Russell Brand to host MTV Awards

This may be a bit soon, but what did I tell you. It's a Brand thing, I'm glad that the US public will get to see Russell doing what I think he does best, live TV. I for one can't wait I just hope that US prime time audience is ready for his oh so close to the bone humor. Program your TiVo people.

Brand previously hosted MTV Select in the UK British comedian Russell Brand is to host this year's MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) in Los Angeles. The 33-year-old is still relatively unknown in the US, where the ceremony will be held on 7 September. Brand recently co-starred in the comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall and is currently filming the Adam Sandler comedy Bedtime Stories. Previous VMA hosts include actor Jack Black, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon and Jamie Foxx. Teenage pop trio The Jonas Brothers will play at the event, while other performers and presenters will be announced at a later date. 'Televised insanity' Brand said it would be "good to preside over what is sure to be only vaguely co-ordinated televised insanity". He went on: "That's how I've made my name in this country: flying very much by the seat - and the crotch - of my pants." Brand is a former MTV host in the UK and has presented numerous TV shows and events, as well as a regular programme on BBC Radio 2. He has also performed sell-out comedy gigs and wrote a best-selling memoir, My Booky Wook, which was published last year. Last year he made his feature film debut as Flash Harry in St Trinian's, opposite Colin Firth, Rupert Everett and Emily Watson. Thanks to BBC entertainment news.

So Americans can't drink, eh?

You know the myth about Americans not being able to hold their drink. Well that stereotype has been well and truly quashed.

"Police in the American state of Rhode Island have arrested a man with the highest blood alcohol level ever recorded for someone who wasn’t already dead."

Whatever you think about the perils of alcohol you have to be impressed by just how much of the stuff this man could get inside himself and still be alive. It must have been one long night out on the town. The drink drive limit in Rhode Island is 0.08 and this guys result was a staggering 0.491.

I'm off for a pint then a lay down.

The full story is here.

Monkey magic

I am linking once again to a BBC story today titled What was Monkey Magic all about.

I was first introduced to the story of 'Monkey' in his television series, but it began as a Chinese novel from the 16th Century. The story above explains the characters and story (and cultural impact) much better than I can. All I wanted to say was that I loved Monkey and, yes, that probably does mean that I am one of those late 30-somethings that remember Monkey with great affection. The stories were exciting and action packed but at the same time there was an intelligence and morality to each episode. I loved that about BBC2 even when I was 10. In the same slot on different nights I also enjoyed Harold Lloyd and a variety of natural history documentaries.


I have become excited about Monkey again because of the attention that Monkey Into the West, an opera by Blur and Gorillaz creator Damon Albarn along with graphic artist Jamie Hewlett who designed the stage sets and costumes.

Jamie's artwork is also to be made prominent in the UK due to his creation of the animated characters for the BBC's TV coverage of the Olympic games. You won't be able to move this summer without seeing Monkey in some form somewhere.

So what better time to encourage you all to please, please go online and order the DVD's and have a kicking kung fu party.

It's a Brand thing

I am at home today due to some sad family news. This cheered me up no end.

I love Russell Brand his total openness and candor about his early life, sexual escapades and drug use is a breath of fresh air. Even with his new found fame in the US as well as his unstoppable popularity in the UK, he will fearlessly make fun of himself and not take life too seriously. These short clips I've included below were shot at his home in LA during the production of his latest movies.

I highly recommend his weekly radio2 podcast. It is free to download through iTunes or the BBC direct. You can also give his Booky Wook a read - Bart and I enjoyed it. I have included a review from The Observer.

Gone Global

I have been collecting stats on this site for just over a month now. So I thought I would share who has been dropping by.

Between 06.06.08 and 06.07.08 I have had 491 pageviews from 44 individuals from 31 cities in 8 countries. I know this is small change for most Blogs but I am thrilled.

UK, USA, France, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Italy and Hong Kong.

I am amazed that anyone would take the time to look at my random thoughts. I'm sure that most of you come here through Bart's Blog, but a fair number of you come back so I just wanted to voice my appreciation and say thank you again for taking the time. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Tony

The Flexifoil boys

I have been really bad at keeping up with my flying so far this year. I am still to get my kite out of it's bag, so I have been fixing through Youtube. Here is the team from Flexifoil showing us all how to do it properly. Maybe I will get the chance this weekend (fingers crossed) I'll keep you posted. Enjoy the pros in the mean time.

