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In the human body, what is produced by the Parotid Gland?
The Salivary Glands : Anatomy & Physiology Anatomy & Physiology | December 11, 2013 | 0 Comments The Salivary Glands Several glands associated with the oral cavity secrete saliva. Saliva: Helps moisten and compact food into a round mass called a bolus Contains enzymes that begin the chemical breakdown  of starch Dissolves food chemicals so they can be “tasted” Most saliva is produced by major or extrinsic salivary glands that lie outside the oral cavity and empty their secretions into it. Minor or intrinsic salivary glands within the oral cavity alter the output slightly (note: extrinsic glands lie outside of oral cavity, intrinsic glands lie within oral cavity). The major salivary glands are paired and develop from the oral mucosa and stay connected to it by small ducts. The large, triangle shaped parotid gland (par=near, otid=ear) lies anterior to the ear between the skin and masseter muscle. Its main duct opens into the vestibule next to the second upper molar (view the green duct in image above). Facial nerves run through the parotid gland to muscles in the face used for facial expression. For this reason, surgery on this gland is risky and could cause facial paralysis. The submandibular, parotid, and sublingual salivary glands in association with the left side of oral cavity. Mumps, a common disease amongst children, is an inflammation of the parotid glands caused by the mumps (myxovirus) virus. The virus spreads from person to person in saliva. If you view t he parotid gland in the image above, you will see why people with mumps complain that hurts to chew. Other symptoms include fever and pain when swallowing acidic food or liquid (pickles, grapefruit). Mumps in adult males carries a 25% risk of infecting the testes, which can lead to sterility. The submandibular gland is about the size of a walnut. Its duct runs underneath the mucosa in the oral cavity floor and opens underneath the tongue at the base of the lingual frenulum. The sublingual gland has a small, almond shape and lies in front of the submandibular gland under the tongue. It has 10-20 ducts which open into the floor of the mouth. The salivary glands are composed of two types of secretory cells, serous and mucous. Serous cells produce a watery secretion containing ions, enzymes, and a small amount of mucin. Mucous cells produce mucus. The submandibular and parotid glands contain a large percentage of serous cells. The sublingual glands contain mostly mucous cells. Composition of Saliva Saliva is mainly water. In fact, it’s 97-99.5% water which makes it hypoosmotic. Its osmolarity depends on the glands that are active and the amount and type of stimulus for salivation. Generally, saliva is a bit acidic (6.75-7.00), but the PH can vary. Its solutes include electrolytes (mainly sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate); the digestive enzymes salivary amylase and lingual lipase; the proteins mucin, IgA, and lysozyme; metabolic wastes (uric acid, urea). When dissolved in water, the glycoprotein mucin forms thick mucus that lubricates the oral cavity and hydrates foodstuffs. Saliva protects against microorganisms because it has: IgA antibodies Lysozyme- a bactericidal enzyme (it inhibits bacterial growth in the mouth and it’s unclear whether or not it may help prevent tooth decay Defensins- defensins function as cytokines and call defensive cells (lymphocytes) into the mouth Control of Salivation The minor salivary glands secrete saliva continuously, keeping the mouth optimally moist. When food enters, the major glands activate and large amounts of saliva pour out. The average human being produces around 1500ml of saliva per day, but it can be a great deal higher if the glands are stimulated properly. For the most part, salivation is controlled by the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. When food is ingested, chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors in the mouth send signals to the salivatory nuclei in the brain stem to the pons and medulla. As a result, parasympathetic nervous system activity increases. Impulses sent by motor fibers in the facial (VII) and glossopharyngeal (IX) nerves dramatically increase the output of watery saliva. The chemoreceptors are activated the most by acidic foods and liquids (vinegar, pickles, ect). The mechanoreceptors are activated by almost any type of mechanical stimulus in the mouth (chewing). Even the sight and smell of food can get saliva flowing. In fact, even the thought of certain foods can make the mouth water! Irritation of the lower gastrointestinal tract can also increase salivation (spicy food, toxins). In contrast to parasympathetic controls, the sympathetic division causes the release of a thick, mucin-rich saliva. Heavy activation of the sympathetic division constricts blood vessels serving the salivary glands and inhibits the release of saliva, causing dry mouth. Dehydration also inhibits salivation. Related Posts
Saliva
What is the alternative name for the Tenor Tuba?
parotid gland | anatomy | Britannica.com Parotid gland THIS IS A DIRECTORY PAGE. Britannica does not currently have an article on this topic. Alternative Title: parotid salivary gland The three major pairs of salivary glands. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Learn about this topic in these articles:   in salivary gland In addition to numerous small glands in the tongue, palate, lips, and cheeks, human beings have three pairs of major salivary glands that open into the mouth through well-developed ducts. The parotid salivary glands, the largest of the three, are located between the ear and ascending branch of the lower jaw. Each gland is enclosed in a tissue capsule and is composed of fat tissue and cells that... in human digestive system: Salivary glands ...secreted by several sets of glands. Besides the many minute glands that secrete saliva, there are three major pairs of salivary glands: the parotid, the submandibular, and the sublingual glands. The parotid glands, the largest of the pairs, are located at the side of the face, below and in front of each ear. The parotid glands are enclosed in sheaths that limit the extent of their swelling when...
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For which national football team has the Fulham (& previously Middlesborough) goalie Mark Schwartzer won more than 90 caps?
Alltop - Top Soccer (Football) News Aguero back from ban, looking to kick-start turbulent season (The Associated Press) 29 Dec 2016 | 8:20 am It has been a strange season for Sergio Aguero. The goals have flowed for Manchester City - nothing new there - but other factors have transpired to make it one of the most turbulent periods of the Argentine's career. The season started with Aguero, one of the world's most feared strikers, being publicly urged by City manager Pep Guardiola to change his style of play in order to become a more complete footballer. Soccer-Saints' Puel rules out January sales of key defenders (Reuters) 29 Dec 2016 | 8:04 am Southampton manager Claude Puel has ruled out selling either of his first-choice centre backs in the January transfer window, shooting down media reports that the club could cash in on Jose Fonte or Virgil van Dijk. Reports in Fonte's native Portugal earlier this month indicated that Southampton had agreed to allow the player, who has 18 months left on his contract, to leave in January after he failed to agree fresh terms with the club. British media have reported in recent weeks that Dutchman Van Dijk had emerged as a target for league leaders Chelsea and third-placed Manchester City, but Puel insisted that neither player would be allowed to leave in January. Soccer-Drinkwater, Mahrez set for Leicester start against Hammers (Reuters) 29 Dec 2016 | 7:45 am Danny Drinkwater and Riyad Mahrez are likely to start for Leicester City against West Ham United in Saturday's Premier League clash, manager Claudio Ranieri has indicated. Drinkwater made his first league appearance in more than a month as a second-half substitute in Monday's 2-0 home defeat by Everton, a result that dropped Leicester to 16th place, three points above the bottom three. "Drinkwater could be (in the starting line-up) because he played 45 minutes (against Everton)," Ranieri told a news conference on Thursday. Soccer-Moyes suffers injury blow with Pickford out for two months (Reuters) 29 Dec 2016 | 6:50 am Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been ruled out for up to two months with a knee injury, in what manager David Moyes has described as a major disappointment for his relegation-threatened team. Sunderland, who are third bottom in the table, visit 14th-placed Burnley on Saturday, with Moyes confirming that Pickford suffered the injury in Monday's 3-1 home defeat by Manchester United. "Jordan has good news and bad news," Moyes told a news conference on Thursday. Argentine soccer star Carlos Tevez signs $40M deal in China (The Associated Press) 29 Dec 2016 | 6:45 am Argentine striker Carlos Tevez has signed to play for Shanghai Shenhua, becoming the latest in a procession of star players to join the Chinese Super League. Shanghai Shenhua said Thursday that it paid an $11 million transfer fee to Argentine club Boca Juniors. A person familiar with the negotiations said the 32-year-old Tevez would be paid $40 million over two years. Nasri investigated after Los Angeles treatment 29 Dec 2016 | 9:37 am Sevilla's Samir Nasri is being investigated by the Spanish Anti-Doping Agency over treatment received at a Los Angeles medical clinic. Liverpool v Man City: Jurgen Klopp plays down Pep Guardiola rivalry 29 Dec 2016 | 9:32 am Jurgen Klopp says Saturday's top-of-the-table Premier League match is between the Liverpool and Manchester City players, and not between himself and Pep Guardiola. Alan Curti: Swansea City 'need manager with Premier League experience' 29 Dec 2016 | 9:00 am Swansea City first-team coach Alan Curtis says the club's next manager should have experience of the Premier League. Rangers v Celtic: Brendan Rodgers says champions will be better in new year 29 Dec 2016 | 8:00 am Brendan Rodgers says his Celtic side, 16 points clear in the Scottish Premiership, will be better in the second half of the season. 29 Dec 2016 | 7:13 am Could Ryan Giggs be heading to the Liberty Stadium as the new manager of Swansea City? U.S. Women’s National Team Fires Its Union’s Leader 28 Dec 2016 | 8:10 pm Rich Nichols, the point person in the union’s negotiations with U.S. Soccer, was dismissed three days before its collective bargaining agreement was set to end. On Soccer: Bob Bradley Is Out at Swansea. Round Up the Usual Replacements. 27 Dec 2016 | 3:06 pm Bradley, the first American to lead a team in England’s Premier League, was fired by Swansea after winning only two of his 11 games with the club. New Head of Nutrition Gives Liverpool a Taste of Premier League Success 26 Dec 2016 | 9:05 pm Players have embraced Mona Nemmer’s plans for individualized diets; locally and organically sourced foods; and compulsory four meals a day. After Terror, Berlin Finds Comfort and Joy in a Soccer Club’s Ritual 23 Dec 2016 | 6:04 pm An offbeat Christmas celebration, melding pep rally and church service, was suddenly tasked with helping a city heal in the aftermath of a truck attack on a market this week. On Soccer: Premier League’s Festive Slog: Adored by Fans, Endured by Players 23 Dec 2016 | 1:42 am To millions of fans, Boxing Day and the games that follow are a high point of the year. But most players, at best, are ambivalent about the mentally and physically draining week. Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford likely to be sidelined for eight weeks 29 Dec 2016 | 8:31 am • Promising young goalkeeper injured in match at Manchester United• Vito Mannone, who started the season in the first team, back as No1Sunderland’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford may be out for eight weeks after damaging a knee at Manchester United although he has not ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament, an injury which would have ended his season.“Jordan has good news and bad news,” said David Moyes, the Sunderland manager. “The good news is he hasn’t ruptured his ACL; the bad news is he’s strained it. We’re looking at six to eight weeks. It’s a major disappointment for him and for us because he’s been saving us points.” Continue reading... A 2016 football moment to remember: Iceland light up Euro 2016 29 Dec 2016 | 8:23 am Increasing the European Championship to 24 teams was not a popular decision but a first-timer who would have qualified anyway supplied the most memorable storyline of the tournamentIncreasing the European Championship to 24 teams seemed like a typically ham-fisted attempt by a governing body to meddle with football for meddling’s sake. The extended competition inspired typical disdain from football purists, with its cumbersome mathematical formula and its abundance of small fry who could hardly be expected to aspire to much.It is at this point that Cristiano Ronaldo entered the conversation. After Portugal drew their opening fixture against Iceland, opprobrium poured out of the modern game’s iconic... Swansea hit the panic button but are they already doomed? - Football Weekly Extra 29 Dec 2016 | 7:34 am The podders send belated farewells to Alan Pardew and Bob Bradley. Plus, a look back on the Boxing Day action in the Premier League and look ahead to the New Year’s Eve fixtures, including Liverpool v Manchester CitySubscribe and review: iTunes, Soundcloud, Audioboom, Mixcloud, Acast & Stitcher.On your final Football Weekly of 2016, AC Jimbo takes time off from the World’s Strongest Man to welcome Barry Glendenning, Nick Miller and Philippe Auclair to the pod to take stock of the festive football fun. Continue reading... Liverpool’s Jürgen Klopp confirms Coutinho will miss Manchester City game 29 Dec 2016 | 7:14 am • Brazil playmaker not expected back until after Sunderland game• Klopp pays tribute to opposite number Pep GuardiolaJürgen Klopp has confirmed Philippe Coutinho and Joël Matip have been ruled out of the fixture with Manchester City on New Year’s Eve, with the Brazilian playmaker not expected to be fit to make his return until after the meeting with Sunderland on Monday. Related: The year in football: highs and lows of 2016 – from Allardyce to Zlatan Continue reading... Cazorla, Terry, Touré: the Premier League players with expiring contracts 29 Dec 2016 | 6:54 am • Almost 70 players are free to discuss terms with overseas clubs• Crystal Palace and Stoke lead the way with nine squad members eachThe traditional January sales may have taken a hit from Black Friday but the football world still loves a good bargain.With less than six months left on their contracts when 2017 is ushered in on Sunday, almost 70 Premier League first-team squad members will be free to discuss terms with clubs from overseas under Fifa’s rules on transfers. That means the likes of Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla, Yaya Touré of Manchester City, Manchester United’s Michael Carrick and Chelsea’s John Terry could all sign pre-contract agreements if they fancy a change of scenery. Continue... 22 Dec 2016 | 12:28 pm See you next year. -Bruce Some Soccer News for Dec 21, 2016 21 Dec 2016 | 1:30 pm It's Day 356 of 2016.There will be no easing into MLS for Minnesota United. They play the opening game of the 2017 season on Fri Mar 3 at Portland.Week 1-Fri Mar 3Portland Timbers v Minnesota United - 8:30pm CTWeek 2-Sun Mar 12Minnesota United v Atlanta United - 4:00pm CTAnd Minnesota will have Miguel Ibarra in uniform for those early games too! By Jeff Rueter of Fifty Five One.One of my favorite Minnesota players Greg Jordan has signed with San Francisco Deltas of NASL. I will genuinely miss him, and thought he could have contributed to the MNUFC MLS roster.dNMLS 2017 Full Opening Weekend Schedule:Week 1-Fri Mar 3Portland Timbers v Minnesota United-Sat Mar 4Columbus Crew v Chicago FireLA Galaxy v... Some Soccer News for Dec 20, 2016 20 Dec 2016 | 1:24 pm It's Day 355 of 2016.Minnesota United has traded newly acquired goalkeeper Jeff Attinella to the Portland Timbers for a 2018 2nd round SuperDraft pick.Loons trade Attinella to Portland for second round draft pick, and.... https://t.co/bu2gYkoDQu pic.twitter.com/D3rwuzOCVs— FiftyFiveOne (@FiftyFiveOne) December 20, 2016dNAmerican fullback Timmy Chandler has signed a contract extension with Eintract Frankfurt.dNAmerican Bobby Wood bagged another goal for Hamburg today, his 4th of the season. It was the game winner as they beat Schalke 2-1 at home.✌🏽 goals in ✌🏽 games for Bobby Wood! #HSVS04 https://t.co/ySgu0K0XvL— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 20, 2016dNdu Nord Music Mix Best of 2016 Vol. 1... Some Soccer News for Dec 19, 2016 19 Dec 2016 | 1:08 pm It's Day 354 of 2016.Minnesota United looks set to train in Casa Grande AZ in late January/early February and play at least 1 friendly, on Jan 31 v New England Revolution.#NERevs will play preseason matches vs. Minnesota (1/31), RBNY (2/3), SKC (2/7), RSL (2/15), Colorado (2/18), SKC (2/22) and TBD (2/25).— Jeff Lemieux (@jeff_lemieux) December 19, 2016dNFrom out of nowhere we get the general layout for the 2107 Gold Cup! (It so CONCACAF that we get no warning this was coming.)USMNT games in Group BJul 08 in Nashville - Nissan StadiumJul 12 in Tampa - Raymond James StadiumJul 15 in Cleveland - FirstEnergy StadiumGroup A top seed yet to be determinedGroup B top seed USAGroup C top seed MexicoOther teams... Some Soccer News for Dec 16, 2016 16 Dec 2016 | 12:49 pm It's Day 351 of 2016.Deep inside the MLS expansion draft room of Minnesota United. By Paul Tenorio of Four Four Two.dNBruce Arena disclosed a few of his USMNT January camp invitees during a Facebook Q & A today:<ul><li>Juan Agudelo, DaMarcus Beasley, Benny Feilhaber, Matt Hedges, Kekuta Manneh, Dax McCarty, Darlington Nagbe, Chris Pontius, Keegan Rosenberry, and Walker Zimmerman</li></ul>dNMLS announced their plan on how they will expand from 24 teams to 28 teams by 2022.<ul><li>The current Top 10 cities for potential expansion:</li></ul>CharlotteCincinnatiDetroitNashvilleRaleigh-Durham-CarySacramentoSt LouisSan AntonioSan DiegoTampa-St PetersburgdNShaka Hislop gives his opinion on MLS and what this expansion mean for American soccer. With... Simone Zaza’s agent claims he’s leaving West Ham for La Liga [Tuttosport] 29 Dec 2016 | 8:29 am Bad move On paper, it seemed like a really good deal but Simone Zaza&#8217;s move to West Ham hasn&#8217;t worked out. He was only supposed to stay in London for a season but even that&#8217;s too long. It&#8217;s been a disastrous pairing. He&#8217;s made only 11 appearances in total, averaging 52 minutes in each one. No goals, no assists. Not what one expects from an Italy international. Zaza&#8217;s plans Zaza&#8217;s father, who acts as his agent, told Tuttosport his January plans: &#8220;We are not considering the idea of a Juventus return. Simone&#8217;s adventure at West Ham is coming to an end and we are evaluating different paths. &#8220;We are negotiating with Valencia but it&#8217;s not the only concrete solution we are looking at. Clearly, my son would be... Manchester United fans call double standards on reporting of Firmino & Rooney drinking 29 Dec 2016 | 8:24 am Rooney hung out to dry over drinking red wine It&#8217;s amazing how, with a bit of retrospect, you realize how sensationalized and hysterical some news coverage is. In the moment, everything can appear shocking and grave if reported a particular way, and a few weeks later you realize that it was much ado about nothing. Pretty much everyone can now agree that this was the case with Wayne Rooney&#8217;s drunken escapade while on England duty last month. The England skipper was heavily castigated and hung out to dry by the media, and was even threatened with being stripped of the captaincy. But the whole thing eventually died down, and Rooney lived to fight another day. Firmino&#8217;s drink driving laughed off It was a long... Chelsea set to give Courtois big pay rise to ward off interest from Real Madrid [Telegraph] 29 Dec 2016 | 7:58 am Courtois back in top form After a shaky start to the season, Thibaut Courtois is back to his best. After keeping 10 clean sheets this season, the Belgian&#8217; status and aura as one of the best goalkeepers in the world is coming back. Early on in the season, it emerged that he had the worst save ratio in the league &#8211; yes, even worse than Simon Mignolet &#8211; but he&#8217;s completely transformed himself during Chelsea&#8217;s record winning streak. His form has been such that Real Madrid have stepped up their interest in bring the keeper back to Spain, and the keeper&#8217;s candid admission that he&#8217;d like to return to Spain one day has gotten some Chelsea fans worried. Chelsea to give him pay rise to ward off Madrid And according... Chris Coleman’s wife rules him out of Swansea job via Twitter 29 Dec 2016 | 7:29 am Swansea job up for grabs Bob Bradley was sacked by Swansea with immediate effect on Tuesday night. The Welsh club announced the news on Twitter on Tuesday evening, after reports claimed he could be given his marching orders within the following 48 hours &#8211; and the reality is that when a board takes that route of thinking, there&#8217;s rarely a way back for a manager. The American only took over as Swans boss on October 3, but the side&#8217;s form since his appointment has been so bad that the board are now strongly considering sacking him. Swansea took a huge gamble in appointing Bradley to replace Guidolin, and it&#8217;s spectacularly backfired, as the Swans have lost 7 of the 11 games since he&#8217;s been in charge. He&#8217;d... Barcelona’s Neymar admits interest in playing for Flamengo one day (Video) 29 Dec 2016 | 7:09 am Neymar wears Flamengo shirt or exhibition match Currently back in Brazil enjoying the Spanish winter break, Neymar played in a charity game alongside Brazil and Flamengo legend Zico earlier this week. The Barcelona man lined up alongside clubmate Rafinha, and treated himself to two goals after arriving to the Maracana by helicopter. And afterwards, he made some interesting declarations. Admits he could play for Fla one day Possibly high on adrenaline after receiving such a warm reception from the Flamengo fans, Neymar admitted he&#8217;d be honoured to play for the Rio club one day: &#8216;Who knows? For me it would be an honour to play for Flamengo, to be around the Maracana every day. It&#8217;s a team I&#8217;d like to play... Recap: Parks Scores in Varzim Win 20 Dec 2016 | 5:47 am Bjorn Johnsen scored for Hearts as they shared the points with Partick Thistle in Scotland, while Keaton Parks scored his first goal of the season for Varzim in their win over Famalicao in Portugal. Shaikh Salman sends condolences on the passing of Adel Al Yasiri 29 Dec 2016 | 4:06 am Language English Intro Text:� Kuala Lumpur: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the President of the Asian Football Confederation, has sent his condolences to the family and friends of Iraqi Football Association board member and President of the Iraqi Football Association Futsal Committee, Adel Al Yasiri, who passed away on Wednesday. Category:� AFC President Thumbnail:� Carlos Tevez confirms move to Shanghai Shenhua 29 Dec 2016 | 1:16 am Language English Intro Text:� Shanghai: Argentina international Carlos Tevez has become the latest big name to move to China after the 32-year-old left Boca Juniors to join AFC Champions League hopefuls Shanghai Shenhua on Thursday. Category:� AFC Champions League 2017 Thumbnail:� Doha a special place for Keisuke Honda, and his number one fan 29 Dec 2016 | 12:23 am Language English Intro Text:� Doha: Japanese attacker Keisuke Honda is no stranger to Qatar. The 30-year-old led the Samurai Blue to a record fourth Asian title in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, emerging as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Category:� 2018 FIFA World Cup Thumbnail:� Ins & Outs: Asia’s latest confirmed transfer news 28 Dec 2016 | 6:58 pm Language English Intro Text:� Kuala Lumpur: Keep up to date with all the major comings and goings across Asia here at the-afc.com. Category:� AFC Champions League 2017 Thumbnail:� Bengaluru skipper Chhetri sets sights on 2017 continental crown 27 Dec 2016 | 9:53 pm Language English Intro Text:� Bengaluru: Captain Sunil Chhetri believes JSW Bengaluru FC’s 2016 I-League success and AFC Cup final experience will stand his side in good stead as they set their sights once again on a coveted continental title.  Category:� AFC Champions League 2017 AFC Cup 2017 Thumbnail:� Jack On Both Sides 29 Dec 2016 | 9:00 am Jack Wilshere has clocked up just over 1,000 minutes across 14 matches since joining Bournemouth on loan in late August. Back in September, I wrote a piece questioning his decision (and it did seem to be very much his decision, as opposed to Arsenal’s) to leave the club on loan. With the season at the half way point, it’s a good time to assess how valuable his temporary sojourn to the south coast has proved. The fact that he has remained fit for the duration of his loan spell to date poses uncomfortable questions for the quality of Arsenal’s much maligned medical care. Correlation does not necessarily equal causation of course. I think it’s important to note the type of injury Wilshere typically... Arsecast Extra Episode 154 – 29.12.2016 29 Dec 2016 | 4:37 am Welcome to another Arsecast Extra, the Arsenal podcast, with myself and James from @Gunnerblog. In this week&#8217;s festive show we look back at Christmas just past and compare the presents we received (many, many socks). We also discuss the hard-fought, hugely important, 1-0 win over West Brom. We look at Olivier Giroud&#8217;s goal, Arsenal&#8217;s performance, the team selection, and what we can expect from the upcoming games against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth. Then we answer a load of listener questions about Lucas Perez, the January transfer window, how to replace Santi Cazorla, the lure of Chinese league and much more. Remember, you can send us questions via which we&#8217;ll try and get to each week. Send them to... Is it time to give RamXhaka* a go? 29 Dec 2016 | 12:47 am Morning, it&#8217;s very quiet as we don&#8217;t play until Sunday and we&#8217;re not firefighting after a disappointing result. It&#8217;s almost taken for granted that we should win, whereas anything less than that is analysed to death. It&#8217;s normal, of course. There&#8217;s generally more to chew on after a draw or a defeat, but going back to something I was chatting with Tim Stillman about on last week&#8217;s Arsecast, the balance does seem to be way too far the other way. Reasons why we don&#8217;t win <ul> <li>The manager</li> <li>The players</li> <li>The referees and officials incompetence</li> <li>Lack of passion</li> <li>No fight</li> <li>No leaders</li> <li>Lack of defensive organisation</li> <li>Zonal marking</li> <li>Mental frailty</li> <li>Inability to hold onto a lead</li> <li>Inability to come from behind</li> <li>Poor finishing</li> <li>No...</li></ul> Tactics Column: Arsenal find the key to unlock West Brom’s deep-block 28 Dec 2016 | 10:19 am It’s widely accepted that there are two ways of playing against Arsenal: by closing them down high up the pitch or dropping deep. “By far, the best option is the former,” says ex-midfielder, Stewart Robson. In the last two games, we saw those two contrasting approaches against Arsenal; firstly when Manchester City won 2-1, and then, on Boxing Day, in The Gunners’ 1-0 victory over West Brom. Of course, it was Manchester City who utilised the high press to emerge victorious against Arsenal. However, it was in the second-half where the damage was done – Arsenal conceded a goal early after the restart and then they proceeded to withdraw ever deeper in the face of increased Man City pressure. &#8220;We... Terrifying nightmares + some thoughts on Olivier Giroud 27 Dec 2016 | 11:53 pm I was awoken this morning, screaming out loud, from a terrible nightmare. &#8216;What could have been so frightening?&#8217;, I hear you ask. Zombies? Monsters? Vampires? The impending apocalypse? Phil Collins as Arsenal manager? No. It was worse than that. It was Richard Keys. I was in a room full of people who all looked like themselves, but one by one their heads were replaced by Richard Keys&#8217; head. I would look at them and they&#8217;d be normal, but when I looked back they had a big Richard Keys head. Soon the room was full of Richard Keys-headed people and I was screaming out loud, but Mrs Blogs woke me up and I was safe again. I wish there were more festive football to take my mind off things, but we don&#8217;t play again... 29 Dec 2016 | 8:02 am Cardiff pair Kieran Richardson and Marouane Chamakh have left the Sky Bet Championship club. Van Dijk, Fonte stay with Saints 29 Dec 2016 | 7:30 am Virgil van Dijk and Jose Fonte will remain at Southampton until at least the end of the season, manager Claude Puel has confirmed. Rodgers ready for Ibrox test 29 Dec 2016 | 7:29 am Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is looking for his high-flying side to impose themselves on Rangers when he makes his first trip to Ibrox on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD. Ndidi set to join Leicester 29 Dec 2016 | 6:58 am Nigerian international midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is expected to sign for Leicester City in the first few days of the transfer window for a fee that could rise to �15m, according to Sky sources. Klopp: Pep history irrelevant 29 Dec 2016 | 6:42 am Jurgen Klopp insists history will count for nothing when Liverpool take on Pep Guardiola's Manchester City at Anfield on New Year's Eve. Images of 2016: October 28 Dec 2016 | 11:00 pm World Cup qualifying action between Japan and Iraq in Saitama is the pick of our pics from October. Click "play" to see full slideshow.Japan's Shinji Okazaki and Iraq's Dhurgham Ismael vie for the ball during a 2018 World Cup qualifier at Saitama Stadium, north of Tokyo.World Soccer presents the best football images from around the world for the month of October in it's pictorial review of 2016. Images of 2016: September 27 Dec 2016 | 11:00 pm Partizan Belgrade fans burning a flag of their Serbian rivals Red Star leads our images from September. Click "play" to view full gallery.Bosnia fans light a flare from a window overlooking the stadium, during the match against Estonia.World Soccer presents the best football images from around the world for the month of September in it's pictorial review of 2016. Interim Chapecoense report makes frightening reading for South American football 27 Dec 2016 | 3:52 am The initial report into the Chapecoense air tragedy makes for sober reading for South American football. Rescue workers search at the wreckage site of a chartered airplane that crashed outside Medellin, Colombia, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. The plane was carrying the Brazilian first division soccer club Chapecoense team that was on it's way for a Copa Sudamericana final match against Colombia's Atletico Nacional. (AP Photo/Luis Benavides)The initial report into the Chapecoense air tragedy makes for sober reading for South American football. Images of 2016: August 26 Dec 2016 | 11:00 pm Gabriel Jesus and Neymar of Brazil's victorious Olympic team is the pick of our images from August. Click "play" to view slideshow.Gabriel Jesus and Neymar of Brazil bite their gold medals after beating Germany in the Men's Olympic football final in Rio de Janeiro. World Soccer presents the best football images from around the world for the month of August in it's pictorial review of 2016. Images of 2016: July 25 Dec 2016 | 11:00 pm Portugal's Bruno Alves posing with the Euro 2016 trophy and his daughter leads our images for July. Click "play" to view slideshow.Portugal's Bruno Alves celebrates with his daughter and the trophy after winning the Euro 2016 final against France in Paris.World Soccer presents the best football images from around the world for the month of July in it's pictorial review of 2016. MERRY CHRISTMAS 2016 | THANK YOU 23 Dec 2016 | 12:20 pm Another year coming to an end & its Xmas time. From here a Merry Christmas to all the Spanish Football Sports readers around the World. Thanks for you continued support! Its been now 11 years with the Blog & you (the reader) keep it going. Back posting in a few days. Stay Safe!  REAL MADRID 4 - KASHIMA ANTLERS 2 | FIFA WORLD CLUBS CHAMPIONS FINAL 18 Dec 2016 | 5:02 am Spanish Football Club Real Madrid have crowned themselves FIFA World Clubs Champions after defeating Japanese Club Kashima Antlers 4 - 2 in extra-time in the Final. Tough game which surprised everyone with Kashima putting in an excellent performance & could have taken the Final.In the end the huge physical effort put in by the Japanese made them pay the price of allowing spaces & dropping in CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL 16 MATCH-UPS 12 Dec 2016 | 12:48 pm UEFA has just given the results of the match ups of the last 16 Clubs in the UEFA Champions League competition.All the Clubs are difficult, but perhaps FC Barcelona received the "rough stick" being matched with Paris St Germain. Real Madrid faces Italian Club Napoli, Atletico de Madrid plays Bayern Laverkusen & Sevilla FC will meet English Club Leicester City Game calendar: Away games 14, 15, CRISTIANO RONALDO WINS HIS 4TH GOLDEN BALL AWARD 12 Dec 2016 | 12:02 pm France Football has announced this afternoon the winner of the "GOLDEN BALL AWARD 2016". It is now official Portuguese and Real Madrid player CRISTIANO RONALDO has won his 4th prize.  Its his 3rd "Ballon d´Or" with Real Madrid, the other being with Manchester United. Cristiano Ronaldo won the vote from 173 specialist Football journalists, ahead of Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann. His 4th SPANISH FOOTBALL | LALIGA ROUND 15 SUNDAY RESULTS 11 Dec 2016 | 11:34 am Spanish Football continued today with more Round 15 Liga games. Here are all the final results along with the goalscorers. The big match this Sunday was Celta de Vigo & Sevilla FC. The final result a convincing 0 - 3 victory for Sevilla FC which has tighten their hold on the 3ºrd place of LaLiga classification table. The match had a main protagonist: Vicente Iborra The 28 year old midfielder Foxy Bingo Withdrawals & Deposit: A Comprehensive Guide 23 Dec 2016 | 3:20 am Whether you&#8217;re a bingo pro or not, playing on Foxy Bingo is easy. So you&#8217;ve registered on the site, got your bonus offer amount &#8211; now you want to start playing. How do Foxy Bingo... Visit www.magpieszone.com for genuine Toon Army views and FREE Newcastle United Stuff! How to get the Foxy Bingo Bonus 19 Dec 2016 | 4:56 am Foxy Bingo is one of the UK&#8217;s best-known bingo operators, and some worthwhile bonuses on offer for new players. The Foxy Bingo bonus gets you £40 free play bonus when you sign up and a 300%... Visit www.magpieszone.com for genuine Toon Army views and FREE Newcastle United Stuff! Foxy Bingo app: All kinds of bingo in the palm of your hand 16 Dec 2016 | 5:22 am The Foxy Bingo app is one of the most fun and best bingo apps out there. Our guide explains how to get the app, plus runs through the available features and bonuses you can benefit from. Read on to... Visit www.magpieszone.com for genuine Toon Army views and FREE Newcastle United Stuff! Foxy Bingo review: Get our verdict here! 13 Dec 2016 | 5:07 am The search for the best bingo site around is not easy. If you need a Foxy Bingo review to help you decide, we&#8217;ve got just the ticket! Read on and all will be... Visit www.magpieszone.com for genuine Toon Army views and FREE Newcastle United Stuff! Foxy Bingo Promo Code: Get a 300% bonus up to £90 5 Dec 2016 | 3:27 am Sign up to top UK bingo site Foxy Bingo now, where there&#8217;s £40 free play when you deposit £10. Click below to use the Foxy Bingo promo code and start playing bingo right away. Reveal Foxy... Visit www.magpieszone.com for genuine Toon Army views and FREE Newcastle United Stuff! 23 Dec 2016 | 5:40 am A look back at the Concave Volt+ released earlier this year from the Aussie based boot brand >> 19 Dec 2016 | 12:48 am Stripped down and ready for action. Two Premier boots at opposite ends of the colour spectrum >> 16 Dec 2016 | 12:00 am The super light boot, gets a super loud colourway ready for 2017 >> 15 Dec 2016 | 2:00 am Hand made in England. Hear how we CR7 | Nike Mercurial Superfly CR7 Vitórias 13 Dec 2016 | 1:06 am Nike have celebrated Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo's year, releasing 777 pairs of these Nike Mercurial Superfly CR7 Vitorias football boots >> ​Puel: Van Dijk and Fonte to stay at Southampton until end of season 29 Dec 2016 | 7:26 pm Virgil van Dijk and Jose Fonte will remain at Southampton until at least the end of the season, boss Claude Puel has confirmed.Holland international Van Dijk is reportedly of interest to Chelsea and Manchester City, while Fonte is liked by Manchester United.Read more on Tribal Football ​Ranieri to recall Leicester star Mahrez 29 Dec 2016 | 6:55 pm Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri says he wants to see a reaction from Riyad Mahrez against West Ham, after dropping the winger on Boxing Day, reports Sky Sports.Last season's PFA Player of the Year was dropped to the bench for the first time since October 2015 for the defeat to Everton, coming on for the final 26 minutes, but will return to the starting line-up for the visit of West Ham on Saturday.Read more on Tribal Football ​Bilic no interest in bring Juventus defender Evra to West Ham 29 Dec 2016 | 6:26 pm West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says he is not planning to make a bid for Juventus and former Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra during the January transfer window.Bilic said: "We are the club that is linked with the most players in Europe!Read more on Tribal Football ​Karanka to enjoy taking Middlesbrough to Man Utd and former mentor Mourinho 29 Dec 2016 | 6:20 pm Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka is relishing the task of pitting his wits against old mentor Jose Mourinho on Saturday, reports Sky Sports.Manchester United boss Mourinho hired Karanka as his assistant at Real Madrid in 2010 and they spent three years together. Read more on Tribal Football ​Southampton accept Redmond red card 29 Dec 2016 | 6:16 pm Southampton will not appeal Nathan Redmond's red card against Tottenham, boss Claude Puel has confirmed.The forward was shown a straight card for bringing down Dele Alli in the 4-1 defeat at St Mary's on Wednesday.Read more on Tribal Football Tevez tops money charts with 38-million-euro pay 29 Dec 2016 | 9:37 am Paris (AFP) &#8211; With his transfer to Shanghai Shenhua, Carlos Tevez has become the biggest-earning footballer in the world, making even more than compatriot Lionel Messi and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo. A source close to the player told AFP that the 32-year-old former Manchester United and Manchester City striker will make around 38 million euros a season in China. At the moment, Tevez banks a relatively modest two million euros a season with Boca Juniors. According to Portugese media, Real Madrid star Ronaldo earns 23.6 million euros a season while Barcelona ace Messi boasts a salary of 20 million euros. Ronaldo and Messi are also lagging behind Brazil&#8217;s Oscar whose switch from Chelsea to Shanghai SIPG... UN vote against Israeli settlements boosts FIFA pressure: HRW 29 Dec 2016 | 9:36 am Jerusalem (AFP) &#8211; A UN resolution condemning settlements has raised pressure on FIFA to take action against Israeli football clubs based in the occupied West Bank, Human Rights Watch said Thursday. The United Nations Security Council last week demanded an end to Israeli settlements in the first such resolution in decades. Israel labelled the resolution &#8220;shameful&#8221; but HRW said it increases pressure on world football&#8217;s governing body FIFA ahead of a meeting of its leadership next month. Six football clubs are based in settlements in the West Bank but play in the Israeli leagues, in what rights groups argue is a violation of international law. &#8220;The UN resolution makes it much more difficult for FIFA to... The Old Firm derby — sound, fury and Sectarianism 29 Dec 2016 | 9:01 am Glasgow (AFP) &#8211; Underpinned by ferocious passion, century-old mistrust and Sectarian conflict, the sound and fury of the Old Firm derby between Glasgow rivals Celtic and Rangers is unique in modern football. &#8220;The noise and the passion, there&#8217;s nothing like it,&#8221; said late Rangers star Sandy Jardine. &#8220;I&#8217;ve been fortunate to see derby games all over the world and there is nothing that comes close. &#8220;When you go out of the tunnel, you get hit by this level of noise which far outweighs normal games or even cup finals.&#8221; Over 50,000 supporters will cram inside Ibrox to see Rangers and Celtic clash for the 404th time on Saturday, when the winners of 101 of the 120 Scottish league titles go head-to-head. The reason... Sunderland lose ‘keeper Pickford for up to eight weeks 29 Dec 2016 | 7:56 am London (AFP) &#8211; Sunderland&#8217;s promising young goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will be sidelined for up to eight weeks with a knee ligament strain, manager David Moyes revealed on Thursday. The 22-year-old Englishman sustained the injury during his side&#8217;s 3-1 defeat at Manchester United on Boxing Day. Initial fears he had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, which could have ended his season, have proved unfounded. &#8220;Jordan has good news and bad news,&#8221; Moyes told a press conference ahead of his side&#8217;s trip to Burnley on Saturday. &#8220;The good news is he hasn&#8217;t ruptured his ACL. The bad news is he&#8217;s strained it. &#8220;We&#8217;re looking at six to eight weeks. It&#8217;s a major disappointment for him and for us because he&#8217;s been... Klopp brands Oxlade-Chamberlain reports ‘nonsense’ 29 Dec 2016 | 7:46 am London (AFP) &#8211; Reports linking Liverpool with a January move for Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are &#8220;nonsense&#8221;, the Merseyside club&#8217;s manager Jurgen Klopp said on Thursday. British media reports suggest Liverpool will make a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been in and out of the Arsenal first team, when the transfer window opens next week. But Klopp said he had no interest in the 23-year-old England international. &#8220;I don&#8217;t usually say anything about transfer rumours, but I can make an exception. Nonsense,&#8221; he said. &#8220;This kind of thing I think a lot about, but I say nothing because it is really not interesting what I think about this. &#8220;You (the media) are already on a path so do with it... Joel Matip ruled out of Liverpool vs Man City 29 Dec 2016 | 9:25 am Jürgen Klopp confirms that Joel Matip will miss #LIVMCI&#8230; pic.twitter.com/xOf6lxnt48 &#8212; Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 29, 2016 Liverpool... Click the headline to read the full story. Photo: Ex-Man City and Man Utd star Carlos Tevez moves to China 29 Dec 2016 | 12:53 am Former Premier League star Carlos Tevez has completed a transfer to Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua. He will reportedly earn... Click the headline to read the full story. Tweets and Photos: Spurs players on beating Southampton 29 Dec 2016 | 12:46 am Strong performance from the boys, roll on sunday #COYS #NeverFollow &#x1f44b;&#x1f3fd; ⚽ A photo posted by Dele (@delealli36) on Dec 28, 2016 at... Click the headline to read the full story. Tottenham’s Harry Kane touts himself for NFL career after missed penalty vs Southampton 29 Dec 2016 | 12:21 am If there&#39;s any @NFL teams looking for a kicker in the future, have a look at my game tonight! &#x1f609; #SOUTOT &#8212; Harry Kane (@HKane)... Click the headline to read the full story. Video and Photos: Spurs travel to Southampton and arrive at the stadium 28 Dec 2016 | 11:21 am We have arrived! @ChrisEriksen8 leads the way at St Mary&#39;s! #COYS pic.twitter.com/JS5NLEkLgt &#8212; Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December... Click the headline to read the full story. Sports Most Powerful Photos 2016 28 Dec 2016 | 11:09 am Here are some of the best contenders for most Powerful Photo moments in 2016. Via the ts boys, Tears & Triumph Top 10 Goal Contenders 2016 24 Dec 2016 | 5:00 pm As the end of 2016 comes closer we look back at the top 10 goal contenders of the year. What a year&#8230;Merry Xmas  Merry Christmas from Boxofficefootball 24 Dec 2016 | 11:52 am A special treat for one and all, Merry Christmas everyone enjoy! A big thank you for all the support this year to everyone&#8230; all the breast! Daley Blind’s girlfriend Candy-Rae Fleur 21 Dec 2016 | 4:39 am This weeks wag of month winner is Candy-Rae Fleur, girlfriend of Manchester United&#8217;s Daley Blind. Some skills on that young lady � 19 Dec 2016 | 4:01 pm Laia Grassi, Arsenal&#8217;s Alexis Sánchez&#8217;s ex-girlfriend, some catch! Man United: Valencia face Rojo swoop snub 29 Dec 2016 | 8:31 am Jose Mourinho is set to snub Valencia's 16million euros bid for Marcos Rojo following his recent good form for Manchester United. Middlesbrough: Boro boss rebuffs Gestede deal talk 29 Dec 2016 | 8:06 am Aitor Karanka has refused to confirm Middlesbrough's interest in Rudy Gestede as he prepares for Saturday's trip to Manchester United. Leicester: Foxes chief issues star plea 29 Dec 2016 | 7:52 am Claudio Ranieri is hoping for a "reaction" from Riyad Mahrez when he returns to the Leicester side to face West Ham on Saturday. Southampton: No red card appeal for Saints 29 Dec 2016 | 7:51 am Claude Puel has confirmed that Southampton will not be appealing Nathan Redmond's red card against Tottenham on Wednesday. 29 Dec 2016 | 6:25 am Barcelona are reported to be lining up a surprise January move for Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. Aston Villa v Leeds Live Stream from the Championship as Playoff Hunt Continues 28 Dec 2016 | 2:55 am Two former Premier League heavyweights meet at Villa Park tonight as Aston Villa take on Leeds Utd with the Championship title race really hotting up. The Festive football is coming thick and fast and with both these sides having realistic ambitions of a return to the top flight we could be in for a pulsating [&#8230;] Aston Villa vs Burton – Team News, Live Stream from Villa Park as Steve Bruce Resurgence Continues 20 Dec 2016 | 4:36 am There are plenty of things for Villa fans to smile about at the moment with the side turning the corner somewhat following the arrival of Steve Bruce to the Midlands Club. Following a difficult period under the leadership of Roberto Di Matteo, the ex Hull man was brought in and has transformed the side to [&#8230;] Liverpool v Leeds Utd- Backing shock away win is our tip ahead of EFL Cup Clash 29 Nov 2016 | 2:20 am Liverpool take on Leeds Utd at Anfield tonight in the quarter final of the EFL Cup, with the side still reeling from the news that star midfielder Phillipe Coutinho will be out until the new year with ligament damage. The Brazilian playmaker has certainly been the Red star performer over recent months, and his absence [&#8230;] Brighton v Aston Villa Live Stream- Team News from Crunch Friday Night Clash at Amex 16 Nov 2016 | 7:36 am All eyes will be on the Amex Arena tonight as two sides with pedigree come up against each other as Aston Villa take on Brighton at the Amex Arena. Both these sides will be looking to put on a decent run as both have very genuine ideas for promotion to the Premier League. For Aston [&#8230;] Football Betting Tips – Our 47/1 Weekend Accumulator 9 Aug 2016 | 3:25 am The Premier League is back so now looks like a great time to bring you our football betting tips on the weekend action. First up in the early kickoff Hull take on Premier League Champions Leicester City in what could be a definite one sided affair. Steve Bruce left the Tigers during the summer and [&#8230;] "The Manager's Role According to My Experience" by Massimiliano Allegri 12 Dec 2016 | 9:00 pm Massimiliano Allegri.Photo credit: Muhammad Ashiq.Synopsis: Massimiliano Allegri, the current manager of Juventus FC, writes a compelling essay about his perspectives on a football manager's role at the youth and professional levels. He also discusses why he developed his App, "Mr. Allegri Tactics." Discussion Items: 1. On his Google Play App: Mr. Allegri Tactics.2. On the manager as an educator especially for children.3. On not being a Big Brother.4. On what a modern manager needs to know.5. On the manager as a leader.6. On how to communicate.7.�On how to teach players to lead healthy lifestyles.8.�On a journey to travel together.1. On his new Google Play App: Mr. Allegri Tactics: I discovered this essay... Book Review | The Juventus Story: Black and White Stripes by Marco and Mauro La Villa 5 Dec 2016 | 9:00 pm Image credit: Rizzoli International Publications.Synopsis:Italian-American filmmakers, Marco La Villa and Mauro La Villa, document a tremendous photographic and written analysis of Juventus FC. Their focal timeline is from 1981 to 2016.My Review in Brief:This book will become a seminal, definitive and important resource about Juventus F.C. in the English language. It will also provide an historic point of reference for all fans of Italian calcio due to its volume of rare and cinematically detailed photographs. Marco and Mauro La Villa have produced a literary heirloom that Juve fans will treasure for generations: The agony and ecstasy, heaven and hell, the black and white, of Juventus F.C.--- Steve Amoia,... "50 Shades of Marcelo Bielsa" at Coverciano 18 Nov 2016 | 9:00 pm Image credit: FIGC (Italian Federation.)Marcelo Bielsa during his March 2015 presentation.Synopsis:Marcelo Bielsa�was presented with a lifetime achievement award at the Italian Federation in March 2015. At the time, he was the manager of Olympique de Marseille. The Argentinean manager then gave a well-received presentation about his theories of football to coaches and other luminaries. Discussion Items:1. On his 28 Total Modules gleaned from 50,000 games.2. On his magnetic appeal at Coverciano.3. On his 50 Videos.4. On his 50 Shades of Football.Editor's Note: I began World Football Commentaries 10 years ago today. Please enjoy this presentation as a small token of gratitude to my readers.Marcelo... Book Review Portfolio 5 Nov 2016 | 9:00 pm Image courtesy ofOrion Publishing Group Ltd."�'The ball runs faster than any human,�so it's�the ball�that has to do the running!' which,�in seventeen words,just about�encapsulates�his philosophy." (Page 71)I have had the pleasure to review a number of soccer-related books at various publications. Titles specific to Italian and Spanish language authors were initially published at The Soccer Translator under a separate heading.�Steve Amoia is my favorite US-based reviewer of soccer books. His take on the new Klinsmann book by @Erik_Kirschbaum https://t.co/AZmtwM2qyB— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) May 10, 2016Image credit:Gabriel Garcia (@gabo0469)"Pep Guardiola: Otra manera de ganar"by Guillem Balagué. <ul><li>"A Modo...</li></ul> Product Review: adidas Tiro 15 Training Pant - Black and White 3 Nov 2016 | 9:00 pm Image credit:�SoccerPro.This classic, timeless and traditional training garment is part of a larger selection of women's and men's soccer pants at SoccerPro. Let's take a longer look at the�adidas Tiro 15 Training Pant - Black and White by SoccerPro.MaterialSpeaking of training and selecting the right gear, here is one of Diego Simeone'shigh intensity sessions at�Atlético�de Madrid. SoccerPro sells the Atleti jersey along with othersfrom top La Liga clubs.This black and white garment is manufactured in Vietnam and is comprised of 100 percent polyester double knit fabric. I found the pants to provide a lightweight yet individualized fit with adjustable ankle zippers and an elasticized drawstring waist. The... Opportunity Ox – Liverpool In For Midfielder? 29 Dec 2016 | 12:38 am When the story of Liverpool&#8217;s interest broke on Sky Sports News last night, they were quick to show footage of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on Goals on The post Opportunity Ox &#8211; Liverpool In For Midfielder? appeared first on A Cultured Left Foot. All Change – Adventures In Arsène’s Squad Game 28 Dec 2016 | 2:37 am The menace of the television companies rears its head with Arsenal now enjoying an extended rest until Sunday before playing again on Tuesday The post All Change &#8211; Adventures In Arsène&#8217;s Squad Game appeared first on A Cultured Left Foot. That’s Another Fine Mess You Got Us Out Of, Oli 27 Dec 2016 | 2:33 am Arsenal 1 &#8211; 0 West Bromwich Albion A familiar result and a familiar performance. West Bromwich Albion, stifled and frustrated, while Arsenal lacked The post That&#8217;s Another Fine Mess You Got Us Out Of, Oli appeared first on A Cultured Left Foot. West Brom Preview: Putting Defeats Behind Us 25 Dec 2016 | 11:00 pm Boxing Day and football returns. Eight days rest and hard work on the training ground; this afternoon, we see if the defeats at The post West Brom Preview: Putting Defeats Behind Us appeared first on A Cultured Left Foot. Arsenal’s Best Christmas Presents: #2 Them 25 Dec 2016 | 2:06 am Merry Christmas one and hope you enjoy the day. A break from the norm; the Premier League can do one today &#8211; not The post Arsenal’s Best Christmas Presents: #2 Them appeared first on A Cultured Left Foot. 'We say hello, nothing more' - Debuchy admits to frosty Wenger relationship 29 Dec 2016 | 7:10 am The Arsenal full-back is hoping to find a 'new challenge' after being frozen out at Emirates Stadium, with Marseille keen on taking him back to his native France VIDEO: Real Madrid recreate FIFA 17's free-kick skill game in real life! 29 Dec 2016 | 7:10 am The Blancos took time away from their title challenge to try their hand at one of the popular video game's training ground drills in real life... RUMOURS: Chelsea outcast Ivanovic emerges as shock Barcelona target 29 Dec 2016 | 7:09 am The Serbian has struggled for playing time under Antonio Conte and could be available for a cut-price in January, with the Catalan giants seemingly keen Klopp ready to quell 'influential' Guardiola and Aguero as Liverpool host Man City 29 Dec 2016 | 7:08 am A reunion with the Catalan and the return of City's top scorer add spice to Saturday's match for the Reds boss, who is confident in his team's chances Phelan confirms loan bid for Arsenal defender Jenkinson 29 Dec 2016 | 6:09 am Hull City are bottom of the Premier League as 2017 approaches, and the Tigers manager has his sights set on some January acquisitions FC Barcelona vs Hercules Full Highlights | FCB - 7 : Hercules - 0 | Stellar Display Secures Copa Del Rey Progress 21 Dec 2016 | 10:32 pm FC Barcelona secured progress to the next round by demolishing Hercules at home 7-0 with Arda Turan securing another hat-trick. With this Barca move to next round with an aggregate score of 8-1. Continue Reading...� 2013-2014 AllAboutFCBarcelona.com | Rights Reserved : Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5Visit AllAboutFCBarcelona.com to find the Latest FC Barcelona News, Pictures, Videos and all the Happening related to Barca. FC Barcelona vs Espanyol Extended Highlights | FC Barcelona - 4 : Espanyol - 1 18 Dec 2016 | 7:36 pm - Messi Skipping Past Six Espanyol Players to Create Saurez Goal -FC Barcelona secured a comfortable win against Derby rivals Espanyol at Camp Nou courtesy of a brace from Luis Saurez and one goal each from Alba and Messi. It was a total Messi show and enjoy the extended highlights below: Continue Reading...� 2013-2014 AllAboutFCBarcelona.com | Rights Reserved : Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5Visit AllAboutFCBarcelona.com to find the Latest FC Barcelona News, Pictures, Videos and all the Happening related to Barca. Murtaza Ahmadi meets his Idol Messi in Doha 13 Dec 2016 | 7:58 pm Remember the Afghan kid who became a internet sensation when his picture wearing a Plastic bag with Messi&#39;s name on it went viral; he met his idol Lionel Messi yesterday at the friendly between Al-Ahli and FC Barcelona in Doha. Continue Reading...� 2013-2014 AllAboutFCBarcelona.com | Rights Reserved : Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5Visit AllAboutFCBarcelona.com to find the Latest FC Barcelona News, Pictures, Videos and all the Happening related to Barca. FC Barcelona vs Hercules Highlights Video | Barca -1 : Hercules - 1 13 Dec 2016 | 2:09 am - Rafinha Playing against Hercules -Barca could only secure a tame draw against Hercules in the first leg of Copa Del Rey Round of 32 match. Continue Reading...� 2013-2014 AllAboutFCBarcelona.com | Rights Reserved : Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5Visit AllAboutFCBarcelona.com to find the Latest FC Barcelona News, Pictures, Videos and all the Happening related to Barca. Barca vs Osasuna Goals and Extended Highlights | Barca Match Videos 10 Dec 2016 | 7:52 am <ul><li> Barca - 3 : Osasuna - 0 Match Videos </li> <li> Lionel Messi and Saurez Scored for FC Barcelona </li> </ul> - Lionel Messi scoring against Osasuna securing Barca Victory - Two Goals from Lionel Messi and One from Luis Saurez helped Barca secure a much needed victory at the Estadio El Sadar Stadium against the home side Osasuna. This will reduce the lead at top to three points temporarily but it will most probably restored to six points by the time Real Madrid&#39;s home match against Deportivo at home ends. Continue Reading...� 2013-2014 AllAboutFCBarcelona.com | Rights Reserved : Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5Visit AllAboutFCBarcelona.com to find the Latest FC Barcelona News, Pictures, Videos and all the Happening... Olivier Giroud’s late winner seals three points for Arsenal 26 Dec 2016 | 11:10 am Giroud heads late winner for Arsenal Olivier Giroud headed a late winner as Arsenal beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon. The result halted a run of two successive Premier League defeats for the Gunners. It seemed that Arsenal would be denied the three points by Ben Foster. The Baggies&#8217; keeper was in inspired form, but also infuriated the home supporters with his time-wasting tactics. Foster was eventually booked late in the match for time-wasting by referee Neil Swarbrick. It was a token gesture from the referee as Foster had delayed taking every goal kick from the first few minutes of the match. Many home supporters decided to give the match a miss, with thousands of empty... Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion: Premier League Match Preview 26 Dec 2016 | 2:28 am Can the Gunners get back to winning ways against the Baggies Arsenal host West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon (3.00pm kick-off UK time). The Gunners go in today&#8217;s Boxing Day fixture in fourth place in the Premier League table. After 14 Premier League games unbeaten, Arsenal have suffered back-to-back Premier League away defeats to Everton and Manchester City &#8211; both by a 2-1 scoreline. It leaves the Gunners nine points behind leaders Chelsea, with Tottenham Hotspur now just one point back in fifth place in the race for Champions League football. Arsenal have not lost three successive league matches since January 2012. This is also the last time that they suffered... Arsenal suffer back-to-back Premier League defeats 18 Dec 2016 | 11:21 am Sterling hits the City winner to sink Gunners Arsenal once again lost a one goal lead to lose successive Premier League matches 2-1 in the North West. This afternoon the Gunners were beaten by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. It was the same outcome as the defeat to Everton at Goodison Park on Tuesday. Arsenal have now lost three league games from leading positions this season &#8211; more than they did in the whole of 2015-16 (2). The result drops Arsenal to fourth place in the Premier League table. The Gunners now trail the leaders Chelsea by nine points going into the hectic Christmas and New Year fixture programme. Manchester City move into second place in the table &#8211; seven points behind... Manchester City v Arsenal: Premier League Match Preview 18 Dec 2016 | 1:13 am City and Arsenal in search of a win as they play catch-up in title race Manchester City host Arsenal in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon (4.00pm kick-off UK time). The hosts go into the match today in fourth place in the Premier League table. They are one place and one point behind Arsenal in the table. The Gunners are ahead of third placed Liverpool in the table on goal difference. The problem for the chasing pack is that the leaders Chelsea in rowing parlance now have clear water at the top of the table. Chelsea equalled a club record as they beat Crystal Palace 1-0 yesterday at Selhurst Park to secure their 11th successive Premier League win and move nine points clear at the top of... Arsenal come unstuck against the Toffees in 2-1 defeat 13 Dec 2016 | 2:35 pm Ashley Williams again the thorn in Arsenal&#8217;s side as he heads-in winner Arsenal were beaten for the first time in the Premier League since August by Everton at Goodison Park tonight. The Gunners were beaten 2-1 by the Toffees, with the home side scoring through Seamus Coleman (44) and Ashley Williams (86). It ended a 14-game unbeaten run in the Premier League for the Gunners. Arsenal had taken a first half lead through Alexis Sanchez (20). The two goals that Arsenal conceded were both from crosses, with Shkodran Mustafi&#8217;s presence sorely missed at the heart of the defence. Arsenal have now failed to keep a clean sheet in 11 successive games. The result keeps Arsenal in second place in the Premier League... The man to save Swansea? Five options for the Prem strugglers 29 Dec 2016 | 7:45 am The dust has barely settled on Bob Bradley&#8217;s brief, 85-day foray into English football management, and already all eyes are on who will next take up the mantle at beleaguered Swansea City. The American gaffer was on a hiding to nothing when he walked through the doors at the Liberty Stadium, with Francesco Guidolin having done his best to keep things under control after the club elected to sell two of his best players over the summer: Andre Ayew and Ashley Williams. With the games coming thick and fast this time of year, a swift appointment is necessary to plug the leak sooner rather than later, and there&#8217;s also the January transfer window to consider &#8211; possibly the only chance the Swans will have to adjust... West Ham and Crystal Palace ready to swoop on Champions League defender 29 Dec 2016 | 7:00 am As reported by The Daily Mail, Arsenal are willing to offers for right-back Carl Jenkinson, alerting the likes of West Ham and Crystal Palace ahead of the January transfer window. What&#8217;s the story? The Mail reports Jenkinson is set for a move away from the Emirates in January with the Gunners open to both permanent transfers and loan deals for the England cap. They say Sam Allardyce is an admirer and with Palace looking for solutions to their defensive woes, could move for the right-back. West Ham too could make their move, according to the paper, with Jenkinson previously spending 2 seasons on loan at the Irons. Fully recovered? Like most players at Arsenal, Carl Jenkinson is a footballer that could play... Everton set for biggest transfer window yet with moves for five star players 29 Dec 2016 | 6:00 am As reported by The Daily Mirror, Ronald Koeman is set to make the coming January transfer window Everton&#8217;s biggest yet with moves for 5 players that could change the look of the Toffees&#8217; team. What&#8217;s the word? Everton are struggling to keep up with the top 6 sides in the Premier League this season and need a big January transfer window if they&#8217;re going to push on and bag a European qualification place. The Mirror reckon they&#8217;re working hard to that end and could spend big next month as Koeman continues his efforts to bring the Goodison Park club to the next level. They say Koeman is interested in bringing five players to the club when the window opens. Ademola Lookman, Morgan Schneiderlin, Virgil van Dijk,... 7 amazing pictures from Spurs’ epic demolition of Southampton 29 Dec 2016 | 4:33 am Spurs and Southampton fans had to wait longer than all 18 other sets of rival Premier League supporters to see their sides in action following Christmas Day. While the majority gorged on Boxing Day action before Liverpool and Spurs offered up another Bank Holiday treat, the Londoners and the south coast outfit played out their match last night, which is sure to have brightened up the day for any Tottenham followers unlucky enough to have had to go back to work after the festivities. A good night&#8217;s work&#8230; #COYS pic.twitter.com/uypEivT5hw — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 28, 2016 As we know now, the match ended 1-4 in favor of the Lilywhites, who came back from an early Virgil van Dijk header... La Liga ace to Chelsea, amazing star to Man United… 5 January mega deals that could happen 29 Dec 2016 | 4:10 am Count the days, folks! The January transfer window is looming ever larger on the horizon as each minute of 2016 ticks us ever closer to the annual skirmish for players, and 2017’s instalment could be a cracker. Typically, the mid-season marketplace is not one in which teams can get value for money. The logistics surrounding deals can often prove too difficult to work around, with selling teams demanding large fees for their key players and stars often not wanting to uproot themselves halfway through a campaign unless an offer is too good to refuse. However, with Chinese money flooding the scene, we are expecting a few more mega deals to go ahead, with teams sure to be fearful that the lure of the Far East... Trailer: PEACH PANTHER starring Riff Raff aka Jodi High Roller 28 Dec 2016 | 5:28 pm RiFF RaFF is coming to a movie theater near you in the year of 2017 with a movie based on his latest album of the same name, Peach Panther. I&#8217;m very curious about this. Like, really curious about this because it is a light test on my theory about social media celebrities and how much they are able to take advantage of their celebrity and do things like, put out a full length movie themselves. Now, there does need to be a little bit of brake pumping, because RR isn&#8217;t &#8220;putting this out on his own&#8221;, and quite honestly its quite the contrary as he is signed to a major record label, with major backing, but the way that it (and his career) seem to be put forth to us, is that he is very much a bootstraps kind... Becks Makes Gordon Ramsay’s Beef Stew 23 Dec 2016 | 11:53 am A video posted by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on Dec 22, 2016 at 3:19am PST Preparing the beef stew just like mum used to make it&#8230; Not as tasty but not far away&#8230; Plus dumplings mmmmmm oh and a little Guinness ? @gordongram This is where Becks needs a blog! The people want this recipe. Lucky for us, he tagged Gordon Ramsey with it, and if you do some extensive researching (googling and youtubing) we find that Gordon posted his &#8220;Beef & Ale Stew with Mustard Dumplings&#8221; recipe on the youtube recently. I might be making this tonight! Abby Wambach Podcast Conversation with Alex Morgan 23 Dec 2016 | 11:42 am A photo posted by Mary Wambach (@abbywambach) on Dec 20, 2016 at 12:48pm PST Check out my conversation with @alexmorgan13 and the next step in her career Abby Wambach&#8217;s latest &#8220;FEARLESS Podcast&#8221; Conversation is with Alex Morgan and they discuss many things including her move to play overseas. Not only did Abby get the exclusive announcement of the move, but she got a chance to talk to Alex about the reasons why she decided to make the move, especially at this time. We won&#8217;t spoil the conversation for you if you havent listened yet, but its a good 40 minutes. FEARLESS CONVERSATIONS with Abby wambach: THE RIGHT MOVE Much has been written and there have been many reactions to it, but its worth... The Run Up: FANCY’s Pop-Up Shop 20 Dec 2016 | 1:23 pm As you know, here at The Original Winger we are about a few different things. Obviously, we love the game of soccer. If you&#8217;ve been a long time reader of the site, you also know that we like a lot of other things as well. Music, sneakers, lifestyle, culture, and all those things that are cool. This is something cool, and we are sharing it because of that (and maybe another reason as well. More on that later&#8230;) THE RUN UP was a showcase for all of these things&#8230;. Rick Ross sat down with super-producer, Mike Dean, to discuss beat making and hosted an impromptu studio session &#8230;. Cam&#8217;ron came by and did a melody of his hits &#8230;. Travis Scott hosted a special DJ set, rocking with the crowd to his hit song... CONCACAF Gold Cup 2017 Venues Announced 19 Dec 2016 | 3:40 pm The CONCACAF GOLD CUP venues have been announced for 2017, and we are seeing some familiar spots, and some new ones. The USMNT is in group B, so we&#8217;ll see the home team take on their opponents in Nashville, Tampa, and Cleveland. The tournament being held from July 7-26 in the United States is one year ahead of the 2018 Summer Olympics in Russia. We&#8217;ve played in all three cities before and have a pretty solid record in those matches. Check out the list below for complete venues and head over to CONCACAF.com for a complete list of teams, venues and dates. Group Stage Dates & Venues July 7, Group A: NY/NJ – Red Bull Arena (Harrison, NJ) July 8, Group B: Nashville – Nissan Stadium (Nashville, TN) July... Chelsea Will Win the Premier League, Says Former Blue 6 Dec 2016 | 6:31 am Former Blues forward Salomon Kalou has announced that he is backing Diego Costa to push Chelsea to the Premier League title for the 2016/17 season. Although the 31-year-old now plays for German team Hertha Berlin, he spent six years at Stamford Bridge, where the Blues won seven major honours including the Champions League title. Speaking ... Chelsea vs Tottenham: Can Chelsea end Tottenham’s Unbeaten Run? 25 Nov 2016 | 4:39 am The Premier League title race is heating up as the moves toward the end of the first half. Chelsea are among the favourites recommended for the title, but behind Man City and Liverpool. However, recent updated soccer odds have seen them pipped other clubs to become bookmakers top favourites. The Blues dethroned Liverpool at the ... Antonio Conte: A Better Coach Than Jose Mourinho in Rejuvenating Players 25 Nov 2016 | 4:32 am Chelsea finished last season in the 10th position in the Premier League. The Blues suffered a disappointing season despite being the defending champion, and successive losses to Liverpool and Arsenal this season had put them out of the top four to the 8th position. However, their lines for soccer showed that they remain one of ... How Antonio Conte Has Transformed Chelsea in the 3-4-3 Formation 25 Nov 2016 | 4:09 am Avram Grant was the last manager to have been a permanent replacement for Jose Mourinho. Technically, Antonio Conte is the replacement for Mourinho in his second spell since Guus Hiddink was only at the club on an interim basis. The popularity enjoyed by Grant was universally known, and the reception Conte would get was going ... Middlesbrough vs Chelsea 2016 Preview – All About Maintaining the Winning Run 19 Nov 2016 | 12:39 am Chelsea have been transformed into one of the best teams in the Premier League by manager Antonio Conte. It is probably the worst possible time for opposition teams to meet the blues. Even in such a good run of form, it is extremely important to stay grounded and not get complacent. Conte will be reminding ... 85 days 29 Dec 2016 | 4:24 am Bob Bradley, first American coach in the EPL lasted 85 days during which he oversaw Swansea playing 11 games- out of which they won only two. Talking to Talksport about his sacking he said the following things among other things “I don’t think it’s the correct decision. I believe in my work and I certainly [&#8230;] Suarez tops the goalscoring charts for 2016 28 Dec 2016 | 9:44 pm Luis Suarez topped all goal scorers worldwide in 2016 with 40 goals, the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) announced on Wednesday. He won the IFFHS award for the world’s best top division goal scorer 2016 for the third time in his career. Suarez came ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored 38 goals, [&#8230;] Dele Alli brace gives Spurs comeback win 28 Dec 2016 | 9:38 pm Dele Alli scored twice — either side of a fine goal from Harry Kane and a penalty miss — and Spurs eventually beat Southampton 4 -1. Comparisions between Dele Alli and Frank Lampard here.. Mignolet faces flak for goalkeeping blunders 27 Dec 2016 | 7:25 pm Stoke have only scored three goals against Liverpool in Anfield in the last 40 years.While Simon Mignolet did not let in all three of those goals he certainly let in the one they scored yesterday &#8211; the opening goal of the game. And Liverpool fans are unsparing in their vocal condemnation of his goalkeeping efforts. [&#8230;] Henrikh Mkhitaryan scores wondergoal 27 Dec 2016 | 12:13 am Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the best goal of his career in United&#8217;s 3 &#8211; 1 home win over Sunderland. Mourinho is licking his chops in glee at United&#8217;s fourth win in a row spearheaded by his in form superstriker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Mkhitarayan&#8217;s brilliant form is icing on the cake. And while Mourinho chortles in glee at [&#8230;] Southampton will not appeal Nathan Redmond's red card 29 Dec 2016 | 8:03 am 20 Stats from Premier League Matchday 18 ft. Yaya Touré & Everton 29 Dec 2016 | 12:00 am 2 &#8211; Christian Benteke became the first player to miss two penalties this season. 3 &#8211; All three of Paul Pogba&#8217;s Premier League assists have been for Zlatan Ibrahimović. 3 &#8211; Stoke City have scored more own goals than any other team so far this season. 9 &#8211; Tony Pulis has lost all nine of [&#8230;] Yaya Touré is Best Penalty Taker in Premier League History 27 Dec 2016 | 12:00 am Yaya Touré gave Manchester City the lead on their way to a 3-0 win at Hull City on Boxing Day by way of a penalty. The Ivorian coolly converted the spot kick following Andy Robertson&#8217;s foul on Raheem Sterling in the final 20 minutes at the KCOM Stadium on Boxing Day. It was the 10th [&#8230;] 20 Stats from Premier League Matchday 17 ft. Antonio Conte & Liverpool 20 Dec 2016 | 12:30 am 3 &#8211; Arsenal have lost three matches from winning positions this season. 3 &#8211; Southampton scored as many goals at Bournemouth on Sunday as they had in their previous seven Premier League matches combined. 4 &#8211; Chelsea have gone on to win the Premier League title each season they have been top at Christmas. 4 [&#8230;] Which Premier League teams fare best when top at Christmas? 20 Dec 2016 | 12:00 am Chelsea&#8217;s 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday means that Antonio Conte&#8217;s side are on an 11-game winning streak and have a six-point lead over Liverpool at Christmas. In Premier League history the leader at Christmas has gone on to win 12 of the 24 seasons, but omens are much better for Chelsea this season [&#8230;] [Stats] The Remarkable Turnaround in Diego Costa’s Behaviour 17 Dec 2016 | 2:00 am Diego Costa quickly earned a reputation in England for being a fiery and unpredictable player shortly after joining Chelsea in 2014.  Or &#8216;a cheat&#8217; as many non-Chelsea supporters referred to him as. The Brazilian-born Spanish international arrived in the Premier League off the back of his first break out season in professional football, scoring 27 [&#8230;] Key Man Returns As Guardiola Makes 3 Changes: Predicted Man City XI vs Liverpool 29 Dec 2016 | 9:10 am Manchester City take on Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday in a huge top-of-the-table clash. Here is the side we think Pep Guardiola will select for the game: Liverpool Team News: Klopp Confirms Major Double Injury Blow Ahead Of Man City 29 Dec 2016 | 5:27 am Jurgen Klopp has confirmed a huge double injury blow ahead of Liverpool's pivotal Premier League clash with Manchester City at Anfield on Saturday. [Video Goals] Southampton 1-4 Tottenham: Alli Double Sinks 10-Man Saints 28 Dec 2016 | 1:54 pm Dele Alli scored twice as Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to beat 10-man Southampton 4-1 at St Mary's this evening. Watch the goals here: Arsenal Handed Boost As Injured Star Returns To Full Training But Duo Still Absent 28 Dec 2016 | 12:45 pm Arsenal have been handed a major boost with the news that a key man has returned to full training today but two others remain absent. [Teams] Southampton vs Tottenham: Confirmed Line-Ups 28 Dec 2016 | 10:50 am Tottenham are under pressure to secure all three points when they take on Southampton at St Mary's Stadium this evening. Here are the confirmed line-ups: Manchester United: What is Jose Mourinho’s best team? 29 Dec 2016 | 6:39 am It&#8217;s that time of year. The January transfer window &#8216;opens&#8217; earlier and earlier. As with its summer cousin, the major clubs try to conclude deals before the window actually opens.... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Bob Bradley sacked but Swansea City’s problems go deeper 28 Dec 2016 | 4:59 am That didn&#8217;t go well, did it? After all the controversy that greeted his appointment (though an experienced former international manager joining the Premier League really didn&#8217;t need to... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] 66 goals in 10 games: Remembering the Boxing Day goal-fest of 1963 26 Dec 2016 | 2:39 pm While other European leagues take a breather and allow their players to rest, recuperate, celebrate and maybe take in some warm weather training somewhere nice, the Premier League continues apace.... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] Divock Origi, Alex Iwobi, Andre Silva… #JF70 best young players in Europe review, week 8 24 Dec 2016 | 2:56 pm It&#8217;s that time again, #JF70 young stars of the week. Which of our 70 young startlets made us sit up and take notice this week? Let&#8217;s take a look. � #JF70 young talents of the week... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] “A ball appeared from somewhere…” – The story of the Christmas Truce football match, 1914 24 Dec 2016 | 1:24 pm Christmas Eve, 1914. Frost settles as the day&#8217;s rain begins to dissipate. As darkness falls on the trenches of the Western Front, the front lines of what was then called The Great War. It was... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] FC Barcelona News: 29 December 2016; Players Return to Training on Friday, Luis Suarez Recognized by IFFHS 29 Dec 2016 | 6:06 am The first team returns to training on Friday | FC BarcelonaThe FC Barcelona first team returns to training on Friday after enjoying several days off over the Christmas period. The session will take place at 6.00pm CET at Ciutat Esportiva, while an open door training day will be held on 3 January. Luis Suárez, world's top scorer for 2016 | FC BarcelonaLuis Suárez has been named the best goalscorer in the world by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS). The Uruguayan star demonstrated his lethal prowess in front of goal, topping the league scoring charts with 40 goals, finishing ahead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (38), Gonzalo Higuain (36) and Cristiano Ronaldo (35). Andrés... FC Barcelona, Shakhtar Donetsk closing in on deal for Darijo Srna - Report 29 Dec 2016 | 3:37 am New full-back! FC Barcelona are very close to signing a new full-back. The Catalan giants have had very good progress in their negotiations with Ukranian powerhouse Shakhtar Donetsk over the last week and are very close to agreeing a deal for the transfer of full-back Darijo Srna, sources told Barça Blaugranes. The two clubs had major differences in transfer fee, but the deal will be done for €4 million, sources say. Srna has six months left in his contract and could sign with any club for free in the summer, but he wants to play for Barça in the Champions League and expressed that desire since the beginning of this season. There were some internal discussions among the Barça board about signing Srna... Xavi Makes Appearance; Catalonia Lose Friendly Against Tunisia on Penalties 28 Dec 2016 | 6:55 pm Sergi Roberto and Jordi Masip also played in the 3-3 draw The Catalan national team drew 3-3 with Tunisia before succumbing on penalties, in a friendly in which former FC Barcelona star Xavi made an appearance along with current players Jordi Masip and Sergi Roberto. Xavi played for 64 minutes before being replaced by Oriol Riera, while Masip and Roberto started the match but only played one half. Tunisia were up 2-0 within 30 minutes thanks to a brace from Youssef Msakni. Xavi assisted Gerard Moreno before the beak to pull one back before the halftime break, though in the 66th, Msakni completed his hat trick and made it 3-1 to Tunisia. But Catalonia got the draw thanks to goals from former Espanyol players... FC Barcelona News: 28 December 2016; David Villa Talks Lionel Messi 28 Dec 2016 | 4:18 am Barça players enjoy their Christmas! | FC BarcelonaThe first team players, with their friends and family, publish videos and photos of their holidays during the Christmas period. Villa: Messi 'will sign a new contract' - Goal.comDavid Villa is confident Lionel Messi will sign a new contract with Barcelona as he cannot imagine the Spanish champions without the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Messi is out of contract in 2018 and the 29-year-old is yet to agree a contract renewal as speculation mounts over his future. How FC Barcelona’s front three warm up | FC BarcelonaFC Barcelona’s trident do not only exhibit their skills on the field during a game but also in the warmup. Suárez, Messi and Neymar Jr... La Liga News: 28 December 2016; Sevilla Eying Anthony Martial, Manchester City Duo Move to Spain 28 Dec 2016 | 4:17 am Pepe set for China move | Football EspanaThe 33-year-old’s contract at Madrid expires in June 2017 and talks over a new deal have stalled with the player’s representatives reportedly favouring a two-year deal with the club reluctant to sanction anything other than a renewed one-year contract with the option for a further year based on performances. Martin Odegaard set to leave Real Madrid on loan - Goal.comReal Madrid's teenage midfielder Martin Odegaard is set to seal a loan deal to Eredivisie side Heerenveen, according to Marca. The Norway international recently turned 18, but is not seen as a main squad player by Zinedine Zidane at Santiago Bernabeu. Diego Simeone will be at Atletico Madrid next... Both Teams to Score Tips for New Year’s Eve at Over 8/1 29 Dec 2016 | 8:48 am Our New Year&rsquo;s Eve both teams to score betting tip is just over 8/1 and all four of the selections are from the 3pm kick-offs. � We&rsquo;re hoping to end 2016 with a profit as we search for the matches in which both sides are likely to find the back of the net on New Year&rsquo;s Eve. The odds are 8.35/1 with Bet Bright and if you open a new account with them you will get a �50 free bet to spend. � Get a �50 free bet via this Bet Bright sign-up link. � � Both Teams to Score Tips New Year&rsquo;s Eve � Leicester v West Ham Tip &#8211; BTTS The Foxes were disappointing on Boxing Day as they failed to hit the target against Everton. They can welcome back a few first team players and Claudio Ranieri... Hull City vs Everton Predictions, Betting Tips and Preview 29 Dec 2016 | 6:59 am Hull City vs Everton betting tip and Premier League predictions for this week&rsquo;s Friday Night Football on Sky Sports with the best odds, team news and head to head stats for the game. � Venue: KCOM Stadium, Hull. Kick-off time: 8.00pm Friday 30th December 2016. � Hull are struggling and show little sign of a revival. They sit bottom of the Premier League on goal difference and were beaten 3-0 at home to Man City on Boxing Day. Everton picked up a 2-0 win at Leicester, their first win in seven away matches. � Hull vs Everton Predictions � Hull have only won one of their last eight home Premier League matches, losing five of those games. In that run they beat Southampton, drew 3-3... Aston Villa vs Leeds Predictions, Betting Tips and Preview 29 Dec 2016 | 2:33 am Aston Villa vs Leeds predictions and football betting tips for the Championship game tonight including the best odds for each tip, team news and head to head stats. � Leeds face their second successive away game of the festive period as they travel to face Aston Villa tonight. We&rsquo;ve got three betting tips for the match. Both of these sides were victorious on Boxing Day with Aston Villa squeezing through against Burton Albion and Leeds continuing their upward momentum with a thumping 4-1 victory over Preston. � Villa&rsquo;s home record under Steve Bruce has been impressive and they&rsquo;ve been slowly climbing the table. They made difficult work of their 2-1 victory over Burton on Monday and have slipped... Must Liverpool fans ready their goodbyes for this former Reds favourite? 28 Dec 2016 | 7:49 am It&rsquo;s certainly fair to say that Mamadou Sakho has experienced something of a topsy-turvy spell in-front of the Anfield faithful, ever since first joining up with the English Premier League in the summer of 2013. � Big things were expected of the highly coveted Frenchman when he first stepped out onto the pitch in Liverpool colours &ndash; and barring a few poorly timed errors and costly performances from a purely defensive point of view &ndash; the notorious Reds fans initially took to Sakho for his workman-like displays and unmistakable sense of passion. � Yet since encountering a series of confusing and unhelpful off-field incidents in recent months however, subsequently incurring the displeasure of... Has Håvard Nordtveit now successfully turned the corner at West Ham? 28 Dec 2016 | 7:06 am When it comes to hitting the ground running among the often testing English top-flight, West Ham United&rsquo;s latest summer recruits have certainly failed to impress for the most part this season. In the eyes of many, the Hammers hierarchy actually served to worsen their overall squad throughout the previous summer transfer window, as opposed to definitively�improving Slaven Bilic&rsquo;s first-team options. � � From an overweight Gokhan Tore and a substandard Simone Zaza, to a vastly inexperienced Jonathan Calleri and a past-it Alvaro Arbeloa &ndash; West Ham ultimately embarked upon one too many costly gambles this summer, subsequently paving the way for an extremely poor start to the 2016/17 Premier League... Klopp happy with win over Stoke…now Liverpool boss eyes massive match against Manchester City 28 Dec 2016 | 4:39 am Jurgen Klopp watched Liverpool close the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea to six points and move to second in the table with a 4-1 win over Stoke. Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino scored before the break after Jon Walters headed home to give Stoke a shock lead. Then Giannelli Imbula diverted Divock Origi&#8217;s cross into his own net for 3-1, before Daniel Sturridge wrapped things up. Now Klopp is readying his charges for the crucial clash against Manchester City on New Year’s Eve — and their boss, Pep Guardiola, was at Anfield watching proceedings to run the rule over the Reds. Klopp said: “It is a big game for both of us. I heard Pep was in the stadium tonight; I am not sure he watched a lot of... Reds favourite Firmino loving life at Liverpool and ready to tackle festive period for Klopp’s outfit 23 Dec 2016 | 4:27 am Brazilian ace Roberto Firmino has enjoyed some time in the spotlight for Liverpool of late, largely due to the fact that countryman Coutinho has been out of action through injury. Firmino has dazzled in the absence of the hugely influential Coutinho and, as Jurgen Klopp’s side prepare for a busy festive period, kicking off with the visit of Stoke to Anfield on December 27, the Samba star has been speaking about how he has managed to adapt to life on Merseyside. Firmino, 25, has pointed to his success in the transition from playing football in Germany for Hoffenheim as key to him being a force in the way Klopp’s men set about their attacking game. He has become a firm favourite with the Anfield fans... Sturridge’s return a big Christmas boost for Liverpool, says Reds skipper Henderson 21 Dec 2016 | 4:28 am Daniel Sturridge could hand Jurgen Klopp a special Christmas present with Liverpool heading into a busy festive fixture list. Striker Sturridge has been on the sidelines for the past five games for the Reds, hampered by a calf strain. But he came off the bench to force the issue and help the Anfield giants record a 1-0 win at Everton on Monday thanks to a Sadio Mane strike off a rebounded shot from the England attacker that struck the post. It meant Klopp’s outfit and their delirious fans could enjoy the bragging rights after claiming the derby spoils and they now prepare for the Christmas period whilst booking tickets at www.ticketpad.ie Liverpool face home encounters in the top flight against Stoke City... Catharsis Still Required After Points Dropped To West Ham 20 Dec 2016 | 7:42 am It’s an interesting time for Liverpool fans as their team had raised expectations with impressive form during the first third of the season, only for realism to strike with the last few results highlighting that this team probably isn&#8217;t yet at the level required to win a title. Before a ball was kicked in the English Premier League even the most optimistic of Liverpool fans wouldn’t have anticipated their team being above the big spending Manchester clubs after 15 games. Most would have gladly taken the fourth spot in the league and another couple of good cup runs as a season of consolidation before a title tilt the following season. Manager Jurgen Klopp had a good summer streamlining his squad with... Liverpool to finally get some silverware this 2016/17 season? 20 Dec 2016 | 6:42 am Despite a minor dip, in what can only be described as a phenomenal start for Liverpool, this could be the silverware season for Reds fans across the country. The agony of last season, perhaps still fresh in the minds of the players, have made Liverpool one of the most highly touted sides in the Premier League this season. Eagle-eyed fans will find a Premier League win for Liverpool at 11/2 on the internet, but smarter fans may wish to stay clear of such passionate gambling. While the Reds have performed outstandingly so far this season under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool are still a solid six points behind league favourites Chelsea. Manchester United, City and Tottenham, too, will all be feeling the cramp with... Man United: Three reasons why the Red Devils are back on track 29 Dec 2016 | 9:20 am Manchester United may not be on top of the Premier League standings, they may begrudgingly not even be in the top four, but the Red Devils have recently put up a string of impressive results that may quite rightly suggest their season is back on course. The poor run of form in October and November�Continue Reading Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Liverpool considering a move for the winger 29 Dec 2016 | 7:33 am Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is considering a move for Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as he seeks to mould a squad capable of sustaining a title challenge. The Guardian’s Daniel Taylor had this to say: “Oxlade-Chamberlain is one of the players Liverpool have identified but there is also an awareness at Anfield that turning that interest into�Continue Reading WATCH: Goals and highlights from Motherwell’s win over Inverness 29 Dec 2016 | 4:17 am Video uploaded by YouTube channel kakollo channel showing all the goals and highlights from Motherwell&#8217;s 2-1 win over Inverness. Motherwell&#8217;s goals were scored by Craig Clay and Scott McDonald, while Inverness&#8217; goal was scored by Greg Tansey. � Like O-Posts on Facebook You can also follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts Liverpool injury news: Jurgen Klopp will be without two key players for the Reds’ upcoming clash with Manchester City 29 Dec 2016 | 9:33 am Liverpool will be without Joel Matip and Philippe Coutinho for their upcoming title six-pointer with Manchester City, report the Daily Star. The two teams face off on New Year&#8217;s Eve in a... Click Story Headline Above To Read/Watch/Comment the Whole Damn Thing. Manchester City target leaves the door open to a move to the Etihad but they will have to meet his £55M release clause 29 Dec 2016 | 9:22 am Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte has left the door open for a move to Manchester City after Pep Guardiola failed with a summer bid, report the Daily Star. Laporte has emerged as one of La... Click Story Headline Above To Read/Watch/Comment the Whole Damn Thing. Liverpool transfer news: Jurgen Klopp comments on reports linking his side with a move for Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 29 Dec 2016 | 9:07 am Jurgen Klopp has claimed that reports linking Liverpool with a move for Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are nonsense, report Sky Sports. Yesterday, the Guardian reported that the Reds could... Click Story Headline Above To Read/Watch/Comment the Whole Damn Thing. Man United legend lined up as Bob Bradley’s successor at Swansea as he emerges as the club chairman’s favourite for the job 29 Dec 2016 | 8:53 am Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins wants Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs to be the club&#8217;s next manager, according to the Daily Star. The Star report that Swansea interviewed Giggs prior to... Click Story Headline Above To Read/Watch/Comment the Whole Damn Thing. Man City and Chelsea leading the race to sign formidable Southampton centre-back and are willing to meet £55M asking price 29 Dec 2016 | 8:41 am Manchester City and Chelsea are set to lock horns in their efforts to sign Southampton centre-back Virgil Van Dijk, according to the Daily Mail. Van Dijk has emerged as one of the best defenders in... Click Story Headline Above To Read/Watch/Comment the Whole Damn Thing. Christmas Bells ringing, singing 12 Dec 2016 | 3:41 am “Christmas bells are ringing. Hear what they say to you: Jesus is born in Bethlehem, in Bethlehem. Christmas bells, ringing, singing: Jesus is born, is born in Bethlehem, born in Bethlehem.” Christmas is a holy annual celebration which occurred every year on 25th December. It is mainly a religious and cultural festival which is celebrated by billions of people around the world. This day has various names like Nativity day, Xmas day, Noel day and Yule day. Bell is normally a musical toy, but when it joins with Christmas, then the value of a bell automatically increases. Christmas bells especially church bells are traditionally associated with Christmas for a long time. As church service starts after... History Made: Video Assistance now in use at FIFA Club Worldcup! 12 Dec 2016 | 7:57 am Referee Video Assistance This year FIFA makes history by having in game video assistance for referees. This is the first time the technology is used in an official tournament. Indeed, as technology advances, the demand for precision in football has steadily increased. Football has lagged behind other sports that have already implemented this. Accordingly, Infantino has approved &#8220;Video Assisted Refereeing&#8221; to be used for the first time in the FIFA Club Worldcup as an experiment for its possible use in the Russia 2018 FIFA Worldcup. The 7 teams in the FIFA Club World Cup competition of 2016: <ol> <li>Atletico Nacional (Colombia) &#8211; CONMEBOL</li> <li>Auckland City (New Zealand) &#8211; OFC</li> <li>Club America (Mexico) &#8211; CONCAF</li> <li>Jeonbuk...</li></ol> FIFA Club World Cup – La Liga team clear favorites? 12 Dec 2016 | 6:14 am Seven clubs from around the world Mamelodi Sundowns and the other clubs that will be competing for the FIFA Club World Cup crown. pic.twitter.com/aO9mb7o9iM &mdash; Soccer Laduma (@Soccer_Laduma) December 7, 2016 This year, the seven teams in the club world cup come from across the world and include: Atletico Nacional (Colombia) &#8211; CONMEBOL Auckland City (New Zealand) &#8211; OFC Club America (Mexico) &#8211; CONCAF Jeonbuk Motors (South Korea) Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) &#8211; CAF Real Madrid (Spain) &#8211; UEFA Kashima Antlers (Japan, hosts) &#8211; AFC Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (Japan) &#8211; AFC An exciting road to victory brings together teams from around the world for a battle of different styles and strategies. Real Madrid vs Winner... You rated Manchester City’s players against Chelsea 8 Dec 2016 | 11:59 am THE GAME They call it the Cashico, the modern day clash of the English titans. Both sides have come a long way in the Premier League, building priceless sides of talent scoured from all over the earth. winning titles, and hiring masterful tacticians to bring out the best of that talent is their philosophy. When the fans tuned in on Saturday, they were not disappointed. It was an epic clash that arguably put the later Classico to shame. The game was filled with drama, tactical brilliance, heartbreak, and triumph. You guys were a bit rough on the city players&#8230; Chelsea players&#8217; ratings can be found here Without overdue, the ratings Disclaimer: To be fair, we thought the Manchester city ratings were a bit... You rated Chelsea’s players against Manchester City 7 Dec 2016 | 5:51 am The Game They call it the Cashico, the modern day clash of the English titans. Both sides have come a long way in the Premier League, building priceless sides of talent scoured from all over the earth. winning titles, and hiring masterful tacticians to bring out the best of that talent is their philosophy. When the fans tuned in on Saturday, they were not disappointed. It was an epic clash that arguably put the later Classico to shame. The game was filled with drama, tactical brilliance, heartbreak, and triumph.  Manchester City players&#8217; ratings can be found here Without further overdue, let&#8217;s jump into the fan&#8217;s ratings! Chelsea ratings (Top 3) Diego Costa: 9.32 Position: Striker Goals scored: One Diego... UEFA Champions League: Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid – Preview & Fan Predictions 6 Dec 2016 | 8:03 am Champions League Tuesdays The Champions league is by far the most coveted trophy in Europe. Every year, the giants of football battle for the sake of lifting the big eared trophy. And every year, all teams are left fuming while the winner earns the title of &#8220;European Champions&#8221;. With Champions league football comes the promise of passion, outrageous skills, goals and late drama. The two teams facing off tonight have been consistently reaching the final for the last three to four years. Bayern are arguably the biggest team in Bundesliga history, they are the unrivaled masters of the German game. Facing them, Atletico Madrid find themselves at the pinnacle of the Spanish game for the past five years, thanks... 18 Dec 2016 | 1:42 pm 17.12.2016 - Real Madrid 4-2 Kashima Antlers. World champions in Japan!-- Delivered by Feed43 service 17 Dec 2016 | 1:43 pm 15.12.2016 - Club World Cup Final: Real Madrid vs Kashima Antlers Preview-- Delivered by Feed43 service 15 Dec 2016 | 7:43 pm 10.12.2016 - Real Madrid 2-0 Club America. One win left for another title-- Delivered by Feed43 service 10 Dec 2016 | 7:42 pm 07.12.2016 - Real Madrid 3-2 Deportivo. Ramos saves the day again!-- Delivered by Feed43 service 7 Dec 2016 | 7:42 pm 03.12.2016 - Real Madrid 2-2 Borussia Dortmund. Not enough to top the group-- Delivered by Feed43 service And Then There Were Three – Pogba & Mourinho Thrive In Midfield Trio 29 Dec 2016 | 3:18 am Just as the crescendo built to a cacophony, Paul Pogba has finally found some form. The world’s most expensive player was in danger of being labelled the worst signing in the history of football. A late return to training didn’t help. Like many of the elite, he enjoyed a prolonged holiday and then further time off as he moved from Turin to Manchester. Had it been resolved earlier, he may have found his return to United smoother. It wasn’t a familiar homecoming. Sir Alex Ferguson’s move to the boardroom led to turbulent times. Moyes and Van Gaal were disastrous appointments as United spent heavily and slipped out of the Champions League. Embarrassingly so in Moyes time. Pogba was part of... Arsène Wenger: Help or Hindrance 28 Dec 2016 | 3:17 am As the final whistle beckoned at the Etihad on Sunday, Arsène Wenger cut a disconsolate figure as he berated goalkeeper Petr Cech for taking a short free-kick as Arsenal desperately sought an equaliser from a match they should never have lost. Arsenal are in freefall, back-to-back defeats in the Premier League with just three wins in the last seven. Second place and on Chelsea’s heels, the Gunners are now fourth and in Tottenham’s sights. Wenger’s own fate is intertwined with that of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, with the Frenchman apparently unwilling to sign the new contract on offer from the club until the ‘star’ players have done the same. The question Arsenal must answer is whether... Tips For Successful Football Betting 22 Dec 2016 | 5:34 am There are many ways to win big in football if one adopts the right strategy. Whether you bet for fun or take things a little more seriously, you want to be making smart decisions that will help you profit in the long-term.  To improve your skills, all you need is a few tips on how to develop your technique. Take Advantage of Free Football Bets Most bookmakers offer bonuses and promotions to reward regular punters and encourage new customers to sign up. And free football bets could have a huge impact on how much money one makes overall. To take advantage of these perks, start betting online and keep an eye out for any upcoming offers from various sites. Still, it helps to spend some time working out how to... Tottenham Close The Gap On North London Rivals Arsenal Creating A Panic At The Emirates 19 Dec 2016 | 5:49 am If you had used a Betfair promo code ZSK200 over the weekend to back Spurs you will be a relieved punter as they managed to come back from 1 &#8211; 0 down to beat Burnley at White Hart Lane. The winner came via controversial circumstance by Tottenham fans will not mind that as they are now only a single point behind North London rivals Arsenal who sits in the fourth spot. Burnley fans will be very disappointed they did not get anything from the game after going in front and what will anger them is the circumstance in which it was scored. The winning goal may have been scored by Danny Rose but it was Moussa Sissoko that made the assist after only minutes earlier making a challenge he should have been sent off... Five Reasons Why Arsenal Will Not Win The EPL This Season 19 Dec 2016 | 5:40 am What a difference a week has made in the Premier League for Arsene Wenger&#8217;s team. They have lost two games in a week against Everton along with Manchester City and now trail leaders Chelsea by nine points. At the start of the week, the top bookmakers at Gamblingwebsites.org.uk had the Gunner as one of the favorites to win the EPL this campaign. After suffering from two losses on the bounce, they are now an outsider and are even in danger of not qualifying for the Champions League with fifth-placed Spurs only a single point behind them. The Gunners fans will be bitterly disappointed after their team took the lead in both matches only to crumble both times in the second half. The losses have greatly affected... Week 19 Premier League Predictions 2016-17 28 Dec 2016 | 11:01 pm The midpoint of the season hits this weekend with the final set of matches to end both 2016 and the first half of the 2016-17 season. Gameweek 18 FPL Tips 2016-17 22 Dec 2016 | 3:09 am The holiday weekend is here with Boxing Day matches set for gameweek 18. As mentioned in this week’s predictions, there are several players that will be out injured or suspended, which means that many FPL teams will need to make changes to be prepared for this. Wayne Rooney Offered to Napoli after Rocky Relationship with Mourinho 21 Dec 2016 | 11:12 pm Vincenzo Morabito, top Italian football agent, has claimed that Manchester United have offered Wayne Rooney a Napoli transfer as they try desperately to offload the player. This season, the England international has not been as much of a regular for the Red Devils as he once was, and reportedly, the relationship between Rooney and Mourinho has broken down that much that the manager is apparently willing to allow the 31-year-old to leave the club on loan. Speaking to Radio CRC, Morabito claimed that he ‘knew for a fact’ that Rooney had been offered to Napoli as he cannot go to other English clubs, something that could lead him to play in Italy or Spain. Week 18 Premier League Predictions 2016-17 21 Dec 2016 | 5:08 am With several top fantasy players dealing with injuries and card accumulations, week 18 has become rather interesting in terms of putting out the strongest team possible. Those players who will be out for sure include Diego Costa, N’Golo Kante, Sergio Aguero, Jaime Vardy, Christian Fuchs, Robert Huth, and Marko Arnautovic for either yellow card accumulation or red card suspensions. Week 17 Premier League Predictions 2016-17 16 Dec 2016 | 5:17 am Another quick turnaround brings week 17 Premier League matches on Saturday through Monday. With many teams dropping points at the top and middle of the table there has been some leveling out among the various tiers of the Premier League table. Despite that there is just as much separation between the various tiers of the table as there has been in the past two months. Few teams have made much in the way of progress, but there have been some incremental changes in the points gaps for a few teams. PSG Prepare Surprise £40m Bid For This Liverpool Star Following Julian Draxler’s £40m Move 27 Dec 2016 | 11:21 pm One of the major transfer rumours has been regarding the future of Philippe Coutinho. The 24-year-old Brazilian has been the standout attacker for the Reds this season and many top European clubs are rumoured to be after the former Inter Milan star. While Barcelona and Real Madrid have been consistently linked with a move for [&#8230;] Injured Liverpool Ace Returns To Training After Missing More Than A Year – Talks About His Training Secrets 27 Dec 2016 | 1:33 pm Joe Gomez was one of the Liverpool players to pick up a nasty injury last season. The young defender had started his career brightly for the Reds, even starting the first five games in the Premier League for former manager Brendan Rodgers before injury struck. The 19-year-old picked up a knee injury while playing for [&#8230;] Liverpool To Finally Sanction Move For Midfielder – ESPN Sources 27 Dec 2016 | 12:36 pm Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva could be on his way to Inter Milan in the January window. A source close to ESPN FC has claimed that the Reds will not block any move from Inter for the Brazilian and the only stumbling block is what kind of deal it would be. This is a total shift [&#8230;] Chelsea Join Liverpool In The Race To Sign This English International 26 Dec 2016 | 11:51 am Joe Hart might be playing his football in Italy but the number of suitors in England seems to be increasing with each day. While Liverpool have been linked with a move for the 29-year-old, there seems to be competition coming in from London as well with Chelsea interested in the keeper. The Daily Express claims that [&#8230;] Liverpool Step Up Interest To Sign Winger With £20 Million Release Clause After Failing To Sign Draxler 26 Dec 2016 | 10:22 am Liverpool’s search for a quality attacker in the winter seems to be heading to Russia. The Premier League club were in the running to sign Julian Draxler but the German chose Paris Saint-Germain and the Reds will shift their focus to Quincy Promes again. The 24-year-old winger has been great for Spartak Moscow this season [&#8230;] Chelsea Are Planning To Complete Bumper Deal For Striker – £200,000-A-Week Deal To Be Offered 21 Dec 2016 | 1:36 pm Diego Costa has been on a purple patch this season for Chelsea – notching 13 goals out of 17 Premier League appearances this campaign. Besides sitting at the summit of the top scorer chart, the Spaniard has also contributed 5 assists. Last time out, the imposing striker offered the perfect early Christmas present for the [&#8230;] Chelsea And Manchester United Go Head To Head To Complete Deal For German Defender 21 Dec 2016 | 12:36 pm Chelsea and Manchester United are keen to capitalise on AS Roma’s financial position and secure the services of German defender Antonio Rudiger. The 23-year-old is one of Europe’s hottest prospects and since returning from a major knee injury that ruled him out of Euro 2016, he has quickly picked up where he left off, turning [&#8230;] Chelsea Win Yet Again – A Constant Improvement By Conte’s Men 20 Dec 2016 | 11:09 pm Currently standing at first place in the division, Chelsea have gone on to secure the Christmas Day top spot with room to spare as Diego Costa scored an impressive goal in the 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace on Saturday 17th December.  