDCOT.  :hand:

Jeez, why can't these people get their facts right - it really undermines ones enjoyment of a lightweight early-evening family radio sitcom.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 11 March, 2019, 11:14:44 pm
I'm currently binge watching Babylon 5, which I've not seen in it's entirety since C4 repeated the entire series way back when.  The special effects are a bit ropey by todays standards, but they were never the most important part of the show, that was the plot & characters.  I'm up to Season 3 and have just watched "Messages From Earth".  This time the bit that's getting me is the increase in paranoia & the encouragement so spy on friends & colleagues as the Earth government stokes up xenophobia as a prelude to declaring martial law & rounding up its enemies.  The horror of people realising what's happening & bring powerless to stop it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 16 March, 2019, 01:25:00 pm
Manchester Historian (the uni's student history magazine) have just launched a new podcast. My main interest in this is that my son was instrumental in setting it up and is the presenter - fancies himself as the new Melvyn Bragg...

First episode is an introduction to the magazine itself but the plan is to do In Our Time-style round-table discussions, with Manc Uni history profs and guests.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-manchester-historian-podcast
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 March, 2019, 08:52:24 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWbXjYC2OoU

That's utter professionalism for you.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 March, 2019, 09:06:48 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSEzk8d3L1k

This lass is a bit good.

I've never really got into Mendelssohn. I recall playing one of his Songs without Words when I was in my teens, the "Spinning Song" as Mendelssohn called it, but has become known as "The Bees' Wedding". And the first work we performed when I joined the choir some 9 years ago was "Elijah", which frankly I regard as a poor relation to Handel's oratorios and Bach's choral works. But just recently I have decided I need some piano lessons and my teacher has set me Mendelssohn op 19 no 5, another song without words. I think it's rather good.

These lessons are being conducted over the internet, by me recording videos of my playing and sending them to my teacher. I stumbled across a recording of Daniel Barenboim playing op 19 no 5 a day or two ago. His recording, with repeats, takes a little over 3 minutes. My effort, after a week's work, takes about 10, and that's without the repeat. I have quite a long way to go.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 24 March, 2019, 06:33:50 pm
https://twitter.com/cstross/status/1109882891897589760   Charles Stross "Laundry Files" optioned for TV.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 24 March, 2019, 06:44:59 pm
https://twitter.com/cstross/status/1109882891897589760   Charles Stross "Laundry Files" optioned for TV.

Kewl. I hadn't realised that there had been a kludged adaptation set in Leftpondia (which probably killed half of the civil service bureaucracy gags for a start).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 26 March, 2019, 10:07:11 pm
https://twitter.com/cstross/status/1109882891897589760 (https://twitter.com/cstross/status/1109882891897589760)   Charles Stross "Laundry Files" optioned for TV.

Kewl. I hadn't realised that there had been a kludged adaptation set in Leftpondia (which probably killed half of the civil service bureaucracy gags for a start).


The Leftpondian adaptation never happened. 


Three pieces of news about the Laundry Files (http://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/2019/03/three-pieces-of-news-about-the.html)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 29 April, 2019, 11:40:57 pm
After "The Laundry Files" being optioned for TV I've just read that Ben Aaronovitch's "Rivers of London" is getting the same treatment.


https://www.tor.com/2019/04/29/simon-pegg-and-nick-frost-adapting-ben-aaronovitchs-rivers-of-london-for-television/comment-page-1/#comment-802799
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 May, 2019, 02:08:54 pm
Apropos Mr Aaronovitch, he is doing a personal appearance at Bookseller Crow in Crystal Palace on June 20th to plug the forthcoming novella The October Man.  This is convenient as it's two minutes walk from Miss von Brandenburg's house, as well as being the day before we go on holibobs to the Frozen North.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 02 May, 2019, 09:34:36 pm
Just watching the final of Only Connect and was v pleased to see ROT13 featuring as an answer. It's like being back in Ye Shedde.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 02 May, 2019, 11:59:47 pm
Just watching the final of Only Connect and was v pleased to see ROT13 featuring as an answer. It's like being back in Ye Shedde.

Mvaq lbh qba'g pngpu lbhefrys ba gung anvy...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 07 May, 2019, 10:32:25 am
Just listening to The News Quiz. Goodness me, Kemah Bob has a very annoying voice.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 07 May, 2019, 12:28:58 pm
Just watching the final of Only Connect and was v pleased to see ROT13 featuring as an answer. It's like being back in Ye Shedde.

Mvaq lbh qba'g pngpu lbhefrys ba gung anvy...

That's easy for you to say.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 09 May, 2019, 10:56:25 pm
‘Stoney Banksy’ – the sculptor who remained a secret for 15 years (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-scotland-48202295/stoney-banksy-the-sculptor-who-remained-a-secret-for-15-years)  :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 15 May, 2019, 10:05:57 am
Today we are going to listen to this bloke play in the Southend Council Chamber.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentin_Schiedermair

One thing I will say about Southend is that our people who pull the strings to get top pianists here do a damned good job. We've had John Lill (winner, Moscow Tchaikovsky Competition 1970) in November, and Peter Donahue (joint winner of a later version of the Tchaikovsky) on Friday evening next week.

Sadly, our locally-grown pianistic master, Benjamin Grosvenor, now demands too high a fee to come back and play in his home town.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 May, 2019, 01:31:45 pm
‘Stoney Banksy’ – the sculptor who remained a secret for 15 years (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-scotland-48202295/stoney-banksy-the-sculptor-who-remained-a-secret-for-15-years)  :)
Better than Banksy IMO.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 16 May, 2019, 03:18:49 pm
Colin, our choir's conductor, has asked me to sing a short baritone solo in our summer concert. I'm to be Eugene Onegin from the Tchaikovsky waltz-scene chorus.

The section I'm singing demonstrates how Onegin is bored at the ball that his young friend Vladimir Lensky has invited him to, so to get his own back he decides to dance with Olga, whom Lensky fancies. I think I can make myself more caddish by singing the section an octave lower that written - it's just within my range. Obviously I will take the conductor's advice on this. I will also need to practise wiggling my eyebrows in a dastardly way.  :demon:

In the plot, the whole thing turns to tragedy when Lensky challenged Onegin to a duel and Lensky is killed. Tatyana, Olga's younger sister, fancies Onegin but he spurns her advances. She buggers off and marries (unhappily) a much older bloke and some years later Onegin turns up again but she turns him down. Both are left to ponder their life mistakes.

We are only doing one chorus, the ball scene.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 16 May, 2019, 04:01:48 pm
I will also need to practise wiggling my eyebrows in a dastardly way.  :demon:

We'll need a video of that. ;)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 16 May, 2019, 04:54:15 pm
I will also need to practise wiggling my eyebrows in a dastardly way.  :demon:

We'll need a video of that. ;)

It will be done!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Panoramix on 17 May, 2019, 04:37:12 pm
https://youtu.be/_TIKv07IZ9o

I rather like it, probably means that I am truly middle aged!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 26 May, 2019, 01:15:54 pm
Elton John on Rocketman is worth a read (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2019/may/26/elton-john-in-my-own-words-exclusive-my-life-and-making-rocketman)

My favourite quote:
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: essexian on 29 May, 2019, 06:20:10 am
This has pleased me no end.

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2019/may/28/restored-1930s-cinema-walthamstow-to-be-reinvented-as-a-london-comedy-club

I spent many a happy hour at this cinema in my youth and are so glad its finally being put to good use. Its a shame that I now live 140 miles away but visiting again is on the top of my wishlist.

If you have never been, do go when it's re=opened. You are in for a treat!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 29 May, 2019, 07:48:22 am
This has pleased me no end.

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2019/may/28/restored-1930s-cinema-walthamstow-to-be-reinvented-as-a-london-comedy-club

....I spent many a happy hour at this cinema in my youth ....

Not this one (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.590176,-0.0173177,3a,75y,184.04h,94.11t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sNPRVx6sz-IgDpaIChy6QlQ!2e0!5s20120801T000000!7i13312!8i6656) up the road, then?  :demon: :demon:

(It was a cinema, for a period in the 70's it became a strip  club, now a block of flats)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: essexian on 29 May, 2019, 09:39:21 am
This has pleased me no end.

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2019/may/28/restored-1930s-cinema-walthamstow-to-be-reinvented-as-a-london-comedy-club

....I spent many a happy hour at this cinema in my youth ....

Not this one (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.590176,-0.0173177,3a,75y,184.04h,94.11t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sNPRVx6sz-IgDpaIChy6QlQ!2e0!5s20120801T000000!7i13312!8i6656) up the road, then?  :demon: :demon:

(It was a cinema, for a period in the 70's it became a strip  club, now a block of flats)

Yes, I remember it as a sex cinema which then turned into a snooker club and no, I never went in there but did learn to do hill starts on the road next to it.

This is an interesting website....http://www.brind.co.uk/html/CINEMAS/cinemasofwalthamstow.html  as is http://cinematreasures.org/theaters?status=closed
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 May, 2019, 11:53:03 am
This has pleased me no end.

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2019/may/28/restored-1930s-cinema-walthamstow-to-be-reinvented-as-a-london-comedy-club

I spent many a happy hour at this cinema in my youth and are so glad its finally being put to good use. Its a shame that I now live 140 miles away but visiting again is on the top of my wishlist.

If you have never been, do go when it's re=opened. You are in for a treat!

We did go once, shortly before it closed.  Recommended.  There is a cinema in the new development at the top of the High Street, but I ate'nt been there.

The one opposite The Bell was completely demolished and the site, as Ham notes, is now occupied by Yup-o-Flats.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 31 May, 2019, 06:51:24 pm
My pore brane is frazzled. I spent a couple of hours at our Mus Dir Colin's house, firstly running through the Tchiakovsky I'm singing. I find it rhythmically challenging and it will take a fair bit of work before I'm happy with it. Then we played through the first movement of Beethoven's first concerto, with Colin playing the orchestral reduction on his Clavinova, and me playing the piano solo on his 1923 Steinway grand. We went through the Beethoven twice, then the Tchaikovsky again. I have the kind of mental exhaustion I used to get after a 5-hour chess game.

Colin's small music room also had crammed in it a huge 3-manual electronic organ. Apparently this was bought, or hired, as a stop-gap by Brentford cathedral (I thought he said Brentford, but does that have a cathedral? Maybe I misheard and he said Brentwood - which most certainly does) when their real organ was having a major overhaul. After Colin had started negotiations to purchase it at half its usual price, he found that an old pal had connections with the company, and he got an even bigger discount. It had to be taken apart before it would fit into his house.

Colin is light years ahead of me as a musician. I gave a reasonably good account of myself playing the Beethoven, but it needs a lot more practice. I'm flattered that he has the patience to put up with my blundering, but then I suppose it must be quite hard to find people of his own standard to play with. Since his entire life seems to be dedicated to making music, he is almost always dealing with lesser mortals. He has great patience.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 07 June, 2019, 10:38:13 pm
In a 70's nostalgic mood I've just watched an episode of "Charles Endell Esq" followed by one of "Hazell".  The cars, the clothes , people smoking on screen... :jurek:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 14 June, 2019, 10:42:32 pm
I'm currently binge watching Babylon 5, which I've not seen in it's entirety since C4 repeated the entire series way back when.  The special effects are a bit ropey by todays standards, but they were never the most important part of the show, that was the plot & characters.  I'm up to Season 3 and have just watched "Messages From Earth".  This time the bit that's getting me is the increase in paranoia & the encouragement so spy on friends & colleagues as the Earth government stokes up xenophobia as a prelude to declaring martial law & rounding up its enemies.  The horror of people realising what's happening & bring powerless to stop it.


After a slight hiatus I'm approaching the end of this with "The Fall Of Centauri Prime".    Londo sitting on his throne, under the control of dark forces, in the ruins of his world, and I'm thinking "Boris"  :sick:


(not that Boris has a shred of Londo's charm or dignity)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 28 June, 2019, 01:09:50 pm
Well, that's very shit:

https://www.thestrad.com/news/orchestra-plays-one-concerto-while-soloist-is-expecting-the-other/9159.article?fbclid=IwAR1gs4Td4oioe2Sc9G6Cm-gmUDHRWKrq4pp_zi053bgbG3W7Jz6thoXNuZ4
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 28 June, 2019, 01:37:04 pm
Shit in the extreme.  Poor devil, all keyed up and they jerk the mat out.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 30 June, 2019, 07:57:53 pm
Watching Black Mirror, I noticed that the song in episode three (On a Roll) is sung by the mistress of two line song, Myley Cyrus and it is a straight rip off of Head Like a Hole.

Bah!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 11 July, 2019, 09:30:16 am
One for any French speakers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf00HQM7iU8 - an ode to the Mediterranean and its beaches.

(it is entirely in French, sorry)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 14 July, 2019, 07:24:08 pm
For those fond of the Laundry, who will understand my smile of recognition.

In the Ch5 Hannibal series, the blurb for episode 8 reads:

"A killer turning bodies into musical instruments strikes a nervous chord with Lecter"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 14 July, 2019, 08:04:31 pm
For those fond of the Laundry, who will understand my smile of recognition.

In the Ch5 Hannibal series, the blurb for episode 8 reads:

"A killer turning bodies into musical instruments strikes a nervous chord with Lecter"


 :-D



Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 19 July, 2019, 12:17:11 am
Exhibit A:  Pointless remake/sequel of Top Gun

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSqVVswa420
https://youtu.be/qSqVVswa420


Exhibit B:  Disturbing star-studded Uncanny Valley CGI Cats movie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq50F-IDXDc
https://youtu.be/gq50F-IDXDc


Suddenly, watching Top Gun Part Deux seems like a pretty reasonable idea...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 19 July, 2019, 08:28:11 am
One for any French speakers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf00HQM7iU8 - an ode to the Mediterranean and its beaches.

(it is entirely in French, sorry)

The Med's fine if you're lucky, but my god the wind if you're not: heart at 160 bpm for 10 kph on the flat. Seems to get windier every year down there, and if it's blowing from Africa you're looking at > 40°C.  A few years ago I was thinking seriously of selling our place here and moving down there. Not no more.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 19 July, 2019, 01:35:20 pm
Exhibit A:  Pointless remake/sequel of Top Gun

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSqVVswa420
https://youtu.be/qSqVVswa420

Quite. Cruise is 57 - in real life, Maverick would be behind a desk by now (assuming he hadn't been quietly cashiered from the Navy after the "Tailhook" scandal).

Quote
#TopGunMaverick is a stupid premise. Mav (Cruise) is now 57. He’d be retired and bitching about “the libs” and “when we had a navy” on a Dan Bongino podcast. Charlie (McGuinness) divorced his ass 10 years ago and got custody of the cats.
https://twitter.com/mrdavidboberesq/status/1152037882326081541

Quote
Exhibit B:  Disturbing star-studded Uncanny Valley CGI Cats movie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq50F-IDXDc
https://youtu.be/gq50F-IDXDc

Suddenly, watching Top Gun Part Deux seems like a pretty reasonable idea...

For a giggle, check out the replies to this tweet:

Quote
You are a Hollywood studio exec. Name a project you would have greenlighted before 'Cats'  GO
https://twitter.com/iowahawkblog/status/1151996080327806977

Or this one: https://twitter.com/TheRickWilson/status/1152006516204961792
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 19 July, 2019, 01:54:53 pm
For a giggle, check out the replies to this tweet:

Quote
You are a Hollywood studio exec. Name a project you would have greenlighted before 'Cats'  GO
https://twitter.com/iowahawkblog/status/1151996080327806977

Excellent stuff.


Part of me is tempted to re-watch the original Top Gun for SCIENCE, on the basis that I've learned an awful lot more about  a) aircraft  and  b) homosexuality  since I last saw it[1], and expect it would be a *very* different movie.  The rest of me remembers the Battlefield Earth experiment.


[1] I estimate that I was about 10 when it was my brother's endless-loop video of choice.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 28 July, 2019, 10:01:00 pm
I can't seem to find a thread for "The Expanse" anywhere.  We must have a few fans.  Season 4 on Amazon in December.  Based on "Cibola Burn".   Trailers below.


https://youtu.be/kNIim3xqsEU (https://youtu.be/kNIim3xqsEU)


https://youtu.be/uEENk6_XFoA (https://youtu.be/uEENk6_XFoA)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 28 July, 2019, 10:49:11 pm
I really ought to revisit it.  I watched the first season and was mostly left disappointed that it wasn't the modern reboot of Babylon 5 that it superficially resembles.


ION: Just discovered there's a sixth season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Title: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 29 July, 2019, 08:30:30 am
Finally got stuck into Big Little Lies (season one) this weekend. It’s good but after four out of seven episodes, I’m pretty sure I’ve got the whodunnit* sussed - since working it out in ep2, I’ve been spotting dirty great clues all over the place...

Anyway, this is not spoiling my enjoyment of it because it’s very entertaining - funny, well written and well acted, if not especially groundbreaking. Reese Witherspoon is especially wonderful.

*more accurately the whogetsdone - I have a feeling the whodoesit will not necessarily be the obvious... That’s the twist! But I have my theories about that too.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 29 July, 2019, 10:41:26 am
I really ought to revisit it.  I watched the first season and was mostly left disappointed that it wasn't the modern reboot of Babylon 5 that it superficially resembles.


I quite enjoy The Expanse, but like anything with a series of books, I sort of expect it to be cancelled at the most inopportune point.

If you want really bad sci-fi though, so bad it's actually just bad, try Another Life, which I managed one entire episode at the weekend, and it really was one more than I wished. It starts off as an Arrival-lite with an alien spaceship arriving on Earth to do something mysterious and might be quite promising. It isn't.

Firstly, they set off to visit the aliens, really on the basis of no evidence whatsoever. Led by that woman off Battlestar Galactica whose acting ability seems mainly confined to running around in a bra top and flexing her abs while looking like she might be trying to deal with a prolonged bout of constipation. She leaves her immensely stupid husband behind the Arrival communicate-with-the-aliens bit (which you think they may have sussed out before hopping in a spaceship) and deal with their kid, and like all men, of course, he had no idea how to raise a child. His main strategy for communicating with the aliens seems to combine pigeon sounds and classical music.

The mission to the aliens has a crew of halfwits (so halfwitted that they give the crew of Prometheus a run for their money) that look like they're from reality TV central casting led by Captain Unsuitable, recently usurped for the mission by Captain Constipation. They just happen to have an FTL spaceship sitting in a garage somewhere, despite the rest of the technology pegged pretty much to what I have sitting on my desk now. Possibly I to have an FTL space ship in the garage, behind the old Ikea furniture and the ladder.

None of the crew of halfwits seem to have been on a spaceship before and have an average age of about 20. Remember this is a critical first contact mission. One plays on social media all day, the others compete to look the most vacant while wearing the strappy tops and heels that will shortly become de riguer for space missions. They'll probably have sex with each other at some point, but it's hard to really care, it's like predicting the sex lives of rabbits. Anyway, they manage to mutiny in episode one because Captain Unsuitable is just that and, of course, him and Captain Abs have some history. Anyway, they make a wrong turn in space because of 'dark matter' (which despite not interacting with anything you can't fly a spaceship through) so have to slingshot around a sun by going 'into orbit' around the sun. I'm not exactly an expert on angular momentum, but I don't think that's the best plan. Also, FTL drive. Either have a magic device or play by the science rules. And writers, have a clue, this shit is on Wikipedia.

There's a holographic AI to look after this school outing. He manages to look suitably horrified. Whether that's because of the crew or he's murdered his agent isn't made clear in episode 1.

It's seriously so bad I feared I may have imagined it, but Google says its real.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 29 July, 2019, 03:17:36 pm
SOunds like the usual a bit of this and a bit of that and shake 'em up, no-one will notice, they'll be too busy looking forward to the next local shooting spree.

Thinking of junking Netflux anyway, the amount of pure shite the push at you is amazing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 29 July, 2019, 04:14:31 pm
Just tried ep. 1 of it.  Ian, I admire your fortitude. The first minute had me wishing for a puke bucket.

Otherlife, OTOH, ain't bad.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 29 July, 2019, 07:51:57 pm
It's the sense of morbid fascination that somehow pulls you in. Does it get even worse? You go through brief stages where you think, no, this is rock bottom, and then out of nowhere there's yet another plunge on the roller coaster of awful.

From reading the reviews, it doesn't get any better (if anything worse), and they somehow managed to put together ten entire episodes of this dreck without someone calling time.

Still, at the least special effects budget was pegged somewhere below the catering bill.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 30 July, 2019, 01:19:00 pm
Just watched a trailer for a thing called The Rook in which a woman with thick catarrh and/or bad orthodonty seemed to say "Mother, as long as my husband falls enslaved, you know I always have the option of watching the semis" (or maybe "the tennis"). Gripping.

And another for The Expanse.  Someone needs to tell them that ships with gravity generators don't need other bits that rotate to simulate it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 30 July, 2019, 02:27:00 pm
I don't think the ships in The Expanse have gravity 'generators' – it's acceleration.

(In a relativistic headnoodler, there is really no difference between gravity and acceleration.)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 30 July, 2019, 03:26:41 pm
Aye, you're right - just had a gargle. Must've been some other space opera.  They have mag boots, though, don't they?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 30 July, 2019, 04:13:11 pm
To fit the exigencies of production, they do seem to spend a lot of time accelerating at 1g, which means they'd be zipping about (and using a lot of reaction mass).

Constant 1g acceleration would get you to Jupiter in a week (if you weren't bothered with slowing down). A year at 1g gets you to 99.9% the speed of light.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 30 July, 2019, 04:45:16 pm
If you have a near-infinite amount of reaction mass.  But then Epstein drives burn efficiency so maybe they only need a seed amount to get them going.  I like Liu Cixin's curvature drive. Runs on bath soap.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 01 August, 2019, 09:51:33 pm
I can't seem to find a thread for "The Expanse" anywhere.  We must have a few fans.  Season 4 on Amazon in December.  Based on "Cibola Burn".   Trailers below.


https://youtu.be/kNIim3xqsEU (https://youtu.be/kNIim3xqsEU)


https://youtu.be/uEENk6_XFoA (https://youtu.be/uEENk6_XFoA)


A much longer segment, with the Roci travelling back asswards for deceleration  :thumbsup:      She then lands on Ilus ?  Don't recall that from the book, but it's been a while. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LrZiNOvp_c&frags=pl%2Cwn


(sheepish edit, paste the damn link in)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 August, 2019, 05:08:53 pm
Ben Weaver - Music For Free (https://vimeo.com/353346019).  Cyclist and musician Ben Weaver rides the Tour Divide route.  Get in quick coz it's only available on Vimeo for another few hours, otherwise you'll have to go to a screening in a bike shop in Montana.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 18 August, 2019, 05:17:31 pm
 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 18 August, 2019, 09:57:48 pm
Blake's 7 (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLIv-DVrjhZJqb7hvTVgL_w) episodes are available on yewtoob.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 19 August, 2019, 07:58:42 am
To fit the exigencies of production, they do seem to spend a lot of time accelerating at 1g, which means they'd be zipping about (and using a lot of reaction mass).

Constant 1g acceleration would get you to Jupiter in a week (if you weren't bothered with slowing down). A year at 1g gets you to 99.9% the speed of light.
The plot makes a lot of their accelerating - the need to fasten things down is a major plot device (and what happens when that isn't done).
There is one big ship with a rotating hull and in the last series that becomes important, when no ship can move to simulate 'g' (no spoilers). It's actually quite good.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 August, 2019, 11:45:07 am
Ben Weaver - Music For Free (https://vimeo.com/353346019).  Cyclist and musician Ben Weaver rides the Tour Divide route.  Get in quick coz it's only available on Vimeo for another few hours, otherwise you'll have to go to a screening in a bike shop in Montana.
It's still on Vimeo now. I thought it verged on emotional slush at moments, but nevertheless I enjoyed it. And what an idea!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 19 August, 2019, 01:49:06 pm
All the same, films like that make me wish I'd got into the long-distance lark 40 years earlier.

I used to make up poetry on long solo rides, but it wasn't the kind you could recite in front of your maiden aunts.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 August, 2019, 03:28:34 pm
Any sort of poetry is impressive, I've never got beyond singing to myself. And it it wasn't a solo ride to start with, it soon became one!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 August, 2019, 09:52:35 pm
I am sitting in Mrs Wow’s sister’s lounge. The television is on. It must be many years since I have been in attendance when a television drama has been broadcast. I really can’t remember it has been so long - maybe as much as 20 years. The one thing I have noticed is how sweary  they have become.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 27 August, 2019, 11:19:47 pm
I am sitting in Mrs Wow’s sister’s lounge. The television is on. It must be many years since I have been in attendance when a television drama has been broadcast. I really can’t remember it has been so long - maybe as much as 20 years. The one thing I have noticed is how sweary  they have become.

You can easily tell if it's 20 years or more by whether you're wondering what's happened to the cameraperson's tripod.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 27 August, 2019, 11:24:50 pm
Hill Street Blues.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 28 August, 2019, 11:01:05 am
I am sitting in Mrs Wow’s sister’s lounge. The television is on. It must be many years since I have been in attendance when a television drama has been broadcast. I really can’t remember it has been so long - maybe as much as 20 years. The one thing I have noticed is how sweary  they have become.

You can easily tell if it's 20 years or more by whether you're wondering what's happened to the cameraperson's tripod.

???
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 28 August, 2019, 11:29:39 am
I am sitting in Mrs Wow’s sister’s lounge. The television is on. It must be many years since I have been in attendance when a television drama has been broadcast. I really can’t remember it has been so long - maybe as much as 20 years. The one thing I have noticed is how sweary  they have become.

You can easily tell if it's 20 years or more by whether you're wondering what's happened to the cameraperson's tripod.

???

At some point in the late 90s, molishers of British television drama became obsessed with using handheld cameras for 'intimate' wobbly footage, in a manner akin to USAnian series Jaded refers to (I don't think I ever saw it).  This Life came out in 1996, and the effect was striking.  Within a couple of years they were all doing it.

The trend has since died down, with tripods returning to more 'serious' drama, though it's frequently used for dramatic effect, and remains popular on lower budget productions.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 28 August, 2019, 11:39:56 am
A contender for all-time best rock star quote (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/aug/28/nick-cave-on-pj-harvey-break-up-i-was-so-surprised-i-almost-dropped-my-syringe)

Quote
I was so surprised I almost dropped my syringe

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 28 August, 2019, 11:55:04 am
In which case it may be a much longer period.

Thinking back, the only television drama I ever actually watched, as opposed to sat in the same room as and mostly ignored, was Pride and Prejudice. My older daughter would have been in her early teens when that was on, I think. She is now 38.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 28 August, 2019, 11:56:25 am
Thinking back, the only television drama I ever actually watched, as opposed to sat in the same room as and mostly ignored, was Pride and Prejudice. My older daughter would have been in her early teens when that was on, I think. She is now 38.

The BBC sexy Mr Darcy one?  That was '95 I think; I remember discussing it in GCSE English.

ETA: Googlepedia confirms it.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_and_Prejudice_(1995_TV_series)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 28 August, 2019, 12:17:34 pm
Thinking back, the only television drama I ever actually watched, as opposed to sat in the same room as and mostly ignored

Jennifer Ehle was hard to ignore. (See also: The Camomile Lawn)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Manotea on 28 August, 2019, 12:38:10 pm
Looking forward to the next series of Altered Carbon, but fearful of reports that it will focus more on 'gender fluidity'

Bearing in mind that Ortega's Grandma showed up for the "Night of the Dead" as a tattoed (male) thug and Lizzie's mother was likewise sleeved into a male body I'd have thought that angle had been covered.  Unlike everybody else though, they didn't get much on-screen sex so I guess it will focus on that...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Manotea on 28 August, 2019, 12:46:25 pm
Thinking back, the only television drama I ever actually watched, as opposed to sat in the same room as and mostly ignored

Jennifer Ehle was hard to ignore. (See also: The Camomile Lawn)

Ah, Darcy and Lizzie. Like they used to say of singers in rock bands; if they're doing their job properly you either want to be them or shag them...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 28 August, 2019, 02:08:18 pm
if they're doing their job properly you either want to be them or shag them...

Or both! ;)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 29 August, 2019, 10:55:17 pm
Thinking back, the only television drama I ever actually watched, as opposed to sat in the same room as and mostly ignored

Jennifer Ehle was hard to ignore. (See also: The Camomile Lawn)

I have no recollection whatever of the Camomile Lawn.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 29 August, 2019, 11:12:27 pm
Thinking back, the only television drama I ever actually watched, as opposed to sat in the same room as and mostly ignored

Jennifer Ehle was hard to ignore. (See also: The Camomile Lawn)

I have no recollection whatever of the Camomile Lawn.

You didn’t see the bush in the mirror?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 29 August, 2019, 11:13:46 pm
I am sitting in Mrs Wow’s sister’s lounge. The television is on. It must be many years since I have been in attendance when a television drama has been broadcast. I really can’t remember it has been so long - maybe as much as 20 years. The one thing I have noticed is how sweary  they have become.

You can easily tell if it's 20 years or more by whether you're wondering what's happened to the cameraperson's tripod.

???

At some point in the late 90s, molishers of British television drama became obsessed with using handheld cameras for 'intimate' wobbly footage, in a manner akin to USAnian series Jaded refers to (I don't think I ever saw it).  This Life came out in 1996, and the effect was striking.  Within a couple of years they were all doing it.

The trend has since died down, with tripods returning to more 'serious' drama, though it's frequently used for dramatic effect, and remains popular on lower budget productions.

HSB was ‘81 to ‘87.

Let’s be careful out there.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 30 August, 2019, 01:41:09 am
Thinking back, the only television drama I ever actually watched, as opposed to sat in the same room as and mostly ignored

Jennifer Ehle was hard to ignore. (See also: The Camomile Lawn)

I have no recollection whatever of the Camomile Lawn.

You didn’t see the bush in the mirror?

I remember that for Felicity Kendal
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 30 August, 2019, 01:43:07 am
I am sitting in Mrs Wow’s sister’s lounge. The television is on. It must be many years since I have been in attendance when a television drama has been broadcast. I really can’t remember it has been so long - maybe as much as 20 years. The one thing I have noticed is how sweary  they have become.

You can easily tell if it's 20 years or more by whether you're wondering what's happened to the cameraperson's tripod.

???

At some point in the late 90s, molishers of British television drama became obsessed with using handheld cameras for 'intimate' wobbly footage, in a manner akin to USAnian series Jaded refers to (I don't think I ever saw it).  This Life came out in 1996, and the effect was striking.  Within a couple of years they were all doing it.

The trend has since died down, with tripods returning to more 'serious' drama, though it's frequently used for dramatic effect, and remains popular on lower budget productions.

HSB was ‘81 to ‘87.

Let’s be careful out there.

I loved that show, and around the same time, St Elsewhere.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 30 August, 2019, 07:32:03 am
I have no recollection whatever of the Camomile Lawn.

Tbh, I have no recollection of the story but one or two scenes stick in the mind...

I watched it in the house where they filmed it - a B&B in Cornwall.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 31 August, 2019, 03:43:25 pm
I'm watching "The Man Who Never Was" on BBC2 this afternoon.  IMDB tells me that Peter Sellers plays Winston Churchill's voice although he wasn't credited.

Trivia. I heart it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 31 August, 2019, 08:03:53 pm
HSB was ‘81 to ‘87.

Let’s be careful out there.

Well that explains it.  It would have been on way after my bedtime.  In those days I had special dispensation only for Tomorrow's World.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 02 September, 2019, 09:55:45 am
Just discovered NPR Music Tiny Desk concert series ... https://www.youtube.com/user/nprmusic/videos something for everyone there, some pretty awesome

ETA, there is so much there, finding stuff can be a challenge, here are some noteworthy ones I've found

the Tedeschi Trucks Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRipadkd6wk
Pete Frampton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GLIZrSwFWk
Yusuf/Cat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoPoI1IwcTw
John Prine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOg7mAkrKJw
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 02 September, 2019, 02:42:26 pm
Just discovered NPR Music Tiny Desk concert series ...

DKUATB!

Probably my favourite of those is the King Creosote & John Hopkins one -
https://youtu.be/ej8vMh28SJY

But that's hardly surprising since Diamond Mine is one of my top 5 favourite albums of the last 10 years.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 02 September, 2019, 05:54:50 pm
Just discovered NPR Music Tiny Desk concert series ...

DKUATB!

Probably my favourite of those is the King Creosote & John Hopkins one -
https://youtu.be/ej8vMh28SJY

But that's hardly surprising since Diamond Mine is one of my top 5 favourite albums of the last 10 years.


Well I'm late to most parties. I hope, to my own funeral, too.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 02 September, 2019, 06:15:29 pm
Late as in the late Dentarthurdent?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 02 September, 2019, 06:58:44 pm
Got me a dressing gown anna towel
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 07 September, 2019, 07:48:05 am
Entertainment meets POBI .... I'm putting my name down for this https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/sep/07/exclusive-john-le-carre-new-novel-brexit-intrigue-agent-running-in-the-field
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 07 September, 2019, 08:00:42 am
Good old Squarejohn. Looks worth a read.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 07 September, 2019, 09:01:36 pm
Blake's 7 (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLIv-DVrjhZJqb7hvTVgL_w) episodes are available on yewtoob.

In the past, a number of forumites have sung the praises of Servalan.  Having never seen even a single episode, I looked her up.  Meh - I thought.

Having now watched two seasons worth of Blake's 7 - yes, I can understand the attraction.

The special effects in the programme are quite 'special', and the acting - especially fight scenes - is noteworthy. ;)  Yeah, I'm enjoying this.  At this stage I'm wondering if a serious, quality, remake of Blake's 7 could be brilliant - or a disaster.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 07 September, 2019, 09:19:28 pm
It would be a good fit for the current zeitgeist - it was ahead of its time in that the nominal protagonists were, when it comes down to, somewhat unsympathetic.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 13 September, 2019, 02:14:08 pm
The BBC has announced the leading cast members for a forthcoming adaptation of PTerry's Night Watch books.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/bbcstudios/2019/the-watch-cast-richard-dormer

Varying mileage has ensued: https://twitter.com/BBCAMERICA/status/1171786597504888833

Some of the casting is spot-on, but I do wonder just how loose an adaptation it's going to be when the BBC post stuff like this:

Quote from: BBC release on The Watch cast
Marama Corlett will play the mysterious Corporal Angua who is tasked with Carrot’s training and keeping the rookie alive.

Is there another edition of Guards! Guards! that I don't know about? And then there is this... interpretation of Carcer:

Quote
Sam Adewunmi will play the wounded, wronged Carcer Dun, out to hijack destiny itself, take control of the city and exact a terrible revenge on an unjust reality.

"Wronged" is not a word I would have associated with Carcer, not from what I can recall of reading Night Watch. ???

TBH, I am not hugely optimistic about this.  :-\
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 13 September, 2019, 02:28:13 pm
My comment on the twitterwebs was that I expected them to cast Scarlett Johansson as Nobby.

A nonbinary Cheery *might* work as a new interpretation of Dwarf Feminism, but Lara Rossi as Lady Sibyl is just plain baffling: She's supposed to be the same age as Vimes, and is canonically large.  I can only assume a misguided attempt to avoid a racial sterotype or something.

Carrot will always be Paul Gross in my mind.


I'm quietly hoping for a repeat of the BBC America take on Dirk Gently, which was a perfectly good series if you dissolved yourself of the notion that it was anything to do with Douglas Adams' books of the same name.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 13 September, 2019, 02:47:23 pm
The comparison to Good Omens is inevitable. I suspect that Good Omens works because it is all about the story, but Night Watch is about the characters. I suspect program makers just can't help themselves and it will disappear into that vat of mediocrity that is TV.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 13 September, 2019, 03:25:57 pm
My comment on the twitterwebs was that I expected them to cast Scarlett Johansson as Nobby.

Nah, they've got her down to play 71-Hour Ahmed*. ;D

Nobby's going be mo-capped by Andy Serkis and overlaid with a mildly tweaked Gollum digital skin. :demon:

Quote
A nonbinary Cheery *might* work as a new interpretation of Dwarf Feminism, but Lara Rossi as Lady Sibyl is just plain baffling: She's supposed to be the same age as Vimes, and is canonically large.  I can only assume a misguided attempt to avoid a racial sterotype or something.

If they were trying to avoid stereotyping, they walked straight into it by casting a black actor to play Carcer - I suspect that's why the character's back-story has been made more sympathetic by making book!Carcer's delusions legitimate grievances.

As Ham says, program makers just can't help themselves. It's well-intentioned, but it's just more paving slabs to lay on top of the frozen double-glazing salesmen...  ;)

Quote
Carrot will always be Paul Gross in my mind.

Due South's Benton Fraser? I can totally see where you're coming from with that.  :thumbsup:



* C.f. complaints about casting ScarJo as an Asian in the live action Ghost In The Shell flick. ISTR the whitewashing issue was what killed off an attempt to make a live-action version of the seminal anime Akira...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 14 September, 2019, 01:28:00 pm
My comment on the twitterwebs was that I expected them to cast Scarlett Johansson as Nobby.

I’d watch that.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 14 September, 2019, 02:08:28 pm
I don't know who half of these people are, so difficult for ne to get worried  ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 18 September, 2019, 01:50:18 pm
As ani fule kno, the classic blunder one should never fall for is neither starting a land war in Asia nor going up against The Sicilian when death is on the line - it is thinking that a cult classic film needs to be remade.  :demon:

Quote
Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra says that “very famous people whose names I won’t use” want to redo Norman Lear’s ‘The Princess Bride’
https://twitter.com/Variety/status/1173954759071547392

Judging by the replies, I'm not sure what's creating more bile - the news that there are people who think that The Princess Bride needs to be remade, or Variety's attribution of said film to Norman Lear...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 22 September, 2019, 03:54:29 pm
I'm sure The Streets' "Fit But You Know It" is just a less profane version of Jilted John.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 September, 2019, 06:39:46 pm
As ani fule kno, the classic blunder one should never fall for is neither starting a land war in Asia nor going up against The Sicilian when death is on the line - it is thinking that a cult classic film needs to be remade.  :demon:

Quote
Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra says that “very famous people whose names I won’t use” want to redo Norman Lear’s ‘The Princess Bride’
https://twitter.com/Variety/status/1173954759071547392

Judging by the replies, I'm not sure what's creating more bile - the news that there are people who think that The Princess Bride needs to be remade, or Variety's attribution of said film to Norman Lear...

As I noted elsewhere, Things We Do Not Need:

• Nuclear armageddon
• A toothbrush with an Internet connection
• A "reboot" of The Princess Bride
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 28 September, 2019, 11:38:47 pm
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/28/style/debbie-harry-memoir.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/28/style/debbie-harry-memoir.html)


Debbie Harry is 74  :jurek:   
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 29 September, 2019, 11:25:52 am
Currently on R4 is Desert Island Discs featuring Britain's most senior fire fighter.
Her first choice.  Girl on fire by Alicia Keys.  :o
Title: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 29 September, 2019, 06:02:39 pm
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/28/style/debbie-harry-memoir.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/28/style/debbie-harry-memoir.html)


Debbie Harry is 74  :jurek:   

Still would.

(See also: Joanna Lumley, Jane Fonda)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jurek on 29 September, 2019, 06:14:11 pm
Behave yourself.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 29 September, 2019, 09:48:59 pm
Behave yourself.

I’m highly unlikely to get the opportunity to do otherwise.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 29 September, 2019, 10:04:17 pm
I've had afternoon tea with Ms Lumley.

That's not a euphemism. And yes, I took the opportunity to bring up Sapphire and Steel. According to my wife, we won't get invited back if I keep bringing up that stuff. Well, we haven't, so she may have been right.

I don't hobnob with the stars, all evidence would suggest they are actively avoiding me, but my wife's orchestra-thing was doing a charity concert in her garden and I followed her. She'll learn how to turn Find My Friends off at some point.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 30 September, 2019, 12:14:36 pm
In the way of these things, Youtube suggested I might like to watch a video. I did and I found it one of the most humbling and inspirational talks, Evelyn Glennie TED talk  from 2007 "How to truly listen"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU3V6zNER4g


(and for those who may not have been aware, she is profoundly deaf. While profoundly=/=totally it's almost there)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 30 September, 2019, 02:06:06 pm
(and for those who may not have been aware, she is profoundly deaf. While profoundly=/=totally it's almost there)

But postlingually.  She's an amazing musician, but do be aware that the media's love of her as cripspiration tends to get the Deaf community's heckles up.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 30 September, 2019, 02:45:34 pm
I'd have to be honest I wasn't aware of her media profile, I'd just heard her in performances on radio.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 30 September, 2019, 02:55:32 pm
She's the Famous Deaf Person who people get tired of being compared to, especially when that's used to imply that all you have to do is *listen harder*.

