Total Wipeout axed by the BBC

With budget cuts, redundancies and a massive hole in the BBC's budget after it forked out a rumoured £22m for the broadcasting rights to The Voice, it was a given that the BBC would ditch the plug on a few shows.

But today's news came at quite a shock. Yes, Total Wipeout - the gameshow which sees contestants running round an 'activity' course in sunny Argentina to win money, and make us laugh - has been axed from our screens.

The show was a massive hit for the Beeb when it launched 4 years ago, to viewing figures of over 5 million on Saturday night prime time.

But audience figures have recently fallen to a dismal 3 million, despite numerous series including several celebrity specials.

The show was originally heralded as the British answer to Takeshi's Castle, seeing the great British public - of all sizes, personalities and appearances - competing on a crash course which featured inflatables, big red balls and lots of water.

Set in Buenos Aires, the show sets different challenges, with 20 competitors being whittled down to won before won champion is crowned, winning themselves the Wipeout trophy and £10,000.

Famous challenges include 'Dizzy Dummies', 'The Sweeper' and 'The Wipeout Zone'.

Presented by Richard Hammond, and Amanda Byram, it is understood that Series 5 of the show, and the final edition of Winter Wipeout - the celebrity format - will air, before the series is taken off air.

However, it is not known whether the show will continue on another channel. Likely contenders could be digital channel Watch, which screens international editions of the programme.

Endemol, who own the rights to the show, are understood to be working with the BBC on a new saturday night format.

My thoughts:

It's sad, but it was inevitable. The thing about Wipeout is that it gets boring after a few episodes. The course is usually the same throughout the entire series, which is very dull when compared to the international versions. Richard Hammond, who presents from a studio back in England, provides a cringe-worthy narration throughout the entire show, sending viewers to sleep. Amanda Byram on the other hand, based in Argentina, does an ok job but barely shows enthusiasm. But would you blame her? The show had a good run, but it was no Takeshi's Castle. It needed to be a bit more rough around the edges. It made changes to late, and then decided to take the celebrity route. It's a shame, but no doubt it will be replaced by something a little better (not by that 101 ways to leave a gameshow please. That show was worse!)

Picture Courtesy of Wikipedia

'Bad Dreams' boost impatient numbers as admissions soar

Economic pressure, increasing energy bills and colder winters are taking their toll on the average Briton, as new figures released today saw an increase in admissions for the public suffering from nightmares.

Statistics released by the NHS Hospital Episode Statistics website report a steady increase in the number of people being treated for health and physical complications, all from the effects of Nightmares, over the last five years.

In 2010/11, 34 people consulted doctors for treatment in England - a 50% increase in admissions when compared to 23 cases in 2005/06.

The results, linked to the current financial concerns facing the British public, also show an increase in emergency cases. In 2009/10, 10 emergency cases were seen to by doctors. The figure has since risen by 20%, to 12 cases this year.

According to the mental health charity Mind, emotional difficulties, including anxiety and depression, are just one of the many factors that can disrupt your sleeping pattern and cause nightmares.

A nightmare is described by many as an unpleasant dream that can cause a strong negative emotional response, is usually common in children, and less frequent by adults, with many nightmares occurring irregularly - despite the latest research suggesting the mean age of those admitted as being 46. Nightmares are just one of the many symptoms of sleeping disorders, which also include narcolepsy and sleep terror disorder.

However, experts warned that recurrent nightmares, which can interfere with sleeping patterns and cause insomnia, may require medical help.

Harvard psychologist Deirdre Barrett, writing in her book ‘Trauma and Dreams’, cites imagery rehearsal therapy as a possible treatment for patients suffering from nightmares. She said: “Imagery rehearsal therapy involves the dreamer coming up with an alternative, mastery outcome to the nightmare.”

“Mentally rehearsing that outcome awake, and then reminding themselves at bedtime that they wish this alternative outcome, should the nightmare recur,” she added.

Other cures and treatment include; counselling, the practise of good sleep and talking to friends and family. Ins serious cases, treatment can include tests on blood cells, liver function and thyroid function, as well as the undertaking of an EEG - the process of measuring brain waves by placing electrodes on the head.

Volunteers from Mind, marking depression awareness week - one of the main factors associated with nightmares - explained that nightmares can be linked to wider mental and physical issues. One volunteer, who suffered from depression, said: “Nightmares and this numb nothingness characterised my seven months on antidepressants.

Karine, 22, also suffered from depression that later escalated into sleep problems, including nightmares. Writing on the Insomniacs expert website, she said: “I just found that I couldn’t get to sleep at night.”

Karine, who also admitted that her doctor failed to take the question seriously, advised other people to: “get on with things as normal as possible”, adding, “try not to worry, because sometimes it does get better.”