Costa’s header at 43 minutes into the game was the sixth goal for the [&#8230;] Chelsea Could Face A Stiff Challenge Against Bournemouth As Key Duo Set To Miss The Boxing Day Game 20 Dec 2016 | 12:36 pm Chelsea will be without Diego Costa and N’golo Kante on Boxing Day when they take on Bournemouth at home. The pair picked up their fifth yellow card against Crystal Palace last weekend and are shackled with a single match ban. They have been pillars in their respective departments thus it could be the biggest challenge [&#8230;] Costa, Conte, Hazard All Smiles Chelsea’s New Christmas Video 20 Dec 2016 | 9:33 am With Christmas just around the corner, there is no club infused in the festive mood more than Chelsea. They currently occupy the top spot of the toughest league in the world with a six-point bridge between them and second-placed Liverpool. And their performances have been mesmerizing too. With every passing week, any experts will bet on [&#8230;] Pochettino Could Face Serious Selection Headaches As Key First Team Star Could Face A Lengthy Ban 29 Dec 2016 | 8:08 am Spurs fans were disappointed when Jan Vertonghen picked up his fifth booking of the season against Southampton yesterday which would see him miss the next encounter against Watford away from home. However, it seems only to be a little pinch as the Belgian international’s ban could be extended after a pointless foul on Jay Rodriguez [&#8230;] Tottenham Boss Finally Speaks Out About The Upcoming Transfer Window And His Plans For It 29 Dec 2016 | 12:06 am The January transfer window is edging closer and it’s time for clubs to reload their guns with additional bullets to be on track with their season’s quest. Among the teams that are desperate of a game changer are Tottenham Hotspur, who have been quite a shadow of the previous season, where they finished third. Nonetheless, [&#8230;] Tottenham Send Scouts To Watch German Speedster – Everton In The Race As Well 28 Dec 2016 | 11:03 pm According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are reportedly in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen starlet Julian Brandt. Both the Premier League clubs sent over scouts to evaluate him in the German outfit’s 1-1 stalemate to Koln last Wednesday and they returned with all smiles. The highly-rated winger has been in electrifying [&#8230;] Twitter Reacts To Harry Kane’s Penalty Miss, Redmond’s Red Card 28 Dec 2016 | 10:21 pm Tottenham came back to defeat 10-man Southampton in a game that featured goals galore for the away side. Spurs were looking to keep up the pace with the rest of the Premier League sides as every side above them had won their last fixture. The game didn’t start all that well for Mauricio Pochettino, who [&#8230;] This Tottenham Star Could Be The Next Frank Lampard – Former Liverpool Midfielder Danny Murphy 28 Dec 2016 | 2:21 pm Dele Alli has been one of the incredible stories in the Premier League over the last five years. His transition from a player for MK Dons in the League One into an England international has been quite remarkable. With such an incredible progress does come a lot of pressure in the form of criticism, and [&#8230;] Injury Update: Jose Mourinho Confirms That Forward Will Miss The Middlesbrough Game 29 Dec 2016 | 9:33 am Jose Mourinho has confirmed that forward Wayne Rooney is unlikely to feature against Middlesbrough on New Year’s Eve. The north-east outfit are the visitors to Old Trafford, and they are against a United team who have won the last four league matches. United have certainly hit top form for the first time this season. Yet, [&#8230;] Manchester United Join Tottenham In The Race To Sign Leverkusen Ace 28 Dec 2016 | 10:50 pm Manchester United are one of the several clubs interested in Bayern Leverkusen ace Julian Brandt according to the Daily Mail. The German international has managed to cause quite a stir amongst clubs looking for a top quality winger. The 20-year-old was in the ranks of Wolfsburg before moving to Leverkusen’s team in 2014. However, it did [&#8230;] Manchester United Latest: Secret Meeting Between Mourinho And Sir Alex, Update On The Deal With Benfica And More 28 Dec 2016 | 1:11 pm Benfica defender Victor Lindelof is reportedly on the verge of moving to Manchester United in a £38 million deal. It has also been rumoured that another transfer is set to take place between Benfica and Manchester United, but in the other way round. United goalkeeper Joel Pereira has been linked with a switch to the [&#8230;] (Picture) Victor Lindelof And His Girlfriend Snapped With A Lot Baggage Ahead Of The Imminent Manchester United Move 28 Dec 2016 | 9:36 am Benfica defender Victor Lindelof remains in the limelight ahead of a proposed move to Manchester United. Both parties are yet to confirm the deal, which is understood to be in the region of £38 million and going up to £42 million. However, a big indication has come from the player’s girlfriend. Maja Nilsson has posted [&#8230;] Jose Mourinho Is Supremely Confident Of Completing The Deal For Striker Beyond This Season 28 Dec 2016 | 8:51 am Manchester United have reportedly been working on extending Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s stay at Old Trafford by activating the one-year option on his contract. The striker moved from Paris St Germain in the summer on a free transfer. He signed a one-year contract with the option of another year depending on his campaign with the club. So [&#8230;] Julian Draxler To Reject Arsenal For PSG Move 21 Dec 2016 | 6:47 pm It has been revealed that Arsenal target Julian Draxler has agreed personal terms with PSG. According to the Daily Mail, Draxler is poised to join Paris Saint-Germain. His club Wolfsburg want £34million for the 23-year-old who has asked to leave the Bundesliga side. Draxler has agreed a four-and-a-half year contract with PSG but the clubs are still finalising the fee. The post Julian Draxler To Reject Arsenal For PSG Move appeared first on Total Football Madness. PSG To Challenge Man Utd, Liverpool For Virgil van Dijk 21 Dec 2016 | 6:39 pm Reports are out claiming that PSG are seriously considering a winter offer for Southampton&#8217;s Virgil van Dijk. French publication L&#8217;Equipe is reporting that the Ligue 1 champions are eager to sign another centre-back as they go after a fifth-straight title. Unai Emery currently has Marquinhos, Thiago Silva and Presnel Kimpembe on the books but is keen to strengthen his defence with another quality centre-half. However, it is understood that PSG are willing to wait until the summer to sign the Dutchman who is unlikely to be sold by the Saints next month. Van Dijk, 25, remains a key target for Premier League clubs Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton. The post PSG To Challenge Man Utd,... Chris Smalling Set For Manchester United Exit 21 Dec 2016 | 6:32 pm Reports are out claiming that Chris Smalling&#8217;s future at Manchester United is in doubt. The Daily Express says the England man&#8217;s future could be in doubt if Jose Mourinho completes a deal for Benfica defender Victor Lindelof. United supremo Ed Woodward is confident of sealing a deal for less than Lindelof&#8217;s £37.8m release clause. Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have emerged as Jose Mourinho&#8217;s first-choice centre-back pairing with Bailly returning from injury. With Lindelof potentially joining the club that could spell the end for Smalling. The post Chris Smalling Set For Manchester United Exit appeared first on Total Football Madness. Liverpool Chasing Manchester City Goalkeeper Joe Hart 21 Dec 2016 | 6:24 pm Reports are out claiming that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is ready to move for Torino goalkeeper Joe Hart. Th England international is currently playing on-loan at Toro from Manchester City. The Mirror says Klopp is considering Hart as an option in the summer. Klopp brought in Loris Karius from Mainz during the previous transfer window in an attempt to bolster his goalkeeper options with Simon Mignolet inconsistent last season. But the German has failed to set the world alight at Anfield and was recently dropped in place of Mignolet. And while Klopp is content with both his goalkeepers for now, the report suggests he is keeping tabs on Hart&#8217;s situation at City. The post Liverpool Chasing Manchester City... Manchester City Favourites To Sign Tottenham Star Eric Dier 14 Dec 2016 | 8:00 pm According to the latest odds on betting site Ladbrokes, Manchester City are leading the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Eric Dier. City are available at 3/1 odds and are followed by the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and Chelsea in the betting charts. A Ladbrokes spokesperson said: &#8220;It&#8217;s not quite clicking for Dier and Pochettino at Tottenham this season, and it&#8217;s Manchester City who look best placed to take advantage.&#8221; In a separate report, The Times has claimed that Bayern Munich and Chelsea are showing significant interest in the England international. The post Manchester City Favourites To Sign Tottenham Star Eric Dier appeared first on Total Football Madness. Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost picks himself by now! 29 Dec 2016 | 8:19 am THE FantasyYIRMA.com GAMEWEEK PREVIEW FOLLOWS THE END OF YEAR MENTION TO TheGafferTapes.com FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE THROUGH 2016 Since the start of the 2015/16 Season we&#8217;ve been fortunate to have @CraigHazell from TheGafferTapes.com as our Gameweek Preview writer, following on in the footsteps from YIRMA legend @Mark_Jones86. This season Craig has continued providing his excellent take [&#8230;] Arsenal, Zlatan and the Big Sam Allardyce Effect 24 Dec 2016 | 11:54 am � Merry Christmas!! Unless of course you don&#8217;t celebrate Christmas, in which case Merry Christmas!!! I&#8217;m very stubborn. With the festive season, it is the most vulnerable time of the season to forget the cluster of gameweeks that fast approaches. With that in mind it is a good opportunity to make sure you have some [&#8230;] Fantasy Football Review: Costa, Dudley Moore and go easy on the eggnog 22 Dec 2016 | 2:01 pm Feeling Fuzzy: Gameweek 17 Review “Clearly, Costa and Aguero have switched bodies” Written by @FuzzyWarbles (That&#8217;s important) ‘Tis the season to be jolly&#8221;. Fair enough. &#8220;Don we now our gay apparel?&#8221; That’s where I drawn the line. � It’s not so much the apparel. To each his own, I say. It’s that the lyric to [&#8230;] Chelsea’s Diego Costa and the top 100 Christmas dogs of the 90s? 13 Dec 2016 | 12:52 am &#8216;Tis the season! A goal for Divock Origi, a clean sheet for Fonte and then a massive mistake on Spurs vs United means that Christmas has restored my usual inconsistency. As we know, it&#8217;s a prime time of year to forget how often you&#8217;ve got teams to pick and a whole gameweek can pass you [&#8230;] Sell Man City’s Aguero, Buy Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs!! 9 Dec 2016 | 4:53 am Written by @CraigHazell &#8211; that&#8217;s important! Not to brag but if you followed my tips last week, then you probably moved up a few pages in your league, got a promotion at work and slept with the hottest girl from school. It was a clean sweep of points and let&#8217;s be honest, it&#8217;s unlikely to [&#8230;] Barcelona stadium lit up as Catalans sink Hercules 22 Dec 2016 | 3:12 am The Barcelona stadium Camp Nou was lit up last night by a second string team that saw off minnows Hercules in style with a 7-0 drubbing. Luis Enrique put faith in his side to let the youngsters play and bring home the goods to let the Catalans progress to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey. Messi runs amok against City who shot themselves in the foot 20 Oct 2016 | 4:45 am Pep Guardiola is probably still staring into his coffee after last night's 4 nil defeat by FC Barcelona. Both he and Luis Enrique were very cordial before the match with hugs in the tunnel before the teams came out. But there ended the niceties as Pep meant business with his Manchester City side. Piqué believes he will play in the MLS 26 Sep 2016 | 6:48 am At 29 years old and despite the fact that for the foreseeable future Gerard Pique will be a Barcelona player, the defender is already considering his long-term future and has confirmed he would like to play in the MLS at some point. Barca’s Title Run Will Be a Race to the Finish Line 5 May 2016 | 12:04 pm The Premier League has already been decided and Bayern Munich look likely to sew up the German Bundesliga this weekend. However, who will win the Spanish La Liga remains very much up in the air with a neck-and-neck, three-way race between FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Barcelona should now fully focus on winning La Liga 26 Apr 2016 | 4:18 am Although Barcelona are level pegging with Atlético Madrid and just 1 point ahead of Real, the team remain focussed on the job in hand which is to win La Liga. Manager Luis Enrique is convinced that his team can do it and maintains firm his optimism. FA Cup Third Round- Hammers to host Manchester City 5 Dec 2016 | 3:50 pm Of all the teams West Ham could&#8217;ve drawn in the third round of the FA Cup, they&#8217;ve got Pep Guardiola&#8217;s title challengers, which all but puts paid to the hopes of a good Cup run. With the league likely to be the Hammers&#8217; main focus given their precarious position currently, even the most die-hard WHUFC [&#8230;] The post FA Cup Third Round- Hammers to host Manchester City appeared first on West Ham United Blog. Video- Superb Dimitri Payet free kick seals Hammers progress into next round of League Cup 22 Sep 2016 | 9:00 am Dimitri Payet was again West Ham&#8217;s saviour as his cracking free kick deep into second half stoppage time as the club edged the League Two outfit 1-0 to set up a tasty fourth round clash at home against Antonio Conte&#8217;s Chelsea. The win ended the Hammers&#8217; four game winless run, and fans will be hoping [&#8230;] The post Video- Superb Dimitri Payet free kick seals Hammers progress into next round of League Cup appeared first on West Ham United Blog. Video Carolina Railhawks 2-2 West Ham | Biggest crowd in Railhawks history 13 Jul 2016 | 10:28 am West Ham&#8217;s pre-season run out against NASL outfit Carolina Railhawks saw the latter register their biggest ever crowd as 10,125 people attended this game at WakeMed Soccer Park. New Railhawks signing Omar Bravo also made his debut for the side as a second half substitute Video- Railhawks 2-2 West Ham (via Vid.me) Winston Reid&#8217;s own [&#8230;] The post Video Carolina Railhawks 2-2 West Ham | Biggest crowd in Railhawks history appeared first on West Ham United Blog. Player watch- How did West Ham’s Darren Randolph rate vs Sweden 14 Jun 2016 | 12:22 am The Republic of Ireland took on Sweden in their Euro 2016 opener last night, and West Ham&#8217;s Darren Randolph was in goal for the Republic- the only WHUFC player in action yesterday at the Championships (Angelo Ogbonna did not play for Italy). The game ended in a 1-1 draw. Here is how major papers and [&#8230;] The post Player watch- How did West Ham&#8217;s Darren Randolph rate vs Sweden appeared first on West Ham United Blog. Video- West Ham’s Dimitri Payet scores fantastic goal against Romania 11 Jun 2016 | 5:46 am This Dimi Payet goal v Romania was another moment of class from the West Ham star as he helped hosts France edge Romania in the opening game of Euro 2016 last night. Payet&#8217;s goal, a stunner, was the winning one for Les Bleus after Giroud&#8217;s opener had been cancelled out by Stancu Video Payet goal [&#8230;] The post Video- West Ham&#8217;s Dimitri Payet scores fantastic goal against Romania appeared first on West Ham United Blog. Man United and Arsenal scout German Playmaker 27 Dec 2016 | 8:45 pm The Premier League quartet with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are all reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation of Bundesliga midfielder Julian Brandt, according to the Daily Mail. The Premier League clubs were all in attendance to scout the Bayer Leverkusen attacker against FC Koln during last week’s [&#8230;] Spurs keen on £25m bid for Wilfried Zaha 25 Dec 2016 | 8:38 pm Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering an approach for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, according to The Daily Mail. Spurs have been keen admirers of the England international, having had three bids rejected in the past. Their initial £12 million offer was quoted as “ridiculous” by Palace chairman Steve Parish and another two more bids worth [&#8230;] Report: Man United hoping to secure Arsenal target Dimitri Payet 22 Dec 2016 | 8:20 pm Manchester United are prepared to lock horns with Premier League rivals Arsenal for the signature of Dimitri Payet in the January transfer window. The West Ham United midfielder is said to be looking for a move away from the London Stadium and has recently talked with French broadcaster RMC Sport about his next move. Arsenal [&#8230;] Can Guardiola Realistically Be Sacked This Season? 19 Dec 2016 | 7:19 pm Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola took some pressure off his shoulders when his side beat Arsenal 2-1 last weekend, a result which saw City leapfrog the Gunners in the Premier League table. The afternoon started badly for the hosts as Theo Walcott gave Arsenal the early lead after just five minutes when he converted a [&#8230;] Liverpool keen on the Dutchman? 26 Dec 2016 | 8:48 pm After losing the race for PSG-bound Julian Draxler, Liverpool have switched their attention to Quincy Promes, who plays as a midfielder for Spartak Moscow. According to The Mirror, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has identified the Dutchman as the attacking option as he needs to strengthen his side’s title hopes. Promes, 24, who is currently in his third season with the Russian outfit but has a get-out clause which is believed to be somewhere around the £20m mark. The Reds boss was keen to bring Draxler to Anfield but refused to splash more than £25m and get drawn into an auction with the French champions PSG. Klopp has admitted that he is determined to bring in new faces this January with Sadio Mane’s... Man United fans react to Rashford’s rumours 22 Dec 2016 | 1:22 am West Ham United are said to be interested in making an offer for Marcus Rashford from Manchester United in the January transfer window, according to The Telegraph. Man United supporters do not seem too opposed to the rumour of the England international moving on loan to the East London. The report claims that the Hammers would make an ambitious move to lure the 19-year-old to the London Stadium. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is determined to increase the striking options, and Rashford emerged as the perfect man to lead the forward line. The striker has not played regularly at Old Trafford since Jose Mourinho appointed, and he has failed to score for the last 16 games. I&#8217;d be interested to see Rashford on... Liverpool to make approach for Brazilian midfielder Thiago Maia? 19 Dec 2016 | 8:26 pm Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Santos youngster Thiago Maia. It has previously been reported that the Brazilian has already emerged as a target for Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain but it has been suggested that as many as five more European teams are keen on the 19-year-old midfielder. According to ESPN, Liverpool &#8211; as well as Napoli, AS Monaco, Schalke and Zenit St. Petersburg are also said to be interested in the central midfielder at the start of 2017. Maia, who played a pivotal role in Brazil winning Olympic gold last summer has made 60 league appearances for Santos. Having three seasons under his belt since making his debut at the age of just 16, he has represented... West Ham United: Reece Oxford signs new contract 16 Dec 2016 | 9:22 pm West Ham United midfielder Reece Oxford has committed his long-term future by signing a new four-and-a-half-year contract with the Hammers. The 18-year-old, who has been courted by some of England&#8217;s biggest clubs, has reportedly snubbed Manchester United in order to remain with the Hammers, that will keep him at the London Stadium until 2021. &#8220;I am happy to have signed my new contract. There was a lot of speculation about my future but I am happy that it has been done and I can get back to football. I just want to kick on now,&#8221; the youngster told the club&#8217;s official website. &#8220;I have made my family proud and hopefully I have made the fans proud that I have signed a new contract. Hopefully I can get into the... Everton eye 25-year-old La Liga star 14 Dec 2016 | 10:28 pm Everton have turned their attentions to Valencia forward Rodrigo ahead of the January transfer. As reported by Spanish media outlet Marca, the Toffees are considering a €20m swoop for the Spaniard in January, as Ronald Koeman looks to strengthen his frontline options. The Spanish outfit are believed to be in huge trouble financially, and the report suggests that the Premier League club will look to take an advantage of the La Liga side&#8217;s weak position, by launching an offer in the January transfer window. The Merseyside outfit have become overly dependant on Romelu Lukaku over the past year or so, and the addition of another striker to the squad will be a huge boost, if they are to bounce back on in the... Report: Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs wanted by Crystal Palace 27 Dec 2016 | 8:32 pm Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing up a move for Arsenal&#8217;s Kieran Gibbs as manager Sam Allardyce is interested in signing the England international when the January transfer window opens for business. Gibbs, 27, has made 221 appearances for the Gunners since breaking into the senior side in 2007, but the left-back has struggled for regular football in recent seasons. Gibbs’s exiting contract will expire in the summer of 2018 and it is understood that negotiations between both club and the player are yet to begin as both parties consider parting ways. According to The Sun, Palace manager Allardyce is looking for a new left-back and the manager will attempt to land Gibbs this January. It may perhaps not... PSV Eindhoven plot Chelsea’s Marco van Ginkel? 25 Dec 2016 | 8:36 pm PSV Eindhoven sporting director Marcel Brands has stated that he is planning to launch a bid for Chelsea ace Marco van Ginkel. The Dutchman has failed to make a senior appearance this season and has had to settle with the Blues&#8217; under-23 side. Therefore, the Playmaker is expected to leave in January &#8211; either on loan or permanently. PSV had the 24-year-old midfielder on loan during the second half of last season, scoring eight goals in 13 league games. When asked by Dutch broadcaster Omroep Brabant to re-sign Van Ginkel, Brands responded: &#8220;We need to check with Chelsea. &#8220;Of course he&#8217;s on our list, but we must also see if there is a spot for him at this time in our team. &#8220;That question will be answered by... Report: West Ham keen on Darijo Srna swoop? 22 Dec 2016 | 8:32 pm West Ham United have reportedly stepped up their interest to battle Manchester City and Barcelona over the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk defender Darijo Srna. The Croatian full-back, who represented his country on 134 occasions between 2002 and 2016, has remain with Shakhtar for the last 13 years, winning eight Ukrainian titles during his stay. Srna&#8217;s current contract is valid until the end of the season, however, and it is understood that the Ukrainian outfit will accept a bid for the veteran right-back when the transfer window reopens in January. Manchester City and Barcelona were said to be interested for the 34-year-old’s signature, but according to the Daily Star, the Hammers boss Slaven Bilic will... Arsenal plot £30m move for Julian Draxler 20 Dec 2016 | 9:00 pm Arsenal are reportedly lining up a £30m bid for Wolfsburg midfielder Julian Draxler during the January transfer window. The German international is expected to leave the Bundesliga outfit, after having a torrid season so far. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is known to have a great admirer of the 23-year-old attacker, and The Express reports that the French boss will look to lure the player to the Emirates Stadium with a £30m bid. Wolfsburg, who are on the verge of the relegation playoff place, are understood to be open to offload Draxler for as little as £25m. The north Londoners have also been given a boost in their pursuit of the playmaker after the Series A giants Juventus withdrew their interest. Chelsea and Man United set to lock horns over signing of Tiemoue Bakayoko 18 Dec 2016 | 8:16 pm The Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United both have been heavily linked with a move for AS Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko. The 22-year-old playmaker joined Monaco from Rennes in 2014 and has made 20 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit this season, five coming from the Champions League. In September, Bakayoko’s agent Michel Boli claimed that Manchester United were among five clubs wanted to sign the Frenchman, who has represented his country Under-21 team on 13 occasions. According to The Times, United are desperate for the £40m-rated midfielder, but will face a tough competition from their Premier League rivals Chelsea as the west Londoners prepare to replace Brazilian Oscar, who is... 29 Dec 2016 | 8:14 am James Ward-Prowse says Southampton played well against Tottenham Hotspur despite being one man down. 29 Dec 2016 | 8:10 am Manchester United star Eric Bailly feels La Liga is the world's best league. 29 Dec 2016 | 8:06 am Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech says he is impressed with the side's unity and team spirit. Slaven Bilic Waited Until I Was Ready – Andy Carroll 29 Dec 2016 | 8:00 am West Ham boss Slaven Bilic waited to play Andy Carroll when he felt he was ready, the striker has revealed. FC Porto Prepare To Fight Everton For Memphis Depay 29 Dec 2016 | 7:54 am FC Porto have been linked with a loan move for Manchester United winger and Everton target Memphis Depay in January. Jesse Lingard: Showing Memphis Depay how it’s done! 29 Dec 2016 | 7:00 am As 2016 comes to an end, looking back there is one highlight that fans will take with them. Winning the FA Cup for the twelfth time and Jesse Lingard’s rocket into the top corner. It was the stuff dreams are made of, having a local lad, come through the Manchester United youth system to score [&#8230;] Eight players likely to leave Manchester United in 2017 28 Dec 2016 | 6:00 pm Jose Mourinho was tasked with clearing the masses of deadwood left by the last three managers at Manchester United, and while he bought some excellent acquisitions in the transfer market, he failed to clear out the squad in the limited summer time frame. Now, though, matters are a little bit clearer, and moving into the [&#8230;] Left Back Competition, who should be first choice? 28 Dec 2016 | 4:00 pm Jose Mourinho during all these months has tried to find the perfect and consistent lineup at Manchester United. The midfield has settled well as Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick and Paul Pogba have become irreplaceable while Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are on fire. The defence has been an issue and finally United&#8217;s centre-back pairing is [&#8230;] Henrikh Mkhitaryan reveals his Manchester United idols 28 Dec 2016 | 8:30 am Henrikh Mkhitaryan scratched his name into Old Trafford folklore with a stunning &#8216;scorpion&#8217; kick goal, that left the United faithful in awe, as United secured three points against Sunderland on Boxing Day. An impressive feat for a man that has only been at the club six months but his knowledge of the club dates much [&#8230;] Anthony Martial leaving Manchester United would be a massive mistake by the player 28 Dec 2016 | 7:00 am Anthony Martial is subject to a lot of attention heading into the January transfer window. The Frenchman has already been linked to West Ham United on a loan spell for the remainder of the season, which is a pathetic notion and one which questions Slaven Bilić possibly being out of his depth at the club [&#8230;] Crystal Palace, Swansea Eyeing Newcastle United Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic 21 Dec 2016 | 6:12 pm Reports have emerged claiming that Crystal Palace and Swansea City are both considering making a winter move for Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Daily Mail reports that the Premier League duo could go after the Newcastle United striker for £15million next month. Serbia international Mitrovic joined the Magpies from Anderlecht in the summer of 2015 and is [&#8230;] Arsenal Watching Ascoli Attacker Riccardo Orsolini 21 Dec 2016 | 6:04 pm Reports are out claiming that Parma scout Andrea La Spisa has revealed Arsenal are watching Ascoli attacker Riccardo Orsolini. AC Milan chief Adriano Galliani has confirmed his interest in the 19 year-old, while he has also been linked with Watford. However, La Spisa, speaking with TMW Radio, says he&#8217;s aware of Arsenal scouts also watching [&#8230;] Tottenham Defender Kevin Wimmer Wanted By Bundesliga Clubs 21 Dec 2016 | 5:48 pm It has been reported that Tottenham defender Kevin Wimmer is wanted back in the Bundesliga. The London Evening Standard claims that Wimmer is being lined up for a return to the Bundesliga, with Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg monitoring his progress. The Austria defender has had limited playing time at Tottenham this season, making only five [&#8230;] Real Madrid Chasing Chelsea Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois 21 Dec 2016 | 5:41 pm Reports have emerged claiming that Real Madrid are prioritising Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois as a 2017 signing. After having their transfer ban halved, Real&#8217;s plans for the summer market haave kicked back into action. A new goalkeeper is on the agenda and Onda Cero says Courtois is their top target. Indeed, Real have already contacted [&#8230;] Mario Balotelli Linked With Premier League Return 21 Dec 2016 | 5:36 pm It has been reported that Mario Balotelli&#8217;s agent has revealed that he has been in discussions with some Premier League clubs regarding his client. The Italian international striker left Liverpool in the summer after a disappointing second spell in England, following his two-and-a-half-years with Manchester City. Balotelli has been in fine form with surprise French [&#8230;] Torino vs Juventus: The Granata hope to derail La Vecchia Signora 10 Dec 2016 | 7:25 pm Originally posted on Top-soccer.com Photo credits: The Associated Press Torino will be hoping to derail a resurgent Juventus when they welcome the reigning champs to the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. The Granata were on an impressive run, only to see that snapped by Sampdoria. That ended their plans to try to string four wins on the trot ahead of this fixture. Arguably, it indeed will be a big one for Joe Hart, who has had a mixed spell so far whilst on loan from Manchester City. Hart, of course, is no stranger to derbies, having featured in several Manchester Derbies whilst between the posts for the Sky Blues. However, the Derby della Mole is an entirely different story all together. It’s not just the... PSG vs Nice: The current leaders take on the reigning champions 9 Dec 2016 | 9:04 pm Originally posted on Top-soccer.com Goal.com A tantalizing clash awaits as reigning champs PSG welcome current league leaders Nice to the Parc des Princes on Sunday evening. In seasons past, this would generally just be a routine game. PSG vs. Nice does not have the same kind of history as Les Parisiens vs. Marseille, which is nicknamed “Le Classique” (a play on the hugely famous El Clasico). But this season has shaped out to be one of the most interesting ones fans have seen in a while. For starters, Les Parisiens are not having it so easy this time around. Last term, they cruised to the Ligue 1 title in record-breaking fashion; in fact, the title race was over by March 13th. PSG will be coming into... Bayern Munich 1-0 Atletico Madrid: 4 things we learned 7 Dec 2016 | 6:41 pm Originally posted on Top-soccer.com Getty Images Yesterday, Bayern Munich welcomed Atletico Madrid in arguably one of the biggest matches of matchday six. Although top spot wasn’t in dispute, it was still the fourth time in one year that Los Rojiblancos and die Roten were locking horns in Europe. And despite it not being the most high-scoring match, it did not disappoint, nor did it lack plenty of interesting points. So what did we learn from the closely-contested affair? Let’s have a look. Robert Lewandowski has quite a few impressive tricks up his sleeve Penalty kicks? Check. Poacher goals? Check. Lewandowski has long been one of the finest strikers on the planet. The only shame is he’s continually... Juventus vs Dinamo Zagreb: Bianconeri aim to seal top spot 6 Dec 2016 | 5:16 pm Originally posted on Top-soccer.com www.eurosport.com Juventus will be looking to seal top spot in Group H as they take on bottom-ranked Dinamo Zagreb at Juventus Stadium on Wednesday evening. Thanks to a 3-1 comeback against Sevilla, the Bianconeri have now vaulted to top of their group. However, Los Rojiblancos are still hot on their tails, meaning that a negative result could see them slip down into second. Massimiliano Allegri’s men have already qualified for the round of 16, but will be intent on finishing first to hopefully get a better draw in the knock-out rounds. Juventus come into this game having earned a well-deserved win over Atalanta. It was exactly the response Allegri needed from his men... Juventus vs Atalanta: The Bianconeri wary of La Dea’s resurgence 2 Dec 2016 | 8:30 pm Originally posted on Top-soccer.com www.SPORTAL.co.nz Juventus will hope to avoid another slip-up when they welcome a resurgent Atalanta to Juventus Stadium on Saturday evening. The Bianconeri will be coming into this game having suffered a surprise 3-1 reversal to Genoa. Although the Grifone had beaten AC Milan at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris earlier this season, it was nonetheless a shocking result for Massimiliano Allegri&#8217;s side. During that match, Juventus conceded three goals. That is the first time since 2013 that the Bianconeri have shipped three in Serie A, and the first of Allegri&#8217;s tenure. The loss cost them more than just three points. Both Dani Alves and Leonardo Bonucci suffered injuries in that... Records maintained, records broken 29 Dec 2016 | 8:33 am Rafael van der VaartVerified account�‏@rafvdvaart��8h8 hours agoRafael van der Vaart Retweeted The Spurs Web��⚽️Which Spurs midfielder Will challenge me next? @spursofficial #Goodmemories #THFC #greatclubThis is just one reason why we love him, he has nothing but praise for the club and loved his time here until he had to leave to try and save his marriage, which was unsuccessful in the end. He returned to Germany, where his wife was a TV presenter, otherwise he would have stayed longer.he had quite an impact in his first 50 games as you can see and that lad Dele Alli isn't doing too bad, despite the heavy criticism he has been getting from the fickle Spurs fans lately. Another two goals helped us... Kevin Wimmer staying at Spurs 29 Dec 2016 | 6:46 am TRANSFER TALKWell, this does seem very strange timing, loaning Kevin Wimmer back to FC Koln for the remainder of the season. Multiple sources from Germany, including Kicker magazine�suggest�this is now a done deal basically and will be finalised by the weekend.Kyle Walker and Jan Vertonghen both failed to avoid picking up yellow cards and miss the trip to Watford on. Will the Austrian be allowed to play in that game, normally when a deal is imminent the player doesn't play to avoid any injuries.I'd be amazed if this were true, everything I have heard says he is going nowhere until the summer and then his situation will be discussed. Toby Alderweireld has to recover from his virus, Jan Vertonghen could get... The drought is over! 28 Dec 2016 | 3:15 pm The drought is over! Yes, daft reporters were actually asking Mauricio Pochettino if he were concerned that Harry Kane hadn't scored for three games!It is as daft as Napoli thinking they can take Eric Dier on loan with a view to a £10.25 million permanent deal. harry headed a super goal to put us in front and it was unfortunate his standing food slid when he planted it for the penalty, as Fraser Forster in the Southampton goal had gone the wrong way.If you notice with that penalty, Kane was trying to put it in a different place to his previous penalties, so keeping future opposing keepers guessing. he was delighted with the result afterwards."A big message. Southampton away is a tough game for any team in... Goal difference really puts us in the picture now 28 Dec 2016 | 1:57 pm SOUTHAMPTON 1 SPURS 4That was a very important win, not just for the three points to match all our rivals, but to improve our goal difference to put us tight in the mix there too.Chelsea sit top on 46 points with a goal difference of�+27Liverpool are second on 40 points with a goal difference of�+24Manchester City are third on 39 points with a goal difference of�+19Arsenal are fourth on 37 points with a goal difference of�+20Tottenham Hotspur are fifth on 36 points with a goal difference of�+20Manchester United are sixth�on 33 points with a goal difference of�+9One point behind Arsenal with the same goal difference and three points behind Manchester City with a better goal difference. The possibility to... Spurs, Liverpool, Arsenal all watching Marseille midfielder Maxime Lopes 28 Dec 2016 | 9:00 am TRANSFER TALKI hope you all had a good Christmas and I thank each and every one of you who have visited the advertisers to keep this blog running. It is much appreciated and now we'll continue a look at a few players we are taking a keen interest in and sending scouts to watch, together with our in-house video analysis.We have taken a look at two strikers�Moussa Marega�(Vitória Guimarães) and�Andre Silva (Porto), now it is the turn of 19-year-old (20 next December) Marseille and France Under-20 international attacking midfielder Maxime Lopes.Apart from ourselves, Arsenal and Liverpool, who have watched him since he was 16 are among other sides to have sent scouts to keep tabs on his progress. In his... Relegation Threatened Club Top Alternative Premier League Table (of Managers' Watch Prices!) 29 Dec 2016 | 9:28 am Football may have changed considerable over the last fifty years (just listen to yer da talk about the "good old days" for a few examples), but some things will remain forever; the smell of deep heat, opposition fans winding each other up, blaming the referee if your team lose and - of course - managers moaning about how much injury time is really left.   But have you ever wondered how accurate the managers' time keeping is? Or even perhaps wondered what watch a coach is using to record the... Liverpool Youngster Set for Spell on Sidelines After Sustaining Ankle Ligament Damage 29 Dec 2016 | 8:49 am Liverpool midfielder Cameron Brannagan is facing up to a month out injured after sustaining ankle ligament damage in training. ​ According to the ​Liverpool Echo, the 20-year-old caught the ground whilst taking a shot at the club's Melwood training complex. Scans have since revealed the youngster has a grade two​ sprain which is likely to keep him out of action for around three to four weeks. ​ The injury comes at an awkward to time for Brannagan, who was understood to be loan-listed ahead of... Man Utd Fans Rage Over Media's Lenient Treatment of Roberto Firmino Following Drink Driving Charge 29 Dec 2016 | 8:35 am The press is a funny old thing, isn't it? Quite literally everybody reading this will remember just how much Wayne Rooney's name was dragged through the mud by a series of national newspapers for having a few too many glasses of wine at a recent wedding party. Right? Remember that? His status as England captain was called into question. It was a terribly bad example to set for someone in such a position of power. He ignored the wishes of his manager Gareth Southgate to get to bed, apparently... VIDEO: Tottenham Midfielder Dele Alli Slips Up and Gets Confused in Saints Post-Match Interview 29 Dec 2016 | 8:35 am Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli made a hilarious gaffe in his post-match interview following his side's 4-1 win at Southampton on Wednesday night. The 20-year-old scored a brace to sink 10-man Southampton at the St Mary's stadium, with Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son putting the game beyond Southampton's reach. Alli was awarded the Man of the Match award following the game, with Harry Kane doing the honours live on Sky Sports. The England duo were speaking to the reporter about their side's... Arsenal Outcast Claims Relationship With Wenger Has Been Utterly Broken Since 2014 29 Dec 2016 | 8:23 am ​Mathieu Debuchy has claimed that his working relationship with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been irretrievable ever since he blocked the full-back's move to Manchester United. The Red Devils were reportedly interested in prising the France international away from the Emirates in the summer of 2014, but Wenger refused to entertain any offers from the Gunners' fierce Premier League rivals - comments that clearly angered Debuchy, who was extremely interested in moving to Old Trafford. The... The Curious Case of the Manchester Clubs 19 Dec 2016 | 12:14 am For both Manchester United and Manchester City, this season has been a mixed bag thus far. There have been highs and lows, stunning victories and crushing defeats, and as we approach the halfway point of the 2016-17 Premier League season, it&#8217;s fair to say that neither club is where it would have hoped to have been, going into the hectic festive period. After an explosive start in which they blitzed past their first six opponents with ease, City have cooled considerably, their shaky home form- 2 wins from their last 6 at the Etihad- and increasingly leaky defence playing a massive part in the six point gap that has now opened up between themselves and League leaders Chelsea, whilst their neighbours... Arsenal, ManU, Tottenham, and more – EPL Team’s Best chances this season 2016/17 29 Aug 2016 | 5:58 am The chances of sports betting sites offering 5000/1 on Premier League teams is over after Leicester City managed to be crowned champions with those odds at the start of the season. Below is the EPL best free bets tip guide for the 2016/17 season. � Hull -City F.C  1500/1: They have just been promoted to the Premier League so their aim will be to stay in it, and not complete for the title. They have started off well though winning their first two games and in third on goal difference. Maybe they might be able to pull off a Leicester City this season so, at 1500/1 odds, it may be worth a few quid punt. � Bournemouth F.C &#8211; 1000/1: If Eddie Howe can get the team playing like they did last year, Bournemouth... Big Sam – The Man Who Created His Own Nemesis 24 Jul 2016 | 3:06 pm Sam Allardyce &#8211; or is it &#8216;Allardici&#8217;? Okay, colours to the mast &#8211; I didn&#8217;t want Sam Allardyce as England manager although, as an England fan, it goes without saying that I want him to succeed. However, the curious part of me is glad that Martin Glenn&#8217;s DNA Army has indulged him. Not so much &#8216;Big Sam&#8217; himself, but more what he has come to represent, namely the &#8216;Proper Football Man&#8217; (an epithet which no-one has yet thought to define although, weirdly, one only ever hears it applied to British managers, as if the foreign guys are just playing at it). No matter, the &#8216;Proper Football Man&#8217; now gets his moment in the sun and we wait to see who was right all along Allardyce is the figurehead for this peculiar breed... Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea eye big changes that could make for an exciting Premier League season 11 Jul 2016 | 10:31 am Last season was the perhaps the most exciting Premier League season in recent memory. The Cinderella story actually came true for the lads of Leicester City, but we&#8217;ll eat our hats if lightning strikes for a second time in 2017. Big clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea are already making some huge changes to be restored to their rightful places at the top, and there&#8217;s no telling who might win the league next year. Manchester United has cleaned house and looks to be starting fresh with a new manager and a slew of new stars. After missing the Champions League yet again, an FA Cup victory wasn&#8217;t enough to secure Louis Van Gaal&#8217;s employment. The Dutch coach was unceremoniously shown the... Stubborn Hodgson Distracted By Media War 10 Jun 2016 | 11:41 am Roy Hodgson &#8211; Spoiling For A Fight? To describe Roy Hodgson as having a stubborn streak is an  understatement akin to suggesting that Rafa Benitez might quite enjoy a pub quiz. Whilst this is hardly a revelation to those familiar with the broad palette of Hodgson&#8217;s distinguished coaching career, increasingly there is a concern that England&#8217;s prospects at Euro 2016 might be skewered on his growing intransigence. Right now, Hodgson&#8217;s relationship with the media can only be described as spiky at best but, as opening night draws ever-nearer, he seems almost spoiling to butt heads with his inquisitors – in the aftermath of the victory over Portugal, an innocuous line of questioning seeking his appraisal of... Ex-England defender urges 23-yr-old to remain at Arsenal, says he should be like this PL star 29 Dec 2016 | 9:40 am Stuart Pearce believes that Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should stay at the club amid speculation linking him with a potential move to Liverpool.  Oxlade-Chamberlain has made eight Premier League starts this campaign and in total has featured in 15 of Arsenal&#8217;s first 18 fixtures, scoring two goals and claiming four assists. Get 24 Hours of Sky Sports and watch all of the action live with NOW TV for £6.99. Sign up and get a 10% Discount. Pearce, who managed the attacker when he was boss of the England U21 team, maintains that Oxlade-Chamberlain is one of the best talents to have played under him and believes that there is no better place for him to try and grow into world-class... From Bellerin to Fabregas: The ultimate Catalonia XI from the best available players 29 Dec 2016 | 9:38 am The Catalan national team played their annual fixture yesterday. They drew with Tunisia 3-3, before losing to the North Africans on penalties. It was a back-and-forth match where they had rested several of their starters. For most nations as tiny as Catalunya that would ordinarily not be a massive statement, but the Catalan starters are world-class internationals with the Spanish national team. World Cup and European Championship winners. Some of this generation&#8217;s greatest ever players. So as they move into 2017 and this proud nation looks to organise their next seasonal fixture, Squawka has a look at the state of their squad and what the best possible team they could field (excluding non-Catalan... £75k-a-wk star reveals he wants to stay at Man Utd for "a long time" 29 Dec 2016 | 9:30 am Jose Mourinho is the best manager in the world, according to Manchester United defender Eric Bailly. Furthermore, the centre-back also added that he hopes to stay at Old Trafford for a &#8220;long time.&#8221; The 22-year-old became Mourinho&#8217;s first signing at United when he joined for £30 million from Villarreal. Bailly has impressed with his composure and aerial ability in 11 Premier League appearances so far this season, and the Ivory Coast defender says he is very happy working with Mourinho. Watch Sky Sports live with NOW TV. Sign up for a Day or Week Pass now and get a 10% discount. &#8220;He&#8217;s a great manager, the best in the world,&#8221; he said, as reported by the Mirror. Eric Bailly has won 52% of his duels in the... How Arsenal fans reacted to Thursday's big Liverpool transfer story - before Klopp set the record straight 29 Dec 2016 | 9:20 am Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain admitted earlier in the season that he may have to move away from Arsenal in order to guarantee first-team football, so it is no surprise to see his name touted about with the transfer window about to open. But the news that Liverpool may be the interested club was a surprise to both sets of fans, given their chequered history when it comes to transfers. In 2013, Arsenal bid £1 over the £40 million they understood to be Luis Suarez&#8217;s release clause. Liverpool owner John Henry (publicly) baulked at the offer and Suarez would join Barcelona for £65m the following summer. Get 24 Hours of Sky Sports and watch all of the action live with NOW TV for £6.99. Sign up and get a 10%... Man Utd's 19-yr-old caught up in "circus" at Grimsby Town 29 Dec 2016 | 9:12 am Grimsby Town boss Marcus Bignot has slammed the &#8220;circus&#8221; that currently surrounds Manchester United loanee Dean Henderson.  27-year-old James McKeown has been the regular shot-stopper for Grimsby since joining in 2011 but Bignot recently took the decision to start on loan United youngster Henderson, in the League Two side&#8217;s 2-0 win over Accrington Stanley. Get 24 Hours of Sky Sports and watch all of the action live with NOW TV for £6.99. Sign up and get a 10% Discount. It was his first appearance since joining from the Red Devils. Grimsby halted their run of three consecutive defeats with Henderson in goal and now Bignot has condemned the commotion regarding his decision to try out the... Man United ready to beat Arsenal in race for 20-year-old goal machine 29 Dec 2016 | 8:00 am According to the English media sources, Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal are the front-runners in race for Celtic&#8217;s highly-rated young forward Moussa Dembele. It is believed that the Premier League giants have to compete with likes of Atletico Madrid and Southampton as they are also big admirers of the 20-year-old French starlet, who moved to Scotland this summer after impressing in the Championship with Fulham last season. The 20-year-old Dembele has continued his incredible form with Scottish giants, and is now attracting plenty of potential suitors ahead of January transfer window, though the Bhoys are unlikely to sell him this early on. Man United and Arsenal could both do with more... Chelsea ready to meet £35m asking price for English defender 29 Dec 2016 | 7:44 am According to the Metro, Chelsea are desperately chasing for the signature of Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson, but The Boro are not willing to part ways with their highly-rated prospect and have slapped a £35m price tag on Ben Gibson in an attempt to keep him out of Chelsea’s hands. Middlesbrough are willing to keep Gibson at the Riverside, after putting in a series of impressive performances during his first season in the Premier League. Antonio Conte, who is searching for a new centre-back to improve his squad in January, has been watching him closely, while another Premier League outfit Everton are also keen on the talented youngster. But the Mirror claim that Middlesbrough have priced the... Norwich City transfer rumours: Watford frontman back in the Canaries’ sights 28 Dec 2016 | 10:00 pm Watford frontman Jerome Sinclair is being touted with Norwich City again ahead of the January transfer window. City were heavily linked with a season-long loan move in the closing hours of the summer window but the Hornets opted to keep the former Liverpool youngster at Vicarage Road. The Mirror claim Norwich, along with Championship rivals Reading, Brentford and Cardiff City have all made fresh enquires for the 20-year-old, who is set to be made available on-loan after only three Premier League appearances this season. Sinclair played the final five minutes of Watford’s weekend 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace but has yet to make the breakthrough behind the likes of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo since his... Newcastle eyeing Man City ace for January move, Premier League enquiries made 28 Dec 2016 | 5:00 pm According to The Chronicle, Newcastle United are interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph during the January transfer window – and have contacted Premier League clubs about potential loan deals. The Magpies suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on Monday evening, and the defeat allowed Brighton to overtake them at the top of the Championship table. With Jonjo Shelvey suspended, Newcastle lacked real top quality in midfield, with Jack Colback unable to fill Shelvey&#8217;s boots – and it seems that manager Rafael Benitez wants to add new signings in January. The Chronicle report that Newcastle are eyeing up an ambitious January move for Manchester City midfielder Fabian... Leicester consider loaning out Matty James with Hull and Swansea possible destinations 28 Dec 2016 | 4:00 pm Leicester City midfielder Matty James could leave the champions on loan next month, after being targeted by Hull City and Swansea. James has made just one appearance as a substitute in 19 months after suffering a serious knee injury but Leicester are considering the prospect of sending him out on a short-term deal. Howerver, Leicester are understood to be reluctant on loaning him to either Hull or Swansea as they are viewed as relegation rivals, with Claudio Ranieri&#8217;s team just three points above the bottom three. Mike Phelan, the Hull manager, knows James well from his time at Manchester United and is desperate for reinforcements as he attempts to keep the club in the Premier League. Swansea also... German Engineering: Sané and De Bruyne combine in comeback victory as Arsenal falter 20 Dec 2016 | 9:19 am It is in games like these where Arsenal’s ever-present frustrations appear to be less systematic than mental. Even at their stylish best— indeed, especially at the peak of their powers —a single turn of luck has the potential to send the Londoners spiraling into chaos, the swagger sucked out of their game and replaced by a paralyzing apprehension. Although Theo Walcott exemplified their title-winning capacity with a gorgeous go-ahead goal in a raucous occasion at Manchester City, the Gunners were unable to consolidate their strength and fell prey to the comeback defeats that seem to blight their title charge every winter. Arsenal were so vulnerable to the pressure of holding the lead that the act... Bay Bay, Arsenal! Gunners pipped against Mighty Munich again! 13 Dec 2016 | 10:46 pm Arsenal appear doomed to exit the Champions League at the Round of 16 stage yet again, having been drawn against one of Europe&#8217;s heavyweights despite winning their group for the first time in five years. It seemed almost inevitable that the Gunners were going to get a tough test in the first knockout round again after manager Arsene Wenger proclaimed he feels &#8220;less guilt&#8221; when the North London side top their group and still face tricky opposition. This time it is another familiar foe in the form of German giants Bayern Munich, who finished second behind Spanish side Atletico Madrid in the groups. Domestically, Munich are in a battle at the top of the Bundesliga with newly promoted RB Leipzig (whom they... Mourinho sent off as Manchester United draw West Ham 1-1 27 Nov 2016 | 9:30 pm There is a blurred line between avant-garde genius and insanity in the managerial world, and the only determining metric is success. When Jose Mourinho wins, he looks like a genius. Yet his brazen tactics and touchline temperament once again seemed self-destructive as his dominant Manchester United team were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by West Ham United on Sunday evening. The Portuguese manager has been prone to boiling over as Manchester United have slipped down the Premier League table in a frustrating string of matches this fall, and he was sent to the stands for dissent for the third time this year for kicking a bottle towards the stands after Paul Pogba was booked for diving. This being less... Victor Moses leads Chelsea to narrow 2-1 victory over Tottenham 26 Nov 2016 | 10:00 pm For the first time since a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on September 24, Chelsea allowed a goal. The Blues had maintained an astonishing run of over nine-hundred minutes without conceding in league play, winning six consecutive games on the trot, but Christian Eriksen’s early snap-shot sucked the life out of Stamford Bridge in Tottenham Hotspur’s visit to West London on Saturday night. Chelsea looked uncomfortable for long periods in the first half, struggling to rediscover the rhythm that had come so naturally to an unchanged team of starters in victories over Manchester United, Everton, Southampton, Hull City, Middlesborough, and Leicester City in the past month and a half. Yet the Blues showed the true... Mata takes center stage in Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal 19 Nov 2016 | 10:03 pm For all of Manchester United’s outrageous summer spending, their most deadly midfield spark this season has come from a rather unlikely source. Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Old Trafford has signaled the unexpected rejuvenation of Juan Mata, and the Spanish midfielder took center stage in United’s draw with Arsenal on Saturday evening. Despite an unfortunately short and unpleasant tenure under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, player and manager have resolved their past grievances in order to send United charging back up the Premier League table. Although Mata couldn’t even win a place in Mourinho’s title-winning Chelsea squad two years ago, the Portuguese manager gave the Spaniard license to roam in the... REVEALED – Celebrity Betting Accounts Hacked 7 Dec 2016 | 5:29 pm REVEALED – Celebrity Betting Accounts Hacked 6th December 2016 Tips Daddy can confirm we have access to a leading bookmaker’s “black book” records which show details of high rolling customers. Many of these top customers are leading figures in the worlds of sport, entertainment, and politics. Here we detail highlights from our analysis: Summary <ul> <li>Diego Costa listed as a “self excluded player” – this indicates he signed up but then used the bookmaker’s problem gambling feature to stop himself from betting. The date is listed as 12/09/17 when the self exclusion is lifted.</li> <li>David Cameron is the top politician who bets – figures show he lost a modest amount betting on a Remain vote but won...</li></ul> England Football WhatsApp Group 16 Nov 2016 | 9:16 am Gareth Southgate is currently being considered for the England manager role. Here we reveal exclusive WhatsApp banter which shows the challenge he has in front of him! 28th December 2016 7:45 pm Southampton vs Tottenham Betting Tips, Predictions, and Preview Tottenham and Southampton head into a hectic run of fixtures when they meet each other at St.Mary’s Stadium tomorrow evening. Premier League’s festive period schedules will see Tottenham playing three games in a span of eight days whereas Southampton face an even more daunting challenge of... Cheapest place to buy FIFA 17 22 Sep 2016 | 9:03 am Normally we give out football betting tips, but this time we are giving out a football video game tip: The cheapest place to buy FIFA 17 is to download it from the Playstation Store&#8230;.. for only £25! WHAT?! That can&#8217;t be true right? It is true, let us show you how to get FIFA 17 on launch day for cheap. Cheapest place to buy FIFA 17 The key is to share your game downloads with a trusted friend or relative.  One person buys FIFA 17 for £50, the other gives them £25 to share the cost. Then both people can play the game on their separate PS4s even at the same time! Sounds too good to be true? It is true and it works: This is completely legal and within the terms and... Championship Attendance Stats 20 Sep 2016 | 1:07 pm Championship Attendance Stats As part of making our football predictions, we input attendance data into our model which helps us predict the power of the &#8220;12th man&#8221;. We noticed that the attendance data for the Championship in the early part of the 2000s isn&#8217;t to be found anywhere online. So we contacted EFL directly to get the data for the early 2000s. We thought this was worth the post for anyone else who is looking for the data. We will work on getting full attendance data with current stats published for the Premier League too as we can see gaps in that data set too. Not to mention pre 1992 data which is full of gaps! For now we wanted to get the early 2000s data published... Which Premier League club has the most fans? 15 Sep 2016 | 12:02 pm When it comes to Premier League teams, we all know that most of the fans don&#8217;t hail from the UK! But which teams have the most diverse fan bases? Everyone assumes Manchester United but is this true? Research from the Premier League of Nations shows that United are indeed the most globally diverse fanbase as measured by the origin of their Twitter followers on Facebook! But&#8230;. What&#8217;s interesting is on the other side of Manchester. Man City only have 2m Twitter followers compared to the 6-8m followers that the other big teams have. This shows the huge untapped potential that City have, both on social media, and in overseas markets to boost their fanbase. It would be interesting to see this... Sunderland vs Liverpool Live 29 Dec 2016 | 5:00 am Watch Sunderland vs Liverpool Live Streaming & Highlights Watch Sunderland vs Liverpool live stream online for free and highlights video. Premier League match between Sunderland vs Liverpool on 2 January 2017 at Stadium of Light, Sunderland. Watch this game video online live stream. Live streaming links for this game will be available on this page [&#8230;] The post Sunderland vs Liverpool Live appeared first on Soccer Highlights. Manchester City vs Burnley Live 29 Dec 2016 | 4:50 am Watch Manchester City vs Burnley Live Streaming & Highlights Watch Manchester City vs Burnley live stream online for free and highlights video. Premier League match between Manchester City vs Burnley on 2 January 2017 at Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Watch this game video online live stream. Live streaming links for this game will be available on [&#8230;] The post Manchester City vs Burnley Live appeared first on Soccer Highlights. Everton vs Southampton Live 29 Dec 2016 | 4:40 am Watch Everton vs Southampton Live Streaming & Highlights Watch Everton vs Southampton live stream online for free and highlights video. Premier League match between Everton vs Southampton on 2 January 2017 at Goodison Park, Liverpool. Watch this game video online live stream. Live streaming links for this game will be available on this page before [&#8230;] The post Everton vs Southampton Live appeared first on Soccer Highlights. Middlesbrough vs Leicester City Live 29 Dec 2016 | 4:30 am Watch Middlesbrough vs Leicester City Live Streaming & Highlights Watch Middlesbrough vs Leicester City live stream online for free and highlights video. Premier League match between Middlesbrough vs Leicester City on 2 January 2017 at Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough. Watch this game video online live stream. Live streaming links for this game will be available on [&#8230;] The post Middlesbrough vs Leicester City Live appeared first on Soccer Highlights. Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Live 29 Dec 2016 | 4:10 am Watch Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Live Streaming & Highlights Watch Arsenal vs Crystal Palace live stream online for free and highlights video. Premier League match between Arsenal vs Crystal Palace on 1 January 2017 at Emirates Stadium, London. Watch this game video online live stream. Live streaming links for this game will be available on [&#8230;] The post Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Live appeared first on Soccer Highlights. Arsenal players cancels Christmas party 23 Dec 2016 | 7:20 am Arsenal players have chosen to wipe out their yearly favor dress Christmas party on the advice of senior players Petr Cech and Laurent Koscielny. This choice takes after consecutive Premier League thrashings to Everton and Manchester City, which have left the Gunners nine points behind league pioneers Chelsea. Cech and Koscielny felt that Arsenal players being seen celebrating after this poor keep running of shape could be taken severely by fans, with the combine prompting against a festival this year, as per the Daily Mirror. Some Arsenal stars have still been out together for some more relaxed occasions, yet there won&#8217;t be a rehash of a year ago&#8217;s exposing in favor dress. Arsene Wenger&#8217;s side will have... Tevez ties knot 23 Dec 2016 | 7:16 am Former Manchester City and West Ham star Carlos Tevez ties knot with Vanesa Mansilla as rumours link Argentinian with move to China. Former Manchester City and West Ham player Carlos Tevez has got married with Vanesa Mansilla whom he met in indulgent civil registry in San Isidro when he was only 13 years of age. The arrangement is currently to go to Uruguay with 260 visitors to celebrate for more than four days. Tevez waved farewell to the Boca steadfast on Sunday at La Bombonera in a 4-1 triumph over Colon, failing to hold in the feelings. Tevez is connected with moving to the Chinese Super League, with largewages supposedly worth £615,000-per-week on the table. His special first night will cost $750,000... Bayern Munich chief accuses English clubs of ‘kidnapping’ players 21 Dec 2016 | 11:23 pm English clubs are accused by Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge of excellently “kidnapping” young players from overseas. Bayern are on due to open the doors for new talents on a new youth academy in the north of Munich in the summer, and Rummenigge has declared he would have “moral reservations” about filling the academy with pre-teens from age of 14 upwards from overseas. “We don’t want to bring some 10 or 11-year-old to Munich like the English do,” he said in comments published in the club’s magazine. You could almost speak of kidnapping with them and I would have moral reservations about that.” Rummenigge still hopes to lure the best local talent to the record champions, from... Conte revels why he is playing MichyBatshuayi less 21 Dec 2016 | 5:26 pm The Chelsea boss Antonio Conte admits that Michy is taking time to settle in premier league after his big money move from French club Marseille. The £33 million deal from Marseille in the summer is yet to star a league match for Chelsea. Now in their next fixture against Stoke City Chelsea will be without their regular starter Diego Costa and it is highly understood the Italian might start Belgian international. � Conte said ‘Yes, I spoke about Michy in the post game and I said that it’s not easy to arrive in this league, to play in this league if you are a young player. You are arriving in a new country, it’s difficult, especially for a young player to adapt because this league is very tough. This... Jose Mourinho downplaying derby can backfire for Manchester United, says Vincent Kompany 20 Dec 2016 | 10:46 pm Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany believes bitter rivals Manchester United have handed his team an advantage by playing down today&#8217;s League Cup local derby at Old Trafford. The injurred Belgium international defender started a game for the first time since April in Sunday&#8217;s 1-1 Premier League draw with Southampton and came through intact as City gained a point that put them top of the table on goal difference. Now City’ captainfaiths to hold his place for the EFL Cup fourth-round tie, especially as United manager Jose Mourinho beaten 4-0 at his old side Chelsea on Sunday has described the competition as being fourth on his club&#8217;s list of priorities. &#8220;It&#8217;s just physically impossible for me to play... (Video) Jordan Henderson pulled off a ‘pass of the season’ contender during Liverpool 4-1 Stoke 29 Dec 2016 | 8:06 am The pressure was on Liverpool as the Reds took on Stoke City on Tuesday night at Anfield. All their title rivals had notched up wins on Boxing Day, and anything other than a victory would have put them behind on the title race. Liverpool coped up admirably and even though Stoke opened scoring through Jonathan Walters, the Reds went into the break with a 2-1 lead courtesy of Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino. A Giannelli Imbula own goal and a smart finish from substitute Daniel Sturridge ensured the victory, with an emphatic 4-1 scoreline. The man of the night though was the skipper, Jordan Henderson. The midfielder dictated the tempo of the game, with his slick passing and tenacious defending. He even... “No Way” – Paul Pogba in sheer disbelief after Mkhitaryan’s sensational goal for Man Utd v Sunderland (Video) 29 Dec 2016 | 3:27 am In an ignominious return for their former manager David Moyes, Manchester United defeated Sunderland 3-1 at Old Trafford in a memorable Boxing Day match on Monday. The Red Devils dominated the match, and went 3-0 up before Fabio Borini produced a late consolation goal with a stunning volley. The moment of the match came in the 87th minute, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the Red Devils’ third goal of the match in audacious fashion. As Zlatan curled in a cross from the right, the Armenian realised that he was ahead of the ball to head it in &#8211; so he produced one of the greatest moments in Old Trafford history, by deciding to “scorpion kick” the ball in. The goal sent the fans and players alike into a... (Video) Policeman handles it brilliantly after tipsy Leeds fans go a little overboard with their Luke Ayling appreciation 29 Dec 2016 | 1:04 am A club steeped rich in tradition and history, Leeds United undoubtedly boast some of the most loyal and passionate set of fans in football. But while such passion spurs on the team’s performances and helps create a great atmosphere, it has on a darker aspect led to numerous incidents of fan troubles and their subsequent run-ins with the law (the notorious Leeds United Service Crew comes to mind). Over time though, such dark aspects of the fans’ relationship with the Matchday police seems to have been subsided on part of the Leeds faithful. Just take the case of the Preston policeman joining in the celebrations of the fans. With Leeds fan in a joyful mood after the 4-1 away win over Preston North End,... Liverpool’s 3rd choice centre back is apparently leading the pack when it comes to passing accuracy this season 28 Dec 2016 | 1:41 pm While the arrival of Ragnar Klavan at Anfield was in all respects certainly not a much heralded affair, manager Jurgen Klopp was quick to emphasize on the strengths of the 30-year old. Klopp duly highlighted the ‘defensive intelligence’ as a key part of the defender’s game and the Estonian has showcased just that with calm and composed displays in the recent games that he has featured. With the Liverpool squad being ravaged by injuries, the third-choice center back has been a central figure in the Liverpool defence with his ball passing abilities and football intelligence for all to see. The former Augsburg player’s initiation plays from the back has been a crucial aspect of Liverpool’s plays in... False 9 Eden Hazard was absolutely unplayable in Chelsea’s 3-0 win v Bournemouth on Boxing Day (Video) 28 Dec 2016 | 12:24 pm Antonio Conte’s 12 consecutive Premier League wins were achieved largely on the back of making Chelsea play like a cohesive unit again. However, just like during the Blues’ title winning 2014/15 season, both Eden Hazard and Diego Costa have been key players for the London side, with their form directly affecting the team. Thus when Diego Costa earned a booking against Palace and was forced to miss the game against Bournemouth, many expected Chelsea to have a tougher time breaking down Eddie Howe’s side. However, Eden Hazard proved to be the difference once again, replacing Costa upfront but playing as a False 9. The Belgian playmaker had what was easily his best game of the season, taking on and... Premier League Preview and Prediction: Liverpool vs Stoke 24 Dec 2016 | 8:15 am Competition: Premier League – Liverpool vs Stoke City Venue: Anfield – Tuesday, December 27 – 17:15 GMT (12:15 ET) Match Odds: Liverpool 2/7 – Draw 9/2 – Stoke 9/1 Match Preview Liverpool welcome Stoke to Anfield on Tuesday evening in what should be another festive treat for Premier League fans across the globe. The Reds come into the game in high spirits after a dramatic Merseyside Derby Premier League Preview and Prediction: Hull City vs Manchester City 23 Dec 2016 | 9:23 am Competition: Premier League – Hull City vs. Manchester City Venue: KCOM Stadium – Monday, December 26 – 17:15 GMT (12:15 ET) Match Odds: Hull 17/2 – Draw 9/2 – Manchester City 1/3 Match Preview Hull City welcome Manchester City to the KCOM Stadium on Boxing Day. The two are at opposite ends of the Premier League table and both desperately need to Premier League Preview and Prediction: Manchester City vs Arsenal 17 Dec 2016 | 12:00 pm Competition: Premier League – Manchester City vs. Arsenal Venue: Etihad Stadium – Sunday, December 18  – 16:00 GMT (11:00 ET)  Match Odds: Man City 11/10 – Draw 13/5 – Arsenal 23/10 Match Preview Manchester City welcome Arsenal to the Etihad on Sunday afternoon in what is a huge Premier League clash between both sides as they look to go into Christmas in high spirits. Premier League Preview and Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Chelsea 16 Dec 2016 | 2:25 am Competition: Premier League – Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Venue: Selhurst Park – Saturday, December 17 – 12:30 GMT (07:30 ET) Match Odds: Crystal Palace 17/4 – Draw 3/1 – Chelsea 8/13 Match Preview  Crystal Palace welcome Chelsea to Selhurst Park on Saturday morning, with the London Derby being the first game of the Premier League fixtures this weekend. Alan Pardew&#8217;s side come into this Premier League Preview and Prediction: West Brom vs Manchester United 15 Dec 2016 | 1:34 pm Competition: Premier League – West Bromwich Albion vs. Manchester United Venue: The Hawthorns – Saturday, December 17 – 17:30 GMT (12:30 ET)  Match Odds: West Brom 4/1 – Draw 13/5 – Man United 7/10 Match Preview West Brom welcome Manchester United to The Hawthorns on Saturday evening as sixth face seventh in the Premier League. The Baggies are in good form, with last weekend&#8217;s loss Forget Bradley – Here Are 3 Perfect Candidates Swansea Could Look To Sign Including The Former Birmingham Manager 29 Dec 2016 | 12:43 am Late in the evening on Tuesday, Swansea City announced that the club had decided to part ways with manager Bob Bradley only 11 games since his appointment. The American national replaced Francesco Guidolin as the Swans’ boss in October, but a poor run of results meant the first manager from the United States of America to have managed in the English top-flight was shown the exit doors. His departure came after Swansea’s 4-1 thrashing at the hands of West Ham United on Boxing Day that left the Welsh outfit in the nineteenth position in the league table, level on points with bottom side Hull City. Bradley departs from Wales with a record of two wins, two draws and seven defeats in the 11 matches, in which... Is Jose Mourinho Selling The Wrong Man In The Jan Window? 28 Dec 2016 | 11:57 pm Morgan Schneiderlin has had to endure a disappointing year and a half at Manchester United and is all set to cut the ties with the Red Devils as he prepares to move away from Old Trafford in the upcoming January transfer window, with Everton seeming the most likely destination for the Frenchman. Schneiderlin was signed ahead of the 2015-16 season by the previous manager Louis Van Gaal from Southampton for a fee in the range of £24 million, but the French national has struggled to establish himself as a regular at the Old Trafford. Schneiderlin featured consistently under Van Gaal in the last season, but he struggled to showcase the form and presence in the middle of the park, that had resulted in a... Star Duo Returns, Fabregas Benched – Predicted Chelsea Line-up To Face Stoke City 28 Dec 2016 | 11:41 pm Antonio Conte’s Chelsea seem to be uncatchable at the moment as they continue to pile on the victories in the Premier League this season. Their 3-0 victory over Boro in the previous round has taken them to 46 points, 6 off Liverpool in the second place. They will face a tricky test this week against Mark Hughes’ Stoke side, who lost 4-1 at Anfield in the previous round. Conte will know that he cannot allow any complacency to settle in and will hope that his side can keep the winning momentum going into the new year. He is expected to field a strong side for this game and here is our predicted lineup that he might play for this game: Team News: Antonio Conte will welcome back the likes of Diego Costa... Ten Amazing Pictures To Sum Up Arsenal’s Season So Far 28 Dec 2016 | 11:29 pm It has been an amazing run for Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger over the course of 20 years at charge of the Gunners and now, on what might as well be the farewell for the French boss, the North London team is trying to say goodbye to him in the best way they can, by winning a title after several years. � There have been a lot of ups and downs for the Gunners this season, but they will be looking to bounce back stronger in the second half of the league. � A great winning streak followed by a couple of subpar performances, it feels like this phrase pretty much sums what Arsenal has been over the course of the years, but this time; we’ll let the 10 pictures to do all the talking for us. � <ol> <li>Coutinho punishes...</li></ol> Star Returns To Starting XI – Projected Manchester United Line-up To Face Middlesbrough 28 Dec 2016 | 11:19 pm Goals from Daley Blind, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were enough for the Red Devils to take all three points from their previous game against Sunderland as Mourinho’s side made it 4 wins in 4 going into the last game of the year. They are currently 13 points off the table and will welcome Aitor Karanka’s Middlesbrough side who are fresh from a loss to Burnley. Mourinho will be happy with the performances of his side recently and will hope that they can end the year on a high but Boro have been difficult to beat this season and are expected to put on a decent fight. Here is the predicted lineup that the manager might field for this game: Team News: In early team news, Mourinho’s squad is... Zacharia’s exit won’t affect us in Africa –Bechem United CEO 29 Dec 2016 | 7:05 am Chief Executive Officer of Bechem United Kingsley Osei Bonsu says the exit of trainer Manuel Zacharias will not affect the team in the CAF Confederations Cup Competition. The Hunters have mutually parted ways with the Portuguese trainer. Zacharias took up the Coaching role at the Club prior to the start of the 2015/16 League season helping the team to a sixth placed finish. The reigning FA Cup champions are currently preparing for next year’s CAF Confederations Cup competition where they will play Algerian side MC Algiers in the preliminary stage. But Osei Bonsu insists his outfit will not be affected by Zacharias absence. “We have really parted ways with the coach but as to why we took such... I have left a good legacy at the Sports Ministry-Nii Lantey Vanderpujie 29 Dec 2016 | 6:01 am Outgoing Sports Minister Nii Lantey Vanderpujie says he has left a good legacy at the sports ministry insisting he has done a great job at the ministry. He has had a very rocky relationship with the current GFA executives on the perceived corruption at the FA. This has not gone down well with a lot of football administrators in the country which they believe has partly affected the performance of the Black Stars. The Sports minister has come under a lot of criticisms from a section of Ghanaians for what many term as witch hunting since he took office eight months ago. The MP for the Odododiodio constituency will exit the scene after his party the ruling NDC lost the 2016 elections to the NPP. Speaking... I’m not eyeing personal glory in Gabon -Atsu 29 Dec 2016 | 4:02 am Black Stars winger Christian Atsu says his major aim is to help the Black Stars win the 2017 Africa cup of nations title in Gabon. The on loan Chelsea winger is expected to churn out some great performances for the team after winning the best player accolade in the last edition of the tournament in Equatorial Guinea. The Newcastle player is tipped by many to replicate his recent form at club level to once again win the best player award in Gabon. But Atsu who will be making his third Cup of Nations appearance with the Black Stars says he is not eyeing personal glory at the championship. “For me winning the best player accolade does not matter to me&#8221; &#8220;I that i want is to see Ghana winning the... Zaha named in Ivory Coast preliminary AFCON squad 29 Dec 2016 | 1:44 am Wilfried Zaha has been called up to Ivory Coast’s provisional squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon. The Crystal Palace winger’s international future has been the subject of debate in recent weeks, the 24-year-old having become frustrated with a lack of opportunities for England. Zaha has two caps for England, both of which came in friendlies, and boss Gareth Southgate said this month he was hopeful of convincing the former Manchester United player to commit to the Three Lions. However, Zaha born in Abidjan has been added to Michel Dussuyer’s preliminary plans for the tournament next month, suggesting a final decision over his future has been made. United defender Eric Bailly is also in the... Tevez becomes the highest-paid player in the world 29 Dec 2016 | 1:38 am Carlos Tevez has joined Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua to become the highest-paid player in world football. Tevez will undergo a medical before his signing is officially announced, but was paraded by the club after agreeing personal terms. The deal that Tevez has signed is worth a reported £615,000 a week, making him the biggest earner from wages alone in world football. Tevez, 32, has been playing for Boca Juniors since joining them from Juventus. He described the return to his boyhood club as “a dream”. We’d describe earning £615,000 a week for playing football as “a bloody great dream”. Shanghai Shenhua are managed by Gus Poyet after his sacking by Real Betis, which is proof that you can... 4 Tournaments to Watch in 2017 13 Dec 2016 | 6:40 am With 2016 coming to a close, we take a look at the new year. Odd number years are not very well known for big football tournaments as major competitions such as the UEFA Euros and the FIFA World Cup take place in four year intervals, on even numbered years. But 2017 should not be brushed aside, with 4 exciting football competitions to watch in the upcoming year.CAF African Cup of NationsHost Nation: GabonDates: January 14 - February 5The African Cup of Nations is always an exciting tournament. With talent steadily flowing from the continent for the past two decades, this competition serves as both a stage to crown Africa's best and as a showcase for top club scouts from around the world. But there are also... 5 Surprising MLS Cup Winners 9 Dec 2016 | 1:30 pm Few would have predicted a meeting between Toronto FC and Seattle Sounders in this year's MLS Cup final. For Toronto, ten tough years in the league would have been enough to keep critics clear of a deep playoff run prediction, while for Seattle it was simply a sub-par start to the season that signaled an unlikely post-season appearance altogether. While Seattle has clinched the playoffs in each of their eight years in the league, neither club has had the fortune of lifting the MLS Cup trophy to date. So, while December 10th will mark a historic and somewhat surprising win for one of those cities, we take a look at five previous MLS Cup winners that lifted Major League Soccer's championship trophy despite... Toronto FC and the Reality of Emotional Exhaustion 8 Dec 2016 | 5:22 am There is such a thing as emotional exhaustion. I learned that on a charged Wednesday night at BMO Field in Toronto a little over a week ago.The result on the night was that our hometown club, Toronto FC, defeated their arch rivals Montreal Impact by a score of 5-2 to complete a 7-5 aggregate victory across two action packed MLS Eastern Conference Final legs, but this went beyond mere results.It's impossible to explain emotional exhaustion, followed by a day suffering from what can only be described as an emotional hangover, over a football result to a someone who doesn't follow the sport. Hell, even some of those that do consider themselves to be football fans might not even be able to understand this... Formula 1 Football Kit Concepts (Gallery) 7 Sep 2016 | 8:09 am With the title race in Formula 1 heating up, we feature this awesome mash-up project by UK based designer Sean Bull who merged the world of football with that of F1 racing. 5 Odd Summer Transfers (2016) 1 Sep 2016 | 8:15 am With the transfer window closed as of yesterday, I take a look at some transfers that I found to be a bit odd (for various reasons). David Luiz (PSG to Chelsea)With nine winner medals from his two seasons with French club Paris Saint-Germain, Brazilian defender David Luiz is back with Chelsea. Sure, we have seen similar situations on many occasions in the past, after-all, there is nothing wrong with a footballer going back to a club he had played for previously. But was this a smart decision on Chelsea’s part? As the news of Luiz coming back to Stamford Bridge made the rounds many fans were happy with Sideshow Bob’s doppelganger's return, while many felt it was a bit of bad business and a desperation... United Finding Their Feet Under Mourinho 18 Dec 2016 | 8:54 pm Manchester United manager José Mourinho told his players to give their shirts to the travelling supporters following Saturday&#8217;s 2-0 win at West Brom, calling it an early Christmas present. The true gift for the faithful fans, though, has surely been the side&#8217;s resurgence in recent weeks. Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored his tenth and eleventh league goals of the season as the Red Devils cruised to a 2-0 victory at The Hawthorns, and it would appear that Mourinho finally has an idea of how to get the best out of his side. Embed from Getty Images United are now ten games unbeaten in all competitions and closing the gap on the top four, although Mourinho’s old club Chelsea are pulling away at the top of the... Tactical Video Analysis: Manchester City vs Chelsea 9 Dec 2016 | 10:35 pm In this tactical video analysis of last weekend&#8217;s Manchester City vs Chelsea match-up, I take a closer look at an intense first half battle between two of the brainiest managers in the Premier League. Guardiola&#8217;s gameplan was well thought out in terms of pressing organization and drilled attacking patterns. Yet, he was undermined by individual player errors and his squad&#8217;s overall inability to finish off quality chances. Conte, on the other hand, clearly set his team up to hit the home side on the counter. Guardiola still exposed some of Chelsea&#8217;s flaws off the ball when defending in a low-block, something that other teams may begin to catch on to. Ultimately, Chelsea were fortunate to escape unscathed... Tactics Arena: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur Preview 9 Dec 2016 | 1:30 pm In the second release of FutbolPulse&#8217;s &#8220;Tactics Arena&#8221; series, Rahul Warrier and Nathan Clark discuss Sunday&#8217;s upcoming Premier League match-up between Manchester United and Tottenham Hostpur. This preview will encompass the most in-depth and diverse coverage of the match, spanning team news, tactical analysis, predicted line-ups, and much more. Rahul: 3-0 was the scoreline when Manchester United rolled into White Hart Lane last season, in a match that in hindsight proved to be the difference-maker as United missed out on Champions League football and finished just four points behind third-placed Spurs. Of course, that did not account for Tottenham’s late collapse that masked their superb... How Can Moussa Sissoko Justify His Price Tag to Tottenham? 5 Dec 2016 | 2:11 pm Arriving in the summer for a hefty £30million price tag &#8211; making him Spurs&#8217; most expensive signing of the whole summer despite a disappointing season for a relegated Newcastle side &#8211; questions were already being asked as to whether Sissoko could, in any way, justify the enormous price tag. Those questions then gained significance after manager Mauricio Pochettino spoke of how he &#8216;expected more&#8217; from the Frenchman, but how could Sissoko go some way to answering them? Embed from Getty Images First and foremost, he has to prove his worth to the team. Sissoko&#8217;s footballing ability alone is probably not valued by any club in the world at £30m &#8211; not his consistent club form, anyway. His international... How the Premier League Title Race May Look Come 2017 5 Dec 2016 | 1:20 pm An exciting Premier League weekend has seen Chelsea remain the league leaders with a victory at Manchester City. Here, James Cartwright looks ahead to how the title race may shape up come 2017. 1st &#8211; Chelsea (49 points) Chelsea&#8217;s remaining fixtures for 2016 look very favourable, with arguably their hardest game coming this weekend when they host West Brom. The Baggies are seventh in the league after winning two of their last three games. Given the match is taking place at Stamford Bridge and West Brom have won one away game this season, it is difficult to see them picking anything up there. After that, the Blues travel to Sunderland and Crystal Palace before hosting Bournemouth and Stoke City. Embed... Chelsea Keen on Serie A ace 27 Dec 2016 | 8:34 pm Chelsea are reportedly lining up a £40m swoop for Radja Nainggolan of Roma, According to The Sun. The 28-year-old midfielder is being lined up as a replacement for Oscar who left the Blues for China. Nainggolan has been in stunning form for the Giallorossi but the Italian side are unable to compete with the personal [...] Report: Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld all set for contract extension 25 Dec 2016 | 8:32 pm Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering to offer Toby Alderweireld a new long-term contract at the north London club, according to The Mirror. The 27-year-old defender has established as one of the most reliable centre-back in the Premier League over the past two seasons with his compatriot Jan Vertonghen at the White Hart Lane. Alderweireld is [...] The Legacy of Football – From Father to Son 23 Dec 2016 | 4:12 am Zinedine Zidane could not be a prouder dad, after his eldest son Enzo Zidane scored a goal during his Real Madrid debut match. This was for the Copa Del Rey against third division Cultural Leonesa, and as expected Real Madrid got a crushing victory of 6-1 against their opponent in the second leg. 18 minutes [...] Cristiano Ronaldo enjoys Christmas break 21 Dec 2016 | 8:51 pm The Real Madrid talisman Cristiano Ronaldo is currently away for Christmas break on his private jet in style after a stellar 2016 year. The Portuguese forward is folding up a unforgettable 2016 in fashion, having some quality time with his son on his private jet. &#8220;Spending time with my love,&#8221; the 31-year-old posted on Instagram [...] LIVERPOOL 4-1 STOKE 27 Dec 2016 | 1:45 pm Liverpool continue their winning ways as we beat Stoke at Anfield to secure all three points and keep 2nd place, ahead of our game with Manchester City who are placed 3rd in the Premier League. Simon Mignolet kept his place as first choice goalkeeper after the win against Everton and a clean sheet against our hometown rivals clearly made him 1st pick. Two players out with ankle injuries currently are Joel Matip and Coutinho, the defence and attack both had a couple of changes to it because of that. Klavan and Origi have been getting some experience as the manager chooses them to replace our injured players. Stoke would have an assortment of former Liverpool players including Glen Johnson, Peter Crouch and... ANFIELD FAMILY LIVERPOOL FAN OF THE WEEK: RODRIGO – CHILE 26 Dec 2016 | 9:06 pm Anfield Family weekly feature &#8216;Liverpool fan of the Week&#8217; is a section exclusively for passionate Reds from across the globe to express themselves. This week, as part of our South America feature series, we have selected Rodrigo from Chile as our Fan of the Week. He is a really passionate Red and even has a Liverbird tattoo engraved on his arms. Let&#8217;s hear more from him. Name: Rodrigo Garretón Age: 28 Address: Santiago, Chile Occupation: Graphic designer Interests: Football, comics, video games 1. How long has it been since you supported Liverpool FC? I began developing an interest towards football when I was just 9. It was around 2000 that I began following the club. 2. How did you become a Liverpool... Everton 0-1 LIVERPOOL 20 Dec 2016 | 12:16 am The Merseyside derby ends with an away win for Liverpool! Jurgen Klopp had announced Mignolet would be starting for this fixture days in advance of the official starting 11 lineup being released, but it was still good to see him at the top of the list. He had to work hard to stop Everton from scoring and just kept his 2nd consecutive clean sheet in a row. That&#8217;s what I like to see. Joel Matip currently wouldn&#8217;t be risked as Klopp says he&#8217;s not at full fitness and playing him could possibly aggrevate his minor injury. As you would expect to see from a Merseyside derby, there was a rough style of play going on, though the referee wasn&#8217;t afraid to pull his yellow card out and warn people. There wouldn&#8217;t be... ANFIELD FAMILY LIVERPOOL FAN OF THE WEEK: FRAN – CHILE 18 Dec 2016 | 6:49 am Anfield Family Liverpool Fan of the Week Anfield Family’s Liverpool fan of the week is a platform exclusively for Liverpool FC fans from different corners of the world to express themselves. As part of our South America Fan Feature Series for the whole of December, our search for another passionate Red takes us to Chile again. This week, our fan of the week is Fran, who is a South American supporter with Scouser blood, literally! So, let&#8217;s hear more from her. Name: Fran Age: 22 Address: Talcahuano, Chile Occupation: Law Student Facebook: fb.me/franjeffsv Interests: Reading, singing, swimming, dancing, Mario kart, Pokemon and going out with friends 1. How long has it been since you supported... Middlesbrough 0-3 LIVERPOOL 14 Dec 2016 | 7:12 pm Liverpool are back to winning ways. Without a doubt the most noticeable change that was made to the starting lineup was to take a fully fit and not suspended Loris Karius out of the side and replace him with Simon Mignolet. Karius doesn&#8217;t look happy at being replaced and stares at the manager. It&#8217;s actually not his fault. It&#8217;s your own fault, Loris.  Karius performances haven&#8217;t been peak performances lately. He hasn&#8217;t been able to keep a clean sheet very many times and conceding several goals to teams that have been in the relegation zone or the bottom half of the Premier League table seems to have inspired Klopp to do as most fans have been asking&#8230; &#8220;bring back Mignolet&#8221;. Mignolet is number 1 again If... Zlatan Ibrahimovic, He is still a Swedish hero 23 Dec 2016 | 2:00 pm I didn&#8217;t manage to get tickets to West Brom away, gutted as I know it would have been an early start with the lads and proper all day session catching up with them before Christmas. For the third time then in our last four games I ended up watching the game down the pub. That&#8217;s not like me at all, I&#8217;m either there at the game home or away, or watching at home. Not been a fan of watching down the pub for a few years. Yes you can have a few beers and laugh with friends but I like to concentrate without distraction on the game. Anyway, I ended up out because it was pretty much the only night out most of the Sunday morning football team lads could do, so we met up and 4pm and watched it in the Fletcher Moss in... Frustrating draw with the Gunners 22 Nov 2016 | 7:30 am With Ramsey back and Bellerin out through injury, there wasn&#8217;t that much of a surprise on seeing the Arsenal team. Ours though was a different matter, as I was worried defensively once again, much like before the Swansea match. As that turned out we did okay but we were up against a very poor Swansea team that day. Going into Saturday&#8217;s match was a very different story with Arsenal going very well at the moment. The one thing I did say to my friend before kick off, was that I was glad Giroud wasn&#8217; starting, as without playing well he can just seem to be in the right place and the right time when it matters. Aaaargggh!! Having got into the ground surprisingly early for a 12.30pm kick off, although not that... Top away day down to Swansea 10 Nov 2016 | 7:25 am Four away trips so far for us here at MUFC global this season. Bournemouth, Hull, Scousers and now Swansea all done. Three wins and one draw from those games too and overall good performances in them all. Some still might say we should have got at Liverpool more, I do slightly agree but having seen some of our performances so far this season, I was more than happy to play the way we did to try and nick a win. We didn&#8217;t of course but we didn&#8217;t lose. Our extra end of row, end of row seat Anyway, Swansea away and a 2pm kick off. Perfect. It meant the coach down there wasn&#8217;t going at stupid o&#8217;clock and also wouldn&#8217;t be getting back at an unreasonable hour. In fact, back in time for a sneaky couple of beers... Another derby day goes by 28 Oct 2016 | 7:00 am It was a poor first half and considering the managers in charge and the players on display, I don&#8217;t think I&#8217;ve ever seen so many stray passes in a Manchester derby before, espeicially in recent times. For that reason there wasn&#8217;t that many chances created, Iheanacho had City&#8217;s best chance for them, not just of the half, but pretty much of the game after a few minutes. Bizarrely though, even though I was right behind the goal in the Stretford End I thought initially it was good defending and a great clearance from Daley Blind. Then Mike Dean pointed for a goal kick. No one complained and correctly so. Luke Shaw had a bit of a torrid time first half mind due, he just never got close to Navas at all. Quite a... MNF: Red Monday – scousers away 19 Oct 2016 | 6:00 am Well, that is how Sky Sports referred to it and built it up &#8211; Red Monday. As Monday&#8217;s go it wasn&#8217;t a bad one but coming back from Anfield with three points in the bag would have made it an even better one. It wasn&#8217;t to be though and the 0-0 draw was probably about the right result. The scousers weren&#8217;t great and neither were we but I think we achieved more of our game plan than they did. You can tell that from the post match interviews from the players and managers of both teams as well. I know van Gaal got criticised for our players passing the ball backwards but I&#8217;ve never seen so many balls passed back to a keeper in a game than I did on Monday night. Yes it was Liverpool&#8217;s approach, they try to go down... Everton vs Liverpool: Match Preview 16 Dec 2016 | 7:37 am Venue: Goodison Park Date: 19/12/2016 Kick-off: 20:00 (BST) Everton prepare to square off against fierce rivals Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Monday night and the match promises to be a very entertaining battle. Following a terrible run of form, Everton finally managed to end their winless streak with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Goodison Park on Tuesday night. The three points would have been a huge relief... Everton vs Arsenal: Match Preview 13 Dec 2016 | 2:54 am Venue: Goodison Park Date: 13/12/2016 Kick-off: 19:45 (BST) Everton welcome Arsenal to Goodison Park on Tuesday night and the match will be one which the Toffees will be desperate to claim all three points from. Everton’s terrible run of form continued after they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Watford at Vicarage Road last weekend and the result means that the Merseyside outfit are currently on a poor run of... Watford vs Everton: Match Preview 9 Dec 2016 | 10:05 pm Venue: Vicarage Road Date: 10/12/2016 Kick-off: 12:30 (BST) Everton travel to Vicarage Road to square off against Watford on Saturday in the early clash of the game week and the Toffees will surely be hopeful of claiming a victory from the encounter following a positive result against Manchester United last time out. Everton’s winless run in the Premier League stretched to four matches following a 1-1 draw against Manchester United last weekend but... Stan Collymore delivers transfer advice to Everton boss Ronald Koeman 4 Dec 2016 | 3:00 pm Pundit Stan Collymore has gone on to urge Everton manager Ronald Koeman to reduce the average age of the Toffees’ squad by signing younger players. Everton most certainly enjoyed a wonderful start to their campaign but things have taken a turn for the worse dramatically over the past few weeks. The Toffees have claimed only one victory in their last ten matches in all competitions and it is clear to... Everton vs Manchester United Match Preview 2 Dec 2016 | 12:17 am Venue: Goodison Park Date: 12/04/2016 Kick-off: 16:00 (BST) Match Everton welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park on Sunday and the match is certainly one in which both teams will be desperate to claim all three points out of. Everton’s terrible run of form continued after they suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Southampton last weekend and the Toffees currently find themselves in a streak of only one victory in their... Player Ratings: Stand out Performer & First Last Place for Summer Signing Manchester United 3-1 Sunderland 28 Dec 2016 | 6:12 am Fancy writing some SAFC craic? Drop us an email, we're recruiting!�If you're interested, drop us an email [email protected] or for more info please click here.[[content.stanza]]�Sorry for the absense yesterday. Hang overs and all that other festive-related nonsense. Anyway, you kindly told us what you thought of the player performances against Manchester United and here are the results. We will be doing a half-way and 2016 summary too so keep an eye out for those.[[content.top]] Man of the Match - Jordan Pickford (7.54) Pickford is a very talented and reliable goalkeeper. I wouldn't go as far as saying his goal was peppered but he definitely faced a number of testing efforts. The more notable... Player Ratings: the Performers & Culprits from Manchester United 3-1 Sunderland 26 Dec 2016 | 11:12 am [[content.stanza]]Christmas cheer was predictably short-lived on Wearside with Sunderland suffering defeat on Boxing Day. �A solid performance was soured by daft mistakes and Manchester United are not the kind of team to let you get away with that. Here is your chance to pinpoint the culprits and those who put in a decent shift.[[content.top]][[content.bottom]] Great Goals and Mindless Mistakes - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly from Manchester United 3-1 Sunderland 26 Dec 2016 | 10:12 am [[content.stanza]]Sunderland fell to a 3-1 defeat against Manchester United on David Moyes’ return to Old Trafford this Boxing Day. An encouraging first half went to waste as Sunderland crumbled to goals from Daley Blind, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and a wonder goal by Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Here’s some things that went well, some things that went poorly, and some things we’re just plain sick of seeing.[[content.top]]The GoodGiven the nature of our second half demise, it’s easy to forget Sunderland were the better side in the first 45.�Unlucky to be going in behind at the break, Moyes’ side were creating the chances, just without taking any of them.The opener aside, Jordan Pickford was there to stop... Last Chance for Winger in Manchester United vs Sunderland Clash 26 Dec 2016 | 2:12 am [[content.stanza]]In the mood for a Christmas miracle? David Moyes takes his Sunderland side to Old Trafford, marking his first return since his sacking as Manchester United manager. While he will hope to welcome back some of his walking wounded, Moyes could give one final chance to an outbound winger.[[content.top]][[content.zebra]]Wahbi Khazri’s first full season on Wearside hasn’t gone to plan, with only nine appearances under his belt so far.His last start came in October’s 4-1 defeat to Arsenal, and he’s played a total of 19 minutes since.