(I don't think this is Evelyn's fault, she talks about her own experiences.  It's mostly down to people's poor understanding of deafness.)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 September, 2019, 03:41:17 pm
I know her as a percussionist but I didn't know she was deaf.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 04 October, 2019, 10:53:19 am
Ghosteen is rather good, if not quite what we have been used to from Mr Cave. Sort of, "Nick Cave visits ECM"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwlU_wsT20Q

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: nicknack on 05 October, 2019, 10:14:55 am
Ghosteen is rather good, if not quite what we have been used to from Mr Cave. Sort of, "Nick Cave visits ECM"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwlU_wsT20Q
Yes.
Thank you.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 24 October, 2019, 06:23:09 pm
I can't seem to find a thread for "The Expanse" anywhere.  We must have a few fans.  Season 4 on Amazon in December.  Based on "Cibola Burn".   Trailers below.


https://youtu.be/kNIim3xqsEU (https://youtu.be/kNIim3xqsEU)


https://youtu.be/uEENk6_XFoA (https://youtu.be/uEENk6_XFoA)


A much longer segment, with the Roci travelling back asswards for deceleration  :thumbsup:      She then lands on Ilus ?  Don't recall that from the book, but it's been a while. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LrZiNOvp_c&frags=pl%2Cwn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LrZiNOvp_c&frags=pl%2Cwn)


(sheepish edit, paste the damn link in)


And another trailer   https://youtu.be/0-QBzYfK_R8
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 October, 2019, 08:32:39 pm
Just learnt that the last UK #1 recorded in mono was Uptown Top Ranking. 1978. Not sure whether that seems late or early!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 28 October, 2019, 11:50:41 pm
Just learnt that the last UK #1 recorded in mono was Uptown Top Ranking. 1978. Not sure whether that seems late or early!

Googlepedia suggests that it became a #1 by accident, so that probably makes sense.

I tend to think of stereo as a 60s thing, at least from the unscientific sample of vinyl I've encountered over the years (8-track was stereo from the outset, wasn't it?).  So I expect the overwhelming majority of professionally produced popular music was recorded in multi-track (from which stereo mastering becomes a silly-not-to) long before 1978.  The exceptions will likely be where things were performed as-live or recorded on a shoestring budget.

I expect mono will become fashionable again any time now.  Optimised for sodcasting, innit.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 November, 2019, 02:22:22 am
It is gratifying to see that a bit of lippy and a hairbrush have turned Engrenages' Josephine Karlsson back into her old self :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 03 November, 2019, 09:03:40 am
Is that thing still running? We got fed up with it several years ago.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 November, 2019, 01:17:35 pm
BBC 4 showed episodes 7 & 8 of series 7 last night.  I think Canal+ have said this is the last series so no spoilers, if it pleaseth, in case there's going to be some kind of Pockyclypse in the final episode.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 03 November, 2019, 06:27:20 pm
We’ve just started watching Attenborough’s latest. Good grief, the musical score is intrusive.  >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 04 November, 2019, 08:24:42 am
The last lot MrsT wanted to watch it was St. David's voice that got my goat.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 04 November, 2019, 09:24:14 am
In the US versions, they used to replace him with Oprah, which results in an unpleasant bit of mental re-ordering, because really if anyone should be commenting on the bedroom habits of various animals it's him. Several entire species have restraining orders against him, he can't go within 25 metres of a tiger and he's banned from Malawi.

Lovely programmes but I can't watch them any more, every scene with some majestic slice of nature ends with a fateful and now we've nearly killed them all. It's just depressing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 04 November, 2019, 09:24:59 am
The last lot MrsT wanted to watch it was St. David's voice that got my goat.

That too.  Far too much anthropormorphising  with the emotional voiceover.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 04 November, 2019, 09:26:30 am
Lovely programmes but I can't watch them any more, every scene with some majestic slice of nature ends with a fateful and now we've nearly killed them all. It's just depressing.

I think this is the first Attenborough we've watched (well, my wife has watched, I was surfing on the iPad throughout) since before Blue Planet. 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 04 November, 2019, 10:15:14 am
Lovely programmes but I can't watch them any more, every scene with some majestic slice of nature ends with a fateful and now we've nearly killed them all. It's just depressing.

And even when he - sorry, He - doesn't say it you can hear it anyway.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 08 November, 2019, 10:48:24 pm

I'm currently working my way though "The Great War",  a 1964 BBC account of WW1.  Of it's time, but surprisingly un jingoistic & covering more than the Flanders trenches.   Well worth the watching.  It appears to be mostly available on YouTube.    The episode below is about the contribution of women to the war effort.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1WjRG6ot5Y
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 09 November, 2019, 12:03:17 pm
The other day I was watching an American man on YouTube talking about rifles, specifically modifications to the SMLE rifle by the Australians into a jungle carbine. Don't judge me.

Mods included shortening the barrel, which meant there was no, as he calls it, stacking swivel.

Or as Henry Reed (http://www.poetrybyheart.org.uk/poems/naming-of-parts/) would put it:
"And this is the piling swivel,
Which in your case you have not got"

This made me very happy.



Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 09 November, 2019, 12:42:35 pm
 :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 16 November, 2019, 09:29:42 pm
Reliving my childhood I've been watching the 1977 BBC adaptation of Rosemary Sutcliffe's "The Eagle Of The Ninth".  I remember the credits & the music, but had far more recollection of the book than the TV series.  Excellent stuff though, and freely available on Youtube, though poor picture quality.   A great pity they never made "The Mark Of The Horse Lord".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 17 November, 2019, 09:22:28 am
That was a grand story - I first heard it on Children's Hour in the 50s.  There have been several remakes since.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Eagle_of_the_Ninth
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 November, 2019, 02:12:20 pm
In case you en't watched the denouement d’Engrenages yet:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 17 November, 2019, 02:36:54 pm
I was half expecting an ending a bit like this film
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Me_If_You_Dare_(film)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 22 November, 2019, 11:49:27 pm
The BBC has announced the leading cast members for a forthcoming adaptation of PTerry's Night Watch books.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/bbcstudios/2019/the-watch-cast-richard-dormer

Varying mileage has ensued: https://twitter.com/BBCAMERICA/status/1171786597504888833
...

More cast members for BBC America's The Watch have been revealed. Expect more varying mileage....

https://www.terrypratchettbooks.com/bbc-announces-watch-tv-cast/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 November, 2019, 10:34:54 am
 :facepalm:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 23 November, 2019, 06:06:39 pm
The other day I finished watching The Man in the High Castle.  I enjoyed it - until the conclusion of the last episode.  How hokey! 

I know the series is based on a book, and departs significantly from said novel, but I think I shall pick up a copy just to see if the ending is any better.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 23 November, 2019, 06:10:15 pm
'Hokey'?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Andrij on 23 November, 2019, 06:19:13 pm
'Hokey'?

USAnian slang: mawkishly sentimental, noticeably contrived.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 23 November, 2019, 06:25:32 pm
'Hokey'?

USAnian slang: mawkishly sentimental, noticeably contrived.

Ah, thanks.  Like most tv and films, then.  ;)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 November, 2019, 10:24:06 pm
I have just returned from our choir's concert. We started with Haydn's "Te Deum", which we have sung before. Then we had 5 soloists, hired from Trinity College, who all did arias from Haydn or Mozart. One of the tenors didn't finish his as he was feeling faint. Tiny, tiny lad. looked about 14, but was (presumably) an undergraduate.

After the interval, we sang Schubert's Mass in E flat. This is quite a tough work, and I felt a bit "samey". I thought we sang it better than we ever have in rehearsal, and Colin, our director, was very pleased when I chatted to him briefly afterwards.

Thi idea behind the concert was that we were singing works from two composers who were influenced by Beethoven and one whom Beethoven influenced. 2020 is the 250th year of Ludwig's birth and our April concert will be one of his masses, IIRC Op 86, in C major.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 23 November, 2019, 10:38:45 pm
Just back from a live broadcast of Akhnaten , from the New York Met.   Absolutely fantastic in every way.   I'm a fan of Phillip Glass's music anyway, and to have it paired with the singing & stunning visuals was overwhelming. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1XKqZRLXQQ



https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-2019-20-review-akhnaten/


https://www.facebook.com/MetOpera/videos/201920-season-philip-glasss-akhnaten/576814316170638/


I think that Picturehouse Group are running Encore performances over the next couple of weeks.  Well worth 3 1/2 hours of your time  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 November, 2019, 03:30:45 pm
I've just discovered that one of my currently favourite Polish songs, Długość dżwięku samotności, exists in an English version.
https://youtu.be/XdmbuDD2hEE
It sounds so wrong! The translation of the lyrics is decent – I especially like what they've done with the first two lines of the first verse, though the refrain leaves a bit to be desired IMO – and the English title makes more sense than the Polish (literally "The length of the sound of solitude/loneliness") but making more sense isn't necessarily more appropriate. Of course translating lyrics is the art of choosing what to lose: rhyme, rhythm, meaning, intonation? If you're lucky you'll keep one! But his voice is just wrong! It's expressive and varied in Polish but in English, well, it's a bit like karaoke.
The original is here: https://youtu.be/qCIyK3ec4kE
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 08 December, 2019, 12:23:12 am
I just watched a random episode of "Space:Above & Beyond" (1995) in which a fascist government has just taken France out of the EU.    Suspect they got the date & country wrong  :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 09 December, 2019, 08:46:40 am
The BBC has announced the leading cast members for a forthcoming adaptation of PTerry's Night Watch books.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/bbcstudios/2019/the-watch-cast-richard-dormer

Varying mileage has ensued: https://twitter.com/BBCAMERICA/status/1171786597504888833
...

More cast members for BBC America's The Watch have been revealed. Expect more varying mileage....

https://www.terrypratchettbooks.com/bbc-announces-watch-tv-cast/
Oh FFS!

Cheery is female. A female dwarf. Half the point of her character is that she is:
A) one of the first female members of the watch
B) a female dwarf when nobody is really sure they have seen a female dwarf
C) she brings her own, female, aesthetic to traditional dwarfish wear.

Lady Sybil is large and not so young. A lovely, large character. One of the few in fiction and beloved by many.
So they have some young and slim playing the part?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 11 December, 2019, 11:48:43 am
Found another new Tiny Desk, Sheryl Crow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCcmk4-FZwY) - turns out she's 57 -how did THAT happen? I've always thought of her as the anthem  voice of the new generation. Jeez.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 December, 2019, 11:17:33 am
Mogadisco: a long way from North-East Somerset!
https://analogafrica.bandcamp.com/album/mogadisco-dancing-mogadishu-somalia-1972-1991
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 14 December, 2019, 10:09:39 pm
The still pic for this programme.

https://www.my5.tv/digging-up-britain-s-past/season-1/robin-hood-king-john

I was under the impression that an arrow needs the bowstring pulled back with it...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 15 December, 2019, 08:48:20 am
The still pic for this programme.

https://www.my5.tv/digging-up-britain-s-past/season-1/robin-hood-king-john

I was under the impression that an arrow needs the bowstring pulled back with it...

It's not the only misfire.

Quote
We're sorry but you must be located in the British Isles to view this content....

If this keeps happening, please visit the My5 Help Centre for advice on what this error means and how to solve it.

It's not about to change, mon ami.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 December, 2019, 04:49:08 pm
There's a group of little kids lined up outside a shopping centre, with a few adults in attendance. They're wearing santa hats and reindeer antlers. Oh my god they're going to sing Christmas carols. But no! They burst into a really good rendition of Mr Blue Sky followed by a decent version of Reach Out I'll Be There. Thank fuck it isn't Christmas every day!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 16 December, 2019, 06:54:09 pm
I can't seem to find a thread for "The Expanse" anywhere.  We must have a few fans.  Season 4 on Amazon in December.  Based on "Cibola Burn".   Trailers below.


https://youtu.be/kNIim3xqsEU (https://youtu.be/kNIim3xqsEU)


https://youtu.be/uEENk6_XFoA (https://youtu.be/uEENk6_XFoA)


A much longer segment, with the Roci travelling back asswards for deceleration  :thumbsup:      She then lands on Ilus ?  Don't recall that from the book, but it's been a while. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LrZiNOvp_c&frags=pl%2Cwn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LrZiNOvp_c&frags=pl%2Cwn)


(sheepish edit, paste the damn link in)


And another trailer   https://youtu.be/0-QBzYfK_R8 (https://youtu.be/0-QBzYfK_R8)


I binged Season 4 over the weekend,  very well done & they've woven a few extra plot strands in from later books to give Bobbie something to do.  Won't make much sense if you haven't watched the first 3 series though.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ElyDave on 17 December, 2019, 07:36:02 pm
Reading a BBC article this morning, reporting that his husband has died, I now know that the (Rev) Richard Coles is an ex-Communard
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 17 December, 2019, 07:41:39 pm
I just assumed that's where most people knew him from...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 18 December, 2019, 07:50:14 pm
Clearly elydave is not "most people".  :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ElyDave on 19 December, 2019, 07:34:53 pm
ElyDave knows of the Communards, a popular beat combo from his yoof, but is not aware of the specific make up of said band. 

Others were paid more attention

would also add that I was partlicularly disgruntled to see that supposed Christians have contacted him to say his husband will be in hell, so much for a religion founded on peace and love
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 20 December, 2019, 10:30:09 am
ElyDave knows of the Communards, a popular beat combo from his yoof, but is not aware of the specific make up of said band. 

Others were paid more attention

would also add that I was partlicularly disgruntled to see that supposed Christians have contacted him to say his husband will be in hell, so much for a religion founded on peace and love

Particularly enlightening was the "courageously unsigned" (his words) letter that started "I'm writing to say how glad I am you're partner has died..."   :hand:   Christians, eh?  ::-)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 20 December, 2019, 10:37:35 am
ElyDave knows of the Communards, a popular beat combo from his yoof, but is not aware of the specific make up of said band. 

Others were paid more attention

would also add that I was partlicularly disgruntled to see that supposed Christians have contacted him to say his husband will be in hell, so much for a religion founded on peace and love

Particularly enlightening was the "courageously unsigned" (his words) letter that started "I'm writing to say how glad I am you're partner has died..."   :hand:   Christians, eh?  ::-)
Bigots come in all flavours sadly.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 23 December, 2019, 09:17:43 pm
Meanwhile, on tonight's Universally Challenged Christmas Special, there was a question asking which form of transport did Fiona Kolbinger use to win the Trans Continental?

Radio 4's vicar in residence, and mentioned just up there in sadder circumstances,  the Rev. Richard Coles took a wild stab with "skateboard".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 December, 2019, 09:36:05 pm
Ambitious. But I'm sure a transcontinental skateboard journey (probably not a race) has been done, and if it hasn't, it should be.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 24 December, 2019, 09:50:56 am
Anyone else noticed the rise in kitchen-countertop copulations in films over the last few years?  It's got to the point where, when the amorous wights burst through their front door, clawing at each other's clothes, MrsT and I are liable to chortle "to the kitchen!"

Very strange.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 26 December, 2019, 08:29:02 am
Meanwhile, on tonight's Universally Challenged Christmas Special, there was a question asking which form of transport did Fiona Kolbinger use to win the Trans Continental?

Radio 4's vicar in residence, and mentioned just up there in sadder circumstances,  the Rev. Richard Coles took a wild stab with "skateboard".
This caused much hilarity on the TCR facebook group (enough to be posted at least 3 times). :)

It wasnt THAT bad a guess - PBP has been done on a kick-scooter (which was then banned).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 26 December, 2019, 05:08:30 pm
Anyone else noticed the rise in kitchen-countertop copulations in films over the last few years?  It's got to the point where, when the amorous wights burst through their front door, clawing at each other's clothes, MrsT and I are liable to chortle "to the kitchen!"

Very strange.

Not really noticed an increase, but it always struck me as one of those YKINMK things.  Maybe I've been unfortunate in always having distinctly unsexy kitchen counters?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 December, 2019, 05:13:25 pm
Anyone else noticed the rise in kitchen-countertop copulations in films over the last few years?  It's got to the point where, when the amorous wights burst through their front door, clawing at each other's clothes, MrsT and I are liable to chortle "to the kitchen!"

Very strange.

Not really noticed an increase, but it always struck me as one of those YKINMK things.  Maybe I've been unfortunate in always having distinctly unsexy kitchen counters?
It's not the kitchen counters, it's the kitchen encounters.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 27 December, 2019, 11:25:09 pm
I can't seem to find a thread for "The Expanse" anywhere.  We must have a few fans.  Season 4 on Amazon in December.  Based on "Cibola Burn".   Trailers below.


https://youtu.be/kNIim3xqsEU (https://youtu.be/kNIim3xqsEU)


https://youtu.be/uEENk6_XFoA (https://youtu.be/uEENk6_XFoA)


A much longer segment, with the Roci travelling back asswards for deceleration  :thumbsup:      She then lands on Ilus ?  Don't recall that from the book, but it's been a while. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LrZiNOvp_c&frags=pl%2Cwn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LrZiNOvp_c&frags=pl%2Cwn)


(sheepish edit, paste the damn link in)


And another trailer   https://youtu.be/0-QBzYfK_R8 (https://youtu.be/0-QBzYfK_R8)


I binged Season 4 over the weekend,  very well done & they've woven a few extra plot strands in from later books to give Bobbie something to do.  Won't make much sense if you haven't watched the first 3 series though.


Re-watching series 1 & 2 it's interesting to see how they set things up.  Naomi demanding that Fred Johnson help her to find "someone".  Avasarala lying on the roof of her house,looking at the night sky, talking to her grandkids & saying she hopes no one is thinking about throwing rocks.........
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2019, 10:06:09 am
Expansewise I'm still wondering at the pervasive use of steel, making magnetic boots practicable.  Virtually every metal surface they walk on seems to be ferrous.  Phunny, that.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 03 January, 2020, 01:36:16 pm
Anyone else noticed the rise in kitchen-countertop copulations in films over the last few years?  It's got to the point where, when the amorous wights burst through their front door, clawing at each other's clothes, MrsT and I are liable to chortle "to the kitchen!"

Very strange.

Not really noticed an increase, but it always struck me as one of those YKINMK things.  Maybe I've been unfortunate in always having distinctly unsexy kitchen counters?

There are sexy kitchen counters? I've certainly long harboured a distrust of kitchen showrooms (why are there so many feasting on the decaying corpses of our high streets and have I just answered my own question?)

It probably explains the lack of sharp edges in modern kitchens, no one wants their amorous intent sharply punctuated. Not that I've been tempted, but we have rounded edges. Why take the chance? I am now, of course, challenging with thinking about the weirdest place I've had sex and should I start a topic that will just end up being my confession?

In other news, finished and enjoyed the latest round of The Expanse. I think they take the opportunity to use hindsight to tighten up the events of the books and make it a bit more coherent, which is fine. It's well done and pacy, which – in a universe of Netflixian sludge – is quite a relief. On the downside, there's Naomi's son coming into play, and I confess I found that subplot tedious and annoying in the book.

Now watching season two of The OA, which is admirably bonkers. I liked the first season and it featured probably the best way to thwart an 'active shooter' in your school ever (apart from not living in a society awash with guns, of course).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 04 January, 2020, 11:21:13 am
Derek Acorah has died. I'm not sure whether this is beneficial or detrimental to the career of a medium.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 04 January, 2020, 11:39:35 am
Derek Acorah has died. I'm not sure whether this is beneficial or detrimental to the career of a medium.

Is he now a happy medium?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ElyDave on 04 January, 2020, 11:46:51 am
he's definitely no longer a small medium at large
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jurek on 11 January, 2020, 08:25:39 pm
Whist spending Christmas with M'Julie in Whitstable, we elected that our evening's TV entertainment would be to watch the Prince Andrew interview, mostly for its farce value, if nothing else.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 12 January, 2020, 07:44:56 pm
And now, you "have no recollection of ever watching that programme, none whatsoever"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 12 January, 2020, 08:03:22 pm
And now, you "have no recollection of ever watching that programme, none whatsoever"

Because they got five minutes in and elected to go to Pizza Express instead.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 12 January, 2020, 08:34:54 pm
Blimey.  Yma O Hyd, which I had assumed was just my local pub's anthem, has made #1 in the iTunes chart.
https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-wales-51083459?__twitter_impression=true
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 14 January, 2020, 10:13:11 pm
You can buy a candle that smells like Gwyneth Paltrow's clunge.

Or you could, but they've sold out.

https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/jan/13/why-is-gwyneth-paltrow-selling-a-candle-that-smells-like-her-vagina-goop

£58, too.
Title: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread
Post by: andrewc on 14 January, 2020, 10:27:20 pm
You can buy a candle that smells like Gwyneth Paltrow's clunge.

Or you could, but they've sold out.

https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/jan/13/why-is-gwyneth-paltrow-selling-a-candle-that-smells-like-her-vagina-goop (https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/jan/13/why-is-gwyneth-paltrow-selling-a-candle-that-smells-like-her-vagina-goop)

£58, too.


You're slipping Roger.... https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=66712.msg2457600#msg2457600    &  https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=111007.msg2457602#msg2457602
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 January, 2020, 07:50:53 am
It's only NSFW if you see the R&D department.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: fimm on 15 January, 2020, 01:58:14 pm
What does YKINMK mean?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 15 January, 2020, 02:09:06 pm
YMMV.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 16 February, 2020, 09:55:50 pm
As a 16 year old, I attended the royal premier of "The Knack" .  I then fell deeply, adolescently, in love with Rita Tushingham.
Mrs B is currently watching something on the teiiybox.  Rita is one of the cast.

Blimey, we've all aged a bit, haven't we?
Bloody hell.  Am I really that old?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 16 February, 2020, 10:17:27 pm
I used to work with her nephew.  Same age as me.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ElyDave on 19 February, 2020, 10:49:46 pm
I got a Netflix alert today that a he series of Altered Carbon is imminent :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 20 February, 2020, 08:17:49 am
Ditto Green Eggs and Ham. :D  Only maybe not imminently imminent. :(

WRT Altered Carbon, if they got rid of the swords & acrobatics shtick it'd be a lot better.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: PeteB99 on 04 March, 2020, 12:22:46 pm
Oh fuck. First brexit then Covid19.

Now a Genesis reunion.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/mar/04/prog-rock-stars-genesis-to-announce-reunion (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/mar/04/prog-rock-stars-genesis-to-announce-reunion)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 04 March, 2020, 12:53:42 pm
Packing thousands of people into big venues doesn't sound very sensible at the moment. 


I've still got several concerts booked for the RLPO.  I'm wondering whether or not to arrange refunds.    ???
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 04 March, 2020, 06:17:03 pm
Oh fuck. First brexit then Covid19.

Now a Genesis reunion.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/mar/04/prog-rock-stars-genesis-to-announce-reunion (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/mar/04/prog-rock-stars-genesis-to-announce-reunion)

Prog - ha, ha, ha  :facepalm:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 04 March, 2020, 06:19:22 pm
Oh fuck. First brexit then Covid19.

Now a Genesis reunion.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/mar/04/prog-rock-stars-genesis-to-announce-reunion (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/mar/04/prog-rock-stars-genesis-to-announce-reunion)

That's likely to cause a mass exodus
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 04 March, 2020, 06:27:57 pm
Oh fuck. First brexit then Covid19.

Now a Genesis reunion.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/mar/04/prog-rock-stars-genesis-to-announce-reunion (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/mar/04/prog-rock-stars-genesis-to-announce-reunion)

Prog - ha, ha, ha  :facepalm:

Well, quite - when did Peter Gabriel leave the band?  ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 06 March, 2020, 06:46:54 pm
Finally, there is an official "The Far Side" website!  :D

https://www.thefarside.com/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 11 March, 2020, 05:34:33 pm
https://encurious.com/post/126332300103/this-is-what-english-actually-sounded-like-500?fbclid=IwAR3T68AHrAIT6szO9SaYzZz6QR6l-2jwes1QMxM3n87iyj3GMAelwi9IopU
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 01 April, 2020, 08:46:17 pm
I don’t regard this as a “small entertainment thing”, but it doesn’t warrant a new thread.

Just to recommend Nick Cave’s Red Hand Files:

https://www.theredhandfiles.com

In which Nick Cave replies to questions from fans. Subscribing results in weekly (I think) new posts, always contemplative and interesting and positive.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 01 April, 2020, 10:45:34 pm
Finally, there is an official "The Far Side" website!  :D

https://www.thefarside.com/

They still make me laugh. A lot.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 April, 2020, 05:42:26 pm
Beethoven on bikes!
https://youtu.be/99TXqXvfUH8
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: JonBuoy on 02 April, 2020, 07:09:37 pm
Beethoven on bikes!
https://youtu.be/99TXqXvfUH8

They look more like sledges to me.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 April, 2020, 07:31:19 pm
They might be. But they looked like bikes on a phone screen. To me.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 03 April, 2020, 09:41:29 pm
80's Aerobics meets Rob Zombie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_zd0G8HGSo

Go on, you know you want to ;)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 03 April, 2020, 10:06:12 pm
80's Aerobics meets Rob Zombie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_zd0G8HGSo

Go on, you know you want to ;)

;D ;D ;D :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 04 April, 2020, 12:00:57 am
Very good. And led me to this:

https://youtu.be/JR3uz8rq4ng
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 04 April, 2020, 04:49:55 pm
Very good. And led me to this:

https://youtu.be/JR3uz8rq4ng

The McClintock mash-up of Slayer's "Raining Blood" and The B-52's "Rock Lobster" is a work of deranged genius.  :D

https://youtu.be/mnrfqPoX4WU
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 04 April, 2020, 05:32:28 pm
80's Aerobics meets Rob Zombie.

That is bizarrely compelling viewing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: CAMRAMan on 05 April, 2020, 03:11:53 pm
I doubt whether many folk on here have heard of Robert Broberg. He was a Swedish original and impossible to categorise. He had a song, Ingela, which was the name of my Swedish ex and that was the song that got us together in the first place. Anyhoo, I found out yesterday that he died in 2015 of Parkinson's. Somewhere I have a cassette of his, but no way of playing it any more.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 06 April, 2020, 12:43:20 pm
Fans of John Finnemore and Cabin Pressure will be pleased, or not, to know that Arthur Shappey is self isolating.  Fortunately he's documenting his ordeal on YouTube
First episode is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhTBp1DRfx4&t=134s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhTBp1DRfx4&t=134s)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 12 April, 2020, 08:25:11 am
Mash up of displaying my ignorance (thinking a "cover" of a trad song was actually an original by Grateful Dead) and information for those that weren't listening to the Huey show yesterday and quite like blues, the previous version by Rev Gary Davis (as in, it was he who taught the song to Bob Weir), it is epic . There's a version on Youtube here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNDrLiJl88w) but the one played yesterday was far superior. Here's the show, it's at around 1:55:40 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000h7ny

The whole show was great music to paint a room by, DNAMHIKT.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 22 April, 2020, 02:53:23 pm
A friend posted on facebook yesterday that it was 25 years to the day since the first episode of Father Ted was broadcast. 25 years! Way to make me feel old.

I remember at the time that the idea of a sitcom about Irish priests didn't much appeal to me, and I only watched it because I'd heard it was made by the same people who made the brilliant and hugely underrated Paris, a sitcom about a struggling artist in 1920s Paris, starring Alexei Sayle, which got canned after one series.

Got to admit that Father Ted has aged better.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 April, 2020, 10:23:13 pm
Yesterday we took part as a family in my son-in-law's online quiz. There was a round on song lyrics and we scored (wait for it)... 9/10! We had to identify the popular beat combo responsible, the songs having an English theme because of it being St. George's day this week. I was amazed that I got at least 3 that the others in my team didn't know, those 3 being a Beatles song (Mean Mr. Mustard I think - certainly from Abbey Road), God Save The Queen (Sex Pistols) and Football's Coming Home by Skinner and Baddiel. Jan and I also got Mad Dogs & Englishmen, but that was the only "oldie". The one none of us knew was something involving John Barnes. I can't even remember the name of the group.

This is dreadful! I have a reputation to keep up!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 22 April, 2020, 10:33:35 pm
Yesterday we took part as a family in my son-in-law's online quiz. There was a round on song lyrics and we scored (wait for it)... 9/10! We had to identify the popular beat combo responsible, the songs having an English theme because of it being St. George's day this week. I was amazed that I got at least 3 that the others in my team didn't know, those 3 being a Beatles song (Mean Mr. Mustard I think - certainly from Abbey Road), God Save The Queen (Sex Pistols) and Football's Coming Home by Skinner and Baddiel. Jan and I also got Mad Dogs & Englishmen, but that was the only "oldie". The one none of us knew was something involving John Barnes. I can't even remember the name of the group.

This is dreadful! I have a reputation to keep up!

New Order, m'lud.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 April, 2020, 08:34:00 pm
The John Barnes rap marks the high point of English football.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 24 April, 2020, 08:57:19 pm
A friend posted on facebook yesterday that it was 25 years to the day since the first episode of Father Ted was broadcast. 25 years! Way to make me feel old.

I remember at the time that the idea of a sitcom about Irish priests didn't much appeal to me, and I only watched it because I'd heard it was made by the same people who made the brilliant and hugely underrated Paris, a sitcom about a struggling artist in 1920s Paris, starring Alexei Sayle, which got canned after one series.

Got to admit that Father Ted has aged better.

25 years! Cripes!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 24 April, 2020, 09:11:09 pm
I've never actually seen Father Ted.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 24 April, 2020, 09:35:07 pm
Go on, go on, go on, go on!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 24 April, 2020, 10:11:47 pm
I've never actually seen Father Ted.
You haven't lived
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jurek on 24 April, 2020, 10:17:37 pm
I've never actually seen Father Ted.
You haven't lived
Srsly?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ElyDave on 24 April, 2020, 10:20:49 pm
that has to be the best Horizon I've seen in years, just for the Hubble images, absolutely amazing to see back to the dawn of time
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 April, 2020, 09:41:56 pm
I don't know who'd been elected or what had taken away their hope, but hey, Led Zep were talking to cyclists!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xcOZghoZZY
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 26 April, 2020, 12:23:35 am
RIP Hamilton Bohannon. I only knew him from a friend of a friend  :( Who needs to think when your feet just go!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 26 April, 2020, 08:25:45 am
RIP Hamilton Bohannon. I only knew him from a friend of a friend  :( Who needs to think when your feet just go!
Ah! I first knew of him from that Tom Tom Club track. Disco legend.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 27 April, 2020, 11:25:16 am
I've never actually seen Father Ted.
You haven't lived
Srsly?

In my defence, I was living in the US at the time, and they didn't, to the best of my knowledge, have it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 27 April, 2020, 12:46:53 pm
Father Ted corresponds with the time when I wasn't really watching a lot of television.  I discovered it late, and have only seen a few episodes all the way through.  (I completely missed Spaced in similar circumstances.)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 28 April, 2020, 07:33:28 am
RIP Hamilton Bohannon. I only knew him from a friend of a friend  :( Who needs to think when your feet just go!

He and I had a special relationship (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=115477.0)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: DaveJ on 28 April, 2020, 10:17:26 pm
that has to be the best Horizon I've seen in years, just for the Hubble images, absolutely amazing to see back to the dawn of time

Yes.  Fascinating.  The BBC at its best.  So much of its output has been dreadful recently, that its helpful to be reminded how good it can be.

I'm not sure I like being able to remember the highs and lows of the story from personal experience.  It certainly makes me feel old.

James Webb next year hopefully.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 April, 2020, 02:47:53 pm
Play the theremin with today's Google doodle!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 09 May, 2020, 12:24:22 am
A Spinal Tap moment (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/may/08/brian-may-hospitalised-gardening-injury-tears-buttock-muscles)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: PeteB99 on 10 May, 2020, 10:30:40 am
Royal Albert Hall At home sessions

https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/series/royal-albert-home (https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/series/royal-albert-home)

Tonight (May 10th 19.30)

Richard Thompson  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 May, 2020, 01:19:45 pm
MrsC has turned into a potter, with some success. Producing stuff with worth selling:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CharlyHamlynCeramics (https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CharlyHamlynCeramics)

Etsy shop has been up for about 5 days. Three sales, one commission so far.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 27 May, 2020, 01:50:28 pm
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 May, 2020, 02:59:54 pm
They do look good. Is it easy to find kiln space?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 27 May, 2020, 03:23:26 pm
We are very lucky; our landlords have a pottery onsite. She pays them for use (calculated by weight of pottery).

It is the first time in her life she has had time to do anything like this. Bird spreading her wings.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 27 May, 2020, 08:16:13 pm
MrsC has turned into a potter, with some success. Producing stuff with worth selling:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CharlyHamlynCeramics (https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CharlyHamlynCeramics)

Etsy shop has been up for about 5 days. Three sales, one commission so far.

They're rather nice!

I always have mixed expectations when someone points me at an etsy link but you're right that they are definitely saleable.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 27 May, 2020, 08:27:14 pm
Love the blue glazed ones! Very professional looking.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Soaplady on 30 May, 2020, 07:06:51 am
Very nice. She may not be looking to do something different, but if she is, yarn bowls are a thing, with a big potential customer base...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 30 May, 2020, 08:36:41 am
Very nice. She may not be looking to do something different, but if she is, yarn bowls are a thing, with a big potential customer base...

And the longer the customers use them, the bigger their bases become...

IGMC
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 May, 2020, 12:28:01 pm
Blurring out brand names.  Why do they bother?  It's obvious that bloke's drinking a can of Brown Cow Red Bull*.  And why are they so crap at it that in one shot you've got a blurry mess and in the very next the words "Western Star" written in large friendly letters on the bonnet of a lorry.

* the idiot
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 01 June, 2020, 11:43:16 pm
Matt Johnson (TheThe) has been unwell  :jurek:    https://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/threads/matt-johnson-the-the.241382/#post-4007315   but hopes to make a good recovery.    Another brilliant musician who's  stuff I've listened to for years, but never seen live.  Hope the chap is OK.


WARNING - gruesome pic.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 17 June, 2020, 04:12:00 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFrsBMXipDk&fbclid=IwAR1EPxxHOIzZH-nI9eC6qv033ANKLSrEZdFVzbVBxeoIdQ6NV_gP-GQbH9k

Jan drew my attention to this. Rather well-done, I thought.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 18 June, 2020, 11:04:50 am
I'm doing a zoom quiz for the family next week. Age range is pre-teen to mid-70s so coming up with a range of questions to suit the whole group is tricky. I'm quite pleased with the picture round though - here it is, if anyone fancies testing their knowledge of animated dogs...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50019052717_f8cbe35ea6_o.jpg)

(I might change no.3 - or at least change the picture so it's different answers for the character/tv show name. Ideally need to find a different pic for no.6 as well, for one that includes the third character.)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 18 June, 2020, 11:22:48 am
Wot no Droopy (https://youtu.be/3AA7Ub1c2cI)?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 18 June, 2020, 11:50:39 am
Wot no Droopy (https://youtu.be/3AA7Ub1c2cI)?

One of many omissions... Could easily have run it to 20 questions, or more, but it might all start to get a bit painfully drawn out.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 June, 2020, 11:54:43 am
I feel it's not complete without Scooby. But 10 is quite enough.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 June, 2020, 02:30:17 pm
5/10.  I'm obviously channelling the wrong zeitgeist again.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 June, 2020, 02:30:47 pm
I knew 1, 2 & 7. Anything after 1970 and I've no chance. Should work for your geriatrics, C.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 18 June, 2020, 02:51:23 pm
With a bonus point if anyone can name Hector's feline friend  :D    I got it wrong, I thought she was Kiki, but that's the frog !    I'm a silly old Hector..... :facepalm:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 18 June, 2020, 11:57:20 pm
7/10

I only know no. 10 from street art by Losthills in Furryboottoon, e.g. this in a place I occasionally frequent:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/912/41720060042_ee08d9c590_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26yEdm3)
IMG_0712_01 (https://flic.kr/p/26yEdm3) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 26 July, 2020, 09:57:11 am
https://www.thepoke.co.uk/2020/02/25/simply-17-of-the-worst-book-covers-on-amazon/?fbclid=IwAR0RTvSbNDvB3eOp3QaQyIPGJO1O1JWaG0snfpX0L78L38mwJFrD3QhbPu8
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 26 July, 2020, 11:12:27 am
https://www.thepoke.co.uk/2020/02/25/simply-17-of-the-worst-book-covers-on-amazon/?fbclid=IwAR0RTvSbNDvB3eOp3QaQyIPGJO1O1JWaG0snfpX0L78L38mwJFrD3QhbPu8
Voluspa: A Magical World... Where Strange Genetic Experiments With Cats Are Acceptable
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 26 July, 2020, 12:25:22 pm
https://www.thepoke.co.uk/2020/02/25/simply-17-of-the-worst-book-covers-on-amazon/?fbclid=IwAR0RTvSbNDvB3eOp3QaQyIPGJO1O1JWaG0snfpX0L78L38mwJFrD3QhbPu8
Voluspa: A Magical World... Where Strange Genetic Experiments With Cats Are Acceptable

That thread is the book cover equivalent of those people where you ask yourself "What on Earth do they see when they look in the mirror?"

Main reason almost all of my books use a landscape picture I took myself, with three exceptions where I posed objects.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 26 July, 2020, 12:27:01 pm
5/10.  I'm obviously channelling the wrong zeitgeist again.

Seven for me. I would have liked to have seen Custard's friend.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 26 July, 2020, 03:18:43 pm
I would have liked to have seen Custard's friend.

Funnily enough, I made a couple of changes and very nearly included that one but changed my mind. This is the version I actually used for the quiz:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50154579198_bc579ca138_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jpZk37)pictures (https://flic.kr/p/2jpZk37)

For those who are still interested...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: nicknack on 26 July, 2020, 06:02:47 pm
With a bonus point if anyone can name Hector's feline friend  :D    I got it wrong, I thought she was Kiki, but that's the frog !    I'm a silly old Hector..... :facepalm:
Zsa Zsa?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 July, 2020, 11:55:58 am
One of the things that Jan and I have to do with this house is declutter it. I thought I'd make a start on a box of bits & pieces, and it turned out to be some ancient college stuff that Jan had kept. In it there was a programme for a concert we attended on Valentine's Day 1974, at the Free Trade Hall, featuring the Hallé orchestra and young musicians from Chethams and the RNCM.

I was totally unaware that at 12-year-old Stephen Hough was one of the soloists we saw. I recall being less impressed with him than Francis Rayner (whom I have since met and nattered to as he's a very good chess player as well as a virtuoso pianist).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c33q87s03h4

Quite an honour to be the soloist at the First Night.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/jul/13/first-night-proms-royal-albert-hall-review

This decluttering is going to be a slow process if every time I find something it prompts watching a video for 30 minutes...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 27 July, 2020, 12:13:22 pm
With a bonus point if anyone can name Hector's feline friend  :D    I got it wrong, I thought she was Kiki, but that's the frog !    I'm a silly old Hector..... :facepalm:
Zsa Zsa?
Zsazsa indeed.

Citoyen, I still only got seven on the second set. As for Spotty Dog, I would say that Watch with Mother wouldn't do for that. It would be like allowing 'Gerry Anderson' as an answer to puppet questions.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 27 July, 2020, 12:18:35 pm
As for Spotty Dog, I would say that Watch with Mother wouldn't do for that. It would be like allowing 'Gerry Anderson' as an answer to puppet questions.