If you suffer from nightmares more than once a week, if nightmares stop you from having a good night’s rest or if they keep you from doing daily activities for a long period of time, experts advice that you should contact your health care provider.

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In other news, the statistics also uncovered an increase in the waiting time for patients. An average waiting time of 2.5 hours this year, compared to just 2.2 recorded last year, providing another blow to the radical NHS plans, unveiled by the Government earlier this year.

Royal Mail to increase stamp prices by 30%

Today it was announced that Royal Mail will increase the price of a First Class stamp to 60p from April, along with other planned price rises.

Currently, the price of a first class stamp is set at 46p, however Ofcom - the post office regulator - has lifted some price controls on products, allowing Royal Mail to increase the prices. For first class stamps, the price will increase by 30%.

From 30th April, a second class stamp will increase from 36p to 50p, a 39% increase. There will also be increases to large stamped letters, air mail and business class post.

The news has angered the public, who over the last ten years ago, have seen the price of a first class stamp increase by over 100%.

However, Royal Mail described the plans as "necessary", after revealing that since 2006, there has been a 25% decline in the volume of post. Royal Mail worries that without the planned increase, the reliability of their service will remain vulnerable in the tough economic climate, and the advancement of technology.

From my point of view, I'm rather worried about these plans too. If you were to ask me a few years ago what the cost of a first class stamp was, I would have been able to tell you. Now, however, the prices seem to increase every year.

On the face of it, 60p might not sound like much, a point the Royal Mail chiefs were making today. OK, so it might be the same price as a chocolate bar, but that is not the point. Compared to other countries, the cost is ridiculously high, and the service is unrelible, despite Royal Mail being keen to point out that the price rise reflects an improvement in service and speed.

But does it? Who are they fooling. Since the last price increase, I've had mail lost, returned and delivered late. Last Christmas, I sent a package three months beforehand to New Zealand with the promise of guaranteed Christmas delivery. It didn't even make the New Year!

The customer service is appalling, and what with the Royal Mail and the Post Office acting as two separate companies, it's painful trying to solve a dispute like a late delivery.

The postal service still plays a vital role in the UK. The Royal Mail chiefs may argue that technology is forcing them out of business, but at the end of the day, there is nothing quite like receiving a letter in the post then an email. It's always going to be used, it just needs to wake up to the 21st century and think ahead.

With the government agreeing last year that 90% of the Royal Mail will be privatised - likely to happen by 2014 - the postal service remains in the spotlight. I'd like to think the Royal Mail will still be here for years to come, and I'm sure it will be. But it needs to focus on the public demands. Forget technology and investment, focus on the small things that matter. After all, it's an important part of our infrastructure that needs protecting.

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia

Blog of the Week: Midomi

This week's Blog of the Week, a website dedicated to finding that annoying tune that is stuck in your head, is not really a blog, but still deserves its accolade as 'the jourknow's' Blog of the Week.

Today, after hopelessly failing to find a song which has been in my head for the last month, I stumbled upon this fantastic website that was featured in an article on how to find that song that just will not disappear from your mind.

We all have experienced it right? That annoying moment when you are humming a tune, but have no idea as to who sang it, and what the lyrics are. I could remember certain words, but after several failed attempts on searches of both Google and YouTube, I had near enough given up.

But then, as if by magic, Midomi appeared. It offers a unique service where, with the use of a microphone, you can hum to the tune that is stuck in your head, and Midomi will find the song you're looking for. Not only does it allow you to search for the song, but you can then socialise and connect with other people.

It gives you a competent collection of songs, albums and artists, rivalling all other sites that focus on the same 'query by humming' search. It took a little while to find the one I was after, but a few failed attempts later, I eventually found the song I was looking for. And now I have the song downloaded onto my ipod, freeing up space in my head for something else of little importance.

You can use Midomi on your computer, or you can download their popular app onto your Iphone or Android mobile. It's completely free, and easy to use. Just make sure you hum clearly and loudly. The more of the tune you know, the better the result will be. I attempted to sing some of the words, only to find I was totally off the mark. Oh, and you might want to sing in the privacy of your own bedroom, to save further embarrassment!

So the next time you struggle to find that Barbra Streisand song, only to find out it's actually Maria McKee and 'Show me Heaven' (as it was in my case), use Midomi, and put your mind at rest.

Picture Courtesy of Midomi

Previous 'Blog of the Week' posts:

- Tasha on TV

- This is Alton

- Mode de la Mode
- Catastrophic Findings

The New Zealand Diaries: No.8 - If you go down to Owaka today...you're sure of a big surprise!