�For whatever reason, Moyes isn’t sold on the Tunisian, with his decisions seemingly justified given his poor performances when he has featured.Khazri is... Opportunity for Sunderland Fans Bored Over Christmas! (Do Have a Merry One Though) 24 Dec 2016 | 2:12 pm Merry Christmas and all that. It's gonna be a good day. We won't be around, well we will, just not here, getting pissed elsewhere as you would expect!Anyway, over the festive period we are opening our doors to some new recruits. WAW are looking for writers, but if that's not your cup of tea click here as there could easily be something else for you here. It's the perfect opportunity for those studying, looking to gain experience or to just fill up some spare time doing something you enjoy. Experience is not a necessity, so please do get in touch.Interested? Drop us an email, [email protected], or tweet us @wearewearside�and we'll send you some more info - we look forward to hearing from you! Nike Hypervenomx Proximo II IC Bright Crimson/Total Crimson/Hyper Orange 26 Dec 2016 | 12:16 pm The Nike HypervenomX Proximo II Men&#8217;s Indoor/Court Soccer Shoe features a Dynamic Fit collar that locks your foot in place for precise control and unstoppable quickness. The non-marking rubber outsole offers superior traction when playing on the court and indoor surfaces. The post Nike Hypervenomx Proximo II IC Bright Crimson/Total Crimson/Hyper Orange appeared first on I Geek Soccer. How hard would you play? 6 Dec 2016 | 4:03 pm How hard would you play today if you know you couldn’t play tomorrow? The post How hard would you play? appeared first on I Geek Soccer. We create our own sunshine 5 Dec 2016 | 2:08 pm There’s no such thing as bad weather. We create our own sunshine, so let it rain, because the rain never bothered us anyway. The post We create our own sunshine appeared first on I Geek Soccer. El Clasico Player Ratings: The Best Barca-Madrid XI 3 Dec 2016 | 6:41 pm Barcelona shot themselves in the leg in their clash against Madrid at the Camp Nou, as Ramos&#8217; 90th minute equalizer made the hosts pay for their many missed chances. Suarez had put Barca in the lead with a header after Neymar&#8217;s corner kick found his head in the 2nd half, but clear-cut misses from the [&#8230;] The post El Clasico Player Ratings: The Best Barca-Madrid XI appeared first on I Geek Soccer. EPL Match Day 14 Preview: fixtures, predictions, etc 2 Dec 2016 | 6:04 pm We are almost close to the second half of the season, while the winter transfer window is just barely a month away as things get tougher and more competitive in the 2016-17 English Premier League. Matchweek 14 resumes on Saturday, and action continues all through the weekend until Monday night. Here are all fixtures and [&#8230;] The post EPL Match Day 14 Preview: fixtures, predictions, etc appeared first on I Geek Soccer. Revenge for India and Captain Kohli especially 20 Dec 2016 | 1:28 pm Virat Kohli, the Indian test captain is undoubtedly as we stand the best batsman across all formats in the world whatever any rankings say. His performances in international cricket this year have been amazing and dare I say it some people may well (for a split second) might have thought are we seeing the best Indian batsman ever, sacrilege when a certain Sachin Tendulkar is revered, but I suppose time will tell. The latest team to get the treatment has been England who despite themselves putting in an extremely limp performance they have been dominated by the Indians, and a 4-0 series defeat is more than justifiable. NO QUARTER GIVEN However for all his majestic batting, Mr Kohli is quite the... GUEST BLOG – Are Manchester United really in Crisis??????? – BY RICHARD PYNAS 14 Nov 2016 | 4:44 am My name is Richard Pynas and I will be guest blogging on this site on occasion and to start with the reds of Manchester get the treatment &#8211; let me know what you think, various options available and noted at the end of this blog &#8211; enjoy the read. This season started with an air of optimism for Manchester United fans. We’d made four, what looked like good signings that would improve the starting 11 and appointed a manager with three Premier League and two Champions League winners medals. The season even started well and many pundits were suggesting it could be a two horse race for the title between the two Manchester clubs, United looked to be coming though their three year hiatus from the top of English... THE CYBORG MACHINE THAT IS NOVAK DJOKOVIC IS MALFUNCTIONING 16 Oct 2016 | 9:24 am It was the 5th June 2016 &#8211; Roland Garros, Paris when Novak Djokovic completed his career Grand Slam with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Andy Murray. His 12th top tier title, but the one he needed to complete the set, he was a man on that day who had reached the top of another mountain with the plan to scale even further heights. This crowned off an amazing start to the year. He was already the undisputed number one tennis player in the world and his record in the nine tournaments he had played including, the French Open was as follows:- W, W, QF, W, W,2R, W, RU, W &#8211; six titles and with more than half the season to come it was expected that the Serbian tennis ace would go on and win further... Early Premier League Report Cards 5 Oct 2016 | 5:08 am So seven games into this seasons Premier League, comment on each teams progress so far. Manchester City &#8211; 18 points The Pepolution is well under way, six straight victories at the start of the season (including a win at city rivals  Manchester United) put them clear. However they were bested at White Hart Lane in their match last Sunday who showed their so called  invincibility cloak can be breached. Some thinking for Guardiola to do but lets be honest whoever (if anyone) finishes above them they will very likely be winning the title this season. Still the team to beat. Tottenham Hotspur &#8211; 17 points The only unbeaten team left in the Premier League and are showing everybody that last seasons... My hopefully healthy 2016 – Double Bubble (when doable) September – willpower please kick in!!!!!!! 2 Oct 2016 | 4:27 pm Thursday 1st September No gym &#8211; offski to Manchester Football Writing Festival event straight from work. The hard work begins tomorrow &#8211; bright and early &#8211; well hopefully. Friday 2nd September So I am on leave from work #IBIZATOCOME  so plan is gym, double sessions may well be shelved for longer ones, todays was near on 2 hours. Workout as follows:- Backrest bike to begin alternating with cross trainer. Then pull weights alternating with backrest bike followed by some leg weights with backrest bike to finish. Good session but no good in isolation!!!!!!! Saturday 3rd September Back to the gym but once I began my left knee was hurting big time &#8211; so continued but not with the same full on session. Workout as... WordPress.com in 2016: A Year in Review 16 Dec 2016 | 7:01 am It&#8217;s been a year of highs and lows, but one thing is certain: all of us at WordPress.com&#8217;s parent company Automattic are proud of what this community has accomplished in the past year. Your work is supported by a company of more than 500 people in over 50 countries, dedicated to democratizing publishing. We hope we&#8217;ve helped to bring your ideas, your creativity, and your businesses to life on the web. To celebrate 2016, we&#8217;re excited to share our Automattic Year in Review &#8212; where you&#8217;ll find stats and fun facts about all of our work over the past year for WordPress.com, as well as WooCommerce, WordPress.com VIP, Jetpack, .blog, and more. Spoiler alert: WordPress.com users published more than 595 million... Introducing VR and 360° Content for All WordPress.com Sites 15 Dec 2016 | 6:59 am Virtual Reality is coming to WordPress.com! As of today, you can create and publish your own VR content on any WordPress.com site, starting with 360° photos and 360° videos (beta), and you can view regular photos and panoramas in VR. Our goal is to make publishing VR content as simple as publishing text or photos to the web &#8212; just add VR content to your site and anyone with a web browser can instantly enjoy it. Let&#8217;s start with some examples. Click the &#8220;play&#8221; button on any picture below and our VR viewer will load. On a regular desktop browser you can then &#8220;look around&#8221; using your mouse, including in gorgeous full-screen mode. On a phone browser or a webVR enabled desktop browser, you&#8217;ll see a VR button... A Refreshed Reader for 2017 14 Dec 2016 | 12:01 pm Reader is WordPress.com&#8217;s town square, where you can follow your favorite sites and read them in a distraction-free environment. We&#8217;ve been working on a refresh for months, and we&#8217;re thrilled to share it with you today. For readers, we hope these changes will surprise and delight you, adding more diversity to your stream and exposing you to posts you’ll love. And for writers, we want to put your awesome work in front of a whole new audience. A Simplified Design We want Reader to feel like a magazine you can cozy up with, so we&#8217;ve streamlined the design, featuring clean text on a simple white background. We&#8217;ve also increased the information density so you can see more of the sites you love with... New Theme: Ixion 1 Dec 2016 | 8:00 am Howdy all! Today I&#8217;m happy to present a new free theme in our collection: Ixion Designed by Mel Choyce, Ixion is a clean and professional theme for schools, non-profits, and organizations. Put your most exciting news front and center with a custom header image and a call-to-action button, highlight your three most noteworthy accomplishments on the home page, or use Testimonials to showcase your organization&#8217;s satisfied students or customers. Ixion is responsive, meaning it will adapt to screens and devices of all shapes and sizes. Intrigued? Learn more about Ixion by checking out the theme&#8217;s showcase!Filed under: Themes Your Site, Now in Other Languages: Introducing the Google Translate Widget 25 Nov 2016 | 7:00 am Internationalization is very important to us, and we&#8217;re striving to make sites across WordPress.com accessible to all, such as your international followers and multilingual readers. Today, we&#8217;re thrilled to introduce the Google Translate Widget, which allows you and your site visitors to instantly translate your content into 103 languages currently supported by Google Translate. Languages currently supported by Google Translate. How it works To enable automatic translation on your site, add the Google Translate Widget in your Customizer by going to My Site(s) → Customize → Widgets. Once enabled, your site visitors will be able to access a dropdown menu in your sidebar or footer and automatically... Burnley Cannot Rely Solely on Form at Turf Moor 29 Dec 2016 | 1:43 am Updated: 12/29/16Burnley have made a bright start to their bid to retain their Premier League status following their promotion to the top flight last season. The Clarets have been relegated immediately back to the Championship in their previous two forays into the division, but Sean Dyche appears to have struck a chord with his players this term. &#8220;Turf Moor&#8221; (CC BY-SA 2.0) by joncandy The Lancashire-based club have already collected more points this term than at the same stage in their previous campaigns in the Premier League but they will have to improve the level of their form for the duration of the season to ensure that they do not suffer yet another relegation. Turf Moor has become the foundation of... Sporty Slot Machines and Why Sports Make for Such Great Video Games 20 Dec 2016 | 9:13 am Updated: 12/20/16What&#8217;s particularly interesting about sports is that for such a physical recreational activity, it has a nasty habit of turning up in the east physically challenging of places. Whether it&#8217;s the continued popularity of video games based on football or motor racing, the phenomenon of fantasy football leagues or collecting merchandise of your favourite team, a huge part of being a sports fan requires no more physical activity than your average music or comic book fan. video games | image credit &#8211; Wikimedia/Magnus Fröderberg One of the most interesting places that sports have shown up are in casino games – especially those at casinos-online.ca. Shifting sports to other kinds of gaming... What have we learned from England versus India cricket series? 29 Nov 2016 | 9:36 am Updated: 11/30/16As the English cricket team are currently halfway through their tour of India, it’s a good time to check how they’ve been progressing and what tempting test match betting options could be ahead. Playing against the Indian side on their home soil was always going to be a tough challenge for the English team. But the first test in Rajkot showed that England had what it takes to play in difficult conditions with the all-rounder Ben Stokes in great form to power his way to 128 runs in the first innings despite the impressive off break skills of Indian star Ravichandran Ashwin. Cook Batting | image credit &#8211; Wikimedia/Nic Redhead And England fans will have also taken heart from captain... He cost how much? 29 Oct 2016 | 1:00 pm Updated: 10/30/16Yes, your lunch cost $10,99. Your rent keeps crawling up, and those happy hour cocktails aren’t so happy. But in the world of professional soccer, the transfer prices for European players are becoming beyond astronomical. Ladies and Gentlemen, Paul Pogba; the world’s most expensive soccer player that has ever graced the pitch; recently signed a mammoth contract at the world’s most valuable club, Manchester United. Now he might be earning over $340,000 per week *gasp* &#8211; but the transfer fee paid to Italian giants Juventus was over $110 million (£89m) plus add-ons based on future performance. What makes this transfer even crazier is that the player grew up in Manchester and left for... Sports Stars and Their Superstitious Pre-game Rituals 6 Oct 2016 | 12:11 pm Updated: 10/7/16Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Jordan, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams these are the top names in today&#8217;s sports generation. They all have hit the top and most interestingly none of them without superstitious rituals to help. Obviously we mustn’t argue, being successful in the sporting world takes talent, dedication, sometimes you may refer dose of good luck. Surely that’s never surprising. But we can also remark the most famous sportspeople tend to develop some slightly strange habits. These things starts from something doing on the day of a particularly convincing win with extra significance. Sometimes they feel like they should do the same thing every time they play or risk... Possible Lineups, Team News, Stats – Manchester United vs Middlesbrough 29 Dec 2016 | 7:07 am Premier League match preview Manchester United vs Middlesbrough, game week 19.�Important things to know;�Kick-off:�15:00 BST,�Date:�Saturday�31 December, 2016,�Venue:�Old Trafford, Manchester,�Referee:�Lee Mason,�Stream Guide:�Watch... Read More at www.footballnewsguru.com | See all latest stats, transfer news injury news and updates! Premiership Referees Appointments 2016/2017 Matchweek 19 29 Dec 2016 | 3:41 am Here is a list of Premier League fixtures/results, kick off time, venue and referee appointments of the 19th game week for the 2016-2017�Barclays Premier League season. arsenal Friday 30 DecemberHull City vs Everton Kick-Off: 20:00 BSTVenue: KCOM Stadium, Kingston upon HullReferee: Jonathan... Read More at www.footballnewsguru.com | See all latest stats, transfer news injury news and updates! EPL Stats 2016/17 - Top Scorers, Most Assist, Clean Sheets 29 Dec 2016 | 2:30 am Find out who leads the chart, top goal scorer, most assists and most clean sheets in the Barclays Premier League 2016-2017 season.�........ Arsenal La Liga Stats 2016/2017 - Top Scorers, Most Assists, Clean SheetsSerie A Stats 2016/2017 - Top Scorers, Most Assists, Clean Sheets Mobile... Read More at www.footballnewsguru.com | See all latest stats, transfer news injury news and updates! The Popularity of Premier League outside United Kingdom 28 Dec 2016 | 10:15 am Premier League also known as Barclays Premier League or English Premier League is world’s most renowned Football league. World’s best footballers�play in it and it is a dream of every football player to play for Premier League. I talked to some of the Non-English football fanatics about their... Read More at www.footballnewsguru.com | See all latest stats, transfer news injury news and updates! Possible Lineups, Team News, Stats – Southampton vs Tottenham 28 Dec 2016 | 3:02 am Premier League match preview Southampton vs Tottenham, game week 18. Important things to know; Kick-off: 19:45 BST, Date: Wednesday 28 December,�2016, Venue: St. Mary Stadium, Southampton, Referee: Mike Dean,�Stream Guide:�Watch Live Possible Lineups: Team... Read More at www.footballnewsguru.com | See all latest stats, transfer news injury news and updates! Chelsea demolish Bournemouth 3-0 to set club-record 12 consecutive league wins 26 Dec 2016 | 7:00 am Match Summary Chelsea made it a club-record 12 Premier League wins in a row with a 3-0 home demolition of Bournemouth. The Blues gifted their home faithful with a belated Christmas present with three goals, three points and a run of form unprecedented in Chelsea&#8217;s history, meaning the Blues extend their lead at the top of the [&#8230;] Costa goal secures 1-0 win for Chelsea at Crystal Palace making Blues No.1 at Christmas 17 Dec 2016 | 4:30 am Match Summary Chelsea made it 11 Premier League wins on the bounce with a steady 1-0 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, guaranteeing the Blues the Christmas No.1 spot. Costa&#8217;s header just before half-time proved to be the decisive winner, with the Blues asserting a mighty nine-point lead at the top of the table, albeit [&#8230;] Fabregas scores winner as Chelsea edge Sunderland 1-0 14 Dec 2016 | 11:45 am Match Summary Chelsea extend their lead at the top of the table to six points after a hard-fought victory against Sunderland to bring about a record-equalling tenth consecutive Premier League victory. A solitary Cesc Fabregas goal at the end of the first half was enough for Conte&#8217;s men to bring all the spoils back to SW6, but [&#8230;] Costa sends Chelsea back to the top of the table with hard-fought 1-0 win against West Brom 11 Dec 2016 | 4:00 am Match Summary Chelsea made it nine wins in a row for the first time since 2007 with a hard-fought victory against determined West Brom. Diego Costa&#8217;s goal with a quarter of an hour left, his 12th of the season, was all it needed in a cagey game that had just three shots on target between the [&#8230;] Chelsea come from behind to win feisty game 3-1 at Manchester City 3 Dec 2016 | 4:30 am Match Summary Chelsea made it eight wins from eight for the first time since 2007 after coming from behind to win decisively against Pep Guardiola&#8217;s Manchester City. The hosts took the lead through a Gary Cahill own goal just before half-time, but Chelsea re-grouped and clinical finishes by Costa, Willian and Hazard completed the turn-around. [&#8230;] Dele Alli brace sinks Southampton 28 Dec 2016 | 7:47 pm Nigeria-born England midfielder, Dele Alli scored a brace for Tottenham Hotspur in a dramatic comeback 4-1 demolition of Southampton at the StMary’s Stadium on Wednesday.Three second-half goals saw Spurs power back to claim victory against 10-man Southampton team. It was a rip-roaring post-Christmas encounter from the first whistle to the last, Virgil van Dijk heading the Saints in front after less than 85 seconds on the south coast.Victor Wanyama returned against his former club, but Tottenham turned it around through Dele Alli on 19 minutes and Harry Kane early in the second half, also both with headers; before a crucial moment arrived just before the hour mark.Nathan Redmond was given his marching... Everton finalise Lookman deal 28 Dec 2016 | 7:43 pm Merseyside outfit Everton are putting finishing touches to a £10m move for Nigerian youngster Ademola Lookman early in the January transfer window from Charlton Athletic.Director of Football Steve Walsh has made the signing a priority and the move is likely to go through quickly as manager Ronald Koeman starts what is expected to be a busy January according to BBC Sports.Lookman who was as also linked with Crystal Palace scored his seventh goal of the season in Charlton's 1-0 win at MK Dons on Boxing Day.Everton - with Walsh a key figure - are embarking on a policy of recruiting emerging young talent as well as established players.The Toffees signed teenager striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Sheffield... Valencia join race to sign Chelsea midfielder 27 Dec 2016 | 11:56 pm Valencia are reportedly confident of signing Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi, next month.Obi, 29, has not played a single minute of first-team football since Antonio Conte arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer, and it is understood that the pair have a frosty relationship after the midfielder decided to represent Nigeria at the 2016 Olympics.The experienced Nigerian has vowed to continue working hard in a bid to convince Conte of his worth, but has hinted that he will seek new pastures at the start of 2017 if the current situation does not change.A number of Chinese Super League clubs have been linked with Obi, in addition to Ligue 1 outfit, Marseille, but according to Plaza Deportiva, Valencia are... Simeone to stay at Atletico next season 27 Dec 2016 | 11:48 pm Argentine coach Diego Simeone will remain at Atletico Madrid next season, the club’s chief executive officer Miguel Angel Gil Marin said Tuesday.Simeone, 46, signed a contract extension in 2015 that originally tied him to the club until June 2020, an unusually long deal by Spanish standards.But in September he reduced the deal to 2018 after talks with Atletico, sparking speculation that he may leave.Asked about Simeone’s future, Gil Marin said he will stay at Atletico “this season and the next for sure.”“He has been with us for five years and it would be reasonable if he stayed with us many more because we are delighted,” he added during an interview with private television La Sexta.“We... AFCON 2017: Enyimba goalkeeper gets Ghana call-up 27 Dec 2016 | 11:16 pm Enyimba major signing for the forthcoming NPFL season goalkeeper Fatau Dauda has been called up by Black Stars of Ghana ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in January in Gabon.Fatau Dauda was Ghana No.1 choice at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa.He has previously featured for Ashanti Gold as well as in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) of South Africa with Orlando Pirates and Chippa United.He has joined the overseas players who have moved to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) recently.Compatriot and fellow goalkeeper Nana Bonsu won the Nigeria league with Rangers in October.The Black Stars call-ups are to report for the training at Acquinas Secondary School from today till December 31 at� 3:30 pm... Wenger – Arsenal loss due to inability to defend, not Clattenburg 14 Dec 2016 | 2:57 am The Arsenal manager handed out criticism to last night’s referee Mark Clattenburg, due to the fact he wrongly gave a corner that lead to Everton’s winning goal. However Ronald Koeman was quick to jump on this and move the spotlight &#8230; Continued Arsenal – Stoke City: Stream and line up 10 Dec 2016 | 6:48 am Arsenal host Stoke City in the Premier League this weekend. The North London club are currently in second place in the league, with only 3 points separating them and Chelsea. The Gunners are looking to carry on with their current &#8230; Continued Wenger hopes Wilshere will stay at Arsenal 27 Nov 2016 | 4:12 am The Arsenal manager has said that he wants to extend the England midfielder’s contract, although he has admitted it will be difficult to keep the player at the club. Jack is currently on loan to Arsenal’s opponents Bournemouth, who he &#8230; Continued Sanchez unlikely to sign new Arsenal deal 14 Nov 2016 | 2:36 am The German playmaker Mesut Ozil looks likely to sign a new contract; however the same can’t be said for Alexis Sanchez. According to John Cross, the Gunners face an uphill struggle to agree terms with the player. The Germans deal &#8230; Continued Chile to play Sanchez despite injury 13 Nov 2016 | 2:12 pm The Chilean outlet El Grafico have reported that the Arsenal forward is going to play for his national team against Uruguay, despite picking up an injury in training last week. � The 27 year old missed Chile’s 0-0 draw against &#8230; Continued Mourinho is a dulling coach – Seluk 29 Dec 2016 | 6:22 am ​ Dimitri Seluk has labelled Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho a dulling coach in an argument that did not even involve the Ukrainian football agent in the first place. Paul Pogba put in a man of the match performance in United&#8217;s 3-1 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford on Boxing Day which prompted Mourinho to hail his burgeoning 23-year-old French midfielder as the best in the world. However, out of the blues, Yaya Toure’s controversial agent has hit out at the 53-year-old Red Devils boss claiming his Ivorian client Yaya Toure is the best midfielder in the world and not Pogba adding that the Portuguese tactician must be dulled. &#8220;I have great respect for Mourinho, but his eyes have dulled with time,&#8221;... Manchester United ace reveals his preference for long sleeve and why he wants to frame Neymar’s shirt 29 Dec 2016 | 5:23 am ​ The towering Manchester United defender is one of the many modern footballers who love to wear long-sleeve shirt during matches regardless of the weather. However, in a recent &#8216;Kit Talk&#8217; interview with MUTV, England defender Chris Smalling claimed his preference for long sleeve shirts has no connection with superstition but rather he feels comfortable in them. &#8220;I prefer to wear a long base-layer underneath my kit in pretty much all weathers,&#8221; Smalling said when asked why he wears things a certain way, such as long sleeves. &#8220;In pre-season, if it’s too hot, I probably won’t but, in general, I like to wear that. It’s just something that makes me feel comfortable. &#8220;I prefer longer sleeves. I... Life saver: Arsenal star opens up on his encounter with an endangered rabbit 29 Dec 2016 | 4:40 am The 28-year-old Arsenal talisman is famous for his immutable affinity for animals and he currently has two famous terriers Atom and Humber which he created Instagram account for. ​ However, Gunners striker Alexis Sanchez has attested to a rumour he once saved the life of an endangered rabbit while still playing for Barcelona to further show that the Chile international doesn&#8217;t care about dogs only. &#8220;Yes, that story is true,” Alexis told Arsenal Player. “I was driving up in the mountains not far from Barcelona with my mother and friends when a white rabbit got in our way and stopped in front of us. “Apparently rabbits get blocked when a strong light points at them. I suggested that we catch him and... French veteran vows to win more trophies at Bayern Munich 28 Dec 2016 | 9:39 am The 33-year-old French winger signed a one-year contract extension with Bayern Munich on November 27 having overcome injury setbacks to reclaim his regular starting berth in Carlo Ancelotti&#8217;s team. The new deal will keep Franck Ribery at the Allianz Arena until 2018 and he has vowed to win more laurels at the German capital outfit starting with this season as they lead RB Leipzig with three points at the top of Bundesliga table. &#8220;This [being fit] is the most important thing for me. I&#8217;m well again, I&#8217;m fit again, I&#8217;m back at a hundred per cent. I&#8217;m playing well again &#8211; that&#8217;s great,&#8221; Ribery told Bild. &#8220;The moment we extended the contract was very nice. A year more with Bayern &#8211; this is great. &#8220;What happens... Sneijder hails former Manchester United boss as the best ever but… 28 Dec 2016 | 2:15 am ​ Former Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder has hailed ex Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal as the best coach he ever worked with based on his technical and tactical dexterity. However, Sneijder, who has scored twice in 17 outings for Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray this season, has revealed that as good as Van Gaal is as a football trainer and coach, his man-management skills have been despicable and that&#8217;s the area the pair have clashed in the past. &#8220;I have always said that Van Gaal is the best coach there is, technically and tactically,&#8221; the 32-year-old Netherlands international who worked with Van Gaal at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where they finished as third-place winners told Fox... 100 Best Young Players to Watch in 2017 | Part 3 | Defenders 28 Dec 2016 | 11:03 am The post 100 Best Young Players to Watch in 2017 | Part 3 | Defenders appeared first on Outside of the Boot. Outside of the Boot - a website meant for the football enthusiast Football News 24/7  For the 4th year running, Outside of the Boot has returned with our years&#8217; special feature &#8211; a detailed look at the best young players every football enthusiast must keep an eye out for in 2017. This feature is published in 10 parts which help us divide the list positionally (10 goalkeepers, 30 defenders, 40 midfielders, [&#8230;] The post 100 Best Young Players to Watch in 2017 | Part 3 | Defenders appeared first on Outside of the Boot. Scout Report: Guido Rodriguez | Tijuana’s talented defensive midfielder 27 Dec 2016 | 11:24 am The post Scout Report: Guido Rodriguez | Tijuana&#8217;s talented defensive midfielder appeared first on Outside of the Boot. Outside of the Boot - a website meant for the football enthusiast Thomas Harrison writes a detailed scout report about Guido Rodriguez, the Argentina and Tijuana midfielder. Argentina has never been short of a talented footballer or two, and the country has always been able to produce fine individuals across the pitch. While the likes of Maradona, Messi and Aguero steal the spotlight for obvious reasons, there [&#8230;] The post Scout Report: Guido Rodriguez | Tijuana&#8217;s talented defensive midfielder appeared first on Outside of the Boot. 100 Best Young Players to Watch in 2017 | Part 2 | Defenders 27 Dec 2016 | 2:34 am The post 100 Best Young Players to Watch in 2017 | Part 2 | Defenders appeared first on Outside of the Boot. Outside of the Boot - a website meant for the football enthusiast Football News 24/7  For the 4th year running, Outside of the Boot has returned with our years&#8217; special feature &#8211; a detailed look at the best young players every football enthusiast must keep an eye out for in 2017. This feature is published in 10 parts which help us divide the list positionally (10 goalkeepers, 30 defenders, 40 midfielders, [&#8230;] The post 100 Best Young Players to Watch in 2017 | Part 2 | Defenders appeared first on Outside of the Boot. Bengaluru FC U18s put five past Ozone FA 26 Dec 2016 | 10:14 pm The post Bengaluru FC U18s put five past Ozone FA appeared first on Outside of the Boot. Outside of the Boot - a website meant for the football enthusiast Bengaluru FC’s U18s side cemented their place at the top of the Rest Of India Zone Group A standings with a 5-1 win over Ozone FA in the U18 I-League at the Bangalore Football Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Monday. A first-minute header from Mohammad Moinudeen had given Ozone the lead before goals from five different [&#8230;] The post Bengaluru FC U18s put five past Ozone FA appeared first on Outside of the Boot. Analysis: Just how good are Tottenham? 26 Dec 2016 | 11:55 am The post Analysis: Just how good are Tottenham? appeared first on Outside of the Boot. Outside of the Boot - a website meant for the football enthusiast James Turvey writes about how good Tottenham really are, and what we should expect from them this coming campaign. As we approach the holidays, the action is getting fast and furious in the Premier League. Teams have multiple matches in a week, and a team that enters December in the middle of the table can [&#8230;] The post Analysis: Just how good are Tottenham? appeared first on Outside of the Boot. 5 Things We Learned: West Bromwich Albion 0-2 Manchester United 19 Dec 2016 | 11:36 am Follow Jason: @jsnfrmn 1) 4 wins in a row and counting It’s not many and we even started the season with 4 games in a row before 3 losses in a row, but a run of consecutive wins has been rare over the past few seasons and a run of 10 games unbeaten, including 8 [...] This post is from: Stretford End Arising Match Report: West Bromwich Albion 0-2 Manchester United 17 Dec 2016 | 7:30 pm Premier League West Bromwich Albion vs. Manchester United Venue: The Hawthorns Date: Saturday, 17 December 2016 Kick-off: 17:30 BST Manchester United stretchered their unbeaten run to 10 games with a comfortable 2-0 victory away at West Bromwich Albion. It was Zlatan Ibrahimovic who bagged a goal in each half, taking his tally to 16 for [...] This post is from: Stretford End Arising Match Report: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United 14 Dec 2016 | 7:18 pm Premier League Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United Venue: Selhurst Park Date: Wednesday, 14 December 2016 Kick-off: 20:00 GMT Manchester United produced a late winner to stun Crystal Palace with a 2-1 victory to seal what seemed an unlikely victory at one stage. Despite taking the lead through Paul Pogba on the stroke of half-time and [...] This post is from: Stretford End Arising United face Saint-Etienne in Round of 32 of Europa League 12 Dec 2016 | 7:21 pm Manchester United will face Saint-Etienne in the Round of 32 of this season&#8217;s UEFA Europa League. Without disrespecting their opponents, United will be pleased with the draw, given the calibre of other potential ties and the travelling involved in others. The short journey across the channel will be a welcome relief, having already made trips [...] This post is from: Stretford End Arising 5 Things We Learned: Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur 12 Dec 2016 | 11:38 am Follow Fergus: @fergusrockhard A thing of rare beauty was witnessed at Old Trafford on Sunday with the home side collecting three points for the first time since 24th September. A relief as well as a decent result, what did we learn from the game? 1) Micky’s Taryan it up Henrikh Mkhitaryan was the match-winner and [...] This post is from: Stretford End Arising Rotherham United v Burton Albion match statistics and prediction 29 Dec 2016 | 5:55 am Rotherham United enter this game with a season record of three wins, four draws and 16 losses, at home they have won three times, drawn three and lost five. Over their last five Championship games, they have won two, drawn none and lost three. In their most recent Championship game the millers Won 3-2 against [&#8230;] The post Rotherham United v Burton Albion match statistics and prediction appeared first on Footylatest.com. Aston Villa v Leeds United match statistics and prediction 29 Dec 2016 | 5:51 am Aston Villa enter this game with a season record of eight wins, 10 draws and five losses, at home they have won six times, drawn five and lost none. Over their last five Championship games, Steve Bruce&#8217;s side have won three, drawn none and lost two. In their most recent Championship game the villa Won [&#8230;] The post Aston Villa v Leeds United match statistics and prediction appeared first on Footylatest.com. Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur match statistics and prediction 26 Dec 2016 | 5:48 am Southampton enter this game with a season record of six wins, six draws and five losses, at home they have won four times, drawn three and lost one. Over their last five Premier League games, Claude Puel&#8217;s side have won two, drawn two and lost one. In their most recent Premier League game the saints [&#8230;] The post Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur match statistics and prediction appeared first on Footylatest.com. Liverpool v Stoke City match statistics and prediction 26 Dec 2016 | 5:47 am Liverpool enter this game with a season record of 11 wins, four draws and two losses, at home they have won five times, drawn two and lost none. Over their last five Premier League games, Jurgen Klopp&#8217;s side have won three, drawn one and lost one. In their most recent Premier League game the reds [&#8230;] The post Liverpool v Stoke City match statistics and prediction appeared first on Footylatest.com. Tottenham to make a fourth attempt at signing long term target 26 Dec 2016 | 5:38 am Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha is on the verge of being the subject of yet another bid from Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs set to table a £25 million bid for the winger. Tottenham have already made three attempts at signing the 24 year old without any joy, with one bid of £12 Million being branded [&#8230;] The post Tottenham to make a fourth attempt at signing long term target appeared first on Footylatest.com. Why a 48 team FIFA World Cup is a bad idea 29 Dec 2016 | 7:45 am Yesterday Gianni Infantino announced that the majority of national federations are supporting the idea of a 48 team World Cup and with the final vote set to take place next month it looks like the tournament is set to be expanded by 50 percent. It&#8217;s not an idea which is supported by the European nations and although I don&#8217;t have any say on the way the game is run I can&#8217;t say that I&#8217;m a fan of it either. But in this instance it seems as if the European associations are going to be out voted. If and when that is the case then from 2026 onwards we are going to be set for an ever bigger pinnacle of global football. But does more teams being invited to the party mean the tournament will be better off? In my... Premier League Predictions – Week 19 29 Dec 2016 | 3:21 am After my sensational 8 out of 10 for Gameweek 18 the question people will be asking is whether or not it was just a flash in the pan (probably) or whether this tipping form can continue (doubtfully). You&#8217;re only as good as your latest tips so here are my offerings for the fixtures on either side of the New Year Friday Hull vs Everton &#8211; Everton Win Saturday Burnley vs Sunderland &#8211; Burnley Win Chelsea vs Stoke &#8211; Chelsea Win Leicester vs West Ham &#8211; Draw Manchester United vs Middlesbrough &#8211; Manchester United Win Southampton vs West Brom &#8211; Draw Swansea vs Bournemouth &#8211; Draw Liverpool vs Manchester City &#8211; Liverpool Win Sunday Watford vs Tottenham &#8211; Tottenham Win Arsenal vs Crystal Palace &#8211; Arsenal Win That&#8217;s what... Real Football Men – Fantasy Football Roundup Gameweek 18 29 Dec 2016 | 3:06 am Firstly for anyone asking &#8216;Where is the Gameweek 17 round up?&#8217; &#8211; The honest answer is I totally forgot there was a lot of drinking in that game week and you know when you think to yourself &#8216;I knew there was something that I had to&#8217; well that was it. Anyway I hope you all had a good Christmas, if you don&#8217;t celebrate Christmas then hello. But now the apologies and niceties are out of the way let&#8217;s now take a look at what happened during Gameweek 18. Well it&#8217;s been a very good week for my good friend Andy Miller as he stays top of the table and has a healthy 30 point lead over Ray McDermott who currently sits in second place. Ray moves up to 2nd at the expense of Andrew Sinclair who now lies in third but just... Southampton vs Tottenham a few quick thoughts 29 Dec 2016 | 2:48 am <ul> <li>Going into this game the pressure was certainly on Tottenham to deliver a win what with the rest of the Top 6 all picking up maximum points over the last few days</li> <li>A win was needed to not only keep pace with Arsenal but to keep their distance between themselves and Manchester United in 6th</li> <li>And it would turn out to be a near perfect trip to the South Coast for Spurs as they eased past Southampton last night</li> <li>It would prove to be a happy return for Mauricio Pochettino to St Mary&#8217;s as his side ran out 4-1 winners but Spurs didn&#8217;t quite have the start that they would have wanted</li> <li>That&#8217;s because they were 1-0 down without 90 seconds thanks to a Virgil Van Dijk header</li> <li>The ex Celtic Defender who is seemingly in...</li></ul> Premier League Predictions – Week 18 (Review, 8 out of 10!) 29 Dec 2016 | 2:17 am Well that was a very merry Christmas in terms of Premier League predictions. I had a feeling I had done well and had the almost nervy feeling during the Tottenham victory that I may have got my first ever clean sweep. But a couple of Monday error&#8217;s let me down, but that said let&#8217;s see how I fared over the past three days. Monday Watford vs Crystal Palace &#8211; Watford Win NO Arsenal vs West Brom &#8211; Arsenal Win YES Burnley vs Middlesbrough &#8211; Burnley Win YES Chelsea vs Bournemouth &#8211; Chelsea Win YES Leicester vs Everton &#8211; Draw NO Manchester United vs Sunderland &#8211; Manchester United Win YES Swansea vs West Ham &#8211; West Ham Win YES Hull vs Manchester City &#8211; Manchester City Win YES Tuesday Liverpool vs Stoke &#8211; Liverpool... Barça through to next round of Copa del Rey 22 Dec 2016 | 2:53 am After their draw against Hercules in the away leg of this Copa del Rey draw, Barcelona completely dominated the match last night at Camp Nou. Even without Messi, Suarez and Neymar, Barcelona to beat their visitors 7-0. Digne scored the opener after 37 minutes, with Rakitic making it 2-0 just before the break. The second half started just as intensely and soon Rafinha had scored a third. Turan scored Barça fourth goal 10 minutes into the half, his first of what was to be a hat-trick. Next it was Alcacer, with 17 minutes to go. Finally, Turan scored two goals within the last few minutes for an aggregate score of 8-1. 1-0 Digne (min 37) 2-0 Rakitic (min 45) 3-0 Rafinha (min 50) 4-0 Turan (min 55) 5-0... Comfortable win against Espanyol 19 Dec 2016 | 4:54 am Barcelona secured a comfortable home victory last night when RCD Espanyol crossed town for the city derby. Suarez scored two, with Alba and Messi adding one each. López Silva scored Espanyol&#8217;s only goal of the evening. Like football? You’ll love seeing FC Barcelona at Camp Nou. The match got off to a sluggish start with neither team looking particularly inspired, although Messi came close to scoring after seven minutes when the Barcelona trident got to work. However when Luis Suarez scored the opener 18 minutes into the first half off an assist by Andres Iniesta, Barcelona started to find their rhythm and looked much more in control than early in the half. Towards the end of the first half hour Suarez... Goal-fest in Qatar 14 Dec 2016 | 3:45 am Yesterday FC Barcelona played Al-Ahli Saudi in a friendly played at the Thani bin Jassim Stadium in Doha, capital of Qatar. The first 20 minutes saw a goal each from the Barça trident, with Paco Alcácer and Rafinha scoring after the break. 0-1 Suárez (min 8) 0-2 Messi (min 10) 0-3 Neymar (min 17) 1-3 Omar Abdulrahman (min 51) 1-4 Paco Alcácer (min 55) 1-5 Rafinha (min 58) 2-5 Mohannad Aseri (min 60) 3-5 Mohannad Aseri (min 65) Q&A: FC Barcelona’s 2016/2017 league campaign 13 Dec 2016 | 5:00 am As far as the Spanish League is concerned at least, FC Barcelona&#8217;s current season is not going at as as they would have hoped. With some uninspired performances at times, unexpected defeats and a string of draws, Barcelona is six points behind Real Madrid. Now, it&#8217;s fairly early in the season still so not the right time to give up hope. But what do Barcelona need to do to close that gap and overtake Madrid? Clearly a large part of that is down to how well Real Madrid perform. Whenever they drop points they throw Barcelona an opportunity. So what do Barça need to do in the remainder of the season to ensure they make the most of those opportunities? We decided to find out the thoughts of a number of... Barça ends run of draws with win at Osasuna 12 Dec 2016 | 4:45 am Saturday saw Barcelona visit Pamplona to face Osasuna, currently at the bottom of the table having won just one game all season. And so after  string of draws allowed Madrid to open up their lead at the top of the table, the Catalans were able to cruise to a fairly comfortable victory. Like football? You’ll love seeing FC Barcelona at Camp Nou. Barcelona completely dominated possession and played fast and confidently. The first chance at Osasuna&#8217;s goal came eight minutes into the match with Messi setting things up for Suarez, but his shot went wide. It was the first of several good first half chances for Barça that  went to nothing though. And at the half hour mark Osasuna staged an attack of their... Liverpool Vs Manchester City English Premier League 2016-2017 IST Indian Time Live Stream and Telecast 29 Dec 2016 | 6:05 am Liverpool Vs Manchester City English Premier League 2016-2017 IST Indian Time Live Stream and Telecast: We have a heavyweights clash in here as Liverpool go head to head with Manchester City on December 31st, Saturday. Liverpool Vs Manchester City English Premier League 2016-2017 IST (Indian Time), EST (USA Time), UK (British Time), GMT+0 Match Preview and Live Stream Match: Liverpool ... Manchester United Vs Middlesbrough English Premier League 2016-2017 IST Indian Time Live Stream and Telecast 29 Dec 2016 | 5:05 am Manchester United Vs Middlesbrough English Premier League 2016-2017 IST Indian Time Live Stream and Telecast: Manchester United hope to prolong their undefeated run in the Premier League as the team meets Middlesbrough on December 31st, Saturday. Manchester United Vs Middlesbrough English Premier League 2016-2017 IST (Indian Time), EST (USA Time), UK (British Time), GMT+0 Match Preview and Live Stream Match: ... Chelsea Vs Stoke City English Premier League 2016-2017 IST Indian Time Live Stream and Telecast 29 Dec 2016 | 1:08 am Chelsea Vs Stoke City English Premier League 2016-2017 IST Indian Time Live Stream and Telecast: Chelsea hope to continue their complete dominance of the Premier League as the team hosts Stoke City on December 31st, Saturday. Chelsea Vs Stoke City English Premier League 2016-2017 IST (Indian Time), EST (USA Time), UK (British Time), GMT+0 Match Preview and Live Stream ... Southampton Vs Tottenham English Premier League 2016-2017 IST Indian Time Live Stream and Telecast 27 Dec 2016 | 5:02 am Southampton Vs Tottenham English Premier League 2016-2017 IST Indian Time Live Stream and Telecast: Tottenham hope to break into the Premier League top four with a victory over Southampton on December 28th, Wednesday (December 29th in India). Southampton Vs Tottenham English Premier League 2016-2017 IST (Indian Time), EST (USA Time), UK (British Time), GMT+0 Match Preview and Live Stream ... Liverpool Vs Stoke City English Premier League 2016-2017 IST Indian Time Live Stream and Telecast 26 Dec 2016 | 1:27 am Liverpool Vs Stoke City English Premier League 2016-2017 IST Indian Time Live Stream and Telecast: Liverpool hope to close the gap on the Premier League leaders when they clash with Stoke City on December 27th, Tuesday. Liverpool Vs Stoke City English Premier League 2016-2017 IST (Indian Time), EST (USA Time), UK (British Time), GMT+0 Match Preview and Live ... 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In mid-May 2017, we’ll find out which footballer will be chosen by the fans, media and the football’s governing bodies for this award. � Chelsea Footballers Lead the Pack Since 1992 when the Premier League was founded, there were only three players who won the award on two occasions. Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidić were the proud... Paul Scholes: The Premier League’s Greatest? 21 Dec 2016 | 6:49 am Whichever way you look at it, Paul Scholes had an exceptional club career during his tenure at Manchester United. The Red Devils stalwart scored 155 goals in 718 appearances at Old Trafford, and he will almost certainly go down in history as a club legend. In fact, it would be fair to state that Scholes should be regarded as a Premier League icon. After all, he featured in 499 top flight games on the way to winning the domestic title 11 times&#8230; Perhaps the biggest compliment paid Scholes is that some of the best players on the planet have spoken highly of the United legend, both during his time in the sport and in his retirement. We often ask &#8220;Gerrard, Lampard or Scholes?&#8221; – and it would be fair to... Who will face the dreaded drop in the 2016-17 Premier League? 13 Dec 2016 | 5:47 am � While an intriguing battle for supremacy at the top of the table has made all the headlines, the battle to remain in the Premier League is shaping up to be equally as fascinating. The continuous wave of world class players arriving in England to ply their trade in one of the best domestic leagues in world football has further increased the competitive element, with any team capable of beating anyone on their day. Burnley’s victory over Liverpool at Turf Moor is a prime example of how even the big guns can take nothing for granted, and although it is generally accepted that the cream eventually rises to the top come the end of the season, there are certain teams who become unexpectedly embroiled in a... Yaya Toure: The Premier League Legend Returns 29 Nov 2016 | 1:34 am After leaving him out in the cold for months, seemingly without a hope of wearing a Manchester City shirt again, Pep Guardiola surprised everyone by reinstating Yaya Toure to the starting XI against Crystal Palace. The Ivorian was back with a bang as well, as he bagged two goals in the 2-1 victory. Is the City legend back just in time to help his side storm towards a third Premier League title? Since joining City in 2010, Toure has made his mark on England’s top flight and is generally considered one of the deadliest midfielders the league has ever seen. His powerful, barnstorming runs from central midfield have seen him smash through opposition defences and have helped him rack up 59 goals for the... Premier League Heroes: Survival Sunday 1993 24 Nov 2016 | 1:45 am Four goalscorers, four heroes&#8230; but where are they now? Oldham’s survival-securing 4-3 win over Southampton in May 1993, at the end of the inaugural Premier League season, was a monumental day in the history of the club – even if the good times were not to last. � ©BSkyB Norway’s Gunnar Halle (#2) was one of the Premier League’s first foreign imports. He made the final contribution to Oldham’s survival battle in 1993. Seven years later, he would again attain final day survival with Bradford City. Twenty-five years ago, the Premier League was conceived and duly gestated amid a backdrop of hype and hope for an English game in decay. 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The post Southampton vs Tottenham Hotspur &#8211; Highlights & Full Match appeared first on Full Matches... 28 Dec 2016 | 11:51 am The post Premier League World &#8211; Simon Jordan Special appeared first on Full Matches and Shows. 28 Dec 2016 | 8:12 am The post ESPN FC &#8211; 28th December 2016 appeared first on Full Matches and Shows. Liverpool vs Stoke City – Highlights & Full Match 27 Dec 2016 | 11:01 am Liverpool vs Stoke City Highlights and Full MatchCompetition: Premier LeagueDate: 27 December 2016Stadium: Anfield (Liverpool)Referee: If you have trouble playing the video, try one of the following: (1) disable adblock (2) open the site in google chrome incognito mode (3) try a different browser (4) reload the whole page.. Notice: Disabling adblocking software might be required by playwire.com in order to play the videos on certain devices. We are sorry for the inconvenience this might cause. The post Liverpool vs Stoke City &#8211; Highlights & Full Match appeared first on Full Matches and Shows. 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Congratulations to @atletidekolkata on winning the #HeroISL for the 2nd time and coming #1stInTheFinals! #KERvATK #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/VdXWIoCsaO— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 18, 2016A fitting end to an exciting #HeroISL season, as @atletidekolkata​ defeat @KeralaBlasters in Kochi! #KERvATK #ISLRecap #LetsFootball... Kerala Blasters vs Atletico de Kolkata Final Video Highlight ISL 2016 18 Dec 2016 | 8:46 am Kerala Blasters vs Atletico de Kolkata Final Highlight ISL 2016- ISL 2016 had been ended with a lot of memorable match. In ISL 2016 final match played Kerala Blasters vs Atletico de Kolkata (ATK). Both Team has played very well in ISL 2016 Final. This match has played in�Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.�Kerala Blasters vs Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) match has played in Kochi at 7 pm IST (2.30 pm BST, 9.30 am ET). 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Continue reading &#8594; The post Safe Places To Visit In Europe appeared first on The ClocK End. New-Found Resilience Gives Arsenal Champions League Hope 30 Nov 2016 | 2:19 am &#8220;Arsène Wenger&#8221; (CC BY 2.0) by Ronnie Macdonald Arsenal have struggled to make an impact in the Champions League since their run to the semi-finals in 2009. Arsene Wenger’s men have been a constant presence in the competition, but have been unable to mount a serious challenge for the crown, a run that has seen them dumped out... Continue reading &#8594; The post New-Found Resilience Gives Arsenal Champions League Hope appeared first on The ClocK End. COQUELIN HAILS TEAMMATES IMPACT FROM THE BENCH 27 Nov 2016 | 10:00 pm Francis Coquelin has praised the impact of Arsene Wenger&#8217;s substitution in the game against Manchester United last weekend. 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Premier League title race bubbles along nicely with high-flying Chelsea still in pole position 28 Dec 2016 | 8:01 am The Premier League title race is bubbling along nicely as far as the neutral observer is concerned with still up to six teams arguably in the hunt for the top flight crown. Chelsea top the pile and face Stoke City next time of asking when they host Mark Hughes&#8217; outfit at Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Eve. The Blues enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Boxing Day to maintain their advantage at the summit. With their 4-1 victory over Stoke, Liverpool closed the gap to six points from their spot in second place in the table. Next up, on New Year’s Eve, Jurgen Klopp’s men host third-placed Manchester City, who collected three points with a 3-0 triumph at Hull City, in an eagerly anticipated... Blues coach Conte bids to hand Chelsea fans festive presents with some Christmas crackers 23 Dec 2016 | 5:27 am Antonio Conte is preparing his Chelsea stars for a merry old time at the top of the Premier League over the festive period. The league leaders go into the Christmas campaign in sublime form and looking unlikely to stop in their relentless chase for glory, which has seen them win 11 games on the spin. And Stamford Bridge manager Conte says he is looking forward to the upcoming busy festive period, during which the Blues host Bournemouth on Boxing Day and then welcome Stoke City on New Year’s Eve. Then Conte’s charges travel then short distance to face in-form Tottenham at White Hart Lane on January 4. Former Italy coach Conte says leading the pack as opposed to being in the chasing group is the perfect... Conte drops hints he will recruit in transfer window to boost Chelsea title hopes 20 Dec 2016 | 3:26 am Antonio Conte has dropped a huge hint that he will use the January transfer window to recruit new players to boost Premier League leaders Chelsea’s title hopes. The buoyant Blues sit six points ahead of second-placed Liverpool, they are seven ahead of Manchester City who are in third spot and a whopping nine points ahead of Arsenal in fourth. Conte’s troops equalled a club record 11 consecutive league victories with a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last time out and recorded a ninth clean in the process. The Italian manager is acutely aware off the importance of the achievement. He said: “I appreciate it’s fantastic because it’s not easy to not concede goals in this... Fabregas seals Chelsea win and lifts Blues six points clear at Premier League summit 15 Dec 2016 | 7:05 am Cesc Fabregas scored a crucially important to help Chelsea cement their position at the top of the Premier League with three points gathered from a 1-0 win at Sunderland last night. Manager Antonio Conte’s high-fliers have now opened up a six-point gap ahead of title rivals Liverpool, who are in second place, and third-placed Arsenal. And delighted Spanish midfielder Fabregas says he is over-joyed at contributing to the Blues’ title push in the hard-fought victory, in which Thibaut Courtois showed his class with for two super saves — the second, denying Patrick van Aanholt, was particularly notable. Now Conte’s side — who have now conceded just two goals in a thrilling 10-game winning run, look to... Champions League draw proves tough for Arsenal, Manchester City and Leicester 12 Dec 2016 | 3:47 am English clubs face tough tests if they are to progress in the knockout stages of the Champions League after the draw was made today in Nyon, Switzlerland. Arsenal have drawn Bayern Munich and after the Gunners topped their group they were hoping to come up against one of the lesser teams to have finished in second spot this time around. But Arsene Wenger’s outfit must face the German powerhouse and are away in the first leg of the encounter and back at the Emirates for the second leg. Manchester City face French outfit Monaco while Leicester come up against Spaniards Seville. Meanwhile, Chelsea must try to build on their 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Saturday at Stamford... Free Horse Racing Tip – Cheltenham Gold Cup 29 Dec 2016 | 7:42 am Ante-post tip, our free horse racing tip for the Cheltenham Festival in March. Anyone watching Thistlecrack&#8217;s supreme victory in Kempton&#8217;s King George VI Chase on Boxing Day can be forgiven for thinking that the latest national hunt superstar only has to turn up at Prestbury Park on Friday 17th March to claim the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup. However, the race may not be the forgone conclusion many are expecting and the one to take advantage should the 5-4 market leader fluff his lines may be stable companion Native River, our racing tip is top price 10-1 with Ladbrokes for the championship contest.   Bet £10 win Native River and get £110 on Ladbrokes Cheltenham Gold... Hearts vs Aberdeen United Prediction, Betting Tips and Preview 28 Dec 2016 | 3:45 am Hearts take on Aberdeen in a televised Scottish Premiership match this Friday. Read the match predictions to find out why a draw is the betting tip at Tynecastle. The Jam Tarts won 4-0 at home to Kilmarnock last time out while the Dons ran out 2-1 winners at home to Hamilton Academical. Hearts vs Aberdeen Preview Hearts are missing three players with knee injuries. Left-winger Sam Nicholson is continuing his rehabilitation after an operation while central midfielders Prince Buaben and Don Cowie are also out. Jamie Walker had a brilliant game against Kilmarnock, finishing the game with two goals. He’ll provide support to lone striker Bjorn Johnsen here. Aberdeen are not far off a full compliment here,... Aston Villa vs Leeds United Prediction, Betting Tips and Preview 28 Dec 2016 | 2:42 am Aston Villa take on Leeds United in a televised Championship match this Thursday. Read the match predictions to find out why a home win is the betting tip at Villa Park. The Villans won 2-1 at home to Burton Albion in their last match while the Peacocks ran out 1-4 winners away at Preston North End. Aston Villa vs Leeds United Preview Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has plenty of options if he wishes to freshen up the squad with the likes of Ashley Westwood, Jack Grealish, Jordan Ayew, Gabby Agbonlahor and Rudy Gestede pushing for inclusion. The hosts have three long-term injuries with Micah Richards, Ritchie de Laet and Jed Steer on the sidelines. Jonathan Kodjia has 8 goals to his name so far this season... Southampton vs Tottenham Hotspur Prediction, Betting Tips and Preview 27 Dec 2016 | 3:15 am Southampton take on Tottenham Hotspur in a televised Premier League match this Wednesday. Read the match predictions to find out why a draw is the betting tip at St Mary’s. Saints won 1-3 away to South coast rivals Bournemouth in their last match while Spurs ran out 2-1 winners at home to Burnley. Southampton vs Tottenham Hotspur Preview Southampton will be without injured quartet Jeremy Pied, Matt Targett, Jake Hesketh and Charlie Austin. Florin Gardos is also struggling for match fitness and is unlikely to be involved while Alex McCarthy is also a doubt. Steven Davis impressed in the win over Bournemouth and should get a start here. Jay Rodriguez bagged a brace in that match and will spearhead the... St Johnstone vs Rangers Prediction, Betting Tips and Preview 27 Dec 2016 | 2:16 am St Johnstone play host to Glasgow Rangers in a televised Scottish Premiership match this Wednesday. Read the match predictions to find out why an away win is the betting tip at McDiarmid Park. The Saints won 0-1 away to Kilmarnock last time out while the Gers won 1-0 at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle. St Johnstone vs Rangers Preview St Johnstone will be without defensive midfielder Paul Paton who has a sprained ankle. He joins winger Michael Coulson on the sidelines and centre-back Ally Gilchrist is also struggling with a groin problem. Right-back Ricky Forster is one yellow card away from a ban. Rangers will once again be without Niko Kranjcar who is out with a ruptured cruciate ligament. Central... Anthony Martial to join Sevilla on loan in January, Jose Mourinho confirms his struggles 26 Dec 2016 | 11:57 am Anthony Martial has been linked with a loan move to Sevilla to find the much-needed game time. The report has come from Spanish journal Radio Montecarlo (via Daily Star) which claim that Sevilla have made an offer and are awaiting United&#8217;s response. Martial was also linked with a move to West Ham and Barcelona but the French The post Anthony Martial to join Sevilla on loan in January, Jose Mourinho confirms his struggles appeared first on Face of Football. Date decided for Victor Lindelof’s Man United unveiling, Player already knows his next jersey number 26 Dec 2016 | 11:45 am Manchester United and Victor Lindelof are no stranger to each other after several reports have confirmed United&#8217;s £38million bid to sign Benfica&#8217;s central defender in January. According to Daily Star, the deal is nearly done and is expected to be announced before the new year. Man United hierarchy are negotiating the final details of the transfer which The post Date decided for Victor Lindelof&#8217;s Man United unveiling, Player already knows his next jersey number appeared first on Face of Football. Chelsea to complete a sensational swap deal and sign the Real Madrid superstar 26 Dec 2016 | 11:32 am Chelsea could make a sensational swap deal to sign Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez, claims AS. The Spanish publication reports that the Blues are ready to offer Thibaut Courtois to secure the signing of James Rodriguez, who has failed to settle at Santago Bernabeu since his big money move from AS Monaco. Chelsea manager, Antonio The post Chelsea to complete a sensational swap deal and sign the Real Madrid superstar appeared first on Face of Football. Chelsea 3 Bournemouth 0 Player Ratings – Eden Hazard creates a new record 26 Dec 2016 | 10:53 am No Diego Costa, No problem! Chelsea looked in complete control as Antonio Conte&#8217;s juggernaut marches on with their 12th consecutive Premier League win. Goals from Pedro (2) and Eden Hazard settled the win for Chelsea tonight as they stretched their lead at the top to 9 points. On the wake of a stunning result, we The post Chelsea 3 Bournemouth 0 Player Ratings &#8211; Eden Hazard creates a new record appeared first on Face of Football. Arsenal 1 West Brom 0 Player Ratings 26 Dec 2016 | 10:35 am Arsenal held on till the very end to get a vital 1-0 win against West Brom to keep their title hopes alive this season. Olivier Giroud came to Arsenal&#8217;s rescue when he headed a goal from Mesut Ozil&#8217;s Olivier Giroud came to Arsenal&#8217;s rescue when he headed a goal from Mesut Ozil&#8217;s accurate ball from The post Arsenal 1 West Brom 0 Player Ratings appeared first on Face of Football. Henrikh Mkhitaryan goal vs Sunderland fan view 29 Dec 2016 | 7:30 am The post Henrikh Mkhitaryan goal vs Sunderland fan view appeared first on The best aggregation portal for Manchester United news. Paul Pogba &#8211; The Flop &#8211; 2017 Trailer 29 Dec 2016 | 7:30 am The post Paul Pogba &#8211; The Flop &#8211; 2017 Trailer appeared first on The best aggregation portal for Manchester United news. Mourinho with Kids before the match against Lyon 29 Dec 2016 | 5:30 am The post Mourinho with Kids before the match against Lyon appeared first on The best aggregation portal for Manchester United news. Ian Wright: Manchester United now look title contenders 29 Dec 2016 | 3:30 am Arsenal legend Ian Wright says Manchester United can win the Premier League title this season. Jose Mourinho&#8217;s men are currently sixth in the Premier League, 13 points behind leaders Chelsea. &#8220;United didn&#8217;t start off brilliantly and they&#8217;ve been trying to get themselves going,&#8221; Wright told BBC Radio Five Live. &#8220;Mourinho was working out his best team and who was going to play where. &#8220;He&#8217;s got something with Rojo and Jones at the back. Pogba is playing brilliantly. &#8220;I think Mkhitaryan is the long-term replacement for Wayne Rooney. &#8220;You know that with the quality of players they have, now they&#8217;ve got it going, you have to say Man United will be in and around it [at the end of the season].&#8221; The post Ian Wright:... Jose Mourinho hails spirit inside United camp 29 Dec 2016 | 3:30 am Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is delighted with the spirit inside their camp. Addressing fans in his column for United Review before the victory over the Sunderland, Mourinho wrote: &#8220;The players I have here are all great people who all want to do well for you and for the club, and also for each other. &#8220;The team spirit I see is just fantastic, it is getting better every single day and I think that is showing in the way we are playing, because some of the football we have produced in recent weeks has been very good. &#8220;We have been playing well for a long time but it was important that we started getting the points that our performances deserved.&#8221; &#8220;Now that we are, it is up to us to maintain that... AGL Power Rankings, Week 13: Fabio Lima Leads The Way For Al Wasl 25 Dec 2016 | 7:18 am 1 Yet again, saved by their Sheringham like Super-Sub &#8211; Ibrahim Diaky. We are guessing that every title winning team needs one. LAST WEEK: 1 HIGH: 1 | LOW: 5 Latest result: Won at Ittihad Kalba 2-1 Next AGL match: Home against Al Ahli (31/12) 2 Fabio Lima literally stunned Hatta. Literally!!! هدف الوصل الاول على حتا عن طريق فابيو دي ليما 1-0#الوصل_حتا #دوري_الخليج_العربي pic.twitter.com/rb6O7cw3CX — UAE News | محمد أهلي (@MohdAAhli) December 22, 2016 LAST WEEK: 2 HIGH: 1 | LOW: 10 Latest result: Won against Hatta 4-1 Next AGL match: Home against Al Jazira (13/1) 3 Fell down last week. Got right back up and continued from where they... SPL Power Rankings, Week 14: Ittihad Hold No. 1 Spot As Big Four Continue To Thrive 24 Dec 2016 | 6:42 am 1 Five out of five. They are playing beautiful football at the moment &#8211; their fans love it and so do we. However, only three shut-outs in fourteen games. That should be a little concerning. LAST WEEK: 1 HIGH: 1 | LOW: 3 Latest result: Won against Al Raed 3-2 Next SPL match: Home against Al Khaleej (1/1) 2 Played a man down for ~ 70 minutes and still managed to consistently attack Batin&#8217;s goal and score two like the top team they are. LAST WEEK: 2 HIGH: 1 | LOW: 5 Latest result: Won at Al Batin 2-0 Next SPL match: Home against Al Taawon (31/12) 3 Back on a four game winning streak. Now we just wonder a life without Omar Al Somah for Al Ahli. LAST WEEK: 3 HIGH: 1 | LOW: 6 Latest result: Won against Al... AGL Power Rankings, Week 12: Al Ain Surge To The Top After Al Jazira Blunder 19 Dec 2016 | 8:49 am 1 Only team not to have been defeated in the AGL this season. On fine form but whats should scare opponents is that they still have to catch up in terms of number of games played (3). And player confidence is at all time high &#8211; especially, when players provide assists like this. الهدف الثالث للعين بقدم دياكيه وصناعة أكثر من رائعة من كايو#العين_الشارقة#دوري_الخليج_العربي#أبوظبي_الرياضية pic.twitter.com/paj9OC4Gei — قناة أبوظبي الرياضية (@ADSportsTV) December 17, 2016 LAST WEEK: 2 HIGH: 1 | LOW: 5 Latest result: Won against Sharjah 3-0 Next AGL match: Away at Ittihad Kalba (22/12) 2 A drab... SPL Power Rankings, Week 13: Ittihad On Top Among The Big Four in Saudi Arabia 18 Dec 2016 | 6:20 am 1 It took a 96th minute goal from Akaichi for Ittihad to leapfrog to the top of the table. We are guessing that is what a approximately €2 million is worth. LAST WEEK: 2 HIGH: 1 | LOW: 3 Latest result: Won against Al Fateh 3-2 Next SPL match: Home against Al Raed (23/12) 2 Bad decision by GK Abdullah Al Maiouf led to the equaliser. But it was quite clear that Al Hilal were in charge. However, just found it hard to get past the stubborn Nasrawi defence. LAST WEEK: 2 HIGH: 1 | LOW: 5 Latest result: Draw at Al Nassr 1-1 Next SPL match: Away at Al Batin (21/12) 3 Let’s be clear. This is not the same team that won the championship last year. Defensively, they look nimble. They were only lucky that... SPL Power Rankings, Week 12: Al Hilal – Hearing Al Hilal Loud And Clear 11 Dec 2016 | 7:42 am 1 Expected the three points at home. And with this makes it five ‘Wins’ out of the last five. Yasser Al Shahrani showed us why he deserved a nomination in the top GCC player of the year. The second goal was an exhibition of skills between Nawaf and Eduardo. هدف #الهلال الثاني ضد #الوحدة (كارلوس إدواردو) في الجولة 12 من #دوري_جميل#دوري_بلس@Alhilal_FC pic.twitter.com/VlwiTBfGw8 — dawriplus دوري بلس (@dawriplusksa) December 8, 2016 LAST WEEK: 1 HIGH: 1 | LOW: 5 Latest result: Won against Al Wehda 6-0 Next SPL match: Away at Al Nassr (16/12) 2 Took some time to kick the gear into motion but once they did, they barely looked back... 29 Dec 2016 | 9:30 am Inter continue to dream of making marquee signings next summer. After... 29 Dec 2016 | 9:00 am Napoli’s imminent capture of Genoa striker Leonardo Pavoletti will... 29 Dec 2016 | 8:30 am French striker M’baye Niang is set to leave Milan in... 29 Dec 2016 | 8:00 am The future of Simone Zaza remains likely to be in Spain... 29 Dec 2016 | 7:45 am Roma are... Who does every Premier League Club need to buy and sell? Part One 28 Dec 2016 | 9:01 am I hope you all had a merry Christmas friends but now that you’ve polished off your turkey and eaten that last mince pie it’s time to dig in to the serious business of the January transfer window. Buying that one extra player could be the difference between relegation and survival or the title and second place. So in this article I’m going to recommend the kind of player each club should buy and who they should sell. Before we get started a follow on Twitter would be most appreciated and please make sure you follow One game at a Time so you never miss a post. Anyway on with the transfers! Three Players Arsenal Miss Most 27 Dec 2016 | 11:47 pm Quite a number of first team players are missing from the Arsenal squad, with the earliest casualty out of the team during pre-season. During the summer transfer season, Arsene Wenger bought 2 replacements for the Arsenal captain, Per Mertesacker. However, Shkodran Mustafi, a replacement for Mertesacker, is also on the injury list right now. In my opinion, there are 3 injured players that the Arsenal team miss terribly and need them back desperately. First, from the defence, Arsenal miss Mustafi a lot. With Mustafi playing with Koscielny, Arsenal had never lost a match. Without his appearance, Arsenal had lost the opening day, Everton as well as the Manchester City match. Compared to the Arsenal captain,... Three Things We Can Learn From Arsenal’s Win Against West Brom 26 Dec 2016 | 9:44 am Prior to the match, it was feared that Arsenal would collapse in the second half, just like in the past two defeats. Petr Cech had no luck in keeping clean sheets in his previous few matches, but against West Brom, he got the clean sheet for his team. There was no doubt that Ben Foster had an amazing afternoon in stopping Arsenal&#8217;s shots, but he played second fiddle to Olivier Giroud&#8217;s header. To begin, Giroud was given an extremely rare start and Wenger should continue his faith in Giroud. It&#8217;s his first start in a long while and the Frenchman did well to give Arsenal the three points on their last match of 2016. Frustrating moments and his temper resulted in him getting a yellow, but he is definitely the... Premier League Predictions Christmas Special: Match Days 18-20 23 Dec 2016 | 11:00 pm Merry Christmas friends and in the footballing world Christmas does not mean eating turkey and spending time with the family but rather it means three fixtures crammed into a very short period of time. So my Christmas gift (debatable) to you reader is that I will be predicting all the Christmas games in one go. Yes that&#8217;s all the Premier League games from Boxing Day right up to the 3rd round of the FA Cup. My predicting of ten games is shoddy enough so when I try 30 in one go anything could happen. I will only be writing in detail about 10 of the games taking place over Christmas but will have scores for every single game. Before we go on I&#8217;ve got a few shameless plugs. Firstly my twitter is... The Premier League Awards So Far 23 Dec 2016 | 10:00 am The Premier League has reached the busy festive period with clubs set to face multiple game per week as we head into the New Year. Although the traditional Premier League award ceremonies take place at the end of the season, we take a look at who would win in the Premier League awards of the season so far&#8230; PLAYER OF THE SEASON &#8211; DIEGO COSTA Diego Costa has been sublime this season, returning to the form that saw Chelsea win the league two years ago. In that title winning season, it was Costa and Cesc Fabregas &#8211; in my opinion &#8211; who were the catalysts, combining regularly and as a result, topping the assist and goal scoring charts. Fabregas has seen less action this season but Costa has been lethal, getting... 29 Dec 2016 | 8:34 am Brighton V Cardiff - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.. 29 Dec 2016 | 8:34 am Arsenal V Crystal Palace - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.. 29 Dec 2016 | 7:54 am Aitor Karanka has admitted Jose Mourinho is a different man away from the pressure of elite football.. Mike Phelan: Hungry players welcome to tackle Hull's challenge 29 Dec 2016 | 7:39 am Hull's predicament at the foot of the Premier League offers an ideal opportunity for players at other clubs who are. 29 Dec 2016 | 7:34 am Millwall V Gillingham - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.. 28 Dec 2016 | 1:29 pm What are the goal expectancies for Gameweek 19 of the 2016/17 English Premier League season ... 25 Dec 2016 | 10:20 am Allardyce appointment set to get Big Ben chiming After securing just one clean sheet from ... 24 Dec 2016 | 9:28 am Which Premier League players have played every minute of every game this season ? With ... 24 Dec 2016 | 9:21 am Fantasy Football: Three Stars Who Could Win You The Championship We are now midway through ... 22 Dec 2016 | 7:02 am Rejuvenated United head GW18 goal figures There is renewed sense of optimism on the red ... The best of The False 9 in 2016 29 Dec 2016 | 7:42 am The Football match which started a war Plenty of football stadiums have statues standing outside of them. There’s a strange one here and there (Michael Jackson formerly outside Craven Cottage springs to mind, looking like a cheap toy from a Happy Meal) but most are what you would expect: legendary managers, team captains, record goalscorers. One statue that may strike you as unexpected can be found outside the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb, Croatia, home to Dinamo Zagreb. It depicts neither player nor manager, but rather three soldiers. The inscription reads: “to the fans of the club, who started the war with Serbia at this ground on May 13th, 1990”. It is a reference to the events of a... AS Monaco: Europe’s most prolific attack 25 Dec 2016 | 5:48 am Though being second in the Ligue 1 table behind OGC Nice by 2 points, AS Monaco have been thrilling the football world with their attacking displays. Their transformation under Leonardo Jardim has been truly remarkable. Having scored a whopping 80 goals in 29 games so far, Monaco are ripping apart defences and they are doing in it a defensive-minded league. They have scored 22 goals more than the league leaders OGC Nice and 18 more than the domestic champions PSG. Photo Credit: Manchester Evening News For most of the season, Jardim has favoured the 4-4-2 formation. Bakayoko, Thomas Lemar, Fabinho, Sidibe, Bernardo Silva, Kamil Glik, Germain and Falcao form the core group of the team. The manager encourages... Star to be offered staggering £700,000-a-week to leave Manchester United 24 Dec 2016 | 1:39 am According to The Mirror, England and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney  will be the target of two Chinese clubs in the summer. Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao and Beijing Guoan are rumoured to have Wayne Rooney in their wishlist as the Chinese League keeps growing stronger and stronger. Premier League clubs are already paying inflated fees because of the influx of foreign money as well as the bumper TV deal but now have to contend with a new force in the market, the Chinese money. Rooney is already on an absurdly high salary of around £300,000-a-week, considering his impact and performances for the past few years. Now that he no longer is a guaranteed starter and looking at his physical decline, it is... Steve Walsh- The man behind Leicester City’s title win 22 Dec 2016 | 10:00 am Football has undergone tremendous change over the years. There is so much emphasis on tactics and managerial changes these days. Nobody has patience anymore, a team in bad form cannot apparently turn their fortunes around unless they have a marquee signing in the subsequent transfer window or they sack their manager. This mentality is seen in the so called ‘big and small’ clubs alike as scouting potential talent and players from all over the world has become paramount to a club’s sustained success. Southampton are an excellent example in the Premier League who have a solid structure established within the club with an extensive scouting network. Jamie Vardy, N&#8217;Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez were the... Huge injury boost to Manchester United as star returns to training 21 Dec 2016 | 8:01 am Manchester United star Eric Bailly has returned to training ahead of the clash against Sunderland on boxing day. Bailly missed the clash against West Brom after sustaining an injury against Crystal Palace. It will be interesting to see whether Mourinho opts to reinstate the Ivorian at the center of United&#8217;s defence or opts to continue with the Jones-Rojo pairing who have done so well over the past few matches. Bailly played as a right back against Palace but with in-form Antonio Valencia available, it is unlikely that Mourinho will opt for the same option again. Bailly who will leave for AFCON in January has impressed after his summer transfer to United. United are rumoured to have completed a deal for... Chelsea Plan to lodge January Offer for Conte Favourite 29 Dec 2016 | 6:54 am Premier League giants Chelsea are planning to beat the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in the pursuit of Fiorentina ace Federico Bernardeschi. The post Chelsea Plan to lodge January Offer for Conte Favourite appeared first on The Transfer Rumour Mill. Shock Deal? Chelsea In Talks To Sign Bundesliga Striker 29 Dec 2016 | 6:26 am Premier League leaders Chelsea are lining up a sensational bid to bring former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez to Stamford Bridge next month. The post Shock Deal? Chelsea In Talks To Sign Bundesliga Striker appeared first on The Transfer Rumour Mill. Chelsea to sell Cesc Fabregas? 29 Dec 2016 | 6:07 am Serie A giants AC Milan are said to maintain a keen interest in Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas. The post Chelsea to sell Cesc Fabregas? appeared first on The Transfer Rumour Mill. Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Stoke City, Key Players Return 29 Dec 2016 | 2:34 am Premier League leaders Chelsea will look to maintain their record winning streak when they host Stoke City on New Year's Eve. The post Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Stoke City, Key Players Return appeared first on The Transfer Rumour Mill. Breaking: Man Utd End Victor Lindelof Interest, Mourinho Not Keen On Deal 28 Dec 2016 | 6:33 am Manchester United have reportedly pulled out of the chase to sign Benfica centre-half Victor Lindelof in the winter transfer window. The post Breaking: Man Utd End Victor Lindelof Interest, Mourinho Not Keen On Deal appeared first on The Transfer Rumour Mill. Portrait of an iconic manager – Sir Matt Busby 17 Dec 2016 | 2:26 am Sir Matt Busby is regarded among the greatest managers of all time courtesy of his 24-year stint at Old Trafford during which he made the club one of the most respected and feared outfits in world football. And he did it all despite the unfortunate plane crash in February 1958 that killed several members of his young team, including the hugely talented Duncan Edwards. But before he donned the managerial hat, Busby was a talented player himself and went on to have an eight-year spell at Manchester City during which he played more than 200 league games for the Citizens. He also featured in over a hundred games for Liverpool after moving to Anfield in 1936 and staying there for five years. It may come as a... Ballon d’Or betting: Who will win the 2016 Ballon d’Or? 12 Dec 2016 | 12:38 pm The Ballon d’Or voting will soon kick into gear as the award is presented to the world’s best player in January next year. And just like the past decade or so there are a couple of names expected to be the leading contenders: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Ronaldo has very strong credentials for landing his fourth Ballon d’Or trophy having won the European Championship in the summer with the Portugal national team as well as the Champions League with Real Madrid. The Portugal national team captain had a strong hand in both the wins, having scored some important goals in the Champions League group stages as well as knock out games. Significantly, he scored the last spot kick in the Champions... Portrait of an iconic manager – Carlos Bianchi 10 Dec 2016 | 10:43 pm Carlos Bianchi started his professional career at Velez Sarsfield in the Argentine top division in 1967. He was a gifted goalscorer and went on to score a remarkable 121 goals from 165 league appearances during his first six years at the club before moving to Stade de Reims in France. The goals kept coming from Bianchi’s boots in Ligue 1 as well as he amassed another 107 league strikes before he landed at Paris Saint-Germain. At the Parc des Princes, he would go on to score 64 goals in 74 games and is widely regarded as one of the greatest imports in the Parisian club’s history, ranking alongside Safet Susic and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He would go back to Argentina and return to France in his later playing... 2016 Football Review: Five Great Players who retired 10 Dec 2016 | 2:12 am Juan Carlos Valeron Valeron is revered as one of the greatest Spanish midfielders of all time. His best football came at Deportivo La Coruna with who he stayed from 2000 until 2013 when he moved to Las Palmas – the club where he had started his professional career. One of his most memorable games in Europe came in the 2003/04 Champions League. Deportivo were 4-1 down from first leg away against AC Milan and had a mammoth task to get past the Italian giants at the Riazor Stadium. However, the Spaniards did the unthinkable at home and romped home to a stirring 4-0 triumph to book their passage to the last four. Valeron was the heart of Deportivo’s midfield. It shows the esteem he is held in that he was... 2016 Football Review: Most memorable moments 9 Dec 2016 | 3:29 am Leicester City become English champions It is hard to recall a fairytale like the one Leicester City scripted in the 2015/16 Premier League campaign. It came from a team that barely managed to stave off relegation in the previous season, was embroiled in issues off the pitch during pre-season and proceeded to sack their manager Nigel Pearson. However, the well-travelled Claudio Ranieri proved to be an inspired choice as he guided the Foxes to an unthinkable league win as the giants of English football floundered around them. Brazil become Olympic champions for the first time Brazil are football royalty. The South American nation have won the World Cups more than any other country and are also an eight-time... Abondo leaves Ajax Cape Town 29 Dec 2016 | 9:32 am Kenyan international Victor Ali Abondo has reportedly left South African side Ajax Cape Town on mutual consent. The former Gor Mahia attacking midfielder joined the Premier Soccer League (PSL) side April this year -singing a 2-year contract, after a successful season with K&#8217;Ogalo in 2015, which saw them win the Kenyan Premier League unbeaten. He [&#8230;] The post Abondo leaves Ajax Cape Town appeared first on Soka25east. Sekisambu turns attention to CAF Confederations Cup 29 Dec 2016 | 7:11 am By Ronnie Lusurile, After being dropped from the Uganda Cranes squad that will compete in the upcoming AFCON in Gabon in January 2017, Erisa Kieth Sekisambu has turned all his attention to the CAF Confederations cup in which his club Vipers SC will take part. The striker was amongst the nine players Cranes head coach [&#8230;] The post Sekisambu turns attention to CAF Confederations Cup appeared first on Soka25east. Khalid Aucho: I can’t wait for AFCON 29 Dec 2016 | 7:04 am Uganda Cranes holding midfielder Khalid Aucho is eagerly waiting for the 2017 Gabon AFCON and belives they will surprise many despite being seen as underdogs. &#8220;I can&#8217;t wait for the tournament to begin, I am happy with the fitness levels of everyone plus the competition in camp. We have trained well and I believe we [&#8230;] The post Khalid Aucho: I can&#8217;t wait for AFCON appeared first on Soka25east. Breaking: Power Dynamos sign Godfrey Ngwenya 29 Dec 2016 | 3:49 am MTN/FAZ super League side Power Dynamos have signed Kabwe Warriors attacking midfielder Godfrey Ngwenya on a permanent deal. The club confirmed the development on their official Facebook page. Ngwenya becomes the second player that the club has signed in a space of two days after the signing of Zone II Topscorer Lyson Sikaonga on Wednesday  [&#8230;] The post Breaking: Power Dynamos sign Godfrey Ngwenya appeared first on Soka25east. CAN 2017 -Côte d’Ivoire : Dussuyer dévoile sa pré-liste 29 Dec 2016 | 2:55 am Le sélectionneur de la Côte d’Ivoire, Michel Dussuyer, a dévoilé mercredi, une pré-liste de 24 joueurs retenus pour les préparatifs de la coupe d&#8217;Afrique des nations 2017 au Gabon (14 janvier-5 février)Sans surprise, Gervinho est absent tandis qu&#8217;Eric Baikky y est. •Liste des joueurs convoqués Gardiens (03) Gbohouo Sylvain (TP Mazembe-RD Congo), Sangaré Badra Ali [&#8230;] The post CAN 2017 -Côte d&#8217;Ivoire : Dussuyer dévoile sa pré-liste appeared first on Soka25east. Middlesbrough Give Jordan Rhodes Green Light to Join Championship Side Aston Villa 29 Dec 2016 | 2:37 am Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has given striker Jordan Rhodes the nod to leave the club should the player wish to once the transfer window re-opens in January. Embed from Getty Images � Rhodes, 26, joined then Championship side Middlesbrough from Blackburn Rovers on transfer deadline day in February 2016, playing a pivotal role in The Boro’s quest for promotion last season, scoring six goals in 18 appearances. However, the arrivals of big names like Viktor Fischer from Ajax and Spanish international Alvaro Negredo has seen Rhodes plummet down the pecking order as Karanka strives to keep the Smoggies in the Premier League. True enough, Rhodes has only tallied a total six appearances this season... Liverpool Want Paris Saint-Germain Striker Jese – UD Las Palmas Chairman Ramirez 29 Dec 2016 | 2:29 am The chairman of La Liga side UD Las Palmas, Miguel Angel Ramirez, has revealed Merseyside giants Liverpool are eager to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Spanish centre forward Jese. Embed from Getty Images � The 23-year-old Jese signed for Ligue 1 giants PSG just before the season began for a reported fee of €25m, but is now being mooted with a move away from the Parc des Princes, with a handful of top European club keen on snapping up the striker. One of the clubs believed to be interested in acquiring Jese’s services are Liverpool, with boss Jurgen Klopp eyeing a move for Jese to bolster his side’s attacking ranks. “I do not know if PSG are aware, but Liverpool as well as AC Milan and Roma want... ‘It would be one that would be interesting’ Harry Redknapp eyes up vacant Swansea position 28 Dec 2016 | 11:02 pm Floating around various media outlets during his short time away from the game, it&#8217;s all rather surpassing to see Harry Redknapp still genuinely linking himself to Premier League jobs whenever they pop up. Embed from Getty Images � Sniffing an opportunity post Bob Bradley&#8217;s swift, if unsurprising, sacking from Swansea, the former Spurs boss sensed an opportunity in the shape of Welsh side Swansea.   Discussing Bradley’s sacking on TalkSPORT, Redders, who&#8217;s previous foray into Premier League management ended in, well, knee troubles, showed no shame when alerting the Swans hierarchy that he was basically packed up and ready for the job.   He muttered;   I think if the opportunity and the challenge... Former Devil’s Striker in Possible Premier League Return with Chelsea 28 Dec 2016 | 4:52 pm Current Premier League leaders Chelsea are thought to be angling a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s fast-paced front-man Javier Hernandez. Embed from Getty Images � Hernandez, 28, is no stranger to the Premier League, having played no less than six seasons for well-decorated club Manchester United, scoring 59 goals in 159 appearances in all competitions for the Old Trafford outfit. Since then, Chicharito has decided to seek pastures anew and moved to German side Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 after a relatively successful spell with Real Madrid. But now it appears the Mexican striker is set to return to English soil. True enough, according to German daily Bild, Chelsea are thought to be in the running to launch... Manchester United Keen on Launching Bid for Bayer Leverkusen’s Julian Brandt 28 Dec 2016 | 4:47 pm Twenty-time English top flight champions Manchester United are thought to be interested in launching a transfer bid for Bayer Leverkusen’s young winger Julian Brandt once the transfer window opens in January. Brandt is only 20-years-old at the moment but is already a well-recognised international who plays for Germany. Embed from Getty Images � At club level, he has a stellar record with Bundesliga stalwarts Bayer Leverkusen. Indeed, just this season alone, Brandt has made a total 22 appearances for the club, scoring three goals and notching three assists. Such incredible potential is thought to have caught the attention of Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho. Indeed, according to German daily... LET US SAY GOODBYE TO 2016! 28 Dec 2016 | 3:39 am We are sending away one very fruitful year, filled with mixed emotions and experiences! We should be glad about the good things happened and pray for more. Be positive! Goodbye 2016! :) Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays!!! 25 Dec 2016 | 6:00 am Meeerry Christmas to everyone! In this holy day I wish you to be healthy and happy! Listen to the song, which is one of the best for this kind of holidays! :) The Italian Super Cup Final Preview! 23 Dec 2016 | 1:47 am Hello guys! In the last day before the Christmas holidays we have an old rivalry derby - the Italian supercup final between AC Milan and Juventus! Do not miss it! :) Best Christmas Songs Of All Time! 22 Dec 2016 | 1:06 am Hello fellas! The Christmas holidays are knocking on the door! I have prepared this Christmas songs compilation to create a good holiday mood in each of you! Enjoy! :) HOW ARE THE BITCOINS MINED? 21 Dec 2016 | 1:46 am Bitcoin is the newest currency in the world, which is electronic. Nowadays the bitcoin mining is getting harder and harder. Look what equipment you need to dig such currency. :) Conte sees room for Chelsea improvement 17 Dec 2016 | 8:56 am Chelsea manager Antonio Conte believes his side can still improve, despite equalling a club record of 11 consecutive top-flight victories by beating Crystal Palace 1-0 on Saturday.� Diego Costa's first-half header settled the encounter at Selhurst Park, while Marcos Alonso hit the crossbar late on.This was not a stellar Chelsea display, but the Premier League leaders demonstrated their battling qualities to pick up a win that stretches their advantage to nine points over the chasing pack."The run is fantastic," Conte is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "Congratulations to my players, not me. I am pleased for them because they deserve this."I see every single moment, every day. It is commitment, the way we... Azpilicueta signs new Chelsea deal 13 Dec 2016 | 5:33 am Cesar Azpilicueta has agreed a new three-and-a-half-year deal at Chelsea, the club have confirmed, tying the defender to Stamford Bridge until 2020.The versatile 27-year-old has impressed during Antonio Conte's first season in charge, operating as part of a three-man defence and contributing to the Blues' march to the top of the Premier League table.Nominally a full-back, the Spain international has become accustomed to playing on the right side of Conte's preferred backline, alongside David Luiz and Gary Cahill.The former Osasuna player could make his 200th appearance for Chelsea against Sunderland on Wednesday, having joined from Marseille in 2012."I'm really happy to have signed a new contract," he told... Wenger confident there is more to come from Arsenal 5 Dec 2016 | 3:29 am Arsene Wenger is confident there is more to come from his Arsenal side following their 5-1 battering of West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.Wenger's side bounced back from their 2-0 EFL Cup quarter-final home defeat to Southampton in style with a 14-minute Alexis Sanchez hat-trick sealing a thrilling victory for Arsenal at London Stadium.A run of 13 games without defeat in the Premier League has kept Arsenal in title contention, but Wenger believes his side can be even more destructive despite scoring eight goals in their last two league games."We can do better, there is still room for improvement," Wenger said. "Certainly our percentage of chances converted was not the best."It is not in line with... Conte doing a remarkable job at Chelsea - Zola 1 Dec 2016 | 3:41 am Gianfranco Zola hailed the "remarkable" job done by Antonio Conte at Chelsea and believes the whole squad have embraced his methods.The pressure mounted on Conte during the early stages of his tenure at Stamford Bridge following back-to-back defeats against Liverpool and Arsenal in September.However, the Blues have responded in style by winning seven consecutive Premier League matches, conceding just once in that time, to storm to the top of the league.Part of Chelsea's upturn in fortunes has been down to a tactical switch with Conte employing his favoured 3-4-3 formation.And Zola, a legendary figure at Chelsea, is delighted to see his ex-Italy team-mate excelling at his former club."He's done very well,... Messi back in Barcelona training after virus 21 Nov 2016 | 8:58 am Lionel Messi returned to training with Barcelona on Monday ahead of their Champions League clash with Celtic.The Argentina superstar missed Saturday's match against Malaga, as Luis Enrique's men drew a blank at Camp Nou.The 0-0 stalemate leaves the defending champions four points behind rivals Real Madrid at the LaLiga summit.Barca remain top of the pile in Champions League Group C despite a 3-1 reverse at Manchester City last time out and victory in Glasgow on Wednesday will guarantee progression to the round of 16.Messi is the top scorer in this season's competition with seven goals, including hat-tricks in the triumphs over Celtic and City at Camp Nou. Stoke Draw May Just Inspire Toothless Foxes 22 Dec 2016 | 10:25 am We were reminded on Sunday evening at the 2016 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony, where Leicester won the Team of the Year, that last season was not a dream. The Foxes did do the impossible and somehow as 5000/1 underdogs achieved the biggest sporting upset ever by lifting the Premier League title. In many respects, whatever happens this season doesn’t really matter. Nobody will ever be able to take away what Claudio Ranieri’s side achieved in the 2015/16 campaign. Sadly it is safe to say lightning is not going to strike for a second consecutive year as their bid this time looks to be over before Christmas. “LCFC lift the Premier League Trophy” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by boloveselvis Where... You must win your group to avoid the big guns! Oh… 12 Dec 2016 | 10:25 pm “Arsenal need to win their group” they said.  Well that worked out well, didn’t it?  Arsenal have seen more of Bayern on the pitch at the Emirates than Jack Wilshere in the last few seasons and Arsene’s men will no doubt valiantly bow out against the German champions once again.  This will, of course, damage their league form and their League Cup Final defeat will no doubt ruin their FA Cup run.  Yes, we’ve been here before haven’t we?  To make Monday worse for Wenger, Mustafi has been ruled out injured which means an unbeaten November might count for nothing as his defence reverts to the mush it was before the big money signing showed how badly Arsenal have needed a big money defender for... Crazy weekend! David Luiz reminds the EPL how to defend 11 Dec 2016 | 10:25 pm Goals!  Goals everywhere!  Well, on Saturday anyway.  Watford and Everton showed Manchester City the way forward, the way forward being how to defend like complete schoolboys.  Not even schoolboys that have played football, the schoolboys that used to stay inside at lunchtime and play  on the BBC computers.  And goalkeepers?  Don’t get me started on goalkeepers this weekend. Watford and Everton very much set the tone of day, sharing five goals between them and easing Ronald Koeman towards a press release where his owners say something like, “yeah we don’t trust you with that whopping January transfer budget we were talking about when you were winning matches.”  My prediction of Everton... Ozil and Sanchez: Chinese takeaway? 8 Dec 2016 | 10:25 pm A stat worth noting.  In 47 minutes, Lucas Perez equalled the tally scored by Spurs in all five of their Champions League matches so far.  Playing out of position.  See Arsenal fans, Arsene knows.  He can spot a player that can score against giants like Basel from a mile away.  Kieran Gibbs even played well, such was the level of opposition.  The last time Arsenal navigated a group stage unbeaten, they went on to lose in the final.  It won’t happen again, because they’ll probably draw Bayern in the next round. Spurs made sure that stat didn’t last too deep into the week by putting on the kind of performance you can expect to see every other week when their Europa League gets underway at... Three things José hates about the Christmas schedule… 7 Dec 2016 | 10:25 pm Jose Mourinho has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Christmas schedule. “For me, Christmas will be disaster because we play Palace on 14th, West Brom on 17th, Sunderland Boxing Day, Middlesbrough on the New Years’ Eve.” Pressed by reporters on what he saw wrong with this apparently easy fixture list, Mourinho replied: “Jack and the Beanstalk is on at Middleton Arena 1pm and 5pm on the Boxing Day. Because of Sunderland match, I miss both. Many time I say, football is like the beanstalk. Mata was the cow for Chelsea; he stopped giving milk when he say ‘No’ to tracking back, so I sold him for magic beans, which I planted. Beans grew into gnarled, tall beanstalk called Diego Costa and then we... Complete 6 to 10 Year Old Developmental Coaching and Training Program 28 Dec 2016 | 7:09 am Ultimate Youth Coaches Training GuideThis program is perfect for youth coaches wanting practices to start their soccer coaching education and it is also for those more advanced and experienced coaches wanting to train their players as best they can at these wonderful open minded ages for development and education of both the mind and body. Our plan is to help all coaches at whatever level of experience they are at.We aim to provide the best educational information possible for all coaches of players from 6 to 10 years old in terms of the Technical, Tactical, Skill, Psychological and Physical attributes players need at these ages and then bring it all together in a team concept. As the age group raises so... Wall Passing / Give And Go’s Training Session 28 Dec 2016 | 6:46 am The following session comes from The Ultimate Youth Coaches Training Guide; A Complete 6 to 10 Year Old Developmental Coaching and Training Program.This program is perfect for youth coaches wanting practices to start their soccer coaching education and it is also for those more advanced and experienced coaches wanting to train their players as best they can at these wonderful open minded ages for development and education of both the mind and body. Our plan is to help all coaches at whatever level of experience they are at. Find Out MoreDevelop: To improve players technique, accuracy and weight of passing.Organization:<ul dir="ltr"><li>Area 15 x 10</li><li>2 Teams of 4-6 Players</li><li>Each Team has 5 small discs with 5 soccer balls on top...</li></ul> Soccer Psychology Fundamentals 20 Dec 2016 | 7:24 am This article was originally posted at DanAbrahams.com�and is a guest post to Dan's blog.�Read the Original Post.�Dan Abrahams is a global sport psychologist helping people to high perform. Dan’s book "Soccer Tough 2: Advanced Psychology Techniques for Footballers"�introduces soccer players to more cutting edge tools and techniques to help them develop the game of their dreams.�Read Dan's latest article, "Analysing Your Game – Get Tough on Process," in Best of Amplified Soccer Training Volume 2.In his first post�coach John Kirby�talked about the importance of body language and other mental factors that can impact the game. In this article he highlights the importance of a quick start as well as the... Speed Training Session 20 Dec 2016 | 6:55 am The following speed training drill comes from Ritchie Semple. Ritche is the Director of Football for LGC Events and has been coaching soccer for 18 years with 13 years’ experience at delivering soccer education programs.�This drill and lots more like it can be found in "Best of Amplified Soccer Training Volume 2" and in Ritchie’s “6 Week Preseason Training Plan.”LGC Events organizes 'Total Football Experience' tours to the Pinatar Arena in San Pedro del Pinatar in Murcia, Spain. LGC Football and the Pinatar Arena welcome teams of all ages and abilities to experience professional standard facilities, the warm weather and a superb choice of accommodations to suit all. Find out more at... Winter Nutrition: Fueling for Cold Weather Exercise 16 Dec 2016 | 2:25 pm By Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSD from The Athlete’s KitchenIf you take time off from soccer to enjoy winter sports, you want to pay careful attention to your sports diet. Otherwise, lack of food and fluids can take the fun out of your outdoor activities. These tips can to help you fuel wisely for cold weather workouts.Winter Hydration<ul><li>Cold blunts the thirst mechanism; you'll feel less thirsty despite significant sweat loss and may not “think to drink.”</li><li>Winter athletes (especially those at high altitude) need to consciously consume fluids to replace the water vapor that gets exhaled via breathing. When you breathe in cold dry air, your body warms and humidifies that air. As you exhale, you lose significant...</li></ul> Watford's Amrabat in Morocco's provisional squad for AFCON 2017 28 Dec 2016 | 10:18 pm Oladayo Juan Joe BamideleProvisional squad for Morocco&#39;s 2017 African Cup of Nations tournament has been released. Which includesRead more » Nigeria's Arsenal youngster back from injury 24 Dec 2016 | 1:47 pm Oladayo Juan Joe BamideleArsenal&#39;s Chuba Akpom has now resumed full training with the first-team squad ahead of their Boxing Day home game with West Brom.The Nigerian-born England U21 international joined Read more » Okocha: Bundesliga better than Premier League 16 Dec 2016 | 9:04 pm By: Oladayo Juan Joe BamideleFormer Nigeria captain, Austin Okocha has said the German Bundesliga is better than the English Premier Read more » 16 Dec 2016 | 9:03 pm 16 Dec 2016 | 9:03 pm By: Oladayo Juan Joe BamideleFormer Nigeria captain, Austin Okocha has said the German Bundesliga is better than the English Premier Read more » Moses vs Iheanacho: Manchester City welcome Chelsea 2 Dec 2016 | 9:35 pm Writer/Ed.: Oladayo Juan Joe BamideleNigeria star, Victor Moses will be hoping to maintain his brilliant form as they take on Kelechi Iheanacho&#39;s Manchester City at the Read more » Premier League Matchday 18 Roundup: Chelsea Maintain Winning Run 27 Dec 2016 | 2:52 pm Pedro and Eden Hazard were on target for Chelsea with the Blues putting three goals past Bournemouth in a routine manner. Pedro scored twice whilst Hazard put the ball into the back of the net on one occasion. The game ended 3-0.Watford kicked off the Boxing day clashes with a 1-1 draw as Crystal Palace [&#8230;] The post Premier League Matchday 18 Roundup: Chelsea Maintain Winning Run appeared first on My Soccer HQ. Best Soccer Referee Whistles in 2017 You Need to Know 21 Dec 2016 | 1:56 am Imagine you’re on the field at a football game. You have the ball, and you’re on your way to the end zone when suddenly another player grabs your shirt and pulls you back towards the ground. Suddenly, the sound of a whistle pierces the air - a foul!When it comes to making sure that a [&#8230;] The post Best Soccer Referee Whistles in 2017 You Need to Know appeared first on My Soccer HQ. Premier League Matchday 17 Roundup; Chelsea Stay top 20 Dec 2016 | 7:00 am Chelsea continued their fine run of results as they picked up a 1-0 victory at Selhurst Park as Diego Costa headed home the game’s lone goal. Chelsea currently sits atop the league table with a six-point gap over 2nd-placed Liverpool who also picked up a 1-0 win in match day 17.Swansea City failed to keep [&#8230;] The post Premier League Matchday 17 Roundup; Chelsea Stay top appeared first on My Soccer HQ. La Liga Matchday 16 Roundup: Atletico Madrid Back to Winning Ways 20 Dec 2016 | 6:53 am Atletico Madrid got back to winning ways as they grabbed a 1-0 win over Las Palmas during the weekend, courtesy of a goal from Saul Niguez. The Madrid outfit sits in 6th place in the league standings and it’s fair to say that they’re out of the title race.Villarreal also continued their excellent run of [&#8230;] The post La Liga Matchday 16 Roundup: Atletico Madrid Back to Winning Ways appeared first on My Soccer HQ. Bundesliga Matchday 15 Roundup: Bayern Triumph over Darmstadt 19 Dec 2016 | 9:16 pm A 1-0 win over Darmstadt saw Bayern Munich return to the top of the Bundesliga table. The Bavarian giants controlled the game from the onset but were limited to just one goal courtesy of Douglas Costa.Bayern now sits atop the table on goal difference – Leipzig also secured a 2-0 win over Hertha Berlin as [&#8230;] The post Bundesliga Matchday 15 Roundup: Bayern Triumph over Darmstadt appeared first on My Soccer HQ. Southampton 1 Tottenham 4: Spurs Punish 10-Man Hosts 28 Dec 2016 | 2:59 pm Late strikes from Heung Min Son and Dele Alli finished off Tottenham&#8217;s seemingly convincing 4-1 away victory as they kept pace with the Premier League Top 4. The win sees Spurs remain in 5th place, just a point behind rivals Arsenal. Yet it was far from one way traffic as a Virgil Van Dijk header put Southampton a goal up just 69 seconds after kick off. Late strikes from Heung Min Son and Dele Alli finished off Tottenham’s seemingly convincing 4-1 away victory as they kept pace with the Premier League Top 4. The win sees Spurs remain in 5th place, just a point behind rivals Arsenal. Yet it was far from one way traffic as a Virgil Van Dijk header put Southampton a goal up just 69 seconds after kick... Spurs Top 4 Run Must Begin At Southampton 27 Dec 2016 | 11:10 pm If Spurs are to keep in touch with the top four then a win at St Mary&#8217;s on Wednesday night is simply a must. With all of those in the positions directly above in the league table already recording wins, as well as Manchester United directly below them, dropped points here could prove harmful and decisive when it comes to the chances of Tottenham breaking in to the Champions League places. The time is now for Spurs to make their run, as they did at a similar stage last season, and it begins with three points against Mauricio Pochettino&#8217;s former club. If Spurs are to keep in touch with the top four then a win at St Mary’s on Wednesday night is simply a must. With all of those in the positions directly... Hector Bellerin’s Absence Felt By Gunners 29 Nov 2016 | 11:15 pm Héctor Bellerin, Arsenal’s first-choice right back, was ruled out until beyond November following an ankle injury in the North London derby draw with Tottenham. This news came as a blow to Gunners fans, with the meteoric rise of the young Spaniard being one of the most exciting stories of their past two seasons. Arsenal have played three matches during his absence thus far, coming in both the... Source More Goal Scoring Options Needed For Spurs 28 Nov 2016 | 11:15 pm While Harry Kane has returned from injury with success for Tottenham, it is evident that his side is simply far too reliant on one man in front of goal. And while Christian Eriksen finally broke his season duck with a wonderful strike on Saturday at Stamford Bridge, there are still just too many opportunities going begging. For Spurs to threaten for a place in the top four, let alone for the league, they must find a way. From either within the squad, or during the January transfer window, alternative avenues to goal are a must. While Harry Kane has returned from injury with success for Tottenham, it is evident that his side is simply far too reliant on one man in front of goal. And while Christian... Spurs Blow Champions League Chance 22 Nov 2016 | 11:15 pm The stats don’t lie. 5 games played, 3 defeats. 3 goals for, 5 against. Quite simply, Tottenham have not been up to standard in the Champions League. Having fought so hard for just their second ever appearance in the illustrious competition, they have failed miserably through being knocked out with a game to spare. For all the positives of their Premier League run of 12 games undefeated, the... Source Kristoffer Ajer looking for January loan move 29 Dec 2016 | 6:00 am Highly-rated Norwegian youngster Kristoffer Ajer joined Celtic in the summer with ambitions of breaking into the first-team and building on a bright start to his career. However, the 18-year-old has made just one appearance for Celtic to date against Lincoln Red Imps as Brendan Rodgers opts for experience in his side. As quoted by Sky Sports, the youngster said: My aim is to become the best defender in Norway and I feel like I have taken a huge step in the last six months. I come into training an hour before everyone else to improve my physical strength and then I train with the first team. I have put on 7kg since I got here and I feel the training environment at Celtic is so important. The fact that I have... Rodgers hails Christie&#039;s performance in comfortable win 29 Dec 2016 | 4:16 am Brendan Rodgers has hailed Ryan Christie&#8217;s performance following a rare start for the youngster against Ross County. Christie made just his third start of the season under Rodgers and impressed the Irishman last night in Celtic&#8217;s 2-0 win. With Australian midfielder Tom Rogic out of Saturday&#8217;s trip to Ibrox, Christie could start alongside Stuart Armstrong and skipper Scott Brown. Speaking to the BBC following last night&#8217;s game, Rodgers said: Every player that&#8217;s come in has done very well and contributed to the team performance and result and Ryan was no different. I thought he was excellent &#8211; his touch, his movement, he linked the game well for us, pressed the game well. Rogic&#8217;s injury has opened the door... Griffiths&#039; plea to Rodgers ahead of Hogmanay clash 29 Dec 2016 | 2:16 am Leigh Griffiths has sent a spirited message to Brendan Rodgers ahead of this Saturday&#8217;s Glasgow Derby. The Scottish international has seen his usual starting place in the team go to French under-21 forward Moussa Dembele, however he has scored four in his last six starts, and is hopeful of playing a part this weekend. Speaking to the Glasgow Evening Times, the 25-year-old said: Hopefully I can be involved. It has been a bit stop start with one thing and another but we’ll just have to wait and see what the manager goes with. I am hungry. I have not lost any self-belief. I always fancy myself to score if I am playing. It would be nice to round off this year by getting a goal at Ibrox but I think we... Player ratings: Celtic 2-0 Ross County (H) 28 Dec 2016 | 1:39 pm Goals from Erik Sviatchenko and Stuart Armstrong gave Celtic a deserved victory over Ross County and extended their gap at the top to 16 points with a game in hand. Celtic 2-0 Ross County (28/12/16)@eriksviat ⚽️@StuArmstrong16 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/qh2j1fn0Rn &mdash; Read Celtic (@ReadCeltic) December 28, 2016 The away side worked well to negate Celtic&#8217;s attacking threat, but two goals at the end of the first-half was enough to secure all three points in the final home game of 2016. Sviatchenko scored from 35-yards-out to give Celtic the lead as Scott Fox was unsighted between the posts, but probably should have saved the shot that nestled in the bottom left corner given the distance the ball covered. One... Legendary Bhoys Return for Foundation&#039;s Charity Match 28 Dec 2016 | 2:57 am On Sunday May 28th 2017, Celtic Park will play host to the Celtic FC Foundation&#8216;s charity match. The event will see Celtic legends, Henrik Larsson and Lubo Moravcik return to Paradise to face each other on opposing sides. They will be warmly received by the Celtic support that backed them all the way to a domestic treble in the 2000/01 season, along with many other accolades. The figure of Henrik Larsson will be a throwback for many Celtic fans with fond memories of his time at the club. Larsson was brought to Celtic in July 1997 by the manager at the time, Wim Jansen who bought him for a fee of £650,000. The beginning of his first season was not the greatest; on his debut Celtic were... Premier League, risultati 15^ giornata: Chelsea e Arsenal ok. Batosta per il City 11 Dec 2016 | 1:37 pm La 15^ giornata di Premier League è di nuovo favorevole al Chelsea di Antonio Conte, i Blues si confermano al primo posto con la sofferta vittoria per 1-0 sul WBA grazie alla prodezza di Diego Costa. Delle inseguitrici solo l&#8217;Arsenal tiene il passo della capolista, i Gunners infatti battono 3-1 lo Stoke City, passato in [&#8230;] L'articolo Premier League, risultati 15^ giornata: Chelsea e Arsenal ok. Batosta per il City sembra essere il primo su CalcioPub.it. Serie A, risultati 16^ giornata: alla Juventus il derby della Mole. Cinquina Napoli 11 Dec 2016 | 12:41 pm La 16^ giornata di Serie A vede la Juventus consolidare il primato dopo la vittoria per 3-1 nel derby della Mole contro un buon Torino. I granata erano addirittura passati in vantaggio al 16&#8242; con un bel colpo di testa del solito Belotti (11° gol in campionato), ma non avevano fatto i conti col risveglio [&#8230;] L'articolo Serie A, risultati 16^ giornata: alla Juventus il derby della Mole. Cinquina Napoli sembra essere il primo su CalcioPub.it. Serie A, probabili formazioni 16^ giornata 10 Dec 2016 | 5:41 am Queste le probabili formazioni della 16^ giornata del campionato di Serie A: CROTONE-PESCARA sabato ore 18 Crotone (4-4-2): Cordaz; Sampirisi, Ferrari, Ceccherini, Martella; Rohden, Capezzi, Barberis, Palladino; Trotta, Falcinelli. ALL. Nicola Pescara (4-3-2-1): Bizzarri; Zampano, Gyomber, Campagnaro, Biraghi; Verre, Memushaj, Brugman;Pepe, Benali; Caprari. ALL. Oddo SAMPDORIA-LAZIO sabato ore 20.45 Sampdoria (4-3-1-2): Puggioni; Pereira, Silvestre, Skriniar, Regini; [&#8230;] L'articolo Serie A, probabili formazioni 16^ giornata sembra essere il primo su CalcioPub.it. Liga, risultati 14^ giornata: Pari nel Clasico, ma Atletico Madrid e Siviglia non ne approfittano 5 Dec 2016 | 12:30 pm Doveva essere il Clasico di Messi o CR7 ed invece nel big match della 14^ giornata di Liga sono protagonisti Suarez, che porta in vantaggio il Barcellona ad inizio ripresa con un bel colpo di testa. Ma proprio quando i catalani assaporavano la vittoria che li avrebbe avvicinati alla vetta, al 90&#8242; il capitano del [&#8230;] L'articolo Liga, risultati 14^ giornata: Pari nel Clasico, ma Atletico Madrid e Siviglia non ne approfittano sembra essere il primo su CalcioPub.it. Premier League, risultati 14^ giornata: Conte vince anche in casa di Pep. Suicidio Liverpool! 