That was pretty much my dad's argument too.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 28 July, 2020, 10:29:00 pm
https://twitter.com/RembrandtsRoom/status/1288147921347764224?s=20


Damn!  Outbid again....
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 31 July, 2020, 12:04:08 am
https://www.comedy.co.uk/features/comedy_chronicles/terry-thomas-ibiza-years/


Absolute shower......
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 31 July, 2020, 07:00:00 pm
Today was supposed to be the opening of the Eisteddfod. In Ceredigion for the first time in something like 30 years.  :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 31 July, 2020, 08:12:57 pm
Let me share a song I have just tracked down, after 40 years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPHeAXxF-uY

I'll past my comment here

Quote
I first heard this back in the 70's live, in Richard Digance & friends Capital Radio show. It had been niggling me for months since ...well I'll come back to that.  I'd forgotten it was Brenda Wooton, but found her from the other song I remembered ("Heading for the river Tamar" or some such). It was her intro I remembered: "In love again, can this be me?" She explained that she had felt a bit funny about singing it as a lady of a Certain Age, until she became a grandmother, then it suddenly all made sense. I've been trying to remember and find it, ever since I became a grandparent, and realised what she meant.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 03 August, 2020, 12:07:53 am
I missed this  :( RIP Lyle Mays

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVBoDx_1dTc



Also, why is it so fecking difficult to find a link to As Falls Wichita   ???
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 August, 2020, 09:55:01 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_dynqO7NG0

I include the above because the violin was constructed by the brother-in-law of my pal Penny (it's what he does). I love the whole video actually, with top quality music being produced in a domestic setting, with stray child and dog for added intimacy.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 06 August, 2020, 10:30:37 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_dynqO7NG0

I include the above because the violin was constructed by the brother-in-law of my pal Penny (it's what he does). I love the whole video actually, with top quality music being produced in a domestic setting, with stray child and dog for added intimacy.

It's beautiful, the whole thing.  I bet Daphne's the only one in her class who knows what a theorbo is.  I'd forgotten they have knotted gut frets.  I did that once on an aud, but it was more an item of furniture than a real instrument and had no volume.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jurek on 08 August, 2020, 02:30:43 pm
Quincy Jones wrote the music and lyrics to Self Preservation Society for The Italian Job.
Michael Caine taught Quincy rhyming slang to enable Quincy to write the lyrics.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 August, 2020, 02:57:27 pm
Quincy Jones wrote the music and lyrics to Self Preservation Society for The Italian Job.
Michael Caine taught Quincy rhyming slang to enable Quincy to write the lyrics.
Is the proportion of the population who are cognisant with this fact particularly large? I'd imagine not.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 15 August, 2020, 11:53:19 am
Play with sound on
https://twitter.com/mikewarburton/status/1294231424246198275
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 August, 2020, 03:53:16 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_dynqO7NG0

I include the above because the violin was constructed by the brother-in-law of my pal Penny (it's what he does). I love the whole video actually, with top quality music being produced in a domestic setting, with stray child and dog for added intimacy.

It's beautiful, the whole thing.  I bet Daphne's the only one in her class who knows what a theorbo is.  I'd forgotten they have knotted gut frets.  I did that once on an aud, but it was more an item of furniture than a real instrument and had no volume.
I'd never heard of either Matteis or a theorbo, which I presume is the instrument that looks like the product of a mandolin and a crane, but I did enjoy it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 August, 2020, 11:52:46 am
(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/e91eb22f90b1a5f7fd98c8b5054882fec1e576b2/0_0_1805_1193/master/1805.jpg?width=1300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=09985cab90c52578f52f8bafb9c188b5)
"I'm going to learn how to fly!"

I always thought it was Chicago not New York – or maybe I just think now that I thought that. There's not much difference from the perspective of a small town in England anyway, right? Besides, I never saw the movie – don't even remember there being a movie – but the TV series was a staple.
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/aug/19/we-were-dancing-on-cars-in-the-epicentre-of-porn-and-filth-an-oral-history-of-fame-40-years-on
I don't recall any porn and filth in it either.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 19 August, 2020, 12:25:56 pm
I don't recall any porn and filth in it either.

The film was a lot saucier than the TV series. I remember my sister being disappointed she couldn't go to the cinema to watch it because it was AA-rated (15).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 August, 2020, 06:26:07 pm
New York license plate on the car in the picture.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 20 August, 2020, 06:30:27 pm
Bosch music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnrICy3Bc2U&fbclid=IwAR2OhyGNG1R39fFk6yhwmrwSpmbLYh2LQgXOLwbyIBGi2AJLf6OWHx0Monw
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 August, 2020, 07:08:21 pm
Quote
Played on (What else?) Lute, Harp, and Hurdy-Gurdy
Surely it should have been played on the sackbut.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 20 August, 2020, 08:04:47 pm
Quote
Played on (What else?) Lute, Harp, and Hurdy-Gurdy
Surely it should have been played on the sackbut.

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 August, 2020, 01:12:53 pm
Attention Tartan Noir fans!!1!

Forthcoming Stuffs according to The Mega-Global Big River Corporation Of Seattle, USAnia:

WhoWhatWossnameWhen
Ian RankinA Song For The Dark TimesRebus $BIGNUM01 October 2020
Stuart MacBrideThe Coffinmaker’s GardenNo, an Ash Henderson*07 January 2021
James OswaldWhat Will BurnMcLean 1118 February 2021

*: Bah.  I want to know what happens if/when Reuben finally wakes up
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 23 August, 2020, 11:35:43 pm
Today i had cause to search for a clip* on YouTube. I found a suitable example quite quickly, but there was something screwy with the formatting - odd looking, almost leather effect, black borders all over the place and a square kind of picture.

This was because the person making the clip had propped up their smartphone to use as the source and recorded the clip with a second phone. Held in portrait mode.

Hanging's too good for them.



* the bit in Hannibal Brooks where elephant gets translated as "ve're here".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 24 August, 2020, 12:38:17 am
Today i had cause to search for a clip* on YouTube. I found a suitable example quite quickly, but there was something screwy with the formatting - odd looking, almost leather effect, black borders all over the place and a square kind of picture.

This was because the person making the clip had propped up their smartphone to use as the source and recorded the clip with a second phone. Held in portrait mode.

Hanging's too good for them.

Oh dear god.  I've noticed this seems to be the de-facto way of extracting evidence from CCTV systems for sharing on the twitterwebs, but policey types never really got the hang of computers.  Indeed, given their usual standard of literacy, it's unsurprising that copying/editing/transcoding video files is beyond them.  But I've not encountered it between two phones before.

xkcd://1683 (https://xkcd.com/1683/) was optimistic.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 September, 2020, 12:27:44 am
Quote
In the 1960s, Frederick “Toots” Hibbert didn’t just give the emerging genre of reggae its most soulful voice – he also gave it a name. A slip of the tongue while rehearsing with his group the Maytals one day and “streggae” – Jamaican patois for someone in ragged clothes – became “reggae” in Toots’s mouth. When the Maytals released “Do the Reggay” in 1968, they intended to name a passing dance craze. Instead the newly minted word stuck to the sound they and the Wailers were helping to shape: a faster, brighter evolution of the rocksteady beat.
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/toots-hibbert-interview-maytals-clash-a9686881.html

I was under the impression that reggae was a word before it was a musical style, and that it was a sort of verbal wolf whistle: something Jamaican teenage boys would call out at girls they found attractive.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 06 September, 2020, 05:01:25 pm
Having got many domestic tasks out of the way I decide to veg out in front of the TV. Film 4 has The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Hurrah. Poketa, loketa here we come. But no, the summary says "(2013)Romcom starring Ben Stiller and Kristen Wiig." A distinct lack of Danny Kaye. Bah.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: arabella on 15 September, 2020, 05:37:53 pm
Cory Doctorow has put out a 3rd Little Brother book. (https://craphound.com/)
I'm sure there was a bit of discussion around the first two (& also Pirate Cinema) but I can't find it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 19 September, 2020, 08:00:56 am
Chrissie Hynde is Rock & Roll.

Chrissie Hynde is 69.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOaCm91oy5M for back on the chain gang, or https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p08p5mbq/radio-2-live-at-home-performances-pretenders for the whole set
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 September, 2020, 08:29:07 pm
O hai, Memory-Box!  I don't know what you've done with BBC4 HD but I'd like it back. Kthxbai.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 24 September, 2020, 07:03:54 pm
A bit of decent dobro from Justin Johnson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4I96r2ZTpI
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: sg37409 on 25 September, 2020, 08:55:39 pm
Rolling Stone, top 500 albums 

https://twitter.com/RollingStone/status/1308406245301391360?s=20
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jurek on 27 September, 2020, 03:37:25 pm
Listening to the BBC6 Music Listen Again service, tends to mess with my branes when the previous day's news is broadcast.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 29 September, 2020, 02:47:12 pm
Gift of Pornographic Monkey to Vice Premiere Mikhael Pence to Make Benefit Recently Diminished Nation of Kazakhstan

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/sep/28/borat-2-sacha-baron-cohen-targets-trump-epstein-giuliani
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 29 September, 2020, 10:31:34 pm
Listening to the BBC6 Music Listen Again service, tends to mess with my branes when the previous day's news is broadcast.

We're in the habit of downloading Gideon Coes and then listening to them weeks or months later on long holiday drives. The news can sound a bit odd, but much of it is just the same old, same old.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 September, 2020, 04:58:24 pm
On Wednesday evenings, instead of a live choir practice, we have been enjoying very entertaining and informative Youtube lectures about various choral works from our Mus. Dir., one Dr. Joseph Fort. Tonight, there's won't be a live lecture but he has recorded one about Mendelssohn's "Elijah" and that will stay up until Sunday.

The reason that he can't deliver the lecture live this evening is that his wife, Rosalind Ventris, is performing at the Wigmore Hall (she's a viola player). She needs a page turner and, under the rules relating to Covid, it has to be someone from her household, and the only person who qualifies is Joe. The concert is being broadcast live on BBC R3, but there's a live link on the Wigmore Hall's website.

Elijah lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWfZenDbu_k&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=JosephFort

Wigmore Hall concert (link on page, requires login): https://wigmore-hall.org.uk/whats-on/kaleidoscope-chamber-collective-matthew-rose-202009301930
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: trekker12 on 01 October, 2020, 03:37:14 pm
What happened to The Repair Shop? It used to be weekly on an evening and made nice enjoyable relaxing television. I didn't watch it every week but did have a series link set to watch when I really couldn't find anything else.

I glanced through my recordings the other day to find 38 recordings and it now seems to be on every day in the afternoons!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hubner on 01 October, 2020, 07:46:20 pm
There's 22 episodes on Iplayer now.

If they're on TV everyday, it's just repeats.

I can't stand the human interest parts of the programme so I fast forward/skip those bits.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: fimm on 07 October, 2020, 01:55:07 pm
1. Spotty Dog / The Woodentops

My God. That will be why my sister's Spotty Dog was called Spotty Dog. Not that we would have watched The Woodentops, we are way too young. It must have been one of my parents who named it. In fact sister went through 3 Spotty Dogs - the first one was made from some garment of my mother's so when sister lost it mum made another one - but when sister lost that there was no more of the original spotty material left. Another dog was made from different spotty material but it was Not The Same and my sister was  :( .
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 09 October, 2020, 03:07:11 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAK-Z_vUL8g


Season 5 of "The Expanse"  , from 16th December.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 09 October, 2020, 05:09:03 pm
There's 22 episodes on Iplayer now.

If they're on TV everyday, it's just repeats.


I’m not so sure.  The original 45 minute / 3 item series was indeed on daily, ISTR at 4:15 on BBC2. Then they started to be repeated in the evenings as 1 hour shows with a 4th item added. The current afternoon daily show is I think a new series, with once again 3 items. 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 11 October, 2020, 12:26:15 pm
I found Nick Cave’s most recent issue of the Red Hand Files quite amusing:

https://www.theredhandfiles.com/i-could-physically-sense-and-see-the-ghosteen/

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 12 October, 2020, 04:11:46 pm
That nice Steve Lamacq Shaun Keavney off of 6 Music is now playing Terry and Gerry, featuring Turista one time member of this parish.   
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ElyDave on 13 October, 2020, 08:07:19 pm
My current turbo trainer Netflix fodder is Occupied, in the not too distant future Norway has shut off it's oil due to climate change, teh USA is doing it's own thing and self-isolating, and the EU is starved of hydrocarbons.

Meanwhile Norway is developing Thorium power to give free to the masses, but Russia and the EU conspire to a soft invasion of Norway to turn the taps back on. Several implausibilities but quite entertaining.  I quite like Scandi TV
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 October, 2020, 11:34:00 am
In non-lockdown circumstances, I would attend a choir practice on a Wednesday evening. That hasn't happened since March. Instead, our Mus. Dir. has entertained and educated us with a series of live lectures on Youtube about a variety of choral works, some of which I have sung.

Tonight, there will be no live lecture because he's moving house tomorrow - from East Ham to Thorpe Bay - so instead he's recorded a lecture. The subject is Janacek's Glagolitic Mass. I've never sung in this - never even bothered to sit down and listen to it - but I shall certainly do so. He's added the rather tempting comment "I hope you enjoy this piece, and also enjoy hearing what the Daily Mail had to say about the good people of Norfolk attending the UK premiere of this piece in 1930..."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JezClB2qMLE&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=JosephFort

That link will be available for a week.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 26 October, 2020, 09:39:28 pm
Watching The Final Cut again, with the mesmeric Ian Richardson.  OMG, it's topical - Tory scum, arguments over Europe, jingoism, sleaze and a psychotic HomeSec.  I see Michael "is that a wig?" Fabricant was the political adviser.  25 years ago.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Auntie Helen on 27 October, 2020, 06:36:33 am
We started watching the first series at the weekend.

Quality dialogue with clever word-twisting meant my GerMan understood less than normal. He watched it dubbed into German years ago and loved it. I remember almost nothing of it but it’s scarily suitable for our times.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 27 October, 2020, 08:23:01 am
In a similar vein, I've been listening to Yes, Minister on 4extra. I could swear it was the inspiration for Dom's evident hatred for the civil service.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 02 November, 2020, 08:21:57 pm
I spent a couple of hours with my Very Good Pal Penelope this afternoon. After and during lubing her tuba (not an euphemism, nor a euphonium) our conversation ranged over numerous topics and one of them was the Alan Bleasdale drama "GBH". Pen hadn't seen it before but I was prompted to delve through the internet this evening and I've found it on the Channel 4 website. It struck me when he first appeared that the ultra-baddie, although much more lithe, bears a striking, almost uncanny, resemblance to Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 November, 2020, 09:58:50 am
Robert Fisk has died.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 04 November, 2020, 09:05:34 pm
Robert Fisk has died.


Yes, I enjoyed his books on Lebanon & the middle east.   :(


Actually "enjoyed" is definitely the wrong word.  "Pity The Nation" is grim beyond belief.


A friend of mine was attached to BRITFORLEB in Beirut, he once said that if he met Fisk again he'd congratulate him on his writing about the ME & then punch him on the nose.  I don't think his journalism on Northern Ireland had endeared him to the army.



Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 04 November, 2020, 09:14:55 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/nov/04/craig-charles-this-is-my-midlife-crisis-i-should-have-just-bought-a-porsche


Lister came from Cannibal Farm ,  that explains so much...  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockbridge_Village
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 18 November, 2020, 11:34:54 am
A random sequence of things ended with me thinking "Whatever happened to Sassafras?" They were an early 70's prog-country-rock band from Wales I got into at the same time as Man, they never got anywhere, despite being pretty good at what they did. Youtube offered me up a couple of Old Grey Whistle sessions (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aijA_GD6owc). Within the first few minutes I was transported back to bell bottoms, display tambourine, guitar solos and lyrics covering shagging a schoolgirl, smoking dope and drinking moonshine. Ah the 70's, so misunderstood.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 19 November, 2020, 01:02:30 pm
BBC Radio 1 is to play an edited version of the Pogues "Fairytale of New York"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-54999375

I can see one of the changes - the obvious change to "faggot".  Can't see which complete line has been redacted - maybe "old slut and junky"

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 19 November, 2020, 01:14:42 pm
BBC Radio 1 is to play an edited version of the Pogues "Fairytale of New York"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-54999375

I can see one of the changes - the obvious change to "faggot".  Can't see which complete line has been redacted - maybe "old slut and junky"


https://twitter.com/poguesofficial/status/1329394157354446850
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 19 November, 2020, 01:14:50 pm
BBC Radio 1 is to play an edited version of the Pogues "Fairytale of New York"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-54999375

I can see one of the changes - the obvious change to "faggot".  Can't see which complete line has been redacted - maybe "old slut and junky"

 :facepalm:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 19 November, 2020, 01:36:00 pm
https://twitter.com/poguesofficial/status/1329394157354446850

That's priceless. And tbh not what I was expecting!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 19 November, 2020, 01:54:02 pm
Quote
You can replace any leading role in a Hollywood film with Bungle - what's he going into?
https://twitter.com/CuriousUkTelly/status/1329044475533025281

Some of the replies are... inspired. More diabolocally-inspired than divine, but inspired, nonetheless.  ;D

https://twitter.com/mike_rawlins/status/1329045671677206533

https://twitter.com/TomPercivalsays/status/1329047202111557632

https://twitter.com/youngmark1/status/1329058949245579264
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 November, 2020, 02:59:44 pm
It's one of those songs you hear so often, you don't even hear it. At least I'd never listened to it sufficiently closely to notice the excised words. In fact, though I don't really either like or object to either, I'd probably marginally rather hear Slade.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 November, 2020, 05:43:30 pm
Okay, I see there are two versions of Fairytale... The original from 19-whenever and a rerecorded version from 1992. So it's most likely I only ever hear the 1992 version anyway. As someone who doesn't listen to either R1 or R2, I'd only hear it in stupormuckits and maybe pubs, which are probably more likely to choose the later version.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 19 November, 2020, 08:04:04 pm
I am reminded in a way of the tasteful and refined track "Bring On The Nubiles", by the popular beat combo The Stranglers.

There were three versions, being in descending order of vulgarity  the album, the BBC Sessions one and the single. The tagline was:
single: "Lemme lemme love ya love ya!"
session: "Lemme lemme lay ya lay ya!"

I am sure you can work out the album one.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 19 November, 2020, 08:30:00 pm
It's one of those songs you hear so often, you don't even hear it. At least I'd never listened to it sufficiently closely to notice the excised words. In fact, though I don't really either like or object to either, I'd probably marginally rather hear Slade.

I have no particular issue with the song, but the 'cheap lousy faggot' line appeals to drunken homophobes in much the same way that the final verse of Autumn Days appeals to sportsball fans.  I reckon the world would be a marginally more pleasant place if we didn't encourage them, and the once-popular beat combo in question would appear to agree.

The BBC appear to be engaging in their usual both-sides-ism, by censoring it on Radio 1 for the benefit of the snowflake youngsters, while playing the uncut version for the gammons on Radio 2.  6 music is also letting the side down, by refusing to declare a Christmas music free zone.   :facepalm:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 November, 2020, 08:39:27 pm
It's one of those songs you hear so often, you don't even hear it. At least I'd never listened to it sufficiently closely to notice the excised words. In fact, though I don't really either like or object to either, I'd probably marginally rather hear Slade.

I have no particular issue with the song, but the 'cheap lousy faggot' line appeals to drunken homophobes in much the same way that the final verse of Autumn Days appeals to sportsball fans.  I reckon the world would be a marginally more pleasant place if we didn't encourage them, and the once-popular beat combo in question would appear to agree.
I can see that. I simply wasn't aware the song contained those lines. I must have heard the original version but the song as a whole has never appealed to me so I've never paid much attention.

And as you and I have previously established, I've never heard Autumn days either!

Quote
The BBC appear to be engaging in their usual both-sides-ism, by censoring it on Radio 1 for the benefit of the snowflake youngsters, while playing the uncut version for the gammons on Radio 2.  6 music is also letting the side down, by refusing to declare a Christmas music free zone.   :facepalm:
Good point. Trying to please everyone and annoying everyone in doing so. Though at least in this case it is for distinct audiences. Which leads me to wonder what version they'd play on Radio 3. And yes, I can easily imagine it, or a version of it, being played on R3, not necessarily at Christmas.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 20 November, 2020, 11:23:41 am
I am reminded in a way of the tasteful and refined track "Bring On The Nubiles", by the popular beat combo The Stranglers.

There were three versions, being in descending order of vulgarity  the album, the BBC Sessions one and the single. The tagline was:
single: "Lemme lemme love ya love ya!"
session: "Lemme lemme lay ya lay ya!"

I am sure you can work out the album one.

CF the Rolling Stones "Star Star" and the Kinks "Lola" (and no boubt numerous radio edits of rap etc songs)- although the latter was more about advertising I think, with "cherry cola" replacing "coca cola"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 20 November, 2020, 11:29:05 am
Kinks "Lola" (and no boubt numerous radio edits of rap etc songs)- although the latter was more about advertising I think, with "cherry cola" replacing "coca cola"

It's funny when you think about the prevailing morality at the time the song was released that this should be a greater concern than the main subject of the song.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 November, 2020, 12:07:19 pm
IIRC The Stones were also required to express the wish to spend some time together, rather than the night, when appearing on USAnian TV.  Because a nation of 300 million people appeared by parthogenesis, or something.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 20 November, 2020, 12:10:56 pm
IIRC The Stones were also required to express the wish to spend some time together, rather than the night, when appearing on USAnian TV.  Because a nation of 300 million people appeared by parthogenesis, or something.

There's a good pop trivia question in that, about B-sides that went to number one - the B-side in this case being Ruby Tuesday.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 November, 2020, 12:13:51 pm
I am reminded in a way of the tasteful and refined track "Bring On The Nubiles", by the popular beat combo The Stranglers.

There were three versions, being in descending order of vulgarity  the album, the BBC Sessions one and the single. The tagline was:
single: "Lemme lemme love ya love ya!"
session: "Lemme lemme lay ya lay ya!"

I am sure you can work out the album one.
A good example that we need to distinguish between adaptation for audience, censorship, and changing your mind. Though the categories overlap of course.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 20 November, 2020, 12:30:47 pm
A good example that we need to distinguish between adaptation for audience, censorship, and changing your mind. Though the categories overlap of course.

Bowdlerisation should be included on that list as a distinct category (though again overlapping).

One of my favourite examples of this is Adam Buxton singing along to NWA's "Help the police" in the car with his kids.
https://youtu.be/zrofVsNc790
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 21 November, 2020, 10:46:45 am
https://movieweb.com/star-wars-books-alan-dean-foster-disney-royalties/


Disney being arses.   I had several of ADF's novelisations on my shelves in the distant past.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 21 November, 2020, 02:49:24 pm
 Picked up on that one, and was amused by an exchange in the comments:

'Walt wasn't like that!'

'Walt WAS like that, just covered it up well'
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 November, 2020, 05:01:02 pm
Back to censorship etc for a second, the other day I was watching the Office (American version) with my son. There was an episode where one character gives another the finger and this had been pixellated out. Whether for the original US TV audience or for the River of Evil Prime audience we were part of, I don't know, but it seemed an odd thing to do.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 26 November, 2020, 12:37:49 pm
What is it about ensemble charidee records (the most recent example of the genre being the Ch*ldren *n N**d cover of Oasis' Stop Crying Your Heart Out) that is so detestable?  Perhaps it's that every performer is trying to stand out, so you get them showing off with their ludicruous vocal gymnastic warblings?  I blame Cyndi Lauper for her part in We Are The World (2:55 here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3wNuru4U0I)), starting this shit off...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 26 November, 2020, 01:45:38 pm
What is it about ensemble charidee records (the most recent example of the genre being the Ch*ldren *n N**d cover of Oasis' Stop Crying Your Heart Out) that is so detestable?  Perhaps it's that every performer is trying to stand out, so you get them showing off with their ludicruous vocal gymnastic warblings?  I blame Cyndi Lauper for her part in We Are The World (2:55 here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3wNuru4U0I)), starting this shit off...

Ultimate irony for me was hearing a French school choir singing "Another Brick in the Wall".  :sick:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 26 November, 2020, 01:54:39 pm
Oh, children singing on records, DON'T GET ME STARTED!  :demon:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 November, 2020, 06:11:47 pm
Oh, children singing on records, DON'T GET ME STARTED!  :demon:

Exhibit A for the prosecution.  “Mother Of Mine” by Neil Reid. (https://youtu.be/ziPuQF8Xojo)  We intend to press for the DETH penalty.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 26 November, 2020, 09:40:40 pm
Oh, children singing on records, DON'T GET ME STARTED!  :demon:

Exhibit A for the prosecution.  “Mother Of Mine” by Neil Reid. (https://youtu.be/ziPuQF8Xojo)  We intend to press for the DETH penalty.

Exhibit B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh0P-JjiIV0  :sick:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 26 November, 2020, 10:24:46 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/nov/26/viggo-mortensen-lance-henriksen-falling


Puff piece for a new film with Viggo Mortensen & Lance Henriksen,  who's apparently 80 !   I think I've only seen Mortensen in LOTR but Lance was in so much stuff in the 80's.  I even watched the first series of "Millenium" on a 14" portable....
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 27 November, 2020, 08:31:04 am
Oh, children singing on records, DON'T GET ME STARTED!  :demon:

Exhibit A for the prosecution.  “Mother Of Mine” by Neil Reid. (https://youtu.be/ziPuQF8Xojo)  We intend to press for the DETH penalty.

Exhibit B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh0P-JjiIV0  :sick:

Exhibit C: This (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I74C2hClAsA) is a great song, until 3:22...  :sick:

Of course, to every rule, there is an exception (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sGod0sGo6s).  In this case, premium 70s cheese!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 27 November, 2020, 11:08:48 am
A bit of a fun crowdfunder to support roadies

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/i-love-live

Prize draw for some fun stuff
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 November, 2020, 06:23:15 pm
Minimum donation 1-2-1-2-2-1?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ElyDave on 29 November, 2020, 09:19:43 pm
I know there's plenty like this out there, but it is very cool

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_7feGF9TA8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_7feGF9TA8)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 01 December, 2020, 11:05:41 am
Oh, children singing on records, DON'T GET ME STARTED!  :demon:

Exhibit A for the prosecution.  “Mother Of Mine” by Neil Reid. (https://youtu.be/ziPuQF8Xojo)  We intend to press for the DETH penalty.

Exhibit B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh0P-JjiIV0  :sick:

Exhibit C: This (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I74C2hClAsA) is a great song, until 3:22...  :sick:

Of course, to every rule, there is an exception (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sGod0sGo6s).  In this case, premium 70s cheese!

OH MY EARS!!!11!eleven!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI4e521HMr0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI4e521HMr0)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 December, 2020, 11:35:42 am
I now I ought to forgive Kim for introducing me to this one, but... https://youtu.be/Mf5AfKdKFp4
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: redshift on 01 December, 2020, 12:35:13 pm
Oh, children singing on records, DON'T GET ME STARTED!  :demon:

Exhibit A for the prosecution.  “Mother Of Mine” by Neil Reid. (https://youtu.be/ziPuQF8Xojo)  We intend to press for the DETH penalty.


Exhibit B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh0P-JjiIV0  :sick:

Exhibit C: This (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I74C2hClAsA) is a great song, until 3:22...  :sick:

Of course, to every rule, there is an exception (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sGod0sGo6s).  In this case, premium 70s cheese!

OH MY EARS!!!11!eleven!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI4e521HMr0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI4e521HMr0)



The only acceptable case I can think of is Spieluhr by Rammstein (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTVRx_TySs0).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 02 December, 2020, 10:33:43 pm
Oh, children singing on records, DON'T GET ME STARTED!  :demon:

Exhibit A for the prosecution.  “Mother Of Mine” by Neil Reid. (https://youtu.be/ziPuQF8Xojo)  We intend to press for the DETH penalty.


Exhibit B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh0P-JjiIV0  :sick:

Exhibit C: This (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I74C2hClAsA) is a great song, until 3:22...  :sick:

Of course, to every rule, there is an exception (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sGod0sGo6s).  In this case, premium 70s cheese!

OH MY EARS!!!11!eleven!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI4e521HMr0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI4e521HMr0)



The only acceptable case I can think of is Spieluhr by Rammstein (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTVRx_TySs0).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrxX9TBj2zY
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 03 December, 2020, 05:34:13 pm
Interview with Roland Gift of Fine Young Cannibals.  https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/dec/03/fine-young-cannibal-roland-gift-i-went-back-to-where-being-pretty-didnt-matter
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 December, 2020, 12:54:23 pm
The Lark Ascending will be 100 years old tomorrow (15th December).
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/celebrating-the-centenary-of-the-lark-ascending/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Redlight on 14 December, 2020, 09:23:55 pm
Interview with Roland Gift of Fine Young Cannibals.  https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/dec/03/fine-young-cannibal-roland-gift-i-went-back-to-where-being-pretty-didnt-matter

Two damn fine albums. I don't think they ever played live in the UK.  I'd love to have seen them. Roland didn't only have a great voice, he also had great phrasing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 14 December, 2020, 09:54:03 pm
If I ever need walk-on music, this is going to be it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm_9iTKbd2I
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 December, 2020, 12:58:05 am
Interview with Roland Gift of Fine Young Cannibals.  https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/dec/03/fine-young-cannibal-roland-gift-i-went-back-to-where-being-pretty-didnt-matter

Two damn fine albums. I don't think they ever played live in the UK.  I'd love to have seen them. Roland didn't only have a great voice, he also had great phrasing.

I think I've still got a “Fine Young Cannondales” T-shaped shirt in the wardrobe ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 16 December, 2020, 09:12:45 am
Today is Beethoven's 250th birthday.

Find some Beethoven to listen to!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 18 December, 2020, 02:19:44 am
Corona cello https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSW_quaESoY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSW_quaESoY)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 18 December, 2020, 09:30:39 am
Corona cello https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSW_quaESoY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSW_quaESoY)

He hits a few bum notes, though.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 21 December, 2020, 08:37:32 pm
http://www.popvortex.com/charts/united-kingdom.php

"Boris Johnson Is A Fucking Cunt" in the top 5.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 December, 2020, 09:19:48 pm
Corona cello https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSW_quaESoY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSW_quaESoY)

He hits a few bum notes, though.
This one was rather good too: https://youtu.be/hE1enPDh3nM
I think the cello is perhaps my favourite string instrument.*

*I will probably have changed my mind if asked later.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 22 December, 2020, 10:06:44 am
This made me smile, a lot...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SBue1DuCyc
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 22 December, 2020, 11:03:54 am
This made me smile, a lot...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SBue1DuCyc

And he can dance, too!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 26 December, 2020, 01:13:30 am
WHAT sort of piano is THIS?
(https://scontent.flhr2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t45.1600-4/cp0/q75/spS444/c0.11.526.274a/p526x296/131876312_23846414970870092_548832315547415125_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=2&_nc_sid=67cdda&_nc_ohc=eH4diAOgmDEAX9hISKq&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr2-2.fna&oh=0833bb0e85cde2423867db8a0e036617&oe=600DC9CD)

Would you buy an instruction book with this cover?
[Cringeworthy Facebook ad]
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Zipperhead on 26 December, 2020, 10:38:55 am
WHAT sort of piano is THIS?
(https://scontent.flhr2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t45.1600-4/cp0/q75/spS444/c0.11.526.274a/p526x296/131876312_23846414970870092_548832315547415125_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=2&_nc_sid=67cdda&_nc_ohc=eH4diAOgmDEAX9hISKq&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr2-2.fna&oh=0833bb0e85cde2423867db8a0e036617&oe=600DC9CD)

It's a Norfolk piano.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 26 December, 2020, 12:34:17 pm
A Spın̈al Tap piano, obviously.  Also, with a bit of transposition, used in the performance of Hol Rock.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 26 December, 2020, 12:44:36 pm
It's a Norfolk piano.

 ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 26 December, 2020, 04:00:11 pm
WHAT sort of piano is THIS?
(https://scontent.flhr2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t45.1600-4/cp0/q75/spS444/c0.11.526.274a/p526x296/131876312_23846414970870092_548832315547415125_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=2&_nc_sid=67cdda&_nc_ohc=eH4diAOgmDEAX9hISKq&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr2-2.fna&oh=0833bb0e85cde2423867db8a0e036617&oe=600DC9CD)

It's a Norfolk piano.

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 December, 2020, 10:39:01 am
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/dec/27/2020-quiz-of-the-year

I scored 10/23. I don't think that any of my wild guesses hit the mark - I genuinely knew that many answers.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 27 December, 2020, 10:40:00 am
WHAT sort of piano is THIS?
(https://scontent.flhr2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t45.1600-4/cp0/q75/spS444/c0.11.526.274a/p526x296/131876312_23846414970870092_548832315547415125_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=2&_nc_sid=67cdda&_nc_ohc=eH4diAOgmDEAX9hISKq&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr2-2.fna&oh=0833bb0e85cde2423867db8a0e036617&oe=600DC9CD)

It's a Norfolk piano.

Or, with a nod to that racehorse, a Norfolk King Piano.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 December, 2020, 12:20:29 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/dec/27/2020-quiz-of-the-year

I scored 10/23. I don't think that any of my wild guesses hit the mark - I genuinely knew that many answers.
[/quote
12, but I probably only knew 9.  :D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 27 December, 2020, 06:23:34 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/dec/27/2020-quiz-of-the-year

I scored 10/23. I don't think that any of my wild guesses hit the mark - I genuinely knew that many answers.
12, but I probably only knew 9.  :D

I got 12 too.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 28 December, 2020, 01:29:24 am
WHAT sort of piano is THIS?
(https://scontent.flhr2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t45.1600-4/cp0/q75/spS444/c0.11.526.274a/p526x296/131876312_23846414970870092_548832315547415125_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=2&_nc_sid=67cdda&_nc_ohc=eH4diAOgmDEAX9hISKq&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr2-2.fna&oh=0833bb0e85cde2423867db8a0e036617&oe=600DC9CD)

It's a Norfolk piano.

Or, with a nod to that racehorse, a Norfolk King Piano.

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 28 December, 2020, 10:03:30 am
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/dec/27/2020-quiz-of-the-year

I scored 10/23. I don't think that any of my wild guesses hit the mark - I genuinely knew that many answers.
12, but I probably only knew 9.  :D

I got 12 too.

Yeah, ditto. I mean, questions about fecking football and Kim Kardsharpian? Bloody hell.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 28 December, 2020, 10:46:03 am
I got 20, with a couple of educated guesses.  :smug:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: L CC on 28 December, 2020, 02:13:36 pm
8.
Who'd want to be paying attention this year.

Heads back to ostrich pose.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: MattH on 28 December, 2020, 02:18:39 pm
After Christmas lunch, we normally play a trivia game of some sort. This time, MrsH had one based on TV and Films. One question was along the lines of "What phrase completes these film titles - Doctor, Up the Kyhber, Screaming, Camping", with choices "Keep Going", "Don't Stop", "Carry On" etc. It became evident that our two kids (both in their 20s) had never seen or heard of the Carry on Films.

I'm trying to decide now if that makes us good parents or not.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 December, 2020, 02:46:25 pm
Or simply that the Carry On films were of their time, and their time is quite a long while ago. Just like in 30-40 years time, kids might be confused as to the theme linking Buffy, Twilight, Vampire Diaries, True Blood, Teen Wolf, Supernatural... (and equally wonder "why?")
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 28 December, 2020, 04:21:52 pm
Or simply that the Carry On films were of their time, and their time is quite a long while ago.

I thought their time was about 1am on New Year's Day?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 28 December, 2020, 07:11:34 pm
Watching a Festive Special of Richard Osman's House of Games, the first round has rhyming answers.

Who is this? (a picture of a Home Secretary appears) and what is this? (A song by Australian rock darlings AC/DC is played)

Answer: Priti Patel/Highway to Hell

I did snigger.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 December, 2020, 11:29:16 pm
It's the end of the year, so there's a quiz on... Glasto. https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife/glastonbury-festival-2020-anniversary-quiz-4177352
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 December, 2020, 01:26:55 am
Gave up on that after the page reloaded for the third time.  Note to local news webshites: if your pages include so many shitverts that they don’t load properly on a fondleslab you're doing something WRONG.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 29 December, 2020, 10:37:12 am
I got 10 out of 25. I’ve never been and have watched little.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 December, 2020, 03:33:28 pm
Gave up on that after the page reloaded for the third time.  Note to local news webshites: if your pages include so many shitverts that they don’t load properly on a fondleslab you're doing something WRONG.
The Bristol Post website is shit, even on the rare occasion they write something worth reading.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 31 December, 2020, 04:34:03 pm
I just found out that Susannah Hoffs recorded her vocal for "Eternal Flame" naked, and my life will never be the same again.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 02 January, 2021, 12:12:06 am
 Petula Clark is not happy that the Nashville bomber played ‘Downtown’ before he blew up his RVblew up Nashville while he played 'Downtown'.

 (https://www.nme.com/news/music/petula-clark-is-not-happy-that-the-nashville-bomber-played-downtown-before-he-blew-up-his-rv-2846745)

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 January, 2021, 12:17:07 am
Onoz!  She should sue him.  Oh, wait…
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 02 January, 2021, 04:37:05 am
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/dec/27/2020-quiz-of-the-year

I scored 10/23. I don't think that any of my wild guesses hit the mark - I genuinely knew that many answers.

13, including two wild guesses
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 02 January, 2021, 03:09:13 pm
We’ve been catching up with series 2 of His Dark Materials. It struck me just how good the title sequence and theme music jibed with the subject matter.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 January, 2021, 09:07:10 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/03/the-vagina-dialogues-33-metre-artwork-draws-far-rights-ire-in-brazil

Well  well! Maybe Bolsonaro isn't the biggest in Brazil...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 January, 2021, 02:40:56 pm
During some random wanderings around Wikinaccurate this a.m. I learned that Larry Wallis – former guitarist with The Entire Sioux Nation, UFO, the Pink Fairies, Motörhead, latter-day reincarnations of The Deviants, The Donut Dunkers Of Death and numerous other beat combos – died back in 2019.  Bah!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 05 January, 2021, 11:14:28 am
WTAF?
https://twitter.com/HolBolDoTweet/status/1346119804474810370
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 January, 2021, 05:52:18 pm
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/G6QEbOzohf-FWHArSB9ZqR0os-y9c2FwsOsP72t3OFcrvMj-35k-oELG0LNnvgYNefBHX5Z7qTetGSCGm_z2dyAfdKOP0NNbj5HjzeFtZ-wSKYVzJB1F7M-w5zo-wAWJlsXK2OgQWS8=w2400)

This morning I took this photo of some ice in a bucket in our garden.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/gdpMYRtGvpnwl1bKRxF4WYVM8_8wokFXa6VNp0Ia7S4WM9A7DeyUfQiYNKWf4hHvRgEJ8n3JP76sUeSxDF3JA4WWNgHuQxHOMmzQtKdXk1gjTphXw_WsDFf8MwN3Jn9CNcqkXOs74mI=w2400)

Dez turned it into a Piet Mondrian.
Title: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 08 January, 2021, 06:23:26 pm
WTAF?

Bonus points if you also spotted the made-up quote on the side of the coin.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/jan/08/war-of-the-words-hg-wells-coin-also-features-false-quote
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 13 January, 2021, 12:15:41 pm
https://twitter.com/brianmoore666/status/1349323179328737280

Pit Bull goes for the throat again
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: graculus on 13 January, 2021, 02:50:20 pm
This may be of interest to some:

https://tomlehrersongs.com/ (https://tomlehrersongs.com/)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 16 January, 2021, 01:19:20 pm
The next Ru Paul’s Drag Race has a contestant from Darlington!!! I am so recording that.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 16 January, 2021, 04:01:45 pm
The next Ru Paul’s Drag Race has a contestant from Darlington!!! I am so recording that.

Deano?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 17 January, 2021, 10:08:34 am
Sara Pascoe.
I've decided I quite like her doing stand up and Mock The Week.
Didn't mind her "Out of Her Mind" series in small doses.
We're currently watching 'Last Woman on Earth' where she goes and does dying jobs and feel like I'm seeing too much of the real thing, she's quite annoying....
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 20 January, 2021, 10:16:04 pm
Tonights "The Expanse" !  Double toilet scene.   Do not need !   :jurek:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 January, 2021, 08:45:59 pm
No, Meestah Bond, I expect you, er… eventually (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-55761211)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 22 January, 2021, 10:44:26 pm
Sara Pascoe.
I've decided I quite like her doing stand up and Mock The Week.
Didn't mind her "Out of Her Mind" series in small doses.
We're currently watching 'Last Woman on Earth' where she goes and does dying jobs and feel like I'm seeing too much of the real thing, she's quite annoying....

It’s the curse of over-exposure - as soon as someone becomes popular, they start cropping up in everything and you begin to wish they were spread a bit less thinly.