The wonderful thing about New Zealand is that it is always full of surprises. For example, the fact that most of the shops are open all day on a Sunday, or that even in the cold, you will still find someone in the sea surfing. But these are all quite mediocre compared to a land dedicated to teapots and teddy bears, all located in a small village. You've got to be joking, you ask?

Surprisingly not! Welcome to Owaka, situated in the heart of the Catlins area. Here we stayed for one night on our tour of the South Island. It's a quaint little village, with all the necessities you need, from the village store to the village pub. Our chalet was typical of the New Zealand holiday lodges, with its own little kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom. In fact, it felt like we had hired out a mini-pad just for the night.

With mountains and cloudless sky surrounding the village, it was a perfect opportunity to walk around, take pictures and snack on a cool, refreshing ice cream.

Along the way, we came across two places which both surprised and entertained me. It seemed surreal, but alas, in the middle of this little village were two 'worlds' (or museums, to be more precise), housing two rather interesting collections.

One was dedicated to 'Tea.' As in the stuff you drink. Featuring an array of cups, saucers, mugs and teapots, Tea World was an outside exhibit bright in colour, with an assortment of china and crockery.

Next door housed the inside exhibit, Dolly & Teddy Bear world. Again, rather surreal but thoroughly entertaining, the collection featured everything from Baby Born to Tinky Winky.

I'm not sure if either collections were made by the council or one mad kiwi with a fondness for drinking tea at teddy bear's picnics, but it has made for one interesting story to tell all my friends. So if you ever find yourself wondering around the Catlins, make sure to drop by Owaka. Because you'll be surprised what's in this little village.

Read more from The New Zealand Diaries:

No.7 - Golden Nuggets!

No.6 - Christmas down under

No.5 - The steepest street in the world

No.4 - Food, glorious food
No.3 - Brighton Beach, but not as you know it!
No.2 - The Good Life
No.1 - Don't Fly Qantas

Review of the Week: The Voice

Singing contests, reality tv shows and music programmes. I look back at the shows that have passed. Fame Academy, Pop Idol, Popstars and the ailing X Factor. Shows which, at the top of their game, were popular with the public and generally well received. But they got boring. The singers fell flat, the sob stories passed the ten minute mark and the judges went from A List to Z List. What is needed, is a new, fresh format to rival all other reality tv shows, and put raw talent back in the spotlight.

Which is why The Voice seemed appealing. When the US version hit screens last year, from the original Dutch format, I was excited. Watching clips on YouTube, it seemed like a breath of fresh air to an already crowded entertainment world. And when the BBC, after a bidding war with ITV, claimed the prize of the UK broadcasting rights, my excitement started to grow.

In the last few months, the BBC have been plotting something so huge, that even the big, botox-faced man himself, Simon Cowell, rushed back home to see what all the fuss was about. A format unlike any other show, four 'superstar' coaches, a contest that is rocking its way all over the world and an aim that goes back to basics. The Voice aims to please the nation.

And overall, it did please me. Last nights opening was beyond my wildest dreams. But before I delve in, let me give you a bit of a heads up.

Presented by Holly Willoughby (urgh, so dull) and Reggie Yates (oo, a bit better), The Voice on BBC One aims to find a singing superstar by judging solely on the voice of an artist, with the winner signing a record contract with Universal. In the 'Blind Auditions', four of the world's biggest singers - Will.I.Am (Black Eyed Peas frontman), Sir Tom Jones, Jessie J and Danny O'Donoghue (from The Script) - have their backs turned to the singer, facing the audience. By listening to the voice and judging on voice alone, the 'coaches' as they're referred to, choose who they want by pressing a red button and spinning their chair to reveal who is singing. If none of them press the button, then the signer goes home. If all of them press the buzzer, the singer decides who to coach them.

It sounds a bit complicated, but the fantastic first episode made it clear. It's a case of judging solely on the voice. It's not about how you look, where you come from, what your story is. It's about the talent. And the number one thing for me that was great about this show was that there was real talent. In fact, if you had all these artists on something like the X Factor, all of them would be chosen. But only the very best were picked.

In an episode which saw all four coaches singing to 'I've gotta feeling' (felt a bit cheesy, but showed off the singing skills of each coach), the show featured acts up and down the country, from working mothers, singers with confidence issues and even a boyfriend and girlfriend (was awkward, to say the least, when the boyfriend got chosen and the girlfriend didn't!) singing their hearts out.

All the singers brought something different to the stage, as did the four coaches. Jessie J has the current knowledge and popular appeal, Tom is the legend with plenty of experience, Will.I.Am plays the comedian - cool but with a game plan - and Danny shows a soft, caring side with his boyband looks. The part where the artist chooses the right judge is both fun and painful to watch, with each judge bartering for the act. In some cases, however, it did get a bit cringe worthy.