5 Dec 2016 | 11:40 am La 14^ giornata di Premier League conferma Antonio Conte re d&#8217;Inghilterra, il Chelsea del tecnico italiano batte 3-1 a domicilio il City di Guardiola confermandosi in vetta alla classifica e portando a 4 punti il vantaggio proprio sui Citizens e sul Liverpool. I Blues vanno sotto a causa dell&#8217;autogol di Cahill in chiusura di primo [&#8230;] L'articolo Premier League, risultati 14^ giornata: Conte vince anche in casa di Pep. Suicidio Liverpool! sembra essere il primo su CalcioPub.it. Players Arsenal should look at in the January transfer window 29 Dec 2016 | 6:02 am With the January transfer window fast approaching, Arsene Wenger and the board will be looking at their squad and making decisions on any areas they may need to strengthen in. Arsenal have had two bad results recently, losing 2-1 at Everton and Manchester City respectively and therefore have slid down the table &#8211; dropping to 4th place and nine points off the front-runners, Chelsea. It&#8217;s clear that Arsenal need to strengthen in the January window if they want to mount a title challenge. They will need to splash the cash and show that they really mean business. Any additions could be key to an already strong squad and with Wenger coming under more pressure by the day, a big-name signing could get some of the... Carl Jenkinson wanted by West Ham and Crystal Palace 29 Dec 2016 | 5:23 am According to the Croydon Advertiser, Crystal Palace want to sign Arsenal right-back Carl Jenkinson on loan for the rest of the season but they face interest from West Ham. Palace boss Sam Allardyce is eager to bring in some defensive reinforcements and has looked towards Arsenal fringe man Carl Jenkinson to provide it. During his time as West Ham manager, Allardyce signed Jenkinson on loan for the 2014/15 season which was arguably the England international&#8217;s best as a Premier League player. Slaven Bilic renewed the deal for the following season but during the first half of the season his form deteriorated and an ACL tear in January saw the deal cut short and his season was ended. Having made his injury... Tactical analysis: Arsenal vs West Brom 26 Dec 2016 | 2:36 am Tony Pulis. Four no nonsense centre halves in the back line. Travels round the country stinking out places&#8230;or does he? A new look attacking lineup for West Brom could prove crucial this Boxing Day. Tactically, West Brom have proved excellent when sitting deep and allowing the individual flair of the attacking players to shine. This, of course, is in conjunction with their adeptness at set pieces and the aerial prowess of Salomon Rondon. It&#8217;s almost a 6-4 formation for West Brom, who place a very conservative double pivot of Darren Fletcher and Claudio Yacob in front of the back four. Meanwhile, ball carriers such as Nacer Chadli and Matt Phillips can flourish. To combat this, Arsenal need not use their... Arsenal vs West Brom - Predicted XI 26 Dec 2016 | 2:24 am Arsenal will be hoping to get back to winning ways on Boxing Day as they welcome West Brom to the Emirates. The Gunners are currently sitting in fourth place after their disappointing defeat to Manchester City and will be looking to reward their fans with an important victory over The Baggies. However, if they are to get another win under their belts against Tony Pulis&#8217; men, they&#8217;ll need to be on top form as West Brom have proven to be a tough nut to crack in recent weeks. Against City, it felt as though the creative players didn&#8217;t quite step up for the occasion and never really looked up for it, which is something that will almost certainly need to be rectified heading into this clash against West... Arsenal scouting young Belgian star Hubert 21 Dec 2016 | 3:46 am Arsenal are scouting Standard Liege goalkeeper Guillaume Hubert, according to Belgian publication HLN. The report states that a scout from Arsenal was present on Sunday as Liege drew with Genk 2-2. Hubert was voted Man of the Match and made a number of good saves. The report claims that Arsenal have had a scout watching Hubert on five previous occasions. Hubert is only 22, 12 years younger than Arsenal&#8217;s first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech. He has played for Belgium at youth level from U15 up to U21, and is now vying for a call-up to the senior side, managed by Roberto Martinez. Hubert joined Standard Liege from Valenciennes in 2012 and has since made 33 appearances for the Belgian side. In that time he... Chelsea to turn attention to Vidal with €45m bid 29 Dec 2016 | 4:20 am Chelsea will turn their attention to Bayern Munich midfielder, Arturo Vidal after failing in their attempts to land Radja Nainggolan from AS Roma. Therefore, they have reportedly decided to look at other targets and Italian football journalist Emanuele Giulianelli reports that the Blues will make a €45 million bid for Bayern Munich’s Vidal. With money to spend after selling Oscar to the Chinese Super League for around £60 million, Antonio Conte is apparently looking to add more quality midfielders to his squad and Chilean international Vidal looks to be one of his targets. The 29-year-old has featured a lot for Bayern this season and is under contract until 2019 so there isn’t much there that... Chelsea&#039;s last five results against Stoke 29 Dec 2016 | 3:40 am Chelsea are at home to Stoke City in the last fixture of 2016 for the Blues, who currently remain in first place in the Premier League. After the 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Boxing Day, Chelsea secured their 12th win in a row, breaking the club&#8217;s record of successive league wins. Goals from Pedro, Eden Hazard, as well as a Steve Cook own goal, helped Chelsea secure another win. Antonio Conte&#8217;s side can equal the league record with a win over Stoke on Saturday, and continue their remarkable winning run. Stoke, on the other hand, have struggled of late. Mark Hughes&#8217; team lost 4-1 to Chelsea&#8217;s title rivals Liverpool, and have not won since their 2-0 win over Burnley at the start of December. The Potters... Blues target not ready to leave in January 29 Dec 2016 | 3:11 am AS Monaco defender and Chelsea target, Tiemoue Bakayoko has revealed he won&#8217;t be leaving France in January. The Blues had been linked with a double move for Bakayoko and Djibril Sibide as they look for defensive reinforcements in January. Bakayoko told Eurosport, that the idea of leaving Monaco did cross his mind at the start of the season, but ruled out the prospect of leaving next month. The idea of an exit crossed my mind at the start of the season. I didn’t know what the club wanted to do with me. Maybe I wasn’t putting in the necessary effort. The Frenchman however, did not rule out the idea of moving to the Premier League in the future, when he has completed his goals in the Ligue 1. I... Chelsea submit £6m bid for Italian winger 29 Dec 2016 | 2:55 am Chelsea have submitted a £6 million bid for Italian winger, Riccardo Orsolini, who plays for Ascoli. The 19-year-old has impressed for the side currently plying their trade in the Italian second division, with Orsolini blossoming as one of their key players. Italian journalist Michele Criscitiello revealed the news late last night that an offer had been made. Live Sportitalia sorpresa Orsolini: il Chelsea in serata ha offerto 6 mln all&#8217;Ascoli #sportitaliamercato @AscoliPicchio ⚽️ — Michele Criscitiello (@MCriscitiello) December 28, 2016 Orsolini has been capped three times at U20s for the Italian national team and has scored four times in Serie B this season already, despite Ascoli sitting 14th... Chelsea have already won the league claims pundit 28 Dec 2016 | 5:55 am Chelsea have already wrapped up the Premier League title according to one pundit. Shaka Hislop, who was speaking to ESPN FC, admits he doesn&#8217;t know where or when Chelsea are going to drop points on their current form. The former West Ham and Portsmouth shot-stopper said: I can’t see who is going close the gap and where Chelsea are going to drop those points. Keeping in mind that in these 12 games that they’ve won, they have only conceded in two. The Blues ares enjoying a 12-game winning streak, a new club record, following their switch to a 3-4-3 formation. Chelsea have only conceded two goals during the run, one of which was a Gary Cahill own goal away at Manchester City. Conte&#8217;s men have been top... ISL Final Live Streaming 2016: Watch Kerala Blasters vs ATK live online 18 Dec 2016 | 5:12 am ISL Live Streaming - Kerala Blaster vs Atletico De Kolkata Live : The Kerala Blasters were really amazing in their first match under new administrator Terry Phelan, beating the league pioneers FC Pune City with a great many attacks and in the long run grabbing an agreeable triumph.You can watch isl live streaming, here.�Phelan will trust the same pattern proceeds when the Kerala Blasters play Atletico de Kolkata in a pivotal ISL 2016 live streaming experience in Kochi on Diwali Tuesday.ISL Final Live StreamISL Live StreamingHaving made an awful begin to their crusade, a win was fundamental for Kerala to keep those desires of meeting all requirements for the elimination rounds alive, and they did only that... Indian Super League 2016 schedule: Full list of fixtures 2 Oct 2016 | 7:56 pm Indian Super League 2016 schedule: Full list of fixtures, timings, venues and dates - It's a day and a few more hours to look for the second edition on the Indian Super League to acquire underway. ISL Live Streaming, ISL 2016 Live Streaming, ISL 2016 Live Stream, ISL Live Stream, Indian Super League Live Streaming. It's that point of the year when the many sounds and new music of 'Let's Football' dominate the tv screen sets and provide every football fan in India together have fun with two hours regarding great action every day.Indian Super League 2016 scheduleIndian Super League 2016 scheduleThe eight franchisees commence their proceedings on Saturday because the ISL kicks off of, and the gorgeous game... ISL Live Stream : Atlético de Kolkata vs Chennaiyin FC Live Preview 2 Oct 2016 | 4:39 am ISL Live Stream 2016: Atlético de Kolkata vs Chennaiyin FC Live Stream Preview - ISL 2016, Atlético de Kolkata versus Chennaiyin FC Live Streaming: Catch all the activity here. Atlético de Kolkata versus Chennaiyin FC Live Streaming and Preview, ISL 2016: Watch Online Telecast of Indian Super League on Star Sports, Hotstar and Starsports.com.ISL Live Streaming 2016ISL Live StreamingHi and welcome to our coverage as we convey to you match number two of the Indian Super League 2016. It will be Atlético de Kolkata versus Chennaiyin FC and the match will be appeared on the Star Sports site. It will begin at 7 pm IST. For the online live streaming of the match, click on the link here. Presently we will need... ISL 2016: NorthEast United vs FC Goa Live 16 Sep 2016 | 5:55 am ISL 2016 Live Stream: NorthEast United vs FC Goa Live - NorthEast United will tackle an in strong FC Goa side at home which guarantees to be an�ISL Live Streaming�energizing fight in match No. 12 on Thursday in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2016 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwahati.�The Highlanders are searching for their first triumph in this current season's ISL. The side have lost both their opening two games and lie on the last position in the table.�ISL Live StreamingZico's FC Goa in the mean time, need to get back their energy in the wake of losing the past game against Chennaiyin FC by a 0-4 edge.�ISL Live StreamingSince both teams are urgent for a triumph, it will be a critical match in connection... ISL Final 2016: FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC - Preview 20 Dec 2015 | 6:24 am ISL Final 2016: FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC - Preview : After a long and turning street to the last there are just two teams left remaining in the Hero Indian Super League. FC Goa will fight Chennaiyin FC for a definitive matchless quality, as champs of the second release of the Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.ISL Final Live Stream 2016FC Goa will would like to break their curse of failing to have crushed the Super Machans at Fatorda. The Gaurs' exhibitions at home have been keeping the FC Goa fans in a bright state of mind all season. Twenty thousand fans will throng the stadium and numerous more fans watching outside will be petitioning God for FC Goa to keep the trophy at home... CR7 Crunch Fitness review: Ronaldo’s latest franchise opportunity 23 Dec 2016 | 5:28 am Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest franchise, a fitness center, could become an avenue for entrepreneurs and investors to make considerable gains. It&#8217;s almost magical how Ronaldo manages to juggle the demand and pressure associated with playing and living a celebrity life like his. Almost a real-life Superman, the 31-year-old Portuguese maintains his status as the best player on the pitch, is the greatest dad to Cristiano Jr whiles he runs his CR7 branded businesses. Many may envy the luxurious lifestyle acclimated to his name but what many mostly overlook is the fact that the four-time Ballon d’Or winner is a business-minded workaholic. With his passion for the game and his worldwide recognition, Cristiano... To idolize or plagiarize? Meet the Danish Ronaldo 23 Dec 2016 | 4:30 am The year 2016 is coming to an end. 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Having leaked France Football Magazine’s Ballon d’Or results days before CR7&#8217;s coronation, this piece of information seems credible. Mundo Deportivo&#8216;s Francesc Aguilar claims Cristiano Ronaldo will scoop the Best FIFA Men&#8217;s Player award by a narrow margin, unlike in the case of the Ballon d’Or earlier this month where Cristiano Ronaldo absolutely crushed Lionel Messi and the rest; the 31-year-old Portuguese forward secured more than half the figure his runner-up Lionel Messi... Ronaldo bags Golden Ball, equals Pele, shuts down haters 18 Dec 2016 | 10:32 am The 2016 FIFA Club World Cup final is the icing on the cake for Cristiano Ronaldo this year! With his 40th hat-trick, CR7 equaled Pele on a certain record&#8230; Ahead of the final showdown, Naomichi Ueda&#8217;s &#8220;croc alerts&#8221; and Tamura&#8217;s claim that Ronaldo was undeserving of the Ballon d’Or brought some kind of tension on the Portuguese icon&#8230; Did you know? Among the 173 journalists who voted for the 2016 Ballon d&#8217;Or, as many as 137 journalists picked Ronaldo as their first choice. One of the 36 who didn&#8217;t was Japan&#8217;s Shuichi Tamura. According to him, &#8220;on a collective level, there is no doubt that 2016 has been the best year for Cristiano Ronaldo, but it has not been on an individual level.&#8221; Tamura went on to... Where to watch Ronaldo in 2016 FIFA Club World Cup Final 17 Dec 2016 | 5:35 pm Kashima Antlers will play Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup final in Yokohama on Sunday. The Japanese side is the first ever Asian club to make it into the tournament&#8217;s final. Antlers edged Atletico Nacional in the semis, beating their South America opponents 3-0. However, it certainly will not be a walk in the park for the locals in the final&#8230; STREAMING OPTIONS: WHERE TO WATCH CRISTIANO RONALDO IN REAL MADRID VS KASHIMA ANTLERS Watch Cristiano Ronaldo live in action on December 19, 2016. The official live listings of selected countries below for Real Madrid vs Kashima Antlers are courtesy of LiveSoccerTV.com. <ul> <li>USA at 2:30am PT/5:30am ET on: Fox Deportes, Fox Soccer 2GO USA, Fox Sports 1 USA and Fox...</li></ul> Ligue 1 Powerhouse Down Play Chelsea’s Interest On Highly Rated Midfielder 29 Dec 2016 | 9:23 am AS Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko has down played his chances of joining Chelsea in January. Following reports that the Blues are considering a move for the 22-year-old midfielder in the winter window, with claims that club technical director Michael Emenalo has scouted him on several occasions this season. However, Bakayoko has revealed he has no [&#8230;] The post Ligue 1 Powerhouse Down Play Chelsea&#8217;s Interest On Highly Rated Midfielder appeared first on 234sport.com. Man United And Man City Tussle To Sign Brazilian Defender 29 Dec 2016 | 9:20 am It was reported that both Manchester United and Manchester City are interested in signing Juventus defender Alex Sandro. Both Manchester teams need him quite well. Since City&#8217;s left-backs Aleksandar Kolarov and Gael Clichy are both over the age of 30, City coach Pep Guardiola desires freshening up his full-back options. For United on the other [&#8230;] The post Man United And Man City Tussle To Sign Brazilian Defender appeared first on 234sport.com. Ten Clubs Ready January Swoop For Chelsea Midfielder 29 Dec 2016 | 7:56 am Chelsea are considering a loan move for Ruben Loftus-Cheek with about ten teams ready to swoop, according to reports. The 20-year-old has failed to nail a spot under Antonio Conte despite being tipped for great things from the academy system, making just one appearance since the start of the season. Antonio Conte has earlier hinted [&#8230;] The post Ten Clubs Ready January Swoop For Chelsea Midfielder appeared first on 234sport.com. Legend: This United Player Should Move To Italian Club Next January 29 Dec 2016 | 7:55 am According to Shaka Hislop, Manchester United out-of-favour player Morgan Schneiderlin should sign for Serie A giant Juventus. Schneiderlin was bought into Old Trafford from Southampton FC in 2015 for £24million. Unfortunately, the midfielder struggled extremely while Louis van Gaal was still boss, and now that Jose Mourinho is in charge, he seems to have lost [&#8230;] The post Legend: This United Player Should Move To Italian Club Next January appeared first on 234sport.com.
Australia
What word is used in betting slang for odds of 7/4 (seven to four)?
The Sydney Morning Herald Blogs: Sport Ben Willing: Thank you. Posted by: pippinu on May 15, 2007 3:59 PM I'd be much happier if Kalac was in goal for Liverpool and Harry was playing for Milan. Unfortunately I'll be cheering-on Milan while hoping that Harry .... scores a late consolation goal? That would be some kind of redemption for him wouldn't it? Viduka says he wants to stay in England - young family I guess. I just hope he doesn't go an an Allardyce-managed Newcastle. I can see him at Portsmouth. I think 'arry would value him and play to his strengths. He still should have gone to Italy or Spain years ago though. Posted by: Vicentin on May 15, 2007 4:04 PM Posted by: Ben Willing at May 15, 2007 3:43 PM Looks like Lisa has been watching too much of C.Ronaldo. Posted by: cheech on May 15, 2007 4:11 PM Is Ray Martin still on 60 minutes? Might pay to start him in my opinion. If LFC were to fall behind again, Milan would not make the mistakes of a couple of years ago, I hope. My filthy Scouse supporting mates have been unbearable for too long now. Would rather get him out there from the opening whistle to try and create an early goal rather than send him on trying to chase a lost cause. After all Liverpool are better at not losing games than winning them. I like the look of the Olyroos squad. Posted by: Hutcho on May 15, 2007 4:23 PM ....is an endless source of amusement. Jose Arrogantio That's just gold, I was waiting for him to go pethethetheth, Steve Waddle. If you haven't seen the Fast Show portuguese news, check it out. Posted by: Brickowski on May 15, 2007 4:33 PM http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21735474-23215,00.html Rob Baan confirming he will leave the Olyroo posting to concentrate on his real job as technical director after the Iran game. I am a little miffed at the suggestion Kosmina is in line for the job. Is this the sort of dirtbag we want as mentor for our young players? Posted by: Hutcho on May 15, 2007 5:13 PM Posted by: cheech at May 15, 2007 4:11 PM Oh for goodness sake, Cheech, HE'S NOT THE ONLY ONE!!!!!!!!!!! There are other, far worse culprits around, and I get so pissed off when people act like he's the only one who does it. So do Drogba, Robben, Gerrard, Lampard, I could go on........and on..............and on............................. Have to say, though, the clip was rather amusing! Anyway, good luck to the Olyroos for the big match at Hindmarsh, hopefully they'll play well and get the win they need to give themselves a great chance to get to the next qualifying stage. Finals fever has well and truly hit, and hopefully we'll get some great matches. Obviously my heart is mainly with the FA Cup final, because United are playing in that one, but I'll also be getting up to watch the UCL final as well - hopefully we may see some Aussie action in Athens!! Posted by: Hutcho at May 15, 2007 4:23 PM Agree re scouser comments! The ones on the BBC boards, where I go to talk EPL and Europe sometimes, have been absolutely unbearable since they got to Athens!!! Some of them are even certain title number six is on the way!! Boys, you haven't won it yet, and it will be a big challenge to get past Milan again, especially if Kaka is on song. Posted by: funkymarinette on May 15, 2007 5:38 PM I've pinched this suggested line-up from the Vics forum, mainly because it saves me thinking about it too much, and it's a good starting point for our learned deliberations: -------------Danny Vukovic------------ -Nathan Burns----------------------James Troisi- ----------------Bruce Djite--------------------- The main problem I see, is that it looks like we have 3 strikers backed up by 3 attacking midfielders! Now, there are attacking formations, and then there is plain silly - so my question to floggers is: who would normally be in the holding midfielder position, and if required, who would be supporting him in the no. 5 role? Pardon my further ignorance, but do we absolutely have to win, or will a draw suffice? _______ Posted by: pippinu on May 15, 2007 5:48 PM Posted by: Brickowski at May 15, 2007 4:33 PM Bone Estente Posted by: Brickokwski on May 15, 2007 5:54 PM My further reflections on the Chelsea v Everton game... In a nutshell, it summed up Chelsea's season. They were fortunate to draw with us, indicating that their results have often been better than the actual quality of their football (unlike Man Utd). And Everton? I can sum up 2006/07 as a season of tremendous progress and improvement for us. We have the functional elements of a team that can stay in the top 6. Arteta has been superb, Cahill did well when he wasn't injured, whilst Lescott and Johnson did well to address areas of the team that needed to be addressed. All that's needed is someone to invest in our grand old club, and we can be all set. I hope. Posted by: David V. on May 15, 2007 6:08 PM pippinu at May 15, 2007 5:48 PM Pippinu, Obviously the vics don't watch much of the non-tard a-league or ACL. I love the hyphen (less so now he is Perth bound, but nevertheless), but he is never ever going to be a right back. Have you seen him try and run with the ball? Give a football to your friendly local german shephard, and you will have a rough idea. Romario would do him for pace along a sideline too - let alone some 23 year old olympic speedster. Don't get me wrong. I rate him. He is a very good tall center fullback with good positioning instincts and a reasonable passing range. He is very effective at corners at both ends, doesnt dive in and is good tackler. But he thinks a sideline is best used for kicking the ball over, so stick him in the middle - he aint your right fullback. Swap Hyphen and Downes and push Millsy up to sweep in front a back three and I reckon you are onto a winner. Cheers, Posted by: md on May 15, 2007 6:22 PM David V. at May 15, 2007 6:08 PM Arteta has been superb, Cahill did well when he wasn't injured, whilst Lescott and Johnson did well to address areas of the team that needed to be addressed. Too true - with the likes of Cahill and Areta, the toffees were in danger of becoming the league's pretty boys. Fortunately, Everton were able to recruit two of the ugliest players ever to put on a pair of shinnies, to even things up :p Lescott in particular makes Rooney look like Becks. Seriously though - a good season from Everton who like Spurs should be challenging the top four regularly. I read on the press websites that there is a 14M pound difference between the non-transfer income of the Arse and Spurs this year, which interestingly is what Spurs got for Carrick. Its a bit, but not an insurmountable difference in income. Presumably Everton made a bit less given there was no european action this year, but are in the same ballpark. Spurs have finished 5th twice in a row. Everton finished 4th 2 years ago and 6th this year. Both teams are there or there abouts in terms of cracking the big 4. So, here is a topic for debate (because, really who gives a shit whether an american billionaire or a russian billionaire wins the FA cup?): Are Spurs and Everton: a) The worst of the best; or b) The best of the rest? Cheers, Posted by: md on May 15, 2007 6:38 PM David I don't want us to be like the "majors". Let's be the 5th best club, and the best real club, then when they all nick off to the super league or whatever, we can win the championship, and not feel tainted by the $$$ spent. interesting off-season starting already? Barton in? Beattie out? swap Beattie for Viduka - hope not. the kids and Johnson are good, I'd be looking for a Gravesen type to let Arteta and Osman do more of the creative stuff - like Carsley, but more skilled, like Cahill, but a better passer. reading all of that, and witha view to a Europe season going beyond round 1, maybe they'll need to keep Beatiie, for structure and cover? Posted by: Peter Warrington on May 15, 2007 6:48 PM My querying of the above formation for the Olyroos game has elicited at least one worthy response. This is from a blogger who always makes a lot of sense and who I respect (Hugie): -------------------------Vukovic---------------------------- Sarkies-------------------Bridge------------------------Troisi --------------------------Djite------------------------------ I reckon that's starting to get a bit closer to the mark. I like Bridge in place of Burns, with the latter to be used as an impact player. However, I'm not sure if either Kilkenny or Broxham can truly be categorised as a holding midfielder. But who else is there? pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 15, 2007 8:15 PM Ok, this should probably be on the last flog but - have just been reading Kevin McCarra piece on Tottenham from the Guardian site. I note that several posters in relation to who Spurs should buy to strengthen their team next season are suggesting Vince Grella ... Spurs could do a lot worse than revive interest in Vince Grella, who is desparate to leave Parma on a free.. Ok, admittedly this guy was from QLD but someone else in Seattle was also singing his praises. Interesting, to be honest I'd never envisaged Vinnie moving from Italy - he looks very settled there with his Italian wife and his kids on his farm. Viduka gets a few mentions too. http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/05/15/tottenham_are_the_ones_to_watc.html Also I note that Spurs only had two points on Everton at the end of the season ...... Sad that noone outside the big four even thinks about the possibility of winning the Premiership anymore but only of the outside chance of getting into the top four. UEFA really must slay the cash cow that is the current Champion's League format. I think it is ruining football.The financial difference between the haves and have-nots will continue to grow exponentially. Two teams max for the CL! Posted by: Vicentin on May 15, 2007 9:19 PM Damn ants in my house have set up camp inside my printer/fax/scanner lol another family been broken up by ronaldo mahahha Posted by: Eddie on May 15, 2007 9:29 PM http://www.iranfootballonline.com/ifotv/index.php there is a live stream here on channel 3 for Olyroos...hasn7t the game started?? it's 9pm in Adelaide no?? bloody idiots in Aussie media can't provide a stream or ANY info on the game.Football Australia you need to do your job....SH1TTY WEBSITE!! Ben Willing: The game is on tomorrow, so you should really wait until then to curse the FFA's sh1tty website. Posted by: DazzaJapan on May 15, 2007 9:50 PM # Posted by: pippinu at May 15, 2007 5:48 PM i reckon if the author of the vic blog knew what he was doing.. whats with having milligan at CB and TS at right back when Milligans natural position is RB and TS is CB?? however I reckon ban might start off with Danny Vukovic Downes(not sure who the RB is without Milligan) Topor Stanley McClenahan(not sure who the normal LB is) Milligan(CDM) (Burns)(Bench impact player) hard to pick a conservative squad from this lot in the squad though but i reckon baan been Dutch will go for an 3-4-3 to pressure on home ground then switch to more conservative 4-3-3 burns will most likely be an impact player though Bling for the champs and premiers in 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ben Willing: I hear that Troisi will play just behind two other strikers, Burns and (from memory) Bridge. So, Troisi will be more of an attacking midfielder and Burns is likely to start. Milligan is not really a RB. He's more a CB who is being groomed as a DM. Topor-Stanley at RB is just ludicrous. CB is his best position, but he can play at LB (though not particularly well). Posted by: Eddie on May 15, 2007 9:50 PM A German friend of mine, sent me this link about his favourite club... Schalke. its a good read, and following on from my football club .com... its true ffa could also learn from the MLS site.. which is excellent Posted by: juanpabloangel on May 16, 2007 1:26 AM Ben: I would have left DazzaJapan to stew on it for a bit to work it out himself...hahaha Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 16, 2007 8:30 AM md I've seen some german shepherds who could really run with the round ball - I wouldn't catch them in a million years! Anyway you blokes, settle down, don't shoot the messenger, I had already put up a 2nd starting 11 which I prefer (once again, I've taken it straight from the Vics' forum without change). That's two line-ups before anyone had even suggested one! Eddie's starting 11 isn't too bad either - I don't mind having a crack with a 3-4-3 formation with Milligan as a DM - although I note that you just had to drop Broxham didn't you!! That's the trouble with you guys, you let petty club jealousies get in the way of selecting teams unfettered by sentiment! Now I on the other hand... pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 8:43 AM Its good to read this morning on SMH that the AFC is considering allowing Australia and other east asian nations to bid for the 2011 ANC. The AFC are hell bent on reforming the Asian competitions and lifting their profile on all levels. I think Australia has capacity to host such an event and place us in good stead to make the necessary mods to existing infrastructure to one day host the World Cup itself. I hope this is more than just rumours. I really wish FoxSports would do us the favour of telecasting the Olyroos match its a pretty big game. Rob Bann was only lamenting on the poor turn-outs for the games in Adelaide, a bit of TV coverage would help. It looks as good as any A-league tema in the comp. Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 16, 2007 8:43 AM The article on the TWG site on the Duke's future closes with this quote: "It will be my last real contract, so it has to be the right one. I have two choices - to stay or to try something new." Yep - that pretty much sums it up, the last sentence in particular. Or is there a 3rd choice? A half-way road of you like? I'm happy for the Duke to stay at Boro, I like the idea of 2 or 3 Socceroos being at the same club (which is why I hope Grella goes to Palermo). Soooo, it's his last contract...what if he negotiated a shortish contract with Boro, say 5 or 6 months, which then allowed him to join Melbourne in time for the ACL in 2008?! That remains my hope - and as long as negotiations keep stalling, it's in with a chance. pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 8:57 AM If you haven't seen the Fast Show portuguese news, check it out. Brickowski I had forgotten all about the "Fast Show" thanks for the memories, brillant. Posted by: Bizkit on May 16, 2007 9:21 AM Really sad to see the distraught faces of Sheffield Utd fans after it became apparent they were to be relegated. It just seems undignified. I'm actually a supporter of relegation/promotion in amateur levels of sport - but I don't really like it at the top professional level. And really - it just ensures that there's a greater dilution of funds for the fringe teams as compared to the concentration of funds for the 'big 4' teams. (I reckon they should go a 2 division/conference [I hate that 'American' word] with a finals series - but I doubt they'd either want or be able to change anyway) btw - Derby v Southampton (4-3 after penalties) - KB, I know you've joined in on AFL discussions around players missing the goals - Southampton I gather were an example of players completely missing the goal face with penalty kicks, not even engaging the goalie.....makes me think that if they were all robots then it wouldn't be sport!! Posted by: Michael C on May 16, 2007 9:25 AM Mark Viduka love fest by Paul Doyle in the Guardian. Seems it is only us Aussies who esteem him so highly. Viduka would make a mark anywhere Viduka is available on a free this summer and should be a target for all of Europe's top sides. Yes, all, because the Australian could improve any squad. http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/05/15/viduka_would_make_a_mark_anywh.html Posted by: Vicentin on May 16, 2007 9:36 AM blame it on JETlag.LOL I actually realised last night when the beer wore off..and the FFA still has a SH1TTY webshite.can't they do something with a bit more style? Posted by: DazzaJapan on May 16, 2007 9:38 AM pippinu at May 16, 2007 8:57 AM He's going to Pompey unless boro pay him 60K p/w and recruit some euro class players. You won't see him in a V strip until after the 2010 WC. Cheers, Posted by: md on May 16, 2007 9:46 AM Posted by: Michael C at May 16, 2007 9:25 AM MC, The anology of missing a penalty in football and missing an AFL shot is not quite the same. In football you have a limited space with a goalie obstructing the goal. In AFL you're only limited by how high you can kick. Posted by: Syd Knee on May 16, 2007 9:54 AM Homer: I watched hours and hours of soccer... I almost saw a goal! Ha ha Here's another funny video on diving... :o) The Olyroo's are 3rd on goal difference, yeah? With 2 games remaining? This would be my 3-5-2 starting line-up: .................Vukovic................. The question is: who can play LWB in a 3-4-3 or 3-5-3 formation? pippinu Ben Willing: Getting closer with this line up. We're sure to win with a 3-5-3 formation, although disqualification would be likely. Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 10:37 AM md after the 2010 WC you say? That sounds like a fair cyber bet! pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 10:44 AM Ben I didn't know what you were talking about at first - I've just spent the last few minutes going over my line-up - I'm thinking to myself, it adds up to 11, what's he on about?? Then I saw it - yes, ok , very funny...now get back to work the lot of you! pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 10:49 AM "Ben Willing: Getting closer with this line up. We're sure to win with a 3-5-3 formation, although disqualification would be likely." The hits just keep on coming... --- Posted by: Vicentin at May 16, 2007 9:36 AM Its a good article, its funny how finding goals around contract time has stirred romantic visions of the Duke laying waste to defences everywhere. I judge a player more on consistancy. I really hope that Viduka shines at the ANC next month. It would be a fitting way to silence some of the criticism he has coped wearing the green and gold. I think that if either Dukes, Cahill or Kewell can fire at the ANC then we are assured the trophy. Bresciano is a big part of the supporting cast but those three are the ones who we will look to win games. Good thing about the ANC, games will be on at a suitable time for us viwers (subscribers/sponsors). If you have been umming and ahhing about pay tv, get it organised NOW or it will be too late and you'll miss out. Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 16, 2007 11:10 AM Malaysia were convinced not to play Man U during the Asian Cup, so who do they choose as a worthy substitute, the other world power in Club Football - Sydney FCUK. Pippinu, too early to say if the Olyroos win against Iran tonight they are through to the final round, because there's still one more round to go. A draw could still get them in, depending on the final round results. However, if Saudis wrap up top spot tonight they have nothing to play for in their final match against Iran. So, even if we win tonight the Iranis could still get through if they beat the Saudis and we lose to Jordan in the final game. A win tonight would be very valuable though, because then we only need a draw in Jordan to be certain to progress. Have I confused you again? Confident the Olyroos will win tonight 2 nil. Seville are looking very likely to make it two EUFA Cups in a row. They are a very good side and are still in the running for the Spanish Treble. Should be a great game with plenty of attacking play and good goals. What a great run of late by West ham including a win at Old Trafford. If they had that winning form from the start of the season, they would have easily won the EPL. Why is that? What motivation do players need to perform at their best every week? The threat of relegation and a pay cut? The lure of the A-League is still not big enough for the overseas-based players like Aloisi and Viduka. The amount of money they can get overseas is still a big factor in their decision, particularly at this late stage of their careers. They won't be earning that sort of money for many more years and are going to make the most of it. Still, looking forward to uncovering some more exciting talents in the A-League this year, whether they be up and coming locals or some unknowns from the Americas. After Fred, I wonder if we're going to get a Brazilian player called Bruce or Jason or Bazza? Daniel was travelling tonight on a plane . . . Herr Arrogante Van Gaal still hasn�t won anything this year. He should have taken on the Footballroos job after all, and he might now have a chance to win himself an Asian Cup. Platini's read the Pele autobiography too and making a direct steal. He wants 5 referees with 2 at each end behind the goals, but "they must be over 45, so they won't have to run." Posted by: Anonymous on May 16, 2007 11:11 AM Posted by: pippinu at May 16, 2007 10:49 AM Ha ha ha!!! It took me a few moments but I could see what Ben was getting at. On a more serious note on the game, good luck to the Olyroos tonight, go out there and make us proud boys!!! Posted by: bubblegum at May 16, 2007 10:31 AM Oh, that vid is a CLASSIC!! People always go on about Cristiano, but I think this guy is much, much worse when it comes to diving, however we don't bang on about him, now, do we? God that pisses me off!! Posted by: Anonymous on May 16, 2007 11:19 AM Posted by: Syd Knee at May 16, 2007 9:54 AM I was more trying to remind KB that although the player may line up with the 'good baggage' of skill, ability, technique etc, that his aim can still be off - for whatever reason. Correct, in soccer the desire is to 'fool' the goalie or go for the 'money' shot into a top corner - the degree of difficulty is increased. However, given the 2 constants being the static ball and the 'spot' from which to kick....... ...but that wasn't really the point - I was just having a little dig at Uncle KB, in that it's the 'simplistic' argument to simply state that a soccer penalty kick should ALWAYs threaten the goal to at least give yourself a chance - in theory yes, but that's 'simplistic' - but anyway, the further comment belongs on another blog on another day. (for the record, soccer goal mouth 7.32 metres wide - 8 yrds & 8ft high, penalty spot 12 yrds out. AFL goal 6.4m wide, but no vertical restriction but then any angle of shot decreases the available lateral target dimension etc) ---- back to Sheffield Utd - given that they have over 150 years history, or claim it back to 1854 - I reckon they should never be anywhere but in the Premier division - but that's just my sense of history. Posted by: Michael C on May 16, 2007 11:28 AM My theory for the day: the footballing powers with a much larger pool of players to choose from are ultimately more liable to commit errors in selecting national teams. Discuss. Posted by: David V. on May 16, 2007 11:46 AM Posted by: at May 16, 2007 11:19 AM Sorry, this was me! Posted by: David V. at May 16, 2007 11:46 AM Interesting thought. I suppose it really depends on who is in form at that moment, but if you just go on that, and then they don't fire in, say, a major tournament, then obviously it will seem like a mistake. Hard to know exactly, though. Posted by: funkymarinette on May 16, 2007 11:55 AM Vicentin thanks for the heads up on the Guardian article. I think he gives a good portrayal of what many of us already knew about Dukes: "...but Del Bosque's assessment was accurate: Viduka can be a multi-faceted front man - both pivot and poacher, rapier and bludgeon. At times, defenders seem but dandruff to him as he shakes them off with effortless contempt; but this power is married to poise, as he shows either by depositing the ball precisely in the net or holding off opponents to survey his options - before demonstrating his vision, imagination and skill by teeing up a team-mate. And for a beefy bloke who's often accused of being lazy, he's got tremendous balance and amazingly fast feet..." I think that sums it up pretty well. I have viewed him in similar terms for years, but never quite been able to put what I saw in him in words too well. I recall that against China I described him as sucking the oxygen out of the defence - like when you suck the air out of the shrink wrap - he draws 2 or 3 defenders towards him, and that's why Holman and Bresh went on a rampage in the first half. I also described him as a man-mountain, down which Holman and Bresh could ski without hindrance. In other words, in the Socceroos shirt, he's always had a very special role which was neither striker/centre forward nor no. 10 - it has always been something else again. The only way I can best describe it is to equate it to the centre half-forward position in AFL. A tall target through which you expect much of the play to go through up forward - but not necessarily to score goals themselves (although that might happen) - but to act like a fulcrum, through which, and around which scoring opportunities will emerge (in particular because of his surprising ball skill and vision) and able to use his bulk to hold defenders at bay. That's our Dukes! So going back to the China game, where we played a supposed 3-4-3 formation, but with Dukes often swapping position with the two either side of him (i.e. sometimes he's in front of them, but mostly they are in front of him), with even Holman as an attacking midfielder coming in from behind at pace - almost like an AFL rover getting the crumbs off the pack. The point being that Dukes never has to get too far forward of the D to be of optimum use to Australia. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you the new soccer position, created by the Socceroos which Dukes has made his own: Centre half-forward. pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 11:57 AM Ben Willing: Apparently Adelaide United are holding a press conference right now. I wonder what they might be announcing? I'll let you know as soon as I know for sure. Posted by: Ben Willing on May 16, 2007 12:00 PM If you have been umming and ahhing about pay tv, get it organised NOW or it will be too late and you'll miss out. Posted by: Jed Petersen at May 16, 2007 11:10 AM still direct marketing for Fox? _______ pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 12:02 PM Always a fan of a 3-4-3 shape as Eddie has mentioned and would like to see Milligan on the ball as much as possible. Can anyone elighten me on Downes, McClenahan and Troisi? Posted by: Vicentin at May 16, 2007 9:36 AM The English love to rag on Viduka, I can recall a comment when he scored the winner (equaliser?) against Chelsea in the season just past. "Who would have thought it? An overweight bludger scores the decisive goal off a deflection and it wasn't even Fat Frank" Big Sam has got the job at Newcastle. According to John Nicholson on Football365 he has big plans. Posted by: Hutcho on May 16, 2007 12:10 PM Hopefully Ben, they may have made a dual signing of Dignity and Sportsmanship but I doubt it. Posted by: Hutcho on May 16, 2007 12:15 PM In an effort to remorselessly spread more Chelsea propaganda - Apparently Didier Drogba has pipped Christiano Ronaldo in at least one player of the year area. Apparently the Drog leapfrogged the Winky One in the last game of the season to take out 1st as the Actim Stats Player of the Season. Actim are the official football statisticians for the EPL, and arguably a more objective/pragmatic measure of football prowess, then, say the PFA Writers Award etc. Third on Actim Stats went to Berbatov, a great result for a player who was injured for part of the season. I look forward to seeing Berbatov in his second season in the EPL, he's been real quality for Tottenham. Actim team of the season: D James S Finnan/R Carvalho/R Ferdinand/P Neville C Ronaldo/F Lampard/C Fabregas/Arteta Berbatov/Drogba Posted by: Slippery Jim on May 16, 2007 12:22 PM Looking at the Olyroos side tonight & now add Spiranovic, Williams, Wesloski, Patafta, Federici & a few others. The future looks good for Australia, of course most of these have yet to prove themselves but the signs are good. Posted by: Robbos on May 16, 2007 12:26 PM If you have been umming and ahhing about pay tv, get it organised NOW or it will be too late and you'll miss out. Posted by: Jed Petersen at May 16, 2007 11:10 AM still direct marketing for Fox? _______ pippinu Posted by: pippinu at May 16, 2007 12:02 PM Actually now is the perfect time to ring up and enquire (without agreeing to anything). Then in about a month they should send you a "special offer" which may make the decision easier. I read about this on a forum a year ago when I was going to sign up. I got free installation, 1st month free and only had to commit to a 12 month contract. Posted by: djebella on May 16, 2007 12:29 PM Sydney v Urawa: Does anyone know any pubs/places that will be showing the game (preferably with sound)? The RL Origin match is on at the same time... Posted by: bubblegum at May 16, 2007 10:31 AM Football arogance again. Why doe's NRL & AFL sit down with each other & organise their seasons at the end of the previous season,why football keeps clashing with cricket finals & now one of the biggest nights in Australian football history is put on the same night as a traditional NRL block buster.I know this game was organised thru ASIA & like most floggers they must think it will help football & everyone will turn off the NRL. As to where too see it,try the football clubs,I'd ring around starting with the club closest too home.Try KB's old stomping ground,St.Georges soccer club,not the best for public transport,& if Farina offers you a lift home take a taxi.Bankstown soccer club at the soccer centre used to be a tidy little establishment,but I think that has been taken over by NRL after a botched attempt by Bankstown to join the NSL. I wonder if the NRL have changed the name from the soccer centre to the football centre?(even better) Ben Willing: The Agincourt Hotel (near Central Station) is definitely showing it, with sound, and with a big crowd expected. Posted by: EJ on May 16, 2007 12:54 PM Vidiuka is the most skillful , elequent player Australia has produced. I would have loved to see how he would have faired in the Spainish or Italian league's. All you supporters of other teams, other than Liverpool. Just face it we are on our way to Champs of Europe for the sixth time. With Kid Kewell on the left, who is our best option on the left, AC will crumble. Kaka and Seedorf will not penetrate the reds defence. Man U gave them both way too much space and let them run riot. Posted by: AL BUNDY on May 16, 2007 1:10 PM Posted by: David V. at May 16, 2007 11:46 AM As a natural consequence, the more variables, the more entities, the more permutations and combinations. However - I always think about the oxymoron of 'swimming selections' - which is such because it is simply time trials/qualifications - there's no selection involved, it's the fastest X number of swimmers per event get on the squad. The more subjective a process - the more it will be open to criticism. I always loved(sic) the Wallabies being drawn from 3 (until recently) teams. That didn't allow for many 'form' players going 'head to head' for a position - no wonder there were people who appeared to be permanent fixtures in the national team. I do just ponder though, given the arguments about which club competition is better etc - how does one weigh the various merits of Aust players scattered across the world and leagues and divisions - that will always and only ever be a hugely subjective exercise. Posted by: pippinu at May 16, 2007 11:57 AM CHF in soccer?? I like the thinking, but you'll never get it past the Germans. Posted by: Michael C on May 16, 2007 1:11 PM Ben Willing: The Adelaide press conference was merely to announce the impending retirement of Carl Veart. Posted by: Ben Willing on May 16, 2007 1:15 PM Reading in the June edition of FourFourTwo (AU) Simon Hill writes a good article about one of the FLOGs favourite topics - A-League expansion. Gold Coast is a region where Simon claims the dollars stack up in favour of Gold Coast as opposed to FC Brisbane or Western Sydney. Property magnate Peter Turnbull (FC) has an interest in esstablishing a second team in Western Sydney and the Gold Coast initiative. I think Gold Coast is a MUST DO for FFA however not at the expense of Western Sydney. Turnbull can't do both I imagine either. Ben Willing: Apparently Walter Bugno also has some interest in the Gold Coast bid AND getting LA Galaxy to play a match there in the near future. Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 16, 2007 1:17 PM Just read that Broxham is a likely starter - so I'm going back to my 2nd line up: -------------------------Vukovic---------------------------- Sarkies------------------Troisi----------------------Burns --------------------------Bridge------------------------------ This is now looking like the definitive line-up: a 4-1-1-3-1 line-up. Allows Milligan to still come a bit forward as a libero, Broxham still learning the holding midfielder's craft but should be ok, Kilkenny can create from deep in the Pirlo role; Troisi in the middle of a talented attacking midfield trio. Djite then becomes the impact player off the bench, if required. Thank you for all your assistance - but this is definitely the line-up - now get back to work!! pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 1:24 PM The impending retirement of Veart? I would have thought that was a given. SMH's sister paper also talks of the change in the AFC's rotation policy, but the rub is that if it goes ahead, Japan, Sth Korea and China are likely to throw their hats into the ring - hardly the news we want to hear! CHF in soccer?? I like the thinking, but you'll never get it past the Germans. Posted by: Michael C at May 16, 2007 1:11 PM do you mean the idea or the ball? pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 1:28 PM SMH's sister paper also talks about the forthcoming fixture with Uruguay. It would appear that Schwarzer, Dukes, Cahill and Kewell will miss the game. Skoko may miss while he "ponders his long term international future". So it looks like plenty of spots are up for grabs. We're probably likely to go back to a normal formation, with Chippers and Emerton returning to their full back positions. Jones as keeper? Grella and Jase should also return to the team; we'll probably see Sterjovsky, Holman and Bresh as our three attacking midfielders; but the question becomes, who is playing upfront? Aloisi or a new name? There's also a mention of the poor crowds Adelaide has been getting. If the Olyroos progress, their next group of games are likely to be elsewhere. And who would argue that Melbourne doesn't deserve all three?! pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 1:37 PM Posted by: AL BUNDY at May 16, 2007 1:10 PM I'm afraid its not that simple, Al. Your biggest task will be to stop Kaka, which you may well do, however that will probably take most of the attention of either Alonso or Mascherano for the entire game, leaving Pirlo and Seedorf free to work the midfield, with Gattuso providing the steel, and if they play like they did against my United boys, you've got a VERY tough task. Of course, its worth remembering that Bayern put Hargreaves on Kaka specifically, yet he still managed to get them into the semis, so its going to be a big, big task to completely mark him out of the game - he's too smart and too good for that. No doubt Rafa has his ideas on how to handle them, but if Milan play anywhere near like they did in that semi second - leg, your boys, just face it, don't have the skill and tactical level to be able to counter that. For you to have any chance, it all depends, as usual, on Stevie G, and if he has a good game, you are in with a shot, but if Milan keep him quiet, you are REALLY in trouble. And I don't think Harry will be starting, although Rafa could suprise us, because Rafa has already said he think Harry probably couldn't last the full 90, so if he does play, it will probably be as an impact sub. In conclusion, if you do pull it off, then well done, but I think it is a really tough ask, and you'll probably be disappointed come the end of the night. Posted by: Slippery Jim at May 16, 2007 12:22 PM Clutching at straws, mate! That would be because Drogba scored more goals than Cristiano, thus got more points for that, but considering he's a striker, and Cristiano is a winger, you'd expect that. See you at Wembley on Saturday, and may the best team win! Posted by: funkymarinette on May 16, 2007 1:49 PM Posted by: pippinu at May 16, 2007 1:37 PM Typical Vic!!! If they do change it, it will almost certainly be Sydney or Melbourne, but you could also make a fair case for Sydney as well -remember the FFA have given us some W/C qualifiers as well, PLUS the home legs of any play-offs required, so you are no longer the sole football capital of Australia!!! Re Asian Cup and rotation, if this goes ahead, then you'd expect those other countries to bid as well, but I think the FFA and government could put together a really good bid. As well as this, remember, of course, we have succesfully hosted the Olympics, Rugby World Cup, and Commonwealth Games in (reasonably) recent times, so we've shown we can put on a good show for major tournaments and competitions. First things first, however, we have to wait and see if this process will actually be changed, and then, if it is, get the bid together. After that, its all out of our hands, but if we did get it, provided the FIFA rotation policy stays, it could give us a good dress rehersal and basis for a bid for 2018 World Cup, which would be the ultimate prize for the FFA. Australia 2018 - that's got a nice ring to it, actually! Posted by: funkymarinette on May 16, 2007 2:02 PM Herr Arrogante Van Gaal still hasn�t won anything this year. He should have taken on the Footballroos job after all.... Was that you funky? Daily Mirror is linking him to Man City. No trophies on the horizon there. Posted by: David V. at May 16, 2007 11:46 AM Interesting theory David. I don't think selectors with a large range of choice make errors if all are treated equally. If (BIG if) a squad selection process is not tainted (nepotism, conflict of interest, sponsor influence) and they are selecting a squad in an objective manner. If the above assumption is correct, the players are selected because they have proven they can perform to a certain standard. Having a bigger player base just gives critics and the press more ammunition should the team selected fail to live up to the expectations of the selectors (based on player performance). 20-20 hindsight is not available to selectors. Of course if the selection criteria lacks integrity grab the pitchforks and the torches there is a lynching in the offing. Posted by: Hutcho on May 16, 2007 2:09 PM Funky there's no denying your value to the FLOG - given that we are absolutely surrounded by blokes who don't know their ar$e from their face! But I have to say to you, to mention Sydney and Melbourne in the same breath when talking about possible attendances - well, it's chalk and cheese really. The FFA has to do the right thing and take the games where they are going to get a bit of a crowd (and where I am most likely to go to watch a game). pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 2:18 PM Posted by: pippinu at May 16, 2007 1:37 PM I agree Pippu, there is no reason why Melbourne should not be allowed some Olyroos matches and even some lesser Socceroos matches against smaller Asian nations. However, Brisbane also should get some matches, perhaps Melbourne and Brisbane can reach some agreement? Whilst in melbourne the Olyroos could try your patented 3-5-3 I Formation? --- Posted by: funkymarinette at May 16, 2007 2:02 PM Mrs Ronaldo, I too agree Australia has cpacity to host the Asian Nations Cup. However, I think that before AFC even change the policy, FFA in partnership with the Federal Government (and supported by the States) get right onto this and prepare a tender on the chance that the opportunity arises. It never hurts to do a dry run, it will keep us sharp. I wish the Olympic Stadium at Homebush was still a 110,000 though, that is a stadium size befitting of a ANC Final and possibly a 2018 World Cup Final!!! Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 16, 2007 2:22 PM Posted by: Slippery Jim at May 16, 2007 12:22 PM Clutching at straws, mate! That would be because Drogba scored more goals than Cristiano, thus got more points for that, but considering he's a striker, and Cristiano is a winger, you'd expect that. See you at Wembley on Saturday, and may the best team win! Posted by: funkymarinette at May 16, 2007 1:49 PM I think ACTIM award more points for goals by midfielders than for strikers. Perhaps Drogbas dives are perceived to have a greater degree of difficulty. ;) Posted by: Hutcho on May 16, 2007 2:24 PM Posted by: djebella at May 16, 2007 12:29 PM What you say is fair enough, I've been thinking the same thing of late - now is the time to act (in terms of timing for the Asian cup - as I've said before, the thought of missing any part of a socceroos game would drive me barmy). There was also nothing wrong with what Jed had to say, except he clearly has an undeclared conflict of interest. Everyone knows all about my conflicts of interest - indeed everyone seems to know them better than I do! pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 2:26 PM Posted by: Michael C at May 16, 2007 11:28 AM Mr C. Comrade, The offer is still open; I would only be too glad to sign up for the Rooboys to come off the bench to take those kicks for the lads up to 30m out. No Worries !!.son !!...and at my age on the wrong side of 60 and I shall not admit to any more in case the Young Chicks on the Gold Coast get wind of it. But, before I sign the Roos contract I shall need a clause in it to free me from playing against my team Carlton FC..Al la West Ham UNT FC. Big one this Weekend Carlton to smash your lads, however, we need to put Foveola in a cage with some raw meat and let him out just on kick off time. I was so disappointed last week as I thought that Blues and the Maggies were going to be the Saturday afternoon match on the Tele. Richmond v Port Adl. One observation; I saw a great tiger's goal 6pter which started just in the Port's half and it must have gone thru 20 sets of hands flank to flank, back and forward, (short stab kicks) 'til a player in the 50 zone made the lead and received it just 30m out straight on his chest, then to score the goal. It reminded me of the soccer goal in the world cup Argentina v Serbia M. I shall remember what the commentary had said, that it was a well crafted goal. (And it was) Again comrade, it is nice to know that someone is reading my posts at AFL central, on how to move in the midfield, keeping possession, being patient and then make the killer pass. Promotion and Regulation is fantastic, plenty of drama and joy and horrible disappointment; if it is your team involve. AFL, could have had that in the state of Vic. where a South Melb. Swans or a Fitzroy could have been relegated to VFL and the last Victorian AFL team could have a play off to see who goes up and who makes the drop to the VFL. It would be good to see in the other states as well where a team seeking promotion can have a play off if its state team runs last. Then is forced to play off for promotion in that state for the AFL. 9 out of 10 times the status quo would remain but it would give some interest at the other end of the table. KB Posted by: Koala Bear on May 16, 2007 2:32 PM Now Jed - you're not paying full attention to my posts - that's not my patented "I" formation - everyone knows that! Now people may wish to make fun of my "I" formation, but Ernie did pretty much use it in demolishing AU 6-0. I can at least go to my grave knowing the important part I played in that victory! As for 3-5-3, that looks more like the what's-that-bulge-in-your-pants formation. pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 2:32 PM Ben Willing: Apparently Walter Bugno also has some interest in the Gold Coast bid AND getting LA Galaxy to play a match there in the near future. They'd best not let him have any involvement in selecting their manager though. A retirement home for Terry and his wife on the Gold Coast perhaps? Maybe the LA Galaxy can go to Movieworld while they're there ...ah, coals to Newcastle. Posted by: Vicentin on May 16, 2007 2:39 PM RE the Asian Cup and Australia holding it in 2011. Les Owen. Posted by: Odin on May 16, 2007 2:42 PM and where I am most likely to go to watch a game) pippinu Holbrook? I believe if you stand on the submarine you can get a really good view of the game. if they play it in Sydney I'm sure one of the floggers could put you up for a night or two ... on second thoughts maybe they should play it in Melbourne ;0) Posted by: Vicentin on May 16, 2007 2:46 PM Boys and Girls what is going on here??? Funky, Slippery Jim, I leave the room for a few hours to go and get the pensioner's specials on the vegimite and you are at it again. Funky behave. Posted by: Koala Bear on May 16, 2007 2:48 PM Posted by: Koala Bear at May 16, 2007 2:32 PM KB, you totally lost me here. Good luck you the Roos tonight, the Olyroos that is. Posted by: Robbos on May 16, 2007 2:54 PM As for 3-5-3, that looks more like the what's-that-bulge-in-your-pants formation. Pippinu, is that the line up for the Vic team to take on my NZ XII. Fair enough. Posted by: Koala Bear on May 16, 2007 2:54 PM Posted by: djebella at May 16, 2007 12:29 PM What you say is fair enough, I've been thinking the same thing of late - now is the time to act (in terms of timing for the Asian cup - as I've said before, the thought of missing any part of a socceroos game would drive me barmy). There was also nothing wrong with what Jed had to say, except he clearly has an undeclared conflict of interest. Everyone knows all about my conflicts of interest - indeed everyone seems to know them better than I do! pippinu Posted by: pippinu at May 16, 2007 2:26 PM Ahh but Pippu, I have often enough qualified each of my pro Fox deal posts with a disclaimer, its true I have no interest whatsoever, certainly would not waste money on Telstra shares (yet anyways). I was merely suggesting that if you want the luxury of Australia's historic ANC campaign beamed to your living room then now is the time to book in order to guarantee connection for June. I am compiling a "no more whining" list of those who refuse to heed my advice so when the games come around I can say you were warned. Pippu d Angelo sits aplomb atop that list at the moment. But enough, back to Football. Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 16, 2007 2:55 PM With regards to team selections as I said above, it happens that with national sides such as England, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Brazil and Argentina (and even they aren't alone), there is intense competition for so many places in the national side. So each candidate for the said place has his advocate. Argentina have a luxury very few teams have, in being able to pick two completely different squads (one Europe-based, one home-based) which are still formidable. Perhaps the most tragic indictment of England's underachievement at international level, their inability to solve the left midfield problem DESPITE the presence of eminently suitable players over time. The 90s saw such players as Rick Holden, Ian Woan and Dane Whitehouse all get overlooked for selection even though they were the most logical choices for the left winger slot. And these days, Matty Taylor is a clear candidate but so far hasn't been picked. Oh dear... Posted by: David V. on May 16, 2007 3:01 PM Jed - I am compiling a "no more whining" list of those who refuse to heed my advice so when the games come around I can say you were warned. Pippu d Angelo sits aplomb atop that list at the moment. I'll be relying on the kindness of strangers, friends and the local pub and saving my money for tickets to a Serie A game or two (my son really wants to see Kaka play - who wouldn't) when I'm over later in the year. Fox will be back on the radar when I get back ... if it's ok with the missus of course. ...you can always rely on the comfort of strangers, a stranger's just a friend you haven't met .... (Simpson, Oh Streetcar) Posted by: Vicentin on May 16, 2007 3:17 PM Olympic Stadium Homebush. As they say "Australia's home ground". The SMH has had a add/link to buy tickets for The Wallabes v Wales rugby test match.The Welsh (5 or 7 nations champions)are bringing an under strength team.Tickets are from $55 to $115. The socceroo game does not get a mention,Although most of the union tickets go to the rugby family,it will be an interesting comparison. How do the numbers compare with their blog agains't the flog.They use to call it the game they play in heaven,that was until Johnny Warren got up there.The smh seems a major backer of union,if the numbers are adding up,how long untill the SMH will have a football lift out Ben?Football has seemed to have caught the press sleeping,although there has been a great increase in the number of people watching on tv & at the game,there has been no great increase in the press,& the SMH seems to rate union higher,I would like to see the figures. Posted by: EJ on May 16, 2007 3:22 PM Ben Willing: Apparently Walter Bugno also has some interest in the Gold Coast bid AND getting LA Galaxy to play a match there in the near future. Well, if we do get a Franchise up on the Gold Coast and I know that an old football teammate is trying to get things moving, but I have not seen any reports of Walter Bugno involvement in the press. I am not saying that it is not so it is just that I have not seen it mentioned in the media up here. Ben Willing: is the source coming from Sydney. I would love to read it. The Robina Stadium is really taking shape and starting to look like a magnificent venue. I can't wait to see it all come to pass. However, I will always be a Koala Blue Bear.... KB Ben Willing: Actually, the source was today's Courier Mail, so I take that with a grain of salt, however I had also heard whispers ... Posted by: Koala Bear on May 16, 2007 3:39 PM Posted by: David V. at May 16, 2007 3:01 PM Usually because its a team of "champions" rather than a champion team Posted by: Swifty on May 16, 2007 3:40 PM Holbrook? I believe if you stand on the submarine you can get a really good view of the game. Posted by: Vicentin at May 16, 2007 2:46 PM Well, it's only 4 hours drive to Melbourne, where I still have my family, and the likelihood is that I'd be able to combine it with a game featuring my bullies - now that's a nice long weekend! The day will come when some of you floggers, perhaps you lot from Abbotsford, will be only to happy to spend the night at Holbrook on the way to a big MV vs SFC game! (will always be the game of the year) Who knows, by then I might have created my downstairs cafe with the table soccer - how's that for a long weekend! Table soccer championships with good coffee, canoli and arancini! (you all might become the very first friends I've ever had in my life...) pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 4:00 PM Swifty, if you're referring to England... it's more that when they badly needed a left-sided player, they ended up not picking the players who were the most obvious and logical choices at the time. Jason Wilcox got 3 caps and Steve Guppy got 1, one would ask if they really should have got more. Now if you saw Ian Woan for Forest in the mid-90s when he was at the peak of his career, he had superb ball skills and a fierce left-foot shot which led him to score some spectacular goals. Rick Holden was superb for Oldham in the early 90s, with a few Cup runs, promotion and staying up comfortably in their first top-flight season under Joe Royle. Dane Whitehouse was Sheffield United through and through, never gave less than 100% for them and stayed loyal to the end. He was still playing well when his knee was smashed in 1997 after a horror tackle and he had to give up football. Sad. Posted by: David V. on May 16, 2007 4:05 PM Careful what you wish for Pippu I am due down there on a couple of occassions later this year. mmmmm Canoli..... For those with Fox, I caught the first half of an interview with Tim Cahill last night sometime between 7-7.30pm on FoxSports News. Second half will be shown tonight. When questioned on Guus he referred to him as "a great tactitian" and paid tribute to much of the support staff for the WC. He made a very clear distinction between Guus and Arnie when it comes to man management, without having a go at Guus. Tim is also enjoying his fishing on his time off, those Fox presenters ask the tough questions. Posted by: Hutcho on May 16, 2007 4:18 PM I'm beni Posted by: beni on May 16, 2007 4:29 PM Welcome aboard Beni. Who is your favourite team and player? Posted by: Hutcho on May 16, 2007 4:44 PM Posted by: David V. at May 16, 2007 4:05 PM Agree - but I think it was a case of a midfield of Gazza, Platt, Waddle then some other central/right midfielder like Cloughie Jnr, Ince, Barnes etc looked better than having a Holden, Woan etc. Ian Woan - I remember the couple of screamer free-kicks he put past Ian Walker in one game! Rick Holden - was part of that great Oldham squad of the early 90's along with the baldheaded Andy Richie and the mullet that is Ian Marshall! Can't really remember much of Dane Whitehouse to be honest. Posted by: Swifty on May 16, 2007 4:46 PM Posted by: beni at May 16, 2007 4:29 PM The answer to SFC's left back problem? Posted by: Ben G on May 16, 2007 4:52 PM Ben Willing: Actually, the source was today's Courier Mail, so I take that with a grain of salt, however I had also heard whispers ... Posted by: Koala Bear at May 16, 2007 3:39 PM Thanks Ben.... (Nothing in the Gold Coast Bulletin that's not unusual) KB Posted by: Koala Bear on May 16, 2007 5:10 PM beni Welcome! May I also commend you on spelling, grammar and composition that would put most of our regular Flog personnel to shame! Posted by: Slippery Jim on May 16, 2007 5:15 PM Beni ain't playing for SFC - let me tell you guys that right now! (he's my son, and I was letting him do his first post - I have to be extra careful now - he can be a bit of a dirty dobber!) pippinu ps has something changed in the look of the FLOG? Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 5:23 PM I like the show full comment feature now. Comes in handy for the more extravagant posters. Posted by: Scouser FC on May 16, 2007 5:50 PM I thought for a second that someone had spiked my afternoon Ovaltine! Perhaps Ben has decided to go all queer eye on us and pretty things up (it doesn't seem to be effecting other SMH blogs)? Too busy for my liking and annoying how you have to click the link to view the full comment IMO. Posted by: Slippery Jim on May 16, 2007 5:58 PM thank you hutcho and jim I like Melbourne my fave player is my papa Posted by: beni on May 16, 2007 5:59 PM Hilarious how the 'full comment' for Pippu's last post is only two extra words! (OK, OK, perhaps it's funnier when you're drinking spiked Ovaltine...) Posted by: Slippery Jim on May 16, 2007 6:02 PM who designed the new flog look. the guy didn't research into heurstics and usability goals. as in its harder to search for a blog now but i love the look perhaps a longer page with a lil more blogs on it go 3-4-3 Posted by: Eddie on May 16, 2007 6:55 PM # Posted by: Hutcho on May 16, 2007 12:10 PM troisi is a rising star of newcastle united in the PL dont know the other 2 Posted by: Eddie on May 16, 2007 6:57 PM Posted by: Scouser FC on May 16, 2007 5:50 PM I was finding it kind of annoying at first, then I realised I could just skip past Michael C's twaddle with one push of the Page Down key instead of the usual 2 or 3. Posted by: beni on May 16, 2007 4:29 PM Welcome to the Flog Beni. Now, spill the beans on your old man, give us some secrets. Posted by: Brickowski on May 16, 2007 6:59 PM Posted by: Scouser FC on May 16, 2007 5:50 PM Hey Scouser - you're using your name again! On a separate matter, I was on my way to a meeting tonight (regarding the other football) when I walked past a newsagency and there were half a dozen posters in the window: SOCCEROOS ASIAN INVASION (with a picture of Kool McKool). Now the tagline isn't all that original, but it looks like a good publication - one worth keeping an eye out for. _______ Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 7:23 PM Posted by: beni on May 16, 2007 4:29 PM Hello Beni, welcome to the flog and we hope you can continue to make a lot more posts. KB Posted by: Koala Bear on May 16, 2007 7:38 PM 4' GOAL IRAN 2' GOAL AUSTRALIA A vital clash for both teams, combined with superb conditions and a large and bositerous Iranian support is setting the stage for an entertaining evening here in Adelaide. There's a crowd of around 4-5,000 here about 10 minutes before kick-off. Australian starting line-up: Daniel Vukovic (gk), Trent McClenahan, Aaron Downes, Mark Milligan (c), Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Leigh Broxham, Kristian Sarkies, Neil Kilkenny, Mark Bridge, Nathan Burns, James Troisi. Substitutes from: Adam Casey, Adam D'Apuzzo, Bruce Djite, Nick Ward, Dario Vidosic, Peter Eleftherakis, Tando Velaphi (gk) Iran starting line-up: Soush Makani (gk), Ali Hamoudi, Mohammad Nazari, Ebrahim Karimi, Adel Kolahkaj, Hossein Kaebi (c), Milad Mirtorabi, Mehrdad Pooladi, Omidreza Ravankhah, Ali Nazifkar, Vahid Amraei. Substitutes from: Milad Midavoodi, Reza Mohammadi, Shahram Goudarzi, Reza Taheri, Morteza Mohammadi, Sina Ashoori Mehranjani, Mahdi Mohammad Pour Referee: Saad Kameel AL FADHLI Conditions: fine, approx. 18 degrees Live from Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide Kick-off - 7.00pm ACST (7.30pm AEST) Posted by: Eddie on May 16, 2007 7:38 PM Just checking out the FFA site, 3-1 at the 53rd. I'm also checking out the starting line-up, mate, I have absolutely nailed it, this is the last starting line-up I showed at 1:24pm: -------------------------Vukovic---------------------------- --------------------------Bridge------------------------------ and this is what the FFA site shows as the starting line-up: Australian starting line-up: Daniel Vukovic (gk), Trent McClenahan, Aaron Downes, Mark Milligan (c), Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Leigh Broxham, Kristian Sarkies, Neil Kilkenny, Mark Bridge, Nathan Burns, James Troisi. I reckon Baan was still juggling a few ideas, but once he checked out the FLOG at 1:24pm, everything must have become clear all of a sudden - that's what I do best - I make things crystal clear. This is the description of Australia's 3rd goal: 53' GOAL AUSTRALIA a great build-up involving McClenahan, Bridge and Topor-Stanley, the latter with a pin-point pass to TROISI who places it expertly from 6m out. Australia 3-1. It looks like that german shepherd must have been really moving down that left-hand side and has hit it sweetly with the outside of his paw for an inch perfect pass to Troisi!! Don't any of you ever mock me again!! pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 8:54 PM # Posted by: Ben G on May 16, 2007 4:52 PM there is a saying in software engineering for a potiential problem "pretend its not there" Posted by: Eddie on May 16, 2007 9:17 PM "KB, you totally lost me here. Good luck you the Roos tonight, the Olyroos that is." Posted by: Robbos on May 16, 2007 2:54 PM Robbos, I can understand that you didn't understand it as I have reread it and I can't understand it either. But, I did miss my medication time. Allow me to try to explain it a bit further for you. It was an ongoing discussion with Mr. C about kicking a football and how inaccurate AFL players can be in front of goal especially when his team some time back had a dreadful time of it in front of goal. I said to him that even at my age an old footballer on the wrong side of 60yrs could plant 10 out of 10 thru the posts straight in front of goal using a Football/soccer technique of coming slightly just around the corner so to speak... Get it... Got it... Good. Now, the other part about the midfield was that the both codes have similarities in tactics that I saw last week when I watched the Saturday afternoon game between Port A and Richmond. Where Richmond tried to keep possession and work it up the field as a Football team as we know we can do. Like that magnificent goal scored by Argentina against Serbia/M in the recent World Cup (I hope you remember it.) As I have said, I do tune into the AFL and my fancied team in the AFL is Carlton FC. But let me assure you that there is only one code of importance. And that is the round ball code we all love passionately. However, that does not necessarily mean that we should ignore totally other codes; does it? Even so, if AFL bloggers do come onto the flog and try to denigrate our game we as always let them have it, don�t we, and tell them what we think of them when they do. Yes Mr. C, is a bit of a rascal at times, but it can be beneficial to engage in ideas and not necessarily dismiss it except our mate Redb who just tries to always want to have the last word on every point he wants to make like some of our love sick puppies on the blog...how boring. I hope that clears that up for you and let's talk Football....almost coming to the end of my monthly Bigpond allowance � damn. KB Posted by: Koala Bear on May 16, 2007 9:21 PM Solid result by the Olyroos, 3-1, pretty much qualifying themselves for the next round. Solid crowd as well, 6-8000 apparently. Does this mean Adelaide keeps the hosting rights? Or is the FFA more ambitious? How has the Sydney game gone? Posted by: tintin1989 on May 16, 2007 9:29 PM Having absolutely nailed that Olyroo line-up, I want everyone to repeat after me: Pippu, you may not have a clue, you may have no idea, maybe you don't even know your ar$e from your face, but you get it right time and time again. pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 9:35 PM Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 5:23 PM Was wondering when the look changed. Between last night (morning in Aus) and when I made it to work this morning, it has all gone pear shaped. Scouser, can't agree with you on that one. Whilst it is handy to skip over some of MC's AFL comments, having to read the last 2 words of comment is a pain. --- Funky, Don't get too carried away with how good Kaka was against ManU, and that he will do the same to Liverpool. In all fairness, we were crap in that second game and gifted Kaka with so much room. I don't think Liverpool are likely to be putting a second rate team on the field like we did. --- Would say good luck to the Olyroos, but guess the game might be over by now.... will have to check out another website to find out.... Heads Posted by: Heads on May 16, 2007 9:54 PM Posted by: on May 16, 2007 11:11 AM Herr Arrogante Van Gaal . . . No Hutcho, that was me. I've been doing all these things to try to make sure my post doesn't go missing and then I forget to sign the post. We've been having a go at Van Gaal in previous posts, because he said earlier this year when asked if he was interested in coaching the Footballroos, that he didn't want to coach a team that wasn't going to win anything. Well, its been a long time since Van Gaal has won anything and this year he was booted out of the UEFA Cup, lost the Eredivisie title in their last game and beaten in the Dutch Cup final on penalties. His comments are coming back to haunt him as the coach of a team that hasn't won anything this year . . . . Great result for the Olyroos tonight and when they play a full team with the European based players they get the results. Hopefully they will all be available for the last game of this round and the next round to finally get qualification for Beijing. With Baan stepping down after the next game, what about Miron getting the job as the Olyroos coach? Posted by: jimbo on May 16, 2007 11:01 PM Pippinu, How on earth do you manage to get any work done? 16 Posts in one day, plus reading others comments surely can't leave much room for your PI business. I only manage at best 5 a week, and I have nothing to do at work except read the Flog! Heads Posted by: Heads on May 16, 2007 11:05 PM Tonight's action- an all-Spanish UEFA Cup Final, and an all-West Midlands Championship play-off 2nd leg. Sevilla v Espanyol is a final which should only confirm the depth of Spanish football, with Espanyol being mid-table in La Liga this season. West Brom v Wolves should be a cracker, given the generosity of both sides' defences it was always going to be goals galore. Posted by: David V. on May 16, 2007 11:10 PM Just stayed up hoping to catch some highlights of tonight's game on Sports Tonight. Finally came on, virtually the last item of the night, but if you blinked, you pretty much missed it, you got to see the ball go in to the back of the net 4 times, barely knowing how it got there. We didn't even get to see the pass from the german shepherd! (which was what I was hanging out for, or more importantly, how the german shepherd ended up so far forward and whether he had to run with the ball at all) I just noticed the Uruguayan squad for the forthcoming game against Australia. Good to see Recoba, Forlan and a few other big names there. The one I'm looking forward to seeing again is Fabian Estoyanoff. For those of you don't remember, he was a substitute in the play-off against Australia in Sydney in 05. He looked quite lively, but my everlasting impression of him is taking one of the penalties: he was 23 at the time, absolutely cool as a cucumber, of a step, absolutely drills it low and hard into the corner, and calmly walks off with almost a shrug of the shoulders. He's grandparents were Bulgarian, and he almost looks like Romano Kristoff's love-child. pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 16, 2007 11:22 PM Was Beni named in tribute to Benito Carbone? Not a bad first post, but far too short for a D'Angelo. Good to have you on board! Posted by: Scouser FC on May 16, 2007 11:42 PM what happened in the sydney fc game??????????????? Ben Willing: A 2-0 win for Sydney. Both goals set up by Carney, playing on the left wing, one scored by Spencer and the other by Zdrilic. A good standard from both teams in the first half, but a fairly average second half, as both teams made multiple substitutions. Carney did miss a sitter and Culina decided to play the final 10 minutes with 10 on the pitch. Posted by: Eddie on May 16, 2007 11:42 PM HEy Funky... whats with us, in regard to the debate about Sydney and Melbourne... where is your central coast allegiance???? or is it the same as after a while you change to a team that wins something... ala man u... and Djbella... did you renew your fox subscription???? I put the answer to the riddle I posed on the last blog! If it interests you! Jed, we need two teams to enter for the next intake, so if it is gold coast... you need to have another team.. I would vote for Canberra, as they have a stadium perfect for football, but NQ and WS and of course you may evenfind if wellington is a success, that NZ may want to bring their biggest city in, again... But the question is will it be before the restriction on more than one club per city... as WS is still Sydney, or don't you believe that?? Posted by: juanpabloangel on May 17, 2007 3:50 AM And just read the good wins for the Olyroos, and Sydney in their international warm ups... note Zdrilic scored when he went back to home! Don't know how strong the opposition was though??? Talking about Moore, who has been released from Newcastle and Aloisi, the right one, are in talks to come home! Who are the Jets signing, what about the Mariners... and Perth need to sign some players too. I am looking forward to October when I will be there to watch some games... this weekend I am off to See River Plate v Estudiantes, last years champions in Argentina. Oh for live coverage of the a league in argentina too.. its not the same on youtube!! Posted by: juanpabloangel on May 17, 2007 4:08 AM I woke up in time to watch the last 15 minutes of normal time this morning. I love it when I get the balance of sleep and game time absolutely perfect. It was 1-1 at that point and I really thought the game was going to go the same way as the Dutch cup game we saw last weekend (on replay), with Espanyol being one man down and Sevilla doing all the attacking. But did not follow the script in any respect apart from the fact that it too went to penalties. But before then, we had Kanoute squeeze one past the keeper at the end of the first half of ET, the ball coming from the right, can't remember who, he controlled it really well and put through the defenders legs. So it really looked like Sevilla was home and hosed. Then late in the 2nd half of ET, Espanyol has latched onto a looke ball a bit beyond the D and hit the bottom right corner of the net. This time the penalties didn't favour, the team with 10 men - not in the least. In fact if the AZ v Ajax penalty shoot out was at one extreme of, this one was definitely at the other! Espanyol missed 4 penalties, Palop making 3 excellent saves, Sevilla missed one. _______ pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 7:46 AM This format is awful. You would think that if they were going to mess with the page, they would at least fix the tabbing so that you don't tab straight from name to the search box anymore. Whinge Whinge Whinge. Seriously, the format is awful though. Cheers, md Posted by: md on May 17, 2007 8:13 AM Right-o, first things first, well done to the Olyroos last night! This gives us a really good chance of moving into the next qualification stage, and then, hopefully, on to Beijing. Lets just hope they stay focused and can get the point we need in Jordan. UEFA cup final - watched the last bit of the 90, extra time, and penalties, and I have to say the best team probably won, but a lot of credit to Espanyol, they fought so hard with 10 men, so well done to both teams for making it a great final. I also loved the winners giving the runners-up a guard of honour as they went up for their presentation - hope they keep this idea both in this comp and the Champions League, because its a really nice touch, I thought. Posted by: Hutcho on May 16, 2007 2:24 PM Ha ha ha!! VERY good call!! Posted by: Koala Bear on May 16, 2007 2:48 PM Oh, relax, I'm just trying to be civil, unlike some other United and Chelsea fans! Hope that vegimite was nice, though! Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 16, 2007 2:22 PM Yes, lets hope the FFA and government are already thinking about this. If we did get one of these major tournaments, it would almost certainly be bewteen Telstra and the (MC)G for the final, but, being a new - south - welshie, i'd hope it would be at Telstra as well. Pip, alright, we're going to have different ideas on venues, but could splitting them between venues perhaps be a possibility? One in Sydney, one in Melbourne, one somewhere else? Or would they rather just have one venue? Posted by: funkymarinette on May 17, 2007 9:00 AM Posted by: jimbo on May 16, 2007 11:01 PM Cheers jimbo, just thought it was somewhat ironic that after knocking back our "non-winners" he is being linked to highflying Man City. Well done to the Olyroos overnight. SFC with a 2-0 win over Malaysia. They must be bad, Zdrilic scored. Sunderland are looking at Craig Moore after Big Sam released him from Newcastle. Hopefully the Roar can get him back here though. Jose Arrested!!! Posted by: Hutcho on May 17, 2007 9:10 AM RE: Olyroos - Aloisi/FC and China v Thailand Just a couple of quickies then I am off on business around town till later today. Last night's win for the Olyroos was very impressive, congrats to Baan and all the lads. Football just keeps going from strength to strength. Is it me or does it look like a very strong team on paper? One capable of winning gold for Australia? --- New this morning linking Aloisi to Sydney is very encouraging he'd be much bette long-term for the A-League and FC and helps to cement Sydney's position as the Football capital of Australia. --- I read this morning that Thailand overcame China 1-0 overnight. It kinda puts a damper on Australia's 2-0 victory over China the other month...we looked totally in control but China also look lethargic. We cannot read too much into that win and perhaps we cannot take Thailand for granted. Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 17, 2007 9:11 AM Re Sheffield Utd legal action over West Ham: "We've not been playing under the same circumstances as everyone else in the Premier League," Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe told reporters. hmmmm, A player draft, salary cap and club equalisation scheme? Posted by: Michael C on May 17, 2007 9:15 AM Does anyone know the Saudi v Jordan score from last night? If Jordan did not win, does that mean Aust have already qualified for the final phase(ie: is head-2-head the first tie-breaker, which means we will finish ahead of Iran). Ben Willing: The score was 1-1 between the Saudis and Jordan. Posted by: Hopeful on May 17, 2007 9:25 AM Ben, does that mean we will finish ahead of Iran since we have beaten them on the head-2-head, assuming that is the 1st tie-breaker. Ben Willing: I'll check that and get back to you. I would assume goal difference would come into play before head-to-head comes into play, therefore we would not be through just yet, but I will check. Posted by: Hopeful on May 17, 2007 9:35 AM Posted by: juanpabloangel on May 17, 2007 3:50 AM Didn't need to I'm on a month by month contract now so I can disconnect at any time without penalty. Of course the only reason I would is if ALL of the A-league, Socceroo's and ACL games went to free to air or internet based broadcasting. Must say absolutely hate the new look. Will be spending a bit of time with greasemonkey "fixing" it, I think. Oh and, Pippu, you may not have a clue, you may have no idea, maybe you don't even know your ar$e from your face, but you get it right every now and again. Posted by: djebella on May 17, 2007 10:14 AM Had to share this. Sorry if Beni is reading this. Rumour Of The Day 'In news that would have been greeted with worldwide celebrations 50 years ago but is just plain weird today, Sofia Loren says she's going to strip if her favourite soccer team is promoted. Loren, a movie sex siren from the 1950s and 1960s, is a big fan of the Naples club who have fallen on hard times since winning their first Italian championship 20 years ago. A striptease by the 72-year-old actress could be one of the more outrageous ways that Napoli fans will celebrate if the team are promoted to the Italian top flight this season. "I hope that Napoli win these last few games. You watch if we go up I will do a striptease," she told Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview on Tuesday. "The fans have a total passion, the city deserves promotion." Napoli are third in Serie B, Italy's second division, and have five games left to force their way into the top two or face a promotion playoff' - The Australian Daily Telegraph. Posted by: Hutcho on May 17, 2007 10:25 AM Posted by: Eddie on May 16, 2007 11:42 PM Ben - Thanks for the report. Can you give us a timecheck on the first flare? :) md Posted by: md on May 17, 2007 10:41 AM Did anyone notice how alike Ross Aloisi and the guy who got sent off for Espanyol look? Dead ringer I thought... http://www.terra.es/deportes/futbol/liga/equipos/ficha_jugador.cfm?id_jugador=7980&id_equipo=15 SU can stick it straight where the sun dont shine. If WHU got 60 points this year, would they care, or is it just a sign of them trying to save their skin? For all those doubters out there re; Lucas Neill, you watch the footballer he becomes after leading WHU out of the toughest club siutaion that he has had to overcome. He is a true leader and will mature into the best back that Oz has had. If he isn't already... Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 17, 2007 10:46 AM Firstly, thanks to you all for welcoming my little Beni (he is really quite little) - he was chuffed to see his first ever post and the responses. I figure that if I help him with the odd post, I can feel good in the knowledge that I am helping him with his spelling (while still being on the FLOG) - its' win win! (as long as my wife doesn't find out) But I should add that I am also having a guilt trip about using quasi-crude language (re the 3-5-3 formation), so my apologies to all fellow floggers (it's just that that Jed brings out the worst in people! only kidding) Heads - I'm trying to remember which Flogger you were originally? have you been swapping between your old name and your new one - it makes things very confusing! Scouser - same with you - why are you back to Scouser? Anything to do with the CL final?! Re Beni - it's actually his name although the "i" at the end is a little flourish that I thought of because: 1. there's an absolute stack of Ben's on the FLOG! 2. you're right that Beni Carbone came to mind; and 3. it's the Sicilian version of Italian "bene", which sort of mean's "I'm going ok!" Funky You are being far too nice and accommodating (which I admit is a welcome change from the manner of most of the blokes on the FLOG). I don't want to share - I want Melbourne to host absolutely everything! including every grand final for the next decade (which is a realistic possibility) %] _______ pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 10:48 AM Yes we finish ahead of Iran and we only need a draw against Jordan to qualify.Can anyone explain the incident with Bridge?? Losing him and T-S is quite a blow,but if Baan can field the lads from England again then we are sitting pretty.I must say I was very impressed with the sportsmanship of the Iranian fans (after reading many Persian football forums last night.) I wish we Australians could be so gracious in defeat. The fact the games are not televised is NOTHING SHORT OF A DISGRACE!! must we petition the pwers that be?? Posted by: DazzaJapan on May 17, 2007 10:50 AM Just read Maldini is looking to play on again next year. This guy is a freak, 38 years old, 600+ games, one club for 22 years and a pretty good player to boot. Set to play his 8th Champs League Final next week. Posted by: Michael C on May 17, 2007 9:15 AM Not quite as farfetched as your idea Michael but it is getting close. McCabe said: "It is up to the FA Premier League to find a way round this exceptional circumstance where a club which has played by the rules has been relegated at the expense of one club who have fielded ineligible players. "The simple answer is why not have 21 clubs in the Premiership next season and relegate four of them at the end. It is not my decision to make but it seems like a very simple solution." Posted by: Hutcho on May 17, 2007 10:51 AM Great article by Tim Vickery on TWG. It's not just about diving, but equally about the differing standards refs apply to matches in different parts of the world - that's an even bigger issue than diving itself and it cannot be allowed to spread. As an example, in the Asian Cup and other Asian comps, we need refs from all countries working on identical standards and interpretations. This is a good cue for Ben Cubby to start his pro-diving thread! pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 10:56 AM but you get it right every now and again. Posted by: djebella on May 17, 2007 10:14 AM I'll take that! People might find this interesting, I hope that it transcribes ok, I've copied it holus bolus: GLASGOW, May 16 Reuters - UEFA Cup finals since the competition replaced the Inter Cities Fairs Cup in 1971-72: Season Winners Runners-Up Agg Score 1971-72 Tottenham Hotspur Wolverhampton Wan. 3-2 1972-73 Liverpool Bor.Moenchengladbach 3-2 1973-74 Feyenoord Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 1974-75 Bor.Moenchengladbach Twente Enschede 5-1 1975-76 Liverpool Club Bruges 4-3 1976-77 Juventus Athletic Bilbao 2-2* 1977-78 PSV Eindhoven Bastia 3-0 1978-79 Bor.Moenchengladbach Red Star Belgrade 2-1 1979-80 Eintracht Frankfurt Bor.Moenchengladbach 3-3* 1980-81 Ipswich Town AZ Alkmaar 5-4 1981-82 IFK Gothenburg SV Hamburg 4-0 1982-83 Anderlecht Benfica 2-1 1983-84 Tottenham Hotspur Anderlecht 2-2 (Tottenham won 4-3 on penalties) 1984-85 Real Madrid Videoton 3-1 1985-86 Real Madrid Cologne 5-3 1986-87 IFK Gothenburg Dundee United 2-1 1987-88 Bayer Leverkusen Espanyol 3-3 (Bayer Leverkusen won 3-2 on penalties) 1988-89 Napoli VfB Stuttgart 5-4 1989-90 Juventus Fiorentina 3-1 1990-91 Inter Milan AS Roma 2-1 1991-92 Ajax Amsterdam Torino 2-2* 1992-93 Juventus Borussia Dortmund 6-1 1993-94 Inter Milan Salzburg 2-0 1994-95 Parma Juventus 2-1 1995-96 Bayern Munich Bordeaux 5-1 1996-97 Schalke 04 Inter Milan 1-1 (Schalke 04 won 4-1 on penalties) 1997-98 Inter Milan Lazio 3-0 1998-99 Parma Olympique Marseille 3-0 1999-2000 Galatasaray Arsenal 0-0 (Galatasaray won 4-1 on penalties) 2000-01 Liverpool Alaves 5-4aet 2001-02 Feyenoord Borussia Dortmund 3-2 2002-03 Porto Celtic 3-2aet 2003-04 Valencia Olympique Marseille 2-0 2004-05 CSKA Moscow Sporting Lisbon 3-1 2005-06 Sevilla Middlesbrough 4-0 (Sevilla won 3-1 on penalties) Notes: Scores marked by * denote won on away goals. From the 1997-98 season finals were decided by one match. _______ pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 11:10 AM As part of our wrap up of the UEFA cup, I offer this final post on goalscorers: GLASGOW, May 16 Reuters - UEFA Cup top scorers after Wednesday's final in Glasgow. 8 Claudiu Niculescu (Dinamo Buchurest) 7 Dimitar Berbatov (Tottenham Hotspur) Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Ajax Amsterdam) Shota Arveladze (AZ Alkmaar) 6 Pauleta (Paris St Germain) Luis Garcia (Espanyol) Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 11:13 AM Non-selection fiasco #2, continuing from above... ...France's non-selection of Eric Carriere and Laurent Robert for the 2002 World Cup, despite the fact they were the most direct, logical and obvious replacements fro Zinedine Zidane and Robert Pires! Posted by: David V. on May 17, 2007 11:36 AM The fact the games are not televised is NOTHING SHORT OF A DISGRACE!! must we petition the pwers that be?? Posted by: DazzaJapan on May 17, 2007 10:50 AM Agreed Dazza - I simply don't understand - especially when it's make or break and against our old foes Iran! I've asked this question many times, but no one has ever answered: are the Olympic qualifiers part of the Fox deal, or could SBS actually show them? And if they can, why don't they show them? Especially when so many future socceroos are on display. I just don't get it. Anyway, it's scheissenhausen (pardon my bad German). Luckily, beni can't read German, much less bad German. pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 11:39 AM According to the Fox Sports TV guide, the Urawa v SydFc match next week will be a DELAYED telecast. Surely this cannot be so!! How can the Adelaide game that means nothing be shown live and not the Sydney match. Can't Foxtel show the match live on Main Event as they have used this for AFL as a backup channel. I am hoping sanity prevails and 8.30pm next Wednesday we are watching the Urawa v Sydney kickoff!!! Posted by: Hopeful on May 17, 2007 11:56 AM Funky You are being far too nice and accommodating (which I admit is a welcome change from the manner of most of the blokes on the FLOG). I don't want to share - I want Melbourne to host absolutely everything! including every grand final for the next decade (which is a realistic possibility) %] _______ pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 10:48 AM Pip, thats just me, but suffice it to say I feel the same way about Sydney. Its always going to be the same with new south welshies against vics, so each to his or her own, I suppose. -------------------------------- Posted by: Hutcho on May 17, 2007 9:10 AM Yeah, I heard about that! What is going on? ----------------------------------- "HEy Funky... whats with us, in regard to the debate about Sydney and Melbourne... where is your central coast allegiance???? or is it the same as after a while you change to a team that wins something... ala man u..." Posted by: juanpabloangel on May 17, 2007 3:50 AM Juan, I am a coastie through and through, and would love nothing more than to see the Mariners lift the golden toilet seat this season, but I'm thinking in terms of major sporting events, and we just don't have the capacity for that, so Sydney is the next best thing. By the way, I'm no glory hunter! I had already decided to follow Man United this season after seeing Cristiano at the world cup, and this was the first time I actually seriously followed a team right through the whole EPL season, so its not like I just followed them once they started doing well in the EPL again! Posted by: funkymarinette on May 17, 2007 12:09 PM Did you know that Giggs is in line to become the first player of the modern era to collect five FA Cup winners medals? _______ Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 12:27 PM Was this a Chelsea FA Cup Final Plot? It was reported in today's "The Gold Coast Bulletin" on page 3 that Chelsea's manager Jose Mourinho was arrested by Scotland Yard. Although the report is not quite clear but, it involved a plot as it seems. Why Mourinho's dog a "Yorkshire Terror." Was taken abroad and back to Britain and not quarantine. Suspicion has now fallen on Chelsea as to why this dog was going to run the flank along side C Ronaldo as it has been claimed by a tip off from Manchester that the dog has not been properly inoculated. It seems to me, that the dog was to be used to nip at C Ronaldo's ankles. Unfortunately Scotland Yard's forensic scientists have not been able to confirm to whom or it (the dog) would die first. I am hoping to hear more from my contact in Scotland Yard. KB Posted by: Koala Bear on May 17, 2007 12:35 PM Pippinu, the guy who crossed it for Freddie was Jesus Nevas. He was one of the players who FourFourTwo identified as one of the top under 21's in the world a couple of issues ago. Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 17, 2007 12:43 PM Ben Willing, I was unsure of the new look Blog at first, but have come to like it a lot. However, the dark Blue is a bit strange to why it is amongst all of those beautiful pastel shades which are very nice and corporate looking. Or, is it just my monitor that is not faster enough to adjust to the dark blue? KB PS. I am not an IT guy so I don't know. Ben Willing: The dark blue does look out of place. It must signify something (but I'm not sure what). Posted by: Koala Bear on May 17, 2007 12:47 PM Funky you started liking C Ronaldo after seeing him in the WC? Everytime I saw him in the WC, I felt like vomiting! (take it easy, only kidding, well, half-kidding) _______ pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 12:50 PM The Sun reports that Fergie and Big Sam see Viduka as the best free transfer on offer at the moment. Then again The Sun makes The Courier Mail seem reputable. Sorry, but one more regarding Jose. Dog training the Mourinho way. Posted by: Hutcho on May 17, 2007 12:56 PM my fave player is my papa Posted by: beni on May 16, 2007 5:59 PM What's this! Ben describes Pippu as a "player". It seems the first of many cats has been let out of the bag... Posted by: Hutcho on May 17, 2007 9:10 AM Yes, I also read that Jose was arrested, apparently something to do with his dog. Let's hope he can afford the bail. Posted by: Slippery Jim on May 17, 2007 1:11 PM Ben Willing: For those of you who are actively involved in Home End-style support, please sign this petition, Online petition - A better Australian Home End for Socceroos matches Posted by: Ben Willing on May 17, 2007 1:18 PM Posted by: Michael C on May 17, 2007 9:15 AM (RE: Sheffield FC) Mr. C, Comrade, we don't care what he wants nor if he gets it (or gets any) the relief here in Aussie is that our Lucas, is still in the Premier League (EPL) and in a club that is going to be playing in Europe within a couple of years; as the new owners are setting themselves up for an EPL Championship. All my clubs are London clubs (the lot; more Chelsea though) as long as it is not a North England club; the exception of course is Middlesbrough FC. I think you may have read one of my posts, that my English brother-in-law said he will rip my arms off if I did not support the Boro and also of course the Aussie connection. KB Posted by: Koala Bear on May 17, 2007 1:28 PM Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 17, 2007 12:43 PM Jesus! thanks for that samps - I've just looked him up - Jes�s Navas Gonz�lez - he's actually played 89 games for Sevilla and still only 21. He certainly handled himself well, the pass to him in the first place had plenty on it, and he's brought it under control with someone on his hammer, and then threaded it through the defender's legs for good measure! Kanoute's finish was pretty good too (he would only have had a split second to see it and size it up, with about 6 inches to aim for between the keeper and the near post). I've just read that he also played well in last year's big win over Boro. And here's a nice quote from wikipedia: "Navas suffers from chronic homesickness, to the extent that he has walked out of training camps within Spain because they were too far away from Seville. He also suffers from anxiety attacks." This may explain why he hasn't been snaffled up by a big club (although Sevilla are no slouches I guess). Sevillistas are probably quite happy that he suffers from such a complaint! (I hope Leigh Broxham has a similar complaint) pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 1:30 PM ha ha - Slippery Jim, I assure you, to the eyes of a my six year old, any broken down old coodabeen champion would look like a real player! On a separate topic, I'm just checking out the draw for the Serie A, my interest being the 4 clubs vying for the 3 UEFA cup spots. Empoli and Palermo are just hanging on in from Atalanta (from memory 4 and 3 points ahead respectively). Palermo has Siena at home and then plays away to the mid-table Udinese, so a win and draw in that order would be more than enough to assure them of a spot. Atalanta actually host Inter, but I reckon almost anything could happen there. From memory, Empoli host Reggina, so a win for them would do it. (I hope that's right, I couldn't be bothered double checking) Posted by: Hutcho on May 17, 2007 10:25 AM thanks for the warning Hutcho - at least we'll know to be ready to look away if Napoli qualify! (all the best to Napoli, I hope they get through, but not because of Signora Loren!) pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 1:42 PM Foxsports have been following up on the Galaxy tour. Apparently the GC is no chance (with the mighty Southport Warriors languishing in division 1, its no wonder Becks doesnt want to go there). Sydney (of course)have the inside running, although the "colourful" (their words, not mine) Mr Lord of Melbourne Victoriy might have something to say about that. Now, I've always understood colourful to mean known to police or at the very least, known to the sorts of lawyers who help those who are "assisting police with enquiries". Colourful is generally suffixed with "racing identity" and printed below a photo of a bloke making Armani look like Lowes standing between two girls, each making Dolly Parton look like Kiera Knightly (personally, I'd have the latter any day, but then, I'm not from Melbourne). I accept that in Victoria, just about everyone is known to police or is a racing identity (or more commonly, both), but just how colourful is Mr Lord? Can you rate him on a scale of say, John O'Neill (grey) to Chopper Read (technicolour)? Just to give it some calibre, perhaps CCM owner Singo could be blue(tongue) for crimes against gingerbeer and for most of his ads. TB gets (or is that goes) green for crimes against fashion and for preferring International Roast to Toby's Estate. Kossie's sideline and post match outbursts get him a yellow. Cranky drink driver Franky is probably red right now, and those responsible for the Serie A (any of it really), the West Ham debacle and the refereeing in the ACL are all shades of purple. So, where does Lord fit? And, how colourful do you need to be to convince Posh to visit the bleak city? Maybe he should take Chopper into the negotiations!! Cheers, md PS - well done to those who fixed the tabbing and got rid of the "click here to read full post" links this morning. Posted by: md on May 17, 2007 1:46 PM Pippinu, If you think that Nevas' family were religous, did you see the guy who came on as a sub for Esp? Jesus Maria Lacruz.... he played like a nun too. Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 17, 2007 2:02 PM Ben Willing: Fox Sports showed the goals from the SFC vs Malaysia match last night, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eORFK4nuBsg Posted by: Ben Willing on May 17, 2007 2:11 PM EDIT Ben Willing: Jed, there was something strange with this post. It was a copy of the entire page, original Flog article included, all in you one post, so I deleted it. Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 17, 2007 2:16 PM And, how colourful do you need to be to convince Posh to visit the bleak city? Posted by: md on May 17, 2007 1:46 PM What colour are Scientologist? (Maybe pink for the padded cells they should be locked up in) Posted by: djebella on May 17, 2007 2:45 PM Just wanted to share this Vieri goal - I think his comeback game after goodness knows how long out from injury: (Anything can happen Atalanta v Inter indeed!) Posted by: gazzarotto on May 17, 2007 2:48 PM Ben Willing: Jed, there was something strange with this post. It was a copy of the entire page, original Flog article included, all in you one post, so I deleted it. Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 17, 2007 2:16 PM Ok, must the new format here, the old cut n paste going a little heywire...I was just saying in relation to KB I think it was that the dark blue looks suspiciously like the Melbourne Victory blue on this a Sydney Webiste...not really post worthy anyway... Man all these fance colours, its getting hard for me to scale the page down into the shape of a word doc to overlay over my actual work...the boss is onto me. Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 17, 2007 3:23 PM Ben: Any rumours about Aloisi being offered a contract by Sydney FC? Its reported but you never know thesedays. Ben Willing: Stay tuned ... Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 17, 2007 3:57 PM If SFC end up signing Aloisi - that would represent a pretty good signing. He has been our 2nd choice striker for about 8 years, but in terms of scoring, he has probably been the most consistent over that time frame. Considering he is coming directly from La Liga at the age of 31, then one would expect that he is going to bang a few in at A-League level and be good for a couple of years at least. Almost gives SFC a forward pairing as good as MV's (but not quite). Full marks for trying, and don't ever give up. pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 4:10 PM Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 17, 2007 3:23 PM Jed, Agreed, the dark blue is too close to Melb Vic. And I don't like to read reverse type (white type) on dark backgrounds it's too hard to read. KB Posted by: Koala Bear on May 17, 2007 4:31 PM You can't help yourself can you Pippinu, always taking pot shots at poor little Sydney. We can but dream to have a strikeforce as potent as that of MV. Aloisi would be an excellent signing and with Alaves in the drop zone of the Segundo the time might be right. I think Ben knows more than he is letting on. Regarding your comments on the penalties this morning, I thought Sevilla did very well to hold their nerve. Often when a side thinks it is in the bag and has as many opportunities as Sevilla did to wrap it up only for the opposition to equalise it can all go to pot very quickly. Unlike AZ the Sevilla players looked like they expected to win, whilst AZ were wondering how they had got themselves into that position. It's all about confidence, oh and the keeper went OK too. Posted by: Hutcho on May 17, 2007 4:56 PM what about dark blue on white - now there's an idea that has merit!! This blog is open to all comers, we have to be respectful of everyone's background, above all, we should pay high regard, homage even, to Australia's number one football club. Dark blue on white - all who agree say AYE!! - I think the ayes have it. (now if that ain't a hint to my background - nothing is!) _______ Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 4:57 PM Speaking of socceroos coming back to Australia, I just stumbled on this piece: "Soc: Moore keen on Roar after Newcastle show him the door By Jim Morton BRISBANE, May 17 AAP - Queensland Roar has emerged as the favourites to snaffle Socceroos defender Craig Moore who is keen to reunite with coach Frank Farina. Moore has flown home from England and will hold talks with up to three A-League clubs over the next week after being released by Newcastle United. The 31-year-old also has offers from Dubai, newly-promoted Premier League club Sunderland, and other British teams but his agent today played down the chances of him remaining in England next season." It doesn't rain, it pours - speaking of which - where's that bloody rain??!! _______ Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 5:16 PM Aloisi being offered a contract by Sydney FC. Moore to the Roar. Posted by: EJ on May 17, 2007 5:18 PM Posted by: DazzaJapan on May 17, 2007 10:50 AM Dazza, weren't you the one that sent us the link to the Irani TV website? I tried it here at work but the filter blocked it out on me. Ended up having to scour the irani chat sites to find the result. Didn't that stir up the pot for them! --- Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 10:48 AM Pippinu, Sorry about that, I changed from MadDave, as there was too many similar variations, one of which was starting to annoy me. Looks like he buggered off though. Nothing else has changed, I still come from a valley just north of you, but live in Madrid. Ben Willing - Cheers for fixing the format. Heads Posted by: Heads on May 17, 2007 5:30 PM There's a rumour on the Vics' forum that Dukes is going to Man U _______ Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 5:38 PM Newsflash!! Latest World Rankings are in, and the Azzuri have retained top spot, with Brazil moving back up to 2nd and Argentina down to 3rd. The socceroos have also moved up one place to 42 once again. FIFA's top 10 (last month's position) 1-Italy (1) 10-Czech Republic (10) 42-Australia (43) Apparently, however, Scotland are NUMBER 14!!! How the heck does that work? I know we've been here before, but seriously, that just can't be right, can it? Posted by: funkymarinette on May 17, 2007 5:38 PM Why is it that I feel that I'm the only one on this Flog that feels that Aloisi going to SFC is not a good idea. Give me Cocu or JJ any day. I guess I'm too harsh. Posted by: Syd Knee on May 17, 2007 5:58 PM pippinu on May 17, 2007 5:16 PM Jim Morton should be shot for crimes against poetry. - or alternatively sent to Gitmo (or West Ham) to extract confessions. O' Freddled Gruntbuggly... md. Posted by: md on May 17, 2007 6:04 PM MVFC agrees to the new stadium with blockburst games to be switch to Telstra dome,just heard it on the nine news. Would of like 40000 seat but have to settle with the 32000.MV might get 30000 members this year so they can sercue a seat in the new stadium.We have to wait and see. Posted by: Mick on May 17, 2007 6:20 PM Posted by: Koala Bear on May 16, 2007 9:21 PM "However, that does not necessarily mean that we should ignore totally other codes; does it? Even so, if AFL bloggers do come onto the flog and try to denigrate our game we as always let them have it, don�t we, and tell them what we think of them when they do. Yes Mr. C, is a bit of a rascal at times, but it can be beneficial to engage in ideas and not necessarily dismiss it except our mate Redb who just tries to always want to have the last word on every point he wants to make like some of our love sick puppies on the blog...how boring. I hope that clears that up for you and let's talk Football....almost coming to the end of my monthly Bigpond allowance � damn. KB" ..reporting from Cairns, where the rugby league SOO dominates the news, Ch Ten actively and positively promotes the AFL and I spot the odd soccer match in the park. KB, What a load of BS. Do you even know what point your making? I spend more time partaking in the ol' fashioned Syd-Melb thing than anything else, all with tongue firmly planted in the cheek. please find a negative reference I have made about soccer. instead you will find the odd comparison between soccer and AFL. Or maybe a comment about Man U or Melb Victory. anyway, so heres the last word or are you a hyprocite? cheers Posted by: Redb on May 17, 2007 6:43 PM spell check, try again.. anyway, so heres the last word or are you a hypocrite? cheers Posted by: Redb on May 17, 2007 6:46 PM Hutcho good points about this morning's game - the keeper (Palop) was fantastic. Consistent with what you are saying, AZ were absolutely drained by the end of the game - the Hunter looked like he could have played on for another hour! Perhaps the difference being that from what I saw, Ajax shut up shop fairly early, Espanyol had to go hard for the equaliser with 10 men in the last 15 minutes of ET. Looking at each of Palop's three saves (one other shot was sent into the crowd), from memory all three were hit pretty low, obviously Palop has guessed correctly, but he still had to get down low for everyone of the saves, so it was a pretty fair effort (he's 34!). But having said all that - I have still a philosophical problem with penalty shoot outs to decide the better team. _______ pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 17, 2007 6:50 PM anyone else notice the self-proclaimed 'footy' channel nine is getting creative as gurdian, protector and propogandist for its beloved NRL: football stories on this evenings news: 1. "Iran players had to be restrained as emotions went out of control at the olympic soccer qualifier last night" 2. "Mourinho arrested yesterday by london police..." Add to this their interest two days ago in frank farina's drunk driving charge, so much that it was elevated to about 3rd in their MAIN news stories... but hey...funnily no room for any images of NSW premier iemma and new kids 'Health ambassador' , socceroo supestar Tim Cahill with dozens of adoring school kids ?? I guess we wouldn't want to confuse our loyal footy loving viewers to actually see a POSITIVE soccer story now would we... demonising stereotypes against your rivals are so much simpler.... onya Eddie !! Posted by: steve elliot on May 17, 2007 6:51 PM Posted by: EJ on May 17, 2007 5:18 PM EJ, have you ever thought of going to work in an Advertising Agency? I love your one-liners; they are always clever. There arn't very many blogers with your sense of humour, particularly the ones south of the border. KB Posted by: Koala Bear on May 17, 2007 8:27 PM I do wish that FIFA would revisit the Yellow Cards Rule, very, very, soon. After watching the all Spanish UEFA Cup final and the Espanyol FC player being sent off for a second yellow; where in my mind it was a mistake made by the referee. With the Olyroo Player Bridge being also sent off it now seems to me that 2 Yellows is not fair. I would like to see it be increased to 3 yellows before the red card. So we can have teams finishing the game with 11 players. I am increasing getting annoyed watching teams finishing a match with only 10 players. And I would also like to put forward a name for the rule "the Graham Poll rule". How-z-that! It was also nice to hear a Martin Tyler and Les Murray commentary team back in action; Martin Tyler is the best in the business in commentary; head and shoulders above the rest. The Roar featured in the sports news today with the appointment of an ex AFL trainer I did not make a note of his name but he was the conditioner to winning flag teams Collingwood and Brisbane Lions. The Roar have also been linked to Craig Moore; this would be fantastic if true, but my guess is he will go to Sunderland FC and play under Roy Keene and will play a staring roll. We shall see. But I am excited about the prospect of seeing Aloisi in the Sky Blue shirt of SFC. This to me is a better deal than any other name on the marque list. We have a real player with character and total professionalism in John Aloisi. He never whines or whinges not even when he had reason to when playing second fiddle to the Dukes. He was always totally committed to the cause and always made himself available to the team. I hope we are smart enough to secure his signature before he is a lost opportunity. Come on George Perry make it happen. KB Posted by: Koala Bear on May 17, 2007 8:49 PM Hopeful, the SFC Whalers game kicks off 8:30pm Tokyo time, which is 9:30pm AEST. Fox want to show the AU game live first, so they are showing the SFC game from 10:00pm, which is a half hour delay. The AU game kicks off 7:30pm Adelaide time, which is 8:00pm AEST. With a half time break, ads etc it usually takes about 2 hours to get through a football game, which takes you up to the 10:00pm AEST mark, when the SFC match starts on Fox. So if we were going to see SFC live from 9:30, then AU would have to kick off a half hour earlier at 7:00pm Adelaide time. As you point out, the AU game has no significance for the outcome of group G. With no disrespect to AU, I agree that Fox should look into the possibility of getting AU to kick off a half hour earlier, so the eastern states (which is the vast majority of viewers) can see the SFC game live from 9:30pm AEST. The Aloisi (John that is) rumours might have some truth in them. Both the ABC radio and ABC TV sports news ran a story about Gone Over Easy looking to join SFC. The ABC in Sydney (which covers all the NRL radio games) usually has little to nothing to say about football, so there may be some more developments. Nice touch from Branko to cry poor on SFC's behalf and ask the FFA to help fund John's wage bill "for the good of the A-League". You'd like to think all marquee player signings are for the good of the A-League and so all clubs would have a case to get the FFA to foot part of their wage bills, not just SFC. Mark Rudan sure doesn't lack any confidence going in to the Whalers game next week. He's confident of winning and he says all the pressure is on the Whalers - they have to perform in front of 65,000 fanatical fans and they are the ones that have to get at least a draw. Rudan is a great player for SFC, but not sure I agree with his logic. The 65,000 fans are cheering for them, not SFC, and SFC have to win away from home, not just draw, to go through. I'm sure he'll give his usual 110%, no matter what the score. Posted by: jimbo on May 17, 2007 9:20 PM Syd Knee on May 17, 2007 5:58 PM You are not alone - I'd happily take Aloisi but not over Cocu or JJ - give me two out of the three though and I'd be ecstatic. DazzaJapan - thanks for the link to the Iranian site. It was, all we probably all know, no good for last night's game but a good source for football regardless, particularly Asian football. The fifth channel has Bundesliga games and highlights (and some Prem and UEFA) at pretty good quality if you have the bandwidth, which I do. Some great goals in round 33 of the Bundesliga - I'm becoming quite a fan which is really weird. Wish I'd known about this site earlier in the season. Dark blue backgrounds? I'm at home viewing it on a Mac and using Safari ...yeah, I've had all the other changes but thankfully it is still white and pale gray. Hope they don't "fix" it. Ok, off to make some tea before the UEFA replay on SBS at 10.35. Forza Roma in about five hours time - give Inter another six goals for me. Oh, and a belated welcome to Beni! Favourite player - my dad? Pippu show him a game for god's sake, any game. Give him some choice ;0) Posted by: Vicentin on May 17, 2007 10:33 PM From the FansFC.com website today. Portsmouth want Middlesbrough�s Mark Viduka, and are willing to pay a wage of �60,000-per-week. Personally I would prefer it if he stayed in Middlesbrough though. Portsmouth always come across as a bunch of strugglers, even if they are winning. Heads Posted by: Heads on May 17, 2007 11:49 PM Rudan is a great player for SFC, but not sure I agree with his logic. The 65,000 fans are cheering for them, not SFC, and SFC have to win away from home, not just draw, to go through. I'm sure he'll give his usual 110%, no matter what the score. * Posted by: jimbo on May 17, 2007 9:20 PM well the team shrink do earn their money one way or the other ;) lol # Posted by: Eddie on May 16, 2007 11:42 PM thanks for the update ben also mr willing do u know where ppl might gather for the bling vs whalers game to watch fox with audio? lol Posted by: Eddie on May 18, 2007 1:20 AM Thanks for the two you tube postings... I loved the Vieri goal, it would be great to have Vieri in Sydney! There is no chance of Viduka at Man Utd.. he should go to Portsmouth, at least the sun shines a bit there, and a short hop over to France for some variation! I don't know if Viduka smokes, although watching him play for Australia you'd think he does. 21 club premiership for the next year, and what would they do with the team not playing each week.. its unsettling, and certainly not going to happen for Sheffield United, maybe Man U but not Sheffield. Welcome Beninu... hope you make more sense than your dad! Show him Vieris goal, that should knock some sense into him... but I like the good parenting... spelling is important! I prefer the old format, but hey times change and I notice this way your article is at the top of every page, helping is to keep on track of the topic and not rush into debate on afl, "soccer" or any other problem area... oh and you guys stop insulting each other, just defeat each other with well reasoned arguments. Oh and finally Ben I like your idea with the "Cove for footballroos games"... it happens in Buenos Aires one end for River fans and the other for Boca fans!! They can't sit together, even when they are at the international games! Posted by: juanpabloangel on May 18, 2007 2:44 AM Apparently the Victory have signed Abel Xavier from Middlesbrough. "The Victory also announced yesterday it had signed former Portuguese international and Middlesbrough defender Abel Xavier, who has also had stints at Liverpool, Benfica, Bari, PSV Eindhoven, Real Oviedo, Galatasaray, Roma and Everton." http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21744731-2722,00.html But I've also heard LA Galaxy has signed him. What is correct? And what's going on with this Beckam match. Why not just hold a game in both Sydney and Melbourne if both options are so good. Posted by: tintin1989 on May 18, 2007 2:55 AM Talking about expansion etc...( I waslooking at the MLS site, as I have signed for New York Red Bulls!! It will be River V Boca today... JUANpabloangel v Guillermo Barros Schelloto, NY Red Bulls V colombus Crew....) I noticed the new team Toronto has 20000 fans sold out each game so far and are just starting to play at their stadium, I think their third game after a a number of away games and have won the last two after 6 losses on the bounce, and the fans are going crazy!! It really would be cool to have a tie up between the MLS and A league for an annual comp Posted by: juanpabloangel on May 18, 2007 3:38 AM demonising stereotypes against your rivals are so much simpler.... onya Eddie !! Posted by: steve elliot on May 17, 2007 6:51 PM Money talks. One day soon Steve,all the press will think,hold on,this mob has got all the juniors,they can get over 40k to home games in three states(coming),they play true internationals on the world stage with tickets selling faster than the other codes,& we support the chooks?Packer's scientology church is somethink I believe faces reallity,but the dollar will lead them to football. Posted by: EJ on May 18, 2007 7:29 AM This clip taken from the sausage wrapper.(Have a look on line). The Premier Sydney is now the undisputed home of football in Australia and the fans have responded magnificently in recent times," he told a Sydney paper."As the only truly global city in the country, Sydney is the natural choice to host the Galaxy and David Beckham. "My Government is right behind the bid and will provide whatever support is needed." Mr O'Neill, the former soccer chief now heading a review into Sydney's capacity to attract major events, declared that Sydney was the only choice to host the match given its clear lead as the game's major centre in this country. Sydney can say & do this because down south its WIAP.Having a premier with Italian heritage is suiting football. PS.notice everyone calling it football except the newspaper. Posted by: EJ on May 18, 2007 7:56 AM Hi Jennifer (Redb) So, you have been slumming it up north have you watching the locals playing soccer in the park. Is this your last word then? Thank God for that. My you have a short memory don't you. Just check your most recent apology to the blogers, name calling "wogball" about Football. Now you are at it again sweet heart. So, are you going to travel down to London again Jenny old girl with the 105K Rooogy supporters now they have a ground to play on. One can only imagine where they must have been going in the last past 7 years in London as Wembley was just a hole in the ground, dear. And Twickenham is too small. Can you fill me in on that one? I am sure some blogers can also remember T shirt references made about them as well. I certainly can. And also were you not laying down rules of no more cross dressing codes. I certainly don't subscribe to that line of thought, but as you do why don't you go back to your police state blog and honour your beliefs. So, sink back in your little hole lad...I would change that "methinks" reference you use it is a dead give away. (Is it a Shakespearian thesaurus you use?) KB Posted by: Koala Bear on May 18, 2007 9:04 AM I don't normally like labor government leaders that are crippling the state but I certainly agree with Morris Iemma on this point: "As the only truly global city in the country, Sydney is the natural choice to host the Galaxy and David Beckham." It seems to me Melbourne knowing they are not the flagship city in Australia do the only other thing they can do...thwart Sydney's plans at every opportunity like they did with the capital. --- Abel Xavier has signed with LA Galaxy. --- I don't like this discussion of Cocu being signed as a guest player for FC, it degrades the A-League and Sydney our nation's most celebrated Football Club. Fc should go for gold on Aloisi and send the Dutch retiree back to the home. Not good enough for Sydney FC. Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 18, 2007 9:09 AM Posted by: EJ on May 18, 2007 7:56 AM from the Melb Herald Sun "Becks' Galaxy may come here. May 17, 2007 12:00am DAVID Beckham and his Hollywood roadshow could be heading Down Under for a one-off game against Melbourne Victory on November 27. Victory officials said last night they had heard rumours that Beckham would travel with the Los Angeles Galaxy side for the match, but stressed no official approach had been made to the club. Beckham, who will earn $172,860 a day when he joins Galaxy from Spain's Real Madrid in July, could run out on either the MCG or Sydney's Telstra Stadium to face the A-League champions or Sydney FC. Talk about town suggests it will be an end-of-season trip for Galaxy and Melbourne is the frontrunner for the event. But MCG officials said last night they knew nothing of the match. The Gold Coast, however, has laid its cards on the table, saying it wants a piece of the Beckham action. Gold Coast Soccer chairman Peter Gray yesterday hinted at the possibility of Queensland Roar being invited to take part in a match. Former Queensland Roar coach Miron Bleiberg said a relationship with the LA team would be more for commercial than soccer aspects. "There are a lot of similar institutions in LA and the Gold Coast," Bleiberg said. "For sure it's going to be good for us." He suggested the LA club would be obliged to take Beckham worldwide. "The LA Galaxy are paying so much money to David Beckham, not only to play in the American competition, but for him to spread their sponsors around the world," Bleiberg said. A Football Federation Australia spokesman wouldn't confirm or deny the Beckham game." --- This is how it is being reported in Melbourne, make your own minds up as to which global city is sounding desperate these days. :-) cheers Posted by: Redb on May 18, 2007 9:15 AM Posted by: steve elliot on May 17, 2007 6:51 PM Eddie MaGuire well known AFL identity runs channel nine. It makes for a nice little diversion. Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 18, 2007 9:19 AM Posted by: tintin1989 on May 18, 2007 2:55 AM A Galaxy official said a post season world tour involving star recruit Beckham and his Galaxy teammates may bypass Australia. It's fading. Apparently the Victory have signed Abel Xavier from Middlesbrough. I'll say again,hows that bloody MV salary cap going? Posted by: jimbo on May 17, 2007 9:20 PM Total football last night advertised the SFC/WHALERS game live at 6pm? Sounds good though,NRL kicks off at 7.30 or 8pm. Ben Willing: Those Xavier media reports are way off. He signed with LA Galaxy last weekend. Posted by: EJ on May 18, 2007 9:22 AM Posted by: tintin1989 on May 18, 2007 2:55 AM A Galaxy official said a post season world tour involving star recruit Beckham and his Galaxy teammates may bypass Australia. It's fading. Apparently the Victory have signed Abel Xavier from Middlesbrough. I'll say again,hows that bloody MV salary cap going? Posted by: jimbo on May 17, 2007 9:20 PM Total football last night advertised the SFC/WHALERS game live at 6pm? Sounds good though,NRL kicks off at 7.30 or 8pm. Posted by: EJ on May 18, 2007 9:22 AM Heads thanks for the refresh! Vicentin I agree with you - but we've discussed the attention span of 6 year olds before - it's very hard to get him to sit still for more than 5 seconds to focus on anything. Speaking of which, there was a funny episode on the weekend, and I'm sure you've seen this sort of thing yourself in the past. The opposition had scored a goal (5-a-side) and they all start standing off on the wing chatting amongst themselves, and Beni kicks off, and they're all still chatting, so he gets to run it up the other end on his own, even his own team mates are stuck somewhere chasing butterflies or something, absolutely no one is paying attention except his old man, he gets to within a few metres of goal, unchallenged, hits it with all the power his skinny legs can muster, and it dribbles just inches outside of the witches hat. That was his first and last opportunity - as he said himself, he's a great defender... pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 9:24 AM I found this table of long-serving coaches in all sports that many may find of interest. Ferguson and Busby have the highest number of games in soccer, but I wonder if there are others around the 1,000 mark (a couple of amazing numbers in the American sports): AFL Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 9:31 AM name calling "wogball" about Football. The funny thing is they love attacking football for coming from O/S. Yet their code is named after a town in "wog land",Rugby.But that doesn't count. They'd probably say it's named after the town of Rugby out the back of Crookwell. Posted by: EJ on May 18, 2007 9:32 AM Posted by: EJ on May 18, 2007 7:29 AM The wheel is turning EJ. A couple more seasons of A-League, a successful Asian Cup campaign and another World Cup appearance should do the trick Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 18, 2007 9:09 AM I would be very happy to have Cocu at SFC but have to agree Jed that a guest contract tempers my enthusiasm. It appears that Kosmina will get the job as Socceroos assistant coach. Thoughts? Posted by: Hutcho on May 18, 2007 9:37 AM Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 18, 2007 9:09 AM I like the idea of Cocu playing a role with SFC alongside Aloisi for the first part of teh season. It would get us off to a great start and be a great learning experience for the rest of the squad. I would think that Cocu would have alot to give as a mentor, as short as his stay maybe, and who knows he may even like it here and decide to syat on for a while. Worse places in the world to bring up a young family?! Beckham and the LA... who here cares? Leave it to the tweens to decide if its a good deal for them to play in Sydney as its not a football team that anyone here would be excited about seeing... Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 18, 2007 9:43 AM You guys can have Posh and Becks (and the 3rd rate pop music gold records and football team that comes with them) - in Melbourne we only settle for silverware. We scour the world looking for real talent, then we let our work with the football do the talking. To get a hint of the manner in which Sydney goes about its business: witness Branko going to the FFA looking for money to pay for Aloisi! Never mind that the head honcho of both SFC and the FFA is one and the same person!! Gee whiz, this could end up being bigger than the Serie A corruption scandal! _______ pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 9:44 AM I say what follows against the background that I would love to see Aloisi in a blue and blue jersey next year, but ... lets not get too carried away with Aloisi. Aloisi is a true warrior for the national team, but he is far from a world class striker in club competitions. Though he is the only Australian to play in la Liga, Seria A and the EPL, he has never commanded a regular starting spot in any top flight club, nor has he ever played for (or to my knowledge been seriously approached by) any of the top clubs in a top flight league. Indeed, most of his clubs were relegation fodder. The stats on Wikipedia give a pretty good picture of where he is at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Aloisi Objectively speaking, JJ Okocha or Cocu would be much better signings. Cocu would be excellent in terms of providing service to the likes of Carney, Corica and Brosque. JJ would bring the sort of flare and outrageousness that SFC fans are longing for. Another person on the market is Vbomber's former foil, Hasselbank who would be a great get for SFC. Aloisi would certainly add quality to the existing line up, but would probably mean the end of Zdrilla, who really needs to find his scoring boots after talking himself up for the last few weeks. Aloisi would be a great get for SFC, but he is not in the same league as the other names mentioned - and ultimately, he will return south and wear a red jersey... Cheers, Posted by: md on May 18, 2007 9:53 AM Jimbo, FoxSports 1 are showing the Urawa v Sydfc match LIVE. Kickoff is at 7.30pm Japan time, 8.30pm AEST. Sanity did prevail. Posted by: Hopeful on May 18, 2007 9:58 AM Correction WAS channel nine CEO... There is hope yet. John O'Neill? Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 18, 2007 9:59 AM KB, KB, KB,... What are you on? Who the friar tuck is Jennifer, you've crapped on about this before. methinks your a funny little man aint yah? Stop talking to that collignwood block next door it will rot ya brain. i've said many times that I beleive in the multi football universe. sometimes the AFl talk gets one sided on the flog and in one single post I acknowledged that and moved on. Ok I don't like rugby league, so I'm not this jennifer methinks, but thanks for asking. Jed, More than happy for Sydney to get the game against Galazy you lot seem desperate enuff. Strange that FFA is based in Sydney and reportedly told Melb Victory to back off, even though this topic appeared on the flog months ago as i remember posting about the crowd they would get in Melb. too bad they probably aren;t coming anyway. seems it means more to desperate Sydney to get an event , any event, anyways. There was a time when Sydney was the event! cheers Redb Posted by: Redb on May 18, 2007 9:59 AM The Fox people have read our comments on this Flog and have changed the telecast around so the SFC Whalers game is going to be live on Foxsports 1 and the AU game a delayed telecast. power to the people right on . . . Posted by: jimbo on May 18, 2007 10:01 AM Sign Aloisi and then Cocu for a guest spot of around ten games!! Or for the title run in, with Aloisi the goals should come... its what Sydney needs more than anything!! Posted by: juanpabloangel on May 18, 2007 10:12 AM Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 18, 2007 9:09 AM This is what makes the flog interesting & this great game of ours great. Jed, I 100% agree with you on the Sydney issue especially for a Bling evert like Beckham & Galaxy, there is no other choice but Sydney. --- Now as far as guest players are concerned, I'm not so sure you have my backing. I understand how some might precieve that guest players demean the competition. The A-League is a new competition, it needs to attract sponsors more than it needs to attract crowds, so if guest players can attract media interest, overseas interest & maybe sponsorship. Please rememeber Cocu just captained one of Europe's top 8 sides this year, this is better recent credentials than Yorke, Carbone or Romario before their sourjorn in the A-League. I see not problems in Guest players in a salery cap market. Posted by: Robbos on May 18, 2007 10:15 AM Aloisi. I'm excited. Even Moore for the Roar. Quality Australian's in the A-League is the best advertisement for the success of the whole thing. Ideas for cove song for JA [to the tune of 'alouette'] "aloisi, johnny aloisi, aloisi...johnny scored again" :) I'll save you having to say it...I've got way too much spare time.... Posted by: gazzarotto on May 18, 2007 10:22 AM This is old news now, but in case you haven't caught up: ROME, May 17 AFP - Italian Cup final, second leg result on Thursday: Inter Milan 2 (Crespo 50, Cruz 56) Roma 1 (Perrotta 83) (Roma win 7-4 on aggregate) _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 10:24 AM Posted by: Redb on May 18, 2007 9:15 AM Funny you should ask such a question... Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 18, 2007 10:33 AM Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 10:24 AM The Big V IS Football!! Pippu The Whole world is Football, but if the Big V wants to embrace the game as well, welcome to world. Posted by: Robbos on May 18, 2007 10:57 AM Gazzarotto That actually has a pretty good ring to it - I think you're on to a winner (assuming SFC sign Aloisi). I agree with everyone singing Cocu's praises, his pedigree is almost as good as anyone's in the game, and if you're as good as your last game - well, he's still pretty good! On the flip side, his is about to turn 38 and Aloisi is still only 31 and could have 3 very good years in him, and you'd have to think that he will score goals in the A-League. Weighing that up against someone who could probably control the tempo of the game from midfield is a tough one for Branko, although ultimately it will depend on which cards fall into place rather than anything SFC desires. That's all I have to say on the matter. It's not my team, and I don't really care who they sign. The real question on everyone's lips is how Ernie is going to fill the remaining 4 or 5 spots on the Vics' list. I'm sure you will all agree that that will go a long way to determining this year's championship. _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 10:59 AM One question re Cocu: does he still have that crazed look in his eyes these days? _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 11:00 AM Obviously the Olyroos should be playing at Bluetongue Stadium as the Mariners have the highest crowds per capita? Posted by: roy law on May 18, 2007 11:05 AM Funky, I've watched & admired your stance in your admiration for one C Ronaldo. You've copped it from our fellow bloggers, but you have stood firm on one of the 3 best players in the world today & definately the most entertaining. When people talk of divers & I do not doubt one C Ronaldo does, I more think of Grosso who so cruelly prevented us from taking the game to extra time. And everytime I see Totti score now & he puts his thumb into his mouth I want to ram that thumb so far (relax, breathe). Posted by: Robbos on May 18, 2007 11:13 AM Obviously the Olyroos should be playing at Bluetongue Stadium as the Mariners have the highest crowds per capita? Posted by: roy law on May 18, 2007 11:05 AM Roy - you're not related to Funky by chance? :] _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 11:18 AM What a week of changes and upheavals! First the Flog gets a (in my opinion, crappy) colour makeover, complete with pointless border highlighting when you hover over a comment and now they've officially retired the robots . Posted by: djebella on May 18, 2007 11:26 AM Posted by: md on May 18, 2007 9:53 AM What you surmise about John Aloisi's club career is not argued by me - it is not a stellar career. However, I contend that what Aloisi has done for Australian Football internationally puts him in the same company as your Cocus, Yorkes and Carbones. In fact, I'd be more likely not to miss an FC game even in Sydney to see a champion Australian player who is still quite young compared to the afore-mentioned fossils. He is in Australia undoubtedly a legend! His club career is not the point. Furthermore, anyone who has seen him play can attest to his class. In the A-League, distinguish himself amongst all others as a Striker. Compare to other celebrated Strikers to have has had ordinary club careers Danny Allsop - a lower league paddock hacker frorm the 3rd tier in the UK and Archie Thompson who really spent a career in Belgium which in the grant scheme of things is no better than relegation battling in the Primera Liga or the EPL for that matter. I suggest that Aloisi has equal, if not better credentials than those two guys. Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 18, 2007 11:29 AM Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 11:00 AM Yep, still has the eyes of a truckdriver on a deadline. I am not concerned by his age, though if you keep adding years on to him like that he will be 40 by A3 kickoff. He has a great workrate, is versatile and would add some real poise and class to SFC. Carney, Brosque and Corica would benefit greatly from his distribution. Would prefer him for the entire season though. Some in-depth analysis regarding the big game in Athens * "The key to the match will be our ability to score more than them" - Clarence Seedorf Brilliant!! Posted by: Hutcho on May 18, 2007 11:31 AM Surely Glory could have a crack at Craig Moore. From what was suggested Queensland's offer for Aloisi ($300k) glory could offer more (on the back of the $750k sponsorship they received not long ago!). The only thing stopping them is the whole Lazaridis wasting their marquee spot while being potentially banned thing! It has to get better than the rumoured signings of Rizzo (although he could be handy) and Mols (not sure on this one)! Posted by: Gavtong on May 18, 2007 12:10 PM yep - the lunatic look is still Cocu standard! Posted by: gazzarotto on May 18, 2007 12:13 PM I just found this snippet re Dukes - so maybe the Vics forum is actually onto something: "With his current deal due to expire at the end of next month, other suitors are queuing up - Newcastle, Manchester United, West Ham and Italian club Genoa are among those to have been linked with him in recent weeks..." Hutcho Re Seedorf's comment - it is quite funny - but it is also incorrect. We have already witnessed at least two cup ties decided over the last couple of weeks where the winner did not score more goals and than the loser (the usual criterion for deciding matches). Indeed, precisely 2 years ago, 'pool won this same fixture without having to score more goals than Milan (although given the circumstances of that particular match, I'm not going to argue that they didn't deserve it). Anyway, that's just me on my soapbox again re penalty shoot-outs, as you were everyone... _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 12:14 PM Posted by: Robbos on May 18, 2007 11:13 AM ha ha Robbos - re Totti - I'm with you - he too makes me vomit!! (I'm starting to wonder whether there are any big names left in world football that don't make me vomit:-) Re Grosso, well, it took me a long time, but in the end I forgave him after he saved us from having to watch yet another penalty shoot out (in the semi). Having said that, when I see a replay of the Neill incident, and then see him lying on the ground in the foetal position - I do get the overwhelming urge to give him a great kick in the guts - it's incredible that no socceroo acted on that impulse there and then. (oops, another post I'm gonna have to hide from Beni) _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 12:23 PM Gavtong Are you signing in as a Glory supporter? Congrats - you are the first one I can recall on the FLOG! It's great to have another perspective - I think you'll find that all these two-blues supporters suffer from a bit of tunnel vision and don't know much about the world 100km beyond the Sydney Post Office. The other reason why it's great to have you on the FLOG is that we've all been itching to let a true Glory supporter know that they are on cue to collect the wooden spoon! _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 12:31 PM anyway, so heres the last word or are you a hyprocite? cheers Posted by: Redb on May 17, 2007 6:43 PM spell check, try again.. anyway, so heres the last word or are you a hypocrite? cheers Posted by: Redb on May 17, 2007 6:46 PM Jennifer, if I may continue to refer to you on your feminie side. I think your spell checker has gone hay wire mate; starting from here. But hey I am no wordsmith. "here?s not heres." I know it is easy to make that mistake I was picked up on that one myself. But the others, geez I think you need an IT guy to check it out. KB Posted by: Koala Bear on May 18, 2007 12:38 PM That's what I am talking about gazzarotto, he looks half a sleep yet drugged to the eyeballs on speed all at the same time. Now now Pippinu, we all know that if Bresciano had kicked him in the guts a few seconds earlier we wouldn't be feeling like this. Posted by: Hutcho on May 18, 2007 12:42 PM Ben Willing: Sydney FC doesn't love the Cocu - apparently Cocu isn't ready to make a decision and SFC can't wait, so they're chasing the next names on the marquee list. Posted by: Ben Willing on May 18, 2007 12:50 PM MY FLOG FROM 22-03-07 Its a tough job as keeper,& unfortunately,that Bolten dropped ball could be the difference between making the next round or exiting,as,the A Reds are favourites for this group,its 3 points SFC should be in front of them on the table,not equal. Show short comment Posted by: EJ on March 22, 2007 5:28 PM Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!Why am I always right. (Don't tell my mrs) Posted by: EJ on May 18, 2007 1:05 PM Ben - yes I saw that item of the FFA site when I went to look at where the robots had gone. And they have - and now too has the chance of the signing speed freak. Sorry but I'd still rahter JJ than Aloisi - I really like Aloisi but JJ is a genius with a football at his feet. On a completely different - lay off Totti. In my opinion one of the best footballers of the past 10 years ... oh that's right, he doesn't play in the Premiership (and isn't Brasilian) and so that doesn't count. Yes, he is a bit of a tosser but he is capable of laughing at himself and he's done lots of charity work without the media having to be there at the time.... I say all these good things about him and then realise that I found out last week that he'd named his new baby daughter Chanel!!! I am fighting a lost cause - dumb f@#k (both of us). Sorry Pippu, sorry Beni. Posted by: Vicentin on May 18, 2007 1:06 PM spell check, try again.. "feminie side" Anyway, here's the last word are you a feminine? btw, I am not that short anymore I have rediscovered my �70, 4 foot platform shoes and rooock-on down at the RSL. Wow what a blast.!!!! KB Posted by: Koala bear on May 18, 2007 1:11 PM Now now Pippinu, we all know that if Bresciano had kicked him in the guts a few seconds earlier we wouldn't be feeling like this. Posted by: Hutcho on May 18, 2007 12:42 PM very true - we've all heard the expression "kicked it like a defender" (when a defender has a pot shot at goals), in Bresh's case, it was more: defended like a forward. It's a bit tough on Bresh, but I'm sure he would wince if he ever watched a replay of his effort in: 1. letting Grosso get to the ball in the first place; and 2. then letting him go on his little run almost unimpeded. Bloody hell - why am I torturing myself going over old ground!! In SMH's sister paper today, there's a big article on the new Melbourne stadmium etc. It looks like MV are taking their time in deciding, and who can blame them, for the moment they have the Dome absolutely wining and dining them and promising them the Earth. There is no hurry for MV to sign up to anything - it's definitely a case of patience is a virtue and good things will come to those who wait. _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 1:14 PM Ben Willing: I don't know what's best about this clip, the goal or the commentary, but here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77owqD2t6SQ Posted by: Ben Willing on May 18, 2007 1:26 PM KB Posted by: Koala Bear on May 16, 2007 2:32 PM sorry, I didn't respond to tidy this one up at the time. Ta for your offer - after 4 on the trot we would optimistically decline!! A hypothetical virtual tatts ticket on the game this week (at Carrara that is - I'd never bet on a FA Cup final other than perhaps a draw after 90 mins - really, only a mug would bet where a penalty shoot out might come into play). Irony of your observation re that Sat game that wasn't the one you wanted: Tonight Rich play Adel. Last year Adel famously played in such a fashion early season to kill of Coll in a 4th qtr to go from almost level to a solid win. Total possession play - executed beautifully, intricate build up, control, skill, discipline as a team unit etc etc - but not what a lot of people wanted to see. But - technically perfect!!! Strategically sound. Then a few weeks on, Rich, who'd be up and down, executed a perfect game plan to bring down the at that point unbeatable Adel. That game was criticised by Mr Sheedy as being 'basketball crap'. Basically, within the insular world of AFL there's those who can admire technical precision & strategic variation and those that prefer a more flowing game. Anyway - that's my only curiousity about tonights game - will it be pseudo soccer, neo basketball or neoclassic revisionist footy? or if it rains, it might just be a kinda greco-roman rugby. I just hope my Roo boys stand up - like a Doric!! ----- anyway, trying to plan my weekend of sleeps etc around getting somewhere to see my Gold Coaster Roos and then back home for the FA Cup - noting K'off at midnight. Or - attempt the similar approach to "How I met your mother" last night and their efforts to not see the results of the Superbowl so they could watch it all together later on......(good show that one.) Posted by: Michael C on May 18, 2007 1:34 PM When I first came onto the FLOG, I dunno, about 9 months ago, I had been missing the WC blog and just sort of stumbled on the FLOG. I didn't really have too much to say about anything at the time (a bit like today), so I seem to recall that my early posts were questioning the place of soccer in Austalia's cultural make-up and identity, as opposed to other sports that Australians have been attached to for more than a century. It was soon after this that the Vics started getting massive crowds at their home games, so I quickly turned around the culture argument to equate this new and surprising phenomenon (big crowds at a domestic soccer game) with Melbourne's sporting culture - you have to think quick on your feet in this game. Hopefully, no one will dig up those earliest posts and embarass me more than I usually manage to embarass myself on a daily basis. But despite all these developments, all a bit surprising and certainly quite exciting, a part of me still clings to those early thoughts I had about sporting culture in Australia. If any of you ever listen to the Coodabeen Champions on ABC, you'll know that their brand of humour (which is very Australian) sits better alongside discussing Aussie rules and cricket than soccer. And I think that goes for a lot of aspects of Australian identity. This long prelude is to discuss a very funny article I read in the SMH's sister paper today. Apart from being very funny, this is my question to all Floggers, and it's a pretty deep one: can anyone ever envisage similarly typical Australian stories being written in 10 or 20 years time, but with the central subject being soccer rather than any of our other football codes. I'll quote some passages, and you can all make up your own minds (written by Cameron Noakes): "For Mother's Day, I bought Mum a jar of...dim sims and...stout. I set up a betting account for her and I plonked $200 in it. Amazingly she was somewhat underwhlemed - but that's Mum. Unfortunately for her, she is a Richmond supporter and has turned into a cold, bitter old woman who hasn't smiled in 25 years... Anyway, I sat down with Mum and helped her out with her dimmies and explained to her that she should enjoy her twilight years and her first decision should be to drop Richmond and embrace another club and be happy. Well, this was a revelation for her (not dropping Richmond, being happy) and she listened intently. At first, Mum was livid and tarted belting me with her walking stick but I curled up like a slater and yelled "Travis Cloke!" [the son of a former Richmond great, now with Collingwood where his old man also played late in his career] After cracking two of my ribs, she stopped, God bless her. I said if she followed Collingwood, whe would be supporting a cashed up club supported by lots of Channel Nine executives, be with fans who were universal in their support for champs - and she had a Cloke to watch. Not only that, she had a club that ofetn belied the talents on its list and sometimes even made it to grand finals (I didn't have the heart to tell her that was where the joy ended). " And on it went - very funny - very Melbourne. Maybe I'm not seeing things clearly, but I have trouble seeing a similar story such as this written about, say, MV. There's a whole host of reasons why that might be the case. But can anyone at least see what I am trying to get at? _______ pippinu The Big V IS Football!! Ben Willing: While reading this post, I thought you were going to tell your Mum to drop Richmond in favour of Melbourne Victory. Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 1:47 PM Ben Willing: In the most horrifically puzzling news for some time, John Kosmina will be appointed as Socceroos' assistant coach. It sends an interesting message to all the young coaches out there. Act like a complete disgrace and your career will go places. Posted by: Ben Willing on May 18, 2007 2:00 PM Ben Willing on May 18, 2007 1:26 PM A: The commentary. Specifically at 26 seconds. Great kick - I think at 11 seconds he puts a magnet on the LHS of the ball to attract to the left post. Awesome swerve. Posted by: Vicentin on May 18, 2007 2:01 PM Ben Willing: Sydney FC doesn't love the Cocu - apparently Cocu isn't ready to make a decision and SFC can't wait, so they're chasing the next names on the marquee list. Posted by: Ben Willing on May 18, 2007 12:50 PM Disappointing news but FC's professionalism are to be commended, I always suspected he was just leading FC on in order to attract offers from other more thick walleted clubs O.S. Thanks for coming to Sydney for a short break. You would have loved living here, your loss. Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 18, 2007 2:06 PM Ben Willing: In the most horrifically puzzling news for some time, John Kosmina will be appointed as Socceroos' assistant coach. It sends an interesting message to all the young coaches out there. Act like a complete disgrace and your career will go places. Posted by: Ben Willing on May 18, 2007 2:00 PM Well he's got little else on at the moment unlike other coaches... Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 18, 2007 2:15 PM Ben Willing: While reading this post, I thought you were going to tell your Mum to drop Richmond in favour of Melbourne Victory. Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 1:47 PM Actually - that might have worked just as well! Re Kosmina - extremely hard to fathom. _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 2:16 PM Ben Willing on May 18, 2007 2:00 PM It's a ploy by Arnie to make himself look better. Yeah, I don't get it either. Seriously if I was a player in that team I'd just be thinking who is this w@*K&r? I'm ok with redemption but how long has it been since the Grand Final? A couple of months. For a 50 year to be acting like such a goose for the whole season and to only realise it when he turned himself into a complete disgrace (a disgraceful goose?) says to me he needs to spend more time in "the room of mirrors"!. (more Roy and HG than the coodabeens I grant but I'm sure you get what I mean). I don't think anyone is doing their credibility a favour with that descision frankly. Pippu - I can see it happening to football but it'll just take time. Goes hand in hand a bit with being one of the "mainstream" sports I think. Then again maybe RL and AFL and football overseas are more about supporting your "local" team and the current A-League model with big "franchises" isn't going to illicit the same passion? Ok, two answers and neither correct or incorrect ...... Posted by: Vicentin on May 18, 2007 2:20 PM Posted by: Ben Willing on May 18, 2007 2:00 PM Exactly Ben. I posted earlier that he had been linked to the Olyroos job but it is actually worse than that. AU were disgraceful in their conduct last season and it all comes down to the manager. Aloisi, Valkanis and Veart all suffer the same anger issues as Kosmina which came to a head in the GF. An enforced holiday would have been a better reward than being elevated to the second highest management level of our national team. Well done FFA. Interesting fact Last time Sheff Utd got relegated from the Premiership, Utd clinched the double by beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final and Milan won the European Cup.... Posted by: Hutcho on May 18, 2007 2:25 PM Posted by: Robbos on May 18, 2007 10:57 AM Robbos, To hell with it, why don't Melburnians just call it Vootball and the other code Vootthin' ? I just love that new AFL corporate identity TV commercial campaign (name change). "Gi�me, Gi�me, Gi�me, that t�ing." Funky, Yes, you are one totally committed girl. We old farts just like taking the micky out of people, just keep a sense of humour about it, no harm is really intended. I am supporting Chelsea. However, I don't really care who wins. All I care about that Football is the winner on Saturday night. Good luck to all players and let's hope every player performs to the best of their ability... "Just do it"; it will be a fantastic night; Chelsea 4 v Man U 3. Good luck to all the Supporters; be good if you can't be good be careful. PS... Well over my Bigpond month allowance. See you all next month ....shortly. (Just in a nick of time). KB Posted by: Koala Bear on May 18, 2007 2:32 PM Posted by: Vicentin on May 18, 2007 2:20 PM ...but both of your thoughts are on the right track I think. But hopefully you sort of got what I am doing a very bad job at trying to explain. A great example would be our collective desire to see football games resembling those to be found overseas. Personally, I can see myself enjoying such an atmosphere, even if I weren't going to join in - but there is an aspect about it that sits uncomfortably with me: cultrual cringe? trying too hard? me-tooism? I don't know... boy this is getting too deep - it's giving me a headache _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 2:32 PM Ben, Completely agree re Kosmina. Its another disgrace that comes down to one word. Its the same word that caused SFC played 30 minutes from Cabramatta instead of somewhere fans and members can actually get to. Its also the only word in the english language with 24 vowels: Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate* If they could all stop scratching each others backs (AGAIN!) and start operating objectively, we would be beating Brazil in the WC final quicker than you can say "John O'Neill's marked up copy of the Crawford Report". The more things change... *Pigs Arse only has 23 when spelt correctly and is, technically, two words. Posted by: md on May 18, 2007 2:37 PM It will happen in time Pippinu. Whilst I have a passion for SFC and the A-League I think it will take a few more seasons before I trust it. Richmond may have turned Mrs Noakes into a cold, bitter old woman who hasn't smiled in 25 years... the game hadn't though, same can't be said for football in Australia. It's one thing to support a losing team but to support an entire sport that is losing is a little more difficult. That will change as an A-League history and a new football culture develops. In the meantime I will continue to support it and enjoy it. You will know we have it right when you are cracking Beni with your walking stick because he has signed a contract as the new Sydney FC left back in the next decade and a bit. I may have missed the point but oh well. Posted by: Hutcho on May 18, 2007 2:56 PM "Or - attempt the similar approach to "How I met your mother" last night and their efforts to not see the results of the Superbowl so they could watch it all together later on......(good show that one.)" Posted by: Michael C on May 18, 2007 1:34 PM I was watching that episode while my dinner was cooking last night, and yes, I'm sure many of us football tragics can relate to it. I remember planning to watch the Liverpool-Chelsea UEFA Champion's League game recently game recently with a friend (a misguided Liverpool supporter). As we were recording the game to watch that evening, I had planned meticulously to avoid hearing the result beforehand, no Flog browsing that day, no reading of MX, blanking all my workmates with an interest in football, noise cancelling headphones on the ferry to avoid overhearing loudmouth commuters describing the game (as has happened in the past), the works. As it turned out, I received a text that afternoon, and foolishly I broke mobile phone silence (thinking it was my co-game-watching friend calling about transport to my place). Who would it be but an old friend and Scouse Sympathizer with the astute game analysis of "Woo hoo! Come on Liverpool!" I'm sure even those of us on the Flog who do not have our PI licences would be able to deduce the result from that one. Strangely, this was the first contact my old friend had made in about 6 months. Thanks mate. It was a long and weary trudge home, game ruined, and 120 minutes of Chelsea losing to Liverpool to look forward too, all the time being required to feign excitement when it looked like Chelsea might score, to keep my buddy in the dark. At least the bottle of red I polished of during the game dulled the pain. Lesson learned #1: MAINTAIN MOBILE PHONE SILENCE! Lesson learned #2: DON'T MAKE FRIENDS WITH LIVERPOOL SUPPORTERS! Posted by: Slippery Jim on May 18, 2007 2:57 PM Posted by: Vicentin on May 18, 2007 1:06 PM Re Totti He lost my respect in the 2002 World Cup (I think it was then?) when he spat on his opponnent. Give me Kosmina's rants and raves any day over that....... Posted by: Syd Knee on May 18, 2007 3:13 PM Lesson learned #2: DON'T MAKE FRIENDS WITH LIVERPOOL SUPPORTERS! Posted by: Slippery Jim on May 18, 2007 2:57 PM They are less likely to steal your stuff if they are your friend. http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007220719,00.html The beginning of the end? He may be a little annoying and say some funny things but Jose Mourinho is a very good manager. He must be to keep a side full of stars on massive bucks focused and performing well. Should Man Utd win the FA Cup there is every chance Roman will give Jose the shove and if there are any truth to the reports in the attached link it could be hard times ahead. No Jose, Terry or Lampard would in my opinion spell trouble for CFC. Posted by: Hutcho on May 18, 2007 4:13 PM Hutcho, I think you got the point. If you care so much about something that you are willing to make a very big deal, like not smiling for 25 years, or like hitting your son over the head with the nearest hard accessory - I think that's part of it. I think it's also about the widespread and collective emotional investment. So that when the Coodabeens talk about something, we all know what they are on about. If you didn't care about SFC, I'd be wasting my time having a dig, and vice versa - perhaps that bit is slowly coming around - I simply wouldn't have bothered in NSL days. (my head's starting to hurt again, I'm not sure I know what the hell I'm talking about - where's that doctor you guys keep promising?!) _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 4:20 PM As an Italian, I've tried pretty hard to like Totti. Granted he is leading scorer this year in Serie A (I wonder how many penalties included in that though?). It's not just the spitting etc. I've just never seen the magic that is expected of him. He was totally absent in Germany for one thing. Very much a polarising figure...some people can't get enough of him. So...I have a nomination for 'Worlds Coolest Job' for football fans. FFA currently advertising for Fulltime and Casual Sports Statisticians Positions. i.e. watch football all weekend and keep stats (see www.a-league.com.au). If I were 10 years younger, I'd be knocking down their doors for that one! In fact, I wonder if they'll give it to me if I can work from home....hmmm ;p Posted by: gazzarotto on May 18, 2007 4:21 PM Slippery Jim - that's a story we can all relate to! Gazzarotto I want that job, I want that job!! They can just pay me my Fox subscription! While I'm keeping stats, I could even post a few funnly one-liners! I WANT THAT JOB!! _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 4:51 PM that's one hell of an idea Pippinu..fox for stats! Ok maybe that's ripping yourself off a bit though...how about fox + drinks & snacks for stats? Posted by: gazzarotto on May 18, 2007 5:00 PM Re Kosmina - I believe there is a conspiracy in the planning. FFA want a high profile head coach, but with GA currently in the role, and not doing a bad job it is difficult to remove him. By putting Kossie in there, after his next rant at the media/FFA/opposition etc, FFA can then wipe the entire coaching team aside and bring in an all singing and dancing overseas high profile coach. ManU 3 - Chelsea 1 Posted by: Heads on May 18, 2007 5:13 PM Big weekend in the Primera and Serie A this weekend. Barca away to Atletico, Real Madrid away to Recreativo and Deportivo La Coruna hosting Sevilla. I think we may see Barca slip to third on Monday. Hoping the pink boys from Palermo can push towards a spot in Europe with a win over Siena (love that town). I am tipping Ronaldos inverted triple tuck will be too much for Drogbas reverse 2 1/2 pike with a twist in the FA Cup. Might have a cheeky couple of $ on Vidic to be first scorer. Have a good weekend all. Posted by: Hutcho on May 18, 2007 5:14 PM Gazzarotto don't get too greedy! Actually, I've thrown my name into the hat - I told them that no remuneration was necessary (was that a dumb idea?). I just reckon it would be fun - but maybe I'm an idiot? Anyway, as part of my sales pitch, I told them that I'm a regular blogger on the SMH FLOG - whether that counts for anything, only time will tell (what do you think Ben? good move?). If an FFA official is reading - it's me!! Pippu d'Angelo!! I'm a stats head extaordinaire! Give me the job, give me the job!! I'm used to doing jobs that don't actually pay anything - it's the story of my life! All Floggers can vouch for me! (but I'm not sure if I'd be vouching for them) _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 5:19 PM Hoping the pink boys from Palermo can push towards a spot in Europe with a win over Siena (love that town). Amen to that. Which town are you referring to? I know, I know, you mean Siena - but let me tell you, if you don't mind a bit of petty crime and buildings falling apart, Palermo is an intriguing city. pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 5:33 PM Now I have no intention of defending Totti against all accusations against him but on the two I've picked up above.... Spitting is indefensible and Totti should have handled the situation better but Poulsen absolutely kicked the s%#@ out of him that day and got no protection from the referee.... I disagree gazzarotto with regards his world cup performance last year. The guy had just weeks before come back from a broken leg/ankle surgery (for which he still has the plate in his leg) and yet played a really intelligent (weird huh?) game throughout the tournament. He wasn't going to run much and so his role was as a filter up the park - lots of quick flicks and passes to his team mates. Admittedly not spectacular in the conventional sense but very effective. I was highly impressed with his maturity and tactical sense. By the way if he hadn't missed about four penalties he'd be leading the scorers charts by even more - and he's not a striker and his team supposedly doesn't really play with one.... go figure. No one brought up the Bo Derek (10 anyone?) platts yet. ____________________________________________ The Big V is Vicenza, the Veneto and Vicentin - no arguments, or I'll put Gatton Gattoni on to you. Posted by: Vicentin on May 18, 2007 5:47 PM Ben Willing: The FFA will announce a new sponsorship partner on Monday morning. Timmy Cahill will be at the announcement. Who is the new partner? Sony. Posted by: Ben Willing on May 18, 2007 6:03 PM Irony of your observation re that Sat game that wasn't the one you wanted: Tonight Rich play Adel. Last year Adel famously played in such a fashion early season to kill of Coll in a 4th qtr to go from almost level to a solid win. Total possession play - executed beautifully, intricate build up, control, skill, discipline as a team unit etc etc - but not what a lot of people wanted to see. But - technically perfect!!! Strategically sound. Then a few weeks on, Rich, who'd be up and down, executed a perfect game plan to bring down the at that point unbeatable Adel. That game was criticised by Mr Sheedy as being 'basketball crap'.Anyway - that's my only curiousity about tonights game - will it be pseudo soccer, neo basketball or neoclassic revisionist footy? or if it rains, it might just be a kinda greco-roman rugby. Mr. C, comrade, I had to just break my own curfew on your last post. (Well at least I waited until "The Bold and The Beautiful" was over). I just could not resist responding to the last 2 poetic paragraphs. "That's not what people want to see"... Who says, that dinosaur Sheedy? In his own words he should go and get a life..!! It's what I want to see and if you remember that final killer pass the ball hitting the chest of the lead player it was magic (pin point accuracy). Let me draw a comparison for you in English Football compared to Football played on the continent (Italy) I ask you this question; why do the Football community say English club Football is the most exciting Football on the planet, and Italian/Spanish Football so boring? The simple answer is the community is uneducated to technical, tactical, football, but it is changing at the rate of knots. The British do not play technically beautiful football and even the English realise this and are really trying to address the problem and we are seeing signs of this taking place. Just look at the 5 top clubs in the EPL and their transformation of football from old Championship Football to top flight EPL Football. But, the English national team has not won anything since 1966; I am only talking International fixtures here. The top national players are there, but they yet have to find a manager to put it all together. A reflection of Sheedy the dinosaur. I don't remember the West Coast Eagles manager's name but he has his team playing a technical brand of football is that not so? The times are a changing and Swans Paul Roos the manager is trying to change the culture, but is falling over. Carlton, well let's not talk about them (although the bet is still on). Comrade, I have seen enough evidence to suggest that the revolution is on, technical AFL is coming (footthing). Goodbye Kevin Sheedy..!! Comrade, I hope to see you at the beginning of my next B/P month. KB Posted by: Koala Bear on May 18, 2007 6:06 PM Posted by: Ben Willing on May 18, 2007 6:03 PM Ben, do you have any idea of the money value for this sponsorship? Ben Willing None whatsoever. Apparently it's a four year deal. The Socceroos & Timmy Cahill will feature in their advertising campaigns. Posted by: Heads on May 18, 2007 6:19 PM Hey - I've already got the copyright over the Big V!! _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 6:43 PM pippinu on May 18, 2007 6:43 PM you've been warned .... I'm sending him 'round. Posted by: Vicentin on May 18, 2007 7:17 PM Posted by: Hutcho on May 18, 2007 5:14 PM Instead of a penalty shootout to find a winner, how about a dive contest between Drogba and C Ronaldo, complete with corrupt French judges. Posted by: Brickowski on May 18, 2007 7:41 PM A week of managerial movement with Sheffield United, Newcastle, Bolton, Wigan and Man City having been in the thick of it. Roy Keane has released a couple of players at Sunderland, whilst Claus Jensen has left Fulham claiming that Sanchez's "style" of football has forced him out... Posted by: David V. on May 18, 2007 8:48 PM Posted by: Vicentin on May 18, 2007 7:17 PM I see now - nice link - so Gatton Gattoni means something like Kitty Big Cat in vicentino? Perhaps we can agree to share the big V? There are two aspects I find interesting: 1. I think this sort of mascot idea is a rarity in Italian football, so it's a pretty good marketing idea by the club (we're probably far more used to mascots in Australia than you find in Italy, and elsewhere in Europe); 2. Years ago when I was visiting Sicily, my relatives assured me that North Italians eat cats - I didn't believe a word of it at the time - but perhaps they were onto something! I'm going back to the footy. For a minute there, I thought I was going to watch a real live shellacking - damn - the tiges have worked their way back into the game - that's no fun. pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 9:37 PM Brickowski on May 18, 2007 7:41 PM Maybe Pippinu can demonstrate his ability to take stats by rating the pikes and twists from throughout the game. This would also save the need for a post ET exhibition. Heads Posted by: Heads on May 18, 2007 9:46 PM You probably lost a few Pippinu,people in Sydney "generally" don't know of the Coodabeen's or Macca either for that matter. Two cashed up clubs, both with a tradition of winning cups,I usually like getting behind a underdog. Chelsea 2 - Man. Utd. 0 English 90k - Multiplex 0 Was it Robbos who went to Wembley in the 80's & KB in the 70's? I went in '86 (Full Members cup final,Chelsea 5 MC 4,9 goals at Wembley?).Was it like this when you guys went? We done the tour of the stadium a couple of days earlier & all the way from the station to the stadium it had these signs,I think they read "no fly tipping" or something like that,we couldn't work out what they meant.We had a pint or two on the way home in the quaint typical English village of Wembley. Returning on the Saturday as we exited the over crowded train we were hearded straight into a subway which at the entrance had 50-70 bobbies,once inside the subway the walls were lined with blokes pissing like a giant app. off memory 200m long piss troph,with streams of it crossing the walk way.They were all pissed to blind.I've seen nothing like that in Australia(except for maybe an AFL game I was at in Katherine NT). When we exited the subway into the boularvarde up to the stadium again 50-70 bobbies,but this time there was about 10 blokes standing behind them pissing.Looking back up the hill,every shop/pub window was boarded up more than what we do for a cylone.Every tree was taken along the road & it became obvious what the sign meant.A young pissed bloke charged up at a bobbie on a horse,the bobbie replyed " don't you want to see the game today lad".Chelsea those days had a lot of skin head/NA supporters,about 30-40 Chelsea supporters bought tickets for the MC end to to cause a riot.After a short scuffle the bobbies lead them down onto the sideline & walked them back to the stand at the other end.Thats what it was like behind the scenes when I went. Hope I didn't ruin anyones dream. But it was still a rememberable day.9 goals at Wembley! Posted by: EJ on May 18, 2007 10:13 PM Ok - i'm gonna tackle this cultural question one last time (until next year at least). I stayed up all night thinking about it, just to add to the dark circles under my eyes. It occurred to me that part of the comic effect of the little story I transcribed above was the mention of Collingwood, Melbourne's biggest club who in 49 years has won only 1 premeiership and been runners up 10 times. Most Melburnians, and many other Australians, have been able to rejoice in this wonderful statistic over a lengthy period. This has given way to the the expression "colliewobbles", i.e. it has entered our lexicon and thus our folklore. Now, can this whole phenomenon be replicated in the A-League? With time, the answer is yes - this is how. SFC is best placed to provide this layer of mirth to all football lovers. We need SFC to spend lots of dollars every year, almost to the brink of insolvency, chasing hares worldwide, but always managing to barely sneak into the finals, where it promptly cops a bit of a shellacking in the minor semi final. If this pattern can be repeated every season, say, for a couple of decades, then I believe we would have done much to give all football lovers something to relish, even when their own team is not faring so well. C'mon Sydney - do it for the good of the A-League! _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 19, 2007 8:29 AM Posted by: Robbos on May 18, 2007 11:13 AM Cheers Robbos - You've been one of my great allies on C.Ronaldo, and other matters, so thanks!! Re Totti, yes, I was really disappointed as well, but hey, its in the past, nothing we can do now, so lets just leave it at that... ----------------------------------- Posted by: Ben Willing on May 18, 2007 2:00 PM I know! This is just ridiculous!! ---------------------------------- Ideas for cove song for JA [to the tune of 'alouette'] "aloisi, johnny aloisi, aloisi...johnny scored again" :) Posted by: gazzarotto on May 18, 2007 10:22 AM Oh dear!! Ha ha! I can actully see the Cove singing that if he did come, though! ----------------------------------- Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 11:18 AM Pip, even I am not that sad, and I know our chances of getting major matches like that are pretty much zilch. But that is an interesting thought re the attendences - hopefully this season we can try and get up to the 10k mark on average. If we play well, who knows? ----------------------------------- Interesting fact Last time Sheff Utd got relegated from the Premiership, Utd clinched the double by beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final and Milan won the European Cup.... Posted by: Hutcho on May 18, 2007 2:25 PM Oh my god, are you serious? Maybe its a sign... We'll know one way or the other after tonight! Speaking of which, FA cup final countdown is on!!! Already starting to get a bit excited, but, being a United supporter, I'll be keeping everything crossed it doesn't go to penalties. Why? http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/6668347.stm More than a bit worrying!!! Anyway, hopefully it will be a good game, the match will be resolved one way or the other in the 90 mins, and the best team wins. How many fellow floggers are watching it tonight? Posted by: funkymarinette on May 19, 2007 11:54 AM Posted by: pippinu on May 19, 2007 8:29 AM Pip, sorry to burst your big, dark blue bubble, but it could just as easily happen to your precious Victardry as well...And I'm sure there will be several floggers, myself included, who will take great delight it throwing that back in your face if occasion arises!!! Before you make stupidly arrogant comments like that again, how about we wait and see if your precious boys back up the talk with the performances in version 3, 'eh? A year is a long time in football my friend...Anything could happen!! Posted by: funkymarinette on May 19, 2007 2:40 PM Everyone else - apologies. Pippinu - Venetian proverb Padovani gran dottori.Veneziani gran signori. Vicentini magna gatti. Veronesi tutti matti!! The common myth is that Vicentini magna gatti - that the residents of Vicenza eat cats. It is often attributed to the shortage of food during the second world war. My relatives used to say that everyone ate cats but we had the best recipes!! (I'm sure I've posted this before - hope you aren't skipping my posts Pippu?) I've come across the alternative version which actually makes more sense as the proverb I believe has been 'round for hundreds of years (link is in Italian). http://www.gemeinsamlernen.de/ode/Materialien/Stereotypen/vicentini_magna_gatti.html ... it's a bit like The King, the Mice and the Cheese (kid's book). Bring in the cats to get rid of the mice .... and blame the Vicentini for eating the cats that the Doge had ordered (or not ordered). Not a fan of mascots to be honest (Capitol City Goofball excepted) but it was clever of them to use the cat myth. FA Cup? - I'll give it a shot. It is in my blood to not go for M.U. but I don't like Chelsea either. A bit like putting the two negative ends of magnets together really. It seems I've turned my Under 9s into some kind of Arsenal that they play lovely football and have endless shots and scoring opportunities and then get done on the counter. Winning isn't everything I guess ..... we get nice compliments. Posted by: Vicentin on May 19, 2007 3:54 PM Gee whiz Funky - I thought we were becoming good mates - but I think I detect a note of condemnation and disapproval - surely I am only expressing what the vast majority of Australians would endorse whole-heartedly - I honestly didn't expect any negative criticism - directed at little ol' me?! The whole of Australia isn't contained within the Blue Mountains, the Southern Tablelands, the Pacific Ocean and whatever lies North of Sydney - there's a big wide brown land out there - and I 'm representing every square inch of the remainder of this island-continent! If I don't do it - who else will?! Certainly no one could ever accuse me of bias in my opinion pieces?! Actually, I better stop there, if my prospective employers are reading this, they'll be thinking: did this fruit-loop apply for one or our statistician's jobs? Please mark his file with "unemployable". Damn! Won't I ever learn?! pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 19, 2007 4:59 PM Posted by: pippinu on May 19, 2007 8:29 AM Beni, Are you there mate? It's very important you remind your dad to take his medication. He's getting more and more delusional everytime he forgets. Posted by: Brickowski on May 19, 2007 5:10 PM Actually, in case any FFA officials are reading this, I better write something half-serious that makes at least some sense. So I'm putting my serious hat on (the dark blue and white one). If any FFA officials are reading the FLOG right now, please ignore my last few posts, especially the one about corruption!! There's an article in today's Canberra Times about how Arnie intends to use Dukes in the Asian Cup. Dukes has been getting stacks of press lately, both in Australia and England, indeed the Guardian has had two opinion pieces on him in the last week alone (both postive, which cannot be said of the blog responses to both of them). This little article on Arnie is fascinating. In one breath the article (written by Tom Wald) is intimating that Arnie has a plan to get Dukes amongst the goals (and lift his record in Australian colours on that front - and please don't try and explain to me - I fully understand why it is the way it is!). But then when we read Arnie's quotes - my conclusion is that Arnie really does not have the intention of lifting Dukes' goal scoring average in the green and gold, I quote: "It is to make the focus at international more on Mark" (why is that any different from, say, that China international?) "One thing we can improve on and what we are tyring to do is to have more players around Mark to run off him...we should have three guys around him doing all his leg work and let him stay in the penalty box where he is so dangerous." Now is it just me, or this really just a natural progression of the manner in which we have been using Dukes for at least the last 8 years? I'm not criticising - I'm pro this approach, and Floggers will already note that I have lately been trying to describe this role of Dukes, because I see it as a peculiarly Australian role, ideally suited for a team with 4 gifted attacking midfielders, with Dukes surrounded by them all. Note Arnie's words "run off him" - this indicates more that Dukes will be provider/blocker/staging post rather than finisher - and fair enough - that's our ideal structure!! I repeat again, and this has been slowly happening over the last 8 years, we have developed a brand new position in soccer - the centre half-forward - that's our Dukes. The man-mountain around which nippy attacking midfielder wreak havoc, as he sucks the oxygen out of the defence - our fulcrum up front - it's a structure that is going to reach its pinnacle in the Asian Cup - and I couldn't care less if Dukes didn't score a single goal!! pippinu http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=431243&cc=5739 Conjecture that Kewell may start in Athens. Seriously hope he does and lasts the full 90 without injury, maybe conjuring up a goal or 2 for the dirty reds (don't really care who wins, just hope Harry comes through OK). Similarly, I don't care who wins tonight, I will be watching as a Football fan but, like Vicentin, I don't like either of them. At least last year's final had the romance of little West Ham taking it to the big boys (even if their biggest fan was too wasted to concentrate on the game, eh Samps?). Posted by: pippinu on May 19, 2007 4:59 PM Pipps, the whole of Australia may not be contained by the areas you mentioned, but the important parts are, including one fifth or more of the population. Not trying to have a go but I don't think you've ever represented "every square inch of the remainder of this island-continent". just that little slice at the bottom that you find too unpalatable to even live in..... Posted by: Brickowski on May 19, 2007 5:59 PM Posted by: pippinu on May 18, 2007 5:33 PM Yep it was Siena, my trips to Italia haven't taken me to Sicily as yet, next time. Petty crime is no problem, Napoli taught me that it can be character building. As I was running a couple of errands at the local shopping centre I spied a young man in a Melbourne Victory strip. I was suddenly overcome with an urge to slap him a couple of times (fortunately for him he was bigger than me and I let him go on his merry way). Is this what you are referring to Pippu? It might be happening sooner than we thought. take it easy funky, a non-NSW point of view whilst usually deluded is always welcome. Posted by: Hutcho on May 19, 2007 6:08 PM Posted by: pippinu on May 19, 2007 4:59 PM Pip, I don't mind you as a person, and we have some laughs on here, but its when you get on your Melbournian high horse that I start to get a bit annoyed. ----------------------------------- Anyway, within a few hours of the big final tonight - finally starting to hit that it's actually happening!!! Fingers crossed United will get up, but if Chelsea play better and deserve to win it, although I'll be disappointed, can't really complain. Hope anyone watching enjoys the game, and we can disect on here tomorrow!! ----------------------------------- take it easy funky, a non-NSW point of view whilst usually deluded is always welcome. Posted by: Hutcho on May 19, 2007 6:08 PM Hutcho, relax, I respect all opinions, its just when its as arrogantly deluded as this that I can't help but burst the bubble - thats just me! Posted by: funkymarinette on May 19, 2007 9:27 PM My fellow floggers - wonderful responses from each and every one of you - I feel suitably chastised, and I might even crawl back under my rock for, say, 5 minutes! Vicentin - now that you mention it, I do recall your cat-eating post! I remember at the time thinking about my relatives and their tall story. What I recall was that they were extremely miffed when I expressed scepticism. Are the Veronese truly matti? Bricks - two excellent responses! lol Interestingly enough, this year represents the exact point representing when I lived the first half of my life in Melbourne, and the remainder around Southern NSW (which to my eyes is as good as Victorian). What's that expression? Absence makes the heart grow fonder? Or: a few ouzos and I'm anybody's Hutcho - yes, I think that is what I'm talking about it (I trust my pro-Melbourne posts aren't driving innocent Sydney-siders to desperate measures at the sight of dark blue and white?!) Just remember that it's ok to find pleasure in the thought of beating the poor person to a pulp - just don't act on the impulse!! Speaking of opinions from all round - what happened to our first ever Glory supporting flogger? I was truly excited when he came on. Come back Gavtong - I was only mucking around!! I haven't heard from those FFA officials yet... Tonight's game. When a club wins a championship, how easy is it to immediately back up for another bit of silverware - especially one with as much cultural and historical resonance as the the FA Cup? Shouldn't Chelsea be a bit hungrier for it? We all know Chelsea has the goods to defeat Utd - and I have to admit, Stamford Bridge is the only English ground I have ever been to (meaning I have a small soft spot for it, another for 'pool because of the Beatles, and another for Pompey for reasons unknown), so... Chelsea 3 Man Utd 1 Drogba to score a goal in each half. My personal hope: I get to see some more of Mourinho's little team charts and doodlings! A question for all EPL followers - why did Blackburn take the Intertoto cup spot over Reading and Pompey? I understand the latter two declined the spot, but I'm not sure why. My theory would be that middle ranking clubs don't really have the resources to dilly dally in extracurricular activities - would that be the reason? Re the CL - plenty of time to think about it - even though I've just said I have a small soft spot for 'pool and I'm not usually enamoured of anything Northern - I've been telling the Guardian bloggers for weeks that the Reds have no chance (but mainly just to get up their noses). Even though Bricks has been very rude to me, without any provocation, I'd like to support his views on Harry - I'd simply love for this to be the start of a few solid injury free years (culminating in a 2010 WC quarter final appearance). He's still the best Aussie ever to play the game (IMHO). I hope all floggers enjoy their evening. pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 19, 2007 11:17 PM god the first half of FA cup final is hard to watch hope it gets better Posted by: Eddie on May 20, 2007 12:52 AM 3-1? What the hell was I thinking?! Chelsea's game plan up to about the half hour mark was quite obvious - we'll go forward if we can get possession with either of Giggs or Ronaldo down their respective flanks (meaning a couple of midfielders have probably come forward and have left some space behind them). I did think that in the last 10 minutes of the half it started to free up a little - so it's not out of the question that the 2nd half takes on a different look (dare I say it Vicentin - a game of two halves!:-) But probably not - Chelsea to win 1-0 with a goal from Drogba. As a side issue - what possie is Scholes playing and is it a bit out of character for him? pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 20, 2007 1:04 AM god the first half of FA cup final is hard to watch hope it gets better Posted by: Eddie on May 20, 2007 1:54 AM fair enough - I had two cracks at it - and by half-time it wasn't really all that difficult a prediction - but c'mon, you gotta admit!! pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 20, 2007 2:36 AM Well, that was a very poor 120 minutes of Football, not as bad as the Arsenal - Man U 0-0 a couple of years back, but poor nonetheless. I didn't think Chelsea deserved it, even though that was a great set up with the one-two between Fat Frank and Diving Didier. I was hoping for penalties and then a series of misses until the FA called it off and awarded the cup to Watford.... Cristiano stayed true to form, mostly playing for his own glory and hitting the deck a little too easily. Got a good laugh at about 83m gone when he body checked someone, went down theatrically and then complained about not getting the call. I was surprised there were no penalties or dubious free kicks considering there were 3 notorious divers on at one stage. Pipps, I'm sorry if you feel I've been rude to you. Your constant pro-vic and anti-Sydney jibes have really been getting up my nose, I just thought you needed to be pulled into line. Posted by: Brickowski on May 20, 2007 2:40 AM That was the worst game of football that I have ever seen. All of us at the pub, both team supporters, felt that a game like that deserved to go down to a crummy penalty shootout, so we were ripped! Posted by: Heads on May 20, 2007 5:52 AM Well, against the odds, with all the injuries, and after Jose's dog of a week, Chelsea still managed to nick the FA cup - story of their season, really. But, credit where its due, well done, and I suppose it's honours even as far as the major English domestic titles are concerned. I do feel sorry for the head United bookmaker, though, who was so confident United would win, he said he would do refunds if Chelsea won - statements like that just tempt fate, and no doubt he's absolutely cursing that and Drogba now!! Anyway, on the game itself, have to say this was one of the dullest, niggliest, and cagiest games I have seen for quite a while, and you could just tell after the first five minutes or so that it was going to be 0-0 penalties or single goal. But, when you have two teams who know each other like these two, and both really want the trophy up for grabs, I suppose you can expect that. Hopefully next year, United will get to Wembley again, but it will be against someone like, say, Spurs, who do tend to play a freer kind of football and, you could say, don't know the big four teams as much as those four themselves. Also frustrating from a United fans perspective, because we were giving away possession with miscontrolled touches and bad passes, while, if we did manage to get forward, the cross just wasn't quite right, or people not in the right position in the box, finishing not the best, things like that. On the Giggs/Cech incident, from the angle of the replay, you can see it clearly crossed the line, but I suppose Cech would have been obstructing the officials view, and it would have been hard to tell, so its understandable they didn't award it. I found it interesting, though, that Cech, apparently, said later that it would have been a free kick anyway - it if was a free kick, why wasn't it given? The ref may have been playing the advantage, but it looks like Giggs' momentum, more than anything, pushed him into Cech and over the line. Speaking of refs, some of the refereeing was an absolute joke, and I can remember one moment when it was a foul on a United player but Roon or Ron was still going forward, however did he play the advantage? No, he stopped the game to do the booking and bring it back for the free kick just as United had a move on!!! God that annoys me!!! Overall, bit disappointed, but looking back on the season, it has been one of our best for a good few years - won back the league after four years, FA cup final, and Champions League Semis, so, all in all, thats pretty darn good!! Roll on next season, and with some smart signings (apparently we've finally got a deal for Hargreaves with Bayern - 17 mil. pounds), hopefully we can make next season even better! ----------------------------------- But probably not - Chelsea to win 1-0 with a goal from Drogba. As a side issue - what possie is Scholes playing and is it a bit out of character for him? pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 20, 2007 1:04 AM Well, you got the Drogba bit right...Damn that annoys me!! On Scholes, I think he was playing a deeper midfield role to begin with, but we looked better once we got Smith on and pushed Scholsie up further. Why didn't we do that earlier???? Posted by: funkymarinette on May 20, 2007 9:06 AM Just doing a quick scour of the Guardian blogs this morning. Paul Wilson, unsurprisingly, expresses his disappointment at the new Wembley's first cup final. These things happen. Considering who Chelsea had missing, they went about it the only way they could have (in hindsight). I asked the question about Scholes, who to my eyes appeared to be playing as a defensive midfielder, which came as a surprise to me. Paul Wilson says this: "If Scholes was the busiest in the early stages, spraying passes around the pitch like a quarterback in his new role at the rear of midfield and frequently helping his defence..." One blogger comes the closest to summarising last night, using a broader context: "Meetings between the top sides these days are characterised by such tactics. Stick one man up front and fill the midfield. Lots of huffing and puffing around the centre circle but chances at either end are at a premium." That certainly described the first half hour of the game - although it was only a tiny bit better for the remainder. This is starting to resemble the modern game between top clubs and top nations. Australia needs to bear in mind that regardless of what happens in Asia - if they are up against top 10 teams at the next WC - it's an entirely different kettle of fish. Other thoughts about last night, written randomly: 1. The ref seemed to let plenty go at times, and at other times pulled it up unnecessarily - very inconsistent; 2. For all its injury woes, Chelsea had the best subs in Robben and Kalou - both of whom added plenty, although it was unfortunate that Robben got injured - although let us not forget that he was the one who coughed it up just before Giggs bundled Cech over the line (fair enough that it wasn't allowed - there are no points for rugby-like tries!) 3. Rooney certainly wreaked havoc in the 2nd half and at times during ET with his bullocking runs - no grace or subtlety about those runs - but the Chelsea defenders still found him a handful at times! A lot of those offside calls against them were really tight, and with a bit more awareness on his part, he would've been in a lot more often. He should have let Ronaldo take the ball in the first off-side call in the 1st half - once again, lacking in awareness. 4. Essien saved Chelsea's bacon a couple of times - although the Giggs incident mentioned above could easily have gone against him. The 2nd commentator was in raptures at how Essien had defended that ball in, but Essien was behind Giggs and didn't get to the ball, so what did he actually do, other than perhaps physically impede Giggs?! 5. I thought that Mak�l�l�, Mikel and Ferreira had good games, although the latter was caught out a couple of times. 6. Hard to pick stand outs for Man U. I've already mentioned a few of Rooney's runs. I enjoyed keeping an eye on Ronaldo and Heinze occasionally swapping positions to catch out the defence (probably in 1st half), and I think Heinze got into a really good position on at least one occasion. 7. I'm happy to say that I didn't feel like vomiting watching Ronaldo last night! Is it my imagination, or is he bulking up (with muscle) before my very eyes? This season is nothing on what he will be producing in years to come. On a slightly different point, Marcela has done a great article on Tevez, and Miro has written a post opining that Hotspur will soon make the big 4 a big 5. Apart from the fact that they happened to finish 5th this season - is there any good reason for him to think that this is possible at all? What do floggers think? pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 20, 2007 9:29 AM ....Hotspur will soon make the big 4 a big 5......What do floggers think? I think Miro's dreaming, my personal prediction is that spurs will be relegated next season, and then go into a Leeds style free fall. One can only dream. Posted by: Brickowski on May 20, 2007 11:16 AM Bricks apology accepted! was I really getting up your nose - what are you trying to do? encourage me!! Anyway, as you can see, we have more than plenty of common ground. Funky I know, I know, it's hilarious isn't it?! When Drogba got that goal (and let's all be honest, it was probably the best interplay of the match) I absolutely jumped up in delight. I recall at exactly the 10 min mark of the 2nd half of ET thinking: man (no pun intended), this game is going nowhere fast, and I was really ready for bed - I wasn't going to watch no penalty shoot-out! On the subject of shoot-outs to decide the FA Cup - when did they get introduced exactly, and why didn't they stick to the old system of replays? It's unbelievable to think that between 1912 and 1970, no replays of the FA Cup were necessary - none!! That really says it all (in terms of how much the game has changed in the last 40 years or so). pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 20, 2007 11:16 AM I get excited, then every time about 25 minutes in, realise that cup finals rarely live up to expectations. Thank Go....I mean Jose, that Robben came on second half to liven it up a bit. He and Drogba are a lethal diving combination up front, so am suprised you guys who predicted penalties/controversy didn't turn out to be right...~! So I just came on here today cause I just realised that the state of origin is on at the same time as Syd V Urawa :( Where in the world will be a good place to watch it in Sydney? Casino maybe will have it on the screen next to the league?? Ben Willing: The Agincourt will be showing Urawa vs SFC and then staying open for AC Milan vs Liverpool. One of the bars at Star City is showing both as well, but I'm not sure if it's staying open all the way through. Posted by: gazzarotto on May 20, 2007 11:38 AM By the way Funky - why are you up so early? Aren't you at uni? Don't uni students sleep all day any more? WARNING. I am about to make an AFL comparison - all not interested, look away...NOW! Former Saints coach, Grant Thomas, has written a piece in SMH's sister paper about options coaches have in instigating game plans. There are a lot of parallels between what he says about AFL gameplan options, and what one might loosely be able to say about the world game. Many of these ideas AFL has probably taken directly from soccer, others are simply a case of parallel developments (afterall, they are both concerned with moving the pig skin down the field by passing as best as one can and/or stopping the opposition from doing so) 1. Accountability vs zone - he even throws in expressions that we would all understand like "stay at home" and "defensive press". This is a common decision in soccer. Take what 'pool do about Kaka this week - are they better off maintaining their normal shape, or should they man-mark him at every opportunity, or a combination of both, depending on specific circumstances and/or particular triggers? 2. Quick ball movement vs tempo - this has become a common dichotomy in AFL only the last few years - but it is something we are quite familiar with in soccer. More importantly - the key question is when to quicken things up and when to slow it down - and it's no mean feat to have the whole team thinking as one (particularly in AFL where there are far more players to worry about - many of whom are thick!). 3. Long kicks vs short kicks (ratio) - but just as important - understanding when it's appropriate to do either. So even if a team like Milan may keep it on the carpet for great periods, opportunities will arise when it is appropriate to go long, because, say, there is an opportunity for a 2 on 1. 4. First possession vs last possession - there's a couple of ways to interpret this one, with different resonances in either game. Many teams, perhaps Chelsea last night, are quite happy to let the other team maintain possession in the hope that they will make better use of their lesser possession (e.g. on the counterattack). Once could also interpret this as meaning: where is your priority? Which is your most important possession? The first one coming from deep (from say a Pirlo?), or the one closer to the D? Ideally, you want every pass to be gold - but the reality is that that is unlikely to happen up and down the park. 5. Soft zone vs huddle - this has more application in AFL during kick outs - but there is a parallel to soccer - the keeper's goal kick. This is a favourite bugbear of Vicentin and other floggers, the tendency for keepers to hoof it at every opportunity. In AFL, the kick out is often considered a golden opportunity to be able to mount an attack (180 metres downfield) - so hoofing to a 50/50 contest serves no purpose - the idea is to retain possession not give it away cheaply. This is a philosophy that I am sure Vicentin would embrace - and one I have only recently started to fully appreciate - the keeper has the ball - he should be looking to maintain possesion for his team and not kick in hope (although there might be exceptions to that, where, say, there's a dominant centre-forward who is beating the central defenders in the air - but even then, the odds of something constructive occurring directly from a kick out are minimal - the Drogba goal earlier in the season is the exception that proves the rule!). Ok - that's enough for me - I have domestic duties to attend to - I hope you enjoy the rest of your Sunday. pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 20, 2007 11:42 AM Well, I'd had a big day and was napping on the couch and thinking I'd watch the F.A. Cup but obviously my subconscious knew better and thought I should sleep through it. I did stir a couple of times to see Chelsea belt the ball up the park in the general direction of Drogba but that was it. Is anyone calling it "Sh*t On A Stick II" yet? Juve promoted, Stuttgart wins the Bundesliga, Milan's reserves get done 3-2 by Udinese with Costacurta playing his last game (at 41). I think he should have gone out in a more fitting way. Beautiful day in Sydney, too good to be hanging 'round a computer. Ciao tutti. Bad luck Funky - there's always next year (we've all got used to saying it). oh cool, 999999. Posted by: Vicentin on May 20, 2007 12:09 PM There - one hour of domestic chores - that's enough for the weekend I'm sure you will all agree. I'm just catching up with my sports reading and noticed that Coveny has been signed by the Phoenix - which I imagine has been on the cards for a long time. At the risk of copping some criticism from Bricks and Funky, there is an article on the Vics and what Ernie's up to at the moment. He's probably trying to hose down the flames of expectation, i.e. that we are on the verge of signing someone big - of course I have kept my feet planted firmly on the ground the last month or so. He makes the point that most of their signings over the last two years have been of players who don't have a big name, and there have been some gems amongst them. He says: "We sign players who fit the profile we want - fast, attacking, skilful - who play the kind of football we want to play. When we look to attract players we know we are not competing on financial grounds, we are selling the team, the crowds, the facilities and the lifestyle to players who want a new challenge." And fair enough - who would argue that these things are not attractive to many prospects. The article finishes by saying that Ernie didn't want to confirm speculation that Austrlian youth international, Evan Berger, had joined MV from Marconi. Anyone know anything about this kid, and/or this rumour? _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 20, 2007 1:38 PM Late last season, around the time the Jets gave MV a bit of a touch up, and it looked like the Vics were about to limp into the finals having dominated the season (let us remember that the two semi final games against AU were nothing to write home about either), as I looked in horror at the prospect of MV going out in straight sets, I made a reference to the Victorian tradition of burning membership cards. Many may not have known what I was on about, this letter from a member of Richmond to the footy club gives a good idea in a roundabout way (quoted directly from SMH's sister paper): Dear anyone who cares there at the club, I am writing this letter in order to get a refund of the match entrance fee of $18.50 from the game against Geelong on 6 May 2007. I have attached the ticked stub for your reference. My main concern involves the false advertising in suggesting that an AFL football match was to be played at Telstra Dome... For your information, "false advertising" is the use of deliberately flase statements or deception in advertising, in order to gain a commercial advantage. As the Richmond football club advertised its intention to play an AFL match versus Geelong, it should have honoured its contract. Therefore as you did not do this, I am asking for the re-imbursement of the match entrance fee. Your football team should be thankful that I am not seeking additional costs/damages such as the cost of the horrendous amounts of alcohol I had to consume whilst watching that performance...rest easy I will refrain from seeking punitive and reputational damages on this occasion. _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 20, 2007 1:50 PM pippinu, I'd argue that Everton and Tottenham are the two clubs with the greatest potential to make the "Big Four" a "Big Six". Both clubs not only have the history but also the levels of support to do so. Posted by: David V. on May 20, 2007 3:47 PM Ben Willing: The Agincourt will be showing Urawa vs SFC and then staying open for AC Milan vs Liverpool. One of the bars at Star City is showing both as well, but I'm not sure if it's staying open all the way through. Ben Willing, Ben Willing: It's on the corner of George & Harris Streets, near Railway Square and UTS. Posted by: Eddie on May 20, 2007 4:47 PM Posted by: pippinu on May 20, 2007 11:42 AM Pippinu, thanks so much for the warning. Is there anyway that we can make this manditory for any WIAP focused blogs to be give a disclaimer? Michael C, I am looking at you right now! FA Cup, most boring game in recent times. How could either clubs' supporters be happy with game? Rubbish football. Since when has TB been the coach of both Mu(ure) + Chelski? Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 20, 2007 5:36 PM What a disgraceful display of "football" that was. I lost 2 hours of my life and I demand the English FA give it back. To hell with all this talk of the Premier league, give me my Serie A any day of the week, it might be corrupt, the fans might be violent, and the players might complain to referee's like it's a sport, but at least im guaranteed to see good solid tactical and technical football AND goals (so much for that stereotype of the Italian league being boring and low on goals). Thank God it wasn't a Man U VS Liverpool final. P.S Definately not a goal the Giggs incident P.S.S Drogba's goal was nice P.S.S.S Craig Foster is technically good at tactically pointing out things that are technically and tactically adept. Posted by: BPR on May 20, 2007 6:05 PM David V thanks for your info re Everton and Tottenham. As it happens they managed to tie up 5th and 6th between them this year, but I presume that you have in mind other attributes that each club possess. The history and level of support is most certainly there - but I wonder what their revenue base is currently in relation to the big 4. The last time a saw any stats of this (couple of years back) there appeared to be daylight between the big 4 and the rest. Do you know what the situation is on that front currently? You're not mentioning Everton in hope are you?! pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 20, 2007 6:38 PM Only caught the tail end of it but it looked as though SBS have just reported that Tony Popovic will sign for the mighty Sydney FC. If that is indeed true, it's great news for the sky blue. It's certainly a bigger signing than melbourne's much heralded signing of Ljubo Milicevic (sp?). Ben Willing: I heard that too, but they didn't elaborate during the actual story ??? Posted by: Brickowski on May 20, 2007 7:11 PM Seems like a million years since I last posted on htis blog. Buying a new business and continuous 12hr days will do it to you everytime so I haven't had as much time to indulge in my passion. Anyways, I can't wait until Wednesday evening; The Uruwa game stands alone I reckon as a big a game as any Australian club has played in. It'll be enormous! SFC obviously arn't favourites but it's a huge victory for Australian football for an A-League club to be in the reckoning to play in the semi's of the Champions League this early in our sporting evolution. Then it's alarmclocks at the ready the very next morning for the big one in Athens. I predict Harry to feature but will struggle to impact this early in his comeback (which is no disgrace mind you) Anyway hope everyone is well and enjoying the footballing renaissance. Posted by: Glebeboy on May 20, 2007 7:22 PM good to hear from you Glebeboy - good luck with the business. You remind me that the Urawa game is on late Wed night, and the CL final on early Thurs - bloody hell - that sounds like the WC schedule all over! I'm not mentally prepared at the minute to cope with such a logistical nightmare. I might do my usual trick of watching the first half of the game, and then getting back home to bed for 5 hours sleep. Vicentin - I hope you are fully rested by the time you get up at 4:25am this Thurs morn! _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 20, 2007 7:49 PM People, Trust me, Mr Kooool is back with avengance. I had the opportunity to see Liverpool v Charlton recently. Not a great game by A-league standards. An incredible amount of "Long Ball" by our standards! In fact, my English contacts are more than impressed by the League's standard!!!!!! They see the attempted skill!! Just like the Spanish, Germans, Italians and of course the Africans!! Not yet up to the South American's standard! But which league is??? Mr Kool's arrival on the ground was greeted by incredible applause! Did he still have it? F--- yeah!! Kewell was brilliant at every touch! He's back. The Milan defenders might think they know everything, but if Liverpool get the ball to Harry, i reckon he'll cause an enormous surprise in Athens! He was that good against Charlton! The "Duke" has also been doing the business in England as well! I was told that! I have not had a "Duke" experience myself. But i've been told it is a "beautiful" experience! Everton fans need Timmy Cahill back. They love him. As for West Ham fans!! Lucas Niell is the best passing defender they've ever seen. We are doing well in England!! In Scotland, we're doing just as well. Scott McDonald's contract is big business!! But Danny Invincible's contract is just as hotly fought over!! We'll leave that to the "Agents"! Australians doing very well. I spent some time recently in the "Middle East"! In fact, a lot of time. Oil and football are a beautiful mix. We are going well, by football standards. I saw a couple of "Arab games" while i was in Dubai. Arabs play hard. They want to win! But thank god for their South Americans!!! If Bling FC make it through the Asian round, they'll be more than ready for the Arab round! The South American's struggle with their Arab team mates! They are noticably on a different "wavelength"! This is from a League observer. The "Arabs" expect Bling FC to advance through! I must admit, i told them that Bling were only our 4th best team!! Trying to explain to them that we actually had a better team was so complicated that it was really not worth the effort. But we are "Big" in the Arab World!!! We are "Big" in the Asian world as well!! I've experienced it! They are the Emirates best team! Bling will handle them easily, but the Victory will absolutely bury them! Posted by: johhny warren on May 20, 2007 9:21 PM I tell you all what - reading JW again has me absolutely jumping out of my skin!! Pippu you idiot, why haven't you ordered Fox yet??!! This bloke is infectious - who the hell is he?? JW is our true mystery man, our very own 007, mixing it with sheiks and afficionados the world over, a connection in every port, and he teases us with an appearance once every two months!! And I love that last line - JW, I've asked you many times before - give us a our daily bread - for fark$ $ake!! pippinu JW - if you work in the FFA - can you get me one of those statistician's jobs? Posted by: pippinu on May 21, 2007 12:04 AM Sorry, I'm just rereading JW's great post, "4th best team", tehehe, trying to explain that to anyone would have been funny to watch. One could have done no worse than compare them to 'pool - great once, used to win championships even, but these days they specialise at getting into CL finals! I actually came on again to ask whether everyone noted that story on TWG about the smaller games for small kids, lots of touches, etc. They were actually filming an U6 game, their 2nd game. I imagine in NSW they all started on the same weekend, so that would have been last weekend. It was great footage (for an old doting dad like myself who is going through it all at the minute), in fact, there was a bit of footage where the kid is running into an open goal and puts it inches to the right of the upright, just like my little story about my little Beni! (that wasn't him, in Holbrook we can't afford fancy little goals with nets, and use witches hats) But otherwise, the U6s are identical in every respect. That's exactly how it looks and its a fantastic concept. Also, I can't count, Beni's games are also 4x4 (not 5x5 as I had said). It's great the way our games are organised because scores aren't kept, the idea is to just encourage kids chasing and having a kick of the ball (in whatever direction!) and it does result in a surprisingly low level of angst amongst parents, even I had a good laugh when Beni missed that goal, and it didn't even register with him what had happened! (just as in the clip you saw today) It's an absolutely great concept! Much to my wife's chagrin, we supplement his Saturday morning games with a bit of corridor soccer (just as my brother and I used to play all those years ago to my mum's chagrin!) - god it's fun!! At heart, I'm just a big kid with white hair! pippinu Posted by: pippinu on May 21, 2007 12:22 AM Posted by: Brickowski on May 20, 2007 11:16 AM Nope. The arse, on the otherhand have a star player who wants out, a coach who has been marginalised by his board and a record debt for "al new library" stadium. Leeds written all over it really. How many people do you reckon Brighton & Hove Albion will attract to al new library in 2 years time? Spurs turn a proper profit - mostly because it costs less to fly to London than it does to visit a Spurs match when you are there and a membership costs about the same as a year in the royal suite on the Queen Mary 2. But Spurs own White Hart Lane and a good bit of Seven Sisters Road as well - not to mention the 20M paper profit they have made on Dimitar Berbatov this year. Provided ENIC (Spurs owners) don't sell Berbatov, and make good on their promise for 30M additional for the 3 players we need (LB, LM, 4th Striker (Dukes?)), we should be there next year. Watch out for Adel Taarabt next year too - he'll make Scholes look like Freund :). Cheers, Posted by: md on May 21, 2007 8:15 AM Still don't believe me Pippu? Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 21, 2007 9:06 AM And the paint did dry and the grass did grow And Man U and Chelski passed the ball in midfield, to and fro And fro and to and to and fro from kitten to cat our pussy did grow Caterpillar changed to butterfly and Rudd's hair was gone He went for tracksuited walks like the venerable John But still the ball in midfield went to and fro and fro and to and to and fro When this game will end even Fossie doesn't know. Posted by: Odin on May 21, 2007 9:13 AM Fortunately - I stumbled across the result of the FA Cup and therefore felt no compulsion to sit through 115 scoreless minutes..... Posted by: Michael C on May 21, 2007 9:24 AM The Phoenix have signed a decent number of players now. Mark Paston, Glen Moss, Steven O'Dor, Steven Old,Tony Lochhead, Karl Dodd, Vince Lia, Ross Aloisi, Richard Johnson, Michael Ferrante, Tim Brown, Daniel Lins C�rtes, Felipe de Souza Campos, Costa Barbarouses, Vaughan Coveny, Royce Brownlie. It seems like a decent mix of youth and experience, and Aussies and Kiwis (and Brazilians). While at the moment I still believe they will come last, it won't be by far, or for the entire season. Their crowds will also be much better I think. Looking at Sydney and their potential signings, imagine if they get Aloisi, Popovick, and then Cocu on a guest stint!!! I think that combination of star power, combined with entertainers like Carney and Talay being told to entertain, would result in a vast improvement on crowd figures, regardless of results. If we are topping the table and doing well in the latter stages of the Champions League at the same time, even better! Also, just look at all the bog name former Socceroos either home or maybe coming home. Melbourne- Muscat, Thompson, Millicevic Central Coast- Vidmar Perth- Lazaridis There's probably more, I just wrote the first ones who came to mind. Its good that they are fairly well distributed around the clubs as well. Posted by: tintin1989 on May 21, 2007 9:34 AM Posted by: tintin1989 on May 21, 2007 9:34 AM These are the players we want to attract back to Australia. The socceroos who have performed on the biggest stages around the world both for the Socceroos & for their club sides. Just think of the possible players that could be coming back in the next few years, Skoko, Chipperfield, Sterjerovski, Kalac, Burns & maybe even Viduka in 2 years time. Posted by: Robbos on May 21, 2007 10:10 AM Ben W, Don't want to steal your thunder, as you probabaly have a new Blog on the way of the new possible sponsorship of the Socceroos. Are you going to allow us a sneak preview. Posted by: Robbos on May 21, 2007 10:22 AM Jed I recall that when the Wellington bid was first mooted, it was described as the Melbourne of NZ - that is that it had it over Auckland in terms of attending sporting fixtures - so your statement may not be so far-fetched. Re this de Souza character - there is something about it all that just doesn't sit right at the moment. For starters, why doesn't this fourfourtwo article have a player description of him, including his former clubs? (as was included for a couple of other guys). I reckon there is something funny going on here - mark my words!! _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 21, 2007 10:30 AM Ben Willing: Romario Scores his "1000th" goal story here Posted by: Ben Willing on May 21, 2007 10:37 AM Plenty happened in the Serie A over the weekend. It looks like the reinstatement of Guidolin has worked a treat, Palermo has qualified for the UEFA Cup after a 2-1 home win against Siena. This is what TWG says: "Siena dropped into the bottom three after going down 2-1 at Palermo, who remain in the UEFA Cup qualifying spots. Eugenio Corini and Andrea Caracciolo put the Sardinians in control before Massimo Maccarone grabbed a late consolation." I don't really expect that sort of error from TWG - Palermo is in Sicily, not Sardinia (they're both big backward islands in the Mediterranean speaking a funny language, so I guess it's hard to tell them apart). Palermo can even take 5th spot off Fiorentina in the final round when they are away to Udinese - although it has to be said that if they hadn't been penalised, Fiorentina would now be 3rd. Messina had a commendable 2-2 home draw against them. The had to come back from 2 goals down, and actually missed a penalty along the way, while converting one close to full time to tie it up. Catania lost 1-0 away to Sampdoria and are only 1 point above the drop off zone. They finish the season with a home game against Chievo - who have had a pretty good run the past month. Empoli was set to stamp one of their best seasons ever when they were leading Reggina at home 3-0 at half time - but the Calabrians came back with three of their own to tie it up by full time. Empoli has also qualified for UEFA, and currently sit in 7th. Cagliari (the real Sardinians) defeated Roma 3-2 at home. _______ The Big V IS Football Posted by: pippinu on May 21, 2007 10:45 AM Pippinu - I love Serie A relegation battles...Reggina's 3 goal comeback (including a 'penalty' in the 84th minute converted by Amoruso), is classic stuff. If you're a betting man, look at Reggina next week taking on Milan..I know where my money's going :) I'll also bet on Bianchi their goal-poacher extraordinaire going to Juve - or the like - next year. Glad for Vinnie Grella (and Claudio Ranieri) that Parma are safe - I think!? Posted by: gazzarotto on May 21, 2007 11:00 AM Posted by: md on May 21, 2007 8:15 AM Well, that's a lot of 'ifs'. Spurs usually find a way of stuffing it up. Henry may be on the way out but will be replaced by Eto'o. Wenger will stay, I have a feeling that Dein will be back, backed by Stan Kroenke when he gets his way. The funds from a takeover, as well as a much bigger gate coming from the increased capacity of the new stadium should provide us with enough new players to compliment our rising stars like Fabregas, Eboue, Adebayor et al. I really don't think relegation is coming anytime soon for either of the north London clubs, but as I said, one can only dream. Posted by: Brickowski on May 21, 2007 11:07 AM 20 minutes of the FA Cup was enough for me. It reminded me of that Simpsons episode. "Fullback to centre back, back to full back, holds it, holds it .....". At least the lesser of two evils won (the greater being penalties) Well done Palermo, the prettiest strip in Europe in my opinion, another European campaign featuring an Aussie. Is the Primera ladder determined on head to head results? Barca have are superior to Real Madrid by 18 goals on for and against. Are there any other leagues that operate like this? AZ Alkmaar had a 2-1 home win over Ajax in the first leg of the UCL playoffs. Will just make it more amusing when they choke in the second leg. Poor, poor Van Gaal. Ben Willing: "Holds it, holds it": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhT4oACS7ec Posted by: Hutcho on May 21, 2007 11:19 AM Napoli drew in front of 50,000+ over night. They are still 3rd (9 points infront on 4th place) and 2 points behind Genoa who lost. Its getting a little worrying - promotion is looking shaky for Napoli. At least we wont have to witness a 72 year old Sophia Lauren strip... She has announced that she will do a striptease if Napoli is promoted. Posted by: cheech on May 21, 2007 11:35 AM pippinu on May 21, 2007 12:22 AM I watched a lot of TWG last night on my computer as I'd been out most of the day and was impressed by the Junior Development story. I'm very impressed that Holbrook is following this model. In our local comp(Canterbury Districts) it is 7 v 7 (I think)on a mini field with goalkeepers at under 6. It is competition (though no tables are kept) from day one - not a good model. There was a story on the front of Saturday's herald about the Saturday traffic in Sydney. We could get a lot of cars off the road, or at least doing shorter journeys, if we got rid of this "competition" model for junior football up until say the age of 10 or 12. Instead have the all the kids go to the same park everyweek and play different kids from their immediate area in small-sided games, get proper coaching etc. We'll have better footballers and we'll reduce green house gasses - it's a win-win (does that make it a draw?. Utopian? In this country probably. Anyway it was a good story and I'm sure there'll be more of this sort of stuff once Rob Baan starts fighting his battles. Hey I also noticed that Craig Foster mentioned the Maradona, Tevez, Crespo and Messi foot-volleyball game that I posted a youtube link to on here weeks ago. Everyone's reading the FLOG. Posted by: Vicentin on May 21, 2007 12:24 PM Cheech don't the top 3 go up? Why is it looking shaky for Napoli if they are 9 points ahead? Have I missed something? _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 21, 2007 12:33 PM That's the one Ben. I love the difference in commentary. "Come see the battle to determine what the greatest nation on this planet is: Portugal or Mexico." Posted by: Hutcho on May 21, 2007 12:33 PM "give me my Serie A any day of the week, it might be corrupt, the fans might be violent, and the players might complain to referee's like it's a sport, but at least im guaranteed to see good solid tactical and technical football AND goals." Posted by: BPR on May 20, 2007 6:05 PM Actually, BPR, this was a prime example of taking tactical football to the extreme. And surely the goal itself was a fine example of technical excellence both from Drogba and Lampard. I guess if English teams play tactical slow-paced continental football they get branded �boring�, and if they play a fast free-flowing game they get branded as sloppy and �technically inferior.� Catch 22. Couldn�t stand the pre-match build-up on SBS � it was basically 2 hours of �let�s lay the cricket bat into Chelsea.� Comments such as that at the trophy ceremony; �[Chelsea:] you might not like them, but they keep winning.� A tad presumptuous. Surely you would expect a large proportion of those watching a ManU/Chelsea FA cup to actually be Chelsea fans and not feel that way at all! I know, I know, I am foolish to expect objectivity from Fozzie and their ilk. Unlike myself and my cool and always objective analysis! Passing on from my obligatory pro-Chelsea 5c worth, I will agree it was almost as boring an FA cup as the ManU v Arsenal yawn-a-thon of a few years back. At least it didn�t go to penalties! I had to laugh at Hutch�s comment � I had the same thought while watching the passing around the backline re that Simpsons episode! Posted by: Slippery Jim on May 21, 2007 12:43 PM I think my FA Cup night was best of all. It went something like this. 10.30pm - Switched onto SBS, made pop corn 11pm - Fell asleep 10min left of extra time woke up in time to see Drogba's goal. Judging from this game Chelsea and Man U are not the teams they think they are. Boring , yes. But thats how it goes in Football. You can expect all types of matches from the boring (FA Cup)to the thrilling (UEFA Cup). Posted by: AL BUNDY on May 21, 2007 12:52 PM FA Cup review from the great Les Murry. Good read. Applies to all big leagues in the world. Posted by: AL BUNDY on May 21, 2007 1:03 PM What time are these games on on Wednesday? I'm sure total football said SFC 6pm.AU 8pm. The A-league site is currently saying AU 7.30 & SFC 8.30PM. The FOX site is currently saying AU 8pm @SFC 10.30pm. & the Bob the old cleaner at work is saying " I like watching that sort of soccer match,so why did they put it up agains't the league"? Posted by: EJ on May 21, 2007 1:09 PM Posted by: pippinu on May 21, 2007 12:33 PM The top 2 only get automatic promotion. #rd place only gets automatic promotion if its 10 points ahead of 4th. Napoli have 2 away games and 1 home game left. The last game is away to Genoa. I'm confident that that will win 2 games - but the one against Genoa will be hard. If the gap between 3rd and 4th remains at 9 points there will be a play-off and anything can happen. I hate playoffs!!! Last time Napoli were this close to winning promotion, they lost the playoff. Posted by: cheech on May 21, 2007 1:11 PM Posted by: pippinu on May 21, 2007 12:22 AM Just regarding junior football, I just wanted to share a funny story. In my teens I was asked by a friend of the family to coach their sons Under 6 team. In line with the usual rotation policy we had a new kid in goal one weekend. He was an animal in training stopping every shot. On game day we put on his yellow jersey and he headed for the sticks. First shot, going wide, he dives full length and pulls off a great save, encouraging. Second shot, on target, he jumps over the ball and proceeds to pick it out of the back of the net with a big smil on his face. This is repeated again 2 minutes later. I sent his dad down just to check if everything was Ok. A couple of minutes later a somewhat bemused father comes back smiling and shaking his head. The boys father asked him why he didn't stop the ones going in the goal, the boy a little perplexed looks at his father and cooly responds "Dad, that's what the net is there for". Makes sense really. Gee I miss the 8.30am dew busters. Posted by: Hutcho on May 21, 2007 1:13 PM Vicentin I need to make a confession - Holbrook is my pseudo-home, my home away from home if you like. I also have to admit that I'm not a Private Eye (although I did attend an investigator's course in Bathurst like I once said). There, I'm glad I got that off my chest - I only have one major confession left to make, I'll have to pick the right time for it. It's a bit on the embarassing side for me (no, it's got nothing to do with my conjugal responsibilities). So back to the U6 set-up we have, somewhere in the Southern highlands of NSW, it's pretty much along the lines that you were wishing. You register your kid for 10 weeks, or whatever it is, you lob up to these playing fields where they have marked out a dozen or more little pitches, about a quarter or less the size of a full pitch, a swarm of parents and kids arrive, and then you just line up wherever there's a spot, and you trundle of to your little patch of half-dead grass. So they are essentially scratch-matches every week, the kids are split into teams of 4, get a guernsey (Beni played against Barca one week), and each team gets a mentor, basically a youngish kid from the club, who also look after the game. They ensure that all the kids have a go at kicking in and throwing in, otherwise they're all allowed to chase the ball around and get a kick. It's basically chaos with a bit of order thrown in (perfect for the age group). No score is kept, parents seem laid back, everyone says well done at the end, and you go to the canteen for chips and chocolate after half an hour of mayhem. It's a terrific set-up. _______ The Big V IS Football Posted by: pippinu on May 21, 2007 1:30 PM "I'm happy to say that I didn't feel like vomiting watching Ronaldo last night! Is it my imagination, or is he bulking up (with muscle) before my very eyes? This season is nothing on what he will be producing in years to come." Pip, glad to hear you weren't vomiting! Wasn't one of his best games, but its been a long season, he's been in the thick of much of it, and, hey, the boy is only human!! Of course he's going to be weary!! Yeah, he does seem to have bulked up quite a lot, so we'll have to see what happens with that, but there is a lot more to come from this boy, you mark my words!! Also glad the final didn't go to penalties, but just wish it had been the other way around. Ah well, fergie will get the boys fired up for next season, so hopefully this will be the first of many finals at Wembley and maybe FA Cup no.12 next season for United!! ----------------------------------- "He's back. The Milan defenders might think they know everything, but if Liverpool get the ball to Harry, i reckon he'll cause an enormous surprise in Athens! He was that good against Charlton!" Posted by: johhny warren on May 20, 2007 9:21 PM Perhaps, but, needless to say, there is a BIG difference between Charlton and AC Milan - we'll just have to wait and see, because he may well play, but Oddo, who would probably be marking him if he did, is no slouch, so it would be difficult. ----------------------------------- Posted by: David V. on May 20, 2007 3:47 PM I agree, they both have some real quality in their squads, so if they can get some real consistency, could make things very interesting! Anyway, on other matters - as most of us United fans have expected all season, it looks like Owen Hargreaves is finally on the way to Old Trafford. http://www.theworldgame.com.au/home/index.php?pid=st&cid=88787 Good move, I think, because he'll give us a very versatile midfield to choose from, and will be especially important in European games when we need a ball winner to break up more creative teams. Can also cover right-back if need be, and with Gary Nev not getting any younger, that could be very important. Think the other big one we need for next season is a classy striker with similar style to Saha (pacy, good technique and finish) but without the injuries, of course. Would love to see someone like Samuel Eto'o or David Villa come, but probably too expensive, so perhaps Huntelaar from Ajax is a more realistic proposition. Left wing is also a possible area for attention, but if Park's injury has healed in time, he can cover either wing, so that should tie us over for the meantime, because Giggs will still play some of the season. Posted by: funkymarinette on May 21, 2007 1:38 PM Cheech thanks for the explanation - I didn't know about the play-offs. Hutcho That's a very U6 story! Honestly, it's so funny watching these little kids chasing the ball around, often kicking it in any old direction. They often lose sense of where the pitch is, so it's common for the whole lot of them to go chasing the ball up a grassy bank 30 metres from where the side line is, completely oblivious, with the mentors struggling to keep up with them to reign them back in. _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 21, 2007 1:40 PM I enjoyed Les' latest article on TWG. I think it is hard to argue with the basic observation that the modern FA Cup is not what we grew up with, say, 1960s to 1980s. I looked up those same stats the other day, that the big 4 have dominated the FA cup for the last 12 years - that's definitely not the FA cup we once knew. On the question of the manner in which Man U and Chelsea approached the game - this sort of thing is common these days, not just at club level but at international level. What's the likelihood that SFC takes a cautious approach against Urawa, hoping to score one on the counter, afterall, that's all it needs to do. If Urawa score the first, that would almost end it for them. Will SFC fans complain if their club gets through after a dull game? That's where this discussion gets so complicated. As neutral observers, we want to be entertained and see a few goals (and you all know I prefer seeing goals!). But if you have a stake in a particular result, like your team qualifying or whatever, you most probably will have a different attitude to a given game than the neutral observer. _______ The Big V IS Football Posted by: pippinu on May 21, 2007 1:57 PM Posted by: funkymarinette on May 21, 2007 1:38 PM Every club in the world is looking for THAT striker. On that front, who is Alfonso Alves? Heerenveen top scoreer with 34 goals for the season... I have never heard of him, but wow..thats alot of goals Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 21, 2007 2:08 PM Will SFC fans complain if their club gets through after a dull game? Posted by: pippinu on May 21, 2007 1:57 PM The answer to that is a resounding NO. Brickowski Posted by: Brickowski on May 21, 2007 2:14 PM Posted by: funkymarinette on May 21, 2007 1:38 PM Can we please keep Huntelaar for one more season? Sick of churning out good players just to shift them off at a great profit to poor struggling clubs like Juve, Arsenal, Man U, Milan, Inter, etc. Just one more year..... Posted by: pippinu on May 21, 2007 1:57 PM Hypocrisy is the God given right of the neutral. If I care about them they better not lose, otherwise I just want to be entertained. It is a conundrum, the GF of any competition attracts more neutrals than supporters with a true allegiance. I will sit through 90 minutes of mind numbingly dull football if it means my team coming out on top, then I will proceed to tell you it was the greatest game of all time. Posted by: Hutcho on May 21, 2007 2:40 PM Another sponsors joins the FFA, Sony. What is this for the FFA? Is this a big sponsorship? It's a big company. Good choice in Timmy Cahill. Posted by: Robbos on May 21, 2007 2:41 PM On that front, who is Alfonso Alves? Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 21, 2007 2:08 PM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=920aMpWX9nc Posted by: Brickowski on May 21, 2007 2:48 PM I will sit through 90 minutes of mind numbingly dull football if it means my team coming out on top, then I will proceed to tell you it was the greatest game of all time. Posted by: Hutcho on May 21, 2007 2:40 PM Spoken like a true FC supporter. Posted by: djebella on May 21, 2007 2:57 PM re: Another sponsors joins the FFA, Sony Well that might explain the Spiderman3 review on the Perth Glory site a few weeks ago.?. Go the Sony Socceroos... Posted by: PJ on May 21, 2007 3:06 PM I dont mindi dont mind seeing a game with few goals in it as a neutral, however i do want to see good attacking football. Will SFC fans complain if their club gets through after a dull game? Posted by: pippinu on May 21, 2007 1:57 PM the only way it will be a dull game is if its a draw, unfortunately that means were out. Posted by: macca on May 21, 2007 3:09 PM FERNANDO RECH LEAVES ADELAIDE Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 21, 2007 3:46 PM Do Sydney do this? Confirmation I wasn't dreaming last night. Posted by: Brickowski on May 21, 2007 4:28 PM Wrong link before, sorry. Posted by: Brickowski on May 21, 2007 4:35 PM I'm sure it helps that the Jest have NBN as a major sponsor. Wonder if the Mariners will do the same, given that they are also sponsored (though to a lesser extent) by NBN. And then there's Singo.... "The Mariners - a beer man's team" Posted by: djebella on May 21, 2007 4:45 PM "Can we please keep Huntelaar for one more season? Sick of churning out good players just to shift them off at a great profit to poor struggling clubs like Juve, Arsenal, Man U, Milan, Inter, etc. Just one more year....." Hutcho, ultimately its up to Fergie, but I imagine there could well be quite a few bids for the Huntaar in the pre-season, so we'll just have to wait and see what happens. Also, just saw on the Beeb website that one paper is speculating that Edwin van der Sar will loose the number one spot for United next season because he's been blamed for Drogba's winner at Wembley. I usually take this sort of thing with a pinch of salt, but watching it again, there wasn't much he could really do about it. Drogba just got to the ball first and got the finish away, it happens, and he's been really solid most of the season so it would be a bit of a shame, especially as this will probably be his last season playing. There have been several occasions this season he's had to make some pretty crucial saves as well, so why make him the scapegoat for a pretty disappointing team performance in one match? Posted by: funkymarinette on May 21, 2007 5:21 PM Posted by: djebella on May 21, 2007 2:57 PM Very funny, well done :) http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21768414-23215,00.html Branko talking up the SFC v Urawa fixture. I agree wholeheartedly that this is the largest club football game played by an Australian side. It would be a huge achievment if SFC progress and the exposure it offers in a massive market place to potential sponsors can only benefit the A-League. But is it un-Australian if you "don't get football"? The common theme has always been it is un-Australian if you do get football. I'm confused..... Posted by: Brickowski on May 21, 2007 4:35 PM I was wondering what you are talking about and now all I can see is a minute image on my screen. Can you explain it? I'm still confused..... Posted by: Hutcho on May 21, 2007 5:28 PM Posted by: Hutcho on May 21, 2007 5:28 PM Ah Bollocks, it's still the wrong link. Go the TWG website, click one of the videos, then switch to News up the top, select World News Australia, and then scroll down the list of stories til you get to 'Tokyo Touchdown'. The presenter introduces the story with the news of Poppa joining SFC. Posted by: Brickowski on May 21, 2007 5:47 PM Posted by: funkymarinette on May 21, 2007 5:21 PM It's up to Ajax ultimately whether they release him, not Sir Alex. There might be problems getting more money at Man U when they complete the Hargreaves signing. He has a bucketload of talent, 9 goals out of 9 appearances in the Champions League and UEFA Cup the past season. Ajax will eventually make a tidy profit on the 9 million Euro outlay, however I would prefer to see him playing Champs League football for Ajax next season and trying to deny PSV another title, rather than getting lumps kicked out of him in the EPL. Posted by: Hutcho on May 21, 2007 5:49 PM "It's up to Ajax ultimately whether they release him, not Sir Alex. There might be problems getting more money at Man U when they complete the Hargreaves signing." Sorry Hutcho, what I meant by that was its up to Sir Alex whether he thinks Huntelaar would be a good move, or whether he wants to go for someone else. It is, of course, up to Ajax whether they sell him if an offer comes in. Re money, we've apparently been given 50-60 mil pounds to spend on transfers for next season, and there could be some current players on the move as well, so it won't be a really big issue unless we want to try and pay 40 mil pounds for Eto'o or something ridiculous like that. Anyway, thats me done for today, so speak to youse all tomorrow! Posted by: funkymarinette on May 21, 2007 6:24 PM Posted by: funkymarinette on May 21, 2007 6:24 PM United get their man with �17m Hargreaves deal http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2084354,00.html Posted by: Brickowski on May 21, 2007 6:40 PM Amazed that it hasn't been reported already, but Barca handed out a schallacking last night. The put in 6 goals away against Ath Madrid in torrential rain and windy conditions. Messa started the scoring with a devine run followed by a 1-2 pass into the box to beat the keeper. Amasing how in lovely sunshine on a Saturday afternoon in London, the game deteriorates into a long-ball fest, but is attrocious conditions in Madrid, beautiful football prevailed. (Maybe I should have taken up the offer of tickets!) What makes this even more impressive is that Barca were predicted to loose and drop to 3rd place behind Sevilla. They now stay equal on points with Real, and 2 points ahead of Sevilla. Heads Posted by: Heads on May 21, 2007 11:47 PM Funky, Sir Alex has been given 25 mill to spend, with an addition 25 there only to be used in certain circumstances. It is not a given that it is available, but is dependent upon the person, price, and what money bags thinks at the time. This is the way I read an article on the BBC site. Heads Posted by: Heads on May 22, 2007 12:16 AM Ben Willing: It's on the corner of George & Harris Streets, near Railway Square and UTS. * Posted by: Eddie on May 20, 2007 4:47 PM thanks ben see u there Posted by: Eddie on May 22, 2007 1:17 AM Didn't watch the FA cup final, went to practice my friend play instead, seems like it was a good choice... Hargreaves isn't worth that money for me... but then again I couldn't care less about Man u anyway... Scored my first goal for the red bulls at the weekend... can't wait for the Urawa game... shame i have to see the highlights on You tube. I hope Wellington make it into the top 4... with Queensland, Sydney and Melbourne Posted by: juanpabloangel on May 22, 2007 6:57 AM Posted by: Brickowski on May 21, 2007 6:40 PM Cheers for that Bricko. Not rubber-stamped yet, but basically signed, sealed and delivered at long last. On another note, with the Champions League final just a couple of days away, I found myself already thinking about next years major finals. I remember during the UEFA cup final commentary last week, Martin Tyler mentioned that next year's final will be held at the City of Manchester Stadium, which should be interesting, while according to my dear friend Wikipedia, next year's Champions League final "will be played at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on May 21, 2008." It seems UEFA are certainly getting the Eastern European flavour back into football, which is kind of nice to see! Posted by: funkymarinette on May 22, 2007 8:57 AM Good Luck Sydney FC! Well done OLyroos! Sony another sponsor? WOW! Great stuff, and a great brand! Welcome to the Global Game Sony in Australia! Sony Qantas Hyundai Socceroos. Posted by: Joe on May 22, 2007 9:02 AM A light hearted start to the day... Quote Of The Day "On our first day this week I asked the players: 'Do you want to enjoy the game or do you want to enjoy after the game?' And the players said 'After the game'" - If only Jose Mourinho had asked the fans. Posted by: Brickowski on May 21, 2007 5:47 PM Cheers Brick, that's better. It would be good to see Poppa in the set up. Another Aussie international possibly on the way home is great for the league. Noticed that SFC have approached both JJ and Hakan Sukur as Cocu becomes less likely. I'll take JJ Posted by: funkymarinette on May 21, 2007 6:24 PM No big deal funky, it's not as if Sir Alex is Roman who can lure who he wants with a bag full of cash and a gun at their head. That's 18 million done with Owen. Good buy that one. Posted by: Hutcho on May 22, 2007 9:29 AM �it continues to be a very exciting time for Football in Australia.� Ben Buckely - Former AFL man. How true indeed. Sony on board with the Socceroos is a huge boon to the game... SFC about to contest the single most important continental game of Football in Australia's history... The Socceroos themselves about to make their debut at the elite level of competition is Asia and are widely expected to win... Names such as Aloisi, Sukur, Cocu, Okocha, Moore etc being linked with A-League Clubs. Players returning from O.S such as Thompson, Tiatto, Lazaridis, Rizzo, Milicivic... This is great we have ACL then ANC to keep us going (along with the usual off-season transfer games) all the way up until A-League preseaon. Australians all let us rejoice indeed!!! Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 22, 2007 9:34 AM Bricks, I saw the SBS Sports news too when they announced Poppa had signed for Sydney, but farked if I can see it mentioned anywhere else. Is this another SBS hoax? Perth Glory has another film reviewer. Nick Rizzo has turned down offers to stay in Europe and will be returning to Perth after his wedding in June. He's even got the Spiderman boxer shorts for the honeymoon. Nick's not a bad acquisition for Perth as a Footballroo, former Olyroo and has represented Aus at U17 and U20 level as well. "The Whalers have all the pressure on them to perform in front of a huge fanatical crowd and they have to get at least a draw to go through." There is nothing to fear but fear itself . . . Should be a great game with a great atmosphere, lets hope SFC can get over their fears and play as well as they can and silence the crowd. Posted by: jimbo on May 22, 2007 9:54 AM Funny letter I'd like to share with you all from the Guardian' Fiver email: "After Ryan Giggs's goal that never was at the weekend, isn't it time we introduced new technology into the game so the referee can be sure that the whole of the goalkeeper has been kicked over the line?" - Chris Bond. Posted by: Brickowski on May 22, 2007 10:13 AM Posted by: Heads on May 21, 2007 11:47 PM Thanks Heads, are you in Madrid? Lucky bugger if so. I was under the impression that Barca may struggle in Madrid and suggested as much on Friday. Their record against Atletico is not that crash hot and in recent weeks they look like they have been wobbling their way to the finish line. Good to see them get back on track in such an emphatic manner. A very exciting finish to the Primera in the coming weeks. Posted by: Hutcho on May 22, 2007 10:54 AM Posted by: Heads on May 22, 2007 12:16 AM OK, can you see if you can find the link for that story? ------------------------------ "That's 18 million done with Owen. Good buy that one." Posted by: Hutcho on May 22, 2007 9:29 AM Yes, its not offical yet, but he says there could be further developments this week, so I imagine that will be an official announcement/signing etc. Posted by: funkymarinette on May 22, 2007 11:03 AM Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 22, 2007 9:34 AM I totally agree with you Jed. These are exciting times for Football in this country. Once the media understands the importance of the football matches in the ACL & ANC as they eventually did with the World cup, it will create greater public & media awareness & once that comes the sponsors will follow. This is the single most important thing, football needs a huge influx of money to at least attract our 2nd tier players back home, those playing just below the top level. The revolution that started when Frank Lowry & John O'Neill started a few years ago with the A-League, got a huge kick along when Alosi scored that penalty, took further strides when Cahill scored against Japan & reached fever pitch after Neill conceded that penalty. The A-League & especially Melbourne (that was hard to say) continues to grow. SFC have done their bit with a very strong performance in the ACL. The ANC are coming & then it's season 3, I say bring it on. Let us truly rejoice. Posted by: Robbos on May 22, 2007 11:16 AM Does anyone else think that both Suker and JJ are probably a bit over the hill. I mean, JJ last played for Bolton 5 years ago. I was playing good football 5 years ago, but now not so good.... SFC, we can do better than this!! Hargraves, never worth that type of money.... crazy... desparate. Shows how many quality (or lack there of) English midfielders there are... Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 22, 2007 11:18 AM Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 22, 2007 11:18 AM So what are your terms? If I can speak to George Perry, how much can I say you will sign for? Can I get 10% Posted by: Brickowski on May 22, 2007 11:59 AM sampsonobrian on May 22, 2007 11:18 AM JJ will be 34 in August. Has he really been playing in Qatar since 2002? Not meaning to dis you sampson but I'm sure that if you've both lost about the same amount of footballing "goodness" in the past five years then I'm pretty sure that JJ was starting from higher base. Do admit, he was (and hopefully still is) extraordinarily talented. On the subject of Cocu (37) - when Jason Culina was on TWG the other day (and probably still on the website) it didn't sound like the Cocu deal was completely off. If anything I thought his comments (ok, maybe more his demeanour) suggested it was still very much a possibility. On the subject of Wednesday's game, I seem to have been completely snookered. I don't know how I'm going to get to see the game - bloody school, bloody P&C, they've kidnapped my wife and they're completely messing with my mind. There has to be a solution! Posted by: Vicentin on May 22, 2007 12:21 PM I saw the SBS Sports news too when they announced Poppa had signed for Sydney. Posted by: jimbo on May 22, 2007 9:54 AM Yes,in keeping with their youth policy SFC has signed poppa Cullina,although the wrong side of 70 they say the pop will put bums on seats. Posted by: EJ on May 22, 2007 12:41 PM Bricko, I am not looking for a gig with SFC. So as the old saying says 10% of FA = ? My point is that JJ has been playing in an 'average' league for 5 years..is this really worth spending a cool million on? If Hargreaves is worth 17m... how much is Vinnie worth? Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 22, 2007 12:43 PM Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 22, 2007 11:18 AM Actually JJ's last game for Bolton was only 1 year ago in May 06. I actually think he is exactly what SFC need, he is regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation, in fact the great Pele chose him in a list of the 125 greatest living footballers compiled for FIFA's centenary in 2005. He has the outrageous style to draw the crowds and the TV audiences, and would be a great addition to the squad. Posted by: Slippery Jim on May 22, 2007 12:46 PM Hargraves, never worth that type of money.... crazy... desparate. Shows how many quality (or lack there of) English midfielders there are... Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 22, 2007 11:18 AM We didn't buy him because he's English, you muppet!! If Gattuso or Mascherano was available at the moment, perhaps we would have gone for them, in terms of a holding midfielder, but Hargreaves has been a key player for Bayern for many years, and is up there with the best defensive mids on his day, so its a good move I think. He shouldn't take long to adjust to EPL football, will bring competition and versatility to the midfield, plus he actually wanted to come to United, so it seems to have all worked out well. Worth 17 mil? Not sure, but it was a bit cheaper than we were expecting, so all in all, a pretty good deal. Posted by: funkymarinette on May 22, 2007 12:58 PM wouldn't it be great if someone in our local media actually did something intelligent and different. With tomorrows 2 big games ..Leagues 'state of O' and Footballs Asian CL involvement. A contrast between a provincial game .league..which tomoorrows game 'doesn't get any bigger than state of O" enjoys huge local media interest and hype in just two states but has bugger all interest in the rest of the country or anywhere else... ...and football-a supposedly marginal national game ..that is buried in the local media but tomorrows sydney FC match will have a bigger 50thou+ crowd and incomparably more international interest in the order of 20mill+ viewers... What would it say about the contrast of the 2 codes and where they're heading ?? But I suppose that is too much to ask in these overcommercialised, insular and parochial times... "Carn NSW..smash tha tanecoads maaaaate" Posted by: steven elliot on May 22, 2007 1:51 PM Does anyone know why Real Madrid is above Barcelona in table of the La Liga when both are are on the same points & Barcelona clearly has the better for & against? Real is ahead on wins, does the La Liga look at wins ahead of for & against? Posted by: Robbos on May 22, 2007 2:06 PM On the subject of the media getting in tune with the ACL, etc. I found out the other day that the rugby super 14s had been determined, played between two South African sides, I couldn't even tell you who won it. Let's be honest, the media has hardly made a big deal about it. Why do I mention this? Because it is always possible that a similar fate awaits the reporting of the ACL, particularly if Sydney drops out this week. The link between the ACL and the super14s? They both involve Australian clubs and overseas clubs, and they are both on pay TV. Now you might say to me that the ACL is far bigger and more important than super 14s, and I would agree with you, but if the majority of Australians don't know about it, then the media isn't going to go to a lot of effort to report it. Just an observation - personally, I am absolutely intrigued by the Urawa v SFC game, indeed I'm probably more intrigued in it than the CL game the following morning! By the way - the FFA contacted me on the stats job - my star is on the rise! I may soon be far too important to post blogs on the FLOG! It has been wonderful knowing you all, but I'm sure you all understand that I am destined for bigger and better things! We must all follow our own paths - I'll be thinking of you all, as I sit up in the corporate boxes, keeping stats and generally enjoying the convivial surrounds (g'day Craig, nice movement of the ball through midfield!). Actually, I better not speak too soon, nothing concrete has been said yet. _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 22, 2007 2:09 PM All Floggers, please ignore my last post, and accept my most sincerest apologies - it looks like I am returning to the fold afterall! This stats stuff is all done from a special studio in Sydney!! I'll send them my details just in case - but it would mean I have to go to Sydney!! I haven't been to Sydney in like 15 years - I'll get lost! I'll get kidnapped! They'll attack me because I look Middle Eastern! I don't wanna go!! _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 22, 2007 2:17 PM Robbos on May 22, 2007 2:06 PM They don't go use goal difference in Spain (at least not as the first decider) but it decided on direct encounters. I can't remember off the top of my head what the results of their two games were but Real have the wood on them basically. Speaking of wood - anyone see the photo the Terror used of David Beckham and Fabio Capello together this morning? It is more "explicit?" than the one on the website ... Posted by: Vicentin on May 22, 2007 2:29 PM The media is compatible or in tune with one thing only the media. Posted by: Odin on May 22, 2007 2:36 PM Posted by: Robbos on May 22, 2007 2:06 PM I asked this question also Robbos, I heard somewhere that it is on a head to head basis. A 3-3 draw this year and a 2-0 win to Real puts them on top. Happy to be corrected or know if this is done anywhere else. Posted by: Slippery Jim on May 22, 2007 12:46 PM I thought the last 5 years went by pretty quickly. If JJ was to come to Sydney he would be a couple of months older than Dwight in v1 and we all know how badly that went ;) re: funky vs sampson None of these blokes are worth the money they get. It must be pointed out though that Man U had a lazy 12 mill floating around after the Jon Obi Mikel fiasco. I'm sure sampson has seen bucketloads of Bundesliga this season and knows how well Hargreaves is going. No doubt he is a much better judge of talent than the powers that be at Bayern and Man U along with those who judged Hargreaves performances at the world cup so highly. Posted by: Hutcho on May 22, 2007 2:39 PM We didn't buy him because he's English, you muppet!! ...well strictly speaking he's Canadian of course. He just happens to represent England in football. Sort of Canada's Craig Johnston I guess - though Craig had retired by his age - 27. (sorry, there's this age thing happening today) Anyway, I think he's a pretty good player. Is he worth 17m pounds - probably not but he won't be worst waste of money in coming transfer season I'm sure. And he certainly won't be weakening the team. I read somewhere (fox blogs perhaps0 someone saying that he and Carrick as DMs could add a lot of freedom to the play of Scholes, Giggs and Ronaldo ... with Rooney up front. All of them are pretty naff defenders so maybe there's some merit in the idea. Posted by: Vicentin on May 22, 2007 2:41 PM We didn't buy him because he's English, you muppet!! ...well strictly speaking he's Canadian of course. He just happens to represent England in football. Sort of Canada's Craig Johnston I guess - though Craig had retired by his age - 27. (sorry, there's this age thing happening today) Anyway, I think he's a pretty good player. Is he worth 17m pounds - probably not but he won't be worst waste of money in coming transfer season I'm sure. And he certainly won't be weakening the team. I read somewhere (fox blogs perhaps) someone saying that he and Carrick as DMs could add a lot of freedom to the play of Scholes, Giggs and Ronaldo ... with Rooney up front. All of them are pretty naff defenders so maybe there's some merit in the idea. Posted by: Vicentin on May 22, 2007 2:41 PM Does anyone know why Real Madrid is above Barcelona in table of the La Liga when both are are on the same points & Barcelona clearly has the better for & against? Real is ahead on wins, does the La Liga look at wins ahead of for & against? Posted by: Robbos on May 22, 2007 2:06 PM It goes by head to head record in La Liga. Posted by: Scouser FC on May 22, 2007 2:43 PM Posted by: Vicentin on May 22, 2007 2:29 PM Thanks Vicentin. I didn't know that. It's all very close. With 3 games to go, not sure of the run in, but if last weekend form is anything to go by, Barca may just have the edge. Posted by: Robbos on May 22, 2007 2:54 PM Posted by: Vicentin on May 22, 2007 2:29 PM Great photo, Vincentin. "Look what you have done to my Golden Balls" Posted by: Hutcho on May 22, 2007 2:56 PM Ben Willing: Socceroos squad for Uruguay friendly: Daniel Allsopp (Melbourne Victory, Australia), Michael Beauchamp (Nuremberg, Germany), Mark Bridge (Newcastle Jets, Australia), Nick Carle (Newcastle Jets, Australia), David Carney (Sydney FC, Australia), Simon Colosimo (Sivasspor, Turkey), Jason Culina (PSV Eindhoven, Holland), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers, England), Adam Federici (Reading, England), Ryan Griffiths (Liaoning, China), Brett Holman (NEC Nijmegen, Holland), Brad Jones (Middlesbrough, England), Patrick Kisnorbo (Leicester City, England), Scott McDonald (Motherwell, Scotland), Lucas Neill (West Ham, England), Jade North (Newcastle Jets, Australia), Matthew Spiranovic (Nuremberg, Germany), Shane Stefanutto (Lillestrom, Norway), Mile Sterjovski (Basel, Switzerland), Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory, Australia), Michael Thwaite (Wisla Krakow, Poland), Carl Valeri (Grosseto, Italy), Luke Wilkshire (FC Twente, Holland) Squad of 23, but 3 will be dropped by match day. Posted by: Ben Willing on May 22, 2007 3:03 PM Thanks Ben. Great opportunity to showcase those who are next in line looking at that squad. Hey Pippu, there aren't enough Victory players in there. Just thought I would get in first :) Posted by: Hutcho on May 22, 2007 3:17 PM Matthew Spiranovic, so did he pick Australia or have we forced the move? Did we pick him so he has no choice? Or did he just ignore Croatia from the start? Welcome to the socceroos Matthew. Posted by: EJ on May 22, 2007 3:29 PM No Milligan - does this mean he is a certainty for the Asian Cup and his back is being rested due to his Olyroos/ACL schedule? Looking forward to seeing Bridge if he gets a run. Ben Willing: None of the Olyroos were selected for the Uruguay match because they fly out to Jordan only four days later. Posted by: Ben G on May 22, 2007 3:33 PM EJ on May 22, 2007 3:29 PM Spiranovic has stated that he wants to play for Australia, but this game won't "cement" his Nationality as it is not regarded by FIFA as an "A" international (or similar terminology). Regardless it is a good move by all to choose him in the squad - looks very promising. ps he also holds an English passport - wonder if they're interested at all? Posted by: Vicentin on May 22, 2007 3:38 PM Posted by: Hutcho on May 22, 2007 3:17 PM Yes it will great to see the next line of Socceroos running around, like Kisnorbo, Spiranovic, Valeri, Holman & Federici. Unfortunately, not the type of players that pull in a big non football crowd. The 2 players I am interested in are Bridge, who I rate as the best young player in Australia & Colosimo , to see how far he can go. I always thought he had so much potential before that Man U Cole broke his leg (I thought he was up there with Vinnie & Bresc). I hope Arnold gives Carle a run. Posted by: robbos on May 22, 2007 3:42 PM Posted by: EJ on May 22, 2007 3:29 PM From what I've heard he wants to play for Australia. Also, he seems to be the only Australian in Nuremberg getting a start (or not injured). Posted by: Scouser FC on May 22, 2007 4:03 PM Posted by: robbos on May 22, 2007 3:42 PM Fair enough regarding the non football crowd. I have been lucky enough to get a few tickets from a corporate mob so I plan to take a few heathens out to show them we have more players than just Harry and Dukes. I will be interesting to see how Wilkshire has come along since moving to FC Twente. He has started nearly 30 games for them this season and they finished in 4th. A couple of goals, a few yellow cards and a red indicates he puts himself about. Posted by: Hutcho on May 22, 2007 4:48 PM Funky, here is the link to the article, it is from a Guardian blog. Most of it is about how Glazer has put ManU in serious debt and need to stay in the top 4 at least to stay afloat. The part that you want is "The Glazers' plans showed that they wanted United to be clear to spend �25m on players every season, with a further one-off �25m available to splash out on a star." http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/05/16/the_borrowers_make_united_fans.html La Liga - I will grab a newspaper off the Metro on my way home tonight and get the full info on how the table stands for you all. Unfortunately I cannot access any sporting website from work to do that now. Heads Posted by: Heads on May 22, 2007 4:56 PM EJ, you're right, we were thinking of the wrong Poppa! Maybe they can have 3 generations of Culinas on the park at the one time. Imagine Poppa Culina, Pele and Diego spearheading the attacking midfield. Still a bit of confusion about kick off time for the Whalers game, but this is the latest from the A-League site. I'll be up the bowling club with the Thunder boys, so it better be on or seats will be ripped up and thrown out the windows! Good squad for the Urus game, but not much of a re-match. Most of the Aussie stars of that historic night are not there. No Schwarzer, who saved the penalties and none of the penalty takers there either. The next generation of Footballroos already? Posted by: jimbo on May 22, 2007 4:57 PM Another one bites the dust. Qld Roar unable to come up with sufficient $$ for Craig Moore reported in the SMH. Apparently there are a couple of other A-League clubs sniffing around. Posted by: Hutcho on May 22, 2007 4:57 PM Posted by: jimbo on May 22, 2007 4:57 PM Leave the seats where they are jimbo, Fox 1 is now advertising a "live" showing starting at 8pm and thru to 10.30. The Adelaide game has been bumped. Fox reads the FLOG too Posted by: Hutcho on May 22, 2007 5:23 PM Posted by: Vicentin on May 22, 2007 2:41 PM well, if you want to get REALLY specific, he was brought up in Canada by an English family, and some of his family apparently live in the north-west of England now, which is one reason why he wanted to come to United. On the formation, I think what you are saying was part of Fergie's reason for getting him - with that defensive cover it does give the attacking players more licence to get forward. We also really need a tenacious ball-winner in the midfield for Europe, and teams like Arsenal, to break up the play of creative teams and try and keep opposition key players quiet, and Hargreaves surely fits that bill. ----------------------------------- re: funky vs sampson None of these blokes are worth the money they get. It must be pointed out though that Man U had a lazy 12 mill floating around after the Jon Obi Mikel fiasco. I'm sure sampson has seen bucketloads of Bundesliga this season and knows how well Hargreaves is going. No doubt he is a much better judge of talent than the powers that be at Bayern and Man U along with those who judged Hargreaves performances at the world cup so highly. Posted by: Hutcho on May 22, 2007 2:39 PM Ha ha!! So true!! Some of the Mikel 12 mil may have been spent on Carrick last year, but there is still probably some left, so hopefully we can get some good quality in with that money! ---------------------------------- Interesting Roos squad for Uruguay - suppose it will give some of the more fringe or unfamiliar members of the squad a chance to press their claim to be a major part of the Socceroos up to South Africa, and if we can get a large group of players exposed at international level, that can only be a good thing for the future! Looking forward to the game!! Anyway, thats me for today, so speak to all of you tomorrow! Posted by: funkymarinette on May 22, 2007 5:25 PM I'm sure sampson has seen bucketloads of Bundesliga this season and knows how well Hargreaves is going. No doubt he is a much better judge of talent than the powers that be at Bayern and Man U along with those who judged Hargreaves performances at the world cup so highly. Posted by: Hutcho on May 22, 2007 2:39 PM Well, I can't speak for the man himself, but I can assure you that sampsonobrian is extremely knowledgeable about this great game and its players. We all know Hargreaves can play but the real question is whether he can perform in the EPL. I'd like to wager that he can but I don't think he'll be able to dominate midfield in the Viera or Keane mould. Only time will tell. Pipps, if you stay away from the Shoire you will have no problem. Stick to the enlightened Inner West and you will be OK. Maybe you can even set up base in the glorious surrounds of Abbotsford. Posted by: Brickowski on May 22, 2007 5:59 PM Pippinu, Football is spelt with an F not a V. The big F is Football. Posted by: jimbo on May 22, 2007 7:17 PM People, Interested in "Floggers" view of the cattle we're putting out against those dirty spitting win at all cost cheating divers from that postage stamp known as UGY! Or is that UGLY? The squad looks a tad "unbalanced" to my eyes. Brand new spanking "goalie" should be interesting. Defensively, we look more than capable as long as Beauchamp is over his international nerves and hasn't passed what he had onto his buddy Spiranovic. Kisnorbo looks like a good back up as well. Defensive midfield looks pretty good with Culina and Wilkshire. Colosimo could be finally ready to step up a level as adequate back up here. However, its at this point, that the ship looks a little bit "light-on" up front. Without "Timmy Twinkletoes", "The Statue of Liberty", "Mr Kooool", "The other Aloisi" and of course the "Dukes", Arnold is basically left with totally untried strike power! Thats not to say that there's great potential here, but we're going to need 2 or 3 of them to fire on the night! Obviously Sterjovski will get time up front, but the other positions are really up for grabs. Would he dare play the 3 A-leaguer's together in Carle, Allsopp and "The Man"? I'd like to see Scot McDonald get some time and Brett Holman looks like he might be worth at least a half. Even young Bridge might be worth a gamble at some stage. Certainly we look reasonable for pace up front, but without the "Dukes" our patented OZ attacking style is going to have to be left on the bench for the night. Whether we can cope without it or not will be the most fascinating aspect of the night. Otherwise we could be buried! Posted by: johhny warren on May 22, 2007 8:49 PM Posted by: jimbo on May 22, 2007 4:57 PM I could be wrong here, but I do believe that Lucas Neill took one of the penalties in 2005. Posted by: drsimmo on May 22, 2007 9:07 PM Sorry everyone - I just realised that Dukes has been rested and is not in the squad - pay attention boy! Is McDonald likely to be given the nod ahead of Danny boy and Arch if we go in with one specialist striker? Bricks - that's very sound advice - I think I would feel at home in the Inner West (afterall, that's where I'm from in Melbourne). Perhaps you and your cohorts can take it in turn to billet me, and I'll provide you with info from the inner sanctum. _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 22, 2007 9:37 PM Vicentin, As you pointed out the spanish title will be decided on head to head should the top teams finish level on points. The two meetings between Barca and Real this seaon have finished in a 2-0 win for Real at the Bernabeu and a 3-3 draw at Camp Nou. the game in Barcelona was the best match I've seen this year in any league. Real took the lead through a sloppy Va Nistelrooy goal (is there any other kind?) before Messi equalised. Real kept hitting the front but the boys kept on coming back even down to 10 men in the second half. The incomparable Messi completed his hat trick in the 90th minute to cap off an amazing advertisement for the world game. There was still time for a "seen them given" type penalty claim for Ronnie but a loss would have been tough on Real. All in all it was probably a wee bit better than the F.A cup final which B.B.C pundit Mark Lawrenson described as a great advertisement fo the cricket season! Posted by: aussie jambo on May 22, 2007 10:42 PM Good pickup drsimmo, I knew as I was writing it that Neill was one of the penalty takers, but just seeing if anyone would figure it out. I also forgot to mention that the goal scorer for the WC qualifier, Breschiano, is also not playing. Doesn't worry us, we bought our tickets long time ago and looking forward to the game Saturday week. Posted by: jimbo on May 22, 2007 10:47 PM aussie jambo on May 22, 2007 10:42 PM Thanks for the reminder, early onset alzheimers I fear - I'd forgotten about Messi's hat-trick against Real. I have to say does seem bizarre that Real could win in considering the goal difference is about 20 down on Barca's but I guess everyone knows what the rules are before the beginning of the season ... and Robbos, sadly I think that Real have the momentum not Barca. Every week they seems to arse it somehow or other. From (Spanish correspondent) Sid Lowe's article in the Guardian... the club displaying the kind of irrational, yet somehow hugely lucrative belief of an orange-tanned TV evangelist; the club with a manager who has, to paraphrase the Spanish saying, an arse the size of a small country. I'm sure it is metaphor - Capello's chin (not his arse) is in fact the size of a small country. http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/05/21/madrid_one_half_happy_other_ha.html Posted by: Vicentin on May 22, 2007 11:13 PM La Liga - As promised, here is a rough summary of what is in the paper for the La Liga. With the La Liga being quite equal for Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, and Valencia, anyone of them could unlock the title. --- The numbers say that Madrid would not have any problems with Deportivo in the Bernab�u because the Galicians have only had two draws and one victory in the last 15 seasons. One week later, Madrid go to the difficult place of Romareda where, nevertheless, its statistic with the Zaragoza has improved in the last 10 years: only three draws and one defeat. On the contrary, although historically Majorca usually leaves scalded from the Bernab�u, they have scored in four of their last six visits, a disquieting statistic for Capello. BARCELONA, even on points with its great rival, smiles when looking at the calendar. Getafe only knew defeat when it stepped into the Nou Camp in La Liga, whereas Espanyol, the other visitor to the Nou Camp, only added two points in the last 20 campaigns. With respect to the last game, Barcelona would have to win away to N�stic if it is noted what the chronicles say about the middle of the past century.(? Not sure of this reference, but it should be an easy win for them). The third party in order is Sevilla, if they arrive as leaders on the last day would be champions by looking at the records. Nevertheless, it first must have taken care of Zaragoza, who have scored scored in the Sanchez Pizju�n (Sevilla Stadium) in six occasions from Liga 92/93, and with Majorca, which historically they choke against. As far as Valencia, it only has a pebble in its way, Levante, but it has to win everything and to wait for failures of the other three candidates to the title. --- By now you all know that if it is equal on points at the end, it goes on head to head results. Heads Posted by: Heads on May 23, 2007 3:38 AM Lets have the ACL preview!! It will be interesting to see who Uruguay bring... they have some good new players in the copa this year, playing club stuff, will they bring them or will it be recoba et al. Not so interested about talking about Man Utd all the time Funky... You still haven't mentioned the Mariners in ages... compare that to Pippu... he never shuts up about Victory, even though hes not in NSW! Lets have a report on some of your local football!! Posted by: juanpabloangel on May 23, 2007 5:39 AM Following on from JW's post, I'd like to suggest a line-up. JW is correct about the strikepower up front - virtually all of our recognised (and internationally experienced) strikers and attacking midfielders are missing. That being the case, Sterjovski and Holman MUST be in the mix (4-2-3-1, remember that?): ----------------Jones---------------- ---Sterjovski----Holman-----Carle--- ---------------MacDonald------------- Yes folks - now is the time to unleash our handsome Jets no. 10 of Sth American origin against our favourite South Americans. The big question mark is our LB position. Not sure if Stefanutto showed enough last time to get this possie (remembering he played more as a LWB last time, although pretty much reverted to LB for most of the 2nd half). Failing that, can we plonk one of either Beauchamp or Thwaite there? Big question mark there - seeking assistance from all Floggers. Then as I as lining up my three AMs, it seemed to me that Holman deserved the spot in the middle, and that Carle was a natural for the left-side. If we fall behind, at some stage we may wish to swap to a 3-5-2 formation, and bring on one of either Arch or Bridge, with the possiblility of substituting MacDonald for Danny Boy late in the game if need be. But could Carle revert to a more defensive LWB type role if required mid-game? Flexibility people - that's the name of the modern game! Or dare I say it? Total Football!! Or we could leave things as they are and allow Neill to come forward as a libero to bolster the attack - he would absolutely love it!! If our DMs need strengthening late in the game, we have both Valeri and Colosimo available. I imagine that Recoba remains the dangerman - we need Wilkshire and Culina to get on to him at every opportunity. As I mentioned in a previous post, keep your eye on young Estoyanoff. Juan - I'm happy to keep on yapping about the Vics - but some of the Sydney based floggers may not like it too much!! But rest assured, their attempts to drive me away will not succeed! pippinu The Big V IS Football (of Voetbal) Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 8:50 AM Just found this news piece (for benefit of both Funky and Juan): Soc: Central Coast defeat Asian Cup hosts Malaysia Soccer Mariners SYDNEY, May 23 AAP - The Central Coast Mariners have put a dent in the preparations of Asian Cup co-hosts Malaysia with a 3-0 victory at Pluim Park. John Hutchinson, Neil Woodcock and 16-year-old Ty Owens all scored second half goals. Who is this 16 year old running rings around the Malaysian national side? _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 8:55 AM If md is reading, I forgot to mention that I got a better look at the Olyroos' third goal against Iran on TWB, the one involving the German shepherd. In my mind, I had imagined him tearing down the left sideline and placing a deft pass from 20 metres along the carpet at the feet of Troisi who smashed it in first time without missing a step. In truth, the reality was very different. The German shepherd actually received the pass pretty much at the corner of the box, in an extremely unconvincing manner got past one defender (let us say that the ball wasn't exactly glued to his boot) and then he put the ball in the vicinity of Troisi who was good enough to make something of it at a bit of a stretch. But the German shepherd certainly seemed very pleased with his efforts - and let's be honest - who wouldn't have been?! All I know is that that Iranian defender will be lucky to keep his spot in the team. Who would have thought that an SFC supporter would have given me this fantastic material for me to use?! You guys keep encouraging me!! _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 9:09 AM Posted by: pippinu on May 22, 2007 9:37 PM Another Claytons 'Socceroos' cap for a practice match that most the top liners deem unworthy of their time/talents. When will they stop award bona fide Socceroos caps for meaningless friendlies and only do if for proper games?? --- http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21768414-23210,00.html It seems to me that he's missed the point on this one. It's got nothing to do with the 'non soccer' fraternity. There are certainly enough soccer minded folk in Sydney to pack out Telstra Stadium - should they deem it worth while doing so for a SFC vs some club from Indonesia match. The fact that this hasn't occurred is not the fault of followers of NRL or AFL for 'not getting it'. It's not the fault of the media for not leading the way (since when do they do that anyway??). It's simply the fault of SFC, their supporters (or lack of) and the inability to mobilise the latent grass roots soccer demographic (although, and I'd oft point out - even the rubbery figures Sweeney report forgets to focus on exclusivity). Anyway - Culina might get a headline out of these comments - but he should focus more on selling SFC and the ACL to soccer heads first - when he can show a packed Sydney stadium (heck, even Parramatta) to the rest of Sydney, NSW and Aust - then he's got a leg to stand on. Otherwise, he's in the same category as a cyclist lamenting that we just don't realise how big the Tour de France is....... Posted by: Michael C on May 23, 2007 9:51 AM Posted by: juanpabloangel on May 23, 2007 5:39 AM I can take up the gaunlet here... Mariners defeated the Malaysian National team 3-0 goals to Hutchinson (although Pondeljak did all the hard work) and to training squad members Neil Woodcock and Ty Owens. There's a report here . Although it doesn't mention how friggin cold it was. The good news from my perspective of the game: Mrdja and Petrovski were working well together, I still think they need a few games to work out each others play a bit more, but, we have strikers!! Midfielders, midielders, midfielders and not only midielders but primarily attacking midifelders, Owens didn't play due to injury. Standout for me was Matt Osman, I haven't been a big fan of his but he did an enormous amount of work down the right in the second half. Rock solid defence as always and Matthew Trott was fantastic between the posts, he still looks like s strong breeze wil snap him in half but it's good to know we have a solid back up for Danny. Looks to me that Coast is in good hands for V3. Posted by: djebella on May 23, 2007 9:57 AM From the Guardian's Fiver today... Meanwhile in the Liverpool camp, Bolo Zenden is set to undergo a late fitness test in his bid to line up on the left wing, but if the Dutchman recovers from a twisted ankle, it will be a devastating blow for Harry Kewell. The Aussie midfielder will deserve much of the credit if Liverpool win tomorrow, as it was his two Premiership performances this season, against Charlton and Fulham earlier this month, that allowed his team's more energetic players to rest up for Big Cup final. ... yeah, kind a funny. & on the great Stevie Me perpetrated myth of Milan's early celebrations last time round... "There's only one word to describe what Gerrard says about our so-called half-time celebrations: b0llocks" - Carlo Ancelotti becomes the latest Milanista to suggest that Liverpool's captain should try kicking balls instead of talking them. Looks like I might be able to see the Sydney game tonight - ah my lovely wife. and is it just me or is everyone else sick of all the crap around tonight's Springfield V Shelbyville State of Original? Doesn't Shelbyville know we've got a monorail? Posted by: Vicentin on May 23, 2007 10:11 AM Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 8:55 AM That'd be Greg Owens younger brother. Posted by: djebella on May 23, 2007 10:26 AM Press conference between The Government and MVFC at 11.30am today no doubt it will be about the worst kept secret that they will sign on to the new staduim. Posted by: Mick on May 23, 2007 10:45 AM "and is it just me or is everyone else sick of all the crap around tonight's Springfield V Shelbyville State of Original? Doesn't Shelbyville know we've got a monorail?" In their ceaseless search for new hyperboles and oxymoron re tonights qaint little annual interstate hug-fest..here's a good one from one those oh-so knowledgable sporting gurus at channel Noin: "tongiht there'll be 50000 at suncorp!!. the atmosphere is unbeleivable,,nothing like it anywhere in the world!!! Maybe the only comparison is in...India at the cricket !" Clearly to the good folk at 'Noins Wide world of sports', news of the dreaded sockahs quadrennial ..umm World Cup or sumfin they call it ?? ...hasn't quite reached the corridors of suburban Willoughby Posted by: Steve ellis on May 23, 2007 10:50 AM Looking forward to tonight. Off to a friends place to watch the games. Just need to convince him that the SFC Urawa game should dominate the picture in picture over Origin. SFC will need to distribute the ball much better than the SS game if they are to unlock the Japanese. Expecting Urawa to soak it up and look to get SFC on the break. Looking forward to the Washington Rudan rematch, though SFC need it to happen at the other end, much will rely on Corica and Carney, I would imagine McFlynn will get the job on Ponte. Patience and some decisive passing, is needed. I hope some lessons a learnt from the SS match. I fear for the CL final tomorrow if this quote from Rafa regarding the FA Cup is anything to go by "It is hard to tell which team deserved to win, it was a magnificent final". I must have fell asleep during a different game. Expecting a Milan win, hoping for an early goal and no shootout to decide the match. Posted by: Brickowski on May 22, 2007 5:59 PM Fair enough Brick, not meant to offend just to point out that these two sides often put there money in the right places. It may not be a massive achievment Hargraeves was Englands best in Germany IMO. Just thought it a bit harsh to label it a waste before he has kicked a ball, injuries can't be helped, but 13 appearances for Michael Owen in a Newcastle strip in two years @ 100k a week is a waste of money. Posted by: Hutcho on May 23, 2007 10:53 AM Posted by: Vicentin on May 23, 2007 10:11 AM I'm with you on the SOO Vicentin. I still recall in 1999 watching in England, Man U score twice in the last 2 minutes to win the Champions league. I was watching it on SKY TV in the UK & not long after the SOO came on & I thought how insignificant it was that the highlight of this game was a match between 2 states like you said Springfield north v Shelbyville Heights. Posted by: robbos on May 23, 2007 11:09 AM Posted by: Vicentin on May 23, 2007 10:11 AM It's up to us to educate them. Everytime soneone asks about the 'big game' I start talking about how we need to win to progress to the quarter finals. How I hope the whalers don't employ similar stalling tactics to the Shanghai Theatrical Society etc etc. When they ask if the Blues can win away in queensland, I say forget queensland, I hope they can win away in Saitama. You get the occasional strange look, but you have to keep plugging away. Posted by: Brickowski on May 23, 2007 11:37 AM SOO= over hyped over rated over inflated over stated Groundhog day. A media manufactured manipulation of the minds of the masses of NSW & QLD who need to believe(and Channel 9 tells them its true) in the middle of the week that this is the show to divert their minds from the humdrum of their tediously boring everyday jobs/life. A brilliant media exercise in mass diversion. Lets face it nobody wants to be the leper at the water cooler the following day. If the TV ratings ever drop to an unacceptable level(for advertisers) watch the Channel 9 /media hyperbole drop accordingly. Posted by: odin on May 23, 2007 11:38 AM Just a moment ago Steve Bracks announced (via SEN) that the new Melb rectangular stadium will go ahead at 31K capacity. Victory WILL play up to 7 games a year, with around 5 games at TD. Due for construction completion by later 2009. Posted by: Michael C on May 23, 2007 11:52 AM Posted by: Brickowski on May 23, 2007 11:37 AM I used to be a NRL tradgic...so I am not sure if its just that I lost interest long ago or that generally across the board no one is talking about the SoO tonight...I guess the League Heads out there are salivating but I am not seeing it. I would normally never miss and SoO game but obviously tonight all eyes are on Saitama, I guess if I worked in a panel beating shop or sheet metal factory it'd be a different story. Posted by: Jed Petersen on May 23, 2007 11:56 AM Before you go bagging other sports, remember that if you want soccer to grow here then you will need fans from other codes to come across but they can still retain the original allegiance. I'm looking forward to watching the Blues win. Especially after the ordinary performance of the Waratahs, and the Rabbitohs having not won for awhile. At least the Swans have picked themselves up. Not having foxtel, and not being able to justify it, I can only read about the Urawa game afterwards. The good thing a multi-sport town like sydney is that at least one of your teams should be able to win, hopefully SFC. Remember what HG Nelson says "too much sport is never enough". Although I think the Cricket world cup might be an exception. Posted by: PJ on May 23, 2007 12:00 PM Posted by: Steve ellis on May 23, 2007 10:50 AM What a surprise that the Nine League Legends use a metaphor of cricket to decsribe "nothing else like it in the world" for a rugby league game. Don't channel nine televise the cricket? Hasn't the Packer family invested all their casino winnings in League and cricket? When you're paid to say something, you put your mouth where your money is. Posted by: jimbo on May 23, 2007 12:12 PM It's up to us to educate them. Posted by: Brickowski on May 23, 2007 11:37 AM I have a Queenslander next to me who continues to look perplexed when I tell him what I am watching tonight. I have asked him to switch over at half time and compare the atmosphere of both matches. "No mate it is spelt f-o-o-t-b-a-l-l. Yep, they play it in places other than the Australian east cost." "Saitama? Is that near the Caxton Hotel?" Posted by: Hutcho on May 23, 2007 12:12 PM Herr Hutcho, As you seem to be the authority on Bundesliga maybe you can shed light onto how Bayerns season went, considering that they ended up 4th... not so good for a club used to winning titles. I would also have you consider this. Hargreaves is used usually as a sub for England. Would you really pay 17m pounds for a guy who does not command a position in the starting line up for his national team (adopted nation at that). Funky, my point about an English midfielder is that with 17m pounds you could have bought alot of scouting or development. I wasnt suggesting that you bought him purely on the basis of him being English... I would ask how much would Parma have sold Vinnie for, far less than 17m pounds and I think that he would do as good a job, Vinnie is quality. So, Herr Hutcho, all in all this is my opinion and nothing else but. The next time that I write something on FLOG I shall consider that people like you take my opinion as gospel and maybe I shall be less flipant. Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 23, 2007 12:44 PM No one wants to speculate about our Socceroos' team for the game against La Celeste?! Michael C Firstly, thanks for the news on the new stadium, while it was expected, the real surprise is that the Vics can move up to 5 games to the Dome - that clearly had been the stumbling block to an agreement - and I see it as a huge victory for both the Victory and the A-League (I'm confident that the Vict Govt was looking at only 2 or 3 games being capable of moving to TD). Now, with the bouquets out of the way, I need to reprimand you about your negative comments about our Socceroos. It's only a friendly, and up to 7 key members of the squad are missing, but it's still a game against a country with a proud record in the world game (2 WCs) and against whom we already have a decent rivalry. It's our major lead up game into the Asian Cup - so in no way do I see it as a meaningless fixture. I simply don't understand why you would view it that way when these sorts of games are exceedingly rare for the Socceroos. You wouldn't view the three-way one day series that Australia plays in cricket every year as meaningless, why would you attack this friendly that carries so much significance in many respects? For me personally, there is immense intrigue. Will Uruguay be out to prove a point? (you can bet that missing out on last year's WC really stung) Will Arnie try a more usual formation, or will he continue with his China experiment? Will any youngsters debut? There's so much to look forward to. I'd like to take this opportunity to question FIFA's call that this not be considered a true international for the purpose of netting Spiranovic permanently as a Socceroo. Given that it is in a lead up to a major comp for us, I simply don't understand this decision. A few interesting posts on SoO - all of interest even if they come from slightly different perspectives - PJ makes a very good point that has widespread application. I'm not a rugby person, so I don't really have a strong view on the matter, except to say that I don't mind watching SoO, but I see it as being both a strength and weakness for the game of rugby league. On the hand, it is the pinnacle of the game and is certainly enjoyable to watch most of the time, but on the other hand, it is basically isolationist, limiting and provincial in intent. For instance, are Melburnians meant to fell thrilled that some of their players are representing Qld and NSW? Or are they meant to wonder what this is all about really? That it is a celebration of the fact that only Qld and NSW play the game? (and that it will be ever thus) Little wonder that so many Melburnians salivate at the prospect of playing SFC at the Dome! This is not meant as a critique of either SoO or the game of RL (which I admit is not my cup of tea personally) - it's simply how I see SoO in the wider Australian sporting context. _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 12:54 PM pippinu on May 23, 2007 12:54 PM Good post overall and on a few points in particular. The fact that there is only a Springfield V Shelbyville SOO does point to the fact that despite there being a Melbourne (not Capitol City) team it is really only a game played in two states. Isolationist? In the extreme. Interstate rivalries in the context of a regular competition is all fine by me - A League, Sheffield Shield etc but frankly if this event is supposed to be the pinnacle of that sport (every year) then ... ok, I just don't understand how one can keep interested in it. The interest in it to me seems soo artificial. ps Pippu, my wife found my copy(bless her) of that Dennis Ford coaching manual that you mentioned picking up some months ago. Had another look at it last night - it is a very good book. Posted by: Vicentin on May 23, 2007 1:24 PM Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 12:54 PM I agree that it is an intriguing encounter, I think that with the right tactics Australia could win but I just dont have the confidence in Arnie. His first team choices and subs during a game just seem robotice to me. Point in case, I agree that Carle should start but can't see him getting anymore than a token 10 mins at the end when the game is already decided. My squad choice is much the same as yours except: Federici in goals and swap Carle for Ryan Griffiths and move hime to striker. You wouldn't view the three-way one day series that Australia plays in cricket every year as meaningless, why would you attack this friendly that carries so much significance in many respects? I view all cricket as meaningless. But that's just me Posted by: djebella on May 23, 2007 1:43 PM I think you may be right about Carle, pippu. He didn't seem out of place in the China game and I would think is the one of a couple of A-League players who could legitimately make the Asian Cup squad. Thwaite for me. "Look at this country! URGay!" SoO has become an NRL club game on speed over the last ten years. There used to be a mystique about it as there would be Qld players who you would only see once a year and there was a notable difference in standard to what was played each weekend. It has all become a bit sanitised and predictable for mine. That said I will still sneak a peek at it tonight. Posted by: Hutcho on May 23, 2007 1:49 PM Posted by: juanpabloangel on May 23, 2007 5:39 AM I know, I have been neglecting them a little, but, in truth, there hasn't been that much to talk about lately. But, after last night, there are a few tidbits to mull over. Looks like, from djebella's great report, that it was a good performance from the Mariners last night - fantastic to see Hutchinson scoring again, but particularly the young guns getting a good run out as well. Bodes well for the future!! Also sounds like Sash and Mrdja are starting to get a pretty good partnership started, so hopefully they'll get us plenty of goals this coming season - yes, djebella, WE HAVE STRIKERS!!!! Anyway, a squad of some of our younger players, including Kwasnik, Wilko and some academy boys, is heading out to Hong Kong in the next couple of days ( I think) for a sevens tournament, so I shall keep you all posted on how that goes for the Mariners! ----------------------------------- "Funky, my point about an English midfielder is that with 17m pounds you could have bought alot of scouting or development. I wasnt suggesting that you bought him purely on the basis of him being English... I would ask how much would Parma have sold Vinnie for, far less than 17m pounds and I think that he would do as good a job, Vinnie is quality." Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 23, 2007 12:44 PM Maybe, but thats the reality of life at a big club. Sir Alex knows who he needs to improve this team further, Hargreaves actually wanted to come, and is probably one of the best defensive mids available at the moment - no Gattuso, i'll admit, but he'll probably be at Milan for another couple of seasons. And considering we payed 18.6 mil for Carrick, 17 mil for Hargreaves is not too bad at all! It also shouldn't take Owen too long to adapt to the EPL, because he plays for England, so already will have a pretty good experience of the style of game. ----------------------------------- Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 12:54 PM Good points re socceroos match, Pip. True, some of our big names aren't there, but there is still some good quality in the squad, and its a chance for the young or new boys to press their claims for future slection, especially as we'll probably need a big squad of international quality for the World Cup qualifiers. Daresay there will be several midweek games, and our big Euro players won't be able to come out for those, so it will be up to some of the A-League players to step up. Looking forward to it!!! Posted by: funkymarinette on May 23, 2007 2:03 PM Posted by: Vicentin on May 23, 2007 1:24 PM "... ok, I just don't understand how one can keep interested in it. The interest in it to me seems soo artificial." At the end of the day - that IS sport. It is ALL 'artificial' because otherwise they'd be using guns and bombs and .....y'know, an Italian Serie A crowd.... Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 12:54 PM 'meaningless' from the perspective that it's a stand alone game for which the result doesn't matter nearly as much as the practice element of the players on the paddock that are actually planning to turn up. Now - your mention of the annual tri-series in cricket is a series of ODI's - NOT tests. There is a 2nd tier here of 'caps'. However - this friendly soccer match is like counting a pre-season nab challenge cup game against an AFL players career games record. And likewise, the result of such a game is equally irrelevant. True though, there's always the intrigue of how certain players might go, and in certain roles - but really you just pray that no one get's seriously injured and thus denied from the 'real' games. ----- btw - I went to Origin 3 last year at TD - it was slightly more exciting than my one A-League game (0-0 draw b4 50k at TD). A dull arm wrestle until finally one bunch started feeling more knackered than the other bunch - oh, that and some really odd video ref calls....for Pippinu's pleasure, I'd take the doggies v the pies last weekend any day vs those 2 games (perhaps not the StK vs Haw game though - so I'll try to pick a better A-League game next season). Posted by: Michael C on May 23, 2007 2:13 PM Some discussion on our prospective line-up - thanks djebella and Hutcho! Vicentin I had been wondering whether you had that book - it being ideal for the age group you are coaching (and it is sort of making me keen to try and do the same for that age group some time in the near future). It's a great book - because it goes through ideas that would never have occurred to me, and you can see the direct link between the drill and its application on the field - and they are generally simple exercises for young kids to pick up. I made the point that many of these drills are not out of place right up to senior level. I said that because I can recall training with a senior reserves team where it was absolutely disorganised, and the whole warm up was spent with blokes smashing a ball at our poor keeper in goals! Now I admit that that's a lot of fun, hell, I could go a round right now, but in terms of game day applicability... _______ The Big V IS Footall!! Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 2:26 PM Further to my last post, here's some more info on the sevens tournament the Mariners are playing in. Some good sides in there, so it should be quite an experience for the boys!! Posted by: funkymarinette on May 23, 2007 2:27 PM Posted by: sampsonobrian on May 23, 2007 12:44 PM Easy. It was a flippant comment not meant to offend. I think he should start for England everytime (and did for the last 3 world cup matches) for the balance of their side. Unfortunately mega bucks Frank and Stevie Me must play everytime. I apologise and will chose my words more carefully in future, as you said it is just an opinion. Posted by: Hutcho on May 23, 2007 Fair enough Brick, not meant to offend just to point out that these two sides often put there money in the right places. It may not be a massive achievment Hargraeves was Englands best in Germany IMO. Just thought it a bit harsh to label it a waste before he has kicked a ball, injuries can't be helped, but 13 appearances for Michael Owen in a Newcastle strip in two years @ 100k a week is a waste of money. 10:53 AM Posted by: Hutcho on May 23, 2007 2:30 PM Michael C that is crap "an Italian Serie A crowd ..." The SOO is artificial and meaningless contest because it just the same TWO teams every year playing each other - no eliminations, no round-robins no effing anything except a sh*tload of Channel Noine's money. Your negative spin to everything about our game - and it is clearly not your game (even though you've been to one game) is just becoming tedious. Why don't you give yourself some joy and spend more time on AFL blogs - we'll probably all go home happier. Posted by: Vicentin on May 23, 2007 2:40 PM Posted by: Michael C on May 23, 2007 2:13 PM I will have to disagree with you re the Socceroos - for me, it has always been an absolute pleasure to watch them play anyone, especially a great country like Uruguay. Even in times when I have paid far less attention to soccer than AFL, I have always looked forward to watching the Socceroos. Perhaps the one great pleasure for me is to think of games I have seen in the early 1980s (when they were all amateur and would get flogged by NZ!) to how they have been the past decade - it's simply always a privilege to see them play and to notice them inching towards top shelf billing (both the indiviual players and the team as a whole). Re your last para - agree 100%!! Where I live, I had to stay up till past midnight to watch a replay of my bullies - and it was all worth it!! But your point about the St Kilda v Hawks game (I got to watch 2 minutes and quickly changed channel) is one we made recently about the FA Cup - when the day comes, you can never be sure that you are going to get a rivetting contest - and that applies right across the board the world over. This helps explain why I don't like watching soccer with non-soccer people, and I don't like watching aussie rules with non-AFL people - it's simply too distracting explaining why it is or isn't a good game! Actually, when I'm watching either the Socceroos or the Bullies, I rather do it in absolute solitude - I don't want any distractions!! I just want to watch!! _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 2:47 PM Uruguay squad: Goalkeepers: Fabian Carini (Inter Milan), Sebastian Viera (Villarreal) Defenders: Andres Scotti (Argentinos Juniors), Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce), Dario Rodriguez (Schalke 04), Mauricio Victorino (Veracruz), Carlos Diogo (Real Zaragoza) Jorge Fucile (Porto), Gaston Filgueiras (Arsenal, Argentina) Midfielders: Pablo Garcia (Celta Vigo), Diego Perez (Monaco), Guillermo Giacomazzi (Palermo), Cristian Rodriguez (Paris St Germain), Fabian Canobbio (Celta Vigo), Alvaro Recoba (Inter Milan) Forwards: Diego Forlan (Villarreal), Sebastian Abreu (San Luis), Fabian Estoyanoff (Deportivo Coruna), Gonzalo Vargas (Monaco), Vicente Sanchez (Toluca). I am reminded that Uruguay recenlty defeated Sth Korea 2-0; so that is another interesting context for our game with La Celeste! _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 2:50 PM Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 2:26 PM Yeah, the drills themselves are ok, but I just think that as a book largely pitched at parent/coaches who don't know much about football the basic message or playing philosophy is really strong and on the right track. I'd not looked at it for a couple of years and it was good to read a lot of the positive messages in it again. Made me change my whole plan for this saturday's game (strong opponent and a depleted team) from a fairly negative and defensive one to "what the hell, let's go and have fun and attack". I may curse him Saturday afternoon. Wonder if the Whalers will play 3-6-1 again tonight? Posted by: Vicentin on May 23, 2007 2:51 PM Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 2:47 PM agreed on watching in solitude - especially if a slightly delayed coverage and you feel silly yelling instructions that are 30 mins out of date! re the Socceroos - I just reckon they should have class A and class B socceroos games (caps). Such that class A would include all WC etc matches and class B could cover the 'freindlies'. Posted by: Vicentin on May 23, 2007 2:40 PM that was a joke about italian crowds - a joke, jest, joviality...apologies that it seemingly offended you, but I would in another context substitute 'Collingwood' or 'Indian' or ..... I don't like the NRL much, don't care for the SoO - but respect that that is the contest that seems to most mobilise the NRL public - so, good on 'em. They even rate it higher than internationals v Eng and NZ (as evidenced by media build up, crowds etc). As others have stated - the same 2 teams every year is perhaps strength and weakness of the concept. The AFL scenario showed that 3 main states maid it all too hard!! And maybe, just maybe, the SoO void in Victoria is driving the interest in MVFC esp v SA and Syd. And so, a nice hand in glove dynamic equilibrium is achieved.... (ps - I just enjoy being anti Sydney!!) Posted by: Michael C on May 23, 2007 3:23 PM When's the Stan Lazaridis finding getting handed down? woohoo - 999999 again...... p.s. still wondering about Vic stadium - $260 mill for 7 games a year. Not bad. I know the Storm now will be the major 'match' tennant, but MVFC the major crowd tennant. Haven't seen anything about potential further staged increase in size. Reality though, may more readily allow for a 2nd Vic A-League franchise. And protects against future transition of TD to AFL ownership in 2025. And that's probably a major reason that the Vic Govt now builds it's own stadium. They'll be talking about this in Milan y'know! Posted by: Michael C on May 23, 2007 3:33 PM Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 2:50 PM Looks a good Uruguay squad and will prove a very good test of the up and coming players in our squad. You mentioned Estoyanoff previously as a very exciting player and good to see every Australians favourite Uraguayan Dario Rodriguez in there. Looking forward to getting out to this one. Posted by: Hutcho on May 23, 2007 3:49 PM Why don't you give yourself some joy and spend more time on AFL blogs - we'll probably all go home happier. Posted by: Vicentin on May 23, 2007 2:40 PM Hear hear!! Well said. (ps - I just enjoy being anti Sydney!!) Posted by: Michael C on May 23, 2007 3:23 PM You just keep on enjoying that, you remind me of Buzz Aldrin on the Simpsons...."Second comes right after first!". Enjoy being pro-Australia's second city, thrive in the mediocrity. Posted by: Brickowski on May 23, 2007 3:50 PM Vicentin Interesting comments re your young team. At first I was thinking that it must be almost impossible to instil any type of game plan in U8s (not talking from experience, just trying to imagine it!). But on the other hand, I see some merit in having the little tykes try their hand at 3-6-1. Now this is all pure speculation on my part, because I honestly haven't got a clue, but here goes. It's probably easier to get 3 little kids to maintain a straight line roughly acros the D, i.e. guarding the centre of the goals, where your U8s opposition is most likely to head. In other words, there is little risk in ceding the flanks a bit, because if one of their wingers breaks free, they are hardly going to have the discipline to run to the flag and plonk the ball onto one of the heads of a 4ft striker. So in terms of basic organisation and risk management, 3 at the back guarding the central corridor has a lot of merit to it. Then you've got 6 players crowding the space between the centre circle and the D - force them wide! (see above) If your lone striker is your fastest player, they'll occasionally find him with a flukey long ball! (oops, is that a no no in your game plan?! you might have to reconsider this once! although you probably want consistent messages). What about the message of sending the ball into space up forward (along the carpet) where the striker might be able to beat the defence to it (do they have offside in U8s?) Anyway, that's my first ever attempt at thinking about how to organise little kids - I'm sure you'll set me straight if I'm off track! On the matter of the new stadium for the Vics, I note that they have been able to scrounge an additional $12 mill out of the Vict Govt, specifically for MV's purposes - make no mistake - the MV management knows what it's on about and got the absolute maximum out of this deal! Many on the Vics forum have been whinging about ending up with a 31,500 capacity stadium. My consistent message has been: 1. be thankful to get a multimillion dollar purpose built stadium for absolutely nothing 2. 11 of 20 EPL teams have capacities in the mid 30k or less 3. If we can seel out the stadium with 30,000 membership-seating packages - we are absolutely streaks ahead of the competition (in terms of off-field performance) 4. if your big games can be transferred to the Dome - it's win win!! _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 4:03 PM Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 2:47 PM and FIFA themselves have declared that this game v Uruguay doesn't qualify as a full international - so should we, going forward, NOT count it as a bona fide Socceroos cap? (surely then that'd also require some historic revision? of past games). And so Matthew Spiranovic can play this game - but it means nothing, it doesn't tie him to Australia because it's not recognised by FIFA. It is just a meaningless practice match (not saying that the practice isn't important!!!!, I'm not saying that it's a match of meaningless practice!!!) ps. some MVFC fans reaction to stadium announcement includes: why not a min 40K that might meet WC requirements. and 31K will not meet the average attendance from last year. Discussion on SEN takes the line that after 5 years in - then we'd have known better. And that was always my view - see out 5 years, then do it. Certainly in Melb soccer is move deserving of financial govt support than the 2 rugbies - but this may just end up a free kick for the 2 rugbies and of dubious benefit for the round ball code. Posted by: Michael C on May 23, 2007 4:04 PM Posted by: Michael C on May 23, 2007 4:04 PM Re the question of having a ground for WC purposes, an issue we have discussed here many times, many on the Vics forum have made the valid point that surely the Dome (and even the MCG) would be used ahead of a ground with only 40,000. That's a line of argument that has a lot of merit. The Dome will fit 55,000 when configured - and that's a decent figure for WC purposes because most German grounds didn't even get up to that figure. On top of that, you can close the roof if it's raining, which makes it particularly valuable for such a high profile event. And clearly, for a semi final at least, you'd have a game at the MCG where you will draw 90,000 minumum (the actual final would probably end up going to Sydney). Anyway, it's all academic. With every 2nd country wanting to host the WC - we appear decades away from doing so. _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 4:27 PM Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 4:27 PM Funny you say that about hosting the WC - given the Vic Auditor general questioning the value proposition of the F1 Grand Prix plus other major events (I think the Air show and something else) - - - I just can't help but think that there are still a core group of money men willing to spend a lot of tax payers dollars on hosting to show that we're good hosts so that we might 1day host the fifa WC - - - if you're right, their just blowing our dough. --- do you understand my view point on the socceroos given the Spiranovic situation and FIFA ruling? Posted by: Michael C on May 23, 2007 4:43 PM do you understand my view point on the socceroos given the Spiranovic situation and FIFA ruling? Posted by: Michael C on May 23, 2007 4:43 PM No, because: 1. I disagree quite strongly with the FIFA ruling, in fact, I think they have got it wrong and it smacks of Euro-tunnel-vision. If it were the big Euro nations warming up before the Euro cup - I bet you the ruling would be different! 2. This is about the 5th game the Socceroos have played since the WC (might 6th, I can't remember) and it's against quality opposition - we have so few socceroo games - that makes each one significant! (and mouth watering from many perspectives on this specific occasion). 3. I can't equate it to a club practice match - it deserves to be equated to any test game in any other sport (why should the word "test" make some international fixtures more worthy than others?). It's an international fixture against quality opposition pure and simple - some of the names in the Uruguay squad are big names (as are some of the names in the Australian squad - just not as big as they could have been). Look - this is coming from someone who at times during his life has not felt so anamoured about soccer - but I have always been excited about the Socceroos playing - always! _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 5:37 PM Thinking about it, remember that game against Lichtenstein that we played on the eve of the WC? Didn't that have full international honours? Didn't we put on 3 youngsters in the final 5 minutes to align them permanently with Australia? (I recall Sarkies was one of them, but I can't remember the others). So remembering that little ol' game - how is it possible that a game against Uruguay (a top 20 team) that is part of our build up to our Asian cup debut, is not a full international fixture for the purpose of netting Spiranovic? Isn't that anomalous?! It gets me thinking - how much is this a consequence of UEFA lobbying - it is a decision that seems to suit European nations above all others! _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 5:49 PM pippinu on May 23, 2007 9:09 AM Pippinu, That sounds like the hyphen that we all know and (until tomorrow) love. As for ammunition, well, we can only hope that Perth play him on the left :). He was signed by SFC as cover for Timpano & Rudan and did a pretty good job. He is a decent centre back, but I'll take a fit Timpano over the Hyphen anyday. Cheers Posted by: md on May 23, 2007 6:32 PM md fair enough! I have to admit, when I read that the German shepherd had been involved in setting up the 3rd goal, I absolutely pi$$ed myself laughing! (given our exchange a couple of days earlier) I guess that's why I started dreaming up the absolute fluency with which he must have run down the wing, a veritable Roberto Carlos, the more I created the image, the more I was looking forward to our next exchange! Alas, when I finally got to see the replay of it, I absolutely pi$$ed myself laughing again! The joke was on me!! lol I then had to agree that the German shepherd analogy was a pretty good one! A truly magic moment (a la the Coodabeens) _______ The Big V IS Football!! Posted by: pippinu on May 23, 2007 7:46 PM I see the new thread is on, well anyway just wanted to say Mr Packer put a lot of his cash in polo here in Argentina, did you know, he owned Ellerstina, which is the second best polo team in the world. Behind La Dolfina, which is headed by Cambiasso, the worlds best player, and fan of Nueva Chicago in Argentina... he got some of their BARRA BRAVA to come to the polo fields and make some noise!! Now Ellerstinas fans do the same, mainly the girls, as (according to my wife) their players are beautiful... check them out Funky!! I love polo. I love football, not too keen on RL, especially SoO... so lets stop talking about it. Good to see the match report on Mariners, and finally they have a strike force... though doesn't Mrdja play every year... though just for the pre season!! Posted by: juanpabloangel on May 24, 2007 12:31 AM Posted by: Michael C on May 23, 2007 4:04 PM Where are you getting your information from Michael C (if that is your real name)? International games (including friendlies) are counted towards the official FIFA world rankings for an international team. Surely on this merit alone, this game has significance even to someone such as yourself who evidently feels little passion for his national football team. Posted by: Slippery Jim on May 24, 2007 1:01 PM PIPPINU...how do you know Romano Kristoff and his love child? Posted by: tuttocalcio on June 20, 2009 1:17 PM @tuttocalcio 13:17 Sheeesh - through rocco bloggo, the bent nose thing thumb and stuff. Ba Da Bing!