See also: Romesh Ranganathan

I don’t begrudge Sara Pascoe taking the easy money though. She deserves it more than most.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 23 January, 2021, 10:53:33 am
We liked the disappearing jobs series, SP was very personable. But then w3 don’t watch much stand-up.

See also Sue Perkins.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 24 January, 2021, 12:25:22 pm
The next Ru Paul’s Drag Race has a contestant from Darlington!!! I am so recording that.

Deano?

No. That would be... something.

It was Cherry Valentine, and she’s out after the third lip sync.  I did not agree with Ru Paul’s decision. Cherry gave the best performance by a country mile.

I should’ve guessed when they started concentrating on her back story, more than anyone else’s.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 24 January, 2021, 01:40:47 pm
So, is it actually Morten Harket or just someone doing a very good impression of him?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 24 January, 2021, 02:41:07 pm
Morten Harket’s from Trimdon.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 24 January, 2021, 03:19:41 pm
Morten Harket’s from Trimdon.

Is that English for Trondheim?  ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ruthie on 24 January, 2021, 05:32:01 pm
Morten Harket’s from Trimdon.

Is that English for Trondheim?  ;D

Aye  😉
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 24 January, 2021, 07:34:15 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 January, 2021, 09:26:15 pm
Just discovered the existence of “Noon”, a 2020 album by Leo Kottke & Mike Gordon :thumbsup:  The former's first release since his previous collaboration – Sixty Six Steps – with Gordon in 2005.  Idle sod.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 31 January, 2021, 09:40:01 pm
I have found that (a) my TV has the BFI player app built in and (b) the BFI has an archive of amateur documentaries from The Olden Days. No, not that sort of documentary, things like Coronation celebrations, wartime archives, celebrity cricket matches.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 03 February, 2021, 06:35:07 pm
So, is it actually Morten Harket or just someone doing a very good impression of him?

I follow a-ha on Faceache and this has just popped up in my feed, so out of curiosity I watched a little bit.
Can they really make an entire series out of that?  ???
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 03 February, 2021, 07:35:52 pm
So, is it actually Morten Harket or just someone doing a very good impression of him?

I follow a-ha on Faceache and this has just popped up in my feed, so out of curiosity I watched a little bit.
Can they really make an entire series out of that?  ???
It’s entertaining enough for the first few episodes but the novelty does wear thin pretty quickly. The only reason to keep watching is because by that stage you’re invested in finding out who the celebs are.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 10 February, 2021, 10:21:00 am
Something of a service to humanity:

http://radio.garden

Allows you to listen to any radio station in the world.  I've currently got this going: http://radio.garden/listen/sr2/MYkzevzf  SR2 used to be my favourite station when I was driving to clients in the Hunsrück. Can't get it here.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 10 February, 2021, 01:55:44 pm
Something of a service to humanity:

http://radio.garden

Allows you to listen to any radio station in the world.  I've currently got this going: http://radio.garden/listen/sr2/MYkzevzf  SR2 used to be my favourite station when I was driving to clients in the Hunsrück. Can't get it here.

Bloody brilliant! Thanks!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 February, 2021, 11:56:56 pm
o hai biffy clyro!

Putting 20 minutes of fuck-all in the middle of a track is neither big nor clever.  Don't do it again.

kthxbai

PS: Audacity to the rescue.  Again.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 11 February, 2021, 07:02:36 am
Something of a service to humanity:

http://radio.garden

Allows you to listen to any radio station in the world.  I've currently got this going: http://radio.garden/listen/sr2/MYkzevzf  SR2 used to be my favourite station when I was driving to clients in the Hunsrück. Can't get it here.

Bloody brilliant! Thanks!

Thanks? Thanks ? ? ? ? I've got better things to do with my time than sit here tuning into random radio around the place. Maybe. If I could only think of them. One more minute, then.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 11 February, 2021, 07:57:22 am
@Ham, hahahahaaa.  You won't want to know that there is an Android app too, will you?

I spent all of yesterday afternoon annoying Mrs T with Catalan music stations.  Brought back lots of great memories.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 11 February, 2021, 10:06:28 am
Lauren Laverne, off of 6 Music, just played "Where Were You" by The Mekons.

I saw The Mekons once at The Lyceum, on the same bill as Stiff Little Fingers, The Human League, The Fall and The Gang of Four. Top gig.

Google tells me that was in March 1979. Nearly 42 years ago...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 11 February, 2021, 10:36:21 am
o hai biffy clyro!

Putting 20 minutes of fuck-all in the middle of a track is neither big nor clever.  Don't do it again.

kthxbai

PS: Audacity to the rescue.  Again.

From what I've heard of them, that would be the best bit.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Zipperhead on 12 February, 2021, 09:09:58 am
Man builds guitar out of his dead uncle’s skeleton, uses it to play black metal. The surprising story of one metal fan's quest to have his uncle “shred for all eternity” (https://www.guitarworld.com/news/man-builds-guitar-out-of-his-dead-uncles-skeleton-uses-it-to-play-black-metal)

The music lives on...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 February, 2021, 09:22:44 am
Reminiscent of various beliefs and practices.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 February, 2021, 09:48:14 am
He obviously hasn’t read The Laundry Files, specifically the bits involving Mo and the violin.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 12 February, 2021, 10:02:37 am
He obviously hasn’t read The Laundry Files, specifically the bits involving Mo and the violin.


Or some of the more gruesome passages in Banks's "The Player Of Games" & "Use Of Weapons"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 13 February, 2021, 01:58:33 pm
I thought my CD player was fuX0red until I googled it and found the squeak every second line in "Counting Stars"* is actually on the recording.

*on a compilation, I wouldn't buy that sort of X Factor-level crap on its own 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 14 February, 2021, 02:00:21 pm
Do CD players ever fail in a subtle way like that?  I've only ever known them to lose their tracking and stop playing for a bit[1], completely reject the disc, or stutt-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t-t until you wished they rejected the disc.

I suppose the analogue side could go wibbly...


[1] Shout out to whoever thought the CD walkman was a good idea.  Prat.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 February, 2021, 06:56:38 pm
The one in my motor-car seems to do all of the above on home-burned CDs, at random.

Anyway, Bandcamp: if I purchase ten albums from your estimable selves would it really be that difficult to arrange for SCIENCE to package the whole lot into a single archive instead of making me go <clicky-pa-a-a-use-save> ten times?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 February, 2021, 07:12:54 am
They have motors, bearings and (sometimes) drivebelts, so they can certainly make mechanical noises.

I usually play music from a media streamer using high bitrate MP3s but CDs sound immeasurably better and less muddy.  CDs cost next to nothing secondhand.  I'm not bothered about new music because I have zero tolerance for autotune (now universal).  I suppose the kids have grown up with it and don't notice it, but it sounds unmistakably reedy to me.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 15 February, 2021, 10:44:25 am
He obviously hasn’t read The Laundry Files, specifically the bits involving Mo and the violin.


Or some of the more gruesome passages in Banks's "The Player Of Games" & "Use Of Weapons"

Or the Northumbrian folk song 'The Two Sisters' [various other titles]
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: nicknack on 15 February, 2021, 11:39:04 am
He obviously hasn’t read The Laundry Files, specifically the bits involving Mo and the violin.


Or some of the more gruesome passages in Banks's "The Player Of Games" & "Use Of Weapons"

Or the Northumbrian folk song 'The Two Sisters' [various other titles]
Aye. 'Cruel Sister' on Pentangle's album of the same name from a very long time ago.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 15 February, 2021, 12:29:56 pm
They have motors, bearings and (sometimes) drivebelts, so they can certainly make mechanical noises.

Yeah, but that would come from the transport rather than the speakers/headphones, so there wouldn't be a question of whether it's supposed to sound like that.


Quote
I usually play music from a media streamer using high bitrate MP3s but CDs sound immeasurably better and less muddy.

Best of both worlds: FLAC.


Quote
I'm not bothered about new music because I have zero tolerance for autotune (now universal).  I suppose the kids have grown up with it and don't notice it, but it sounds unmistakably reedy to me.

It's the overcooked vocoder effect that gets me.  It was irritating, if novel, when Cher did it.  It hasn't improved with time and proliferation.  Humbug.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: tiermat on 15 February, 2021, 12:50:02 pm
@Kim, I think you'll find the only time that the vocorder is acceptable is "Mr Blue Sky" anything is pish.

Meanwhile the thing that gets me about modern music (as we seem to be heading in that direction) is the perception that a song is only any good if it contains lots of, what I call, the woowoos.  You know the thing, I blame Leona Lewis, Anne Marie and Jess Glynne.  Stoppit! NOW!

Come the revolution, they'll all be up against the bloody wall, comrade
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 February, 2021, 09:03:39 pm
Autotune sounds just as bad when it's used to cover up a lack of singing ability.  In its early days, Avril Lavigne, who can't carry a tune in a bucket, used it on "Complicated", and it's really obvious.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 15 February, 2021, 09:06:40 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/feb/15/he-was-the-steve-jobs-of-audio-how-rupert-neve-changed-the-sound-of-music-recording
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 15 February, 2021, 09:26:20 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/feb/15/he-was-the-steve-jobs-of-audio-how-rupert-neve-changed-the-sound-of-music-recording

Possibly one for the dubious claims to fame thread, but I once met the AIR studio 1 Neve mixing desk (as modelled by Mark Knopfler's feet on the cover of On Every Street) with its guts hanging out.  They're even more impressive on the inside; the witchcraft's all done with transformers, none of this op-amp rubbish.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 February, 2021, 11:05:55 pm
The desk at Sound City was also one of his/theirs.  Much fun ensued when Dave Grohl bought it and moved it to his own studio.  Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly only there's no Haynes Manual and it was installed in 1969…
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 17 February, 2021, 08:50:38 am
A remake of "The Ipcress File" ?   And it sounds like they are developing the lead character from the film rather than the original novel.   


https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/philharmonic-pub-transformed-city-centre-19853634


https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/itv-turns-ipcress-file-tv-160039658.html
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 February, 2021, 01:49:08 pm
“Berlin-set”?

Neither the book nor the film goes anywhere near Berlin >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 17 February, 2021, 02:37:23 pm
They've probably docked the line "Your seams are crooked, Alice" as well.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 17 February, 2021, 05:11:51 pm
From the Liverpool Echo article linked up there ^

Quote
The new ITV spy thriller stars Joe Cole, Harry Palmer, Lucy Boynton and Tom Hollander and is adapted by BAFTA winning Trainspotting writer John Hodge.
My bold.  Rilly?  I wonder which part he'll play? Less excitingly, I'd suspect the word "as" could be usefully inserted into that sentence.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 17 February, 2021, 06:24:36 pm
Truculent cockney oik, or truculent Burnley grammar school boy ? 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: MattH on 18 February, 2021, 11:59:07 am
Came across this and wasn't really sure where to put it, so here will do.

It's certainly not an all time great great cover version. It doesn't really fit into the Coronavirus thread, and whilst the 2001 "original" (if you can describe as original for something that heavily samples a 1979 song) featured on my "cheesy disco to sing along to at 3am in the morning" audax playlist, it doesn't fit there either.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdXecuVl7_4

The interest is more the commentary on 2020, and empty venues, working up from small intimate clubs through the Apollo and on to the O2 - very bittersweet against an upbeat song.
 It is fluff, not high art or deep.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 02 March, 2021, 07:52:02 pm
A bit of YouTube surfing led me to this rather magnificent Steely Dan live performance of Reelin’ In The Years. Too good not to share...

https://youtu.be/57MP5YcCABA
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Zipperhead on 03 March, 2021, 02:22:29 pm
A bit of YouTube surfing led me to this rather magnificent Steely Dan live performance of Reelin’ In The Years. Too good not to share...

https://youtu.be/57MP5YcCABA

That's fabulous.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 03 March, 2021, 06:29:48 pm
Oi, Mr Larrington! (http://cstrecords.com/products/godspeed-you-black-emperor-g_d-s-pee-at-state-s-end/)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 March, 2021, 06:36:21 pm
 :thumbsup:

I shall place my order after I've had me tea.

Edit: I see there is to be a new release from Le Fly Pan Am too.  w00t!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 04 March, 2021, 05:47:51 pm
Today I have discovered that My Bloody Valentine are no longer available on the usual online music services. Chiz. I've had to dig out my CD copy of Loveless and find a way of playing it...

However, in looking into this further, I have also discovered that all of King Crimson's studio albums are now available on Apple Music. Which they weren't last time I looked. This is splendid news.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 04 March, 2021, 06:46:25 pm
Mmm, you're right (other than Ecstacy), how odd. I'm partial to an occasional outbreak of 80s-era shoegazing.  Fortunately, I have Loveless ripped from CD. It's the same for the utterly splendid Curve.

I have no idea who or what King Crimson is, but it sounds ominously prog.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 March, 2021, 06:55:41 pm
A bit of YouTube surfing led me to this rather magnificent Steely Dan live performance of Reelin’ In The Years. Too good not to share...

https://youtu.be/57MP5YcCABA

That's fabulous.
The most enthusiastic performance with a tambourine in the entire history of music!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 04 March, 2021, 07:27:24 pm
Mmm, you're right (other than Ecstacy), how odd. I'm partial to an occasional outbreak of 80s-era shoegazing.  Fortunately, I have Loveless ripped from CD. It's the same for the utterly splendid Curve.

I love Curve. I especially love Toni Halliday. Met her in real life a few times. She’s soooo tiny.

Quote
I have no idea who or what King Crimson is, but it sounds ominously prog.

I mentioned to my wife that I was listening to King Crimson. Her reply: “Oh god...”
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 04 March, 2021, 07:31:24 pm
The most enthusiastic performance with a tambourine in the entire history of music!

M’colleague described it as “encapsulated essence of 70s”, citing the enthusiastic head-nodding and tambourine-playing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 04 March, 2021, 08:06:46 pm
Mmm, you're right (other than Ecstacy), how odd. I'm partial to an occasional outbreak of 80s-era shoegazing.  Fortunately, I have Loveless ripped from CD. It's the same for the utterly splendid Curve.

I love Curve. I especially love Toni Halliday. Met her in real life a few times. She’s soooo tiny.

Quote
I have no idea who or what King Crimson is, but it sounds ominously prog.

I mentioned to my wife that I was listening to King Crimson. Her reply: “Oh god...”

Hmm, I checked, it's either bad drugs gone right or good drugs gone wrong. I'll stick with Curve. Toni Halliday always sounded awesomely big, I'll give her that.

For some reason, Apple Music has Döppelganger and Gift, but is missing the intervening Cuckoo and Come Clean and all the songs from those albums are missing from the latter compilation. Must be some licensing issue, either that or Apple are trying to eat my youth.

Fortunately, I have them all from the age of CD other than Döppelganger which I suspect, as I can't not have it, languishes in the box of 33 rpm splendour in the loft. I'm pretty sure I don't even have a turntable or anything to plug it into. I would play it loud right now, but the lady of the upper floor appears to be having a singing lesson. Or she's just belting what appears to be songs from My Fair Lady. I don't ask. Sometimes I don't want the answer.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 04 March, 2021, 08:37:14 pm
The most enthusiastic performance with a tambourine in the entire history of music!

M’colleague described it as “encapsulated essence of 70s”, citing the enthusiastic head-nodding and tambourine-playing.
I totally love Steely Dan, but that performance is just a bit rushed to my ears...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 04 March, 2021, 08:40:44 pm
Quote
Quote
I have no idea who or what King Crimson is, but it sounds ominously prog.

I mentioned to my wife that I was listening to King Crimson. Her reply: “Oh good!”

You misheard.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 March, 2021, 11:46:29 pm
Quote
Quote
I have no idea who or what King Crimson is, but it sounds ominously prog.

I mentioned to my wife that I was listening to King Crimson. Her reply: “Oh good!”

You misheard.

Does Mrs Pingu share this enthusiasm for Things Progdacious :demon:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 March, 2021, 11:56:26 pm
I've never been sure what King Crimson are or were. Didn't there use to be a similarly named but totally different sounding band in the '80s?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 March, 2021, 12:00:27 am
“Court Of The Crimson King” was released in 1969 and they’ve been at it off and on ever since, albeit that Robert Fripp has been the only constant member.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 March, 2021, 12:02:41 am
Yeah, I just googled them. So that's who Toyah married! I'm pleased to see he is described on one of Mr Google's findings as an "English psychedelic musician", which sounds so much more fun than "British prog rock guitarist".  :D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 05 March, 2021, 12:04:03 am
Quote
Quote
I have no idea who or what King Crimson is, but it sounds ominously prog.

I mentioned to my wife that I was listening to King Crimson. Her reply: “Oh good!”

You misheard.

Does Mrs Pingu share this enthusiasm for Things Progdacious :demon:

After x years of exposure she's getting there*  :)







*I think she liked the King Crimson concert we went to before The Event.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 05 March, 2021, 09:52:22 pm
Blasting Curve now. Terrified by the fact it says early nineties on the ingredients. The soundtrack to my PhD, which it turned out, as was explained during my viva, was literally all about cleavage.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 06 March, 2021, 09:30:58 pm
We’re watching Eddie Izzard’s “Force Majeure”. It brings to mind the performance of “A Day in the Life of Joe Egg” in which he starred in 2001. Blistering. One of those unforgettable things, like seeing Ballet Rambert’s “Ghost Dances” by chance on a rainy afternoon in Manchester.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 09 March, 2021, 04:15:50 pm
When a French film has a French soundtrack and French subtitles only then why the bleeding hell must Netflux translate the titles into English?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 09 March, 2021, 11:40:20 pm
https://twitter.com/screenqueenz/status/1369385197653868544?s=21 (https://twitter.com/screenqueenz/status/1369385197653868544?s=21)


If this doesn’t feature both Ian & Mr Larrington then there is something wrong with the world.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 March, 2021, 12:27:21 pm
From this
(https://image-cdn.hypb.st/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2020%2F12%2Fbanksy-aachoo-public-street-art-bristol-1.jpg?q=75&w=800&cbr=1&fit=max)

to this
(https://www.bristol247.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Banksy-Aachoo-pull-photo-by-Martin-Booth-1600x900.jpg)

Gotta think those men are posed.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 20 March, 2021, 10:55:39 am
A remake of "The Ipcress File" ?   And it sounds like they are developing the lead character from the film rather than the original novel.   


https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/philharmonic-pub-transformed-city-centre-19853634 (https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/philharmonic-pub-transformed-city-centre-19853634)


https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/itv-turns-ipcress-file-tv-160039658.html (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/itv-turns-ipcress-file-tv-160039658.html)


https://twitter.com/DaveThePapLpool/status/1373223417269391362?s=20


https://twitter.com/DaveThePapLpool/status/1369755143659470849?s=20


https://twitter.com/michaeltorpey1/status/1372930504190726145?s=20


Some pictures.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 March, 2021, 12:54:32 pm
I hope they manage to lose the Transit van behind the bus in the second lot.  Tch!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 22 March, 2021, 07:59:25 pm
Look, I know I'm a bit strange, I quite like banjo. At least, good banjo playing. Chances are, if you do too, you may well know of Mean Mary. On the chance that you don't here's here latest vid which is a good intro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk_cWxy47ps

She writes and plays her own stuff and reminds me of nothing as much as those absurdly talented musicians you'd come across occasionally in folk clubs. Iron Horse (22:45) if you want to jump to a stonking banjo bit, but you'll miss a lot.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 27 March, 2021, 11:55:49 pm
That thing where you're watching a mediocre episode of Witless Silence, and suddenly realise that you recognise that fragment of boot tread pattern in the blood stains because you're currently wearing them.  Yeah.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 28 March, 2021, 12:04:05 am
You actually know your boot tread?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 28 March, 2021, 12:05:06 am
You actually know your boot tread?

Yeah, well, takes a lot of scrubbing to work the bleach into the crevices...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 28 March, 2021, 10:53:24 am
Look, I know I'm a bit strange, I quite like banjo. At least, good banjo playing. Chances are, if you do too, you may well know of Mean Mary. On the chance that you don't here's here latest vid which is a good intro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk_cWxy47ps

She writes and plays her own stuff and reminds me of nothing as much as those absurdly talented musicians you'd come across occasionally in folk clubs. Iron Horse (22:45) if you want to jump to a stonking banjo bit, but you'll miss a lot.

Thanks, Ham.  I've got a banjo but I can't play it worth a damn - started too late, I suppose.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 March, 2021, 08:52:46 pm
Someone on an audax WhatsApp group recently posted a photo of the two magazines they'd just received through the post: Arrivee and British Bluegrass News.

They thought it was niche but it seems like it must be a big niche...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 30 March, 2021, 09:53:48 pm
Lauren Laverne played this on the radio today. Got to be one of the strangest songs in the history of popular music - the bizarre juxtaposition of wholesome image and lyrical filth is quite something.

Also... that scene in Anchorman.

https://youtu.be/wu1UXCdyNo0
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Hot Flatus on 30 March, 2021, 10:08:06 pm
Think my wife and I are heading for divorce.

Tonight, when I was flicking through the TV channels and asking what she would like to watch I (jokingly) said "What about Mrs Brown's Boys?"  To which she replied "Ooh yes. Good idea".

I just don't think there is any going back after something like that.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 31 March, 2021, 10:27:53 am
One of the biggest problems with belonging to a choir is that most of the music we sing is religious, and I'm not. Mostly, it doesn't matter too much because our staples are well-known works which have passed the test of time because the music is good: J. S. Bach, Handel, Mozart, Vivaldi and Verdi constitute a large percentage of our output.

In complete contrast, last night we had a run-through of Stainer's "Crucifixion", an especially dire work from the Victorian era which the composer wrote specifically so that it should be accessible to parish church choirs (ie the music isn't taxing). Even John Stainer himself described it as "rubbish", which demonstrates that he did have a good side. The problem is that many choir members are there as an adjunct to their faith and they think that singing is somehow going to place them closer to the Almighty.

Most of the time this doesn't really matter. But when Easter approaches, the "Passion" music abounds. For the past few weeks, we have been singing Bach's St. John Passion, which is an absolutely wonderful work with some of the finest choral writing ever. Last night, we had a run-through of Stainer's Crucifixion. It really brings it home to you how thoroughly unpleasant is the celebration of the torture and slow agonising death of an innocent man. When it's Bach, the music is so wonderful that you can put the sheer nastiness at the back of your mind, and of course there's always the option of singing it in German, which in a Zoom rehearsal you can, and no-one else notices. But with the Stainer, you can't. I'm afraid that its continued performance almost 150 years after its composition is largely down to the fact that a significant number of choir members have developed a faith which is completely out of proportion to, and probably at the expense of, any good taste they might have had.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 31 March, 2021, 03:27:31 pm
While I am watching an ROH production of Gounod's Faust and reflecting on the similarity of 19th-century attitudes to modern-day Islam, particularly WRT women - saints or whores with nothing in between.  Music's good, though, and Bryn Terfel is terrific.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 April, 2021, 12:13:50 pm
I can haz new GY!BE album w00t :thumbsup:

Kudos to the lovely people at Sister Ray for including a hand-written thank-you note*, a BEER mat and two stickers with the CD.

* joining Geoff Davies of Probe Plus, Don Wilkie of Constellation and Sel Balamir of the mighty Amplifier in the pantheon of Nice Peops in the Music Biz
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 01 April, 2021, 05:37:33 pm
A shocking indictment of the musical tastes of the Great British Public...

https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-killers-mr-brightside-claims-record-breaking-260th-week-exactly-five-years-on-the-official-singles-chart-top-100__32800/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 April, 2021, 05:42:49 pm
Lauren Laverne played this on the radio today. Got to be one of the strangest songs in the history of popular music - the bizarre juxtaposition of wholesome image and lyrical filth is quite something.

Also... that scene in Anchorman.

https://youtu.be/wu1UXCdyNo0
The 1970s was a decade of filth. Mostly cos the dustmen were on strike.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 02 April, 2021, 07:50:18 am
Lauren Laverne played this on the radio today. Got to be one of the strangest songs in the history of popular music - the bizarre juxtaposition of wholesome image and lyrical filth is quite something.

Also... that scene in Anchorman.

https://youtu.be/wu1UXCdyNo0
The 1970s was a decade of filth. Mostly cos the dustmen were on strike.
That (song not the dustmen strike) takes me straight back to Roger Scott's show on Capital Radio. Back to a time when commercial radio wasn't crap.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 April, 2021, 10:57:51 am
(Sings)
Grab a little piece of heaven
With Roger Scott from three till seven
Etc.

It worries me that I possess this information.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 02 April, 2021, 06:13:56 pm
You are not alone, either in the worrying or in the possession.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 02 April, 2021, 07:04:27 pm
Think my wife and I are heading for divorce.

Tonight, when I was flicking through the TV channels and asking what she would like to watch I (jokingly) said "What about Mrs Brown's Boys?"  To which she replied "Ooh yes. Good idea".

I just don't think there is any going back after something like that.

That could be serious, certainly.  It could be she thinks it's a documentary about personality disorder, in which case there might be hope (if you want hope?).  If she thinks it's a comedy, I think you need to decide which are your CDs. SOON.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 02 April, 2021, 10:11:37 pm
Lauren Laverne played this on the radio today. Got to be one of the strangest songs in the history of popular music - the bizarre juxtaposition of wholesome image and lyrical filth is quite something.

Also... that scene in Anchorman.

https://youtu.be/wu1UXCdyNo0
The 1970s was a decade of filth. Mostly cos the dustmen were on strike.
That (song not the dustmen strike) takes me straight back to Roger Scott's show on Capital Radio. Back to a time when commercial radio wasn't crap.

That must have been the era of Nicky Horne’s late night show I guess.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 02 April, 2021, 11:24:22 pm
Lauren Laverne played this on the radio today. Got to be one of the strangest songs in the history of popular music - the bizarre juxtaposition of wholesome image and lyrical filth is quite something.

Also... that scene in Anchorman.

https://youtu.be/wu1UXCdyNo0
The 1970s was a decade of filth. Mostly cos the dustmen were on strike.
That (song not the dustmen strike) takes me straight back to Roger Scott's show on Capital Radio. Back to a time when commercial radio wasn't crap.

That must have been the era of Nicky Horne’s late night show I guess.
Indeed it was. And P Y the pork pie on a Saturday morning. Nicky Horne is still broadcasting. Roger Scott died somd years ago.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 April, 2021, 01:12:16 am
And Michael Aspel (!) and Dave Cash.  Professor Larrington won the lunchtime quiz on Dave Cash's show.  £200 of Levi clothes.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 04 April, 2021, 02:30:24 pm
This is rather uplifting: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/apr/04/worlds-best-teacher-andria-zafirakou-artists-in-residence-those-who-can-teach-interview

(Warning: might contain politics).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 April, 2021, 04:54:52 pm
Pirate metal bozos Alestorm to celebrate Lt. Col. Larrington (retd.)'s birthday with new album (https://alestorm.bandcamp.com/album/live-in-tilburg).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: pcolbeck on 05 April, 2021, 08:36:32 pm
Lauren Laverne played this on the radio today. Got to be one of the strangest songs in the history of popular music - the bizarre juxtaposition of wholesome image and lyrical filth is quite something.
https://youtu.be/wu1UXCdyNo0

And people think the Lemon Song is rude ...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 06 April, 2021, 05:59:11 pm
I've mentioned discovering Hollie McNish in other threads, I've been enjoying wading through her back catalogue and it probably isn't done to mention some of her other poems I've enjoyed, like the one about breastfeeding (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2z-Cd3luqA) or the one about immigration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NLpLV5nUi0), so I won't.

But I must pass on this one I found: Language Learning (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvN2Xqcderw), it has special resonance if you speak a foreign language, and especially French, and is possibly the only bilingual poem I've ever heard. If you enjoy it at all, stay right to the end. I laughed out loud.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 06 April, 2021, 06:10:50 pm
possibly the only bilingual poem I've ever heard

https://youtu.be/79O_Nv0RFXs

 ;)

I like that poem (Hollie's one, not Bill's) - and I can kind of relate to it. Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 April, 2021, 06:37:26 pm
I'm sure I have heard, or read, a bilingual poem before. Though I can't think what, who, where or when, so maybe it's just something I feel I ought to have experienced.

On the breastfeeding one (which she referenced in one of the others you linked to in an earlier post), and trying to keep this vaguely A&E, I've been watching The Office (the American series) with my son (it's on Big River Oligarchist Prime) and there's an episode in which Pam has a baby and has difficulty with breastfeeding. She uses a weird kind of smock-type screen thing. A kind of tent with a loop to go round the neck and screen baby and tits which are not on magazines from view. Even in the hospital. I'm not sure whether this is an actual thing, or something they invented for TV.

And finally, "Je suis un rock star" sounds crap in reality compared to my memory. Sorry.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 06 April, 2021, 07:06:55 pm
It never sounded good and it has aged badly! ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 April, 2021, 07:10:23 pm
Yebbut in my memory it sounds more Stonesy and less like, well, an aging rock star trying to go solo...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 07 April, 2021, 12:57:18 pm
Have I ever put the legendary Laurent Voulzy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvb_3nIID0s) up here?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 09 April, 2021, 10:51:13 pm
Just watched the Yes Minister episode which mentions the Clyde River Purification Board  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 13 April, 2021, 07:23:41 am
How many watch The Repair Shop and think "yeah yeah, I'm sure this item really means a lot to someone, but cut that plinky plonk music and give us more MAKING stuff"?

I offer you Reuben Schoots making a sub-millimetre screw from scratch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4KKHpUC6JY

Yes he has got a lot more videos too.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 19 April, 2021, 12:54:06 pm
New musicians claiming that it is unfair that other musicians are preferred to them. Free market demanded, but not  THAT sort of 'free market'.

Hint: if you are being outsold by 'classic groups', perhaps that might be because you are shite? I remember a comment from that vile individual Jonathan King saying that he had always suspected the then-new trend for shouty groups of men ('hip hop') was unreflective of musical tastes, but then realising that the sales figures proved him wrong, and admitting he was out of touch*. Now, using the same logic...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-55717156


*Given his predilections, perhaps not the best idiom.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 19 April, 2021, 12:57:33 pm
Hot singles in your area
https://unbound.com/books/hotsingles/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 19 April, 2021, 01:39:58 pm
New musicians claiming that it is unfair that other musicians are preferred to them. Free market demanded, but not  THAT sort of 'free market'.

Hint: if you are being outsold by 'classic groups', perhaps that might be because you are shite? I remember a comment from that vile individual Jonathan King saying that he had always suspected the then-new trend for shouty groups of men ('hip hop') was unreflective of musical tastes, but then realising that the sales figures proved him wrong, and admitting he was out of touch*. Now, using the same logic...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-55717156


*Given his predilections, perhaps not the best idiom.

I think the article actually says the methodology of apportioning royalties from streaming revenue favours established artists with deep back catalogues, which makes sense and does disfavour new artists, and it ought to be usage-centric. Basically, if you listen to a new artist, she's not getting all the revenue, it's being diluted by the huge back catalogues of established artists.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 19 April, 2021, 09:04:48 pm
Some awful miming, too many adverts bit also some blistering live stuff, plus historical 'cool' people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVjzPqcdHXQ
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 19 April, 2021, 09:19:52 pm
For the Star Wars fans.


https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/apr/19/star-wars-darth-vader-actor-david-prowses-items-up-for-auction



https://bid.eastbristol.co.uk/auctions/7797/sreas10467?page=8&pageSize=60


Original script from HHGTTG in which he played Hotblack Desiato's bodyguard.  https://bid.eastbristol.co.uk/auctions/7797/sreas10467/lot-details/19169047-4fb3-49cd-a2ff-ad0b0160893c



Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 19 April, 2021, 09:20:58 pm
New musicians claiming that it is unfair that other musicians are preferred to them. Free market demanded, but not  THAT sort of 'free market'.

Hint: if you are being outsold by 'classic groups', perhaps that might be because you are shite? I remember a comment from that vile individual Jonathan King saying that he had always suspected the then-new trend for shouty groups of men ('hip hop') was unreflective of musical tastes, but then realising that the sales figures proved him wrong, and admitting he was out of touch*. Now, using the same logic...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-55717156


*Given his predilections, perhaps not the best idiom.

I think the article actually says the methodology of apportioning royalties from streaming revenue favours established artists with deep back catalogues, which makes sense and does disfavour new artists, and it ought to be usage-centric. Basically, if you listen to a new artist, she's not getting all the revenue, it's being diluted by the huge back catalogues of established artists.

From the article, referring to one album each:

"According to Music Week, however, Shah's most recent album, Kitchen Sink, has only been streamed 675,000 times, equating to 675 "sales". By comparison, the UK's current number one album, Barry Gibb's Greenfields, was streamed 2.7m times last week alone."

That is my point here. Neither of them are artists I like, but with a ratio like that, back-catalogue issues aren't involved.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 20 April, 2021, 12:02:36 am
It's one of those basic principles isn't it?  Technology marches on, record companies will be exploitative, artists and technology will be exploited, mainstream music will become increasingly shit, and everyone involved will moan about it.
Title: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 20 April, 2021, 08:03:10 am
Whitstable, aka Midsomer-on-Sea:

https://youtu.be/hDA4KWtw7JU

Looks like some brilliant Sliding Doors geography could be in the offing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 20 April, 2021, 11:01:42 am
New musicians claiming that it is unfair that other musicians are preferred to them. Free market demanded, but not  THAT sort of 'free market'.

Hint: if you are being outsold by 'classic groups', perhaps that might be because you are shite? I remember a comment from that vile individual Jonathan King saying that he had always suspected the then-new trend for shouty groups of men ('hip hop') was unreflective of musical tastes, but then realising that the sales figures proved him wrong, and admitting he was out of touch*. Now, using the same logic...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-55717156


*Given his predilections, perhaps not the best idiom.

I think the article actually says the methodology of apportioning royalties from streaming revenue favours established artists with deep back catalogues, which makes sense and does disfavour new artists, and it ought to be usage-centric. Basically, if you listen to a new artist, she's not getting all the revenue, it's being diluted by the huge back catalogues of established artists.

From the article, referring to one album each:

"According to Music Week, however, Shah's most recent album, Kitchen Sink, has only been streamed 675,000 times, equating to 675 "sales". By comparison, the UK's current number one album, Barry Gibb's Greenfields, was streamed 2.7m times last week alone."

That is my point here. Neither of them are artists I like, but with a ratio like that, back-catalogue issues aren't involved.

Re-reading the article, it's so garbled, I'm not sure quite what it's saying.

I think we should promote new music. I'd be a bit more stringent though, people shouldn't be able to listen to music from artists older than themselves, for instance, and all artists should be euthanized at age 40. Imagine how much better the world would be if the Rolling Stones hadn't got old and turned into tax-dodging gammonheads, but instead had been humanely gassed.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 April, 2021, 11:27:53 am
Nooooooooo!  Keith is a National Treasure!

And saying that anyone with the slightest interest in the history of popular music is not allowed to listen to Robert Johnson or John Lee Hooker or Elvis Presley or Chuck Berry or Marvin Gaye or Jimi Hendrix is tantamount to asking for a ticket to a Reëducation Camp ;)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 20 April, 2021, 12:03:27 pm
Absolutely. Harsh but fair, harsh but fair.

I hate the Rolling Stones so much, I'd build a time machine and go back and euthanize them myself. It's what they wanted.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 20 April, 2021, 12:14:50 pm
Absolutely. Harsh but fair, harsh but fair.

I hate the Rolling Stones so much, I'd build a time machine and go back and euthanize them myself. It's what they wanted.

(Don't) Start Me Up?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 20 April, 2021, 12:30:46 pm
I hate the Rolling Stones so much, I'd build a time machine and go back and euthanize them myself. It's what they wanted.

They were good, once upon a time. But they should have stopped after Exile On Main Street.

Thing is, that came out in 1972 and I wasn't born until the end of that year. So by your rules, you'd let me listen to their shit stuff but not allow me to listen to their good stuff.

No, not having that.

Although euthanising them at the end of 1972 doesn't sound like such a bad idea.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 20 April, 2021, 12:33:21 pm

Thing is, that came out in 1972 and I wasn't born until the end of that year. So by your rules, you'd let me listen to their shit stuff but not allow me to listen to their good stuff.

No, not having that.


No, you couldn't listen to any band that was in existance before your birthdate.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 20 April, 2021, 12:45:06 pm
I think that works. I'm at the consultation stage at this point.

Look, this is serious, we have to stop these people before they get into their 'embarrassing dad-album' phases and before you start listening to them. We need a two-pronged strategy and we need it now.

Keith Richards, for the record, has been dead for decades, it's just that no one has told him.

Reminds me, I saw an interview with Iggy Pop a while back. There's something wrong with him, he looks healthier than me. There can't be enough muesli and yoga in the world to undo his youthful excesses, surely?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 20 April, 2021, 01:01:01 pm
No, you couldn't listen to any band that was in existance before your birthdate.

Oh, right! I see.

So that's Bowie out as well. And Roxy Music, by a matter of months, which would be very annoying.

I'll just have to listen to Little Mix and Bros instead.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 20 April, 2021, 01:44:21 pm
There will be an element of adjustment. I will no longer have Celine Dion.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Redlight on 20 April, 2021, 03:22:17 pm
No way! You'll have to prise my Beatles collection out of my cold dead hands!

And you're depriving me of The Crickets  >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 20 April, 2021, 05:12:31 pm
I think you are allowed to listen to music older than you, as long as the creator died at a younger age than you are now.

I'll give you a pass on account of Lennon. Really, really though we need to do something about McCartney.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 April, 2021, 05:44:58 pm
I think you are allowed to listen to music older than you, as long as the creator died at a younger age than you are now.
I've just checked and that makes both Joplins, Scott as well as Janis, okay.

It also means Wowbagger's allowed to listen to J.S. Bach but I'm not.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 April, 2021, 06:56:06 pm
What about artistes who retire from the biz but then don't die for agesandagesandages?  Because I'm not waiting another couple of decades before listening to Captain Beefheart O:-)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 20 April, 2021, 08:33:20 pm
I think you are allowed to listen to music older than you, as long as the creator died at a younger age than you are now.
I've just checked and that makes both Joplins, Scott as well as Janis, okay.

It also means Wowbagger's allowed to listen to J.S. Bach but I'm not.

There should be an exemption for when the creator's called Johann.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 20 April, 2021, 08:46:22 pm
What about artistes who retire from the biz but then don't die for agesandagesandages?  Because I'm not waiting another couple of decades before listening to Captain Beefheart O:-)

If they get a certificate of non-musical compliance that commits them not releasing another record, then yes, that counts. But it needs to be signed Mrs Beefheart (mother). I can't simply trust they won't parp out the dread dad-album when they hit their seventies.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 April, 2021, 11:41:24 pm
The Captain (b. 1941) died in 2010, having not released an official recording since 1982.  The Internets are not clear on the continued existence of Ma Beefheart, since searching for “Captain Beefheart mother” just throws up a bunch of stuff about Frank Zappa who, for the avoidance of doubt, was not the same person as Willie Sue Vliet (neé Warfield).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 21 April, 2021, 07:59:58 am
All of these rules leave me a little confused. I was born in1958, but a large part of my musical taste is mid to late 60s, so those are groups started after my birth. They are also a long, long time ago.

I will be 63 in a fortnight, and one of the regular things about those musicians is early death (see Joplin, J; Hendrix, J; Morrison, J (an initial theme there...); Pappalardi, F)

Where does the panel think I stand?

Please note: none of my tastes include those called Gibb.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 April, 2021, 08:05:25 am
I will be 63 in a fortnight, and one of the regular things about those musicians is early death (see Joplin, J; Hendrix, J; Morrison, J (an initial theme there...); Pappalardi, F)

Where does the panel think I stand?
None of the aforementioned early exprirers was noted as an exponent of the banjo or ukulele, so we think you can carry on playing for the time being. As long as you don't change your name to Jane, Julie, Judith...  ;)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 22 April, 2021, 10:23:17 pm
Bye, Bye, Baby (Baby Goodbye) (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/apr/22/les-mckeown-frontman-for-bay-city-rollers-dies-aged-65)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 22 April, 2021, 11:43:56 pm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_Eagles  &  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0207885/reviews?ref_=tt_urv


I've just watched the first two episodes of this ,  not bad. But 1974 BBC production values.  Meinn Gott!  The Whiskers!  And that's just the women !    And Captain Peacock as Prince Albert....
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 23 April, 2021, 07:30:52 am
I will be 63 in a fortnight, and one of the regular things about those musicians is early death (see Joplin, J; Hendrix, J; Morrison, J (an initial theme there...); Pappalardi, F)

Where does the panel think I stand?
None of the aforementioned early exprirers was noted as an exponent of the banjo or ukulele, so we think you can carry on playing for the time being. As long as you don't change your name to Jane, Julie, Judith...  ;)
I am a musician, not a banjoist or ukeleleleleloid, IYVM
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 24 April, 2021, 01:19:14 pm
Last night's New Quiz on R4 featured, amongst others, Andrew Maxwell. There was a story involving James Dyson, who Maxwell referred to as "the hoover man."