Yes, you can draw a few similarities to the other shows. It does feature a few sob stories, although moderately with a human touch, not just to exploit the artist. The auditions felt a bit X Factor-esque, especially when backstage. And the audience were still screaming and calling the shots.

But all in all, it is a fantastic concept for a show which the whole nation is tipping to be a success. The artists love it, the industry seems pleased and the critics are applauding it (unless you are Simon Cowell, whose dead horse - Britain's Got Talent - is lagging behind). It seems the BBC might have just found its own answer, indeed its own 'Voice' if you will, in the competitive singing contest market!

4/5 Stars

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia

Follow me on Twitter: @kieranwatkins

The Budget 2012: The plans, the changes and what it means to you

Over the last few days, there has been one main focus of the news agenda. A diary event which affects our economy, our businesses, our way of life and so on. Yes, it’s the Budget, and this month’s Budget provided a few surprises, among many other planned changes to government departments and to our way of life.

In a competent and calm speech, the Chancellor George Osborne started off with some rather good news. He reported that the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicts that the UK will avoid a “technical recession”, but that the Eurozone is still a risk to the UK economy. In a budget which he described as “the budget that rewards work”, he also revealed that the OBR forecasts a 0.8% growth forecast this year for the UK Economy, with a 2% rise planned for next year. This means we should avoid going back into recession, despite countries in Europe (including Germany, who recently announced a drop in growth).

On the downside, despite deflation, unemployment is on the rise. Public sector borrowing was however down by 11.1%, almost £11billion less than previously forecasted in the budget of autumn last year. Public sector debt forecasted to peak at 76.3% of GDP (Gross Domestic Profit) by 2014/15.

But anyway, on to what really matters. Below is a list of some of the proposals. I have provided a few comments on each new plan. Some are likely to be well received by the public and media; others however, may pose a blow to families:

Tax System:

-          Rising the personal allowance of individuals to £10,000, meaning anyone earning less is free from paying Income Tax. Currently, the allowance is about £7,000, meaning lots of members from the public will be free from paying tax (great news if you have a small part time job)

-          Child Benefit withdrawn, replaced by income tax charge for households who earn over £50,000 a year. Households earning over £60,000 will no longer gain Child Benefit. Mixed opinion from public, however was already reported as happening. Rich will suffer.

-          State pension to be reviewed in the near future. Elderly income tax personal allowance frozen. This is likely to be a key feature of the autumn budget.

-          Reduction in top rate of income tax from 50% to 45%. Likely to anger the poor, but again, has been talked about for quite some time. Labour government originally rose the rate from 45% to 50%, so it’s nothing new.

-          Reduce main rate of Corporation tax by added 1%, making a 2% reduction from April this year to 24%. Will decrease by 1% each year to 22% by 2014. Great news for businesses, making it more competitive for companies across the global economy. May help the economy.

-          New Stamp Duty Land Tax rate of 7% for residential properties over £2million. Lib Dems will be pleased with this, for it’s similar to their plans for a ‘Mansion Tax’.

-          Consultation will begin on annual charges on residential properties over £2million.

-          Stop tax avoidance, which the chancellor said: “Tax avoidance is morally repugnant.”

-          Age related allowances (ARAs) will only be available to those born on or before 5 April 1938. 4.4m pensioners will be worse off as a result

-          Issues new Personal Tax Statements for around 20milliopn tax payers. Fantastic idea, will help people understand their taxes, where they go to, how much they pay etc.

-          Help small businesses by introducing tax calculated on a cash basis, rather than figures. Making it easier to calculate tax.

Reforms to support growth:

-          Look to privatizing roads, and how to finance new national road networks. Was already mentioned at the beginning of the week, no major news.

-          Introduce ultrafast broadband to 8 major UK cities, as part of £100mil investment. Nice to see a lot of areas in the North that will benefit, rather than the south.

-          Invest £130million in a new Northern Hub rail scheme, and invest £60million in a UK centre for aerodynamics. Great for UK jobs, and again, will benefit the North of the country (although, in terms of Tory voters, may cause a rift between voters and the government).

-          Report on South East airport infrastructure over the summer. Is likely to determine the fate of the Thames Estuary/ Heathrow Expansion. One to watch!

-          Relax Sunday Trading laws from the 22 July 2012 for 8 weekends to coincide with the Olympics. Already announced last week. Public opinion likely to be mixed.

-          Tax reliefs from April 2013 on video games, animation and television industries, to protect shows such as Wallis & Gromit (which the chancellor quipped rather amusingly) and Downton Abbey from setting up production outside of the UK. Today’s announcement of Game Group going into administration likely to overshadow the proposals.