i don't know
Who was the first 'celebrity' to be voted off the 2011 series of 'Strictly Come Dancing'?
Strictly Come Dancing 2011: Edwina Currie is first contestant to be voted off - Mirror Online Strictly Come Dancing 2011: Edwina Currie is first contestant to be voted off Former Tory MP Edwina Currie has become the first celebrity to waltz off Strictly Come Dancing.  Share Get celebs updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email Former Tory MP Edwina Currie has become the first celebrity to waltz off Strictly Come Dancing. After getting a low score of 19 from the judging panel, the public vote saw off the 64-year-old. She danced the foxtrot around a table and chairs, accompanied by professional dancer Vincent Simone, but failed to impress the judges. The other couple in the bottom two were Audley Harrison and Natalie Lowe - who got 23 points for their salsa to a rendition of Michael Jackson's Don't Stop Til You Get Enough. After the performance, Len Goodman said: "Make the most of that meal, because it could be the last supper", with Bruno Tonioli comparing her to a "bendy bus". Currie said that she had a "fabulous" time learning the dance moves. She said: "Well I feel sorry for Vincent, because he has worked very hard. He's been a terrific teacher, he really, really has. "Anything that we did wrong is entirely my fault. "Whoever dances with Vincent is a very, very lucky woman. It has been fabulous - absolutely fabulous. "I mean we have had several weeks of it because we started off with the launch programme as well. During which I think I've lost about half a stone and a dress size." Her dance partner Simone added: "I just want to say I've had so much fun with you. Which I didn't expect because you were a politicianist. But yes, you've taken care of me - so thank you for that." The results show featured a performance from Will Young, singing his new song Come On. A Strictly spokeswoman said that 8.7 million people tuned in to watch the two-hour show last night. Like us on Facebook Most Read Most Recent Most Read Most Recent
Edwina Currie
Ian Gillan and David Coverdale have both provided lead vocals for 'Rock' group?
Strictly Come Dancing: Edwina Currie Becomes First Celebrity To Be Voted Off Show | The Huffington Post Strictly Come Dancing: Edwina Currie Becomes First Celebrity To Be Voted Off Show 09/10/2011 23:38 | Updated 09 December 2011 PA Former Tory MP Edwina Currie has become the first celebrity to waltz off Strictly Come Dancing . After getting a low score of 19 from the judging panel, the public vote saw off the 64-year-old. She danced the foxtrot around a table and chairs, accompanied by professional dancer Vincent Simone, but failed to impress the judges. The other couple in the bottom two were Audley Harrison and Natalie Lowe - who got 23 points for their salsa to a rendition of Michael Jackson's Don't Stop Til You Get Enough. After the performance, Len Goodman said: "Make the most of that meal, because it could be the last supper", with Bruno Tonioli comparing her to a "bendy bus". Currie said that she had a "fabulous" time learning the dance moves. She said: "Well I feel sorry for Vincent, because he has worked very hard. He's been a terrific teacher, he really, really has. Anything that we did wrong is entirely my fault. "Whoever dances with Vincent is a very, very lucky woman. It has been fabulous - absolutely fabulous. "I mean we have had several weeks of it because we started off with the launch programme as well. During which I think I've lost about half a stone and a dress size." Her dance partner Simone added: "I just want to say I've had so much fun with you. Which I didn't expect because you were a politicianist. But yes, you've taken care of me - so thank you for that." A Strictly spokeswoman said that 8.7 million people tuned in to watch the two-hour show on Saturday. More:
i don't know
Which British composer's works include 'The Protecting Veil' and 'Song For Athene', which was performed at Princess Diana'a funeral?
Sir John Kenneth Tavener (1944 - 2013) - Find A Grave Memorial Sir John Kenneth Tavener North Dorset District Dorset, England British Composer. Known for his extensive output of religious works, including The Whale, "The Protecting Veil" and "Song for Athene". He began as a prodigy; in 1968, at the age of 24, he was described by The Guardian as "the musical discovery of the year", while The Times said he was "among the very best creative talents of his generation." During his career he became one of the best known and popular composers of his generation. Tavener was knighted in 2000 for his services to music and won an Ivor Novello Award. He was born on 28 January 1944 in Wembley, London, and claimed to be a direct descendant of the 16th-century composer John Taverner. His parents ran a family building firm, while his father was also organist at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Frognal, Hampstead. Tavener became a music scholar at Highgate School (where a fellow pupil was John Rutter) and afterwards studied at the Royal Academy of Music, where his tutors included Sir Lennox Berkeley. Tavener first came to prominence in 1968 with his dramatic cantata The Whale, based on the Old Testament story of Jonah. It was premi�red at the London Sinfonietta's d�but concert, which was also the opening concert of the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Tavener's younger brother, Roger, was then doing some building work on Ringo Starr's home, and gaining the musician's interest persuaded The Beatles to have The Whale recorded by Apple Records and released in 1970. The following year Tavener began teaching at Trinity College of Music, London. Other works by Tavener released by Apple included his Celtic Requiem, which impressed Benjamin Britten enough to persuade Covent Garden to commission an opera from Tavener: the ultimate result, to a libretto by playwright Gerard McLarnon, was Th�r�se. When staged in 1979 the opera was thought too static to be a successful drama. Tavener had also been deeply affected by his brief marriage, lasting only a few months in 1974, to the Greek dancer Victoria Maragopoulou. His chamber opera A Gentle Spirit (1977), with a libretto by McLarnon based on a story by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, concerns a pawnbroker whose marriage fails to the extent that his wife commits suicide. It has been deemed "far superior to Th�r�se, with the internal drama more suited to the stage". Significantly, it also touched on Russian orthodoxy, to which McLarnon had been a convert for several years. Tavener himself converted to the Russian Orthodox Church in 1977. Orthodox theology and Orthodox liturgical traditions became a major influence on his work. He was particularly drawn to its mysticism, studying and setting to music the writings of Church Fathers and completing a setting of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, the principal eucharistic liturgy of the Orthodox Church: this was Tavener's first directly Orthodox-inspired music. One of Tavener's most popular and frequently performed works[citation needed] is his short unaccompanied four-part choral setting of William Blake's The Lamb, written for his nephew Simon on his third birthday one afternoon in 1982. This simple, homophonic piece is usually performed as a Christmas carol. More important, however, were his explorations of Russian and Greek culture, as shown in Akhmatova Requiem and Sixteen Haiku of Seferis. Later prominent works include The Akathist of Thanksgiving (1987, written in celebration of the millennium of the Russian Orthodox Church); The Protecting Veil (first performed by cellist Steven Isserlis and the London Symphony Orchestra at the 1989 Proms); and Song for Athene (1993) on a text by Mother Thekla, a Russian Orthodox abbess who was Tavener's long-time spiritual advisor up until her death in 2011. Song for Athene was performed at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997. Following Diana's death, he also composed and dedicated to her memory the piece Eternity's Sunrise, based on poetry by William Blake. In 2003 Tavener composed the exceptionally large work The Veil of the Temple (which was premi�red at the Temple Church, London), based on texts from a number of religions. Identified by Tavener as "the supreme achievement of my life", it is set for four choirs, several orchestras and soloists and lasts at least seven hours. The 2004 premi�re of his piece Prayer of the Heart written for and performed by Bj�rk, was featured on CD and incorporated as the soundtrack to Jake Lever's installation Centre + Circumference (2008, Wallspace, All Hallows-on-the-Wall, City of London). In 2007 Tavener composed The Beautiful Names, a setting of the 99 names of God from the Muslim tradition, sung in Arabic. It had been reported, particularly in the British press, that Tavener left Orthodox Christianity to explore a number of other different religious traditions, including Hinduism and Islam, and became a follower of the mystic philosopher Frithjof Schuon. In an interview with The New York Times, conducted by British music journalist Michael White, Tavener said: "I reached a point where everything I wrote was terribly austere and hidebound by the tonal system of the Orthodox Church, and I felt the need, in my music at least, to become more universalist: to take in other colors, other languages." The interviewer also reported at the time that he "hasn't abandoned Orthodoxy. He remains devotedly Christian." Speaking on the BBC Four television programme Sacred Music in 2010, Tavener described himself as "essentially Orthodox." (bio courtesy of: Wikipedia )   
John Taverner
The character 'James Bond' was created by Ian Fleming, but who wrote the book 'Devil May Care' featuring 'James Bond'?
Sir John Tavener choral composer biography - CD recordings, sheet music and songbook a cappella arrangements Sir John Tavener Tavener was born on 28 January 1944 in Wembley, London, England, and claims to be a direct descendant of the 16th century composer John Taverner.He was educated at Highgate School (where a fellow pupil was John Rutter) and at the Royal Academy of Music, where his tutors included Sir Lennox Berkeley. He first came to prominence in 1968 with his dramatic cantata The Whale, based on the Old Testament story of Jonah. It was premiered at the London Sinfonietta's debut concert and later recorded by Apple Records. The following year he began teaching at Trinity College of Music, London. Other works released by Apple included his Celtic Requiem. In 1977, he joined the Russian Orthodox Church. Orthodox theology and Orthodox liturgical traditions became a major influence on his work. He was particularly drawn to its mysticism, studying and setting to music the writings of Church Fathers such as St John Chrysostom. One of Tavener's most popular and frequently performed works is his short unaccompanied four-part choral setting of William Blake's The Lamb, written for his nephew, Simon, on his third birthday one afternoon in 1982. This simple, homophonic piece is usually performed as a Christmas carol. More important, however, were his explorations of Russian and Greek culture, as shown in "Akhmatova Requiem" and "Sixteen Haiku of Seferis". Later prominent works include The Akathist of Thanksgiving (1987, written in celebration of the millennium of the Russian Orthodox Church); The Protecting Veil (first performed by cellist Steven Isserlis and the London Symphony Orchestra at the 1989 Proms); and Song for Athene (1993, performed at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997). Following Diana's death he also composed and dedicated to her memory the piece Eternity's Sunrise, based on poetry by William Blake. It has been reported, particularly in the British press, that Tavener left Orthodox Christianity to explore a number of other different religious traditions, including Hinduism and Islam, and became a follower of the mystic philosopher Frithjof Schuon. While he has in recent years incorporated elements of non-Western music into his compositions, Tavener remains an Orthodox Christian, although his brother, Roger, tended towards Sufi. In 2003 he composed the exceptionally large work The Veil of the Temple (which was premiered at the Temple Church, Fleet Street, London), based on texts from a number of religions. It is set for four choirs, several orchestras and soloists and lasts at least seven hours. The 2004 premiere of his piece Prayer of the Heart written for and performed by Bjork, was featured on CD and incorporated as the soundtrack to Jake Lever's powerful installation Centre + Circumference (2008, Wallspace, All Hallows on the Wall, City of London). In the second television series of Sacred Music, broadcast in the UK on BBC Four on Friday 2 April 2010, Tavener described himself as "essentially Orthodox". While Tavener's early music was influenced by Igor Stravinsky, often invoking the sound world of the Requiem Canticles and A Sermon, a Narrative and a Prayer, his recent music is more sparse, uses wide registral space and is usually diatonically tonal. Some commentators see a similarity with the works of Arvo Part, from their common religious tradition to the technical details of phrase lengths, diatonicism and colouristic percussion effects, though the similarities between their outputs are quite superficial. Olivier Messiaen has also been suggested as a strong influence on his earlier work. Tavener has suffered from considerable problems with his health. He had a stroke in his thirties, heart surgery and a tumor removed in his forties, and suffered two successive heart attacks which have left him very frail and unable to work since December 2007. He has Marfan syndrome. His wife, Maryanna, broadcast a charity appeal on BBC Radio 4 in October 2008 on behalf of the Marfan Trust. Modern Choral Arrangements John Tavener : Fall and Resurrection Review: The World Premiere performance of Sir John Tavener's epic work written for the new Millennium, recorded in St Paul's Cathedral, London, in January 2000. The composer makes full use of the remarkable acoustic of St Paul's, presented here in breathtaking 5.1 Surround Sound. Songlist: Introduction and Interview with Sir John Tavener, Titles: Fall and Resurrection , Part I; Silence, Darkness; In the Beginning, Before Time, Representation of Chaos, Paradise, The Serpent , Catastrophe: The Implications of the Fall, Adam's Lament, Part II: Prediction , Part III: The Incarnation of the Logos , Cosmic Dance of the Resurrection: All Is Transfigured , The Eye of the Heart: Sir John Tavener talks about his beliefs and music 7543dvd | DVD $24.95 Choral Performance DVDs The Choir : Tavener: Choral Ikons Review: The Choir sings Sir John Tavener's hauntingly beautiful unaccompaniedchoral music in a stunning virtual reality restoration of the ancient Hagia Sophia church in Constantinople. Orthodox ikons enrich the visual tapestry, enhancing the full richness of Tavener's mystic inspiration.The power of the performances is overwhelming and the credit goes to James Whitbourn and his vocal ensemble The Choir that he created for the express purpose of television and DVD recordings for Opus Arte. The Choir sing Tavener's music with great understanding and sensitivity to the religious texts. This DVD captures every beauteous moment of Tavener's music with The Choir. Opus Arte, as in all their productions, never leave you second-guessing about the music with their investigative extra features that bring further insight upon the chosen subject.The ikon chooses you which, together with an illustrated booklet containing an in-depth article on the inspirational power of ikons as well as the vocal texts and an introduction by Tavener himself, round off this beautifully presented package. Songlist: Choral Performance DVDs John Tavener : Coplas Review: Coplas is a short anthem for voices and belongs to a much larger work called 'Last Rites' which is based on the mystical idea of St. John of the Cross. In once sense Coplas is a prolonged decoration of the 'et sepultus est' cadence from the Crucifixus in Bach's Mass in B minor. In another sense I think of it not so much as my music but a way of listening to Bach's music. Songlist: Coplas 8370b | Songbook & 1 CD $13.95 | SATB John Tavener : Choral Collection Review: A collection of Tavener's most popular choral pieces most all of which are a cappella. The text of Annunciation is taken from St Luke's gospel. The words of the Archangel are sung by the main choir, and should build up to a thunderous, awesome theophany. The response of the Mother of God 'How shall this be' comes form a quartet of solo voices set apart, preferably raised in a gallery. This songbook includes program notes from Tavener himself. Songlist: Annunciation, Come and Do Your Will In Me, Eonia, Funeral Canticle, Hymn to the Mother of God, I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes, Ikon of St. Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, Love Bade Me Welcome, Prayer To The Holy Trinity, Song From Athene 9395b | Songbook $12.95 | SATB Modern Choral Arrangements John Tavener : Choral Music For Upper Voices Review: Original pieces as well as new arrangements for upper voices of some of the most popular titles from John Tavener's outstandingly varied and extensive list of works for choir. Over the years, we can trace a line from the exquisite simplicity of his setting of Blake's The Lamb to the monumental Veil Of The Temple. The arrangements are all for soprano and alto singers, with a varying number of parts, up to four sopranos and four altos (in Ikon Of Saint Hilda). An Organ or Piano accompaniment part is provided as applicable, with an additional optional Cello solo in Song For Athene. Songlist: Agnus Dei (Missa Brevis), Awed By The Beauty (The Veil Of The Temple), Ikon Of Saint Hilda, Notre Pere, Song For Athene, The Lamb, The Lord's Prayer (1999), Theotoke 6754b | Songbook $8.95 | SSA. John Tavener : Christmas Choral Collection Review: John Tavener first rose to fame in 1969 when his cantata "The Whale" was recorded on the Beatle's Apple record label. Now one of Britain's leading choral composers his works included the poignant "Song For Athene". Here are eight mostly a cappella Christmas songs. Songlist: O, Do Not Move, A Christmas Round, Ikon Of The Nativity, God Is With Us, Today The Virgin, A Nativity, The Lamb, Apolytikion Of The Incarnation 9115b | Songbook $13.95 | SATB Choral Christmas Arrangements John Tavener : Coplas Review: Coplas is a short anthem for voices and is part of a much larger work called 'Last Rites'. It is based on the mystical idea of St. John of the Cross which obsesses me - "the more I live the more I must die." Hence the deliberately static nature of Coplas. Songlist: Coplas 2979b | Songbook $8.50 | SATB John Tavener : Favorite Anthems Review: Favourite Anthems' for SATB choir presents some of John Tavener's most popular works from his outstandingly varied and extensive catalog of works for choir. Also included are beautiful miniatures and radiant anthems which trace a line over the years from the exquisite simplicity of his setting of William Blake's The Lamb to the monumental Veil of the Temple and beyond. Songlist: A Christmas Round , A Hymn To The Mother Of God, Advent Antiphon, Agnus Dei, As One Who Has Slept, Exhortation And Kohima, God Is With Us (A Christmas Proclamation) , Nunc Dimittis, O That We Were There, Rocking, Song For Athene, The Founder's Prayer, The Lamb, Today The Virgin, What God Is, We Do Not Know 4044b | Songbook $14.95 | SATB John Tavener : Funeral Ikos Review: A sacred work for unaccompanied SSATBB choir, using text from The Order for the Burial of Dead Priests, translated from Greek by Isabel Hapgood. Vocal score with piano accompaniment for rehearsal purposes. 2974b | Songbook $3.95 | SSATBB John Tavener : Preces and Responses Review: John Tavener's Preces and Responses for Double Choir were commissioned by Cathedral Commissions of Wells Cathedral and were first performed on Sunday 18th May 2014 during New Music Wells 74-14, by Wells Cathedral Choir conducted by Matthew Owens. Songlist: Preces and Responses
i don't know
Who had hits with the songs, 'Lonely Boy' in 1976 and 'Never Let Her Slip Away' in 1978?
Andrew Gold: Musician and songwriter whose collaborators included Ronstadt, Garfunkel and Cher | The Independent Andrew Gold: Musician and songwriter whose collaborators included Ronstadt, Garfunkel and Cher Tuesday 7 June 2011 23:00 BST Click to follow The Independent Online Andrew Gold was part of the outstanding musical scene which developed in Los Angeles in the 1970s and included Linda Ronstadt, the Eagles, Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne. Gold, a multi-instrumentalist, played on numerous albums and also had his own hit singles with "Lonely Boy", "Never Let Her Slip Away" and "Thank You For Being A Friend". He could have had, and perhaps should have had, more solo success but his voice was probably not distinctive enough. "I know I can sing," he told me in 2000, "but I also know that I'm not Lennon or Sinatra." Andrew Gold was born in Burbank in August 1951, the son of two highly musical parents. His father, Ernest, was a film composer who wrote the scores for On The Beach (1959) and Exodus (1960), and his mother, Marni Nixon, had a singing role in The Sound Of Music (1962) and was also Natalie Wood's singing voice in West Side Story (1961) and Audrey Hepburn's in My Fair Lady (1964). For part of his adolescence, Gold was educated in the UK. His musical talent was soon appreciated and in the early 1970s he was playing in two Los Angeles bands, Bryndle and the Rangers, both with the guitarist Kenny Edwards. While at Oakwood School in Hollywood, he met Linda Ronstadt, then singing with the Stone Poneys. Both Edwards and Gold were invited to join the Stone Poneys, and his burgeoning talent was soon recognised. Gold sang and played guitars and keyboards on her big-selling and highly acclaimed solo albums, Heart Like A Wheel (1974), Prisoner In Disguise (1975), Hasten Down The Wind (1976), Living In The USA (1978), Mad Love (1980) and Get Closer (1982). In 1975 Linda Ronstadt had her only US No 1 with a revival of "You're No Good", previously a hit for Betty Everett and the Swinging Blue Jeans. The record was produced by Peter Asher but it was a tour de force for Gold, who played electric piano and drums as well as the guitar solo. Gold sang a duet with Ronstadt on a revival of the Everly Brothers' "When Will I Be Loved", while Ronstadt encouraged him to make solo records and sang backing vocals on his first hit, "Lonely Boy". Although Gold put personal references in "Lonely Boy" (1975) including his year of birth, he told me that it was not autobiographical: "Maybe it was a mistake to do that but I simply put in those details because it was convenient. I hadn't been a lonely boy at all – I'd had a very happy childhood." In1978, Gold had a UK Top 10 single with the ultra-catchy "Never LetHer Slip Away". "It's like McCartney meets Brian Wilson," he explained, "I can always tell when I am going into that mode. There's a very cheap synthesiser on that record, but it was right for the song." Gold promoted the single in the UK, admittedly spending much of his earnings in the gambling club, Crockfords. This led to his album track, "I'm A Gambler". He followed up with another Top 20 single, "How Can This Be Love". Gold had a third hit in 1978 with "Thank You For Being A Friend", which had a new lease of life when it was sung by Cindy Fee as the theme for TheGolden Girls (1985-92). Gold released the albums, Andrew Gold (1975), What's Wrong With This Picture (1976), AllThis And Heaven Too (1978) and Whirlwind (1980). He did, however, refuseto sign contracts with music publishing companies, calling them "banks with real bad interest rates posing as song pluggers." There is no doubt that Gold was regarded as a very safe pair of hands and he was invited to play on scores of albums. They included Maria Muldaur (1974), Kate And Anna McGarrigle (1975), Jennifer Warnes' Shot Through The Heart (1979) and Stephen Bishop's Careless (1976). He was strongly featured on Art Garfunkel's album, Breakaway (1975) and provided most of the accompaniment on the stunning No 1 single, "I Only Have Eyes For You". Less successful was his support for a Playboy model, Barbi Benton, who was determined to be a pop and country singer. Among the albums he produced were Rita Coolidge's Heartbreak Radio (1981) and Nicolette Larson's All Dressed Up And No Place To Go (1982). After Gold had done some session work for the UK group, 10cc, he was offered a place in the group, which at the time wasn't convenient. After 10cc had broken up, he formed the band Wax, with Graham Gouldman. Their most successful album was American English (1987) and they had hit singles with "Right Between Your Eyes" and "Bridge To Your Heart". The duo worked on different projects right up to Gold's death. There was less session work in the late '80s, but Gold was on Cher's multi-million selling Heart Of Stone (1989).In 1992, the UK band, Undercover, had a Top 10 with a revival of "Never Let Her Slip Away", and he wrote a US country hit for Wynonna Judd, "I Saw The Light". A torch song, "Try Me Again", that he and Ronstadt had written for Hasten Down The Wind, was revived by Trisha Yearwood and was also a country success. In 1995, Gold, Edwards, Wendy Waldman and Karla Bonoff reformed Bryndle for an album. Gold also made an album, Greetings From Planet Love, as the Fraternal Order of the All which was a tribute by way of original songs to his favourite 60s bands. He moved to Nashville for The Spence Manor Suite (2000) and his co-writers included Raul Malo of the Mavericks. There were some desultory performances though, notably playing Alvin of the Chipmunks on their version of Garth Brooks' "Friends In Low Places". His last solo album was Copy Cat (2008). Possibly the strangest testimony to his success came in 1996 when his theme song for the TV series Mad About You (1992-99) was used to start Rover, a remote-controlled robot on the Mars Pathfinder space probe. Andrew Gold, musician and songwriter: born Burbank, California 2 August 1951: married twice (three daughters); died 3 June 2011. More about:
Andrew Gold
Which long-armed orange character was the subject of the first 'Mr. Men' book by Roger Hargreaves, first published in 1971?
Andrew Gold - Telegraph Obituaries Andrew Gold Andrew Gold, who has died aged 59, had three middle-of-the-road British chart hits in the late 1970s, beginning with Lonely Boy, which reached No 11 in April 1977. Photo: REDFERNS 5:51PM BST 08 Jun 2011 Gold’s second chart success, in March 1978, was Never Let Her Slip Away. This was his biggest British hit, reaching No 5 in the charts. After How Can This Be Love, which climbed to No 19 the following June, Gold’s fourth single, Thank You For Being A Friend (1978), managed to get only to No 42 that October, but achieved notoriety in Britain the following year in a completely unexpected way. In 1979 detectives hunting the Yorkshire Ripper, a serial killer of prostitutes in the north of England, received a cassette tape in the post. When they played it, they heard a nameless man with a Wearside accent taunt them over their failure to catch him and claim: “I’m Jack [the Ripper]”. Puzzlingly, the recording ended with 22 seconds of Gold singing Thank You For Being A Friend. Although the tape was soon dismissed as a hoax, it was 2005 before the owner of the voice was identified as John Humble, an alcoholic loner. When asked in the course of police interviews about the significance of his choice of music, Humble laughed, but never explained it. From 1985, Cindy Fee’s version of Thank You For Being A Friend was used as the theme song for the American sitcom The Golden Girls. In 1996 Gold’s was the first human voice to be “heard” on the surface of Mars, when Final Frontier, his theme from the American television series Mad About You, was used to activate a robot for the Mars Pathfinder space probe. Andrew Maurice Gold was born on August 2 1951 at Burbank, Los Angeles, into a musical family. His father, Ernest Gold, composed the scores for dozens of Hollywood films, including Exodus (1960) — for which he won an Oscar — Too Much Too Soon (1958) and On The Beach (1959); his mother, the classically-trained soprano Marni Nixon, was best known for supplying the singing voices for film actresses, notably Deborah Kerr in The King And I (1956), Natalie Wood in West Side Story (1961), and Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady (1964). She also appeared as Sister Sophia in The Sound Of Music (1965). Andrew was 13 when he started writing pop songs, although he never learned to read music. At Oakwood School in north Hollywood, he introduced himself to the singer Linda Ronstadt when she played a gig there with her group the Stone Poneys . By the early 1970s he had joined her band, and in 1974 played a variety of instruments and made the musical arrangements for Linda Ronstadt’s breakthrough album Heart Like A Wheel, as well as for her next four albums. Branching out as a record producer and musician, Gold recorded with Art Garfunkel on his solo hit I Only Have Eyes For You (1977), on which Gold played all the instruments; in the same year he played on Eric Carmen’s album Boats Against The Current, from which the track She Did It was a minor chart hit. Over the years he worked with many other major artists, among them John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, Cher, James Taylor, Carly Simon and The Eagles. In the early Eighties, Gold was invited to join Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman in their group 10cc, and was prevented from doing so by conflicting business interests; but when 10cc broke up in late 1983, Gold and Gouldman formed another group, Wax, which toured and recorded until 1989, their biggest hit being Bridge To Your Heart (1987). In the 1990s Gold, recording under a pseudonym, released an album of original songs in the style of his favourite Sixties’ bands, among them The Beatles, The Byrds and The Beach Boys. He was also a prolific composer of music for commercials and of film and television soundtracks. Andrew Gold, who died on June 3, apparently of a heart attack, is survived by his second wife, Leslie Kogan, and by three daughters of his first marriage.  
i don't know
What creature is portrayed on the Victoria Cross?
Victoria Cross | Military Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia George Cross [3] The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories. [3] It takes precedence over all other orders, decorations and medals. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service and to civilians under military command. The VC is usually presented to the recipient or to their next of kin by the British monarch at an investiture held at Buckingham Palace. The VC was introduced on 29 January 1856 by Queen Victoria to honour acts of valour during the Crimean War . Since then, the medal has been awarded 1,357 times to 1,354 individual recipients. Only 14 medals, ten to members of the British Army, and four to the Australian Army, have been awarded since the Second World War. The traditional explanation of the source of the gunmetal from which the medals are struck is that it derives from Russian cannon captured at the Siege of Sevastopol . Recent research has thrown doubt on this story, suggesting a variety of origins for the material actually making up the medals themselves. [4] Research has established that the gunmetal for many of the medals came from Chinese cannons [5] that may have been captured from the Russians in 1855. Due to its rarity, the VC is highly prized and the medal has fetched over £400,000 at auction. [6] A number of public and private collections are devoted to the Victoria Cross. The private collection of Lord Ashcroft , amassed since 1986, contains over one-tenth of all VCs awarded. Following a 2008 donation to the Imperial War Museum , the Ashcroft collection went on public display alongside the museum's Victoria and George Cross collection in November 2010. [7] Beginning with the Centennial of Confederation in 1967, Canada [8] followed in 1975 by Australia [9] and New Zealand [10] developed their own national honours systems, separate and independent of the British or Imperial honours system. As each country’s system evolved, operational gallantry awards were developed with the premier award of each system, the VC for Australia, the Canadian VC and the VC for New Zealand being created and named in honour of the Victoria Cross. These are unique awards of each honours system, recommended, assessed, gazetted and presented by each country. Contents Edit In 1854, after 40 years of peace, Britain found itself fighting a major war against Russia. The Crimean War was one of the first wars with modern reporting, and the dispatches of William Howard Russell described many acts of bravery and valour by British servicemen that went unrewarded. [11] Before the Crimean War, there was no official standardised system for recognition of gallantry within the British armed forces. Officers were eligible for an award of one of the junior grades of the Order of the Bath and brevet promotions whilst a Mention in Despatches existed as an alternative award for acts of lesser gallantry. This structure was very limited; in practice awards of the Order of the Bath were confined to officers of field rank . [12] Brevet promotions or Mentions in Despatches were largely confined to those who were under the immediate notice of the commanders in the field, generally members of the commander's own staff. [13] Other European countries had awards that did not discriminate against class or rank; France awarded the Légion d'honneur (Legion of Honour) and The Netherlands gave the Order of William . There was a growing feeling amongst the public and in the Royal Court that a new award was needed to recognise incidents of gallantry that were unconnected with a man's lengthy or meritorious service. Queen Victoria issued a Warrant under the Royal sign-manual on 29 January 1856 [11] [14] (gazetted 5 February 1856) [14] that officially constituted the VC. The order was backdated to 1854 to recognise acts of valour during the Crimean War . [15] Queen Victoria had instructed the War Office to strike a new medal that would not recognise birth or class. The medal was meant to be a simple decoration that would be highly prized and eagerly sought after by those in the military services. [16] To maintain its simplicity, Queen Victoria, under the guidance of Prince Albert, vetoed the suggestion that the award be called The Military Order of Victoria and instead suggested the name Victoria Cross. The original warrant stated that the Victoria Cross would only be awarded to soldiers who have served in the presence of the enemy and had performed some signal act of valour or devotion. [17] The first ceremony was held on 26 June 1857 where Queen Victoria invested 62 of the 111 Crimean recipients in a ceremony in Hyde Park. [11] It was originally intended that the VCs would be cast from the bronze cascabels of two cannon that were captured from the Russians at the siege of Sevastopol . [18] [19] [20] The historian John Glanfield has since proven through the use of x-rays of older Victoria Crosses that the metal used for VCs is in fact from antique Chinese guns and not of Russian origin. [4] [19] [20] One theory is that the guns were originally Chinese weapons but the Russians captured them and reused them at Sevastopol. It was also thought that some medals made during the First World War were composed of metal captured from different Chinese guns during the Boxer Rebellion but the original metal was used after the war. It is also believed that another source of metal was used between 1942 and 1945 to create five Second World War VCs when the Sevastopol metal went missing. [4] The barrels of the cannon in question are on display at Firepower - The Royal Artillery Museum at Woolwich. The remaining portion of the only remaining cascabel, weighing 358 oz (10 kg), is stored in a vault maintained by 15 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps at Donnington, Telford . It can only be removed under armed guard. It is estimated that approximately 80 to 85 more VCs could be cast from this source. A single company of jewellers, Hancocks of London, has been responsible for the production of every VC awarded since its inception. [21] Bars are awarded to the VC in recognition of the performance of further acts of gallantry meriting the award although there are only three instances of someone receiving a second award. Appearance Edit The front and back of Edward Holland 's VC. The decoration is a bronze cross pattée , 41 mm high, 36 mm wide, bearing the crown of Saint Edward surmounted by a lion, and the inscription FOR VALOUR . [22] This was originally to have been FOR THE BRAVE , until it was changed on the recommendation of Queen Victoria, as it implied that not all men in battle were brave. [19] The decoration, suspension bar and link weigh about 0.87 troy ounces (27 g). [23] The cross is suspended by a ring from a seriffed "V" to a bar ornamented with laurel leaves, through which the ribbon passes. The reverse of the suspension bar is engraved with the recipient's name, rank, number and unit. [16] On the reverse of the medal is a circular panel on which the date of the act for which it was awarded is engraved in the centre. [16] The Original Warrant Clause 1 states that the Victoria Cross "shall consist of a Maltese cross of bronze". [22] Nonetheless, it has always been a cross pattée; the discrepancy with the Warrant has never been corrected. [24] The ribbon is crimson, 38 mm (1.5 inches) wide. The original (1856) specification for the award stated that the ribbon should be red for army recipients and dark blue for naval recipients. [25] However the dark blue ribbon was abolished soon after the formation of the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918. On 22 May 1920 King George V signed a warrant that stated all recipients would now receive a red ribbon and the living recipients of the naval version were required to exchange their ribbons for the new colour. [26] Although the Army warrants state the colour as being red it is defined by most commentators as being crimson or "wine-red". [27] Award process Edit The Victoria Cross was extended to colonial troops in 1867. The extension was made following a recommendation for gallantry regarding colonial soldier Major Charles Heaphy for action in the New Zealand land wars in 1864. [38] He was operating under British command and the VC was gazetted in 1867. Later that year, the Government of New Zealand assumed full responsibility for operations but no further recommendations for the Victoria Cross were raised for local troops who distinguished themselves in action. [39] Following gallant actions by three New Zealand soldiers in November 1868 and January 1869 during the New Zealand land wars , an Order in Council on 10 March 1869 created a "Distinctive Decoration" for members of the local forces without seeking permission from the Secretary of State for the Colonies. [40] Although the Governor was chided for exceeding his authority, the Order in Council was ratified by the Queen. The title "Distinctive Decoration" was later replaced by the title New Zealand Cross . [39] The question of whether recommendations could be made for colonial troops not serving with British troops was not asked in New Zealand, but in 1881, the question was asked in South Africa. Surgeon John McCrea , an officer of the South African forces was recommended for gallantry during hostilities which had not been approved by British Government. He was awarded the Victoria Cross and the principle was established that gallant conduct could be rewarded independently of any political consideration of military operations. More recently, four Australian soldiers were awarded the Victoria Cross in Vietnam although Britain was not involved in the conflict. [41] Indian troops were not originally eligible for the Victoria Cross since they had been eligible for the Indian Order of Merit since 1837 which was the oldest British gallantry award for general issue. When the Victoria Cross was created, Indian troops were still controlled by the Honourable East India Company and did not come under Crown control until 1860. European officers and men serving with the Honourable East India Company were not eligible for the Indian Order of Merit and the Victoria Cross was extended to cover them in October 1857. It was only at the end of the 19th century that calls for Indian troops to be awarded the Victoria Cross intensified. Indian troops became eligible for the award in 1911. The first awards to Indian troops appeared in the London Gazette on 7 December 1914 to Darwan Sing Negi and Khudadad Khan . Negi was presented with the Victoria Cross by King George V during a visit to troops in France. The presentation occurred on 5 December 1914 and he is one of a very few soldiers presented with his award before it appeared in the London Gazette. [42] Separate Commonwealth awards Victoria Cross as it appears on Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstones. In recent years, several Commonwealth countries have introduced their own honours systems, separate from the British Honours System . This began with the Partition of India in 1947, when the new countries of India and Pakistan introduced their own systems of awards. The VC was replaced by the Param Vir Chakra (PVC) and Nishan-e-Haider (NH) respectively, although the new countries continued to permit recipients of British honours to wear their awards. Several Pakistani soldiers and officers were authorised to wear both the British medals and the ones earned in the later Indo-Pakistani wars . Sri Lanka, whose defence personnel were eligible to receive the Victoria Cross until 1972, introduced its own equivalent, the Parama Weera Vibhushanaya medal. Three Commonwealth realms —Australia, Canada and New Zealand [43] —have each introduced their own decorations for gallantry and bravery, replacing British decorations such as the Military Cross with their own. Most Commonwealth countries, however, still recognise some form of the VC as their highest decoration for valour. [44] Australia was the first Commonwealth realm to create its own VC, on 15 January 1991. Although it is a separate award, its appearance is identical to its British counterpart. [45] Canada followed suit when in 1993 Queen Elizabeth signed Letters Patent creating the Canadian VC, which is also similar to the British version, except that the legend has been changed from FOR VALOUR to the Latin PRO VALORE This language was chosen so as to favour neither French nor English, the two official languages of Canada. [46] New Zealand was the third country to adapt the VC into its own honours system. While the New Zealand and Australian VCs are technically separate awards, the decoration is identical to the British design, including being cast from the same Crimean War gunmetal as the British VC. [43] [45] The Canadian Victoria Cross also includes metal from the same cannon, along with copper and other metals from all regions of Canada. [47] Four of the separate VCs have so far been awarded. Willie Apiata received the Victoria Cross for New Zealand on 2 July 2007, for his actions in the War in Afghanistan in 2004. The Victoria Cross for Australia has been awarded three times. Mark Donaldson was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia on 16 January 2009 for actions during Operation Slipper , the Australian contribution to the War in Afghanistan. [48] Ben Roberts-Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia on 23 January 2011 for actions in the Shah Wali Kot Offensive , part of the War in Afghanistan. [49] Daniel Keighran was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia on 1 November 2012 for his actions during the Battle of Derapet in Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan on 24 August 2010. [50] A Canadian version has been cast that was originally to be awarded to the Unknown Soldier at the rededication of the Vimy Memorial on 7 April 2007. This date was chosen as it was the 90th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge but pressure from veterans' organisations caused the plan to be dropped. [51] Authority and privileges Edit As the highest award for valour of the United Kingdom, the Victoria Cross is always the first award to be presented at an investiture, even before knighthoods , as was shown at the investiture of Private Johnson Beharry who received his medal before General Sir Mike Jackson received his knighthood. [18] Due to its status, the VC is always the first decoration worn in a row of medals and it is the first set of post-nominal letters used to indicate any decoration or order. [44] Similar acts of extreme valour that do not take place in the face of the enemy are honoured with the George Cross, which has equal precedence but is awarded second because the GC is newer. [52] There is a widespread though erroneous belief that it is statutory for "all ranks to salute a bearer of the Victoria Cross". There is no official requirement that appears in the official Warrant of the VC, nor in Queen's Regulations and Orders , but tradition dictates that this occurs and as such the Chiefs of Staff will salute a Private awarded a VC or GC. [52] The Victoria Cross was at first worn as the recipient fancied. It was popular to pin it on the left side of the chest over the heart, with other decorations grouped around the VC. The Queen's Regulations for the Army of 1881 gave clear instructions on how to wear it; the VC had to follow the badge of the Order of the Indian Empire . In 1900 it was ordained in Dress Regulations for the Army that it should be worn after the cross of a Member of the Royal Victorian Order . It was only in 1902 that King Edward VII gave the cross its present position on a bar brooch. [53] The cross is also worn as a miniature decoration on a brooch or a chain with mess jacket , white tie or black tie . As a bearer of the VC is not a Companion in an Order of Chivalry , the VC has no place in a coat of arms. [54] Annuity Edit The original warrant stated that NCOs and private soldiers or seamen on the Victoria Cross Register were entitled to a £10 per annum annuity . [55] In 1898, Queen Victoria raised the pension to £50 for those that could not earn a livelihood, be it from old age or infirmity. [56] Today holders of the Victoria Cross or George Cross are entitled to an annuity, the amount of which is determined by the awarding government. Since 2002, the annuity paid by the British Government is £1,495 per year. [57] This is exempted from tax for British taxpayers by Section 638 Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003, along with pensions or annuities from other awards for bravery. [58] In Canada under the Gallantry Awards Order, members of the Canadian Forces or people who joined the British forces before 31 March 1949 while domiciled in Canada or Newfoundland receive Can$3,000 per year. [59] Under Subsection 103.4 of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, the Australian Government provides a Victoria Cross Allowance. [60] Until November 2005 the amount was A$ 3,230 per year. Since then this amount has been increased annually in line with the Australian Consumer Price Index. [61] [62] Forfeited awards See also Category:Victoria Cross forfeitures The original Royal Warrant involved an expulsion clause that allowed for a recipient's name to be erased from the official register in certain wholly discreditable circumstances and his pension cancelled. [63] King George V felt very strongly that the decoration should never be forfeited and in a letter from his Private Secretary, Lord Stamfordham , on 26 July 1920, his views are forcibly expressed: The King feels so strongly that, no matter the crime committed by anyone on whom the VC has been conferred, the decoration should not be forfeited. Even were a VC to be sentenced to be hanged for murder, he should be allowed to wear his VC on the scaffold . [29] The power to cancel and restore awards is still included in the Victoria Cross warrant but none has been forfeited since 1908. [29] Recipients File:StormingSikandarBagh.jpg A total of 1,357 Victoria Crosses have been awarded since 1856 to 1,354 men. [64] There are several statistics related to the greatest number of VCs awarded in individual battles or wars. The greatest number of Victoria Crosses won on a single day is 18, for deeds performed on 16 November 1857, during Second Relief of Lucknow (primarily the assault on and capture of Sikandar Bagh ), during the Indian Mutiny. [65] The greatest number won in a single action is 28, for the whole of the Second Relief of Lucknow, 14–22 November 1857. [65] The greatest number won by a single unit during a single action is seven, to the 2nd/ 24th Foot , for the defence of Rorke's Drift , 22–23 January 1879, during the Zulu War . [66] The greatest number won in a single conflict is 628, being for the First World War. [67] There are only five living holders of the VC —three British, one Australian, one Gurkha —one award for the Second World War and four awards since; in addition one New Zealander holds the Victoria Cross for New Zealand and three Australians hold the Victoria Cross for Australia . Eight of the then-twelve surviving holders of the Victoria Cross attended the 150th Anniversary service of remembrance at Westminster Abbey on 26 June 2006. [68] In 1921 the Victoria Cross was given to the American Unknown Soldier of the First World War (the British Unknown Warrior was reciprocally awarded the US Medal of Honor ). [69] One VC is in existence that is not counted in any official records. In 1856, Queen Victoria laid the first Victoria Cross beneath the foundation stone of Netley Military hospital . [70] When the hospital was demolished in 1966 the VC, known as "The Netley VC", was retrieved and is now on display in the Army Medical Services Museum , Mytchett , near Aldershot. [70] Three people have been awarded the VC and Bar , the bar representing a second award of the VC. They are: Noel Chavasse and Arthur Martin-Leake , both doctors in the Royal Army Medical Corps , for rescuing wounded under fire; and New Zealander Charles Upham , an infantryman, for combat actions. [71] Upham remains the only combatant soldier to have received a VC and Bar. An Irishman, Surgeon General William Manley , remains the sole recipient of both the Victoria Cross and the Iron Cross . The VC was awarded for his actions during the Waikato-Hauhau Maori War , New Zealand on 29 April 1864 while the Iron Cross was awarded for tending the wounded during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71. [72] New Zealand Flying Officer Lloyd Trigg has the distinction of being the only serviceman ever awarded a VC on evidence solely provided by the enemy, for an action in which there were no surviving Allied witnesses. [73] The recommendation was made by the captain of the German U-boat U-468 sunk by Trigg's aircraft. Lieutenant Commander Gerard Roope was also awarded a VC on recommendation of the enemy, the captain of the Admiral Hipper , but there were also numerous surviving Allied witnesses to corroborate his actions. [74] Since the end of the Second World War the original VC has been awarded 13 times: four in the Korean War , one in the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation in 1965, four to Australians in the Vietnam War , two during the Falklands War in 1982, one in the Iraq War in 2004, and two in the War in Afghanistan in 2006. [69] The three awards given in the 21st century to British personnel have been for actions in the Afghanistan War and the Iraq War . On 18 March 2005, Lance Corporal (then Private ) Johnson Beharry of the 1st Battalion, Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment became the first recipient of the VC since Sergeant Ian McKay in 1982. [18] One of the most recent award of the Victoria Cross to a British service person was the posthumous award on 14 December 2006 to Corporal Bryan Budd of 3 Para . It was awarded for two separate acts of "inspirational leadership and the greatest valour" which led to his death, during actions against the Taliban in Afghanistan in July and August 2006. [75] Another Victoria Cross has been awarded in March 2013 to British Lance Corporal James Ashworth , who showed a courage "beyond words" during a fierce battle with the Taliban in Helmand's Nahr-e Saraj district, Afghanistan, and was fatally wounded as a result. [76] Public sales Edit Since 1879, more than 300 Victoria Crosses have been publicly auctioned or advertised. Others have been privately sold. The value of the VC can be seen by the increasing sums that the medals reach at auction. In 1955 the set of medals awarded to Edmund Barron Hartley was bought at Sotheby's for the then record price of £300 (approximately £7000 in present day terms [77] ). In October 1966 the Middlesex Regiment paid a new record figure of £900 (approximately £15000 in present day terms [77] ) for a VC awarded after the Battle of the Somme . In January 1969, the record reached £1700 (£25000 [77] ) for the medal set of William Rennie . [78] In April 2004 the VC awarded in 1944 to Sergeant Norman Jackson , RAF , was sold at auction for £235,250. [79] [80] On 24 July 2006, an auction at Bonhams in Sydney of the VC awarded to Captain Alfred Shout fetched a world record hammer price of A$ 1 million (approximately £410,000 at then current exchange rates). [6] Captain Alfred Shout was awarded the VC posthumously in 1915 for hand-to-hand combat at the Lone Pine trenches in Gallipoli, Turkey. Thefts Edit Several VCs have been stolen and, being valuable, have been placed on the Interpol watch-list for stolen items. [81] The VC awarded to Milton Gregg , which was donated to the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum in London, Ontario Canada in 1979, was stolen on Canada Day , (1 July 1980), when the museum was overcrowded [82] and has been missing since. A VC awarded in 1917 to Canadian soldier Corporal Filip Konowal [83] was stolen from the same museum in 1973 and was not recovered until 2004. [84] On 2 December 2007, 9 VCs were among 100 medals stolen from locked, reinforced glass cabinets at the QEII Army Memorial Museum in Waiouru , New Zealand with a value of around NZD $20 million. Charles Upham 's VC and Bar was among these. [85] A reward of NZ$300,000 was posted for information leading to the recovery of the decorations and conviction of the thieves, although at the time there was much public debate about the need to offer reward money to retrieve the medals. [86] On 16 February 2008 New Zealand Police announced all the medals had been recovered. [87] [88] Collections Edit The VC collection of businessman and politician Lord Ashcroft , amassed since 1986, contains 162 medals, over one-tenth of all VCs awarded. It is the largest collection of such decorations. In July 2008 it was announced that Ashcroft was to donate £5 million for a permanent gallery at the Imperial War Museum where the 50 VCs held by the museum will be put on display alongside his collection. [89] The Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum opened on 12 November 2010 containing a total of 210 VCs and 31 GCs. [7] It is now the largest collection of VCs on public display. This distinction was previously held by the Australian War Memorial , whose collection (currently of 65 medals) includes all nine VCs awarded to Australians at Gallipoli. [90] [91] Museums with holdings of ten or more VCs include: [92] [93] In the UK Edit In 2004 a national Victoria Cross and George Cross memorial was installed in Westminster Abbey close to the tomb of The Unknown Warrior . [94] Westminster Abbey is a living monument to British history in that it contains monuments and memorials to central figures in British History including Isaac Newton , Charles Darwin and James VI & I . As such it was a significant honour for the VC to be commemorated in Westminster Abbey. [95] Canon William Lummis , MC , was a military historian who built up an archive on the service records and final resting places of Victoria Cross holders. [96] This was then summarised into a pamphlet which was taken to be an authoritative source on these matters. However, Lummis was aware of short-comings in his work and encouraged David Harvey to continue it. The result was Harvey's seminal book Monuments to Courage . In 2007 the Royal Mail used material from Lummis' archives to produce a collection of stamps commemorating Victoria Cross recipients. [97] Australia has a unique means of remembering recipients of the Victoria Cross. Remembrance Drive is a path through city streets and highways linking Sydney and Canberra. Trees were planted in February 1954 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in a park near Sydney Harbour and at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, marking either end of the route, with various plantations along the roadsides in memory of the fallen. Beginning in 1995, 23 rest stop memorials named for Australian recipients of the VC from World War II onwards have been sited along the route, providing picnic facilities and public amenities to encourage drivers to take a break on long drives. Thus Australia's VC heroes continue to serve their country, saving lives through managing driver fatigue. 23 of the 26 memorial sites have been dedicated, with a further three reserved for the surviving VC recipients, including two of the newer Victoria Cross for Australia awards. Edward Kenna, VC was honoured with the most recent rest stop on 16 August 2012, having passed away in 2009. [98] It is generally accepted that further awards of the VC to Australians will warrant a similar honour. In art Edit The subject of soldiers winning the VC has been popular with artists since the medal's inception. In particular are the fifty paintings by Louis William Desanges that were painted in the late 1850s and early 1860s. Many of these were exhibited at the Egyptian Gallery in Piccadilly, but in 1900, they were brought together by Lord Wantage as the Victoria Cross Gallery and exhibited in the town of Wantage , Berkshire. Later the collection was broken up and many of the paintings were sent to the various regiments depicted. Some were damaged or destroyed. [99] A number of the acts were also portrayed in a Second World War propaganda pamphlet, and the images commissioned by the Ministry of Information are presented in an online gallery available on the website of The National Archives. [100] Soldiers' club naming traditions Edit It is a tradition within the Australian Army for soldiers' recreational clubs on military bases to be named after a particular recipient of the Victoria Cross, usually one with whom the unit is historically associated. Permission for such naming rights is usually obtained not only from the relevant command hierarchy within the military itself, but also from the family of the recipient. Once dedicated, the club and its participants typically take great pride in the deeds of the person with whom they are associated, and often family members will be invited to attend certain functions held by the club as a mark of thanks and respect. See also
Lion (disambiguation)
Goodluck Jonathan is the current President (2011) of which African country?
Victoria Cross | Military Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia George Cross [3] The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories. [3] It takes precedence over all other orders, decorations and medals. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service and to civilians under military command. The VC is usually presented to the recipient or to their next of kin by the British monarch at an investiture held at Buckingham Palace. The VC was introduced on 29 January 1856 by Queen Victoria to honour acts of valour during the Crimean War . Since then, the medal has been awarded 1,357 times to 1,354 individual recipients. Only 14 medals, ten to members of the British Army, and four to the Australian Army, have been awarded since the Second World War. The traditional explanation of the source of the gunmetal from which the medals are struck is that it derives from Russian cannon captured at the Siege of Sevastopol . Recent research has thrown doubt on this story, suggesting a variety of origins for the material actually making up the medals themselves. [4] Research has established that the gunmetal for many of the medals came from Chinese cannons [5] that may have been captured from the Russians in 1855. Due to its rarity, the VC is highly prized and the medal has fetched over £400,000 at auction. [6] A number of public and private collections are devoted to the Victoria Cross. The private collection of Lord Ashcroft , amassed since 1986, contains over one-tenth of all VCs awarded. Following a 2008 donation to the Imperial War Museum , the Ashcroft collection went on public display alongside the museum's Victoria and George Cross collection in November 2010. [7] Beginning with the Centennial of Confederation in 1967, Canada [8] followed in 1975 by Australia [9] and New Zealand [10] developed their own national honours systems, separate and independent of the British or Imperial honours system. As each country’s system evolved, operational gallantry awards were developed with the premier award of each system, the VC for Australia, the Canadian VC and the VC for New Zealand being created and named in honour of the Victoria Cross. These are unique awards of each honours system, recommended, assessed, gazetted and presented by each country. Contents Edit In 1854, after 40 years of peace, Britain found itself fighting a major war against Russia. The Crimean War was one of the first wars with modern reporting, and the dispatches of William Howard Russell described many acts of bravery and valour by British servicemen that went unrewarded. [11] Before the Crimean War, there was no official standardised system for recognition of gallantry within the British armed forces. Officers were eligible for an award of one of the junior grades of the Order of the Bath and brevet promotions whilst a Mention in Despatches existed as an alternative award for acts of lesser gallantry. This structure was very limited; in practice awards of the Order of the Bath were confined to officers of field rank . [12] Brevet promotions or Mentions in Despatches were largely confined to those who were under the immediate notice of the commanders in the field, generally members of the commander's own staff. [13] Other European countries had awards that did not discriminate against class or rank; France awarded the Légion d'honneur (Legion of Honour) and The Netherlands gave the Order of William . There was a growing feeling amongst the public and in the Royal Court that a new award was needed to recognise incidents of gallantry that were unconnected with a man's lengthy or meritorious service. Queen Victoria issued a Warrant under the Royal sign-manual on 29 January 1856 [11] [14] (gazetted 5 February 1856) [14] that officially constituted the VC. The order was backdated to 1854 to recognise acts of valour during the Crimean War . [15] Queen Victoria had instructed the War Office to strike a new medal that would not recognise birth or class. The medal was meant to be a simple decoration that would be highly prized and eagerly sought after by those in the military services. [16] To maintain its simplicity, Queen Victoria, under the guidance of Prince Albert, vetoed the suggestion that the award be called The Military Order of Victoria and instead suggested the name Victoria Cross. The original warrant stated that the Victoria Cross would only be awarded to soldiers who have served in the presence of the enemy and had performed some signal act of valour or devotion. [17] The first ceremony was held on 26 June 1857 where Queen Victoria invested 62 of the 111 Crimean recipients in a ceremony in Hyde Park. [11] It was originally intended that the VCs would be cast from the bronze cascabels of two cannon that were captured from the Russians at the siege of Sevastopol . [18] [19] [20] The historian John Glanfield has since proven through the use of x-rays of older Victoria Crosses that the metal used for VCs is in fact from antique Chinese guns and not of Russian origin. [4] [19] [20] One theory is that the guns were originally Chinese weapons but the Russians captured them and reused them at Sevastopol. It was also thought that some medals made during the First World War were composed of metal captured from different Chinese guns during the Boxer Rebellion but the original metal was used after the war. It is also believed that another source of metal was used between 1942 and 1945 to create five Second World War VCs when the Sevastopol metal went missing. [4] The barrels of the cannon in question are on display at Firepower - The Royal Artillery Museum at Woolwich. The remaining portion of the only remaining cascabel, weighing 358 oz (10 kg), is stored in a vault maintained by 15 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps at Donnington, Telford . It can only be removed under armed guard. It is estimated that approximately 80 to 85 more VCs could be cast from this source. A single company of jewellers, Hancocks of London, has been responsible for the production of every VC awarded since its inception. [21] Bars are awarded to the VC in recognition of the performance of further acts of gallantry meriting the award although there are only three instances of someone receiving a second award. Appearance Edit The front and back of Edward Holland 's VC. The decoration is a bronze cross pattée , 41 mm high, 36 mm wide, bearing the crown of Saint Edward surmounted by a lion, and the inscription FOR VALOUR . [22] This was originally to have been FOR THE BRAVE , until it was changed on the recommendation of Queen Victoria, as it implied that not all men in battle were brave. [19] The decoration, suspension bar and link weigh about 0.87 troy ounces (27 g). [23] The cross is suspended by a ring from a seriffed "V" to a bar ornamented with laurel leaves, through which the ribbon passes. The reverse of the suspension bar is engraved with the recipient's name, rank, number and unit. [16] On the reverse of the medal is a circular panel on which the date of the act for which it was awarded is engraved in the centre. [16] The Original Warrant Clause 1 states that the Victoria Cross "shall consist of a Maltese cross of bronze". [22] Nonetheless, it has always been a cross pattée; the discrepancy with the Warrant has never been corrected. [24] The ribbon is crimson, 38 mm (1.5 inches) wide. The original (1856) specification for the award stated that the ribbon should be red for army recipients and dark blue for naval recipients. [25] However the dark blue ribbon was abolished soon after the formation of the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918. On 22 May 1920 King George V signed a warrant that stated all recipients would now receive a red ribbon and the living recipients of the naval version were required to exchange their ribbons for the new colour. [26] Although the Army warrants state the colour as being red it is defined by most commentators as being crimson or "wine-red". [27] Award process Edit The Victoria Cross was extended to colonial troops in 1867. The extension was made following a recommendation for gallantry regarding colonial soldier Major Charles Heaphy for action in the New Zealand land wars in 1864. [38] He was operating under British command and the VC was gazetted in 1867. Later that year, the Government of New Zealand assumed full responsibility for operations but no further recommendations for the Victoria Cross were raised for local troops who distinguished themselves in action. [39] Following gallant actions by three New Zealand soldiers in November 1868 and January 1869 during the New Zealand land wars , an Order in Council on 10 March 1869 created a "Distinctive Decoration" for members of the local forces without seeking permission from the Secretary of State for the Colonies. [40] Although the Governor was chided for exceeding his authority, the Order in Council was ratified by the Queen. The title "Distinctive Decoration" was later replaced by the title New Zealand Cross . [39] The question of whether recommendations could be made for colonial troops not serving with British troops was not asked in New Zealand, but in 1881, the question was asked in South Africa. Surgeon John McCrea , an officer of the South African forces was recommended for gallantry during hostilities which had not been approved by British Government. He was awarded the Victoria Cross and the principle was established that gallant conduct could be rewarded independently of any political consideration of military operations. More recently, four Australian soldiers were awarded the Victoria Cross in Vietnam although Britain was not involved in the conflict. [41] Indian troops were not originally eligible for the Victoria Cross since they had been eligible for the Indian Order of Merit since 1837 which was the oldest British gallantry award for general issue. When the Victoria Cross was created, Indian troops were still controlled by the Honourable East India Company and did not come under Crown control until 1860. European officers and men serving with the Honourable East India Company were not eligible for the Indian Order of Merit and the Victoria Cross was extended to cover them in October 1857. It was only at the end of the 19th century that calls for Indian troops to be awarded the Victoria Cross intensified. Indian troops became eligible for the award in 1911. The first awards to Indian troops appeared in the London Gazette on 7 December 1914 to Darwan Sing Negi and Khudadad Khan . Negi was presented with the Victoria Cross by King George V during a visit to troops in France. The presentation occurred on 5 December 1914 and he is one of a very few soldiers presented with his award before it appeared in the London Gazette. [42] Separate Commonwealth awards Victoria Cross as it appears on Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstones. In recent years, several Commonwealth countries have introduced their own honours systems, separate from the British Honours System . This began with the Partition of India in 1947, when the new countries of India and Pakistan introduced their own systems of awards. The VC was replaced by the Param Vir Chakra (PVC) and Nishan-e-Haider (NH) respectively, although the new countries continued to permit recipients of British honours to wear their awards. Several Pakistani soldiers and officers were authorised to wear both the British medals and the ones earned in the later Indo-Pakistani wars . Sri Lanka, whose defence personnel were eligible to receive the Victoria Cross until 1972, introduced its own equivalent, the Parama Weera Vibhushanaya medal. Three Commonwealth realms —Australia, Canada and New Zealand [43] —have each introduced their own decorations for gallantry and bravery, replacing British decorations such as the Military Cross with their own. Most Commonwealth countries, however, still recognise some form of the VC as their highest decoration for valour. [44] Australia was the first Commonwealth realm to create its own VC, on 15 January 1991. Although it is a separate award, its appearance is identical to its British counterpart. [45] Canada followed suit when in 1993 Queen Elizabeth signed Letters Patent creating the Canadian VC, which is also similar to the British version, except that the legend has been changed from FOR VALOUR to the Latin PRO VALORE This language was chosen so as to favour neither French nor English, the two official languages of Canada. [46] New Zealand was the third country to adapt the VC into its own honours system. While the New Zealand and Australian VCs are technically separate awards, the decoration is identical to the British design, including being cast from the same Crimean War gunmetal as the British VC. [43] [45] The Canadian Victoria Cross also includes metal from the same cannon, along with copper and other metals from all regions of Canada. [47] Four of the separate VCs have so far been awarded. Willie Apiata received the Victoria Cross for New Zealand on 2 July 2007, for his actions in the War in Afghanistan in 2004. The Victoria Cross for Australia has been awarded three times. Mark Donaldson was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia on 16 January 2009 for actions during Operation Slipper , the Australian contribution to the War in Afghanistan. [48] Ben Roberts-Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia on 23 January 2011 for actions in the Shah Wali Kot Offensive , part of the War in Afghanistan. [49] Daniel Keighran was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia on 1 November 2012 for his actions during the Battle of Derapet in Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan on 24 August 2010. [50] A Canadian version has been cast that was originally to be awarded to the Unknown Soldier at the rededication of the Vimy Memorial on 7 April 2007. This date was chosen as it was the 90th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge but pressure from veterans' organisations caused the plan to be dropped. [51] Authority and privileges Edit As the highest award for valour of the United Kingdom, the Victoria Cross is always the first award to be presented at an investiture, even before knighthoods , as was shown at the investiture of Private Johnson Beharry who received his medal before General Sir Mike Jackson received his knighthood. [18] Due to its status, the VC is always the first decoration worn in a row of medals and it is the first set of post-nominal letters used to indicate any decoration or order. [44] Similar acts of extreme valour that do not take place in the face of the enemy are honoured with the George Cross, which has equal precedence but is awarded second because the GC is newer. [52] There is a widespread though erroneous belief that it is statutory for "all ranks to salute a bearer of the Victoria Cross". There is no official requirement that appears in the official Warrant of the VC, nor in Queen's Regulations and Orders , but tradition dictates that this occurs and as such the Chiefs of Staff will salute a Private awarded a VC or GC. [52] The Victoria Cross was at first worn as the recipient fancied. It was popular to pin it on the left side of the chest over the heart, with other decorations grouped around the VC. The Queen's Regulations for the Army of 1881 gave clear instructions on how to wear it; the VC had to follow the badge of the Order of the Indian Empire . In 1900 it was ordained in Dress Regulations for the Army that it should be worn after the cross of a Member of the Royal Victorian Order . It was only in 1902 that King Edward VII gave the cross its present position on a bar brooch. [53] The cross is also worn as a miniature decoration on a brooch or a chain with mess jacket , white tie or black tie . As a bearer of the VC is not a Companion in an Order of Chivalry , the VC has no place in a coat of arms. [54] Annuity Edit The original warrant stated that NCOs and private soldiers or seamen on the Victoria Cross Register were entitled to a £10 per annum annuity . [55] In 1898, Queen Victoria raised the pension to £50 for those that could not earn a livelihood, be it from old age or infirmity. [56] Today holders of the Victoria Cross or George Cross are entitled to an annuity, the amount of which is determined by the awarding government. Since 2002, the annuity paid by the British Government is £1,495 per year. [57] This is exempted from tax for British taxpayers by Section 638 Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003, along with pensions or annuities from other awards for bravery. [58] In Canada under the Gallantry Awards Order, members of the Canadian Forces or people who joined the British forces before 31 March 1949 while domiciled in Canada or Newfoundland receive Can$3,000 per year. [59] Under Subsection 103.4 of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, the Australian Government provides a Victoria Cross Allowance. [60] Until November 2005 the amount was A$ 3,230 per year. Since then this amount has been increased annually in line with the Australian Consumer Price Index. [61] [62] Forfeited awards See also Category:Victoria Cross forfeitures The original Royal Warrant involved an expulsion clause that allowed for a recipient's name to be erased from the official register in certain wholly discreditable circumstances and his pension cancelled. [63] King George V felt very strongly that the decoration should never be forfeited and in a letter from his Private Secretary, Lord Stamfordham , on 26 July 1920, his views are forcibly expressed: The King feels so strongly that, no matter the crime committed by anyone on whom the VC has been conferred, the decoration should not be forfeited. Even were a VC to be sentenced to be hanged for murder, he should be allowed to wear his VC on the scaffold . [29] The power to cancel and restore awards is still included in the Victoria Cross warrant but none has been forfeited since 1908. [29] Recipients File:StormingSikandarBagh.jpg A total of 1,357 Victoria Crosses have been awarded since 1856 to 1,354 men. [64] There are several statistics related to the greatest number of VCs awarded in individual battles or wars. The greatest number of Victoria Crosses won on a single day is 18, for deeds performed on 16 November 1857, during Second Relief of Lucknow (primarily the assault on and capture of Sikandar Bagh ), during the Indian Mutiny. [65] The greatest number won in a single action is 28, for the whole of the Second Relief of Lucknow, 14–22 November 1857. [65] The greatest number won by a single unit during a single action is seven, to the 2nd/ 24th Foot , for the defence of Rorke's Drift , 22–23 January 1879, during the Zulu War . [66] The greatest number won in a single conflict is 628, being for the First World War. [67] There are only five living holders of the VC —three British, one Australian, one Gurkha —one award for the Second World War and four awards since; in addition one New Zealander holds the Victoria Cross for New Zealand and three Australians hold the Victoria Cross for Australia . Eight of the then-twelve surviving holders of the Victoria Cross attended the 150th Anniversary service of remembrance at Westminster Abbey on 26 June 2006. [68] In 1921 the Victoria Cross was given to the American Unknown Soldier of the First World War (the British Unknown Warrior was reciprocally awarded the US Medal of Honor ). [69] One VC is in existence that is not counted in any official records. In 1856, Queen Victoria laid the first Victoria Cross beneath the foundation stone of Netley Military hospital . [70] When the hospital was demolished in 1966 the VC, known as "The Netley VC", was retrieved and is now on display in the Army Medical Services Museum , Mytchett , near Aldershot. [70] Three people have been awarded the VC and Bar , the bar representing a second award of the VC. They are: Noel Chavasse and Arthur Martin-Leake , both doctors in the Royal Army Medical Corps , for rescuing wounded under fire; and New Zealander Charles Upham , an infantryman, for combat actions. [71] Upham remains the only combatant soldier to have received a VC and Bar. An Irishman, Surgeon General William Manley , remains the sole recipient of both the Victoria Cross and the Iron Cross . The VC was awarded for his actions during the Waikato-Hauhau Maori War , New Zealand on 29 April 1864 while the Iron Cross was awarded for tending the wounded during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71. [72] New Zealand Flying Officer Lloyd Trigg has the distinction of being the only serviceman ever awarded a VC on evidence solely provided by the enemy, for an action in which there were no surviving Allied witnesses. [73] The recommendation was made by the captain of the German U-boat U-468 sunk by Trigg's aircraft. Lieutenant Commander Gerard Roope was also awarded a VC on recommendation of the enemy, the captain of the Admiral Hipper , but there were also numerous surviving Allied witnesses to corroborate his actions. [74] Since the end of the Second World War the original VC has been awarded 13 times: four in the Korean War , one in the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation in 1965, four to Australians in the Vietnam War , two during the Falklands War in 1982, one in the Iraq War in 2004, and two in the War in Afghanistan in 2006. [69] The three awards given in the 21st century to British personnel have been for actions in the Afghanistan War and the Iraq War . On 18 March 2005, Lance Corporal (then Private ) Johnson Beharry of the 1st Battalion, Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment became the first recipient of the VC since Sergeant Ian McKay in 1982. [18] One of the most recent award of the Victoria Cross to a British service person was the posthumous award on 14 December 2006 to Corporal Bryan Budd of 3 Para . It was awarded for two separate acts of "inspirational leadership and the greatest valour" which led to his death, during actions against the Taliban in Afghanistan in July and August 2006. [75] Another Victoria Cross has been awarded in March 2013 to British Lance Corporal James Ashworth , who showed a courage "beyond words" during a fierce battle with the Taliban in Helmand's Nahr-e Saraj district, Afghanistan, and was fatally wounded as a result. [76] Public sales Edit Since 1879, more than 300 Victoria Crosses have been publicly auctioned or advertised. Others have been privately sold. The value of the VC can be seen by the increasing sums that the medals reach at auction. In 1955 the set of medals awarded to Edmund Barron Hartley was bought at Sotheby's for the then record price of £300 (approximately £7000 in present day terms [77] ). In October 1966 the Middlesex Regiment paid a new record figure of £900 (approximately £15000 in present day terms [77] ) for a VC awarded after the Battle of the Somme . In January 1969, the record reached £1700 (£25000 [77] ) for the medal set of William Rennie . [78] In April 2004 the VC awarded in 1944 to Sergeant Norman Jackson , RAF , was sold at auction for £235,250. [79] [80] On 24 July 2006, an auction at Bonhams in Sydney of the VC awarded to Captain Alfred Shout fetched a world record hammer price of A$ 1 million (approximately £410,000 at then current exchange rates). [6] Captain Alfred Shout was awarded the VC posthumously in 1915 for hand-to-hand combat at the Lone Pine trenches in Gallipoli, Turkey. Thefts Edit Several VCs have been stolen and, being valuable, have been placed on the Interpol watch-list for stolen items. [81] The VC awarded to Milton Gregg , which was donated to the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum in London, Ontario Canada in 1979, was stolen on Canada Day , (1 July 1980), when the museum was overcrowded [82] and has been missing since. A VC awarded in 1917 to Canadian soldier Corporal Filip Konowal [83] was stolen from the same museum in 1973 and was not recovered until 2004. [84] On 2 December 2007, 9 VCs were among 100 medals stolen from locked, reinforced glass cabinets at the QEII Army Memorial Museum in Waiouru , New Zealand with a value of around NZD $20 million. Charles Upham 's VC and Bar was among these. [85] A reward of NZ$300,000 was posted for information leading to the recovery of the decorations and conviction of the thieves, although at the time there was much public debate about the need to offer reward money to retrieve the medals. [86] On 16 February 2008 New Zealand Police announced all the medals had been recovered. [87] [88] Collections Edit The VC collection of businessman and politician Lord Ashcroft , amassed since 1986, contains 162 medals, over one-tenth of all VCs awarded. It is the largest collection of such decorations. In July 2008 it was announced that Ashcroft was to donate £5 million for a permanent gallery at the Imperial War Museum where the 50 VCs held by the museum will be put on display alongside his collection. [89] The Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum opened on 12 November 2010 containing a total of 210 VCs and 31 GCs. [7] It is now the largest collection of VCs on public display. This distinction was previously held by the Australian War Memorial , whose collection (currently of 65 medals) includes all nine VCs awarded to Australians at Gallipoli. [90] [91] Museums with holdings of ten or more VCs include: [92] [93] In the UK Edit In 2004 a national Victoria Cross and George Cross memorial was installed in Westminster Abbey close to the tomb of The Unknown Warrior . [94] Westminster Abbey is a living monument to British history in that it contains monuments and memorials to central figures in British History including Isaac Newton , Charles Darwin and James VI & I . As such it was a significant honour for the VC to be commemorated in Westminster Abbey. [95] Canon William Lummis , MC , was a military historian who built up an archive on the service records and final resting places of Victoria Cross holders. [96] This was then summarised into a pamphlet which was taken to be an authoritative source on these matters. However, Lummis was aware of short-comings in his work and encouraged David Harvey to continue it. The result was Harvey's seminal book Monuments to Courage . In 2007 the Royal Mail used material from Lummis' archives to produce a collection of stamps commemorating Victoria Cross recipients. [97] Australia has a unique means of remembering recipients of the Victoria Cross. Remembrance Drive is a path through city streets and highways linking Sydney and Canberra. Trees were planted in February 1954 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in a park near Sydney Harbour and at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, marking either end of the route, with various plantations along the roadsides in memory of the fallen. Beginning in 1995, 23 rest stop memorials named for Australian recipients of the VC from World War II onwards have been sited along the route, providing picnic facilities and public amenities to encourage drivers to take a break on long drives. Thus Australia's VC heroes continue to serve their country, saving lives through managing driver fatigue. 23 of the 26 memorial sites have been dedicated, with a further three reserved for the surviving VC recipients, including two of the newer Victoria Cross for Australia awards. Edward Kenna, VC was honoured with the most recent rest stop on 16 August 2012, having passed away in 2009. [98] It is generally accepted that further awards of the VC to Australians will warrant a similar honour. In art Edit The subject of soldiers winning the VC has been popular with artists since the medal's inception. In particular are the fifty paintings by Louis William Desanges that were painted in the late 1850s and early 1860s. Many of these were exhibited at the Egyptian Gallery in Piccadilly, but in 1900, they were brought together by Lord Wantage as the Victoria Cross Gallery and exhibited in the town of Wantage , Berkshire. Later the collection was broken up and many of the paintings were sent to the various regiments depicted. Some were damaged or destroyed. [99] A number of the acts were also portrayed in a Second World War propaganda pamphlet, and the images commissioned by the Ministry of Information are presented in an online gallery available on the website of The National Archives. [100] Soldiers' club naming traditions Edit It is a tradition within the Australian Army for soldiers' recreational clubs on military bases to be named after a particular recipient of the Victoria Cross, usually one with whom the unit is historically associated. Permission for such naming rights is usually obtained not only from the relevant command hierarchy within the military itself, but also from the family of the recipient. Once dedicated, the club and its participants typically take great pride in the deeds of the person with whom they are associated, and often family members will be invited to attend certain functions held by the club as a mark of thanks and respect. See also
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The Albery Theatre in London was renamed in 2006 after which knighted playwright, composer, director, actor and singer, who was responsible for writing 'London Pride' amongst others?