Quote
I don't know if you know this about Dyson, the hoover man, he's a bollocks

This unit, as M Le Maire, might say, agrees with this product or sentiment.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 24 April, 2021, 11:15:14 pm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_Eagles (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_Eagles)  &  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0207885/reviews?ref_=tt_urv (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0207885/reviews?ref_=tt_urv)


I've just watched the first two episodes of this ,  not bad. But 1974 BBC production values.  Meinn Gott!  The Whiskers!  And that's just the women !    And Captain Peacock as Prince Albert....


This is very good.  A primer on late 19th & early 20th century political history.  I know know a bit about the Mayerling Incident & the split between the Bolsheviks & Mensheviks.


Jean-Luc Picard is impressive as Lenin.   Michael Kitchen as Trotsky looks like one of Harry Enfield's Scousers.   

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 26 April, 2021, 12:17:21 pm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_Eagles (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_Eagles)  &  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0207885/reviews?ref_=tt_urv (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0207885/reviews?ref_=tt_urv)


I've just watched the first two episodes of this ,  not bad. But 1974 BBC production values.  Meinn Gott!  The Whiskers!  And that's just the women !    And Captain Peacock as Prince Albert....


This is very good.  A primer on late 19th & early 20th century political history.  I know know a bit about the Mayerling Incident & the split between the Bolsheviks & Mensheviks.


Jean-Luc Picard is impressive as Lenin.   Michael Kitchen as Trotsky looks like one of Harry Enfield's Scousers.


All episodes on poo tube.  Recommended for anyone with an interest in how WW1 & the Russian Revolution kicked off.   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwgsQdeFyEnNkjESzH-0AXwJuX_wrS0_W
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Beardy on 27 April, 2021, 11:55:07 pm
I’ve just rediscovered Peter Gabriel: Melt. I’m in a nostalgic fog.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 28 April, 2021, 08:08:28 am
I’ve just rediscovered Peter Gabriel: Melt. I’m in a nostalgic fog.
Quote
I like the touch and the smell of all the pretty dresses you wear
Properly sinister.  What a great album! - the first I bought on vinyl.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Beardy on 28 April, 2021, 08:52:59 am
I’ve just rediscovered Peter Gabriel: Melt. I’m in a nostalgic fog.
Quote
I like the touch and the smell of all the pretty dresses you wear
Properly sinister.  What a great album! - the first I bought on vinyl.
I think I’ve still got the vinyl in the loft somewhere.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 28 April, 2021, 08:54:43 am
I’ve just rediscovered Peter Gabriel: Melt. I’m in a nostalgic fog.
Quote
I like the touch and the smell of all the pretty dresses you wear
Properly sinister.  What a great album! - the first I bought on vinyl.
I think I’ve still got the vinyl in the loft somewhere.

Nasty stuff for making dresses out of.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: sg37409 on 18 May, 2021, 12:55:20 pm
http://www.vadimlasca.com/music-videos.html#img-1

Nice wee video tribute to Dave greenfield, stranglers keyboard player
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 28 May, 2021, 11:20:49 pm
I have just invented or re-named a music genre.
We are listening to the 1st Explosions In The Sky album, which is what got us into the 'post rock' genre, and I have decided it should actually be known as 'electro slippers' genre.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 May, 2021, 10:14:21 pm
Song for the month that's just ending: https://youtu.be/3Skn4vxU9cA
(The title translates as "Exceptionally cold May")
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 04 June, 2021, 11:39:11 am
Being a Honeysuckle Weeks groupie occasional viewer of Foyle's War, I was pleased to notice that last night's episode had someone called Colin Sell credited as the pianist. It can't have been that Colin Sell off of Her Majesty's Home Service, as it was all in tune and everything.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 08 June, 2021, 06:41:58 pm
https://twitter.com/soullessparty/status/1402303611795824640?s=21 (https://twitter.com/soullessparty/status/1402303611795824640?s=21)


ISTR that some of the forum ladies (and possibly gentlemen) have a thing about that Harrison Ford chappie.... 




Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 11 June, 2021, 03:27:24 pm
That nice Shaun Keaveney off of 6 Music is leaving. Not until September, but arse all the same.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 15 June, 2021, 01:21:07 pm
Oh, that's why Roger Waters was trending on Twitter  :thumbsup:


https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1404769390206328834?s=20
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: fd3 on 15 June, 2021, 06:34:05 pm
Tonight, when I was flicking through the TV channels and asking what she would like to watch I (jokingly) said "What about Mrs Brown's Boys?"  To which she replied "Ooh yes. Good idea".
OMG Flatus, that's terrible.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 June, 2021, 12:56:45 am
I bin watching Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. The 1979 one with Alec Guinness. In it.  Wot I mite only have seen the odd episode of before due to incarceration at st custards when it was first broadcast.  I don’t think it would have passed muster in this day and age, what with the languorous pace, the lack of sex and explosions and helicopters, and the small matter of everyone smoking all the time.

I thought it was æxcellent.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 30 June, 2021, 08:40:52 am
Yes. And it used big words such as impedimenta wot only toffs knows these days. AND used it to refer to significant udders and darling little children, forsooth. No respeck. Why can't they say bitch like everyone else?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 30 June, 2021, 12:49:54 pm
In a similar vein, I highly recommend the 1982 TV adaptation of the Barchester Chronicles, a costume drama in which Alan Rickman neither takes part in any dancing scenes, nor whips his top off to dive into a lake. It's mostly just people talking. In costumes. Utterly brilliant.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: L CC on 30 June, 2021, 12:57:40 pm
You had me at 'Alan Rickman'
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 30 June, 2021, 01:00:12 pm
Got that too.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 25 July, 2021, 12:01:15 am
Well that's a different take on "Dune".....  https://twitter.com/flying_rodent/status/1419065511736922112?s=20     :jurek:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g18jFHCLXk  new trailer.   
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Beardy on 25 July, 2021, 12:21:01 am
I must have grown up,at some point when I wasn’t looking. I’ve just tried to watch a second SF series from the early 00s on Prime and not managed to get even half way through the first episode. So that’s Lexx and Andromida that I can highly recommend as AVOID. They’re so bad that they’ve missed kitch and even so bad they’re funny. They’re just totally and utterly dreadful.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 25 July, 2021, 12:22:17 am
There's nothing more likely to put me off a movie film than one of those ghastly frikkin' trailers.

Well that's a different take on "Dune".....  https://twitter.com/flying_rodent/status/1419065511736922112?s=20     :jurek:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g18jFHCLXk  new trailer.   
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 25 July, 2021, 12:23:44 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g18jFHCLXk  new trailer.   

Suggests at least a possibility that it might be not shit...
Title: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 25 July, 2021, 09:07:54 am
Looks like a mash-up of Star Wars and The Matrix. Which may or may not be a good thing. I’m intrigued.

I agree with Pingu though - the trailer is cut in a way that seems deliberately designed to induce nausea.

I still love the Lynch version.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 25 July, 2021, 09:52:37 am
Well that's a different take on "Dune".....  https://twitter.com/flying_rodent/status/1419065511736922112?s=20     :jurek:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g18jFHCLXk  new trailer.

Dontcha hate it when you've been mentally pronouncing a name this way and they pronounce it that way?  Arrakis vs Arrakis.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 25 July, 2021, 12:06:46 pm
Looks like a mash-up of Star Wars and The Matrix. Which may or may not be a good thing. I’m intrigued.

Yes, I was half expecting JarJar to appear...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 26 July, 2021, 10:33:52 am
Looks like a mash-up of Star Wars and The Matrix. Which may or may not be a good thing. I’m intrigued.

I agree with Pingu though - the trailer is cut in a way that seems deliberately designed to induce nausea.

I still love the Lynch version.

The Lynch version was all style and no fucking idea.

I loved it for the graphics and would burn the cinemas down (with Lynch in them) for what he did to the plot and characters.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Regulator on 27 July, 2021, 05:10:20 pm
Just booked tickets for Mr R and I see to see James Blunt at Wembley next February...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 July, 2021, 10:07:33 pm
I've just discovered that Neneh Cherry is the stepdaughter of Don Cherry. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52vRcMbYf-0) You probably knew this already because you're cultured and artistic, but I'd never heard of him.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 28 July, 2021, 11:30:58 am
Just booked tickets for Mr R and I see to see James Blunt at Wembley next February...
I saw him in Manchester last February, just before Covid struck, and he was utterly brilliant.  Enjoy!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 28 July, 2021, 11:53:18 am
I've just discovered that Neneh Cherry is the stepdaughter of Don Cherry. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52vRcMbYf-0) You probably knew this already because you're cultured and artistic, but I'd never heard of him.

Also the sister of Eagle-Eye Cherry, from the 1990s.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 July, 2021, 11:59:42 am
I've just discovered that Neneh Cherry is the stepdaughter of Don Cherry. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52vRcMbYf-0) You probably knew this already because you're cultured and artistic, but I'd never heard of him.

Also the sister of Eagle-Eye Cherry, from the 1990s.
But not related to Feargal Sharkey:
https://www.discogs.com/The-Undertones-Cher-OBowlies-The-Pick-Of-The-Undertones/master/24522
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 28 July, 2021, 12:16:34 pm
I've just discovered that Neneh Cherry is the stepdaughter of Don Cherry. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52vRcMbYf-0) You probably knew this already because you're cultured and artistic, but I'd never heard of him.

Also the sister of Eagle-Eye Cherry, from the 1990s.

And the mother of Mabel (ask your kids).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 July, 2021, 01:09:53 pm
I've just discovered that Neneh Cherry is the stepdaughter of Don Cherry. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52vRcMbYf-0) You probably knew this already because you're cultured and artistic, but I'd never heard of him.

Also the sister of Eagle-Eye Cherry, from the 1990s.

And the mother of Mabel (ask your kids).
The Bach family for today. Which means only Wowbagger has yet heard of the next generation.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 August, 2021, 11:44:19 am
I discovered in the wee small hours that “Odin's Raven Magic”, a collaboration between Sigur Rós, Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, Steindór Andersen, Páll Guðmundsson and Maria Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir actually got an official release in December last year, a scant eighteen years after it was first performed. 'tis an orchestral setting of Iceland poem “Hrafnagaldr Óðins”, m'lud.  Steps must be taken to replace the dodgy bootleg version currently residing on my NAS.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 30 August, 2021, 10:56:59 pm
Just watched a Youtube vid of the theme from Harry's Game by Clannad and there's a pic of Harry Reknapp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y0PpwhgO4Y

 :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: MattH on 31 August, 2021, 12:12:57 am
Is that like the infamous Jocky Wilson photo behind Dexy's on ToTP?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdt6jZ6hYDQ
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/mar/27/jocky-wilson-other-rock-myths

I rewatched Harry's Game only a couple of weeks ago - it's aged pretty well, IMHO.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 31 August, 2021, 10:29:43 am
Some of you will get this...

I was making dinner last night and my son noticed the ingredients I had out on the counter included breadcrumbs and butter beans.

"We're having chocolate biscuits!" he exclaimed.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 September, 2021, 11:23:25 am
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/sep/05/miriam-margolyes-it-was-my-duty-to-tell-truth-about-du-pres-death

I'm not sure if this belongs in here - it's hardly a "small" thing when someone makes a claim like this.

Obviously totally unprovable either way, but Margolyes is someone for who I have always had great respect. On the other hand, so is Daniel Barenboim.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 06 September, 2021, 11:42:20 am
I saw that story. I really don't agree with Margolyes that it was her "duty" to reveal the information, and I question her stated motives for doing so, given that she didn't know Du Pre herself.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 September, 2021, 12:24:16 pm
I had the same feeling as Citoyen. If it's true, it was a private thing between Du Pre, those close to her and the nurse she made the arrangement with.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 06 September, 2021, 01:33:13 pm
It would fall rather to du Pré's family to make any such revelations. Margoyles is certainly someone to be respected but that doesn't give her licence to trot out anything so private.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Regulator on 07 September, 2021, 11:54:36 am
Mr R is taking his friend Kim to La Boheme in Manchester on Saturday (https://www.visitmanchester.com/whats-on/la-boheme-open-air-opera-and-picnics-on-the-lawn-p496831)...  I shall be at home  :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 07 September, 2021, 09:42:17 pm
Some of you will get this...

I was making dinner last night and my son noticed the ingredients I had out on the counter included breadcrumbs and butter beans.

"We're having chocolate biscuits!" he exclaimed.
YAProfessorYaffleAICMFBP
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 08 September, 2021, 09:32:26 am
Some of you will get this...

I was making dinner last night and my son noticed the ingredients I had out on the counter included breadcrumbs and butter beans.

"We're having chocolate biscuits!" he exclaimed.
YAProfessorYaffleAICMFBP

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Regulator on 08 September, 2021, 05:13:40 pm
We are going to see Fascinating Aida next Monday...   it's my burfday treat from Jon  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 09 September, 2021, 09:25:05 pm
They're bringing the Matrix back, not sure about that, the last two followed the law of diminishing sequels. But I'm sort of excited at the same time.

The Matrix was one of the few movies where I went in blind (not literally, pendants), with little idea what it was about, and it was made all the more awesome by that.

The other was Fight Club, which we only watched because it was raining heavily and the alternative to getting wet running for a tram. We had a cinema pass and it sounded exactly like the sort of movie we wouldn't like, but it was just about to start, and the rain was only getting heavier.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Hot Flatus on 09 September, 2021, 10:00:27 pm
I assumed Fight Club was some sort of tacky post-Rocky American violence bullshit. I didn't bother going or reading about it. Then was told by somebody whose opinion I respect that I should. Was blown away. Ditto American Beauty.

Matrix not so much.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ashaman42 on 09 September, 2021, 10:13:45 pm
I loved the first Matrix film in the cinema, and we went based on one trailer.

Even better we nearly missed it, our bus got stuck in traffic, so we managed to get let off early and sprinted however far to make it on time.

And I somehow "matrixed" on the way. Or was at least the most physically coordinated I've ever been. Dashing past the inevitable crowds of people I ended up jumping and somehow just sliding along a plate glass window, and the wee railing below, for however many metres. It felt like more than it was, especially given I was 14 at the time.

If I tried it now I'd fall though the window and cut myself in a billion places.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 10 September, 2021, 09:26:20 am
The Matrix would have been better if they'd had a different rationale for The Machines doing all that to start with - the thermodynamics were cockeyed.  If they'd been linking human brains into single vast datasphere (merci, Dan Simmons) it would have been more believable, especially they'd used a subsection of it to house the Matrix.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 10 September, 2021, 09:48:51 am
... it was just about to start, and the rain was only getting heavier.

Thats how we got to see Ballet Rambert's Ghost Dances, one rainy Saturday afternoon in Mancheater, around 1999, where we were picking up my stepson from Uni.  That was amazing (Rambert, not the collection of stepson).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 10 September, 2021, 10:05:23 am
The Matrix was one of the few movies where I went in blind (not literally, pendants), with little idea what it was about, and it was made all the more awesome by that.

Same here. Based on what little I knew about it prior to seeing it, I was primed to expect it to be shit, but the opening sequence is so awesome that I was completely hooked.

The Matrix would have been better if they'd had a different rationale for The Machines doing all that to start with - the thermodynamics were cockeyed.

I don't think it pays to think about the science of it too closely. It's allegorical, innit. The machines are, like, symbols of "The Machine", man.

Best just to enjoy it for the fightin' and shootin'.

I assumed Fight Club was some sort of tacky post-Rocky American violence bullshit. I didn't bother going or reading about it. Then was told by somebody whose opinion I respect that I should. Was blown away. Ditto American Beauty.

Fight Club came out when I was the parent of a young baby, so I wasn't going to the cinema much in those days. And the hype put me off too. And that's why I've somehow never got round to watching it...

Damn. I should do something about that. I might watch it this weekend.

I've seen the final scene, but it didn't make much sense on its own.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 10 September, 2021, 10:49:17 am
Yes, The Matrix has one of the best opening scenes ever. It's still breathtaking. And it keeps it up. I also wouldn't worry too much about the thermodynamics, it's the matrix that's making you think like that.

And yes, watch Fight Club, it's still brilliant. Plus, it includes the best practical advice ever on how to handle negotiations with your boss.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 10 September, 2021, 12:37:52 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/sep/10/gregory-doran-takes-leave-from-rsc-to-care-for-terminally-ill-antony-sher


Sad news.  A wonderful actor. 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 10 September, 2021, 12:57:43 pm
The Matrix would have been better if they'd had a different rationale for The Machines doing all that to start with - the thermodynamics were cockeyed.

I don't think it pays to think about the science of it too closely. It's allegorical, innit. The machines are, like, symbols of "The Machine", man.

Best just to enjoy it for the fightin' and shootin'.

Nah, fucked-up science tarnishes a film for me.  Either leave out explanations completely or push the plot so far into the future that anything appears plausible. Otherwise it's just insulting.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 September, 2021, 01:07:08 pm
I've still never seen Fight Club and had also assumed it was shit, but was also told by someone that it was good. It was too late to watch the film (as in too many years past release and pre-streaming) but he did lend me the book, which I read and which was good.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 10 September, 2021, 01:20:26 pm
Nah, fucked-up science tarnishes a film for me.  Either leave out explanations completely or push the plot so far into the future that anything appears plausible. Otherwise it's just insulting.

That's a bit like saying the talking pigs spoil Animal Farm.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 10 September, 2021, 01:38:31 pm
I've still never seen Fight Club and had also assumed it was shit, but was also told by someone that it was good. It was too late to watch the film (as in too many years past release and pre-streaming) but he did lend me the book, which I read and which was good.

It's one of the few movie versions of a book that actually improves on the book (and the book is very good). Well worth a watch, and it's not about blokes fighting (well, it is, but, anyway remember the first rule about fight club). Just noticed it's available on Prime, might have to watch it again.

Blimey, 1999.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 10 September, 2021, 03:38:47 pm
Hey guys, you know the rules.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 10 September, 2021, 03:58:20 pm
Hey guys, you know the rules.

What, the rules of Fight Club? No idea, I've not seen it.  ;)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 10 September, 2021, 05:10:00 pm
Queensbury Rules, I believe.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 September, 2021, 05:37:12 pm
Queensbury Rules, I believe.
These ones? (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=120938.0)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 11 September, 2021, 10:31:54 am
Nah, fucked-up science tarnishes a film for me.  Either leave out explanations completely or push the plot so far into the future that anything appears plausible. Otherwise it's just insulting.

That's a bit like saying the talking pigs spoil Animal Farm.

No it isn't. Having a pig talk tells the viewer deliberately that we are in talking-pig land.  Crappy science tells you that the producers think you won't spot it because you're a moron.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 September, 2021, 11:17:28 am
Things I didn’t know until very recently #28948: the Wachowski brothers are now the Wachowski sisters.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 11 September, 2021, 11:19:32 am
Agreed, it's entirely possible to completely handwave the science of, say, faster than light travel in a way that isn't jarringly ridiculous.
With The Matrix I kind of hoped the human battery thing would be revealed to be a deliberate ruse, it was so clearly nonsense. Shame they never made any sequels...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 11 September, 2021, 11:23:35 am
Things I didn’t know until very recently #28948: the Wachowski brothers are now the Wachowski sisters.
The Matrix is thinly veiled transgender allegory, a theory anyone who knew any trans people in the late 90s will no doubt have encountered.  Since confirmed by the Wachowskis, I believe.

It makes the modern use of 'red pill' deliciously ironic.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 11 September, 2021, 12:48:19 pm
Agreed, it's entirely possible to completely handwave the science of, say, faster than light travel in a way that isn't jarringly ridiculous.
With The Matrix I kind of hoped the human battery thing would be revealed to be a deliberate ruse, it was so clearly nonsense. Shame they never made any sequels...

Hook them up in serial, as it were.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 11 September, 2021, 08:56:59 pm
I confess, I never put much thought into the science of The Matrix and I'm not about to start, it's just a bloody good film. I did go a beer festival last night and came home and fired it up. It's still awesome from Trinity's start sequence to the Neo vs Agent Smith western stand-off in the subway station finale. The special effects still work, they don't really date, because they're more about style than realism. It's just one classic scene after another.

I think that if I had to name the my top three movies that I can remember right now, it's The Matrix, Fight Club, and Aliens. I'm never to going to win any prizes for my elevated aesthetic sensibilities. I watched a movie with subtitles once and didn't immediately die.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 September, 2021, 10:37:44 am
I think that if I had to name the my top three movies that I can remember right now, it's The Matrix, Fight Club, and Aliens. I'm never to going to win any prizes for my elevated aesthetic sensibilities. I watched a movie with subtitles once and didn't immediately die.
This is why those FOREIGNS, who live in ABROAD, are so intellectual. Even when they're watching a Hollywood blockbuster, it's with subtitles.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 23 September, 2021, 10:58:19 am
With The Matrix I kind of hoped the human battery thing would be revealed to be a deliberate ruse, it was so clearly nonsense.

I never thought it was meant to be taken seriously as science. It's so clearly allegorical. (I never picked up that it was specifically transgender allegory, but more general not fitting in with The System.)

Quote
Shame they never made any sequels...

Yes, there was so much scope for exploring the ideas in interesting directions, it's surprising they never took the opportunity to follow it up.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 September, 2021, 12:40:39 pm
Not only did they not follow it up in the immediate aftermath of the success of the original movie, but another non-sequel is definitely not scheduled for release just before Christmas.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 23 September, 2021, 01:07:53 pm
The sequels would have been alright as generic scifi actioneers, but they flabbed all over the place with endless sequences – the week-long 'rave in a cave,' fight sequences that never seemed to end, kicky kicky kick kick bang bang, since no one really dies it just meh, they get up and get kicked again – no peril – it's just an excuse for a couple of special effects. Plus they totally misplaced the je ne sais quoi of the original and ended up with a generic mess. That said, if you've had the misfortune of seeing the dreadful Jupiter Ascending, you'll know they could have been even worse.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 23 September, 2021, 01:20:03 pm
The Matrix sequels are a cinematic equivalent of the Guns 'n' Roses Use Your Illusion albums in that if there had been people on hand with the ability/guts to say "no" to the Wachowskis/Axl Rose respectively, a lot of filler could have been excised and instead of two films/albums being less than the sum of their parts, you could have ended up with one really good film/album.

But here we are...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 23 September, 2021, 01:23:49 pm
I think the adage is that took the material for half a movie and stretched it to two.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 23 September, 2021, 02:24:26 pm
I think the adage is that took the material for half a movie and stretched it to two.

That's pretty good compared to The Hobbit's three - practically homoeopathic.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 23 September, 2021, 08:47:10 pm
That said, if you've had the misfortune of seeing the dreadful Jupiter Ascending, you'll know they could have been even worse.

I thought that one was pretty and fun, though clearly partially arsed.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 24 September, 2021, 09:41:55 am
It was one of those films assembled out of a series of parts. The sort of plot that could be written on a post-it note. Comedy bad guy who looked like a bunch of primary schoolers could have taken him down. Actors made out of cardboard. They'd obviously thrown some money at how it looked and forgot the rest so the result was a nicely painted turd. Any lingering sense of whelm left the cinema well before I did.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 September, 2021, 11:52:47 am
During a game of Wikinaccurate Golf I found myself on the page for Tim Buckley's “Song To The Siren” and realised that I had never knowingly heard the original.  Yoicks!  What a dirge.  I had to revisit Half Man Half Biscuit's cover, recorded for a 2002 Peel Session and described as “shambolic" by some Grauniad hack, after that.  It's done at about four times the speed, and segues into “Vatican Broadside”.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Auntie Helen on 30 September, 2021, 12:40:06 pm
Song to the Siren was also done by This Mortal Coil with Liz Fraser singing it in a very dirge-like manner.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 30 September, 2021, 01:18:10 pm
I first heard SttS by TMC on  plasterer’s radio in Cheltenham. It blew me away.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: fd3 on 30 September, 2021, 01:18:23 pm
"New" Bowie Album, Toy, due for release (officially this time) in Jan.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 30 September, 2021, 01:32:55 pm
During a game of Wikinaccurate Golf I found myself on the page for Tim Buckley's “Song To The Siren” and realised that I had never knowingly heard the original.  Yoicks!  What a dirge.  I had to revisit Half Man Half Biscuit's cover, recorded for a 2002 Peel Session and described as “shambolic" by some Grauniad hack, after that.  It's done at about four times the speed, and segues into “Vatican Broadside”.

Dirge, right. Points for imitating an "attack imminent" siren, though.  T'other bugger can't sing or won't, and shouldn't try.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Beardy on 02 October, 2021, 08:56:37 pm
Strictly Come Dancing, proof that you can have too much of a good thing.
<deity> but it goes on…
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 02 October, 2021, 08:58:05 pm
Strictly Come Dancing, proof that you can have too much of a good thing.
<deity> but it goes on…

My twitter feed is full of people squeeing about it.  I remain unconvinced.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 03 October, 2021, 04:47:43 pm
I'm such a hopeless dancer, I take little heed of Strictly.
I also don't have a TV or Licence.

I have been in awe of Hannah (dead name Matthias) Schlubeck.

https://www.youtube.com/user/SchlubeckPanfloete/featured (https://www.youtube.com/user/SchlubeckPanfloete/featured)

Has very vestigial upper limbs so plays the pan pipes.

Came out as TS last year.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 04 October, 2021, 05:11:33 pm
Rhiannon Giddens - who she? - had a cameo appearance in a "Playing for Change" vid, as she was using a fretless banjo, I thought she might be worth looking for.

Turns out, I was right. If your interest would have been piqued by that, you'll probably enjoy this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYuqnUs9gP8
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: jsabine on 05 October, 2021, 08:49:24 am
She's rather good - seen her a couple of times.

Playing in Dublin this week if anyone happens to be in that side of the Irish Sea
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 08 October, 2021, 11:58:54 pm
Final series of "The Expanse" coming in December.   https://youtu.be/4PJpkGPtAHE
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 09 October, 2021, 08:44:52 am
Final series of "The Expanse" coming in December.   https://youtu.be/4PJpkGPtAHE

Too late, I've forgotten sari-lady's name. Begins with an A - no, don't tell me.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 27 October, 2021, 05:27:36 pm
https://radiotoday.co.uk/2021/10/no-fm-switch-off-in-the-uk-until-at-least-2030-says-dcms/ (https://radiotoday.co.uk/2021/10/no-fm-switch-off-in-the-uk-until-at-least-2030-says-dcms/)


Hooray.  My tuner & loft aerial are safe for a while longer.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 25 November, 2021, 12:50:42 am
The Midnight Bell, Matthew Bourne.

A sumptuous production, aged only by the era it is set in; a play without words.

So much to watch, so much to miss, so much love, angst, hope, deceit.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 03 December, 2021, 11:02:57 am
I haven't done this for a looooooooooong time.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51721528328_2fabddafce_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mNsmqq)
IMG_9275_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2mNsmqq) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

ETA: I used a protractor to align the cartridge (it was miles out) and watched a video about setting up the tonearm. It sounds much better than I remember 🎵
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 December, 2021, 11:09:51 am
Gosh! A vinyl!  How achingly hip!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 03 December, 2021, 12:21:14 pm
Partly to block out bickering between my colleagues, I decided to listen to something - Teams meetings have normalised wearing headphones in the office.  I chose the "No Nukes" album by Springsteen and the E Street band.  Superb.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 03 December, 2021, 01:37:06 pm
Partly to block out bickering between my colleagues, I decided to listen to something - Teams meetings have normalised wearing headphones in the office.  I chose the "No Nukes" album by Springsteen and the E Street band.  Superb.

It would be very nerd winning to have a turntable in your office, connected to headphones.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: pcolbeck on 03 December, 2021, 02:30:15 pm
I haven't done this for a looooooooooong time.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51721528328_2fabddafce_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mNsmqq)
IMG_9275_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2mNsmqq) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

ETA: I used a protractor to align the cartridge (it was miles out) and watched a video about setting up the tonearm. It sounds much better than I remember 🎵

Ooh nice. I want a Planar 3 to add to my turntable collection.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 03 December, 2021, 05:39:19 pm
I haven't done this for a looooooooooong time.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51721528328_2fabddafce_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mNsmqq)
IMG_9275_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2mNsmqq) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

ETA: I used a protractor to align the cartridge (it was miles out) and watched a video about setting up the tonearm. It sounds much better than I remember 🎵

Ooh nice. I want a Planar 3 to add to my turntable collection.

Ruddy Norah - I've just seen the price they are now  :o
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: sg37409 on 03 December, 2021, 07:37:12 pm
Yep they are extortionate now and in fancy colours too. Mine looks identical to that except for the green cartridge.   Played Big Science on it late the other night
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 03 December, 2021, 09:42:25 pm
Gosh! A vinyl!  How achingly hip!

36 year old vinyl.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 December, 2021, 10:38:28 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcOjKXIR8Iw&ab_channel=ChopinInstitute

This might warrant a thread of its own, but ICBA.

International Chopin Piano Competition. The guy in the video is outstanding.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 06 December, 2021, 12:56:27 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcOjKXIR8Iw&ab_channel=ChopinInstitute

This might warrant a thread of its own, but ICBA.

International Chopin Piano Competition. The guy in the video is outstanding.

Chopin Competition was MASSIVE!

D watched some of it nearer the time.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 December, 2021, 07:39:55 pm
https://yle.fi/aihe/tapahtuma/2021/12/06/independence-day-gala-concert

I haven't watched it yet, but that's hot off the Finnish presses, it being Independence Day today. Son's partner and her mother were there, and apparently can be seen from time to time.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 December, 2021, 10:53:17 pm
I have just learned that Alan Bennett once referred to Portnoy’s Complaint as “The Gripes of Roth”.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 December, 2021, 11:20:54 pm
Here at Fort Larrington we have been revisiting Black Books and laughing immoderately.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 27 December, 2021, 09:37:35 am
Mr L - you may or may not be interested to know that Radio 4 Extra yesterday served up a repeat of your esteemed relative’s The Lore Of The Land. Very good it is too.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 30 December, 2021, 12:44:39 pm
DAVID ATTENBOROUGH IS ON TV TALKING ABOUT NARWHALS

RAAAAAWWWWWWRRRRRRR

ITS LIKE A UNICORN BUT DONE AS A WHALE

AINT NO HOOVES ON THAT BITCH
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 30 December, 2021, 03:34:30 pm
This won’t make me any friends here but…

They’ve been repeating HHGTTG from the beginning on Radio 4 Extra. If I’m being kind, I would say it has not aged well.

If I’m being not so kind, I might say it’s terrible and I find it hard to believe anyone ever found it funny. Some nice ideas, and occasional good one-liners, but often verging on painful.

Best thing about it is the music. The main theme is great but the incidental music is also excellent - I don’t recall noticing it before, but I especially liked the use of Terry Riley in the first series.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 30 December, 2021, 06:34:58 pm
We just turned on the tv, and got a glimpse - no more than 10 seconds - of a film. I said “I wonder what that is”. My wife replied “The Remains of the Day”. It was. She has apparently never seen it (I can believe that) but she’d “read the book”.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 30 December, 2021, 06:56:20 pm
We just turned on the tv, and got a glimpse - no more than 10 seconds - of a film. I said “I wonder what that is”. My wife replied “The Remains of the Day”. It was. She has apparently never seen it (I can believe that) but she’d “read the book”.

The film is very faithful to the book, to be fair.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 30 December, 2021, 06:59:36 pm
This won’t make me any friends here but…

They’ve been repeating HHGTTG from the beginning on Radio 4 Extra. If I’m being kind, I would say it has not aged well.

If I’m being not so kind, I might say it’s terrible and I find it hard to believe anyone ever found it funny. Some nice ideas, and occasional good one-liners, but often verging on painful.

Best thing about it is the music. The main theme is great but the incidental music is also excellent - I don’t recall noticing it before, but I especially liked the use of Terry Riley in the first series.

I've been banging this drum for a while. I never liked it. Yes, Douglas Adams was smart and funny, but I have always found HHGTTG to be fairly cringy and wearing, like an extended student comedy revue.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 30 December, 2021, 07:09:17 pm
Conversely I still like it. I listened to all the episodes a couple of years back whilst fettling in the shed. Horses for courses. I can’t get into  Charles Stross’ stuff, but many here like it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 30 December, 2021, 07:13:24 pm
I remember liking the TV series when I was a small person, and I'm sure I enjoyed the books too - I think I read the first three, at least. But that was a long, long time ago.

I've never knowingly read any Charles Stross so have no opinion on him.

(Did I ever mention that Lord of the Rings is shite too?)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 30 December, 2021, 07:27:50 pm
I was thinking about the books. I think I saw the movie once and it didn't change my impression. It's a worthy book to read, but I wouldn't want to do so again.

I did recently read the first Charlie Stross book (confusingly it turns out to be two, but anyway...) as everyone I know seems to enjoy them and always tells me that I'll enjoy them. I wouldn't read another, the nerdy IT support and office bureaucracy jokes wear thin quite quickly and it simply didn't gel together, an odd mix of perilous mission and then – hey look – he has to reboot a server and deal with some goofy workplace bureaucracy. Also had that nerdy vibe about the female characters who mostly existed as vehicles for boobs, like something he'd read about in books but not encountered in the wild. Maybe they get better, but it didn't float my boat.

I think I got to the end of Lord of the Rings. Long and dull and about as much fun as running a marathon while suffering a case of diarrhoea. You're glad to get to the end but hope it really never ever happens again. See also The Martian which everyone seems to like other than me, I found it dreadful.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Auntie Helen on 30 December, 2021, 07:29:57 pm
I bought the German audio version for my GerMan and we listened to it on a long journey.

Their Marvin spoke soooooo sloooooowwwwwllllllyyyyy that I got really frustrated.

It was a reasonable attempt at British humour into German, but my chappie wasn’t hooked.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 30 December, 2021, 07:59:41 pm
Quote from: citoyen
Did I ever mention that Lord of the Rings is shite too?
I think it's OK if you're a geeky 14YO and you skip the utterly, utterly tedious Tom Bombadil section, but if you haven't read it by the time you're ooh 15 1/2, forget it. 

HHG?  I enjoyed the radio series enormously, but it helped that I was a geeky 14YO, that the pictures in your head are sooo much better than anything on TV or in films and it had Peter Jones as The Book.  The books were a poor substitute and the trailers for the TV series left me so cold I didn't watch it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 30 December, 2021, 08:07:23 pm
This won’t make me any friends here but…

They’ve been repeating HHGTTG from the beginning on Radio 4 Extra. If I’m being kind, I would say it has not aged well.
...


I've been banging this drum for a while. I never liked it. Yes, Douglas Adams was smart and funny, but I have always found HHGTTG to be fairly cringy and wearing, like an extended student comedy revue.
Absolutely and unequivocally your loss! (and no, you don't need to love Hitchhikers to be my friends x )

The fact that citoyen mentions it in the same post as LOTR suggests a lack of ... thinking?!? They're totally unrelated - there is only some overlap in the fans because both were niche interests that the same group of people knew about.

I just about finished the LOTR books, but they're a plodding swords-n-dragons saga. Of course some folks love that stuff.
Hitchhikers is actually funny as well as stunningly creative, with plenty of snappy satirical observations (many of which have still endured well since 1978!). By-the-by, I don't know of any audio-only production that has even come close to the things he achieved; it would be a fun listen without the humour.

But of course its subjective. Go watch Red Dwarf or Mrs Browns Boys if you prefer  :-*
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Nuncio on 30 December, 2021, 08:24:01 pm
We just turned on the tv, and got a glimpse - no more than 10 seconds - of a film. I said “I wonder what that is”. My wife replied “The Remains of the Day”. It was. She has apparently never seen it (I can believe that) but she’d “read the book”.

I did the same and guessed it within 8 seconds. So I would have won (had it not been Shadowlands I was watching).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 30 December, 2021, 08:53:50 pm
HHG?  I enjoyed the radio series enormously, but it helped that I was a geeky 14YO, that the pictures in your head are sooo much better than anything on TV or in films and it had Peter Jones as The Book.  The books were a poor substitute and the trailers for the TV series left me so cold I didn't watch it.

I read the first book as a kid, but they repeated the radio series at some point in my early teens, and I thought that was a lot more enjoyable.  I eventually read the other books over the years, and was underwhelmed.

The TV series gave us the lovely wire-frame animations, but added little else.

The recent film is best regarded as a completely unrelated entity[1], and enjoyed on its own terms.


[1] I recommend the same approach to the recent Dirk Gently TV series.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 30 December, 2021, 08:59:14 pm
Quote from: citoyen
Did I ever mention that Lord of the Rings is shite too?
I think it's OK if you're a geeky 14YO and you skip the utterly, utterly tedious Tom Bombadil section, but if you haven't read it by the time you're ooh 15 1/2, forget it. 

HHG?  I enjoyed the radio series enormously, but it helped that I was a geeky 14YO, that the pictures in your head are sooo much better than anything on TV or in films and it had Peter Jones as The Book.  The books were a poor substitute and the trailers for the TV series left me so cold I didn't watch it.
Tom Bombadil and the Eagles are atrocious dei ex machina.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 December, 2021, 09:22:40 pm
I enjoyed the first radio series. I think I was less than 14.* I've never read the books and I only vaguely remember the TV series.

I read The Hobbit around the same time and enjoyed it, but got bogged down when trying to read LOTR a little later. Just too much of it, too many digressions, too much detail, too many genealogies and too much history. LOTR compared to The Hobbit is like the Old Testament compared to Jesus Christ, Superstar!**

*Just checked. Significantly less than 14!
**I've never seen it but we all sang the songs in the school playground, with humorously rearranged lyrics, at some time probably before even HHGTTG.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 30 December, 2021, 10:33:04 pm
The fact that citoyen mentions it in the same post as LOTR suggests a lack of ... thinking?!? They're totally unrelated - there is only some overlap in the fans because both were niche interests that the same group of people knew about.

But of course its subjective. Go watch Red Dwarf or Mrs Browns Boys if you prefer  :-*

Do you ever get the feeling you’ve touched a nerve?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 30 December, 2021, 11:20:12 pm
It's wholly unfair to mention Red Dwarf in the same sentence as Mrs Brown's Boys.  :hand:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 30 December, 2021, 11:22:01 pm
Agree
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 30 December, 2021, 11:25:57 pm
(Unless it's a list of things that should never have been made, in which case the USAnian version is allowed.)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 31 December, 2021, 02:05:48 am
I understand Mrs Brown's Boys is very popular. I've never watched it so can't comment.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: drossall on 31 December, 2021, 03:32:05 am
I got into HHGTTG on what I think was the first repeat radio broadcast, while I was a student. First time round, while I was still at home, it had made no impression on me. I didn't think it came over as well in the other media, but I still appreciate it now.

LOTR remains an all-time favourite book. I earned my copy a volume at a time from the newsagent where I was a paper-boy (tenuous cycling connection!)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 31 December, 2021, 08:10:22 am
I understand Mrs Brown's Boys is very popular. I've never watched it so can't comment.

Thankfully it fell out of the TV top ten this Christmas. That could mean the beginning of the end of it…
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 31 December, 2021, 08:14:02 am

Do you ever get the feeling you’ve touched a nerve?
Do you ever get the feeling that someone posted with the explicit intention of then saying " ... touched a nerve"?

(I only replied to your post to say why I think H2G2 is so great - no doubt you had an even better/cleverer motivation x )
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 31 December, 2021, 01:08:49 pm
(I only replied to your post to say why I think H2G2 is so great - no doubt you had an even better/cleverer motivation x )

I wasn’t implying a connection with LOTR other than they are both things that people inexplicably like. Not necessarily the same people - so no need to take it as a personal slight, and no need for the chippiness either.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 31 December, 2021, 01:34:12 pm
(Unless it's a list of things that should never have been made, in which case the USAnian version is allowed.)