Gay in the UK

I have recently seen two news stories that have made me re-think how lucky I am to be Gay in the UK. I can honestly say that I have never been the victim of homophobia here. I came out to my friends and family back in 1993 and was lucky to have always had positive - if sometimes a little shocked - reactions.

I put that down to having great friends and family (I do), but maybe there is a little more to it than that. Below are the two news stories. One from the UK and one from Italy. It clearly shows that there are still places in western Europe where it is still difficult to be openly gay. The story from the UK, in which the local authority is preserving public park space for gay men to have sexual rendezvous shows that people will fall over themselves (to a fault?) to make sure that you are not discriminated against in any way. The story from Italy shows just the opposite. Please let me know what you think.

Here is the UK story

Here is the story from Italy

Italy declares Pompeii emergency

The ancient city of Pompeii has fallen into such disrepair that the Italian government has declared a "state of emergency" in a bid to save the ruins.

The temple of Apollo

As you will know if you have been to visit my home, I have a small piece of volcanic rock from Pompeii in my living room. I am convinced that our little piece of looting has nothing to do with the current state of emergency.

We went to see the massively impressive Pompeii site back in 2004 I think, during an Easter break in Napoli. The place is amazing, it really does feel like all of the people have just gone away for the weekend and left everything open. It is very eerie.

I am pleased that the Italian government is taking this jewel of a city seriously. Maybe when you visit, there will be a whole army of old Italians volunteering to guard the valuables (as they do in the UK at all National Trust sites.)

If you get the chance go see it you will not be disappointed. Even if like us you manage to visit on the one day a year when it pours down so hard you end up with rivers of rain flowing through the ancient streets.

Take a look here at the news story from the BBC.

This weeks Odd Box

For those of you who enjoyed the last episode. here is this weeks Odd Box.

Click here.

Cat addopts Red Panda Cub

You may be sensing a theme here but I love these things. I can't resist a good adoption story and this one has a Red Panda, so cute.

Click here to see the video.

Sick little bastards!

I came across this today while doing my daily trawl through the BBC news. Now not wanting to sound like your Gran, but what the hell is wrong with kids today? I just can't fathom what would would motivate 12 and 13 year olds to do such a hideous thing.

Children aid animal deaths probe

Four children have been questioned by police over the deaths of more than 100 animals on a Teesside allotment.

Hens, ducks, geese, ferrets and chickens were found battered to death at Springfield allotments, near Guisborough over the weekend.

Items found at the scene, including a hammer, garden rake and hoe are thought to have been used as weapons.

Cleveland Police said a girl aged 12 and three boys aged 12 and 13 had been interviewed under caution.

Power of Nightmares re-awakened

Just thought that I would post an interesting article I saw today. Regarding a BBC documentary from 2004 exploring the politics of fear and terrorism. The writer invited viewers to comment and here are some of those comments and the writers reply to them. We missed it but I'm sure we will dig it out from somewhere.

Click here

Happy 60th birthday to 1984

Big Brother Book Club

Here is video taken from the BBC's Culture Show, here is a mix of ex-BB housemates from both the normal and celebrity series brought together around big leather chairs, to discuss their personal experience in the BB house and comparing it to the George Orwell book on witch the series is obviously based.

The discussion made me think about the fact that both the UK and US governments, like the fictional Big Brother, use fear of attack by unknown foes who may or may not be a real threat to our societies to paralyze any criticism. This in itself fosters xenophobia and racism. If anybody dares to criticise that is seen as being unpatriotic. Then there is spying on our Email conversations and watching our every move.

The resonance that the book has now in the UK as the 'most watched nation in the world', I think comes through clearly (There are 2.5 million CCTV cameras in the UK). We are all now contestants in our own life-long episode of Big Brother. Bart and I were both surprised at the conversation, it was actually interesting. It made me want to revisit the book that I barely read at school in 1984. Much more so than watching the current series where I can't find one interesting person to even contemplate supporting.