-          Publish a strategy of gas generation in the summer, along with major investment in Renewable energy, and simplifying the Carbon Reduction Commitment schemes. One of the biggest surprises was the Chancellor’s reluctance to promote Nuclear Power, which has been in the news recently.

-          Tax relief and changes expected for North Sea Oil companies, with investment likely to lead to exploration of Shetland areas in North Sea.

Treasury Special Reserve:

-          Special Reserve provision for military operations will be reduced by £2.4 billion, in line with announcement that UK combat operations in Afghanistan will cease by the end of 2014. I remain sceptical on how the government can decide to remove troops so early, despite on-going conflict in Afghan

-          Council tax relief for soldiers following £3million investment. Will benefit families of around 20,000 deployed personnel

VAT/ Duty:

-          Correct loopholes/ anomalies in the VAT System, particularly prices of hot food and soft drinks. Likely to lead to price rises in certain ‘basket goods’.

-          New duty on gambling machines. Operators anywhere in the world will have to pay duty on profits generated from UK customers

-          No change to Alcohol Duty – although NHS likely to review health care provision for alcohol related treatment. Surprised that government did not decide to introduce minimum fee’s

-          Cigarette Duty to rise by 5% comes into effect at 6pm TONIGHT! Price of a pack of 20 likely to increase by 37p. A victory for health campaigners, bad news for smokers.

-          No further change to fuel duty, although a 3p rise will come into effect over August. Likely to anger motorists, who hoped for fuel concessions

Other:

-          Government to increase funds available to invest through the Business Finance Partnership to £1.2 billion

-          Gold Reserves worth around £11 billion

-          Continued investment in Exports to reinstate Britain as a global player (in reaction to Brazil, India, China)

So what we have is a very interesting budget. A budget which the chancellor called “fiscally neutral”, despite the critics suggesting will harm the majority of the Conservative’s wealthy voters. The budget focused on business, tax evasion and welfare, the latter of which the Chancellor revealed 30% of our taxes go towards. It was a tough stance taken by the chancellor, but in these tough times, action needs to be swift. If the promises are made, maybe Britain will be on the road to recovery?

Please let me know your thoughts on the planned proposals, how they may affect you or your families. Thank you.

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia

Apologies for any innacurate information. The link provides you with the full plans.

BBC to charge viewers to use On-Demand service

A major overhaul of the TV License fee would see viewers watching their favourite programmes online be charged by the government.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will consider plans for anyone using the BBC iplayer website, to watch or listen to recorded radio and TV content, to legally have to pay the current £145.50 TV License.

Currently, anyone watching TV or Radio programmes after they have been broadcast is exempt from paying the fee. However, with the increasing use of on-demand services available through new technology, and the arrival of the BBC-backed Youview next year – the new plug-in-and-watch service that will provide Freeview, news and video on-demand – the government is keen to get rid of the grey area which encompasses the current legislature.

Talking to the Guardian, a spokesperson for the department said: “Government is aware of developing technologies and the changing viewing habits of those who watch television programmes. How the BBC is funded as these issues evolve is a matter the department will need to address in the near future."

Earlier this month, the BBC issued iplayer viewing figures for September, which showed that the service had received 153 million requests for TV and radio programmes; with TV shows such as Outnumbered and Doctor Who, along with The Chris Moyles Breakfast Show and 5 Live Sport Premier League Football coverage on radio, being the top shows for the period.

But the public and users of on-demand services today expressed their anger at the plans. Students in particular have criticised the governments, after it was revealed through recent statistics by Sixthsense, Yougov’s market intelligence platform, that show 75% of students watch 2 to 3 hours of TV Online each day (Source:thedrum.co.uk).

Lana Burgess, a History student at Royal Holloway, argued against the statistics, claiming that; “As a student I watch very little TV, so to have to pay [a TV License] to watch a few shows now and then is ridiculous.”

“Iplayer is there for us to watch after the live viewing if we want to watch it,” agreed Caroline Allen-Rogers, who studies Applied Psychology at Durham University. “We shouldn’t be charged.”

However the BBC, despite the current £200 Million loophole the current legislature entails, have insisted the current TV License is working. Talking to The Mirror, a spokesperson said: “We believe the current system works very efficiently and do not see a need to change its scope.”

The mounting pressure on the BBC comes under months of cost-cutting, and the announcement by the government that the TV License Fee will be frozen till 2017, resulting in impending redundancies and a reduction in department spending across all channels.
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In further criticism for the BBC, it was recently revealed that former footballer and Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen is paid £40,000per programme for his pundit role with the BBC, one of nine BBC stars thought to be earning over £1 Million a year.