I hope you're not saying the Americans have remade Mrs Brown's Boys??
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 31 December, 2021, 02:11:26 pm
,Apparently Mel Brooks is actually going to make History Of The World, Part II.  Whether it will actually include Jews In Space and Hitler on Ice, remains to be seen.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 31 December, 2021, 11:35:50 pm
(Unless it's a list of things that should never have been made, in which case the USAnian version is allowed.)

I hope you're not saying the Americans have remade Mrs Brown's Boys??

I seriously hope not...   :hand:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 01 January, 2022, 12:05:00 am
(Unless it's a list of things that should never have been made, in which case the USAnian version is allowed.)

I hope you're not saying the Americans have remade Mrs Brown's Boys??

I seriously hope not...   :hand:

why would we care?
We don't watch the British version, why would we watch usa shit?
T,V can produce as much shit as it likes, it doesn't affect me.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 01 January, 2022, 10:22:02 am
(Unless it's a list of things that should never have been made, in which case the USAnian version is allowed.)

I hope you're not saying the Americans have remade Mrs Brown's Boys??

I seriously hope not...   :hand:

why would we care?
We don't watch the British version, why would we watch usa shit?
T,V can produce as much shit as it likes, it doesn't affect me.

I'd quite like to see how Family Guy uses it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 January, 2022, 12:57:40 pm
I suspected there would be, so I looked and yes there is, and yes it's even by Stephen Fry: an audiobook of HHGTTG. Isn't an audiobook of a radio series rather missing the point, or are the books different enough from the original for it to be meaningful?
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Hitchhikers-Guide-to-the-Galaxy-Audiobook/B0093Q1NFS
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 01 January, 2022, 01:01:30 pm
I suspected there would be, so I looked and yes there is, and yes it's even by Stephen Fry: an audiobook of HHGTTG. Isn't an audiobook of a radio series rather missing the point, or are the books different enough from the original for it to be meaningful?
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Hitchhikers-Guide-to-the-Galaxy-Audiobook/B0093Q1NFS

Probably easier to fall asleep to, on account of the lack of exploding computer banks and so on.

And no doubt the dulcet tones of Stephen Fry sell a few audiobooks irrespective of content.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 01 January, 2022, 01:15:33 pm
I suspected there would be, so I looked and yes there is, and yes it's even by Stephen Fry: an audiobook of HHGTTG. Isn't an audiobook of a radio series rather missing the point, or are the books different enough from the original for it to be meaningful?
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Hitchhikers-Guide-to-the-Galaxy-Audiobook/B0093Q1NFS

Probably easier to fall asleep to, on account of the lack of exploding computer banks and so on.

And no doubt the dulcet tones of Stephen Fry sell a few audiobooks irrespective of content.
Probably both true!

But yes, there are quite a lot of differences in the book. Some are quite sensible, given the change in medium.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: drossall on 01 January, 2022, 05:34:58 pm
But do they remain sensible, when changed back to audio again?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 January, 2022, 07:21:03 pm
But do they remain sensible, when changed back to audio again?
Is the question...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 01 January, 2022, 07:31:59 pm
Honestly, I'm happy for people to enjoy HHGTTG, it's just that I don't. Maybe I draw that lines with Mrs Brown's Boys, though I confess I only managed about 30 seconds on YouTube, and if that was – as the clip titled alleged – the best, I didn't want to think about what the worst might be.

There's a long list of things I don't like but everyone else does, so I'll accept that I'm the odd one.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 01 January, 2022, 07:39:00 pm
In a new twist, a recent MBB stole a joke from H2G2 :O
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 January, 2022, 04:25:43 pm
New Half Man Half Biscuit album due next month (https://halfmanhalfbiscuit.uk/new-half-man-half-biscuit-album-2022/).  Order now to ensure avoid disappointment, preferably from an independent supplier rather than a taxing-dodging billionaire.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 January, 2022, 06:35:34 pm
I have just learned of the inevitable existence of Slimgirl Fat. (https://nalan.bandcamp.com/album/im-good-the-crying-tape) No idea yet what she sounds like...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 January, 2022, 06:57:24 pm
"Fairly boring" is the answer to my ears.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 January, 2022, 05:41:14 pm
Quote from: Audible
From:
Audible.co.uk <donotreply@audible.co.uk>
To:
Lt. Col. Larrington(retd.) <redacted@his_isp.com>
Subject:
The new Charles Dickens audiobook is now available

Cor, it's been ages since old Chazzer released any new material!

(Reads more closely)

[...]

Great Expectations

More bloody repeats :(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 January, 2022, 08:52:30 pm
Crikey!

Quote
96-year-old pianist, and last surviving pupil of Rachmaninov, signs landmark record deal

https://www.classicfm.com/composers/rachmaninov/pianist-ruth-slenczynska-record-deal/?fbclid=IwAR1BEK096OLn82HP_dkADr-iuL4yEeBOIZa8bWQ_3_jHvLD55HyhGHCyxiM

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 14 January, 2022, 11:57:08 pm
The last episode of "The Expanse".  Better than I'd expected,  they've wisely left a big part of the Laconia plot out for a possible sequel.   


An amusing Easter Egg in the status board for the team assaulting the Ring mounted railguns .... some familiar names.... 


(https://www.urban75.net/forums/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FBGHlxev.png&hash=9889cc7c7f61af3b244d58fb10120902)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 January, 2022, 03:05:00 am
Something didn’t like the link to the image; let’s see iffen this works:

(https://i.imgur.com/BGHlxev.png)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 15 January, 2022, 04:01:51 pm
Zen School of Motoring coming to the telly-

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/jan/15/zen-school-of-motoring-tv-that-will-cleanse-your-spirit-like-meditation
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 15 January, 2022, 04:56:28 pm
Something didn’t like the link to the image; let’s see iffen this works:

(https://i.imgur.com/BGHlxev.png)

That's a bit of a shout-out-a-rama. Off the top of my head I can see:

Return of the Jedi (Ackbar, G)
Total Recall (Quaid, D)
Dune (Idaho, D)
Aliens (Ripley, Hudson, Hicks and Vasquez)
Stargate (O'Neil, J)
Mass Effect (Shephard, C)
Battlestar Galactica (Thrace, K)
The Terminator (Connor, S)
2001 (Bowman, D)
Blade Runner (Deckard, R)
Tron (Flynn, K)
Starship Troopers (Rico, J)
Star Trek (Riker, W)

It looks like the producers (never mind the source material's authors) love their shout-outs to other works, because there are quite few mentioned here:

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/ShoutOut/TheExpanse (click at your own risk, xkcd #609 may apply (https://xkcd.com/609/)) :demon:

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 January, 2022, 01:12:45 pm
Possessed of an urge to revisit early episodes of “Shetland” and too idle to dig out the DVD from behind a Teetering Pile of CrapTM I thought I would avail myself of [“a download of dubious provenance” - Ed. version.

It's dubbed into Russian.  Badly.  Bumskins >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 16 January, 2022, 01:22:04 pm
Kak skazat "that'll learn ya" po Russki, tovarisch? ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 January, 2022, 01:41:52 pm
That’s easy for you to say…
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 16 January, 2022, 06:17:29 pm
Not on iPlayer?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: cycleman on 16 January, 2022, 06:41:11 pm
The focused tour on crazyguyonabike is Scottish Islands including shetlands if you are interested Mr l  :)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 January, 2022, 09:42:02 pm
Not on iPlayer?

Only the most recent series.  Series 2 dates from 2014.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 18 January, 2022, 10:02:41 am
Not on iPlayer?

Only the most recent series.  Series 2 dates from 2014.
I've got Series 2 - Series 6 on my Tiny Computer. I can see if that will break my Dropbox iffen you want.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 January, 2022, 12:29:32 pm
Not on iPlayer?

Only the most recent series.  Series 2 dates from 2014.
I've got Series 2 - Series 6 on my Tiny Computer. I can see if that will break my Dropbox iffen you want.

Ta, Tim, but I've got it all sorted now and completed the watching of S2 last night.  They didn’t 'arf butcher the story of “Blue Lightning”, to the extent that the title no longer made sense >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 19 January, 2022, 02:47:51 pm
https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/denis-villeneuve-set-direct-arthur-185736997.html


Rendevous With Rama incoming. 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 19 January, 2022, 05:39:44 pm
I really hope they don't screw that up...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 19 January, 2022, 05:51:22 pm
Hmm. One of my favourite books.

Want to bet that they sneak guns and fighting aliens into the film somehow?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: drossall on 19 January, 2022, 06:39:16 pm
I don't think I've ever read that one, so I took that as a personal recommendation and it's now on my Kobo app :thumbsup:

Alongside quite a few others that I need to read :hand:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 20 January, 2022, 10:45:44 am
It isn't brilliant writing, just a decent 'hard sci fi' book that has truly interesting ideas about how enigmatic/different aliens and alien beings might be.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 20 January, 2022, 11:17:27 am
And 1950's social attitudes...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 20 January, 2022, 02:03:49 pm
Arthur should have been more careful in picking his birth-date.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 20 January, 2022, 02:26:43 pm
Arthur should have been more careful in picking his birth-date.

And his sexuality, yes.

Clarke could barely write straight men, let alone women.  His most famous stories are so plot-driven this is merely irksome, and in later years he tended to collaborate with someone who could do characters.


The great thing about Rendezvous with Rama is that it's basically timeless.  You could set it in any culture where humanity are travelling around the solar system within the limits of conventional rocketry, and physics dictates an open ending.  It doesn't need to be set in a 1970s cold war future the way the Space Odyssey series was.  Plenty of scope for a cinematic epic.  But also plenty of scope for awful screenwriting.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 20 January, 2022, 02:35:21 pm
My favourite SF writer remains Brian Aldiss. Because as well as being able to do the SF stuff he could also, you know, write.

You don't see many film adaptations of his stuff - even though he is good at both story and character.

Mind you, given that the most notable attempt to date at adapting Aldiss is AI, perhaps it's just as well Hollywood leave him well alone.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 21 January, 2022, 07:00:23 am
Adele's upset.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-60078151

Bet she gets a whole album out of the misery.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 21 January, 2022, 09:13:15 am
Adele's upset.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-60078151

Bet she gets a whole album out of the misery.

A close call between here and the Supertwat thread I think.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 January, 2022, 10:28:01 am
On Sunday I met an Elvis fan who was looking for some s/h vinyl of the The King. He couldn't find any, cos it's rare to find vinyls (or CDs) of that era. What made this notable was this particular Elvis fan was two weeks short of his seventh birthday.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Legs on 28 January, 2022, 07:11:34 pm
Just introduced my eldest (8 ) to the joys of the bridgekeeper scene from The Holy Grail.  He now knows what to say when asked for the air speed velocity of an unladen swallow.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 28 January, 2022, 07:34:25 pm
Well done  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: pcolbeck on 29 January, 2022, 05:14:20 pm
Neil Young and Joni Mitchell have removed all their music from Spotify in protest to Spotify hosting a show from a famous US anti vaxer and general idiot.

James Blunt has tweeted that if Spotify don't drop said anti vaxer he will release MORE music to Spotify.

Got to love James Blunt, tedious music but a an all round good egg. Plus he managed to avoid kicking off armed conflict with the Russians all by himself so that makes up for his records.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 January, 2022, 08:49:36 pm
And he was sporting enough to hand over his rhyming slang equivalent to Jeremy [“Rhyming Slang” – Ed.]
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 February, 2022, 07:10:21 pm
No, BBC Radio newsreader, the Neil who got cross with Spotify was Mr Young, not Mr Diamond :facepalm:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 05 February, 2022, 09:48:39 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 12 February, 2022, 11:16:40 pm
Yep they are extortionate now and in fancy colours too. Mine looks identical to that except for the green cartridge.   Played Big Science on it late the other night

I've rediscovered Laurie Anderson via a copy of Mister Heartbreak that I'd forgotten I had  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 13 February, 2022, 12:02:09 am
Feeling in need of some nostalgia,  I fired up a recent download of "Diva". only to find it didn't include subtitles.  In ongoing homage to Bienix I then tried "The Moon In The Gutter", only to find another absence of subtitles.    I finally went for a Full English,  "Truly, Madly , Deeply" and once again fell in love with Nina.  Sighs wistfully.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 February, 2022, 09:18:37 pm
(https://scontent.fsou1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/p843x403/273404658_10166150379665484_3519462459188778422_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=QHr6pOJfvj4AX9VRKiJ&_nc_oc=AQm7UCdwZyWI4jBqVcWBT6oGhe9OaB-a9F4jiOPgosz1yUwq8xM8xYa7ozGXzsQafGs&_nc_ht=scontent.fsou1-1.fna&oh=00_AT8UCLQQTCjgVlwq_6Dw1TPSQKSSt3CNfnr_TldGvgQRSw&oe=62103D19)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 16 February, 2022, 07:28:26 pm
I have just discovered Hiromi Uehara, if you like jazz I suggest you do, too.

With a bit of practice  I can talk to and get my mate Mr Google to play her stuff, I still haven't cracked "Maite Hontéle".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: slope on 16 February, 2022, 08:24:02 pm
I have just discovered Hiromi Uehara, if you like jazz I suggest you do, too.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 16 February, 2022, 09:29:54 pm
She's excellent,  I saw her play at the Bridgewater Hall in 2019. 


Full concert from 2010.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awbv7HzQsA4
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Slave To The Viking on 21 February, 2022, 11:45:02 pm
Got to love James Blunt, tedious music but a an all round good egg. Plus he managed to avoid kicking off armed conflict with the Russians all by himself so that makes up for his records.

Well...I agree that he appears to be a jolly decent chap, but "all by himself" is perhaps over-egging it somewhat: it was General Mike Jackson who refused the order from the American commander which would have kicked off a barney with the Russians. Yer man Blunt has said he'd have done as much himself if the decision had been solely down to him, but ultimately, it wasn't.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11753050
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 24 February, 2022, 08:43:49 am
I was at a recording for the Infinite Monkey Cage last night. Robin Ince read out my rib tickling, allegedly funny, answer to the the question "Would you rather be a bat or a fly...and tell us why?".  Coming to a cutting room floor near you.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 February, 2022, 11:37:58 am
(Peers owlishly at the small corner of the BBC that is forever Monkey)

“No upcoming broadcasts”

Sort it out u muppets!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 24 February, 2022, 11:46:56 am
(Peers owlishly at the small corner of the BBC that is forever Monkey)

“No upcoming broadcasts”

Sort it out u muppets!
They didn't appear to know when it would be broadcast last night either.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 February, 2022, 12:01:06 pm
Half Man Half Biscuit's new album, The Voltarol Years, was a-lurking on the doormat when I arose from my pit just now.  Hurrah :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 03 March, 2022, 05:07:32 pm
As of lunchtime I have now have 4 albums/CDs/whatever of Music entitled, "London Calling"

One being a collection of Mr. Coates work, including the piece "London Calling".
The second, The Clash's collection of popular* ditties as MP3 files as well as a much loved 45 with the title track upon it.
And the newly purchased fourth (third and halfth?)  is an CD by the Austrian Baroque Co. being, "A Collection of Ayres, Fantasies & Musical Humours."

This unit heartily recommends all of them.

This unit also wonders, albeit idly, if there are other albums/CDs/whatever rejoicing in the same title.

*Well they're popular with me.  MrsL is less... enthusiastic.




Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 March, 2022, 06:11:13 pm
This is all very well until you rip them and add them to the music manglement/playback prog of your choice and discover that it can't tell the difference between the Austrian Baroque Co and The Clash ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 March, 2022, 03:23:26 pm
"A virtual, temporary, ad hoc Bauhaus."
https://www.ft.com/content/a31374e9-b007-4c4c-9b20-0cef13f5c997
https://unboxed2022.uk
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 18 April, 2022, 03:35:08 pm
Marsh family latest…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ROP5Z-8Jl0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ROP5Z-8Jl0)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 April, 2022, 03:45:02 pm
Poor Ella!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 18 April, 2022, 04:02:08 pm
These things happen! They're a pretty 'warts and all' enterprise!

Tom and Alfie do remarkably well as adolescent lads!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 April, 2022, 04:25:23 pm
Scarily well! By rights they should be sulking in a corner and deliberately messing the whole thing up. I guess they're saving their teenage rebellion for when they're grown up and can do something really apocalyptic.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 18 April, 2022, 05:43:18 pm
Seems the parents, being University folk are quite happy for the kids to use Naughty Language...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 April, 2022, 07:56:44 pm
What's that you say?  Netflix is haemorrhaging subscribers? (https://www.theguardian.com/media/2022/apr/20/why-is-netflix-losing-so-many-subscribers-and-what-can-it-do-about-it). Maybe that’s why Mad Nad is so anxious for Channel 4 to emulate it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 20 April, 2022, 08:12:10 pm
Hmm, people who now aren't locked in their houses all day with nothing much to do other than watch TV find they don't need a streaming service that's just raised its price by a couple of quid so it is now double that of its competitors (who have taken many of its best programmes), you say?

You don't need an MBA from the South-East Derbyshire College of FE to figure that out.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 20 April, 2022, 08:58:52 pm
You forgot "who keep cancelling things when they get good"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 20 April, 2022, 09:08:29 pm
Honestly, I thought they all did that. There's some sort of universal constant.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 21 April, 2022, 09:10:31 pm
Seems the parents, being University folk are quite happy for the kids to use Naughty Language...

I missed this offering in January.

Note Smallest is spelling out F U C K   O F F! Nobody seems bothered.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ebjy9nP4lw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ebjy9nP4lw)

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 May, 2022, 04:40:01 pm
“No Less The Devil” by Stuart Macbride, of Scotland's famous Scotland, has just been published.  Another Oldcastle novel, according to his webby SCIENCE so we may be sure of more than just one or two grisly killin's.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Beardy on 06 May, 2022, 12:38:39 pm
I noticed with some small amount of glee that Primitive Technology had posted new video (https://youtu.be/eesj3pJF3lA) and wondered while watching him laboriously making clay bricks by hand, how often he is tempted to cheat a little off camera and use a little modern tech to help with the repetitive tasks. For the record, I don’t think he does cheat, unlike a lot of the ‘tribute channels’ which I’m sure do, but he must be tempted occasionally.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 May, 2022, 12:03:29 pm
O hai my anbaric distascope!

WTF have you done with ITV4?

Kthxbai

Edit: moved to Freeview 26, it sez 'ere.  If the memory-box has failed to record the opening overs of the Touring Cars from Brands there will be Big Swears.  Only I can’t check until it moves to ITV1 at 2 pm because the stupid Humax is in Green Screen ov DETH mode.  Again >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 15 May, 2022, 04:08:24 pm
Hmmm, I just checked my box (Manhattan) and yes, ITV4 is on 26. But it has been for a while methinks, certainly the highlights of round 1 recorded without me returning. I’m more concerned that they still have a highlights programme as a I don’t have time to watch the live coverage, but that’s being recorded. Hmmm.

ETA; Yes, next Saturday, good.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 May, 2022, 04:17:48 pm
Humax box still thinks it’s on 25 but recorded it anyway, while the TV gave me about two seconds of BIGIs in the mist gravel traps before complaining and going blank.  I think it did the same when it went from 24 to 25 just before the Tour last year.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 16 May, 2022, 01:23:53 am
I are just discovered that the smashing chaps at Montréal's Constellation Records recently released Godspeed You! Black Emperor's long-missing first album all lights fucked on the hairy amp drooling.  Recorded in 1993, originally released on cassette in 1994, only 33 copies made.  Available from Constellation's Bandcamp page for six of your Earth Canadian dollars ($7.20 after taxes/Brexit Dividend/whatever).  Ent listened to it yet, mind.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 May, 2022, 01:31:40 am
I are just discovered that the smashing chaps at Montréal's Constellation Records recently released Godspeed You! Black Emperor's long-missing first album all lights fucked on the hairy amp drooling.  Recorded in 1993, originally released on cassette in 1994, only 33 copies made.  Available from Constellation's Bandcamp page for six of your Earth Canadian dollars ($7.20 after taxes/Brexit Dividend/whatever).  Ent listened to it yet, mind.

Edit: Just listened to the first part (there are four segments of 17-18 minutes each).  For completists only, I reckon :-\
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 22 May, 2022, 11:54:01 am
I are just discovered that the smashing chaps at Montréal's Constellation Records recently released Godspeed You! Black Emperor's long-missing first album all lights fucked on the hairy amp drooling.  Recorded in 1993, originally released on cassette in 1994, only 33 copies made.  Available from Constellation's Bandcamp page for six of your Earth Canadian dollars ($7.20 after taxes/Brexit Dividend/whatever).  Ent listened to it yet, mind.

Edit: Just listened to the first part (there are four segments of 17-18 minutes each).  For completists only, I reckon :-\

I'll try it out on the Bandcamp Squeezebox plug-in first, then.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 May, 2022, 02:33:20 am
Gadzooks!  Lawnmower DETH, I have just discovered, done recently released Blunt Cutters, their first album since Billy in 1993 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 May, 2022, 05:09:22 pm
Joe Green's house is for sale.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/30/giuseppe-verdi-house-italy-for-sale-ending-quarrel-among-heirs
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ElyDave on 02 June, 2022, 08:44:00 am
Some well deserved recognition for Justin Hayward and Bonnie Tyler (whether or not you are a royalist)

Regretfully I never had the chance to see the Moody Blues live
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 June, 2022, 09:58:42 am
And a kniggethood for Ian Rankin.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 03 June, 2022, 12:36:25 am
The current adaptation of "The Midwich Cuckoos" takes a panning. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/jun/02/the-midwich-cuckoos-review-womens-rights-are-under-attack-and-this-is-what-they-make


Excellent comment  :-D


"If they really wanted to bring up to date a story involving the residents of a sleepy English village mysteriously falling unconscious and awaking to find that every woman of child-bearing age is pregnant and will shortly give birth to a creepy-looking blond child, then they probably should have set it in Uxbridge.."
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 03 June, 2022, 08:16:51 am
The current adaptation of "The Midwich Cuckoos" takes a panning. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/jun/02/the-midwich-cuckoos-review-womens-rights-are-under-attack-and-this-is-what-they-make


Excellent comment  :-D


"If they really wanted to bring up to date a story involving the residents of a sleepy English village mysteriously falling unconscious and awaking to find that every woman of child-bearing age is pregnant and will shortly give birth to a creepy-looking blond child, then they probably should have set it in Uxbridge.."

Ha! Brilliant.

I think the review sums up a problem with all Wyndham adaptations - the books haven’t aged well, too much of their time. You’d need to do something fresh with them to bring them up to date.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rower40 on 04 June, 2022, 07:23:31 pm
Signs for traffic to Download have started sprouting nearby, so I went onto their website to find out exactly when it is:

Quote
Download Festival is a mammoth five day rock event,
based at the spiritual home of rock Donington Park.

THE UK'S PREMIER ROCK FESTIVAL
10 — 12 JUNE 2022, DONINGTON PARK

(My bold)
Methinks they can't count very well.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: StuAff on 04 June, 2022, 07:35:44 pm
Signs for traffic to Download have started sprouting nearby, so I went onto their website to find out exactly when it is:

Quote
Download Festival is a mammoth five day rock event,
based at the spiritual home of rock Donington Park.

THE UK'S PREMIER ROCK FESTIVAL
10 — 12 JUNE 2022, DONINGTON PARK

(My bold)
Methinks they can't count very well.

Campsite opens day before, closes day after. So yes, up to five days if you're camping.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rower40 on 04 June, 2022, 10:10:20 pm
Signs for traffic to Download have started sprouting nearby, so I went onto their website to find out exactly when it is:

Quote
Download Festival is a mammoth five day rock event,
based at the spiritual home of rock Donington Park.

THE UK'S PREMIER ROCK FESTIVAL
10 — 12 JUNE 2022, DONINGTON PARK

(My bold)
Methinks they can't count very well.

Campsite opens day before, closes day after. So yes, up to five days if you're camping.
Phew - thanks for explaining, all makes perfect sense now.
I can dispense with the earplugs for the "shoulder" days...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 05 June, 2022, 10:22:24 pm
I was going to say, probably the time dilation effect of someone else's loud music...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 08 June, 2022, 07:05:35 pm
I see that "Yma o Hyd" is #1 on iTunes again.
Prolly because football.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 June, 2022, 07:47:01 pm
I was at a recording for the Infinite Monkey Cage last night. Robin Ince read out my rib tickling, allegedly funny, answer to the the question "Would you rather be a bat or a fly...and tell us why?".  Coming to a cutting room floor near you.

New series kicks off with “Bats v Flies” on June 25th :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 14 June, 2022, 08:42:54 pm
I was at a recording for the Infinite Monkey Cage last night. Robin Ince read out my rib tickling, allegedly funny, answer to the the question "Would you rather be a bat or a fly...and tell us why?".  Coming to a cutting room floor near you.

New series kicks off with “Bats v Flies” on June 25th :thumbsup:
Ooh, ta v much M. Le Maire.
My Young Lady has just had notification of more recordings in That London at the start of July. She is applying for tickets.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 June, 2022, 02:39:49 pm
Fans of True Scottish* Pirate Metal will already know that Alestorm's new album Seventh Rum Of A Seventh Rum is out today.  Consider this due warning for the rest of you scurvy landlubbers.  Yarrr!

* Or a Scottish as any band consisting of an Englishman, a Scotsman, a Hungarian and a rhythm section from Norn Iron can be
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 26 June, 2022, 11:26:23 am
I was at a recording for the Infinite Monkey Cage last night. Robin Ince read out my rib tickling, allegedly funny, answer to the the question "Would you rather be a bat or a fly...and tell us why?".  Coming to a cutting room floor near you.

New series kicks off with “Bats v Flies” on June 25th :thumbsup:
Hurrah!. They kept my pearl of wisdom in.  First answer to the question. That's me that is.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 June, 2022, 11:28:09 am
I was at a recording for the Infinite Monkey Cage last night. Robin Ince read out my rib tickling, allegedly funny, answer to the the question "Would you rather be a bat or a fly...and tell us why?".  Coming to a cutting room floor near you.

New series kicks off with “Bats v Flies” on June 25th :thumbsup:
Hurrah!. They kept my pearl of wisdom in.  First answer to the question. That's me that is.

(Heads for the BBC's Webby SCIENCE with finger poised to click "Download")

Not available yet ??? Arse!  Or is it?  Where's the bloody "Download" button gone?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 26 June, 2022, 12:37:58 pm

Not available yet ??? Arse!  Or is it?  Where's the bloody "Download" button gone?

The BBC's Webby SCIENCE sa "Select the Download option (if there is no download button, the programme may be available to stream only)"

OTOH, this jbexes for me
Code: [Select]
tim@Dalamar2:~$ get_iplayer "monkey cage" --get --type=radio
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 June, 2022, 08:36:56 pm
Ta!  I'll try get_iPlayer in due course.

Edit: It worked.  Hurrah!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 02 July, 2022, 01:53:36 pm
10 Freeview channels, including BBC4 HD, were switched off 2 days ago, so check your recorders if you use such antiquated devices. Also Quest HD went. But the SD versions remain. Why that is, rather than the HD channels being moved when the mux was switched off and the SD channels closed is left as an exercise for the viewer.

ETA apparently BBC4 HD is slated to return with increased coverage - but no date given…
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 July, 2022, 05:12:09 pm
ITV4 hasn’t moved recently, though, which may be accounted a Good Thing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 06 July, 2022, 12:44:52 pm
I was at a site for a Very Large Civil Engineering project last week.
Stay with me.   

As is usual there was a site induction (no smoking, emergency procedures, who are the first aiders etc) plus speed limits. Site speed limit is 10mph, or 20mph on the "Yellow Brick Road". This is what the main haul road has been designated, which tickled me.

I mentioned this to the enginner giving the induction. She is from ABROAD as she is a FOREIGN. "Ah yes" she said "I think of Elton John."  Now my first thought was the Wizard of Oz. Is it an age thing or a where you were brought up thing?

Mind you I was there again this week, working with a different engineer from ABROAD.  As we drove down the Yellow Brick Road I mentioned Elton John and the Wizard of Oz to him and I just got a blank look.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 06 July, 2022, 01:07:00 pm
Presumably Sir Elton reached parts of ABROAD that the Wonderful Wizard didn't?  Possibly simply because radios are more prolific than distascopes (either anbaric, or the old-timey fillum kind), and music tends not to require translation.

I also note that as a privileged westerner from the tail end of GenX, in a country with plenty of cinemas, the opportunity to see The Wizard of Oz in one has arisen precisely once, as part of an LGBT film festival[1].  If you didn't grow up with a telly full of old films, you're probably completely unaware of them.

I've probably said before, you haven't lived until you've heard Sacrifice performed with a strong Zimbabwean accent.


[1] Friends of Dorothy, innit.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 08 July, 2022, 12:19:34 am
One for Wowbagger:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJDS_DYO524 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJDS_DYO524)

Bach bourre on a home-made (not "self-made" as described in the comments) pipe organ.  A piece well-known to guitarists, too, thanks to Andres Segovia.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 July, 2022, 12:44:33 am
Segovia covered it as well  :P

<== mostly aware of it from Leo Kottke's version
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 08 July, 2022, 01:12:14 am
Segovia covered it as well  :P

<== mostly aware of it from Leo Kottke's version

I think I may have mentioned that....!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 July, 2022, 01:23:09 am
Sorry, the smiley et the question mark…
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 08 July, 2022, 11:57:33 am
Ah!  I'm not aware of that by LK, D - did he do it on his 12-string?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 July, 2022, 12:02:52 pm
Various web sites suggest not and my untutored ear finds it hard to tell the difference unless it’s Roger McGuinn with a Rickenbacker 12.  It's on “Mudlark” from 1971.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 08 July, 2022, 04:37:16 pm
Thanks - I'll try and find it.

Edit:  Definitely a 6-string!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 July, 2022, 09:50:37 pm
Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London novels are set for TV adaptation (https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/jul/07/ben-aaronovitchs-rivers-of-london-novels-are-set-for-tv-adaptation).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jurek on 12 July, 2022, 07:22:40 am
The Nike World Cup advert is currently being filmed at my place of work. Ronaldo is expected to put in an appearance over the next few days. We've already had a couple of his body doubles hovering around. The film crew have put their toilets right outside our window. Their catering looks better than that which comes out of our canteen.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: geraldc on 15 July, 2022, 12:15:24 am
My daughter's school adapted Mamma Mia for their school play. Over 300 primary school kids learning and performing Abba. Through this I discovered Abba's work in Spanish. Abba Gold is Abba Oro. This could help my attempt at Spanish learning.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 July, 2022, 01:14:05 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jul/28/the-guardian-thursday-quiz-general-knowledge-topical-news-trivia-66-kate-bush

I got 11/15. I expect Rogerzilla to get 15.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 28 July, 2022, 01:37:53 pm
7. With absolutely no luck at all with the guesses.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 July, 2022, 02:36:59 pm
10 though at least three were guesses.  And as the answer actually points out, the Lake Tahoe question is Wrong.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 31 July, 2022, 09:31:53 pm
About to watch “A Candle for the Devil”, billed as “Demented spinsters carve up guests at a Spanish roadhouse”.

Looking forward to seriously grim 70s rubbish.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 31 July, 2022, 09:38:07 pm
No, I can’t do it. Bad overdubbed Spanish mostly, one death in the first 2 minutes, grim religious overtones.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 01 August, 2022, 10:02:17 am
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jul/28/the-guardian-thursday-quiz-general-knowledge-topical-news-trivia-66-kate-bush

I got 11/15. I expect Rogerzilla to get 15.

11/15 here as well. But only one of the questions actually requires any knowledge of Kate Bush, so it's a bit of a swizz.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: L CC on 01 August, 2022, 10:55:58 am
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jul/28/the-guardian-thursday-quiz-general-knowledge-topical-news-trivia-66-kate-bush

I got 11/15. I expect Rogerzilla to get 15.

11/15 here as well. But only one of the questions actually requires any knowledge of Kate Bush, so it's a bit of a swizz.


A pitiful 5- but one of those was the Kate Q so I'm claiming victory.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 August, 2022, 03:44:00 pm
Boogie on down with heads of state!
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/19/world-leaders-dancefloor-videos-sanna-marin

Boris shows them how to cut it. No, not that one.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: pcolbeck on 19 August, 2022, 04:18:53 pm
Boogie on down with heads of state!
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/19/world-leaders-dancefloor-videos-sanna-marin

Boris shows them how to cut it. No, not that one.

Only Sanna Marin and Obama are any good and look like they are actually enjoying themselves (I'm discounting Zelenskiy since he was in showbiz originally).
Ursula von der Leyen though looks like she's restraining herself from busting out some serious moves in the Angela Merkel video.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 August, 2022, 05:02:08 pm
Obama's is somewhat different as it's clearly staged. The bloke on the other side of Merkel is clearly enjoying himself, although you can't call it dancing.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 20 August, 2022, 04:20:21 pm
I've been doing a bit of reminiscing and this chap (https://www.jack-owen.co.uk/biography) cropped up. He and I lived under the same roof with 9 other chaps in the 1972-73 academic year. Jack was studying for his B. Ed. at the time, I was in my first year.

Given that he's a reasonably prominent Liverpool folk singer, I wondered if AndrewC was familiar with his work.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 20 August, 2022, 04:41:42 pm
Sorry Peter, I've never heard of him.   
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 01 September, 2022, 11:48:20 am
New "anti-woke" V&A trustee.

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/aug/31/government-appoints-anti-woke-activist-as-va-trustee
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 24 September, 2022, 02:21:22 pm
Nurse Rached has died…

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-63019250
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 27 September, 2022, 10:41:41 am
Well, here's a turn up for the books. I'm going to a gig, first time since forever. Patax are in London, so I felt I had to. They're at the Tabernacle and I've got my ticket and I'm being asked to book a seat.  Do I book on the ground floor to be at the front, or the gallery where visibility is betterer? Bearing in mind that Patax combine jazz, funk, rap and flamenco would that be better? Anyone know the venue? Not a huge number of tickets sold yet, by all accounts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaPW6tthHSA for an example of what I might hear and see (ff to 3:30 for flamenco)

ETA of the 17 seats shown as booked, 6 are th front row of the gallery the rest are on the ground floor.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 30 September, 2022, 07:03:58 am
B B B Bluebottle's Half Hour?

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/sep/29/bbc-to-broadcast-lost-episode-of-hancocks-half-hour
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 October, 2022, 05:56:51 pm
Velma from Scooby-Doo is now a lesbian. I'm confused by a few things in this: it's never occurred to me to particularly read any of the characters as gay or straight; I've never seen Velma and Shaggy as anything approaching a couple; and I don't recall any character called Marcie Fleach. Obviously I haven't seen the new movie, I don't think I've seen the 2002 movie either (google tells me it was live action, in which case it was crap) and probably most of the Scooby-Doo i've seen has been the cartoons from the 1960s and 70s dubbed into Polish (just because; and yes, the song works very well in Polish). Anyway, zoinks! and all that.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2022/oct/05/scooby-doos-velma-has-finally-come-out-as-a-lesbian-my-dream-has-come-true
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 October, 2022, 06:00:23 pm
I had the misfortune to see the 2002 Scooby-Doo film and “crap” doesn’t even begin to describe the sheer mind-buggering awfulness of it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 05 October, 2022, 06:06:32 pm
The Scooby-Doo franchise went downhill when they introduced Scooby's intensingly annoying nephew Scrappy* in 1979.


* The "S" is silent, BTW...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 October, 2022, 07:07:36 pm
My Dear Wife has been watching murder mysteries on Youtube. A few minutes ago she mentioned "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" and I, with a wonderful juxtaposition of superannuated brain cells, replied "That's the only Beatrix Potter book I ever read!", for some reason getting one 3- followed by 2-syllable author's name confused with another. A slightly surreal conversation then ensued in which Janet definitely had the last word with the final sentence Mr. McGregor ever heard:

"My name is Peter Rabbit and you killed my father! Prepare to die!"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 05 October, 2022, 07:53:54 pm
Velma from Scooby-Doo is now a lesbian.

I'm confused; was she ever not?


(Spesh is right about Scrappy.)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 October, 2022, 06:26:54 pm
Since 2002 apparently. Probably as a result of being paired off with Shaggy. It would be interesting (would it? no probably not) to hear what (checks Wikipedia) Joe Ruby and Ken Spears thought.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 06 October, 2022, 06:32:43 pm
The awkward relationship with Shaggy is a classic coming-out story arc.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 06 October, 2022, 08:41:03 pm
Velma from Scooby-Doo is now a lesbian.

I'm confused; was she ever not?



Not in 1969 I don’t think.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 October, 2022, 10:54:20 am
The great love triangle/rivalry there is Scooby and Shaggy over the Snacks, of course.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 07 October, 2022, 11:24:13 am
Velma from Scooby-Doo is now a lesbian.

I'm confused; was she ever not?



Not in 1969 I don’t think.

As the article says, it seems that many viewers always recognised her as a lesbian even if it was never explicitly stated.

Completely over my head - I don't think I ever gave a moment's thought to the sexuality of the characters when watching Scooby Doo as a kid.

If they want to be really subversive, they should make Fred come out as non-binary.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 October, 2022, 12:40:17 pm
It's one of those questions about autonomy of fictional characters. The writers may have never intended her to be lesbian (probably they never considered it either way) but then as the story goes on, she gains various characteristics which lead first a section of the audience and ultimately the writers to see her that way. Or maybe they had this in mind all along, but back in 1969 it was just too controversial to be openly stated. My guess though is it was irrelevant back then and has only come about more recently, whether deliberately or just evolved.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 08 October, 2022, 12:49:37 pm
I believe she was originally inspired by someone else's character, and the queer-coding was entirely accidental.

Add an audience deliberately deprived of positive representation (for decades, deliberately queer-coded characters tended to be villains or comic relief, and explicitly LGBT characters tended to come to a tragic end), and this sort of thing's bound to happen from time to time.

I can't believe that Shaggy wasn't intended to be a stoner, thobut.  Scruffy, drives a van with a custom flowery paintjob and constantly hungry?  They knew all about hippies in the sixties.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 17 October, 2022, 11:42:00 am
Lovely clip I just saw on Twitter from a time* when science on telly was done proper:

https://twitter.com/MichaelWarbur17/status/1581790453867089920?s=20&t=A0bxcBEYaS4ORjLorAYQTg

*1977, clip is of the Voyager 2 launch, presented by James Burke
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jurek on 17 October, 2022, 01:01:28 pm
Awesome timing.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 28 October, 2022, 07:20:20 pm
I was slightly mean about Radio 4 elsewhere, but they can be forgiven a lot for giving us John Finnemore - a friend just reminded me of this timely sketch…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LDoBVbmWxxM
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 28 October, 2022, 11:30:43 pm
Awesome timing.  :thumbsup:

https://twitter.com/DusauchoitChris/status/1582016175936241664
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 November, 2022, 06:18:33 pm
RIP Mimi Parker of Low (https://pitchfork.com/news/low-mimi-parker-has-died/).  Fuck cancer >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 November, 2022, 06:56:45 pm
And now Nazareth frontman Dan McCafferty (https://www.loudersound.com/news/former-nazareth-frontman-dan-mccafferty-dead-at-76).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 09 November, 2022, 07:20:42 pm
Just watching the wonderful Richard Osman's House of Games.

Blimey, that Jamie Laing is as thick as whale omelette.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 12 November, 2022, 11:10:20 am
I hope forummers are aware of the excellent Brian Bilston, 21st century bard. This morning's efforts were some haikus, and one I thought was superb. It's entitled "The Constraints of Haiku".

Tied up all night with
A haiku dominatrix
And her three-line whip.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jurek on 16 November, 2022, 01:46:03 pm
I've just seen the Nike World Cup advert.
My old office features heavily in it.
The ad was filmed on our premises during the summer.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 03 December, 2022, 08:49:27 pm
I hope forummers are aware of the excellent Brian Bilston, 21st century bard. This morning's efforts were some haikus, and one I thought was superb. It's entitled "The Constraints of Haiku".

Tied up all night with
A haiku dominatrix
And her three-line whip.