Anyway have a look at the video for yourselves I found it interesting. I may even encourage me to read something. Click here to view the video.

Participants include: Germaine Greer (writer and academic), Vanessa Feltz (broadcaster and journalist) and Derek Laud (speech writer and political analyst), all of whom have taken part in the series.

So good I have to share

Like I say so good I have to share.

I'm not sure if you guys in the US will be able to link to this, as it comes direct from the official BBC Glastonbury website. Let me know.

The full Massive Attack set from the Other Stage.

The Queen of mean?

I applaud charitable donations, I have been on the receiving end of some welcome cash during my time as a youth worker. I saw this story today (remember I am an animal lover) and just couldn't help but think with so much money involved there must be a better way to share this woman's fortune out to many deserving causes.

I do however think that if she dislikes her Grandchildren that much that she deliberately leaves them out of the will, her wishes should be honored. Just because they are family it doesn't mean that have a right to her money. I'm sure that the grandchildren would say she is the Queen of mean but I say tough luck!

Click on the picture for the full BBC story.

So who did I see?

Well we are now home and much rested. I emerged from my pit at 12 noon Tuesday and then went for a lovely South American lunch (thanks Bart).



So there was so much to experience (and we did) that there is no way that I can fit it into one post. I think I will start with my list of acts that were unmissable as far as I was concerned. Some unfortunately were missed, due mostly to the massive scale of the site (8 miles wide), combined with our inexperience and some rescheduling that we were unaware of. So who on my list did I actually get to see?




0) Dizzee Rascal. At the Park stage.

No.

After at least a 2 mile hike up to the Park stage from our caravan, we found it was packed. We got a spot at the back of the crowd where we found a place with a somewhat distant view of the stage and waited with anticipation. A cheer went up and the band came on stage but it was the wrong band. It was in fact Franz Ferdinand - not my cup of tea - so we decided to just head off back to Mabel. It was pitch dark by this point and there was just a small metal track to follow back down the hill, with tents pitched right up to the track meaning you had be careful where you put your feet. We made our way gingerly home. What would you know as soon as we opened the door to the caravan I could hear Dizzee far off in the distance. My first big disappointment.



1) Cuban Brothers. At Dance East.

Yes

Again there was a mammoth trek to the dance village. I was already late as we had spent about 2 hours in a queue for water so we would be able to have a shower later. Bart stayed in the line for the water and was to join me as soon as he could.

Anyway I got to Dance East about half way through the set. I have to say I was not disappointed this time. The show was brilliant I loved it. We have to go and see them as soon as we can. The dancing was great, I can't get over how someone with a beer belly almost as big as mine can throw a windmill and spin on his head like that. It was not only amazing to see but it also filled me with hope and admiration.


2) Hot Chip. At the Other Stage.

Yes

We didn't quite get to see the full set as we hadn't realised that all of the different areas were so far apart. So baring this in mind we ended up with a bit of a clash in the schedule. We saw all of Ronnie Size then got the last two songs from Hot Chip. What we did see was good and apparently was well received by the critics. Radio1 anyway.

3) Fatboy Slim.

No,

We managed to miss Mr Slim's set altogether. From memory it was just too late. I was disappointed not to get to see him but old age is a killer and bed was just too tempting an offer.


4) Massive Attack. At the Other Stage.

Yes

What a great show. The Other Stage was just the right place for them. Remember that they were playing at the same time as Jay Z on the Pyramid Stage. Apparently there where 70,000 at his performance I would say that there must have been 40,000 with us to see Massive Attack. The light show and stage set were great and the sound was awesome. With bone shaking base and dark menacing overtones. Shame on me I thought that Bart was getting bored so I made him leave to a nearby DJ set. That was rubbish. I would recommend them as a must-see band if they happen to be touring near you.




5) Goldfrapp. At the Pyramid Stage.

Yes

The sun came out and the crowds cleared enough that we had a good vantage point. Best of all they were flawless. The sometimes ethereal vocal style of Mrs Goldfrapp bathed the sunlit crowd and is a performance that will definitely stay with me. Check them out if you can.

I think I will leave the other 5 on the list until a later post.