Review of the Week: Horrible Bosses

Ok, so I had my doubts, what with the dubious title leaving little to the imagination of what the plot line might be. But I was pleasantly surprised. Horrible Bosses, directed by Seth Gordon, was not horrible at all. In fact, I really, really enjoyed it!

Settling down between a friend and a mountain full of popcorn, I had originally agreed, or should I hastily admit, that I had intended to watch Bridesmaids with my female companion, so deciding on Horrible Bosses was what I call a risk. A risk worth taking though! The opening scene introduces three guys; Nick, Dale and Kurt (played by Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis respectively) at work, where their three bosses played by an ensemble cast featuring Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey and Colin Farrell. All three bosses make their lives in the workplace a living nightmare, be it for different reasons. In order to stop them from quitting and facing an antagonising ordeal going from place to place trying to find a job - perhaps the only realistic part of the film - they all agree to ‘kill’ their bosses and relieve themselves of the troublesome trio.

Right, so three people who try to kill their bosses. Who hasn’t contemplated that before, right? Obviously, in the land of Hollywood, these are not your usual bosses. Dave Harkin (Spacey) plays the role of the big-ego, money-loaded boss who manipulates Nick (Bateman) to such an extent that, ok, murder might be considered acceptable. Although Bateman adds little to the role, Spacey creates a rather chilling persona to his character, a menace who help creates the films highest tension stealer when he murders Bobby Pellitt (Colin Farrell), which puts a spanner in the films narrative to say the least.
Farrell also creates a unique persona, a drug and sex fuelled manager who apart from the money involved, has no intentions to succeed, much to Kurt’s (Sudeikis) anger. Farrel’s performance could be stronger., despite it being claimed the role of Bobby was formed on Farrell’s own requests, particularly the appearance. Although on further inspection, I would argue the character’s ‘Rock’n’Roll’ habits might be more similar to the real-life conquests of Farrell’s turbulent personal life.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was with the third boss, the sex-obsessed dentist, Dr Julia Harris, played by a shockingly good Jennifer Aniston. Not only is it one of the more amusing performances from Jennifer Aniston’s patchy repertoire, but all the sexual chemistry and aggression played out on screen as the sex-pest doctor creates one almighty laugh-out-loud scene, instigated by both actors equally. But like Farrell, she seems to be using her personal life, or should that be lack of one, to truly instigate a very different yet likeable character, who myself, and possibly many other men, would love to have as their boss!

The narrative counteracts tension with humour, and with the three main men offering an alternative to the ‘three musketeers’ typecast in recent films like The Hangover - where a few similarities can be made - ultimately the film provides a unique Black comedy. One actor to commend is Charlie Day. With his squeaky voice and lacklustre persona, his performance is putting him on course with Zach Galifianakis as the next best thing in American comedy. Although arguably, the supporting cast - that also includes Donald Sutherland and Jamie Foxx - initiated the biggest response in terms of humour from the audience.

Altogether, this quirky film may play on some stereotypical elements of recent American comedy, but what entails is a film full of surprises, amusement and bags of humour which unsurprisingly, has proved a box office hit and a must see film.

4/5 Stars.

The New Zealand Diaries: No.7 - Golden Nuggets!

If I could take anything away from my trip to New Zealand, it would be the fantastic, picturesque scenery of the South Island. Golden beaches, deep blue oceans and cloudless skies. Sounds like heaven right?

Which is why a three day trip to the Catlins was magical. Like walking through a fairytale, the trip was magical. The sun was shining, the atmosphere was calm and the views were to die for.

Nugget Point, on our first stop across the Catlins, is on the coast, one of the iconic points on the Otago coastline. A walk along the side of the mountain brought us out by a lighthouse, where you can view the Nuggets.

The Nuggets are a 'collection' of boulders forming a bay, and are teaming with wildlife. Dolphins, seals and penguins are often found frolicking in the surf, surrounded by various sea birds and fish. I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a family of seals sunbathing on the rocks, as well as a pod of dolphins swimming majestically towards the horizon.

The lighthouse is the focal point at Nugget Point, with a panoramic view of the nuggets and the side of the mountain. The sun glimmers off the clear blue sea, and makes for a beautiful picture. Camera's are recommended.

The footpath to the lighthouse is both scenic and educational, with various stop off points on route with information points. It's great for families who want a free, adventurous and memorable day out. I cannot stress enough however, do not forget your camera!

Read more from The New Zealand Diaries:

No.6 - Christmas down under

No.5 - The steepest street in the world

No.4 - Food, glorious food
No.3 - Brighton Beach, but not as you know it!
No.2 - The Good Life
No.1 - Don't Fly Qantas

Paddington Bear: A worthy winner of Britain's best animated character?