I see you've given him his own thread…
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 03 December, 2022, 08:50:33 pm
Mike Batt's Festive Schmaltz?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oTwnD1zBZM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oTwnD1zBZM)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 04 December, 2022, 07:46:38 pm
Flapdoodler... (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/dec/04/as-a-child-the-gift-of-a-dictionary-sparked-my-love-of-rare-words-which-snowballed-like-a-hogamadog)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 December, 2022, 06:34:12 pm
Victor Lewis-Smith, writer and broadcaster, dies at 65 (https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/dec/12/victor-lewis-smith-writer-and-broadcaster-dies-at-65).  Bah.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 12 December, 2022, 07:01:51 pm
Victor Lewis-Smith, writer and broadcaster, dies at 65 (https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/dec/12/victor-lewis-smith-writer-and-broadcaster-dies-at-65).  Bah.

Bah, indeed.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 18 December, 2022, 04:55:25 pm
I heard there was going to be a Barbie movie out next year. Normally, this wouldn’t be of much interest to me. But then I heard it was being directed by the brilliant Greta Gerwig. And then I saw the trailer…

O. M. F. G.

This looks amazing.

https://youtu.be/8zIf0XvoL9Y
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 18 December, 2022, 05:03:26 pm
It's going to be hard to beat that trailer, certainly.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 December, 2022, 05:12:41 pm
They could have improved the trailer if, when the doll is launched into the air, one of he other Little Girls shoots it down with a crossbow.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 18 December, 2022, 05:22:36 pm
They could have improved the trailer if, when the doll is launched into the air, one of he other Little Girls shoots it down with a crossbow.

Isn't that traditionally Action Man's job?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 December, 2022, 06:00:53 pm
They could have improved the trailer if, when the doll is launched into the air, one of he other Little Girls shoots it down with a crossbow.

Isn't that traditionally Action Man's job?
I've just been reading What the *** is normal anyway? by Francesca Martinez, in which she describes falling for her first 'boyfriend' at the age of 3 or 4 because he had... a He Man castle with Skeletor!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 18 December, 2022, 08:31:35 pm
It's going to be hard to beat that trailer, certainly.

The film probably won't be anywhere near as good as the trailer.

I'm genuinely intrigued though - it's a product tie-in, which is always* a recipe for disaster, but Greta Gerwig directing suggests it might even be worth seeing.


*yes, including the Lego movie
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 19 December, 2022, 07:12:42 pm

Free Tom Lehrer.   

https://twitter.com/emollick/status/1604148566804819970 (https://twitter.com/emollick/status/1604148566804819970)


"Tom Lehrer has put all his songs online (including lyrics & sheet music), and given away all rights to them. The site will only be up for a limited time. This is a very niche tweet that will make a small segment of people very happy. https://tomlehrersongs.com (https://tomlehrersongs.com) "


https://tomlehrersongs.com/send-the-marines/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 19 December, 2022, 10:00:42 pm
Free Tom Lehrer.   

https://twitter.com/emollick/status/1604148566804819970 (https://twitter.com/emollick/status/1604148566804819970)

"Tom Lehrer has put all his songs online (including lyrics & sheet music), and given away all rights to them. The site will only be up for a limited time. This is a very niche tweet that will make a small segment of people very happy. https://tomlehrersongs.com (https://tomlehrersongs.com) "

https://tomlehrersongs.com/send-the-marines/

Duly bookmarked (for however long it lasts!) :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Beardy on 01 January, 2023, 06:07:57 pm
I’ve risen from my sickbed at my S-in-L and we have decided to watch a bit of TV via her Sky box. Two things spring to mind, that would annoy me immensely if I was paying for the service. Adverts, an excessive amount of adverts on what I am assuming is a paid for service. That’s just taking the proverbial. And there doesn’t appear to be a way to skip the trailer, recap or title sequence.

Grumble grumble.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jurek on 02 January, 2023, 02:59:46 pm
This (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1301668094009485&extid=NS-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&mibextid=2Rb1fB&ref=sharing) fell into my inbox t'other day
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 02 January, 2023, 09:23:43 pm
Amazon Prime (which SO pays for) has most episodes of The Professionals, including the never-shown-on-broadcast TV "Klansmen".  Watched it tonight.  I can see why it was pulled :o
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Auntie Helen on 03 January, 2023, 05:52:47 am
I started watching The Professionals on Prime here but unfortunately it was dubbed into German with no subtitles so that makes it almost impossible for me (I partially lip read when watching tv but that doesn’t help when it’s dubbed).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 03 January, 2023, 06:49:22 am
I started watching The Professionals on Prime here but unfortunately it was dubbed into German with no subtitles so that makes it almost impossible for me (I partially lip read when watching tv but that doesn’t help when it’s dubbed).
I imagine the German dubbing turns it into a homoerotic romp, like it does with Top Gun.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 January, 2023, 12:30:07 pm
I thought Top Gun was always a homoerotic romp?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 03 January, 2023, 01:21:00 pm
I thought Top Gun was always a homoerotic romp?

+1
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 03 January, 2023, 03:30:00 pm
I started watching The Professionals on Prime here but unfortunately it was dubbed into German with no subtitles so that makes it almost impossible for me (I partially lip read when watching tv but that doesn’t help when it’s dubbed).

That reminds me of the "Achtung Tonto" from the German dubbed Lone Ranger. The Dutch were much kinder, they subtitled foreign language programmes.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 06 January, 2023, 07:23:26 pm
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-64188549 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-64188549)


Hanif Kureishi badly injured in a fall.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 08 January, 2023, 03:49:40 pm
I was idly browsing the TV schedules when I noticed a documentary “Cutty Sark - Out of the Ashes”. On Blaze TV  ;D.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: PeteB99 on 11 January, 2023, 12:51:34 pm
A friend recommended the works of Randy Feltface (Australian puppet comedian) to me. Watched Purple privilege last night - very good. I'll try Randy writes a novel tonight.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 January, 2023, 10:26:15 am
Wot, no mention of Tom Verlaine out of Television?  Anyway, he's dead, Jim (https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64442824).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 07 February, 2023, 04:03:29 pm
https://twitter.com/designs_william/status/1622632509119815681


Unknown, says the Heil

Bonnie Raitt.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 07 February, 2023, 05:06:50 pm
 :facepalm:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 07 February, 2023, 06:14:57 pm
:headdesk:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 07 February, 2023, 07:47:49 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/feb/07/fawlty-towers-john-cleese-reboot

Quote
The actor and writer will team up with daughter Camilla Cleese, with the pair both set to write and star. The new series will “explore how Cleese’s over-the-top, cynical and misanthropic Basil Fawlty navigates the modern world”, according to early information, with the plot focusing on his relationship with his daughter as they manage a boutique hotel together.

Oh dear.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 07 February, 2023, 07:52:04 pm
Oh dear indeed.

It was good at the time and for its time.  I watched a couple of the recent re-runs and thought them dire.

A re-boot won't work.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jurek on 07 February, 2023, 08:57:36 pm
Oh dear indeed.

It was good at the time and for its time.  I watched a couple of the recent re-runs and thought them dire.

A re-boot won't work.
I've similar experience of re-watching them.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 February, 2023, 09:57:11 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/feb/07/fawlty-towers-john-cleese-reboot

Quote
The actor and writer will team up with daughter Camilla Cleese, with the pair both set to write and star. The new series will “explore how Cleese’s over-the-top, cynical and misanthropic Basil Fawlty navigates the modern world”, according to early information, with the plot focusing on his relationship with his daughter as they manage a boutique hotel together.

Oh dear.

An old man unable to grow old gracefully.

Do not go gentle into that good night...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 February, 2023, 12:13:02 am
There's a reason that Daisy, Daisy is still the best known song about a bicycle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn29DvMITu4
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 08 February, 2023, 01:12:52 am
There's a reason that Daisy, Daisy is still the best known song about a bicycle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn29DvMITu4

That's a blast from the past!

And I reckon IBM (with a little help from Stanley Kubrick) shares the blame for the enduring popularity of Daisy Bell.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 08 February, 2023, 09:48:35 am
Oh dear indeed.

It was good at the time and for its time.  I watched a couple of the recent re-runs and thought them dire.

A re-boot won't work.

Given that Rob Reiner (he of Spinal Tap) is involved, there is a chance it might succeed despite its heritage, although I'll not be holding my breath.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 February, 2023, 11:01:27 am
Quote
“explore how Cleese’s over-the-top, cynical and misanthropic Basil Fawlty navigates the modern world”

So basically it will be Cleese being Cleese. No different from recent interviews.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 February, 2023, 08:52:27 pm
This made me laugh. Well, a little bit:
Quote
The early 80's had been typified by Goth, a dreadful punk sub genre infused with hippiedom that involved dressing up in black, taking yourself very seriously and singing songs about bats. (Compare and contrast with Haircut 100 - an early 80's band that evidently didn't take themselves seriously, dressed in white by wearing cricket clothing, which is a game played using bats). I
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 February, 2023, 06:06:31 pm
New series of "The Infinite Monkey Cage" starts tomorrow on R4.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 February, 2023, 02:58:28 pm
And “The Dead Of Winter”, the latest tome from Mr S MacBride of Scotlandland, is just out.  Neither Logan McRae nor Oldcastle though it’s still set in the vicinity of Furryboottoon.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 25 February, 2023, 10:16:15 pm
I am now binge watching a BBC show, oddly on ITV catch-up: being Human

There is some astonishingly good writing in there, reasonably often matched by the performances.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 07 March, 2023, 09:58:41 am
I left the messages on my B2C machine's display in the original Italian because when you sing them it sounds like opera.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 March, 2023, 08:04:52 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUeysGoPFTk&ab_channel=WienerCelloEnsemble5%2B1

Ravel's Bolero for 1 cello, and 4 people.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 March, 2023, 08:16:25 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/mar/08/game-dystopian-mirror-uk-dan-douglas-duke-smoochem

Duke Smoochem! Sounds brilliant...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 08 March, 2023, 09:34:33 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUeysGoPFTk&ab_channel=WienerCelloEnsemble5%2B1

Ravel's Bolero for 1 cello, and 4 people.

Very clever.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 09 March, 2023, 08:41:48 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUeysGoPFTk&ab_channel=WienerCelloEnsemble5%2B1

Ravel's Bolero for 1 cello, and 4 people.

Brilliant!  Great estocada.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 22 March, 2023, 09:58:57 am
I'm not a particular fan of U2 (R pretentious) but their tiny desk performance is entertaining, largely because of Edge and the choir I suspect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxo-loXdcH0
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 23 March, 2023, 11:54:20 pm
I just played "Banging In The Nails" by the Tiger Lillie's to a former monk.   He loved it.... :jurek:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 April, 2023, 02:07:35 pm
Hurrah: The lovely chaps at Rockosmos have just informed me that my copy of “Hologram”, the new album by the mighty Amplifier, is on its way to Larrington Towers :thumbsup:

Bah: I'm away cat-sitting for the thick end of a fortnight starting tomorrow  :'(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 06 April, 2023, 10:19:26 am
I'm always on the lookout for new authors in my preferred genre (crime/thriller basically, easy reading mostly) and trawl Fantastic Fiction for inspiration. An I right to be prejudiced against those authors who's publication history shows 3 or 4 books in a single year?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 06 April, 2023, 10:30:42 am
Depends which year ;D  Some of them kept very busy during the Plague Season.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 06 April, 2023, 11:47:50 am
BBC 6 Music are dicking around with their evening schedule. This means that from June (I think) Gideon Coe's show is mostly axed and he's going to do a time share with Mark Riley.

Arse.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 06 April, 2023, 12:48:18 pm
BBC 6 Music are dicking around with their evening schedule. This means that from June (I think) Gideon Coe's show is mostly axed and he's going to do a time share with Mark Riley.

Arse.

I saw this mentioned elsewhere. Riley's slot is being taken over by Tom "Ravers" Ravenscroft and Deb Grant, both of whom I like but not as much as I like Marc Riley.

I've been following Gideon Coe's career since he was on Why Don't You? and fondly remember his morning show on GLR with Fi Glover. It's disappointing that he has been increasingly marginalised in recent years.

It's bad enough that we only get RadMac for a couple of hours on weekend mornings now. No doubt they'll all be shuffled off to Radio 2 before long.

Tenuous claim to fame corner: Gid Coe went to the same school as my son. And Robert Wyatt.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 06 April, 2023, 12:57:51 pm
He (Gid) was very magnanimous about the proposed changes. Words to the effect that his current show is his dream job in music and dream jobs don't last for ever. What this new time share format with Marc Riley will be like he doen't know but he'll do his damndest to make it work. 

Side note: Last night's show, with a tribute to his Dad (Jazz saxophonist Tony Coe) was fabby.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 07 April, 2023, 08:58:53 am
You could argue that the link below is more properly something for ctrl-alt-del, but I reckon those of us who spend our days nose-deep in the IT slurry will already be well aware of the issues regarding ownership of digital products and, as the article makes clear, it's not just what we usually think of as software (operating systems, applications) that's affected.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/04/arts/dahl-christie-stine-kindle-edited.html
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 08 April, 2023, 05:10:19 pm
BBC 6 Music are dicking around with their evening schedule. This means that from June (I think) Gideon Coe's show is mostly axed and he's going to do a time share with Mark Riley.

Arse.

:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 08 April, 2023, 05:17:51 pm
BBC manglement seem determined to piss off their audience.  https://twitter.com/christt/status/1643907076626718722


"I hear that in a BBC radio staff meeting yesterday, management told staff to reduce the age of people listening to
BBC6Music by 5-10 years, with an optimum of listeners in their early 30s. If true, this is madness: an utterly skewiff corporate notion of who might listen or why."


It's a Tory plot to make everything non viable so they've an excuse to kill it off....




 

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 08 April, 2023, 10:41:35 pm
It's a Tory plot to make everything non viable so they've an excuse to kill it off....

"Managed decline" is the term you're after.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 08 April, 2023, 11:02:12 pm
It's a Tory plot to make everything non viable so they've an excuse to kill it off....

"Managed decline" is the term you're after.
"C*nts" is actually the term you are after.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 09 April, 2023, 01:44:40 pm
You could argue that the link below is more properly something for ctrl-alt-del, but I reckon those of us who spend our days nose-deep in the IT slurry will already be well aware of the issues regarding ownership of digital products and, as the article makes clear, it's not just what we usually think of as software (operating systems, applications) that's affected.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/04/arts/dahl-christie-stine-kindle-edited.html

Paywalled. I’ve “reached my limit of free articles” despite never reading the NYT.  ::-)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 09 April, 2023, 02:43:26 pm
Switch Javascript off.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Beardy on 09 April, 2023, 11:32:54 pm
Why is the Now TV TV app for LG TVs such a bag of crap. It’s bad enough that I have to tell it to display subtitles every time I start the app, but it also seems to pick and choose which programmes it’s going to remember you are watching. It’s garbage.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 April, 2023, 03:27:07 pm
Mr von Brandenburg and chums on stage in Hoorn (.nl) last Friday.  (https://youtu.be/7toZ_obhFLQ)

L-R: Misha Nikolic, Martin Turner, Sonny Flint (aka Mr von B), Danny Willson

Viddied by Miss von Brandenburg, on an iPhone!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 20 April, 2023, 08:22:42 pm
Jimmy Tarbuck nicked Terry Thomas's cigarette holder.  Thieving Scouse bastard !


https://twitter.com/Liverpool1207/status/1649122391392387075


https://flashbak.com/terry-thomas-jimmy-tarbuck-diamond-cigarette-holder-heist-16817/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 April, 2023, 08:30:30 pm
Following on from her triumphant, or at least not-coughing-too-much, appearance on “Start The Week” yesterday Professor Larrington is:

Quote
[…] on the Colin Murray show on BBCRadio5live, debating the superiority of Norse gods over the Greek gods. The apotheosis of #mediatartery says my dear husband ...

That’s tomorrow, BTW.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 27 April, 2023, 04:07:26 pm
One of those 'this'll make you feel old' type things...

The FT crossword the other day had TUBULAR BELLS as one of the solutions. It crossed my mind that there might be some date-related significance to the inclusion, so I looked it up...

Original UK release was 25 May 1973, so they missed the 50th anniversary by a few weeks.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 01 May, 2023, 02:00:56 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/may/01/michael-j-fox-describes-struggles-with-parkinsons

He has had a long struggle.

I found this astonishing:

Quote
Fox founded the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000 which has raised more than $1.75bn (£1.39bn) for research

$1.75 billion!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 04 May, 2023, 06:26:11 pm

Ed Sheeran wins his case.
 (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/may/04/ed-sheeran-verdict-not-liable-copyright-lawsuit-marvin-gaye?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other)

Not a huge fan but pleased he won.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 May, 2023, 11:17:07 am
Pixies keep switching off my morning alarm, says Google Pixel owner (https://www.theregister.com/2023/05/04/pixies_google_pixel_alarm/).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 05 May, 2023, 11:22:31 am
Ever noticed how you never see a dirty car in what Netflux calls a "period piece" film?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 05 May, 2023, 03:14:50 pm

Ed Sheeran wins his case.
 (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/may/04/ed-sheeran-verdict-not-liable-copyright-lawsuit-marvin-gaye?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other)

Not a huge fan but pleased he won.

I wonder if the plaintiffs will appeal? Or if the hedge fund manager who’s also suing as he owns the rights to Gaye’s music will continue after that verdict? And if no appeal, then do they get to pay costs from a previous $5 million odd settlement they got in another case to protect their father’s legacy?  (May contain traces of cynicism).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 05 May, 2023, 11:19:28 pm
I suspect this one of those how old am I moments, but WTF £45 for an album  :o
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 06 May, 2023, 11:09:25 am
I suspect this one of those how old am I moments, but WTF £45 for an album  :o

Must be for some special edition coloured vinyl type thing, surely?

I go to quite a few in-store album launch events at Rough Trade, for which the price of entry is the cost of the album and you get to see the band performing it live at same time (and even get it signed if you’re prepared to queue afterwards).

If you opt for the CD, it’s generally around £12. The vinyl options tend to be upwards of £30, and £45 is not unheard of.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: cygnet on 11 May, 2023, 11:52:58 pm
He (Gid) was very magnanimous about the proposed changes. Words to the effect that his current show is his dream job in music and dream jobs don't last for ever. What this new time share format with Marc Riley will be like he doen't know but he'll do his damndest to make it work. 

Side note: Last night's show, with a tribute to his Dad (Jazz saxophonist Tony Coe) was fabby.

Nighty-night Gideon.

Hope the new collaboration works out.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andyoxon on 13 May, 2023, 10:44:30 pm
Roger Taylor on drums for Sam Ryder's Eurovision piece...  ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 May, 2023, 11:58:30 pm
Concert tonight. Bach motet Jesu Meine Freude in part 1, Beethoven Mass in C in part 2. Not in the best fettle - I've been suffering from a dry wheezy cough for a few days. I decided I had enough voice to make some contribution, even though I had to stop a few times to suppress a cough. Standing up through the Beethoven was something of a challenge. It goes on a bit.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 14 May, 2023, 12:07:19 am
Roger Taylor on drums for Sam Ryder's Eurovision piece...  ;D

Spotted that.

And the final votes are announced…
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: fd3 on 14 May, 2023, 12:24:18 am
Another travesty at Eurovision.  Croatia robbed!  How Austria didn't win it? I neither understand the public nor the jury vote - clearly we were watching something completely different.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 May, 2023, 09:34:45 am
I had news alerts this morning about “Eurovision”. Why is this considered to be news?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 14 May, 2023, 09:48:50 am
It is a significant international music competition, m'lud.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 14 May, 2023, 10:32:27 am
It is a significant international music competition, m'lud.
Yeah, but *I* don’t care about it, therefore it is unworthy of coverage.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andyoxon on 14 May, 2023, 01:33:33 pm
German Rammstein-esque group finding out the Eurovision appreciates it slightly less than a lack lustre British effort...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: fd3 on 14 May, 2023, 06:03:13 pm
I had news alerts this morning about “Eurovision”. Why is this considered to be news?
A competition to promote peace throughout Europe which dates back to 1956 ... so probably a couple years before you retired.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 May, 2023, 06:23:07 pm
I had news alerts this morning about “Eurovision”. Why is this considered to be news?

It infuriates the Gammonariat, m'lud, because they believe that anything whose moniker contains the phrase “Euro” MUST be pArT oV tEh ,,,,,,,,,,,,, eU.

See also: ECHR, Council of Europe, etc &, moreover, ect.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 16 May, 2023, 03:56:38 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/16/nations-favourite-cocktail-phillip-schofield-holly-willoughby-on-the-rocks

All rather over my head because I have no knowledge about any of the people named in the article, save that my younger son (aged 38 3/4) used to be quite enthusiastic about Philip Schofield when he used to occupy a broom cupboard with Gordon the Gopher. But is seems that people are reading it avidly. Reminds me rather of Rooney v Vardy.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: ian on 16 May, 2023, 08:57:37 pm
It is a significant international music competition, m'lud.
Yeah, but *I* don’t care about it, therefore it is unworthy of coverage.

As I missed it, on account of dutiful attendance at one of my wife's concerts, I now feel socially adrift since every conversation for the last three days has started and ended with Eurovision.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: BrianI on 16 May, 2023, 10:06:02 pm
So I got my sister's old (somewhat basic) musical keyboard she bought a while back, to teach herself keyboard playing.

A Pitchmaster PM54KSB, which had a weird 3.5mm mono jack as a power socket... So after a bit of hunting on Amazon for a replacement PSU, it's now working...

And here is me doing a bit of badly played Oxygene IV.

My neuro physio did recommend I try and learn to play an instrument of some sort.

So I think this is just what the neurophysio ordered, to hopefully lesson my gammy hands FND symptoms...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXHw1jOjSKc

Now I'm looking at fancy Yamaha E473 61 Key synths on music gear retailers....  Perhaps a nice post redundancy treat for myself?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 20 May, 2023, 09:42:25 am
Rather interesting series of tweets coming out from Mr E Idle about his Python colleague, the increasingly unpleasant twll tin Mr J Cleese, and the proposed stage version of 'Brian'

Mr C appears to be a splittist as well as a knob.
https://twitter.com/StephAcalvert/status/1659793138200739840
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 May, 2023, 10:38:47 am
That'd be a lot more informative if it said something other than:

Quote
You’re unable to view this Tweet because this account owner limits who can view their Tweets.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 20 May, 2023, 11:04:58 am
That'd be a lot more informative if it said something other than:

Quote
You’re unable to view this Tweet because this account owner limits who can view their Tweets.

Argh!

Will try and post better link
https://twitter.com/EricIdle/status/1659599331140468736
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 20 May, 2023, 09:32:48 pm
RIP Pete Brown (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/may/20/pete-brown-countercultural-poet-singer-and-cream-lyricist-dies-aged-82)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 May, 2023, 11:00:09 pm
Noooo, Pete the Rat :'(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 26 May, 2023, 01:14:17 pm
Cleese is getting nastier with Idle. The nested thread in this tweet starts with a screengrab of Cleese basically claiming that Idle has nothing to do with Brian.
https://twitter.com/EricIdle/status/1661808611599974400

Eric disagrees.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 30 May, 2023, 02:50:24 pm
"Drop The Dead Donkey" returns.....    it will never be as strange as today's current affairs...


https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2023/may/30/newsroom-satire-drop-the-dead-donkey-to-return-in-stage-revival


https://www.comedy.co.uk/live/shows/1267/drop-the-dead-donkey-the-reawakening/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 30 May, 2023, 06:18:18 pm
Charlie's leaving Casualty. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-65754747

It doesn't say how he's being written out, but I'm guessing he's going to be sold off to an American company.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 May, 2023, 06:30:35 pm
Bizarre gardening accident FTW.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 30 May, 2023, 07:24:10 pm
Heart attack and die waiting for an ambulance?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jurek on 30 May, 2023, 07:43:41 pm
My money is on the answer proffered by the fish-eating Antipodean.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 30 May, 2023, 08:18:37 pm
Bizarre gardening accident

As we say to Hanananananah the Astronononononomer when she announces plans to partake in some risky endeavour: "Too obvious"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 30 May, 2023, 09:53:41 pm
If Bob Hoskins were still alive he could stab Charlie UTTERLY TO DETH in the neck with a broken whisky bottle like wot he did in that top documentary "The Long Good Friday".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 May, 2023, 11:21:28 pm
The Southend Bach Choir, close on the heels of singing J. S. Bach's "Jesu meiner Freude" and Beethoven's C major mass, will be singing Gilbert and Sullivan's "Trial by Jury at our summer concert (from the sublime to the ridiculous?). This evening, Colin asked me if I would take the role of Counsel. I think it will be my most challenging solo part so far.

To quote my late brother, "It's rubbish, but it's good BRITISH rubbish!"
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 May, 2023, 11:56:42 pm
If Bob Hoskins were still alive he could stab Charlie UTTERLY TO DETH in the neck with a broken whisky bottle like wot he did in that top documentary "The Long Good Friday".

It’s curious how the Beeb utterly failed to mention his role in said marvellous picture, recently voted “Bestest Londonto Fillum Evvah” for the umpteenth time by readers of The Londonist.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 31 May, 2023, 12:26:48 am
Bizarre gardening accident

As we say to Hanananananah the Astronononononomer when she announces plans to partake in some risky endeavour: "Too obvious"

In that case, in an inversion of Spinal Tap, let's go for bizarre drumming accident instead.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 May, 2023, 12:47:11 am
Bizarre gardening accident

As we say to Hanananananah the Astronononononomer when she announces plans to partake in some risky endeavour: "Too obvious"

In that case, in an inversion of Spinal Tap, let's go for bizarre drumming accident instead.

Spontaneous combustion on set?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 31 May, 2023, 12:59:01 am
Bizarre gardening accident

As we say to Hanananananah the Astronononononomer when she announces plans to partake in some risky endeavour: "Too obvious"

“Too obvious” has been the guiding principle of the casualty scriptwriters for >30 years.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Clare on 31 May, 2023, 10:55:29 am
Bizarre gardening accident

As we say to Hanananananah the Astronononononomer when she announces plans to partake in some risky endeavour: "Too obvious"

“Too obvious” has been the guiding principle of the casualty scriptwriters for >30 years.

Retires, has a leaving do in a local pub, receives a bunch of quite disappointing gifts, leaves quietly and goes home to enjoy a long and enjoyable retirement.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 31 May, 2023, 12:58:20 pm
Bizarre gardening accident

As we say to Hanananananah the Astronononononomer when she announces plans to partake in some risky endeavour: "Too obvious"

“Too obvious” has been the guiding principle of the casualty scriptwriters for >30 years.

Retires, has a leaving do in a local pub, receives a bunch of quite disappointing gifts, leaves quietly and goes home to enjoy a long and enjoyable retirement. gets run over by an ambulance as he leaves the pub.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Clare on 01 June, 2023, 10:34:09 am
Too obvious.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: perpetual dan on 01 June, 2023, 12:42:21 pm
Arrested on the way to work for carrying party poppers and continues a life in TV on The Bill.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 June, 2023, 12:44:41 pm
Accidentally steps through an eddy in the space-time continuum and is doomed to spending eternity being repeated on Dave.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jurek on 06 June, 2023, 05:33:51 pm
I would imagine that Nancy, who until a couple of years ago was my upstairs neighbour, has been quite busy these last couple of weeks or so.
She heads up ITV's legal team.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Beardy on 13 June, 2023, 12:04:43 am
Hmmmm. It seems that Amazon might have closed the loophole of getting a book on kindle unlimited and then getting the Audible copy via whispersync for £3.49  Pah.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 June, 2023, 11:46:51 pm
I've no idea what My Dear Wife is watching, but she's singing along with "Sospan Bach", with her headphones on.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 16 June, 2023, 05:34:35 pm
We are just beginning a process in which I hope to remove from this house several Teetering Piles of Crap.

Is there any value at all in cassette tapes from yesteryear? I have a carton full of them.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 June, 2023, 06:39:55 pm
I think some charity shops might take them, but ask first cos most probably won't.

If you want them to have value, you'll need to hang on to them for a few more decades at least.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 16 June, 2023, 06:47:04 pm
No, I suspect most of this stuff is for landfill. I have several photo albums of Phyllis's. She mostly took photos of her foreign holidays with her sister Glenys. Both dead - no-one from that generation left alive. I think they will ultimately be for the tip.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 16 June, 2023, 06:49:36 pm
You could unspool a couple and chuck them in a hedgerow for old time's sake...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 June, 2023, 06:54:02 pm
Unspool them and use them as streamers or ribbons for the next significant birthday, weeding, art installation, granchild, etc. Or just give them straight to the grandchildren (in small doses) as a toy. A toddler could have great fun with an opened-up tape!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 16 June, 2023, 06:59:42 pm
Unspool them and use them as streamers or ribbons for the next significant birthday, weeding, art installation, granchild, etc. Or just give them straight to the grandchildren (in small doses) as a toy. A toddler could have great fun with an opened-up tape!

Our grandchildren are both in double figures. Indeed, Martha, the older, will be 13 later this month.

Talking of weeding, the onions and parsnips need some attention. I know some people hang CDs up to try to scare birds away. Would old cassette tapes be equally ineffective? Might they work with cats?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: MattH on 16 June, 2023, 07:15:42 pm
All the cool kids are using cassettes now.

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/cassette-tape-comeback-walkman-1234606978/

https://www.itv.com/watch/news/cassette-comeback-why-tape-sales-have-reached-a-twenty-year-high/1qgr932
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 June, 2023, 07:35:03 pm
Talking of weeding, the onions and parsnips need some attention. I know some people hang CDs up to try to scare birds away. Would old cassette tapes be equally ineffective? Might they work with cats?
I suppose it might do, on the random movement principle. More on birds than cats I'd imagine. Only one way to find out for sure.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 17 June, 2023, 05:00:58 pm
I'm sure we have an iffy lyrics thread somewhere, but Heaven 17's "Come Live With Me" hasn't dated well in that respect.  It's a good song if you ignore the, er, cradle snatching.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 21 June, 2023, 09:19:29 am
No, I suspect most of this stuff is for landfill. I have several photo albums of Phyllis's. She mostly took photos of her foreign holidays with her sister Glenys. Both dead - no-one from that generation left alive. I think they will ultimately be for the tip.

My extended family have been digging out old photos and putting them on a private fb group.

We have family photos back to the 1800s, some on tinplate.

It is fascinating trying to work out bits of family history.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jurek on 23 June, 2023, 06:12:30 pm
My neighbours from upstairs have today, left for a long weekend at Glastonbury.
Methinks that they will be hot.
Very hot.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 26 June, 2023, 03:24:24 pm
https://www.livpost.co.uk/p/two-russian-sailors-walk-into-a-bar   A nice  little article about the filming of 1985's "Letter to Brezhnev" .
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: slope on 26 June, 2023, 05:43:11 pm
https://www.livpost.co.uk/p/two-russian-sailors-walk-into-a-bar   A nice  little article about the filming of 1985's "Letter to Brezhnev" .

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Ta for that andrewc
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 01 July, 2023, 09:06:30 am
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jul/01/pj-harvey-interview-i-inside-the-old-year-dying


An interview with PJ Harvey.    I saw her at the Manchester Academy in 1995, the ticket was probably a tenner.   She's now at the Manchester Albert Hall and tickets start at £121   :jurek:   https://www.manchestertheatres.com/event/pj-harvey
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 06 July, 2023, 09:41:36 am
An interview with PJ Harvey.    I saw her at the Manchester Academy in 1995, the ticket was probably a tenner.   She's now at the Manchester Albert Hall and tickets start at £121   :jurek:   https://www.manchestertheatres.com/event/pj-harvey

I saw her at Glastonbury in 1992, which cost £50 iirc. Never managed to see her on her own, much to my regret.

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Beardy on 07 July, 2023, 10:55:44 pm
What is is it about cascades of sparks that all film directors think that they add something to a disaster scene or a fight scene or just a basic crash scene. They never look like anything other than a stage pyrotechnic. It’s daft.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 07 July, 2023, 11:05:23 pm
What is is it about cascades of sparks that all film directors think that they add something to a disaster scene or a fight scene or just a basic crash scene. They never look like anything other than a stage pyrotechnic. It’s daft.

See also cars that drive off cliffs and immediately burst into a fireball of flame before falling n-1 feet 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 07 July, 2023, 11:07:19 pm
Lights turning on or off are accompanied by 'CLUNK'
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 07 July, 2023, 11:09:31 pm
Bicycles entering scene accompanied by 'Tring tring' when there is obviously no bell on the bike.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 07 July, 2023, 11:11:21 pm
Cat in view?
'Yowl!'
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 07 July, 2023, 11:11:50 pm
I could go on.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 07 July, 2023, 11:16:10 pm
Computers going biddly beep beep.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 07 July, 2023, 11:19:23 pm
Huge great screen graphic of rocket/bomber/alien going somewhere.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 10 July, 2023, 04:18:15 pm
AI-generated trailer for a Heidi movie...

https://youtu.be/0A2-Af5JEWU

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 10 July, 2023, 04:41:12 pm
Know any way to block those wretched "cards" that cover up the ends of YT videos nowadays?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 10 July, 2023, 04:59:05 pm
Know any way to block those wretched "cards" that cover up the ends of YT videos nowadays?

No. I wish I did!  >:(
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mllePB on 14 July, 2023, 06:52:41 pm
Eventbrite suggested to me a local village hall doing a comedy about Benny Hill. Promo is along the lines of why does he have no statue in his hometown and why is he "cancelled" at home but loved by millions worldwide  ::-)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 July, 2023, 06:58:07 pm
AI-generated trailer for a Heidi movie...

https://youtu.be/0A2-Af5JEWU
:D :D :D
Hrclic is a great invention.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 17 July, 2023, 10:59:25 pm
Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem), gets honorary degree from University of Sheffield.

Good.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-south-yorkshire-66227421 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-south-yorkshire-66227421)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 July, 2023, 11:59:46 pm
Also good: Bandcamp has just informed me of End, a new album by Austin's purveyors of post-rock æxcellence Explosions In The Sky.  Touches down on September 15th.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 18 July, 2023, 09:22:17 am
Also good: Bandcamp has just informed me of End, a new album by Austin's purveyors of post-rock æxcellence Explosions In The Sky.  Touches down on September 15th.

I saw that on Facebook the other day and was a bit concerned about the album's title.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 18 July, 2023, 02:41:20 pm
What is is it about cascades of sparks that all film directors think that they add something to a disaster scene or a fight scene or just a basic crash scene. They never look like anything other than a stage pyrotechnic. It’s daft.

I have on a couple of occasions witnessed similar showers of sparks from electrical faults in real life, but only in very specific circumstances where something carrying a decent amount of current overloads quickly enough to melt metal.  As such, they tend to be a small one-off burst and are usually accompanied by a circuit breaker tripping.

The pyrotechnic effect is known as a 'Robotic' and is no doubt one of Le Maitre's best-selling items, even though it's more reminiscent of an angle grinder than an electrical fault.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 18 July, 2023, 02:47:10 pm
Computers going biddly beep beep.

Allowed if and only if the computer is being interacted with by means of an acoustic coupler modem.  And even the documentary War Games avoided this particular trope, in spite of nonsensical use of acoustic couplers by way of illustrating what a modem was to a non-technical audience.

More general beep-on-every-button press is referred to in this house as Bugs Mode, after the delightfully silly 90s TV series that used it to glorious excess, particularly when a real electronic device is programmed to beep with every button input, usually in lieu of tactile feedback.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 July, 2023, 04:03:24 pm
Yebbut some real life people do have their phones set up to beep on every button press, even now in 2023.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 18 July, 2023, 06:39:16 pm
Yebbut some real life people do have their phones set up to beep on every button press, even now in 2023.

Yes, they're the ones with Bugs Mode enabled.  It makes some sense to enable Bugs Mode on a touchscreen device like a phone.  You wouldn't want it on your proper computer[1], unless you're a character in Bugs.  Actually, is beep-on-every-keypress even a thing in modern OSes?  I remember my dad's PC circa 1993 having it as a BIOS option[2], but haven't knowingly seen it since.


[1] Except that accessibility feature that beeps when you toggle Caps/Num/Scroll lock.  That's useful.
[2] Presumably the writer of Bugs also had this setting.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 21 July, 2023, 06:11:01 pm
“Watership Down” re-classified as “PG”.   Modern kids are wimps…*


https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/jul/21/watership-down-now-rated-pg-film-originally-classified-u (https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/jul/21/watership-down-now-rated-pg-film-originally-classified-u)


* on checking I’d have been 13 or 14 when I first saw it at the cinema and had already read the book so was looking forward to the good bits.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: graculus on 21 July, 2023, 07:27:20 pm
I must have seen it shortly after it came out because I was at university. Can remember the blood, but forget what did the seagull said that so offends the classifiers now. I did find it very moving.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 July, 2023, 07:36:51 pm
I read it about ten years ago, maybe fifteen, and don't remember a seagull at all.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 July, 2023, 07:51:14 pm
Kehaar (for it was he) said “bloody” once or twice in the book.  Which is hardly the stuff to cause a Modern Teen to run and hide behind Mummy’s skirts.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 21 July, 2023, 07:56:40 pm
Kehaar,  very sweary.  I think the phrase Graculus is thinking of was “piiiisss off!”


During his duel with Woundwort, Bigwig tells him to “silflay hraka”, which would translate as “eat shit” .  I don’t think that made it into the film.


Edit:  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gUtKDcX79ys&pp=ygUVd2F0ZXJzaGlwIGRvd24ga2VoYWFy (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gUtKDcX79ys&pp=ygUVd2F0ZXJzaGlwIGRvd24ga2VoYWFy)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 21 July, 2023, 08:21:29 pm
...During his duel with Woundwort Bigwig tells him to “silflay hraka”, which would translate as “eat shit”...

That's what rabbits do, innit.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: graculus on 21 July, 2023, 09:05:42 pm
Kehaar,  very sweary.  I think the phrase Graculus is thinking of was “piiiisss off!”
Thank you. I can't remember when, or if, my two children ever saw it. I don't think I would want my grandchildren to see it unaccompanied before about ten years old.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Redlight on 22 July, 2023, 10:33:39 am
“Watership Down” re-classified as “PG”.   Modern kids are wimps…*


https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/jul/21/watership-down-now-rated-pg-film-originally-classified-u (https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/jul/21/watership-down-now-rated-pg-film-originally-classified-u)


* on checking I’d have been 13 or 14 when I first saw it at the cinema and had already read the book so was looking forward to the good bits.

I haven't bothered to seek it out, for obvious reasons, but I imagine the Daily Heil is going overboard on this wokeness  ::-)   You have to wonder whether whoever made that decision thought it through.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 22 July, 2023, 11:44:58 am
“Watership Down” re-classified as “PG”.   Modern kids are wimps…*


https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/jul/21/watership-down-now-rated-pg-film-originally-classified-u (https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/jul/21/watership-down-now-rated-pg-film-originally-classified-u)


* on checking I’d have been 13 or 14 when I first saw it at the cinema and had already read the book so was looking forward to the good bits.

Saw that earlier.  I'm reassured that it's because a shitehawk says 'piss', and the nightmare-fuel destruction of the warren scene is still considered wholesome viewing for smalls.   :hand:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 July, 2023, 11:45:36 am
They probably did it on purpose in the hope that Richard “Smellyface” Littlejohn's head would finally explode like wotsisname in David Cronenberg's Scanners.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 July, 2023, 11:48:32 am
PG is meaningless anyway.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 July, 2023, 11:51:06 am
Troo, dat ^^^^ – Bethany, yesterday.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 22 July, 2023, 11:57:08 am
I was pre-hardened for scary TV & cinema by public information films.  https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/films/1964to1979/filmpage_lonely.htm (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/films/1964to1979/filmpage_lonely.htm)


https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/films/view_all_films.htm (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/films/view_all_films.htm)


I was also afflicted by a surfeit of Disney type films which seemed to end with nasty things happening to the beloved family pet.  Old Yeller , and something about a horse with "strangles".    :hand:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 22 July, 2023, 01:45:11 pm
PG is meaningless anyway.
PG = Pretty Good.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 July, 2023, 05:10:50 pm
“Bollocks!” exclaimed a FUMMIN' Mr Larrington! “The Bevis Frond are playing in Leytonstone on September 15th, while I am ~5027 miles away in that USAnia! Drat and, moreover, fiddlesticks!”
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 08 September, 2023, 01:02:16 pm
“All Saints Nursery School is…”

https://x.com/johnfinnemore/status/1700075507272819038?s=46

Fellow Finnemore fans (ie Tim H) will be able to predict the responses to this tweet.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 18 September, 2023, 07:18:33 pm
The Whamageddon game isn't supposed to start until December, right?