His blue duffle coat, accompanied by a pair of shiny red wellingtons, topped off with a black hat, has been an iconic look for over 50 years. He helped to make marmalade sandwiches popular, and it could be argued he put Peru on the map. He is of course, Paddington Bear, and he was this week crowned Britain's best animated character of all time.

Paddington Bear has long been one of my favourite bear's. Sitting alongside Winnie the Pooh, Knut and the Hair Bear Bunch, he is perhaps one of the more wiser bears in the entertainment world. Never failing to regenerate himself after - he was first brought to our screens way back in 1958 - he remains an iconic figure for Britain.

So you would expect public opinion to be in support of his latest accolade, which he won at the 9th British Animation Awards in London this week. He's featured in books, TV shows and has had many teddy bears, toys and collectibles made, yet I was shocked to find outcry from some members of the public who criticised the win.

But why? Most arguments seem to centre around the fact that although Paddington Bear is iconic, he perhaps does not have the glamour of some of the other competitors. Characters such as Super Ted, Bagpuss, The Clangers, Mr Benn, Dangermouse and Postman Pat were all nominated alongside the lovable bear. All were hits in their day, with Postman Pat still clinging on to children's TV. All popular candidates for the award, but none so worthy as the great bear himself.

The likeable thing about Paddington was that he was, well, ordinary. Apart from being a kooky character with a love of marmalade and battered suitcases, the stories were easy to follow and promoted family values. They touched on issues such as adoption and class conflict with subtlety, with the first series using stop-motion animation to keep the audiences focus on the narration. Humour was of paramount importance, and the storylines always varied, keeping the audience's interest.

The best thing about Paddington, when compared to many of the animations we have today, is that he was not commercialised into an advertising machine. Yes, you could buy your very own Paddington Bear, but you did not see his face or logo printed on nappies to bananas like you do with more modern characters. Peppa Pig may have popular appeal, but if she was not advertised everywhere, would you know her?

The British public of today want a shiny star. Over the last few decades, it has been apparent that to succeed in children's TV, you need money and you need publicity. Similar to the celebrities of the real world, the concept is the same. Which is why so many of the characters of yesterday have left our screens, headed for the history books.

Yet Paddington remains. Like a cult rock artist, he is highly regarded by our nation. Maybe it is his outfit, his name or personality that keeps him familiar with people young or old? Who knows, but whatever he has, many of the other animators are keen to find it. As the old English proverb goes, 'mighty oaks from little acorns grow', and maybe Paddington is an example of this. He will never tire, certainly not in my eyes.

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia/ The Jourknow

Sian Williams leaves BBC Breakfast

It was a sad day for early morning viewers this morning, as BBC Breakfast presenter Sian Williams, after over a decade on the famous red sofa, hung up her microphone and waved goodbye to breakfast television. A competent and professional presenter, Sian has been a delight to viewers waking up in the morning, with her co-host Bill Turnball. Today, she gave her final summary in a tear-jerking show that saw her reduced to tears as she looked back on her favourite moments on the programme.

The programme, the most watched breakfast show in the UK, is relocating to Salford this year in Manchester, with a new studio and new producers. Despite criticism from the Media and the public at the move, the BBC have gone ahead with the plans, meaning Sian's fate was inevitable. Preferring to stay with her family down South, Sian decided to resign from the early morning starts.

Sian will not be disappearing altogether however. Soon to be presenting on Radio 4, along with her commitments to the Olympics and BBC News summaries, the presenter is dedicated to the BBC, telling the Daily Mail "the BBC is in my blood."

As an aspiring journalist, it is my dream, one day, to get the chance to present a news programme, and Sian's legacy has really inspired me. Her warm-hearted touch, together with her co-presenter Bill Turnball, has delighted over 2 million viewers in the country. She will be missed.

Here are her highlights: Sian Williams leaves BBC Breakfast

Picture Courtesy of Wikipedia

Ten TV shows you should be watching

It's fair to say, I am a bit of a telly addict. Despite a heavy schedule of study, work and more study, I think it is fundamental to relax in front of my favourite shows after a hard days graft, and the list below is no exception. Featuring a mix of drama, comedy, reality tv and soaps, I hope these ten shows will interest you in watching them too.

1. Winners and Losers (ITV 2 - Tuesdays at 10pm) - This Australian series is one of the best things to come out of Australia since Holly Valance. Following the demise of soaps such as Neighbours and Home & Away, this series follows a group of four women who have won the lottery, and showing the ups and downs of having it all. Funny, sophisticated and glamorous, a great series with similarities drawn to shows such as Mistresses and Desperate Housewives.
2. The Voice (BBC 1 - starts 24th March) - The most talked about singing contest over the last year, international versions have been praised by the critics, and now it's coming to the UK. Featuring a line-up of mentors including Jessie J, Tom Jones and Will.I.Am, this costly show is hotly anticipated to dominate prime time Saturday nights, going up against rival ITV. A must watch if you hated X Factor last year.