Just checking, because guess what next door has inexplicably asked Alexa to play...

It's bad enough when mince pies and lebkuchen have appeared in Lidl when we're still weeks away from Halloween, for Cthulhu's sake!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 October, 2023, 12:43:05 am
Bandcamp lays off half its staff after buyout by Songtradr (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/oct/17/bandcamp-lays-off-half-its-staff-after-buyout-by-songtradr)  >:(

Those nice chaps from Psychic Lemon, they say:

Quote
Please download any purchases you've made (check out the Batchcamp extension for Chrome if you have a lot)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 29 October, 2023, 11:33:20 pm
https://x.com/jamesahogg2/status/1716560932132847956?s=46&t=5CkODWeCu62Yttwfwell5Q

Video in Twitter featuring Stanley Unwin interviewing Peter Hawkins, better known as the voice of Bill and Ben.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 05 November, 2023, 11:44:07 am
Something I learned, courtesy of grandson, that there is a thing called the Gummy Bear Song. I am reluctant to call it music, and if you search it out you really only have yourself to blame, you have been warned. In a world that brought you the crazy frog and others, this plumbs new depths. However, Spotiface followed it up as is its wont, with a track that it thought to be similar, "Dumb Ways To Die" by Tangerine Kitty. This is surely worth a link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJNR2EpS0jw
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Basil on 05 November, 2023, 09:58:02 pm
I was listening to The Newsagents podcast this evening when one of the adverts that I normally skip (+15 +15 etc) through was in Welsh.
Blimey.  They're getting too bloody clever now.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 05 November, 2023, 11:24:36 pm
However, Spotiface followed it up as is its wont, with a track that it thought to be similar, "Dumb Ways To Die" by Tangerine Kitty. This is surely worth a link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJNR2EpS0jw

I remember being shown that by a CrinklyCub, back in the days when CrinklyCubs were a lot more compact than they are now.

As safety earworms go, it's a veritable classic, right up there with Shake Hands With Danger.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 06 November, 2023, 04:42:46 pm

I've just been watching some vintage BBC dystopia from 1977  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_(TV_series)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pik_15yXw-s      Much concern with "Ilegals",  but these are trying to flee the country & it's oppressive left wing, trade union dominated regime...   
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 06 November, 2023, 04:49:40 pm

I've just been watching some vintage BBC dystopia from 1977  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_(TV_series)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pik_15yXw-s      Much concern with "Ilegals",  but these are trying to flee the country & it's oppressive left wing, trade union dominated regime...   
Mended your link (the final bracket had got dropped)
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_(TV_series) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_(TV_series))

I remember that one. A shadowy controller in a car with flip up,  rather than wind down, windows. Renault something maybe. 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 06 November, 2023, 04:56:05 pm
A Citroen 2CV ! 
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 06 November, 2023, 05:08:45 pm
Yup, the car with the most elbow room.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 November, 2023, 05:51:50 pm
The clothing is definitely 1977 – as is the acting! There must be one word to express 'nostalgia for past visions of the future'...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 06 November, 2023, 06:27:45 pm
The clothing is definitely 1977 – as is the acting! There must be one word to express 'nostalgia for past visions of the future'...

Not sure about nostalgia - which, like the future, isn't what it used to be - but there is "paleo-futurism", which is the exploration of past visions of the future (usually to see how amusingly/depressingly wrong they were).

Matt Novak's Paleofuture blog is mainly America-centric, but gives an idea of what paleofuturism is about: https://paleofuture.com

One of the classics of the futurism genre found in the children's reference section of libraries in the late 1970s and early 1980s, The Usborne Book of the Future, has recently been re-published:

https://usborne.com/gb/book-of-the-future-9781803709543
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 November, 2023, 06:51:04 pm
Paleofuturism rings a bell actually. Somebody, presumably you, linked to it in the, erm, past. Great site!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 06 November, 2023, 07:13:06 pm
There's also 'retrofuturism'
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 November, 2023, 07:32:39 pm
Retrofuturism can by some definitions include cosplay versions of the future as imagined in the past, eg steampunk.
https://theretrofuturist.com/what-is-retrofuturism/

If this goes too far, it could lead to imagination of how retrofuturism might be in the future; a sort of prefigurative retrofuturism.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 06 November, 2023, 10:09:20 pm
I loved Space 1999 as a kid. Haven't seen it for a long time though. Suspect it won't have aged well.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: drossall on 06 November, 2023, 10:29:24 pm
Space 1999 still shows up on Freeview channels :-)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Feanor on 06 November, 2023, 10:36:59 pm
They seemed to have an infinite supply of those Eagle craft: at least one crashed on every episode!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: andrewc on 06 November, 2023, 11:00:48 pm
There is a link between 1990 & Space 1999.  Clifton Jones played Henry Tasker, PCD Deputy Controller in the first and David Kano, Alpha's senior computer expert in the second.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 12 November, 2023, 09:39:26 pm
Maybe this is more POBI, I dunno. I'm guilty of a long standing admiration for Patax, and one of their vocalists is "Mucha Pepper"

She's released a track that I think is worth listening to, for the music and the unusually inclusive group, but all the more so for the sentiment

Sorry it's in Spanish, but there are (Spanish) subtitles that gave me a chance to understand, I had to hit the pause button several times to be honest. The song is about how AI is taking over, and IN (Natural Intelligence) is falling by the wayside.

"We're giving up the planet to a fucking robot"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMWyTua3qwM
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 13 November, 2023, 01:38:16 pm
Collectors of discarded Beeb stuff fear arrest if they give it back
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/entertainment/tv/lost-doctor-who-episodes-found-but-owner-is-reluctant-to-hand-them-to-bbc/ar-AA1jL0F5
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 November, 2023, 03:26:36 pm
Good news for music fans: sausage-obsessed grifters Ladbaby are not releasing a Christmas single this year :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 22 November, 2023, 11:28:47 pm
OK Google, play some chanson.

      Sure, here is Sean Paul

NO stop

OK Google play some French chanson

      Sure, here is Camille Saint Saens

Just fucking stop  :facepalm:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 22 November, 2023, 11:32:01 pm
You're lucky you didn't get Manhattan Transfer, thobut.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: alfapete on 23 November, 2023, 10:12:04 am
Rat ta tat ta tat...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 November, 2023, 10:45:52 am
Hebcelt listings are up.

Del Amitri
Elephant Sessions (they were on in 2022 and so good).
Face the West (not headliners but I really like them)
Sharon Shannon
lots lots more.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 23 November, 2023, 08:51:05 pm
David is playing music by Muzio Clementi on the piano.
'I know that toon.' thinks I.

A Groovy Kind of Love wot were Sung by Phil Collins, methinks.

I see Clementi is credited when I do some searching...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 24 November, 2023, 07:24:36 am
In the news today: the SHIT BRIT Awards recently went gender-neutral because the previous male and female categories excluded non binary artists.

Result: no female artists were nominated in some categories.  So it's back to the drawing board.

Possible explanations: the awards very much have a "pop" bias, and pop music is purchased by teenage girls.  Or, Ed bloody Sheeran was nominated five times for everything  :facepalm:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 24 November, 2023, 07:17:53 pm
Episode Deux.

Ok Google, play some Indian raga

    Sure, here's an album called Indian Raga on Spottiface

Score! Yay! Indian instruments start twanging

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: sam on 26 November, 2023, 01:26:12 am
I wasn't aware until just the other day that the boy half of the dueling banjos (https://youtu.be/myhnAZFR1po?si=2603wyhbX0jhoEeR) in Deliverance wasn't actually playing his banjo: he wore a special shirt, and his arms belonged to a magician musician.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 26 November, 2023, 01:27:05 am
I imagine the squealing was done by someone else as well.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: sam on 26 November, 2023, 01:45:00 pm
Swineherd Bill McKinney was last spotted peddling Doritos. (https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xmq3rr)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 27 November, 2023, 09:31:42 pm
Listening to KT Tunstall's Psycho Killer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-8Yn-avQ7Q) made me think, whatever happened to songs with French bits in them? They used to be quite a thing, from Beatles through Blondie and quite a few others, I always thought to help their French sales, but it has completely dropped away and I can't recall one in recent years. Is that my ignorance or a real thing?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 27 November, 2023, 09:47:31 pm
David is playing music by Muzio Clementi on the piano.
'I know that toon.' thinks I.

A Groovy Kind of Love wot were Sung by Phil Collins, methinks.

I see Clementi is credited when I do some searching...

Cheesy tune, with cheesy lyrics...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 November, 2023, 09:49:41 pm
Yes, that sonatina was used by a popular beat combo about 55 years ago.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Peter on 27 November, 2023, 11:58:21 pm
Everybody who has ever played a major scale has played that tune.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: hellymedic on 28 November, 2023, 04:41:32 pm
Forwards and backwards...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Regulator on 12 December, 2023, 02:18:46 pm
DUNE - Part 2 is out in March 2024... and it's 2 hours 46 minutes in length.

Is there some sort of weird film length arms race going on?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 12 December, 2023, 02:21:54 pm
DUNE - Part 2 is out in March 2024... and it's 2 hours 46 minutes in length.

Is there some sort of weird film length arms race going on?

My theory is that it's being driven by cinema chains who want us to spend as long as possible per visit so we can spend more on food and drink.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 12 December, 2023, 02:24:37 pm
They stopped having to edit films properly when everyone (except cinema-goers, who presumably have the same hardened bladders as the people who need cars that can do 500 miles without refuelling) had a pause button.

But if the first film's anything to go by (they move house, stuff starts to happen, the end), two hours of that could be wasted on epic scenes of mostly sand.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 12 December, 2023, 04:52:14 pm
Well, it is a sort of space-going Lawrence of Arabia. Gotta have sand.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 13 December, 2023, 03:30:05 pm
Mentioned to my dad that I'm going to a gig tonight...

"Who are you seeing?"

"Jockstrap"

"Are they the support act?

 :facepalm: ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 December, 2023, 06:11:46 pm
Ba-dumm and, moreover, tish!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 December, 2023, 02:56:58 pm
Yesterday, I tried to explain Elvis Costello to a 20-year old from Hong Kong. Later, a 70-year old from Edinburgh tried to explain Georgian choral music to me. I think all that can be said to have been achieved is that we now all know these things exist, and maybe we'll explore them in our own time.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 19 December, 2023, 03:01:38 pm
All I really know about EC is that he isn't a real Costello*, he has big glasses, and he's probably better at writing and producing than he is at performing his own stuff.

*I know a real one, and she's quite sniffy about him appropriating the name
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 December, 2023, 05:16:02 pm
Then Joshua (I don't suppose that's what his family and other Chinese speakers call him, but he always introduces himself as Joshua) is one up on you as he now knows EC comes from Liverpool.  ;)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 22 December, 2023, 07:08:51 pm
Listening to KT Tunstall's Psycho Killer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-8Yn-avQ7Q) made me think, whatever happened to songs with French bits in them? They used to be quite a thing, from Beatles through Blondie and quite a few others, I always thought to help their French sales, but it has completely dropped away and I can't recall one in recent years. Is that my ignorance or a real thing?
Thanks for that. God she's great (and that's even before her brilliant Ivor Cutler docco).

But clearly the French ain't cool any more. c'est fini <shrugs>
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 December, 2023, 11:49:34 pm
Jan and I just watched some 32-year-old rubbish in the form of Bernard and the Genie, with Henry, L. and Atkinson, R., as recommended to me by my pal Liz. I'd not seen it before, which is perhaps something of a surprise since it was made at about the time (1991) that it would have really appealed to our kids. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 December, 2023, 08:34:07 pm
From the big box of "Did that person really play this?" comes an album of psychedelic folk by... Debbie Harry!
https://youtu.be/mA6IY6qc6zQ?si=b4RgqTUh0J5ZFOWU
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: TheLurker on 26 December, 2023, 02:31:43 pm
I don't know what goes through the minds of T.V. schedulers, but showing , "The World at War" (yet) again through Xmas seems a little "off" to me.  There's more than enough contemporary misery to be going on with, without rehashing historic pain.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: MattH on 26 December, 2023, 03:02:17 pm
It's become a catch phrase in our house - "It was the Nazis". From watching too many episodes of things like Abandoned Engineering, where they show you some big concrete structure and ask the question "What could this have been for?" - the answer to which almost always involves the Nazis or defence against the Nazis. So now, whenever some big bit of engineering is shown on just about programme regardless of genre, someone will pipe up "It was the Nazis".
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 28 December, 2023, 08:50:28 pm
Arf

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2023/dec/28/britney-gives-birth-and-lennon-pops-to-the-pub-dubious-celebrity-statues-in-pictures
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 29 December, 2023, 10:24:23 am
I've just had a minor disagreement on Twitter about wildlife accuracy in a recent Agatha Christie adaptation. With Philip Pullman (yes, that one).
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: MattH on 01 January, 2024, 10:24:57 am
Well done to the BBC last night. Flipped over to watch the fireworks, and as soon as it was over got Rickrolled.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mattc on 01 January, 2024, 05:18:25 pm
Well done to the BBC last night. Flipped over to watch the fireworks, and as soon as it was over got Rickrolled.
;D
The BBC ain't going down without a fight  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 02 January, 2024, 12:19:45 pm
Arguably, this belongs in POBI but as it is real radio, I was fortunate to hear Women's Hour yesterday, covering women's role in negotiations, I recommend it especially the piece about a back channel negotiation convener, how DO you get opposite sides talking?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001ts51
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 02 January, 2024, 06:24:31 pm
I have found When The Boat Comes In on some catch up service or other.

This is a good idea thing. Bonny Lad.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 03 January, 2024, 09:33:17 am
I've just learned that a colleague is on the new series of Traitors, which starts tonight. I really can't imagine why anyone would want to subject themselves to that but good luck to her. I can see her being good on it. I wasn't planning to watch it but now I think I might.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 03 January, 2024, 11:44:46 am
I have found When The Boat Comes In on some catch up service or other.

This is a good idea thing. Bonny Lad.

To be followed by the Beiderbecke trilogy perchance, on ITVx.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 03 January, 2024, 12:38:12 pm
I have found When The Boat Comes In on some catch up service or other.

This is a good idea thing. Bonny Lad.

To be followed by the Beiderbecke trilogy perchance, on ITVx.

If you're doing the Bolam timeline properly, you need to do Only When I Laugh before moving on to Beiderbecke.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rafletcher on 03 January, 2024, 02:08:12 pm
I have found When The Boat Comes In on some catch up service or other.

This is a good idea thing. Bonny Lad.

To be followed by the Beiderbecke trilogy perchance, on ITVx.

If you're doing the Bolam timeline properly, you need to do Only When I Laugh before moving on to Beiderbecke.

I have to confess I was thinking more of Barbara Flynn....
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 January, 2024, 11:06:41 pm
Human beats Tetris.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/jan/03/oklahoma-teen-beat-tetris-first-person-willis-gibson
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 04 January, 2024, 06:50:05 am
I have to confess I was thinking more of Barbara Flynn....

Understandable.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 04 January, 2024, 12:24:18 pm
I've just learned that a colleague is on the new series of Traitors, which starts tonight. I really can't imagine why anyone would want to subject themselves to that but good luck to her. I can see her being good on it. I wasn't planning to watch it but now I think I might.

Turns out m'colleague is one of the traitors and she's very good at it.

I had a look back at what I said about the first series when it came up for discussion - I was pretty scathing, not entirely surprisingly. But I found it rather enjoyable last night - though I'm sure that's only because of m'colleague being in it.

I've always assumed that these type of programmes are deliberately edited to make the contestants look as bad as possible but m'colleague came across on last night's episode exactly as she is. So maybe the people who look awful really are that awful.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 07 January, 2024, 10:58:46 pm
I saw an album I would quite like in a picture on Facebook posted by a local vinyl store. I PM'd them to express an interest in purchasing said item. Nae bother, we'll keep it for you, it costs £150. Jings!  :o :hand: No thanks.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 January, 2024, 06:35:25 pm
Watching Richard Osman's House of Games just now. In answer to the question "In miles per hour, what is the record for the fastest speed at which humans have traveled, set by the crew of Apollo 10 during re-entry?".

One contestant said 300mph. Another said 700mph. Baffling.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 09 January, 2024, 12:36:46 am
Richard Osman's House of Games

*googles*

Quote from: Wikipedia
The show is played on a weekly basis, with four celebrities playing on five consecutive days to win daily prizes...

Not so baffling...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 11 January, 2024, 06:58:40 pm
University Challenge x the drum n bass community:

https://www.instagram.com/p/C17Gyl1CStb/?igsh=cjloZ21tdDA2Z3Y0

Story here:

https://www.musicradar.com/news/university-challenge-we-need-jungle
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Afasoas on 13 January, 2024, 02:17:19 pm
I received a second hand copy of Tears For Fears – Tears Roll Down (Greatest Hits 82-92) (https://www.discogs.com/release/6545537-Tears-For-Fears-Tears-Roll-Down-Greatest-Hits-82-92) on CD for a recent birthday.

Looks to be in very good condition aside from what looks to be a fairly inconsequential scratch on the outside edge of the CD laminate. I've ripped all the tracks, aside from track 12.
I don't suppose anyone has this already ripped as a FLAC file?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Beardy on 13 January, 2024, 06:44:30 pm
Well, this is very bit as daft and just as camp as I remember and I don’t think I’ll be making much effort to watch it again any time soon. The children loved it when it was last on, but pop and crisps were as much part of the weekly treat I think. 

It’s Gladiators I’m talking about.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 13 January, 2024, 07:44:15 pm
I was a bit old for it, but I remember my younger brother replacing his Wolf poster with a Jet poster, as a precursor to discovering Lynx and Pamela Anderson.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 13 January, 2024, 07:47:59 pm
I saw about five minutes of it. That was enough for me.

Back in 1992 it was part of the Saturday evening ritual in my student house before we went out. The world and I have both changed a lot since then.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 13 January, 2024, 09:07:58 pm
I saw about five minutes of it. That was enough for me.

Back in 1992 it was part of the Saturday evening ritual in my student house before we went out. The world and I have both changed a lot since then.

The trouble is, if TV is so bereft of ideas it thought exhuming Gladiators was a good idea, what odds do we give on someone, somewhere (probably deep in a coke or ether binge), suggesting bringing The Word back?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Pingu on 13 January, 2024, 10:45:46 pm
I saw about five minutes of it. That was enough for me.

Back in 1992 it was part of the Saturday evening ritual in my student house before we went out. The world and I have both changed a lot since then.

The trouble is, if TV is so bereft of ideas it thought exhuming Gladiators was a good idea, what odds do we give on someone, somewhere (probably deep in a coke or ether binge), suggesting bringing The Word back?

Or Jim'll Fix It.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 13 January, 2024, 11:37:29 pm
I saw about five minutes of it. That was enough for me.

Back in 1992 it was part of the Saturday evening ritual in my student house before we went out. The world and I have both changed a lot since then.

The trouble is, if TV is so bereft of ideas it thought exhuming Gladiators was a good idea, what odds do we give on someone, somewhere (probably deep in a coke or ether binge), suggesting bringing The Word back?

Or Jim'll Fix It.

I suspect that the "resurrecting Jim'll Fix It seems reasonable" dose for most drugs is so close to the median lethal dose (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Median_lethal_dose#Examples) that it's a self-solving problem.  :demon:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 January, 2024, 08:14:47 pm
There is an artist in Bristol who goes by the name Jim'll Paint It, which seems dangerous, but he's still around.
https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/jimll-paint-it-needs-suggestions-bristol-themed-illustration/
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 14 January, 2024, 11:11:30 pm
Cor, I though he gave up around the time Twitter stopped being fun.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 14 January, 2024, 11:17:35 pm
Garnet Mimms, singer of the all-time classic Cry Baby, is still alive :)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garnet_Mimms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMs-NcuTJSg
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 January, 2024, 11:53:52 pm
Garnet Mimms, singer of the all-time classic Cry Baby, is still alive :)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garnet_Mimms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMs-NcuTJSg
8)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 January, 2024, 10:24:08 am
Seldom have I have been so pissed off with the deteroration of a TV show (I didn't watch most of GoT).

Killing Eve seasons 1 & 2 were funny, dramatic and interesting.

Season 3 was a bit odd.

Season 4 (last) was utter shite.

Let me count the ways . . .

(click to show/hide)

If you were a fan of KE, don't bother with season 4. Just remember it how it was.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 15 January, 2024, 11:15:49 am
Garnet Mimms, singer of the all-time classic Cry Baby, is still alive :)

Isn’t Garnet Mimms a service station on the M1?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Deano on 15 January, 2024, 12:43:07 pm
Garnet Mimms, singer of the all-time classic Cry Baby, is still alive :)

Isn’t Garnet Mimms a service station on the M1?

Soul Singer or Service Station would be a great round in a pub quiz ;D
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 15 January, 2024, 01:10:15 pm
Garnet Mimms, singer of the all-time classic Cry Baby, is still alive :)

Isn’t Garnet Mimms a service station on the M1?

Soul Singer or Service Station would be a great round in a pub quiz ;D

That late, great maestro, Charnock Richard.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 15 January, 2024, 01:28:32 pm
Soul Singer or Service Station would be a great round in a pub quiz ;D

That late, great maestro, Charnock Richard.

<Vivian Stanshall>

... on the bongos...

And here's Gordano on the alto saxophone...

Followed by Leigh Delamere on bass guitar...

<Vivian Stanshall>
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 15 January, 2024, 01:32:04 pm
With special guest Hilton Park on marimba.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 15 January, 2024, 01:33:36 pm
And here's Taunton Deane on the kazoo.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Tim Hall on 15 January, 2024, 01:41:41 pm
Frankley goes to Hollywood.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: nicknack on 15 January, 2024, 01:43:08 pm
Mrs n had a friend called Richard Charnock.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 15 January, 2024, 02:27:18 pm
Charnock Richard was a rejected song title for a Faces song.


The above may contain traces of LIE...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 January, 2024, 02:40:31 pm
I don’t want to know about Norton Canes…
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: spesh on 15 January, 2024, 02:43:29 pm
I don’t want to know about Norton Canes…

Viv Stanshall: On the theremin...
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Steph on 19 January, 2024, 11:23:49 pm
I am bine watching on catch up the Canal+ co production of War of the Worlds. It obviously has nothing to do with the original, But...
1. The acting is superb
2. The 'emotional hits' are heart rending
3. The French is a challenge, due to strong accents, but I can cope
4. I am doing my normal US horror film reaction: "Why are you being so STUPID?"
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 21 January, 2024, 08:33:54 am
Watching Dirk Gently for the nth time (being enflued it doesn't matter if we fall asleep 'cos we already know it, but it's fun to watch) we both noticed last night that although Bart doesn't mind walking around with rats'-nest hair and a blood-caked shirt she still shaves her armpits.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 04 February, 2024, 09:46:53 pm
I have uncovered a trove of my old albums, wot I prolly need to sell now. Only, I'm going through them. This is not a good idea, but it is kinda fun and proof if I needed it that I have always had somewhat esoteric taste (if with a slightly unhealthy tendency to prog rock)

Anyways up, a load of my old stuff doesn't seem to have made it into spotiface (my current choice for digital), which is a bit of a shame. Tracking down digital versions will keep me out of mischief. Some, like Longdancer, I am a little surprised about, not only are they bloody good (Trailer For a Good Life) but this was Dave Stewart's first outing, you would have thought that would have generated interest. Another of my slightly esoteric albums is Lost At Sea, by Glen Philips from 1975, which has possibly the best track dedication of all time:

Track #1 is "I've got a bullet with your name on it" - "is for all the cowboys who have actually caused me to say "whoa boy" to my bicycle"

I think it's quite good, too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUJG4xaRRM4

ETA with the glory of t'Internets, I find out the back story (https://creativeloafing.com/content-161308-the-tragedy-and-triumph-of-glenn-phillips-lost-at)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 04 February, 2024, 11:51:21 pm
Ah, Longdancer.

I thought I remembered the name.

Saw them in the early 1970's

Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Wowbagger on 12 February, 2024, 12:19:12 pm
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/feb/12/a-new-start-after-60-i-turned-my-homely-lifestyle-into-a-global-phenomenon

Jan is a Fangurl.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Ham on 13 February, 2024, 09:16:47 am
I have uncovered a trove of my old albums, wot I prolly need to sell now.

Well, they are sold, at an average of £2/album. Apparently there are some others who think stuff like Amon Duul is worth buying, who knew? (the value for about 100+ was in about half a dozen oddities)
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 February, 2024, 02:21:17 pm
Hurrah: joke comedy pirate metal bozos Alestorm are playing the Forum in Kentish Town a week today :thumbsup:

Bah: Forty-two quid >:( I know they’re into stealing treasure but srsly?
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 14 February, 2024, 03:35:09 pm
Hurrah: joke comedy pirate metal bozos Alestorm are playing the Forum in Kentish Town a week today :thumbsup:

Bah: Forty-two quid >:( I know they’re into stealing treasure but srsly?

The other day, I bought tickets to see David Sedaris - £50 each, and that's just some bloke telling stories. He doesn't even sing or play guitar. I balked at paying that much to see Kate Bush a few years ago but times have changed and it doesn't seem so outlandish now.

That said, I still very rarely pay more than £15-£20 for a gig ticket - but that's because I mostly prefer to see up and coming bands in small independent venues and generally avoid the really big names and arena gigs.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 February, 2024, 03:47:03 pm
I mostly prefer to see up and coming bands in small independent venues and generally avoid the really big names and arena gigs.
Most people saying that would sound really pretentious!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 February, 2024, 03:54:23 pm
Teh Drag U In has a list of break-up songs for Valentines, which I'm sure you can find without me linking to it. They include mention of a post-breakup bender but unaccountably failed to mention the epickest song of that genre of all time 1985: https://youtu.be/cCS5H4fwLLQ?si=O8QrlpWm56SO5XEv
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 14 February, 2024, 04:16:37 pm
Most people saying that would sound really pretentious!

Yes, I expect it does. But it's mostly because a) I can't afford to see big name bands (or else I'm only prepared to pay that much if it's someone I really, really want to see), and b) I really don't like arena gigs.

If I wanted to get pretentious about it, I could start on about the bands I saw in tiny venues before they were famous. Except that none of the bands I like ever do go on to become famous.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 February, 2024, 04:42:03 pm
As for big-name arena gigs, a friend of mine is a huge Springsteen fan. Last summer, he wanted to see him at either his Birmingham or London gigs (possibly his last ever tour? I dunno) – but changed his mind when he discovered the tickets were about £300 each.
Title: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 14 February, 2024, 06:15:55 pm
QED
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Jaded on 14 February, 2024, 07:51:42 pm
Billy Bragg was £25 at our small town venue and several people I know said that was a lot!

Mind you, I get to see a lot of bands and usually pay nothing, so when I do have to pay it is sometimes a shock.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 February, 2024, 09:28:22 pm
(https://i.ibb.co/pn6gBf2/20240215-112550.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6Nc27HY)

Filming series 2 of Wolf Hall
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: sam on 25 February, 2024, 03:46:52 pm
Loved Wolf Hall and him in it. (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=126060.msg2842665#msg2842665)

My entry for the day: Henry Mancini

https://youtu.be/64bRXGm2Xnk

losing an Oscar to the Sherman Brothers

https://youtu.be/R8N65jY0nDs

for this

https://youtu.be/FEh3U1s10qo
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: rogerzilla on 26 February, 2024, 03:08:19 pm
Mary Poppins is now a PG because Admiral Boom likens the black chimney sweeps to "Hottentots".  It did grate a little.  Still, Thomas the Tank Engine did far worse.

https://islandofsodor.fandom.com/wiki/Reverend_W._Awdry
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 February, 2024, 06:07:33 pm
I came across that word twice today, once in an early Hammond Innes novel and then Patti Smith’s infamous song.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 28 February, 2024, 08:45:11 am
Plans To Erect A Statue In Lemmy's Hometown Have Been Approved (https://metalinjection.net/news/plans-to-erect-a-statue-in-lemmys-birthplace-have-been-approved).

No-one's going to be chucking that one in the river :demon:
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 28 February, 2024, 11:00:44 am
Hope your man cast it in bronze after "crafting" it in clay.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 03 March, 2024, 08:15:43 am
Signs you're getting old: someone you've never heard of wins all the Brit awards.

I don't like to be sniffy about these things - Raye is obviously popular with the kids and I'm sure she deserves her success, but I had literally never heard of her until this morning. It's a shame Top of the Pops is no longer around - it used to help me keep abreast of these things.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: T42 on 03 March, 2024, 08:46:46 am
Nuther sign of getting old: you've never heard of the Brit awards.
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: citoyen on 03 March, 2024, 12:00:52 pm
Nuther sign of getting old: you've never heard of the Brit awards.

The awards themselves are inconsequential but the event has had its share of highlights over the years, eg:

[/list]
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Kim on 03 March, 2024, 12:54:36 pm
JuStIcE fOr JaRvIs!
Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 March, 2024, 07:49:31 pm
    Nuther sign of getting old: you've never heard of the Brit awards.

    The awards themselves are inconsequential but the event has had its share of highlights over the years, eg:

    • The Samantha Fox and Mick Fleetwood live TV hosting car crash in 1988
    • KLF and Extreme Noise Terror machine-gunning the audience in 1992
    • Jarvis Cocker waving his arse around on stage during Michael Jackson's performance in 1996

    And Chumbawamba's Danbert Nobacon pouring a jug of water over Gordon Brown :D

    Edit: And no, I don’t know why the forum SCIENCE keeps adding a spurious end of list tag.[/list]
    Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
    Post by: citoyen on 03 March, 2024, 07:54:54 pm
    And Chumbawamba's Danbert Nobacon pouring a jug of water over Gordon Brown :D

    John Prescott. Which is in fact even funnier.

    I thought that was the NME awards but I checked and you’re right, it was the Brits.


    Quote
    Edit: And no, I don’t know why the forum SCIENCE keeps adding a spurious end of list tag.[/list]

    Glad it’s not just me, at least.
    Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
    Post by: Mr Larrington on 03 March, 2024, 08:37:09 pm
      And Chumbawamba's Danbert Nobacon pouring a jug of water over Gordon Brown :D

      John Prescott. Which is in fact even funnier.

      I thought that was the NME awards but I checked and you’re right, it was the Brits.


      Quote
      Edit: And no, I don’t know why the forum SCIENCE keeps adding a spurious end of list tag.[/list]

      Glad it’s not just me, at least.

      Durrrr, of course.  I even looked it up to check it was the Brits too :facepalm:
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: Ham on 04 March, 2024, 09:52:22 pm
      (https://i.ibb.co/pn6gBf2/20240215-112550.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6Nc27HY)

      Filming series 2 of Wolf Hall

      I saw him in his first RSC role which was incandescent, a few years later I met him a few times socially and was able to introduce him to the dog who had been named in inspiration from that role - Ariel - You will believe a man dog can fly. (Ariel was a border collie)

      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 March, 2024, 09:24:57 am
      Peaky Blinders

      Many very very good cast members, from 'aunt polly' to the terrifying Arthur Selby.

      the iconic role, of course, is Cillian Murphy's Tommy Shelby.

      I recently discovered that Cillian was not the preferred actor.

      They wanted Jason Statham

      :roflmao
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: T42 on 11 March, 2024, 09:37:37 am
      They wanted Jason Statham

      :roflmao

      And indeed :sick: Though he was good OK in Snatch.
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: Regulator on 11 March, 2024, 11:16:46 am
      Just booked tickets for the ROH Live Cinema performance of Carmen on 1 May.  I managed to persuade Mr R to come with me.
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: Wowbagger on 11 March, 2024, 09:47:29 pm
      This evening I met three other choir members, Mary, Elysa and Liz, for an impromptu extra rehearsal for Saturday's concert, at Mary's flat. Mary, Elysa's mother, is an alto. The other two are sopranos.

      We sang through the whole of Mozart's requiem - twice. Firstly, we sang each movement accompanied by Spotify on a mobile phone, and then we sang it again a capella. That really was quite an experience! After that, we worked our way through most of Dvorak's mass in D, although we didn't finish because Elysa had to return home to eat chicken Kievs.

      Hopefully it will be helpful for us when Saturday comes.
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: T42 on 12 March, 2024, 03:33:35 pm
      we didn't finish because Elysa had to return home to eat chicken Kievs.

      Better after than before rehearsing.

      Break a leg Saturday.
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: fd3 on 12 March, 2024, 04:19:52 pm
      I asked Alexa to play some Bowie and she responded with "now playing David Bowie and similar artists".  I nearly chucked it out the window.
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: Ham on 15 March, 2024, 10:50:34 am
      You know those quite decent Black Keys folk? They don't use many black keys, do they?
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: Kim on 15 March, 2024, 12:00:51 pm
      Just booked tickets for the ROH Live Cinema performance of Carmen on 1 May.

      I parsed that as Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, though to be fair, I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't a murky 1940s B&W photo somewhere in the Long Walk To Radiology of them putting on a performance of Carmen, complete with crutches and wheelchairs.
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: Wowbagger on 15 March, 2024, 05:12:35 pm
      Just booked tickets for the ROH Live Cinema performance of Carmen on 1 May.

      I parsed that as Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, though to be fair, I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't a murky 1940s B&W photo somewhere in the Long Walk To Radiology of them putting on a performance of Carmen, complete with crutches and wheelchairs.


      I would have thought that in these enlightened times someone ought to write a sequel “Bikewomen”.
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: citoyen on 15 March, 2024, 05:22:13 pm
      My wife was wearing some little boots this morning, which reminded me of Little Boots, so I've been revisiting her debut album, Hands, today. Forgotten how much I loved this back when it came out.

      In particular, the song Symmetry, a duet with Phil Oakey. What an absolute pop banger. So good.

      https://youtu.be/JJ4L6AA-YoQ?si=KxXBHwP1W37lca2i
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: andrewc on 22 March, 2024, 09:09:08 pm
      https://www.youtube.com/@playforforever/videos      I found this earlier.   Loads of old "Play For Today" & similar stuff.


      I've just finished watching "Blade On The Feather", which I remember from its first broadcast in 1980.  Written by Dennis Potter.  Donald Pleasance, Denholm Elliot, Tom Conti, Phoebe Nicholls & Kika Markham in "Cambridge spy ring" territory.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_on_the_Feather


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oyXQGX0RCE
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: slope on 22 March, 2024, 09:37:25 pm
      https://www.youtube.com/@playforforever/videos      I found this earlier.   Loads of old "Play For Today" & similar stuff.


      I've just finished watching "Blade On The Feather", which I remember from its first broadcast in 1980.  Written by Dennis Potter.  Donald Pleasance, Denholm Elliot, Tom Conti, Phoebe Nicholls & Kika Markham in "Cambridge spy ring" territory.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_on_the_Feather


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oyXQGX0RCE

      👍 Thanks for that👍🙏
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: citoyen on 22 March, 2024, 10:03:50 pm
      https://www.youtube.com/@playforforever/videos      I found this earlier.   Loads of old "Play For Today" & similar stuff.


      I've just finished watching "Blade On The Feather", which I remember from its first broadcast in 1980.  Written by Dennis Potter.  Donald Pleasance, Denholm Elliot, Tom Conti, Phoebe Nicholls & Kika Markham in "Cambridge spy ring" territory.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_on_the_Feather

      I don’t know that one  but it sounds good. Nice. Will have a look.

      Reminds me - and I know this will be of interest to you - I’ve got tickets for the upcoming stage production of Boys from the Blackstuff at the NT.
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: andrewc on 22 March, 2024, 10:06:25 pm
      I saw it with friends  last year in Liverpool & am talking my Mum to see it in April 👍🏻
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: rogerzilla on 23 March, 2024, 12:01:00 pm
      A reality TV "star" won Celebrity Big Brother.  It's a kind of recursive Z-listing.
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 March, 2024, 12:07:20 pm
      Very meta.
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: Kim on 23 March, 2024, 01:50:24 pm
      A reality TV "star" won Celebrity Big Brother.  It's a kind of recursive Z-listing.

      I learned that Big Brother was still a thing on Wednesday morning, as I struggled to follow barakta's conversation with her BSL interpreter with the hydrotherapy waiting room telly[1] being about 15cm from my left ear[2].  I was mildly surprised.  I'd also not heard of whoever they were talking about being evicted.  This was unsurprising.


      [1] Turned up to 11, with the subtitles off.
      [2] I'd parked barakta at an angle that ensured she was facing the terp, with the telly outside of her visual field, so drew the short straw.
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: citoyen on 23 March, 2024, 03:47:06 pm
      I saw it with friends  last year in Liverpool & am talking my Mum to see it in April
      :thumbsup:

      Is it good?
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: andrewc on 23 March, 2024, 04:02:59 pm
      I saw it with friends  last year in Liverpool & am talking my Mum to see it in April (http://emoji.tapatalk-cdn.com/emoji1303.png)
      :thumbsup:

      Is it good?


      I enjoyed it, but I think it definitely helps if you've seen the original TV series as there are quite a few call backs to it.   2 German friends who were with us were fairly baffled, despite being long term Liverpool residents.
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: Ham on 24 March, 2024, 10:22:54 pm
      I've mentioned Holli McNish before - a poet with the capacity to make words resonate and reverberate.

      You may enjoy her reading her poem "Just a Nurse" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLoxKo_yOfQ
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: andrewc on 26 March, 2024, 02:50:15 pm
      Something for people of a certain age.  An archive of "Countdown / TV Action" magazine from the early 1970's.   Dr Who, Thunderbirds, UFO, Fireball XL5, Stingray etc.  All editions & free to read.


      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Countdown_(Polystyle_Publications)



      https://archive.org/details/countdown-and-tv-action/Countdown%20001_%5B1971-02-20%5D/mode/2up
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: T42 on 27 March, 2024, 08:20:06 am
      Something for people of a certain age.  An archive of "Countdown / TV Action" magazine from the early 1970's.   Dr Who, Thunderbirds, UFO, Fireball XL5, Stingray etc.  All editions & free to read.


      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Countdown_(Polystyle_Publications)



      https://archive.org/details/countdown-and-tv-action/Countdown%20001_%5B1971-02-20%5D/mode/2up

      Thunderbirds was required watching when I was in digs at university.  Cue 5 blokes sitting in front of a 19" telly going dum-da-da-daaah, diddle-um diddle-um-pum-paaaaaaaah (da capo) and stamping their feet in time. Just as well we were on the ground floor.
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: Kim on 27 March, 2024, 01:12:10 pm
      Thunderbirds was required watching when I was in digs at university.  Cue 5 blokes sitting in front of a 19" telly going dum-da-da-daaah, diddle-um diddle-um-pum-paaaaaaaah (da capo) and stamping their feet in time. Just as well we were on the ground floor.

      I still hum that to myself when operating barakta's motorised uppy-downy desk (usually cranking it to full height for ease of cleaning/computer-plugging access).
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: citoyen on 27 March, 2024, 10:58:00 pm
      A friend of mine used AI to write an emo song about Lucy Worsley. It’s… um… quite something…

      https://app.suno.ai/song/d45ffea3-b11d-4d64-82f8-15d9252e5e3b/?fbclid=IwAR24q8GziPhUqig_RU0O7JCnXTQV3pTWHcxpHu4nKr5G6zuBWh9rupi4YHw_aem_ASRjeXbY0lioj1OprnNsjlU3dZ0VPsHC2vHJ--TnDU4mmHud8s3iMlagPlei4zZxa38
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: Basil on 27 March, 2024, 11:20:53 pm
      Wow.  Has anyone sent it to her?
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: citoyen on 27 March, 2024, 11:46:06 pm
      Wow.  Has anyone sent it to her?

      I do hope so!
      Title: Re: A random thread for small entertainment things not warranting their own thread..
      Post by: citoyen on 27 March, 2024, 11:53:39 pm
      He’s also done a happy hardcore song about classic liberal economics…

      https://app.suno.ai/song/ef269898-6a66-416c-baaa-f0797e5ad1cb/