3. The Apprentice (BBC1 - starts 21st March) - Sir Alan, Nick and Karen return next week for the brand new series of The Apprentice. With new candidates, new tasks and a new prize, the reality show should prove to be more popular then ever, hosted by the nation's most menacing, and most respected businessman.
4. Frost on Interviews (BBC4 - Tuesdays at 9pm) - This excellent new series featuring respected journalist and presenter Sir David Frost looks up-close at the role of the interviewer. Interesting, educational and inspiring, this show - featuring interviews with guests such as Michael Parkinson - uncovers the true grit of the natural interviewer.

5. Watchdog (BBC1 - starts tonight at 8pm) - The consumer programme, back again for another new series, is a favourite with the nation, as it promises to inform the audience of all the latest dodgy deals, high prices and rogue traders. Oh and 'the queen of mean' Anne Robinson presents, what else could you ask for in a programme.
6. Benidorm (ITV1 - Fridays at 9pm) - It pains me to admit that I am hooked on this series, but it really is pure comedy gold featuring the worst stereotypes of the British working class. Cringe or cry with laughter, the new series provides just as many laughs as the previous, award winning series. So grab your fake tan and Speedos, and settle down in front of the box.

7. New Girl (Channel 4 - Fridays at 8:30pm) - One of the most talked about shows to cross the pond from the States, this funny, warm-hearted show features the kooky, gorgeous Zooey Deschanel as Jess, a teacher living with her three male flat mates. It's easy to watch and enjoy.
8. White Van Man (BBC3 - Thursdays at 9:30pm) Another easy-to-watch programme, featuring the likeable Will Mellor, this second series of the comedy series follows the life of a builder, who drives a white van. Pretty self-explanatory, it's appealing with its simple plot line and comic situations.

9. Britain's Got Talent (ITV1 - starts 24th March) The talent show series returns, along with Simon Cowell, whose absence last year saw the series fail to attract as much media attention as it had done previously. With the likes of Alesha Dixon and David Walliams added to the judging panel, the refreshed look promises to be bigger and better as it competes against The Voice. Which will you watch?
10. Eastenders (BBC 1) Ok, nothing interesting has happened on screen for ages, but off screen, exciting plans are in-store for the soap. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood has left the programme, to much delight from disgruntled viewers, and old stalwart Sharon Watts will be returning later in the year. I'm hoping a new producer will re-ignite the show, which has seen viewers turn off over the last few years.

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

Opportunities for aspiring journalists

It is not everyday where I flick through a newspaper and see so many opportunities for a young journalist. But today was one of those days. If you had the chance to pick up a copy of The Guardian this morning, you will have noticed many of the exciting opportunities for young journalists, to not only be inspired and gain knowledge in the field of journalism, but also garner experience through some exciting opportunities. If you did not happen to pick up the latest copy however, I have listed below some of the opportunities I came across.

1. The Guardian International Development Journalism Competition 2012 - this fantastic competition offers a unique opportunity for aspiring journalists to report on key issues in the developing world. The challenge is to write a feature of 650 to 1,000 words by Thursday 3 May at 23.59pm on an aspect of global poverty that deserves greater media exposure. 16 finalists will then be chosen, and flown out to a developing country to write up on a key new issue. Two winners will then be chosen, and given awards in London at the end of the year. The competition is free, and supported by major companies and NGO's. A fantastic opportunity for a journalist with dreams of reporting from abroad.
2. Panorama (8:30pm tonight, BBC 1) - Any journalist should be glued to the ongoing coverage of the phone hacking scandal, and tonight's episode of Panorama looks closely at Rupert Murdoch's news empire, where journalist Vivian White investigates allegations of corruption in tonight's episode, "Murdoch's TV Pirates." Well worth a watch.
3. The Guardian Student Media Awards - Another Guardian-led item, this fantastic opportunity will help kick start a journalist's dream by helping nominate student reporters for awards and prizes. Awards cover photographers to broadcasters, critics to feature writers. These awards are a great opportunity for young journalists to showcase their work, and get a foot on the ladder to success. May as well try your luck!
4. Frost on Interviews (9:00pm tomorrow, BBC 4) - I do not know about you, but Sir David Frost is one of my favourite broadcast journalists, and this exceptional new series sees him interviewing famous chat show hosts and other gruelling reporters, as he delves into the history of the interviewing trade. For anyone interested in broadcast journalism looking to get a few tips on interview technique and style, this is the show for you. A must!