FilmNav – The website highway for British film-makers | FilmNav Interview:   Oliver Reed (13 February 1938 – 2 May 1999) was an English actor known for his burly screen presence. Reed exemplified his real-life macho image in “tough guy” roles. His films include The Trap, Oliver!, Women in Love, Hannibal Brooks, The Triple Echo, The Devils, The Three Musketeers, Tommy, Castaway, Lion of the Desert and Gladiator.   Early life Reed was born Robert Oliver Reed in Wimbledon, London, to sports journalist Peter Reed and his wife Marcia (née Andrews).[1] He was the nephew of film director Sir Carol Reed, and grandson of the actor-manager Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree by his alleged mistress May Pinney Reed. He was alleged to have been a descendant (through an illegitimate step) of Tsar Peter the Great of Russia.[2] Reed attended Ewell Castle School in Surrey.   Career After time in the British Army, serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps, Reed commenced his thespian career as an extra in films in the late 1950s. He had no acting training or theatrical experience. Oliver Reed appeared uncredited in an early Norman Wisdom classic, The Square Peg in 1958, and again with Norman Wisdom in another of his classic comedy films, The Bulldog Breed in (1960), where Reed played the leader of a gang of teddy boys roughing up Norman in a cinema. Reed got his first notable roles in Hammer Films’ Sword of Sherwood Forest (1960), The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll (1960), Captain Clegg (1962), Pirates of Blood River (1962), and The Curse of the Werewolf (1961). Reed also starred in Paranoiac, and The Damned. In 1964 he starred in the first of six films directed by Michael Winner, The System, (known as The Girl-Getters in the U.S.). More Hammer Films productions followed, such as The Brigand Of Kandahar (1965). He first collaborated with director Ken Russell in a TV biopic of Claude Debussy in 1965, and later played Dante Gabriel Rossetti in Russell’s subsequent TV biopic Dante’s Inferno (1967). In 1966 Reed played a mountain fur trapper, with co-star Rita Tushingham, in an action-adventure film The Trap with a soundtrack by British film composer Ron Goodwin. Reed’s presence could be seen in The Shuttered Room (1967), after which came another performance in the film Women in Love (1969), in which he wrestled nude with Alan Bates in front of a log fire. The controversial 1971 film The Devils was followed in the summer of 1975 by the musical film Tommy, based on The Who’s 1969 concept album Tommy and starring its lead singer Roger Daltrey: all three films were directed by Ken Russell. Reed made another contribution to the horror genre in 1976, acting alongside Karen Black, Bette Davis, and Burgess Meredith in the Dan Curtis film Burnt Offerings. In between those films for Russell, Reed played the role of Bill Sikes, alongside Ron Moody, Shani Wallis, Mark Lester, Jack Wild and Harry Secombe, in his uncle Carol Reed’s 1968 screen version of the hit musical Oliver!. In 1969 Reed played the title role in Michael Winner’s WWII action-comedy Hannibal Brooks, alongside an elephant named Lucy. An anecdote holds that Reed could have been chosen to play James Bond. In 1969, Bond franchise producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman were looking for a replacement for Sean Connery and Reed (who had recently played a resourceful killer in The Assassination Bureau) was mentioned as a possible choice for the role. Whatever the reason, Reed was never to play Bond. After Reed’s death, the Guardian Unlimited called the casting decision, “One of the great missed opportunities of post-war British movie history”. Reed starred as Athos the musketeer in three films based on Alexandre Dumas’s novels. First in The Three Musketeers (1973), followed by The Four Musketeers (1974), and The Return of the Musketeers (1989). He starred in a similarly historical themed film, Crossed Swords (1977), as Miles Hendon alongside Raquel Welch and a grown up Mark Lester, who had worked with Reed in Oliver!. Reed returned to horror as Dr. Hal Raglan in David Cronenberg’s 1979 film The Brood. From the 1980s onwards Reed’s films had less success, his more notable roles being General Rodolfo Graziani in the 1981 film Lion of the Desert, which co-starred Anthony Quinn and chronicled the resistance to Italy’s occupation of Libya; and in Castaway (1986) as the middle aged Gerald Kingsland, who advertises for a “wife” (played by Amanda Donohoe) to live on a desert island with him for a year. He also starred as Lt-Col Gerard Leachman in the Iraqi historical film Al-Mas’ Ala Al-Kubra (a.k.a. Clash of Loyalties) in 1982, which dealt with his exploits during the 1920 revolution in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). By the late 1980s, he was largely appearing in exploitation films produced by the infamous impresario Harry Alan Towers, most of which were filmed in South Africa at the time of apartheid and released straight to video in the US and UK. These included Skeleton Coast (1987), Gor (1987) Dragonard (1987) and its filmed-back-to-back sequel Master Of Dragonard Hill, Hold My Hand I’m Dying (aka Blind Justice) (1988), House Of Usher (1988), Captive Rage (1988)and The Revenger (1989). His last major successes were Terry Gilliam’s The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988) (as the god Vulcan), Treasure Island (1990) (as Captain Billy Bones), and Peter Chelsom’s Funny Bones (1995). His final role was the elderly slave dealer Proximo in Gladiator, in which he played alongside Richard Harris, an actor whom Reed admired greatly both on and off the screen. The film was released after his death in 2000 with some footage filmed with a double, digitally mixed with outtake footage. The film was dedicated to him. He was posthumously nominated for a British Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in this film, and also for the Screen Actors Guild Award, along with the rest of the principal players for Best Ensemble Cast.   Personal life In 1959, Reed wed Kate Byrne. They had one son, Mark, before their divorce in 1969. While filming his part of Bill Sikes in Oliver!, he met one of the dancers hired for the film, the classically trained Jacquie Daryl. By the end of the film they were lovers, and subsequently had a daughter named Sarah. In 1985, he married Josephine Burge, to whom he was still married at the time of his death. In his last years, Reed lived with Josephine in Churchtown, County Cork, Republic Of Ireland. When the UK government raised taxes on personal income, Reed initially declined to join the exodus of major British film stars to Hollywood and other more tax-friendly locales. Reed claimed to have turned down major roles in two hugely successful Hollywood movies: The Sting (1973) (although he did appear in the sequel) and Jaws (1975). In the late 1970s Reed finally relocated to Guernsey as a tax exile. He sold his larger house, ‘Broome Hall’, between the villages of Coldharbour and Ockley some years earlier.   Alcoholism Reed was famous for his excessive drinking, which fitted in with the “social” attitude of many rugby teams in the 1960s and 1970s, and there are numerous anecdotes such as Reed and 36 friends drinking in an evening, 60 gallons of beer, 32 bottles of Scotch, 17 bottles of gin, four crates of wine, and one bottle of Babycham. He subsequently revised the story, claiming he drank 106 pints of beer on a two-day binge before marrying Josephine; “The event that was reported actually took place during an arm-wrestling competition in Guernsey about 15 years ago, it was highly exaggerated.” Steve McQueen told the story that in 1973 he flew to the UK to discuss a film project with Reed and suggested the pair go to a nightclub in London. They ended up on a marathon pub crawl during which Reed vomited on McQueen. Reed’s face had been scarred 10 years previously during a 1963 bar fight after which he received 63 stitches and was in danger of having his film career terminated in his 20s. Reed was often irritated that his appearances on TV chat shows concentrated on his drinking feats rather than his latest film. David Letterman cut to a commercial when it appeared Reed might get violent after being asked too many questions about his drinking. In September 1975, in front of a speechless Johnny Carson, Reed famously had a glass of whiskey poured over his head on-camera by an enraged Shelley Winters on The Tonight Show (Winters had been upset by Reed’s seemingly derogatory comments toward women). He was held partly responsible for the demise of BBC1′s Sin on Saturday after some typically forthright comments on the subject of lust, the sin featured on the first programme. The show had many other problems and a fellow guest revealed that Reed recognised this when he arrived and virtually had to be dragged in front of the cameras. Near the end of his life, he was brought onto some TV shows specifically for his drinking; for example The Word put bottles of liquor in his dressing room so he could be secretly filmed getting drunk. He was forced to leave the set of the Channel 4 television discussion programme After Dark after arriving drunk and attempting to kiss feminist writer Kate Millett, uttering the memorable phrase, “Give us a kiss, big tits.” He was seemingly very drunk on the Michael Aspel chat show, to many highly entertaining, to others a waste of a great acting talent. However, author Cliff Goodwin, in his biography of Reed titled Evil Spirits, offers the theory that Reed was not always as drunk on chat shows as he appeared to be, but rather was acting the part of an uncontrollably sodden former star to liven things up, at the producers’ behests. In December 1987, Reed became seriously ill with kidney problems as a result of his alcoholism and had to abstain from drinking for a year. In later years, Reed could often be seen quietly drinking with his wife, Josephine Burge, at the bar of the White Horse Hotel in the High Street in Dorking, Surrey, not far from his home in Oakwoodhill. When working in London, he was often found at The Duke of Hamilton pub in Hampstead, an area and pub he often frequented earlier in his career with Peter O’Toole and Richard Burton.   Death Reed died of a sudden heart attack[3] during a break from filming Gladiator in Valletta, Malta on 2 May 1999. The heart attack was a result of a night of hard drinking, which included three bottles of downed rum and arm wrestling victories over five sailors. He was 61 years old. Several of his scenes in Gladiator had to be completed using CGI techniques and, in one place, a mannequin. His funeral was held in Churchtown, County Cork, Republic Of Ireland. The song “Consider Yourself” from his classic film Oliver! was played at Oliver Reed’s funeral. Reed’s remains were buried in the 13th-century cemetery in the heart of Churchtown village, and his grave was seeded with Irish wildflowers.   References Reed, Oliver (1979). Reed all about me: the autobiography of Oliver Reed. W. H. Allen. pp. 7. Occupation: Actor, playwright, director, composer, singer Years active: 1911 – 1973 What’s My Line: Song:  Sir Noël Peirce Coward (16 December 1899 – 26 March 1973) was an English playwright, composer, director, actor and singer, known for his wit, flamboyance, and what Time magazine called “a sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise”.[1]   Born in Teddington, a suburb of London, Coward attended a dance academy in London as a child, making his professional stage début at the age of eleven. As a teenager he was introduced into the high society in which most of his plays would be set. Coward achieved enduring success as a playwright, publishing more than 50 plays from his teens onwards. Many of his works, such as Hay Fever, Private Lives, Design for Living, Present Laughter and Blithe Spirit, have remained in the regular theatre repertoire. He composed hundreds of songs, in addition to well over a dozen musical theatre works (including the operetta Bitter Sweet and comic revues), poetry, several volumes of short stories, the novel Pomp and Circumstance, and a three-volume autobiography. Coward’s stage and film acting and directing career spanned six decades, during which he starred in many of his own works. At the outbreak of World War II, Coward volunteered for war work, running the British propaganda office in Paris. He also worked with the Secret Service, seeking to use his influence to persuade the American public and government to help Britain. Coward won an Academy Honorary Award in 1943 for his naval film drama, In Which We Serve, and was knighted in 1969. In the 1950s he achieved fresh success as a cabaret performer, performing his own songs, such as “Mad Dogs and Englishmen”, “London Pride” and “I Went to a Marvellous Party”. His plays and songs achieved new popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, and his work and style continue to influence popular culture. Coward did not publicly acknowledge his homosexuality, but it was discussed candidly after his death by biographers including Graham Payn, his long-time partner, and in Coward’s diaries and letters, published posthumously. The former Albery Theatre (originally the New Theatre) in London was renamed the Noël Coward Theatre in his honour in 2006.   Early years Coward was born in 1899 in Teddington, England, a suburb of London. His parents were Arthur Sabin Coward (1856–1937), a piano salesman, and Violet Agnes Coward (1863–1954), daughter of Henry Gordon Veitch, a captain and surveyor in the Royal Navy.[2] Noël Coward was the second of their three sons, the eldest of whom had died in 1898 at the age of six.[3] Coward’s father lacked ambition and industry, and family finances were often poor. Coward was bitten by the performing bug early and appeared in amateur concerts by the age of seven. He attended the Chapel Royal Choir School as a young child. He had little formal schooling but was a voracious reader.[4] Encouraged by his ambitious mother, who sent him to a dance academy in London,[5] Coward’s first professional engagement was in January 1911 as Prince Mussel in the children’s play The Goldfish.[6] In Present Indicative, his first volume of memoirs, Coward wrote: One day … a little advertisement appeared in the Daily Mirror…. It stated that a talented boy of attractive appearance was required by a Miss Lila Field to appear in her production of an all-children fairy play: The Goldfish. This seemed to dispose of all argument. I was a talented boy, God knows, and, when washed and smarmed down a bit, passably attractive. There appeared to be no earthly reason why Miss Lila Field shouldn’t jump at me, and we both believed that she would be a fool indeed to miss such a magnificent opportunity.[7]   Coward (left) with Lydia Bilbrook (centre) and Charles Hawtrey, 1911   The leading actor-manager Charles Hawtrey, whom the young Coward idolised and from whom he learned a great deal about the theatre, cast him in the children’s play Where the Rainbow Ends. Coward played in the piece in 1911 and 1912 at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End.[8][9] In 1912 Coward also appeared at the Savoy Theatre in An Autumn Idyll (as a dancer in the ballet) and at the London Coliseum in A Little Fowl Play, by Harold Owen, in which Hawtrey starred.[10] Italia Conti engaged Coward to appear at the Liverpool Repertory Theatre in 1913, and in the same year he was cast as the Lost Boy Slightly in Peter Pan.[11] He reappeared in Peter Pan the following year, and in 1915 he was again in Where the Rainbow Ends.[12] He worked with other child actors in this period, including Hermione Gingold (whose mother threatened to turn “that naughty boy” out);[13] Fabia Drake; Esmé Wynne, with whom he collaborated on his earliest plays; Alfred Willmore, later known as Micheál MacLíammóir; and Gertrude Lawrence who, Coward wrote in his memoirs, “gave me an orange and told me a few mildly dirty stories, and I loved her from then onwards.”[9][14][15]   Coward in his early teens   In 1913, when Coward was 14, he became the protégé and probably the lover of Philip Streatfeild, a society painter.[16] Streatfeild introduced him to Mrs Astley Cooper and her high society friends.[17] Streatfeild died from tuberculosis in 1915, but Mrs Astley Cooper continued to encourage her late friend’s protégé, who remained a frequent guest at her estate, Hambleton Hall.[18] Coward continued to perform during most of World War I, appearing at the Prince of Wales’s Theatre in 1916 in The Happy Family[15] and on tour with Amy Brandon Thomas’s company in Charley’s Aunt. In 1917, he appeared in The Saving Grace, a comedy produced by Hawtrey. Coward recalled in his memoirs, “My part was reasonably large and I was really quite good in it, owing to the kindness and care of Hawtrey’s direction. He took endless trouble with me… and taught me during those two short weeks many technical points of comedy acting which I use to this day.”[19] In 1918, Coward was drafted into the Artists Rifles but was assessed as unfit for active service because of a tubercular tendency, and he was discharged on health grounds after nine months.[20] That year he appeared in the D. W. Griffith film Hearts of the World in an uncredited role. He sold short stories to several magazines to help his family financially.[4] He also began writing plays, collaborating on the first two (Ida Collaborates (1917) and Women and Whisky (1918)) with his friend Esmé Wynne.[21] His first solo effort as a playwright was The Rat Trap (1918) which was eventually produced at the Everyman Theatre, Hampstead, in October 1926.[22] During these years, he met Lorn McNaughtan,[23] who became his private secretary and served in that capacity for more than forty years, until her death.[4]   Inter-war successes In 1920, at the age of 20, Coward starred in his own play, the light comedy I’ll Leave It to You. After a tryout in Manchester, it opened in London at the New Theatre (renamed the Noël Coward Theatre in 2006), his first full-length play in the West End.[24] Neville Cardus’s praise in The Manchester Guardian was grudging.[25] Notices for the London production were mixed, but encouraging.[4] The Observer commented, “Mr Coward… has a sense of comedy, and if he can overcome a tendency to smartness, he will probably produce a good play one of these days.”[26] The Times, on the other hand, was enthusiastic: “It is a remarkable piece of work from so young a head – spontaneous, light, and always ‘brainy’.”[27]   Coward in The Knight of the Burning Pestle, 1920   The play ran for a month (and was Coward’s first play seen in America),[24] after which Coward returned to acting in works by other writers, starring as Ralph in The Knight of the Burning Pestle in Birmingham and then London.[28] He did not enjoy the role, finding Francis Beaumont and his sometime collaborator John Fletcher “two of the dullest Elizabethan writers ever known … I had a very, very long part, but I was very, very bad at it”.[29] Nevertheless, The Manchester Guardian thought that Coward got the best out of the role,[30] and The Times called the play “the jolliest thing in London”.[31] Coward completed a one-act satire, The Better Half, about a man’s relationship with two women. It had a short run at The Little Theatre, London, in 1922. The critic St. John Ervine wrote of the piece, “When Mr Coward has learned that tea-table chitter-chatter had better remain the prerogative of women he will write more interesting plays than he now seems likely to write.”[32] The play was thought to be lost until a typescript was found in 2007 in the archive of the Lord Chamberlain’s Office, the official censor of stage plays in the UK until 1968.[33] In 1921, Coward made his first trip to America, hoping to interest producers there in his plays. Although he had little luck, he found the Broadway theatre stimulating.[4] He absorbed its smartness and pace into his own work, which brought him his first real success as a playwright with The Young Idea. The play opened in London in 1923, after a provincial tour, with Coward in one of the leading roles.[34] The reviews were good: “Mr Noël Coward calls his brilliant little farce a ‘comedy of youth’, and so it is. And youth pervaded the Savoy last night, applauding everything so boisterously that you felt, not without exhilaration, that you were in the midst of a ‘rag’.”[35] One critic, who noted the influence of George Bernard Shaw on Coward’s writing, thought more highly of the play than of Coward’s newly found fans: “I was unfortunately wedged in the centre of a group of his more exuberant friends who greeted each of his sallies with ‘That’s a Noëlism!’”[36] The play ran in London from 1 February to 24 March 1923, after which Coward turned to revue, co-writing and performing in André Charlot’s London Calling![37]   Coward with Lilian Braithwaite, his co-star in The Vortex and mother of his close friend Joyce Carey   In 1924, Coward achieved his first great critical and financial success as a playwright with The Vortex. The story is about a nymphomaniac socialite and her cocaine-addicted son (played by Coward). Some saw the drugs as a mask for homosexuality,[38] while Kenneth Tynan later described it as “a jeremiad against narcotics with dialogue that sounds today not so much stilted as high-heeled”.[39] The Vortex was considered shocking in its day for its depiction of sexual vanity and drug abuse among the upper classes. Its notoriety and fiery performances attracted large audiences, justifying a move from a small suburban theatre to a larger one in the West End.[40] Coward, still having trouble finding producers, raised the money to produce the play himself. During the run of The Vortex, Coward met Jack Wilson, an American stockbroker (later a director and producer), who became his business manager and lover. Wilson used his position to steal from Coward, but the playwright was in love and accepted both the larceny and Wilson’s heavy drinking.[41] The success of The Vortex in both London and America caused a great demand for new Coward plays. In 1925 he premiered Fallen Angels, a three-act comedy that amused and shocked audiences with the spectacle of two middle-aged women slowly getting drunk while awaiting the arrival of their mutual lover.[42] Hay Fever, the first of Coward’s plays to gain an enduring place in the mainstream theatrical repertoire, also appeared in 1925. It is a comedy about four egocentric members of an artistic family who casually invite acquaintances to their country house for the weekend and bemuse and enrage each other’s guests. Some writers have seen elements of Coward’s old mentor, Mrs Astley Cooper, and her set in the characters of the family.[43] By the 1970s the play was recognised as a classic, described in The Times as a “dazzling achievement; like The Importance of Being Earnest, it is pure comedy with no mission but to delight, and it depends purely on the interplay of characters, not on elaborate comic machinery.”[44] By June 1925 Coward had four shows running in the West End: The Vortex, Fallen Angels, Hay Fever and On With the Dance.[45] Coward was turning out numerous plays and acting in his own works and others’. Soon, his frantic pace caught up with him, and he collapsed on stage in 1926 while starring in The Constant Nymph and had to take an extended rest in Hawaii.[41] Other Coward works produced in the mid-to-late 1920s included the plays Easy Virtue (1926), a drama about a divorcée’s clash with her snobbish in-laws; The Queen Was in the Parlour, a Ruritanian romance; This Was a Man (1926), a comedy about adulterous aristocrats; The Marquise (1927), an eighteenth-century costume drama; Home Chat (1927), a comedy about a married woman’s fidelity; and the revues On With the Dance (1925) and This Year of Grace (1928). None of these shows has entered the regular repertoire, but the last introduced one of Coward’s best-known songs, “A Room with a View”.[46] His biggest failure in this period was the play Sirocco (1927), which concerns free love among the wealthy. It starred Ivor Novello, of whom Coward said, “the two most beautiful things in the world are Ivor’s profile and my mind”.[47] Theatregoers hated the play, showing violent disapproval at the curtain calls and spitting at Coward as he left the theatre.[41] Coward later said of this flop, “My first instinct was to leave England immediately, but this seemed too craven a move, and also too gratifying to my enemies, whose numbers had by then swollen in our minds to practically the entire population of the British Isles.”[48] By then one of the world’s highest-earning writers, with an annual income in 1929 of £50,000,[49] Coward thrived during the Great Depression, writing a succession of popular hits.[50] These ranged from large-scale spectaculars to intimate comedies. Examples of the former were the operetta Bitter Sweet (1929), about a woman who elopes with her music teacher, and the historical extravaganza Cavalcade (1931) at Drury Lane, about thirty years in the lives of two families, which required a huge cast, gargantuan sets and a complex hydraulic stage. Its 1933 film adaptation won the Academy Award for best picture. Coward’s intimate-scale hits of the period included Private Lives (1930) and Design for Living (1932). In Private Lives, Coward starred alongside his most famous stage partner, Gertrude Lawrence, together with the young Laurence Olivier. It was a highlight of both Coward’s and Lawrence’s career, selling out in both London and New York. Coward disliked long runs, and after this he made a rule of starring in a play for no more than three months at any venue.[41] Design for Living, written for Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, was so risqué, with its theme of bisexuality and a ménage à trois, that Coward premiered it in New York, knowing that it would not survive the censor in London.[51]   Ivor Novello, top l.; Alfred Lunt, top r.; Lynn Fontanne, lower l.; and Judy Campbell – stars of Coward premières of the 1920s–1940s   In 1933, Coward wrote, directed and co-starred with French singer Yvonne Printemps in both London and New York productions of an operetta, Conversation Piece (1933).[41] Coward next wrote, directed and co-starred with Lawrence in Tonight at 8:30 (1936), a cycle of ten short plays that were shuffled to make a different playbill of three plays each night. One of these plays, Still Life, was expanded into the 1945 David Lean film Brief Encounter.[52] Tonight at 8:30 was followed by a musical, Operette (1937), from which the most famous number is “The Stately Homes of England”, and a revue entitled Set to Music (1938, a Broadway version of his 1932 London revue, Words and Music).[53] Coward’s last pre-war plays were This Happy Breed, a drama about a working-class family, and Present Laughter, a comic self-caricature with an egomaniac actor as the central character. These were first performed in 1942, although they were both written in 1939.[54] Between 1929 and 1936, Coward recorded many of his best-known songs for His Master’s Voice (HMV), now reissued on CD, including the romantic “I’ll See You Again” from Bitter Sweet, the comic “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” from Words and Music, and “Mrs Worthington”.[55]   World War II With the outbreak of World War II, Coward abandoned the theatre and sought official war work. After running the British propaganda office in Paris, where he concluded that “if the policy of His Majesty’s Government is to bore the Germans to death I don’t think we have time”,[56] he worked on behalf of British intelligence.[57] His task was to use his celebrity to influence American public and political opinion in favour of helping Britain.[58] He was frustrated by British press criticism of his foreign travel while his countrymen suffered at home, but he was unable to reveal that he was acting on behalf of the Secret Service.[59] In 1942, George VI wished to award Coward a knighthood for his efforts, but was dissuaded by Winston Churchill. Mindful of the public view of Coward’s flamboyant lifestyle, Churchill used as his reason Coward’s ₤200 fine for contravening currency regulations in 1941.[59] Had the Germans invaded Britain, Coward was scheduled to be arrested and killed, as he was in The Black Book along with other figures such as Virginia Woolf, Paul Robeson, Bertrand Russell, C. P. Snow and H. G. Wells. When this came to light after the war, Coward wrote: “If anyone had told me at that time I was high up on the Nazi blacklist, I should have laughed … I remember Rebecca West, who was one of the many who shared the honour with me, sent me a telegram which read: ‘My dear – the people we should have been seen dead with’.”[60] Churchill’s view was that Coward would do more for the war effort by entertaining the troops and the home front than by intelligence work: “Go and sing to them when the guns are firing – that’s your job!”[61] Coward, though disappointed, followed this advice. He toured, acted and sang indefatigably in Europe, Africa, Asia and America.[62] He wrote and recorded war-themed popular songs, including “London Pride” and “Don’t Let’s Be Beastly to the Germans”. His London home was wrecked by German bombs in 1941, and he took up temporary residence at the Savoy Hotel.[63] During one air raid on the area around the Savoy he joined Carroll Gibbons and Judy Campbell in impromptu cabaret to divert the captive guests from their fears.[64] Another of Coward’s wartime projects, as writer, star, composer and co-director (alongside David Lean), was the naval film drama In Which We Serve. The film was popular on both sides of the Atlantic, and he was awarded an honorary certificate of merit at the 1943 Academy Awards ceremony.[65] Coward played a naval captain, basing the character on his friend Lord Louis Mountbatten. Lean went on to direct and adapt film versions of several Coward plays.[41] Coward’s most enduring work from the war years was the hugely successful black comedy Blithe Spirit (1941), about a novelist who researches the occult and hires a medium. A séance brings back the ghost of his first wife, causing havoc for the novelist and his second wife.[41] With 1,997 consecutive performances, it broke box-office records for the run of a West End comedy, and was also produced on Broadway, where its original run was 650 performances.[66] The play was later filmed by David Lean. Coward toured during the war years in Blithe Spirit, alternating the piece with his comedy Present Laughter and his working-class drama This Happy Breed. In Coward’s Middle East Diary, he made several statements that offended many Americans. In particular, he commented that he was “less impressed by some of the mournful little Brooklyn boys lying there in tears amid the alien corn with nothing worse than a bullet wound in the leg or a fractured arm”.[67] After protests from both The New York Times and the Washington Post, the Foreign Office urged Coward not to visit the United States in January 1945. He did not return to America again during the war. In the immediate aftermath of the war, Coward wrote an alternate history, Peace In Our Time, a play depicting an England occupied by Nazi Germany.[50]   Post-war career Coward’s new plays after the war were moderately successful but failed to match the popularity of his pre-war hits.[68] Relative Values (1951) addresses the culture clash between an English aristocratic family and a Hollywood actress with matrimonial ambitions; South Sea Bubble (1951) is a political comedy set in a British colony; Quadrille (1952) is a drama about Victorian love and elopement; and Nude with Violin (1956, starring John Gielgud in London and Coward in New York) is a satire on modern art.[69] A revue, Sigh No More (1945), was a moderate success,[70] but two musicals, Pacific 1860 (1946), a lavish South Seas romance, and Ace of Clubs (1949), set in a night club, were financial failures.[71] In addition, his friends Charles Cochran and Gertrude Lawrence died in 1951 and 1952, respectively. Despite his disappointments during this period, Coward maintained a high public profile; his performance as King Magnus in Shaw’s The Apple Cart for the Coronation season of 1953, co-starring Margaret Leighton, received much coverage in the press,[72] and his cabaret act, honed during his wartime tours entertaining the troops, was a supreme success, first in London at the Café de Paris, and later in Las Vegas.[73] The theatre critic Kenneth Tynan wrote: To see him whole, public and private personalities conjoined, you must see him in cabaret … he padded down the celebrated stairs … halted before the microphone on black-suede-clad feet, and, upraising both hands in a gesture of benediction, set about demonstrating how these things should be done. Baring his teeth as if unveiling some grotesque monument, and cooing like a baritone dove, he gave us “I’ll See You Again” and the other bat’s-wing melodies of his youth. Nothing he does on these occasions sounds strained or arid; his tanned, leathery face is still an enthusiast’s…. If it is possible to romp fastidiously, that is what Coward does. He owes little to earlier wits, such as Wilde or Labouchere. Their best things need to be delivered slowly, even lazily. Coward’s emerge with the staccato, blind impulsiveness of a machine-gun.[39] In 1955, Coward’s cabaret act at Las Vegas, recorded live for the gramophone, and released as Noël Coward at Las Vegas [74] was so successful that CBS engaged him to write and direct a series of three 90-minute television specials for the 1955-1956 season. The first of these, Together With Music, paired Coward with Mary Martin, featuring him in many of the numbers from his Las Vegas act.[75] It was followed by productions of Blithe Spirit in which he starred with Claudette Colbert, Lauren Bacall and Mildred Natwick and This Happy Breed with Edna Best and Roger Moore. Despite excellent reviews, the audience viewing figures were moderate.[76]   “Dad’s Renaissance”: Coward’s popularity surged in the 1960s; this poster features Al Hirschfeld’s drawing of Coward rather than the stars of this 1968 revival.   During the 1950s and 1960s, Coward continued to write musicals and plays. After the Ball, his 1953 adaptation of Lady Windermere’s Fan, was the last musical he debuted in the West End; his last two musicals premiered on Broadway. Sail Away (1961), set on a luxury cruise liner, was Coward’s most successful post-war musical, with productions in America, Britain and Australia.[77] The Girl Who Came to Supper, a musical adaptation of The Sleeping Prince (1963), ran for only three months.[78] He directed the successful 1964 Broadway musical adaptation of Blithe Spirit, called High Spirits. Coward’s late plays include a farce, Look After Lulu! (1959), and a tragi-comic study of old age, Waiting in the Wings (1960), both of which were successful despite “critical disdain”.[79] Coward argued that the primary purpose of a play was to entertain, and he made no attempt at modernism, which he felt was boring to the audience although fascinating to the critics. His comic novel, Pomp and Circumstance (1960), about life in a tropical British colony, met with more critical success.[80] Coward’s final stage success came with Suite in Three Keys (1966), a trilogy set in a hotel penthouse suite. He wrote it as his swan song as a stage actor: “I would like to act once more before I fold my bedraggled wings.”[81] The trilogy gained glowing reviews and did good box office business in the UK.[82] In one of the three plays, A Song at Twilight, Coward abandoned his customary reticence on the subject and played an explicitly homosexual character. The daring piece earned Coward new critical praise.[83] He intended to star in the trilogy on Broadway but was too ill to travel. Only two of the Suite in Three Keys plays were performed in New York, with the title changed to Noël Coward in Two Keys, starring Hume Cronyn.[84] Coward won new popularity in several notable films later in his career, such as Around the World in 80 Days (1956), Our Man in Havana (1959), Bunny Lake is Missing (1965), Boom! (1968) and The Italian Job (1969).[85] Stage and film opportunities he turned down in the 1950s included an invitation to compose a musical version of Pygmalion (two years before My Fair Lady was written), and offers of the roles of the king in the original stage production of The King and I, and Colonel Nicholson in the film The Bridge on the River Kwai.[86] Invited to play the title role in the 1962 film Dr. No, he replied, “No, no, no, a thousand times, no.”[87] In the same year, he turned down the role of Humbert Humbert in Lolita, saying, “At my time of life the film story would be logical if the 12-year-old heroine was a sweet little old lady.”[88] In the mid-1960s and early 1970s successful productions of his 1920s and 1930s plays, and new revues celebrating his music, including Oh, Coward! on Broadway and Cowardy Custard in London, revived Coward’s popularity and critical reputation. He dubbed this comeback “Dad’s Renaissance”.[89] This began with a hit 1963 revival of Private Lives in London and then New York.[90] Invited to direct Hay Fever with Edith Evans at the National Theatre, he wrote in 1964, “I am thrilled and flattered and frankly a little flabbergasted that the National Theatre should have had the curious perceptiveness to choose a very early play of mine and to give it a cast that could play the Albanian telephone directory.”[91] Other examples of “Dad’s Renaissance” included a 1968 Off Broadway production of Private Lives at the Theatre de Lys starring Elaine Stritch, Lee Bowman and Betsy von Furstenberg, and directed by Charles Nelson Reilly. Despite this impressive cast, Coward’s popularity had risen so high that the theatre poster for the production used an Al Hirschfeld caricature of Coward (pictured)[92] instead of an image of the production or its stars. The illustration captures how Coward’s image had changed by the 1960s: he was no longer seen as the smooth 1930s sophisticate, but as the doyen of the theatre. As The New Statesman wrote in 1964: “Who would have thought the landmarks of the Sixties would include the emergence of Noël Coward as the grand old man of British drama? There he was one morning, flipping verbal tiddlywinks with reporters about “Dad’s Renaissance”; the next he was… beside Forster, T. S. Eliot and the OMs, demonstrably the greatest living English playwright.”[93] Time magazine wrote that “in the ’60s… his best work, with its inspired inconsequentiality, seemed to exert not only a period charm but charm, period.”[1]   Death and honours By the end of the 1960s, Coward suffered from arteriosclerosis and, during the run of Suite in Three Keys, he struggled with bouts of memory loss.[94] This also affected his work in The Italian Job, and he retired from acting immediately afterwards.[95] He died at his home, Firefly Estate, in Jamaica on 26 March 1973 of heart failure[44] and was buried three days later on the brow of Firefly Hill, overlooking the north coast of the island. A memorial service was held in St Martin-in-the-Fields in London on 29 May 1973, for which the Poet Laureate, John Betjeman, wrote and delivered a poem in Coward’s honour,[96] John Gielgud and Laurence Olivier read verse and Yehudi Menuhin played Bach. On 28 March 1984 a memorial stone was unveiled by the Queen Mother in Poets’ Corner, Westminster Abbey. Thanked by Coward’s partner, Graham Payn, for attending, the Queen Mother replied, “I came because he was my friend.”[97]   The Noël Coward Theatre   Coward was knighted in 1969 and was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.[98] He received a Tony Award for lifetime achievement.[99] The Noël Coward Theatre in St Martin’s Lane, originally opened in 1903 as the New Theatre and later called the Albery, was renamed in his honour after extensive refurbishment, re-opening on 1 June 2006. A statue of Coward was unveiled by the Queen Mother in the foyer of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 1998.[100] There are also sculptures of Coward displayed in New York and Jamaica.[101] In 2008 an exhibition devoted to Coward was mounted at the National Theatre in London.[102] The exhibition was later hosted by the Museum of Performance & Design in San Francisco and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, California.[103]   Personal life Coward was homosexual but, following the convention of his times, this was never publicly mentioned. The critic Kenneth Tynan’s description in 1953 was close to an acknowledgment of Coward’s sexuality: “Forty years ago he was Slightly in Peter Pan, and you might say that he has been wholly in Peter Pan ever since. No private considerations have been allowed to deflect the drive of his career; like Gielgud and Rattigan, like the late Ivor Novello, he is a congenital bachelor.”[39]   Coward as Slightly in Peter Pan, 1913   Coward firmly believed his private business was not for public discussion, considering “any sexual activities when over-advertised” to be tasteless.[104] Even in the 1960s, Coward refused to acknowledge his sexual orientation publicly, wryly observing, “There are still a few old ladies in Worthing who don’t know.”[105] Despite this reticence, he encouraged his secretary Cole Lesley to write a frank biography once Coward was safely dead.[106] Details of his sexual life emerged; for instance, from his youth Coward had a distaste for penetrative sex.[107][108] Coward’s most important relationship, which began in the mid-1940s and lasted until his death, was with the South African stage and film actor Graham Payn.[109] Coward featured Payn in several of his London productions. Payn later co-edited with Sheridan Morley the collection of Coward’s diaries, published in 1982. Coward’s other relationships included the playwright Keith Winter, actors Louis Hayward and Alan Webb, his manager John (Jack) C. Wilson (1899–1961) and the composer Ned Rorem, who published details of their relationship in his diaries.[110] Coward had a 19-year friendship with Prince George, Duke of Kent, but biographers differ on whether it was platonic.[111] According to Payn, Coward maintained that it was simply a friendship.[112] Coward said, on the duke’s death, “I suddenly find that I loved him more than I knew.”[113] Coward maintained close friendships with many women, including the actress and author Esmé Wynne-Tyson, his first collaborator and constant correspondent; Gladys Calthrop, who designed sets and costumes for many of his works; his secretary and close confidante Lorn Loraine; the actresses Gertrude Lawrence, Joyce Carey and Judy Campbell; and “his loyal and lifelong amitié amoureuse“, Marlene Dietrich.[114] In his profession, Coward was widely admired and loved for his generosity and kindness to those who fell on hard times. Stories are told of the unobtrusive way in which he relieved the needs or paid the debts of old theatrical acquaintances who had no claim on him.[44] Coward was the president of The Actors’ Orphanage, which was supported by the theatrical industry. In that capacity, he befriended the young Peter Collinson, who was in the care of the orphanage. He became Collinson’s godfather and helped him to get started in show business. When Collinson was a successful director, he invited Coward to play a role in The Italian Job. Graham Payn also played a small role in the film.[115]   Coward in his home in Switzerland   In the 1950s, Coward left the UK for tax reasons, receiving harsh criticism in the press.[116] He first settled in Bermuda but later bought houses in Jamaica and Switzerland (in the village of Les Avants, near Montreux), which remained his homes for the rest of his life.[117] His expatriate neighbours and friends included Joan Sutherland, David Niven, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, and Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards in Switzerland[118] and Ian Fleming and his wife Ann in Jamaica. Coward was a witness at the Flemings’ wedding, but his diaries record his exasperation with their constant bickering.[119] Coward’s political views were Conservative, but not unswervingly so: he despised the government of Neville Chamberlain for its policy of appeasing Nazi Germany, and he differed sharply with Winston Churchill over the abdication crisis of 1936. Whereas Churchill supported Edward VIII’s wish to marry “his cutie”, Wallis Simpson, Coward thought the king irresponsible, telling Churchill, “England doesn’t wish for a Queen Cutie.”[120] Coward disliked propaganda in plays: “The theatre is a wonderful place, a house of strange enchantment, a temple of illusion. What it most emphatically is not and never will be is a scruffy, ill-lit, fumed-oak drill hall serving as a temporary soap box for political propaganda.”[121] Nevertheless, his own views sometimes surfaced in his plays: both Cavalcade and This Happy Breed are “overtly Conservative political plays written in the Brechtian epic manner.”[122] In religion, Coward was agnostic. He wrote of his views, “Do I believe in God? I can’t say No and I can’t say Yes, To me it’s anybody’s guess.”[123] Coward spelled his first name with the diæresis (“I didn’t put the dots over the ‘e’ in Noël. The language did. Otherwise it’s not Noël but Nool!”).[124] The press and many book publishers failed to follow suit, and his name was printed as ‘Noel’ in The Times, The Observer and other contemporary newspapers and books.[125] The papers of Noël Coward are held in the University of Birmingham Special Collections.[126]   The Coward image: with cigarette holder, 1930   “Why”, asked Coward, “am I always expected to wear a dressing-gown, smoke cigarettes in a long holder and say ‘Darling, how wonderful’?”[127] The answer lay in Coward’s assiduous cultivation of a carefully crafted image. As a suburban boy who had been taken up by the upper classes, he rapidly acquired the taste for high life: “I am determined to travel through life first class.”[128] He first wore a dressing gown onstage in The Vortex and used the fashion in several of his other famous plays, including Private Lives and Present Laughter.[129][130] In connection with the National Theatre’s 2008 exhibition, The Independent commented, “His famous silk, polka-dot dressing gown and elegant cigarette holder both seem to belong to another era. But 2008 is proving to be the year that Britain falls in love with Noël Coward all over again.”[102] As soon as he achieved success he began polishing the Coward image: an early press photograph showed him sitting up in bed holding a cigarette holder: “I looked like an advanced Chinese decadent in the last phases of dope.”[131] Soon after that, Coward wrote, “I took to wearing coloured turtle-necked jerseys, actually more for comfort than for effect, and soon I was informed by my evening paper that I had started a fashion. I believe that to a certain extent this was true; at any rate, during the ensuing months I noticed more and more of our seedier West-End chorus boys parading about London in them.”[132] He soon became more cautious about overdoing the flamboyance, advising Cecil Beaton to tone down his outfits: “It is important not to let the public have a loophole to lampoon you.”[133] However, Coward was happy to generate publicity from his lifestyle.[41] In 1969, he told Time magazine, “I acted up like crazy. I did everything that was expected of me. Part of the job.” Time concluded, “Coward’s greatest single gift has not been writing or composing, not acting or directing, but projecting a sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise.”[1] Coward’s distinctive clipped diction arose from his childhood: his mother was deaf and Coward developed his staccato style of speaking to make it easier for her to hear what he was saying; it also helped him eradicate a slight lisp.[134] His nickname, “The Master”, “started as a joke and became true”, according to Coward. It was used of him from the 1920s onwards.[135] Coward himself made light of it: when asked by a journalist why he was known as “The Master”, he replied, “Oh, you know – Jack of all trades, master of none.”[136] He could, however, joke about his own immodesty: “My sense of my importance to the world is relatively small. On the other hand, my sense of my own importance to myself is tremendous.”[137] When a Time interviewer apologised, “I hope you haven’t been bored having to go through all these interviews for your [70th] birthday, having to answer the same old questions about yourself”, Coward rejoined, “Not at all. I’m fascinated by the subject.”[1]   Critical reputation and legacy The playwright John Osborne said, “Mr Coward is his own invention and contribution to this century. Anyone who cannot see that should keep well away from the theatre.”[138] Kenneth Tynan wrote in 1964, “Even the youngest of us will know, in fifty years’ time, exactly what we mean by ‘a very Noel Coward sort of person’.”[39] In praise of Coward’s versatility, Lord Mountbatten said, in a tribute on Coward’s seventieth birthday, “There are probably greater painters than Noël, greater novelists than Noël, greater librettists, greater composers of music, greater singers, greater dancers, greater comedians, greater tragedians, greater stage producers, greater film directors, greater cabaret artists, greater TV stars. If there are, they are fourteen different people. Only one man combined all fourteen different labels – The Master.”[139]   Coward in 1963   Tynan’s was the first generation of critics to realise that Coward’s plays might enjoy more than ephemeral success. In the 1930s, Cyril Connolly wrote that they were “written in the most topical and perishable way imaginable, the cream in them turns sour overnight”.[140] What seemed daring in the 1920s and 1930s came to seem old-fashioned in the 1950s, and Coward never replicated the success of his pre-war plays.[39] By the 1960s, however, it was becoming clear that underneath the witty dialogue and the Art Deco glamour of the inter-war years, Coward’s best plays also dealt with recognisable people and familiar relationships.[141] By the time of his death, The Times was writing of him, “None of the great figures of the English theatre has been more versatile than he”, and the paper ranked his plays in “the classical tradition of Congreve, Sheridan, Wilde and Shaw”.[44] A symposium published in 1999 to mark the centenary of Coward’s birth listed some of his major productions scheduled for the year in Britain and North America, including Ace of Clubs, After the Ball, Blithe Spirit, Cavalcade, Easy Virtue, Hay Fever, Present Laughter, Private Lives, Sail Away, A Song at Twilight, The Young Idea and Waiting in the Wings, with stars including Lauren Bacall, Rosemary Harris, Ian McKellen, Corin Redgrave, Vanessa Redgrave and Elaine Stritch.[142] In another tribute, Tim Rice said of Coward’s songs: “The wit and wisdom of Noël Coward’s lyrics will be as lively and contemporary in 100 years’ time as they are today”,[121] and many have been recorded by Paul McCartney, Sting, Elton John, Robbie Williams, Pet Shop Boys, The Divine Comedy, Vic Reeves, Ian Bostridge, Damon Albarn, Michael Nyman, and others.[143][144][145] Coward’s music and writings and his characteristic voice and style have been widely parodied and imitated, for instance by Jonathan Meese and in Monty Python, Round the Horne and Privates on Parade.[146][147] Coward has frequently been depicted as a character in plays,[148][149] films, television and radio shows, for example, in the 1969 Julie Andrews film Star! (in which Coward was portrayed by his godson, Daniel Massey),[150] the award-winning BBC sitcom Goodnight Sweetheart[151] and a BBC Radio 4 series.[152][153] On stage, characters based on Coward have included Beverly Carlton in the 1939 Broadway play The Man Who Came to Dinner.[154] A play about the friendship between Coward and Marlene Dietrich, called Lunch with Marlene, by Chris Burgess, ran at the New End Theatre in 2008. The second act presents a musical revue, including Coward songs such as “Don’t Let’s Be Beastly to the Germans”.[155] Coward was an early admirer of the plays of Harold Pinter, and backed Pinter’s film version of The Caretaker with a £1,000 investment.[156] Some critics have detected Coward’s influence in Pinter’s plays.[157] Tynan compared Pinter’s “elliptical patter” to Coward’s “stylised dialogue”.[156] Pinter returned the compliment by directing the National Theatre’s revival of Blithe Spirit in 1976.[158]   119. Lesley, p. 310; and Payn and Morley, p. 463 120. Lesley, pp. 187 and 197 121. Kenrick, John. “Noel Coward 101: Cowardy Quotations” , Musicals101.com, The Cyber Encyclopedia of Musical Theatre, TV and Film, accessed February 8, 2009 122. Kaplan, p. 4, quoting David Edgar 123. Coward: Not Yet the Dodo, Heinemann 1967, p. 54. He also said, “I keep an open mind, but I will be somewhat surprised if St Peter taps me on the shoulder and says: ‘This way, Noël Coward, come up and try your hand on the harp.’ I am no harpist.” See Richards, pp. 64–65 124. Richards, p. 58 125. Even Cole Lesley’s 1976 biography refers to Coward as “Noel”: “…I have also forgone the use of his beloved diaeresis over the ‘e’ in his name, having no wish to dizzy the eye of the reader.” (Lesley, p. xx) 126.  Preliminary Listing of the Noël Coward Papers at University of Birmingham website, February 2008, accessed 4 January 2009 127. Richards, p. 59 129. Sacheli, Robert. “Joyeux Noel” , Dandyism.net, 16 December 2006, accessed 17 March 2009 130. Private Lives, Act II, passim 131. Castle, p. 66 132. Coward (Present Indicative), p. 183 133. Hoare, p. 201 139.  “Quotations from Coward’s own words” , NoelCoward.com, accessed 3 February 2009 140. Lahr, p. 2 141. Kaplan, pp. 7–13 142. Kaplan, pp. 217–21 143. Hoare, Philip. “Coward, Sir Noël Peirce (1899–1973)”, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, September 2004; online edn, January 2008, accessed 30 December 2008 144.  “Noel Coward”, Music Listing of works at Amazon UK, accessed 10 March 2009 145. For example, in the 1998 album Twentieth-Century Blues: The Songs of Noel Coward , Coward’s songs are performed by Sting, Elton John, Pet Shop Boys, Paul McCartney and others. 146. ”Sir Noel (Pierce) Coward”, Cambridge Encyclopedia, Vol. 69 147. Nichols, Peter: Privates on Parade, Act 2, Scene 1 (“Noël, Noël”) 148. Newley, Patrick. “Coward’s confidante – Esme Wynne”, The Stage, 4 March 2005, accessed 15 February 2009 149. Martin, Dominic. Making Dickie Happy , TheStage.co.uk., 27 September 2004, accessed 4 January 2009 150.  “Star! (1968)” Time Out Film Guide, accessed 16 February 2009. 151. Grove, Valerie, “Carrying on Kenneth’s pain”, The Times, 27 December 1997, p. 19 and “Book Now” The Independent , 20 August 2008, p. 16 152. Garner, Ken, “Radio”, The Express On Sunday , 23 June 2002; Hoyle, Martin. “Again the mother of all media”, The Financial Times , 28 June 2002, p. 16; The Guardian: “Radio” 8 November 2003; and Deacon, Nigel. “Marcy Kahan Radio Plays” , UK Diversity Website, accessed 16 February 2009, where Coward was dramatised as a detective in Design For Murder (2000), A Bullet at Balmain’s (2003) and Death at the Desert Inn (2005), and as a spy in Blithe Spy (2002) and Our Man In Jamaica (2007), with Malcolm Sinclair playing Coward in each 153.  “Audio and Broadcasts” , The Noël Coward Society, 2007, accessed 11 March 2009 154. Isherwood, Charles. “The Man Who Came to Dinner”, Variety, 28 July 2000, accessed 16 February 2009 155. Vale, Paul (9 April 2008). “Lunch with Marlene” . Reviews (The Stage). http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/20351/lunch-with-marlene . Retrieved 29 March 2010. 156. Hoare, p. 458 157. Hoare, p. 269 158.  “Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward, The National Theatre, June 1976 (and tour)” at haroldpinter.org, 2003, accessed March 7, 2009 159. Day (2007), p. 125, quoting Coward: “I went to Iolanthe … beautifully done and the music lovely but dated. It’s no use, I hate Gilbert and Sullivan”. 160. Hart-Davis, Rupert (ed). Lyttelton/Hart-Davis Letters vol. 3, John Murray, 1981 ISBN 978-0-7195-3770-7 . Lyttelton to Hart-Davis , 5 November 1958: “[Y]ou were of the generation which began to turn up its nose at the operettas”. 161. Programme note for Cowardy Custard (1972) quoting The Noël Coward Song Book 162. Day (2007), p. 257 163.  Contemporary Authors Online , Thomson Gale, 2004, accessed 30 December 2008: requires subscription; and Noel Coward at the IMDB database, accessed 12 March 2009   Coward, Noël. Plays, Five. Introduction by Sheridan Morley . Methuen, 1994. ISBN 0-413-51740-3 Coward, Noël. Present Indicative. Autobiography to 1931. Heinemann, 1937. Methuen reissue, 2004 ISBN 978-0-413-77413-2 Day, Barry (ed). The Letters of Noël Coward. Methuen, 2007, ISBN 978-0-7136-8578-7 . Hoare, Philip. Noël Coward, A Biography. Sinclair-Stevenson, 1995. ISBN 1-85619-265-2 . Kaplan, Joel and Sheila Stowel. Look Back in Pleasure: Noël Coward Reconsidered. Methuen, 2000. ISBN 0-413-75500-2 . Lahr, John. Coward the Playwright, Methuen, London, 1982. ISBN 0-413-48050-X . Lesley, Cole. The Life of Noël Coward. Cape, 1976. ISBN 0-224-01288-6 . Mander, Raymond and Joe Mitchenson. Theatrical Companion to Coward. Updated by Barry Day and Sheridan Morley. Oberon, 2000. ISBN 1-84002-054-7 . Morley, Sheridan. A Talent to Amuse. Heinemann 1969/Penguin Books, London, 1974. ISBN 0-14-003863-9 . Payn, Graham and Sheridan Morley (eds.) The Noël Coward Diaries (1941–1969); Methuen, 1982. ISBN 0-297-78142-1 . Payn, Graham. My Life with Noël Coward, Applause Books, 1994. ISBN 1-55783-190-4 . Richards, Dick. The Wit of Noël Coward, Sphere Books, 1970. ISBN 0722136765 Tynan, Kenneth. Tynan on Theatre, Penguin Books, London, 1964. OCLC 949598   Braybrooke, Patrick. The Amazing Mr Noel Coward. Denis Archer, 1933. Coward, Noël. Future Indefinite. Second volume of autobiography, World War II. Heinemann, 1954. Coward, Noël. Middle East Diary. A diary of a wartime tour to entertain the troops “from Gib to Baghdad”. Heinemann, 1944. Coward, Noël. Past Conditional. Third volume (unfinished) of autobiography. Heinemann, 1986. ISBN 0-413-60660-0 Coward, Noël. The Complete Stories. Methuen Paperback Original, 1985. ISBN 0-413-59970-1 . Day, Barry (ed). Noël Coward: The Complete Lyrics. Methuen, 1998. ISBN 0-413-73230-4 . Fisher, Clive. Noël Coward. Weidenfeld, 1992. ISBN 0-297-81180-0 . Payn, Graham and Martin Tickner (eds.) Noël Coward: Collected Verse. Methuen, 1984, corrected edition 1987. ISBN 0-413-55150-4 . Wynne-Tyson, Jon. Finding the Words: A Publishing Life, Michael Russell Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0-85955-287-X .   Michael York, OBE (born Michael Hugh Johnson; 27 March 1942) is an English actor.   Early life York was born in Fulmer, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, the son of Florence Edith May (née Chown), a musician; and Joseph Gwynne Johnson, a Llandovery born Welsh ex-Royal Artillery British Army officer and executive with Marks and Spencer department stores.[1] York has an older sister, Penelope Anne (born 1940) and younger twin sisters, Caroline and Bridget (born 1947) but Bridget died a few hours after birth, according to his autobiography. He was brought up in Burgess Hill, Sussex.[2] During his teenage years, York was educated at Bromley Grammar School for Boys, Bromley, London and at University College, Oxford. He began his career in a 1956 production of The Yellow Jacket. In 1959 he made his West End debut with a brief part in a production of Hamlet.   Career Prior to graduating with a degree in English from the University of Oxford in 1964, York had toured with the National Youth Theatre, also performing with the Oxford University Dramatic Society and the University College Players. After some time with the Dundee Repertory Theatre, York joined the National Theatre where he worked with Franco Zeffirelli during the 1965 staging of Much Ado About Nothing. York made his film debut as Lucentio in Zeffirelli’s The Taming of the Shrew (1967), then was cast as Tybalt in Zeffirelli’s 1968 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet with Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey. He also starred in an early Merchant Ivory Productions film, The Guru (1969). He played an amoral bisexual drifter in Harold Prince’s film Something for Everyone (1970) opposite Angela Lansbury as the countess who hires York as her footman. He then went on to portray the bisexual Brian Roberts in Bob Fosse’s film version of Cabaret (1972), opposite Liza Minnelli. In 1977 reunited with Zeffirelli as a fiery John the Baptist in Jesus of Nazareth. York starred as D’Artagnan in the 1973 adaptation of The Three Musketeers and he made his Broadway debut in the original production of Tennessee Williams’s Out Cry. One year later the sequel to The Three Musketeers was released (roughly covering events in the second half of the book) titled The Four Musketeers. These two films are still popular and generally accepted as the best film version of the famous Dumas adventure story.[3] Fifteen years later, most of the cast (and crew) joined together in a third film titled The Return of the Musketeers based on the Dumas novel Twenty Years After. York had already been on British TV as Jolyon (Jolly) in The Forsyte Saga (1967). He also played the title character in the film adaptation of Logan’s Run (1976).   Michael York in 1986   Since his auspicious early work, York has enjoyed a busy and varied career in film, television, and on the stage. He appeared in two episodes in the second season of the Road to Avonlea series as Ezekiel Crane, the lighthouse keeper of Avonlea and foster father of Gus Pike. His Broadway theatre credits include Bent (1980), The Crucible (1992), Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me (1993), and the ill-fated musical The Little Prince and the Aviator (1982), which closed during previews. He also has made many sound recordings as a reader, including Harper Audio’s production of C. S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. He appeared in the Babylon 5 episode “A Late Delivery From Avalon” as a delusion-ridden Earthforce gunner. He also appeared as Professor Asher Fleming, a 60 year-old Yale professor and boyfriend of Yale student Paris Geller (Liza Weil) in the fourth season of Gilmore Girls. He performed the voice of the character Ares in the Justice League Unlimited episode “Hawk & Dove”, as well as a character named Dr. Montague Kane in the Batman: The Animated Series episode “Zatanna” and Kanto in the Superman: The Animated Series episode “Tools of the Trade”. York starred in both The Omega Code and its sequel, Megiddo: The Omega Code 2, as Stone Alexander, portraying the Antichrist of Christian eschatology. York also played President Alexander Bourne of Macronesia (formerly New Australia) on seaQuest 2032, a role that was quickly fleshed out and would have remained a major player in the series had it lasted past the thirteen episodes it was ordered for in its third season before ultimately being canceled. He has played Basil Exposition in all three of the Austin Powers movies. He has made an appearance on The Simpsons as Mason Fairbanks, Homer Simpson’s possible father, in “Homer’s Paternity Coot.” He was also in the third season finale of Sliders as a character reminiscent of Dr. Moreau. In 2006, York played the Charles Sobhraj-like character Bernard Fremont in the Law & Order: Criminal Intent episode “Slither”. He also appeared as himself in several episodes of the third season of Curb Your Enthusiasm, and featured in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. York also voiced Petrie’s uncle Pterano in The Land Before Time VII: The Stone of Cold Fire, with Jim Cummings and Rob Paulson playing his sidekicks Sierra and Rinkus respectively. York has also featured as the narrator in the audio New Testament project, the Word of Promise, which is being produced by Jim Caviezel. York played King Arthur in a revival of Lerner and Loewe’s Camelot, which began its run at the La Mirada Theatre in Southern California, and toured nationally in 2006 and 2007. Recently, has voiced Forever King Patrick in Ben 10: Alien Force. York portrays the role of “Luke” in “The Truth & Life Dramatized audio New Testament Bible,” a 22-hour, celebrity-voiced, fully-dramatized audio New Testament which uses the RSV-CE translation.   Personal life York lives in California, USA. He married Patricia McCallum on 27 March 1968. His stepson is Star Wars producer Rick McCallum.   Interview:   Michael Christopher Sheen,[1][2]OBE (born 5 February 1969) is a Welsh film and stage actor. Sheen has become known for his portrayals of well-known public figures, having worked with screenwriter Peter Morgan on five films,[3]: Tony Blair in The Deal, The Queen, and The Special Relationship, David Frost in the stage production and film version of Frost/Nixon, and Brian Clough in The Damned United. He also played the Lycan Lucian in all three of the Underworld films, the vampire Aro in The Twilight Saga: New Moon, and more recently, the role of Castor in Tron: Legacy.   Early life Sheen was born in Newport,[4]Wales to Irene (née Thomas) and Meyrick Sheen, both of whom worked in personnel management. His father is also a part-time professional Jack Nicholson look-alike.[5][6] He has a younger sister, Joanne. His great-great-great grandfather was an immigrant from Waterford, Ireland who changed his surname from “Sheehan” to “Sheen”.[7] When Sheen was five, the family moved to Liverpool, where he became a lifelong Liverpool F.C. fan.[3][8] He returned to his parents’ home of Port Talbot, Wales three years later, where he attended Glan Afan Comprehensive School and played football for Baglan boys club.[3] Sheen was offered a trial at Arsenal FC after being spotted by the father of Tony Adams during a family holiday at Pontin’s on the Isle of Wight,[8][9] but his family were unwilling to relocate to London [10] He lost interest in football in his early teens as football became a more physical game.[8] Sheen became interested in the theatre through both school study and parents being members of the local amateur dramatic group,[8] which resulted in Sheen joining the West Glamorgan Youth theatre, where he was a contemporary of writer Russell T Davies.[11] After leaving school, Sheen accepted a place to study acting at the National Youth Theatre of Wales in Cardiff and then trained at the internationally renowned Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.   Career During his second year at RADA he scored his first starring role, opposite Vanessa Redgrave in When She Danced.[12] Sheen soon established himself as one of the most promising talents on the theatrical scene, notably being cast as Mozart in Peter Shaffer‘s play Amadeus, which was staged at the Old Vic Theatre and directed by Sir Peter Hall. He later reprised this role on Broadway. His television screen debut came in 1993 in the BBC drama serial, Gallowglass (based on the novel by Ruth Rendell), He then gained roles in the films Wilde (1997) (in which he played Robbie Ross), Mary Reilly. However, he remained primarily a stage actor, having starred in high-profile productions of Henry V, Peer Gynt, The Dresser, Caligula and Look Back in Anger, among others. In 2003, he appeared with Kate Beckinsale in the gothic action film Underworld as the werewolfLucian. Salon critic Andrew O’Hehir commented that while the “… entire movie is full of campy overacting… [Shane] Brolly and Sheen seem to have been selected for their talents in this regard.”[13] Sheen has also appeared with Beckinsale in the season seven premiere of Punk’d. He quickly gained a reputation for playing real-life characters. He played Tony Blair in the Channel 4 drama The Deal and later, in the film The Queen. He has also played Kenneth Williams in Fantabulosa! on BBC Four, H. G. Wells in H G Wells: War with the World on BBC Two, and in 2006, he played Nero in the BBC’s Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire. At the 2005 British Academy Television Awards, Sheen was nominated for Best Actor for his performance in the TV drama, Dirty Filthy Love, in which he played a man with obsessive-compulsive disorder. In 2007, he received two BAFTA nominations, this time for Best Supporting Actor in a Film, for his performance in The Queen, and for Best Television Actor, for his role in Fantabulosa; once again, he was unsuccessful in both cases. Later that year, he played David Frost in the critically acclaimed Donmar Warehouse production of Peter Morgan‘s Frost/Nixon, which later transferred to the Gielgud Theatre before heading to Broadway in 2007. He has reprised the role in the 2008 Ron Howard-directed film adaptation. In 2007, he read Paul Torday‘s novel Salmon Fishing in the Yemen on BBC Radio 4‘s Book at Bedtime. The same year, Sheen was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.[14] On 2 October 2007, it was announced that Peter Morgan was working on a sequel to The Queen, and that Sheen would be reprising his role as Tony Blair in The Special Relationship.   Sheen at the 81st Academy Awards   In January 2009, he returned to the role of Lucian in Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, the third release in the Underworld film series and prequel to the original 2003 film. In March 2009 Sheen played Brian Clough to critical acclaim in Peter Morgan‘s adaptation of David Peace‘s novel The Damned Utd, based on Clough’s 44-day spell in charge of Leeds United. The same year, he co-starred as the vampire Aro in the second installment of the Twilight film series, New Moon, released on 20 November.[15] He was the “Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car” on the 22 November 2009 edition of Top Gear.[16] November 2009 also saw the release of the DVD Michael Sheen presents You’re The Boss, a documentary comedy celebrating the game’s greatest football managers and the highs and lows of football management.[17] In 2010, Sheen appeared in the Tim Burton film Alice in Wonderland, alongside Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway. In the same year, he also had a cameo role in the British independent film My Last Five Girlfriends; co-starred in American thriller Unthinkable, alongside Samuel L. Jackson and Carrie-Anne Moss; and starred in the third installment of Peter Morgan‘s Blair trilogy, The Special Relationship co-starring Dennis Quaid as former U.S. President Bill Clinton, and Hope Davis as Hillary Clinton. Later that year, he was also seen in Disney science fiction sequel Tron: Legacy and Beautiful Boy, an independent movie by Shawn Ku. Sheen made a guest appearance in four season 4 episodes of NBC‘s 30 Rock as Wesley Snipes, a love interest for the show’s protagonist Liz Lemon played by Tina Fey.[18] In July 2010, Sheen filmed an edition of the BBC Wales TV series Coming Home, which spotlights celebrities with Welsh roots exploring their family history. The programme was transmitted on 24 November 2010 on BBC One Wales (also available on various satellite services). In August 2010, Sheen portrayed a Garry Kasparov type character in the music video for the Manic Street Preachers single “(It’s Not War) Just the End of Love” opposite Anna Friel. Sheen said it came about as he is a friend of lead singer James Dean Bradfield from the band. In 2011, Sheen is to be seen in the film Jesus Henry Christ with Toni Collette,[19] the Woody Allen film Midnight in Paris, and is set to star in the film adaptation of Resistance, based on the Owen Sheersnovel of the same name, having co-written the screenplay with director Amit Gupta. In April 2011 Sheen was creative direct and starred in a 72 hour staging of the Passion play in his hometown of Port Talbot over Easter.[20][21] This is being made into a film and is to be directed by Dave McKean.[22] He will then later return to the stage to play the role of Hamlet at the Young Vic Theatre in October 2011. The play will be directed by Ian Rickson.[23] He guest starred in episode 4 of the sixth series of Doctor Who in 2011, as the voice of ‘House’. In 2012, Sheen will return as Aro, in the second part of Breaking Dawn, the adaptation of the fourth novel in the Twilight Saga. Sheen was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2009 New Year Honours.[24] He was named Actor of the Year in GQ Magazine‘s 2009 Men of the Year Awards.[25] On 15 July 2008, Sheen was awarded the freedom of the borough of Neath Port Talbot, making him one of the youngest people to receive the honour and putting him amongst a select group of people including Sir Anthony Hopkins.[26]   Personal life Sheen is currently dating Canadian actress Rachel McAdams. The couple were first photographed together in Toronto in September 2010,[27] having worked together that summer on the Woody Allen film “Midnight in Paris”. Sheen had a long-distance relationship with ballet dancer Lorraine Stewart from 2004 until mid-2010, after meeting at the National Theatre in London.[3][8][28] Sheen had a nine-year relationship with English actress Kate Beckinsale from 1994 to 2003. They have a daughter, Lily Mo Sheen, born 31 January 1999. They met when cast in a production of The Seagull in London. Beckinsale has said it was “love at first sight” [29] and that he saved her from “a hospital for the criminally insane”.[30] Their relationship ended when, during the filming of Underworld (in which they both starred), Beckinsale fell for the film’s director, Len Wiseman, whom she later married.[31] Sheen has said that the relationship “had come to an end. The only option was for her to meet someone else. I was never going to leave my daughter, and Kate would never have just said, ‘Right, this is over.’ So it was inevitable there would have to be a third person involved.”[30] “‘It was obviously not easy, but he’s a lovely bloke, Len, and I never felt like anything had gone on behind my back.”[32] Sheen and Beckinsale have remained close friends. Beckinsale has said, “I love him dearly – I would miss him dreadfully if he wasn’t in my life.” [33] “He is one of the most thoughtful, principled people and Lily is so lucky to have him as a dad.”[34] Sheen lives in Los Angeles.[35] He is friends with fellow Los Angeles-based Welsh actors Ioan Gruffudd and Matthew Rhys. All three shared a flat when living in Kilburn, London and Rhys later lived with Sheen for a time in Los Angeles. [36]   References Births, Marriages & Deaths Index of England & Wales, 1916-2005.; at ancestry.com Previously at http://www.neath-porttalbot.gov.uk/_npt/COUN-280508-MIN1.doc – “…in recognition of his eminent services in the field of acting and the dramatic arts, Michael Christopher Sheen Esquire, be admitted an Honorary Freeman of the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot in accordance with Section 249(7) of the Local Government Act, 1972″ Interview:  Sir Michael Caine, CBE (born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite; 14 March 1933) is a British actor. He became well known for a number of popular and notable critically acclaimed performances, particularly in films such as Zulu (1964); The Ipcress File (1965); Alfie (1966); The Italian Job (1969); The Battle Of Britain (1969); Get Carter (1971); Sleuth (1972); The Man Who Would Be King (1975); Educating Rita (1983); Without a Clue (1988); Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988); The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992); Secondhand Lions (2003); Academy Award–winning performances for best supporting actor in both Hannah and Her Sisters (1986), and The Cider House Rules (1999); as Nigel Powers in the parody Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002); and more recently as Alfred Pennyworth, the butler, in Batman Begins (2005), and The Dark Knight (2008), the protagonist in Harry Brown (2009) and a supporting character in Inception (2010). He has provided his voice for two animated films in 2011, Gnomeo and Juliet and Cars 2. Caine is one of only two actors nominated for an Academy Award for acting (either lead or supporting) in every decade from the 1960s to 2000s (the other one being Jack Nicholson). In 2000, Caine was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of his contribution to cinema.   Early life Caine was born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite in Southwark,[1] South East London, the son of Ellen Frances Marie (née Burchell), a cook and charlady, and Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, a fish market porter.[2] His father was of part Irish and Irish Traveller ancestry,[3][4] and a Catholic, though Caine was brought up in his Protestant mother’s religion. Caine grew up in Camberwell, South London, and during the Second World War he was evacuated to North Runcton, in Norfolk.[5] In 1944, he passed his eleven plus exam, winning a scholarship to Hackney Downs Grocers School.[6] After a year there he moved to Wilson’s Grammar School in Camberwell (now Wilson’s School in Wallington, South London), which he left at sixteen after gaining a School Certificate in six subjects. He then worked briefly as a filing clerk and messenger for a film company in Victoria Street and the film producer Jay Lewis in Wardour Street.[7] From 1952, when he was called up to do his National Service, until 1954, he served in the British Army’s Royal Fusiliers, first at the BAOR HQ in Iserlohn, Germany and then on active service during the Korean War. Caine has said he would like to see the return of National Service to help combat youth violence, stating: “I’m just saying, put them in the Army for six months. You’re there to learn how to defend your country. You belong to the country. Then when you come out, you have a sense of belonging rather than a sense of violence.”[8]   Career When Micklewhite first became an actor, he adopted the stage name “Michael Scott”. His agent soon informed him, however, that Michael Scott was already using the same name, and that he had to come up with a new name immediately. Speaking to his agent from a telephone box in Leicester Square, London, he looked around for inspiration, noted that The Caine Mutiny was being shown at the Odeon Cinema, and decided to change his name to “Michael Caine”. He has joked in interviews that had he looked the other way, he would have ended up as “Michael One Hundred and One Dalmatians”.[9]   1960s On-set during filming of The IPCRESS File, Len Deighton teaches Michael Caine how to break an egg.[1]   Caine’s acting career began in Horsham, Sussex. He responded to an advertisement for an assistant stage manager for the Horsham-based Westminster Repertory Company. This led to walk-on roles at the Carfax Theatre.[10] After dozens of minor TV roles, Caine entered the public eye as the upper class British Army officer Gonville Bromhead VC in the 1964 film Zulu. This proved paradoxical, as Caine was to become notable for using a regional accent, rather than the Received Pronunciation hitherto considered proper for film actors. At the time, Caine’s working class Cockney, just as with The Beatles’ Liverpudlian accents, stood out to American and British audiences alike. Zulu was closely followed by two of his best-known roles: the spy Harry Palmer in The Ipcress File (1965), and the womanising title character in Alfie (1966). He went on to play Palmer in a further four films, Funeral in Berlin (1966), Billion Dollar Brain (1967), Bullet to Beijing (1995) and Midnight in Saint Petersburg (1995). Caine made his first film in the United States in 1966, after an invitation from Shirley MacLaine to play opposite her in Gambit. During the first two weeks, whilst staying at The Beverly Hills Hotel, he met long term friends John Wayne and agent “Swifty” Lazar.[11]   1970s After working on The Italian Job with Noël Coward, and a solid role as RAF fighter pilot Squadron Leader Canfield in the all-star cast of Battle of Britain (both 1969), Caine played the lead in Get Carter (1971), a British gangster film. Caine was busy with successes including Sleuth (1972) opposite Laurence Olivier, and The Man Who Would Be King (1975) co-starring Sean Connery and directed by John Huston (which he has stated will be the film he wishes to be remembered for after his death). In 1976 he appeared in the screen adaptation by Tom Mankiewicz of the Jack Higgins novel The Eagle Has Landed as Oberst (Colonel) Kurt Steiner, the commander of a Luftwaffe paratroop brigade disguised as Polish paratroopers, whose mission was to kidnap or kill the then-British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, alongside co-stars Donald Sutherland, Robert Duvall, Jenny Agutter, and Donald Pleasence. Subsequently in 1978, he starred in The Silver Bears, an adaptation of Paul Erdman’s (1974) novel of the same name. Caine also was part of an all-star cast in A Bridge Too Far (1977).   1980s By the end of the decade, he had moved to the United States, but his choice of roles was often criticised — he admitted to and has since made many self-deprecating comments about taking parts,strictly for the money, in numerous films he knew to be bad, despite working with Hollywood’s highly regarded directors such as Irwin Allen, Richard Fleischer, Michael Ritchie and Oliver Stone. Caine was averaging two films a year, but these included such failures as the BAFTA Award-nominated The Magus (1968), the Academy Award-nominated The Swarm (1978), Ashanti (1979) (which he claimed were the worst three films of all the other worst films he ever made), Beyond the Poseidon Adventure (1979), The Island (1980), The Hand (1981) and a reunion with his Sleuth co-star Laurence Olivier in The Jigsaw Man (1982). Although Caine also took better roles, including a BAFTA-winning turn in Educating Rita (1983), and an Oscar-winning one in Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) and a Golden Globe-nominated one in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), he continued to appear in notorious duds like the thinly veiled skin flick Blame It on Rio, the Dick Clement and Ian Le Frenais comedy Water and the critical-commercial flop Jaws: The Revenge (1987) (in which he had mixed feelings about the production and the final cut) and Bullseye! (1990); his appearing in so many films that did not meet with critical or box office acclaim made him the butt of numerous jokes on the subject. Of the former, Caine famously said (primarily about Jaws: The Revenge) “I have never seen the film, but by all accounts it was terrible. However I have seen the house that it built, and it is terrific.”[12] All these film failures later became cult films among his fans today. His other successful films (either critically and/or financially) were the 1978 Academy Award-winning California Suite, the 1980 Golden Globe-nominated slasher film Dressed to Kill, the 1981 war film Escape to Victory, the 1982 film Deathtrap, and the 1986 Academy Award-nominated Mona Lisa. He also starred in Without a Clue, portraying Sherlock Holmes.   1990s The 1990s were a lean time for Caine, as he found good parts harder to come by. A high point came when he played Ebenezer Scrooge in the critically acclaimed Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), which he considers to be one of his most memorable roles. He played the beleaguered stage director Lloyd Dallas in the film adaptation of Noises Off (1992). He also played a villain in the Steven Seagal film On Deadly Ground (1994). He was in two straight to video Harry Palmer sequels and a few television movies. However, Caine’s reputation as a pop icon was still intact, thanks to his roles in films such as The Italian Job and Get Carter. His performance in 1998′s Little Voice was seen as something of a return to form, and won him a Golden Globe Award. Better parts followed, including The Cider House Rules (1999), for which he won his second Oscar.   Michael Caine at the European premiere of The Dark Knight, 2008   In the 2000s, Caine appeared in Miss Congeniality (2000), Last Orders (2001), The Quiet American (2002) and others that helped rehabilitate his reputation. Several of Caine’s classic films have been remade, including The Italian Job, Get Carter, Alfie and Sleuth. In the 2007 remake of Sleuth, Caine took over the role Laurence Olivier played in the 1972 version and Jude Law played Caine’s original role. Caine also starred in Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) as Austin’s father and in 2003 he co-starred with Robert Duvall in Secondhand Lions. In 2005, he was cast as Bruce Wayne’s butler Alfred Pennyworth in the first production of the new Batman film series. In 2006, he appeared in the films Children of Men and The Prestige. In 2007 he appeared in Flawless, while in 2008 he reprised his role as Alfred in Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed Batman sequel, The Dark Knight as well as starring in the British drama Is Anybody There?, which explores the final days of life. It was reported by Empire magazine that Caine had said that Harry Brown (released on 13 November 2009) would be his last lead role.[13] Caine later declared (in the Daily Mirror) that he had been misquoted by the magazine.[14]   2010s Caine appeared alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Christopher Nolan’s science fiction thriller, Inception. He has been confirmed as voicing Finn McMissile in Pixar’s upcoming 2011 film Cars 2 and also voiced a supporting role in the animation, Gnomeo and Juliet. He is also set to star in the upcoming 2011 film Journey 2: The Mysterious Island alongside Josh Hutcherson and Dwayne Johnson. Caine will reprise his role as Alfred Pennyworth in the Batman sequel, The Dark Knight Rises, due for release in mid 2012.   Awards and honours Caine has been Oscar-nominated six times, winning his first Academy Award for the 1986 film Hannah and Her Sisters, and his second in 1999 for The Cider House Rules, in both cases as a supporting actor. Caine is one of only two actors to be nominated for an Academy Award for acting (either lead or supporting) in every decade since the 1960s. The other is Jack Nicholson. The two actors starred together in the 1996 movie Blood and Wine. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1992 Queen’s Birthday Honours,[15] and in the 2000 New Year Honours he was knighted as Sir Maurice Micklewhite CBE.[16][17] On 5 January 2011, he was made a Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France’s culture minister, Frédéric Mitterrand.[18] In 2008, he was awarded the prize for Outstanding Contribution to Showbusiness at the Variety Club Awards.[19]   In popular culture Caine is a popular subject for impressionists and mimics, having a voice and manner of speaking that are distinctive, yet fairly easy to imitate. Most Caine impressions include the catchphrase “Not a lot of people know that.” Peter Sellers initiated this when he appeared on BBC1′s Parkinson show on 28 October 1972 and said: “ Not many people know that. This is my Michael Caine impression. You see, Mike’s always quoting from the Guinness Book of Records. At the drop of a hat he’ll trot one out. ‘Did you know that it takes a man in a tweed suit five and a half seconds to fall from the top of Big Ben to the ground?’ Now there’s not many people who know that! ” The line had been used earlier in Spike Milligan’s script for The Last Goon Show of All, performed on 5 October 1972.[20] In 1983, Caine was given the line to say as an in-joke in the film Educating Rita. The line has also been parodied, along with its impression, in the British sketch comedy show, Harry Enfield’s Television Programme, with Paul Whitehouse as a stalking neighbourhood character called Michael Paine, who introduced himself with the line “My name is Michael Paine, and I am a nosey neighbour.” Caine himself parodied the phenomenon in an interview with Michael Parkinson, imitating others’ impressions of him and including the catchphrase.[21]   Caine with Scarlett Johansson at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2008   Caine lives near Leatherhead, Surrey, and is patron to the Leatherhead Drama Festival.[22] He has also lived in North Stoke, Oxfordshire, Clewer near Windsor, Berkshire, Lowestoft in Suffolk and Chelsea Harbour in London. In addition, Caine owns a unit at The Apogee in Miami Beach, Florida. He still keeps a small flat near where he grew up in South East London.[23] Caine published a volume of memoirs, What’s It All About? in 1992 and told BBC Radio in 2010 he was preparing another, especially for aspiring actors.[24] He was married to actress Patricia Haines from 1955 to 1958. They had a daughter, Dominique (who was named after the heroine of the novel The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand).[25] He dated Bianca Jagger in 1968. Caine has been married to actress and model Shakira Baksh since 8 January 1973. They met after Caine saw her appearing in a Maxwell House coffee commercial and a friend gave him her telephone number. They have a daughter, Natasha Haleema.[1][26] Some time after his mother died, Caine and his younger brother, Stanley, learned they had an elder half-brother, named David. He suffered from severe epilepsy and had been kept in Cane Hill Mental Hospital his entire life. Although their mother regularly visited her first son in the hospital, even her husband did not know the child existed. David died in 1992.[27] Trivia books written by Caine include Not Many People Know That!, And Not Many People Know This Either!, Michael Caine’s Moving Picture Show and Not A Lot of People Know This is 1988. Proceeds from the books went to the National Playing Fields Association (now Fields In Trust) of which Caine was a prominent supporter. Unlike many actors who adopt their stage name for everyday use, Caine still uses his real name when he is not working. Caine was called up for national service in the British Army in 1951 when he was aged 18 and was deployed to South Korea to help in the aftermath of the North Korean invasion. He served as part of the Royal Fusiliers. He said he had gone into it feeling sympathetic to communism, coming as he did from a poor family. But he has said the experience left him permanently repelled.[28]   Politics Caine has been open about his political views. He left Britain in the 1970s, citing the 82% tax levied on top earners by the Labour government of the time, but returned to Britain several years later when taxes were lowered: “I decided not to become a tax exile, so I stayed in Britain, but they kept putting the tax up, so I’d do any old thing every now and then to pay the tax, that was my tax exile money. I realised that’s not a socialist country, it’s a communist country without a dictator, so I left and I was never going to come back. Maggie Thatcher came in and put the taxes back down and in the end, you know, you don’t mind paying tax. What am I going to do? Not pay tax and drive around in a Rolls Royce, with cripples begging on the street like you see in some countries?”[29] “I voted for Maggie Thatcher because I thought we needed a change from that long period of socialism; I voted for Tony Blair because we had a great long period of Conservatism.”[30] In 2009, Caine openly criticised the Labour government’s proposed new 50% tax on top earners: “The Government has taken tax up to 50 per cent and if it goes to 51 I will be back in America. They have reached their limit with me and that’s what will happen to a lot of people. You know how much they made out of that high taxation all those years ago? Nothing. But they sent a mass of incredible brains to America. We’ve got 3.5 million layabouts laying about on benefits, and I’m 76, getting up at 6 am to go to work to keep them. Let’s get everybody back to work so we can save a couple of billion and cut tax, not keep sticking it on.”[31] “You’re saying to poor people, ‘let’s tax those rich gits’ and I understand that. You slice up the cake, give everyone a chance, but don’t destroy the people that are making the bloody cake! I really believe about taking care of people, I don’t mind paying tax. It’s how the government spends my tax that I detest, really detest, because I see the waste. More money than all our income tax is spent on benefits. Now you tell me there is nothing wrong with that system.”[32] Caine also stated in 2009 that he was likely to vote for the Conservatives again: “I’ll probably vote Conservative. I mean, we’re in a terrible state whichever way you look at it, socially, financially and politically, so just give the other guy a chance. I don’t know what Cameron’s going to do, but in the end you vote out of desperation. You just have to have someone new and see what happens.”[30] Following the launch of his film Harry Brown, Caine called for the reintroduction of national service in the UK to give young people “a sense of belonging rather than a sense of violence”.[33] During the run up to the 2010 General Election, Caine publicly endorsed Conservative Party policy regarding social exclusion. He appeared with David Cameron for the Conservative leader’s launch of a civilian ‘National Service’ for teenagers.[34]   Musical career Caine is a fan of chill-out music and has compiled a mix CD called Cained, which was released in 2007 by UMTV.[35] According to Michael Caine, he met Elton John and was discussing musical tastes, when Caine claimed that he had been creating chillout mix tapes as an amateur for years.[36] Also in music, Caine provided vocal samples for the band Madness for their 1984 hit “Michael Caine” as his daughter was a fan. He has sung in movie roles as well, including for the musical movie, The Muppet Christmas Carol.   Interview:   Malcolm McDowell (born 13 June 1943) is an English actor with a career spanning over forty years. McDowell is principally known for his roles in the controversial films If…., O Lucky Man!, A Clockwork Orange. and Caligula. His versatility as an actor has led to his presence in many films and television series of different genres, including Tank Girl, Star Trek Generations, the TV serial Our Friends in the North, Entourage, Heroes, Metalocalypse, animated film Bolt and the 2007 remake of Halloween and the 2009 sequel Halloween II. He is also well known for his narration of the seminal 1982 documentary, The Compleat Beatles   Early life McDowell was born Malcolm John Taylor in Horsforth, then in the West Riding of Yorkshire, now a part of the City of Leeds, the son of Edna (née McDowell), a hotelier, and Charles Taylor, a pub owner.[1][2][3] However, six weeks after McDowell was born, his family relocated to the east coast of Yorkshire (in Bridlington) because his father was in the Royal Air Force. McDowell trained as an actor at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.[4]   Career McDowell began his professional life serving drinks in his parents’ pub and then as a coffee salesman (the latter job providing inspiration for the movie O Lucky Man!). While enrolled in Cannock House School, he began taking acting classes, and eventually secured work as an extra with the Royal Shakespeare Company. McDowell made his screen debut as school rebel Mick Travis in If…. (1968) by British director Lindsay Anderson. This was followed by Figures in a Landscape (1970) and The Raging Moon (1971). His performance in If…. caught the attention of Stanley Kubrick, who cast McDowell as the lead in A Clockwork Orange, adapted from the novel of the same name by Anthony Burgess. He won great acclaim (nominated for a Golden Globe and an award by the New York Film Critics Circle in the category of Best Actor) for his role as Alex, a young sociopath brainwashed by an authoritarian British government. McDowell worked with Anderson again for O Lucky Man! (1973), which was based on his own idea, and Britannia Hospital (1982). McDowell regularly turned up on British television productions in the 1970s in adaptations of theatre classics, one example being with Laurence Olivier in The Collection (1976), as part of the series Laurence Olivier Presents, as Olivier’s younger lover. He starred in Aces High (1975) and co-starred in Voyage of the Damned (1976), and as Dornford Yates’ gentleman hero Richard Chandos in She Fell Among Thieves (1977). He made his Hollywood debut as H.G. Wells in Time After Time (1979). McDowell mainly portrayed antagonists in the late 1970s and 1980s, including the title character in Caligula (1979). He later remarked upon his career playing film villains: “I suppose I’m primarily known for that but in fact, that would only be half of my career if I was to tot it all up.”[5] In his biography Anthony Burgess: A Life, author Roger Lewis commented on McDowell’s later career; “his pretty-boy looks faded and he was condemned to playing villains in straight-to-video movies that turn up on Channel 5.”[6] McDowell also appeared in the 1983 action film Blue Thunder as F.E. Cochrane, and the 1982 remake of Cat People. In 1983, he starred in Get Crazy as Reggie Wanker, a parody of Mick Jagger. Also in 1983, McDowell starred as The Wolf (Reginald von Lupen) in Faerie Tale Theatre‘s rendition of “Little Red Riding Hood” (his wife at that time, Mary Steenburgen, played Little Red Riding Hood). In 1984, he narrated the documentary The Compleat Beatles. McDowell is well known in Star Trek circles as “the man who killed Captain Kirk” in the 1994 film Star Trek Generations, in which he played the mad scientist Dr. Tolian Soran. McDowell has also appeared in several computer games, most notably as Admiral Tolwyn in the Wing Commander series of computer games. His appearance in Wing Commander III marked the series transition from 2D pre-rendered cutscenes to live-action cutscenes. His appearance in Wing Commander IV was during the final days of video game live action cut scenes. In 1995, McDowell co-starred with actress and artist Lori Petty in the action/science fiction/comedy film Tank Girl. Here, he played the villain Dr. Kesslee, the evil director of the global Water and Power Company, whose main goal in the story was to control the planet’s entire water supply on a future desert-like, post-apocalyptic Earth. McDowell played himself in Robert Altman’s The Player, in which he chastises protagonist Griffin Mill (Tim Robbins) for badmouthing him behind his back. He worked with Altman once again in 2003 for The Company as Mr. A. the fictional director of the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. His character was based on real-life director Gerald Arpino. In the 2003 film I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead, he played a straight married man who rapes a young drug dealer to “teach him a lesson”. The film also starred Clive Owen as the victim’s older brother. In 2006, McDowell portrayed radio mogul Jonas Slaughter on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, In 2007, he portrayed the wealthy, conspiratorial villain Mr. Linderman during the first season of the NBC hit series Heroes, a role he reprised in the third season premiere. He has starred in Jerry Was a Man, which has appeared as an episode of Masters of Science Fiction, on ABC [7] and Sky. He also portrayed Terrence McQuewick on Entourage and Julian Hodge on Monk. McDowell appeared as Dr. Sam Loomis in Rob Zombie’s 2007 remake of the horror film Halloween, and its sequel Halloween II.[8] He also played Desmond LaRochette in Robert Whitlow’s The List, and Irish patriarch Enda Doyle in 2008′s Red Roses and Petrol.[9] His next film is Canadian vampire comedy rock and roll movie Suck with director and actor Rob Stefaniuk and the upcoming Alex Wright film Two Wolves.[10] In December 2009 McDowell made an appearance in the music video “Snuff” by the band Slipknot.[11] He appears, uncredited, as Lombardi, the curator, in the 2010 film The Book of Eli. McDowell portrayed Satan in the upcoming comedy drama thriller Suing the Devil.[12] He will appear in the upcoming film Silent Hill: Revelation 3D as Leonard Wolf, the insane co-leader of a cult.   Voice acting McDowell was the featured narrator in the documentary, The Compleat Beatles released in 1982. McDowell has lent his voice to Lord Maliss in Happily Ever After, the Superman villain Metallo in Superman: The Animated Series, Mad Mod in Teen Titans, Merlyn in DC Showcase: Green Arrow, Arkady Duvall (son of Ra’s Al Ghul) in Batman: The Animated Series, the narrator of an episode of South Park – wherein he is introduced as “A British Person” – and as the voice of a Death Star commander in a Robot Chicken episode parodying Star Wars. He is also a regular on the second season of the Adult Swim cartoon Metalocalypse as Vater Orlaag and other characters. McDowell also voiced Dr. Calico in Disney’s Bolt. In 2006-07, he contributed spoken word to two Pink Floyd tribute albums produced by Billy Sherwood: Back Against the Wall, and Return to the Dark Side of the Moon. In 2008, McDowell began a recurring role as Grandpa Fletcher on Phineas and Ferb. He also narrated the award-winning documentary Blue Gold: World Water Wars. McDowell reprised his role of Metallo in the video game Superman: Shadow of Apokolips and an episode of Justice League Unlimited. He also provided his voice for the character President John Henry Eden in the video game Fallout 3, Rupert Pelham in the game WET, King Solomon in the Word of Promise Audio Bible, and the CEO of Stahl Arms in Killzone 3, Jorhan Stahl.[13] He also voiced Daedalus in God of War III. McDowell portrays the role of “Caiaphas” in “The Truth & Life Dramatized audio New Testament Bible,” a 22-hour, celebrity-voiced, fully-dramatized audio New Testament which uses the RSV-CE translation.   Personal life McDowell was married to actress Margot Bennett from 1975-80. He then married actress Mary Steenburgen, whom he had first met while filming Time After Time, and they had two children together: Lily Amanda (born 21 January 1981) and Charles Malcolm (born 10 July 1983), before divorcing in 1990. In 1991, McDowell married Kelley Kuhr, with whom he has three children: Beckett Taylor McDowell (born 29 January 2004), Finnian Anderson McDowell (born 23 December 2006), and Seamus Hudson McDowell (born 7 January 2009). He currently resides in Ojai, California. He is the maternal uncle of actor Alexander Siddig, who appeared in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Kingdom of Heaven, Syriana, 24, and the current fourth (2011) season of the UK and BBC America hit series Primeval. He and his nephew both appeared in the movie Doomsday by director Neil Marshall. McDowell has been known to enjoy a hot cup of Russian Caravan with a spot of milk.   Interview:   William John “Liam” Neeson[1] OBE (born 7 June 1952)[2] is an Irish actor who has been nominated for an Oscar, a BAFTA and three Golden Globe Awards. He has starred in a number of notable roles including Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s List, Michael Collins in Michael Collins, Peyton Westlake in Darkman, Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey, Ras Al Ghul in Batman Begins and the voice of Aslan in The Chronicles of Narnia film series. He has also starred in several other notable films, from major Hollywood studio releases (ie. Excalibur, The Dead Pool, Nell, Rob Roy, The Haunting, Love Actually, Kingdom of Heaven, Taken, Clash of the Titans, The A-Team, Unknown) to smaller arthouse films (ie. Deception, Breakfast on Pluto, Chloe). He was born in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland and educated at Saint Patrick’s College, Ballymena Technical College and Queen’s University Belfast. He moved to Dublin after university to further his acting career, joining the renowned Abbey Theatre. In the early 1990s, he moved again to the United States, where the wide acclaim for his performance in Schindler’s List led to more high-profile work. He is widowed and lives in New York with his two sons.   Early life Neeson was born June 7, 1952 in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, and is the son of Katherine Kitty (née Brown), a cook, and Bernard “Barney” Neeson, a caretaker at the local Catholic boys’ primary school (Ballymena Boys All Saints Primary School).[3] He was raised Roman Catholic[4][5][6] and was called Liam, Irish for William, after the local priest.[7] He was the third child in the family and the only boy among four siblings; his sisters are Elizabeth, Bernadette, and Rosaline.[8] At age nine, Neeson began boxing lessons at the All Saints Youth Club, and later became Ulster amateur senior boxing champion.[9] At age eleven, Neeson first stepped on stage. His English teacher gave him the lead role in a school play, which he accepted because the girl he was attracted to would be starring.[10] From then on, he kept acting in school productions for the following years.[11] His interest in acting and decision to become an actor was also influenced by minister Ian Paisley, whose church Neeson would sneak into. Neeson has said of Paisley that “He had a magnificent presence and it was incredible to watch this six foot-plus man just bible-thumping away…It was acting but it was also great acting and stirring too.”[12] Neeson was enrolled in 1971 as a physics and computer science undergraduate student at Queen’s University Belfast in Belfast, Northern Ireland, before leaving to work for Guinness.[13] Liam found a talent for football while in University. He was spotted by Seán Thomas at Bohemian F.C.. There was a club trial in Dublin. He only played one game as a substitute against Shamrock Rovers and was not offered a contract to continue playing.[14]   1978–1999 After leaving university, Neeson returned to Ballymena where he worked in a variety of casual jobs, from a fork-lift operator at Guinness to a truck driver. He also attended teacher training college in Newcastle for two years before again returning to his home town. In 1976, Neeson joined the Lyric Players’ Theatre in Belfast where he performed for two years. He got his first film experience in 1977, playing Jesus Christ and Evangelist in the religious film, Pilgrim’s Progress directed by Ken Anderson. Neeson moved to Dublin in 1978 after he was offered a part in a production at the Project Arts Centre. The play was Ron Hutchinson’s “Says I, Says He”, a drama about The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Neeson acted in several other Project productions and joined the Abbey Theatre. In 1980, filmmaker John Boorman saw him on stage, acting as Lennie Small in Of Mice and Men, and offered him the part of Sir Gawain in the upcoming Arthurian film, Excalibur. After Excalibur, Neeson moved to London, where he continued working on stage, small budget films and television series. He lived with the actress Helen Mirren at this time, whom he met working on Excalibur.[15] Between 1982 and 1987, Neeson starred in five films; most notably alongside Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins in 1984′s The Bounty and Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons in 1986′s The Mission. He also starred as a guest actor in the third season of the television series Miami Vice in 1986. In 1987, Neeson made a conscious decision to move to Hollywood in order to star in high-profile roles.[15] That year, he starred alongside Cher and Dennis Quaid in Suspect. The role brought Neeson critical applause, but it was 1990′s Darkman that would bring his name to public attention. Although the film was successful, Neeson’s following years would not give him the same recognition. In 1993, he joined Ellis Island co-star and future wife Natasha Richardson in the Broadway play Anna Christie. (They also worked together in Nell, released the following year.) He recited the Van Morrison song “Coney Island” on the 1994 Van Morrison tribute album, No Prima Donna: The Songs of Van Morrison. A single was also released with Neeson’s version. Director Steven Spielberg, impressed by his performance in Nell, offered him the coveted role of Oskar Schindler in the film about the Holocaust, Schindler’s List.[16] His critically acclaimed performance later earned him a nomination for a Best Actor Oscar; however, the award went to Tom Hanks for his performance in Philadelphia. Neeson also garnered BAFTA and Golden Globes nominations for Schindler’s List. Schindler’s List established Neeson as a widely sought-after leading actor. He later starred in period pieces Rob Roy (1995) and Michael Collins (1996), the latter earning him another Golden Globe nomination and a win for Best Starring Role at the Venice Film Festival. Neeson went on to star as Jean Valjean in the 1998 adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables and in The Haunting (1999) as Dr. David Marrow.   Star Wars In 1999, Neeson starred as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, in director George Lucas’ Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. As it was the first Star Wars film to be released in over sixteen years, it was surrounded by a large amount of anticipation from the media. Neeson’s connection to the Star Wars films started in the Crown Bar, Belfast. Neeson stated to Ricki Lake, “I probably wouldn’t have taken the role if it wasn’t for the advice of Peter King in the Crown during a Lyric reunion.” The Phantom Menace was an enormous box-office success and remains the most financially successful Star Wars film unadjusted for inflation.[17] Qui-Gon’s voice, provided by Neeson, would later be heard during a brief scene in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002). Qui-Gon was supposed to make an appearance in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005) as a Force Ghost, and Neeson had hinted at involvement.[18] However, he was ultimately unable to appear due to a motorcycle injury, and his character is only mentioned in the film.[19] In 2011, he reappeared as the voice of Qui-Gon Jinn in the animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars.   2001–present Neeson narrated the 2001 documentaries Journey Into Amazing Caves and The Endurance: Shackleton’s Antarctic Adventure. After being nominated for a Tony Award for his role opposite Laura Linney in The Crucible, Neeson teamed up with Harrison Ford in Kathryn Bigelow’s submarine thriller K-19: The Widowmaker (2002) as Captain Mikhail Polenin and appeared in Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York (with Leonardo DiCaprio, Brendan Gleeson, Cameron Diaz and Daniel Day-Lewis). He also played a recently widowed writer in Richard Curtis’ ensemble comedy Love Actually (2003).[20] His role as Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey again put Neeson up for nomination for a Golden Globe Award but he lost out to Leonardo DiCaprio for The Aviator. In 2004, Neeson hosted an episode of the NBC sketch show Saturday Night Live. He starred as a redneck trucker, Marlon Weaver, in an “Appalachian Emergency Room” sketch and a hippie in a one-off sketch about two stoners (the other played by Amy Poehler) who attempt to borrow a police dog in order to find their lost stash of marijuana. Despite vowing not to play any characters who were Irish stereotypes, Neeson did play a stereotypically Irish man named Lorken McArdle in the home makeover show parody “You Call This A House, Do Ya?”[21] In 2005, Neeson played Godfrey of Ibelin in Ridley Scott’s epic adventure Kingdom of Heaven, Ra’s al Ghul, one of the main villains in Batman Begins, and as Father Bernard in Neil Jordan’s adaptation of Patrick McCabe’s novel, Breakfast on Pluto. Also in 2005, he voiced the role of a kindly priest on The Simpsons, who converted Bart and Homer to Catholicism.[22] That same year, he gave his voice to the lion Aslan in the blockbuster fantasy film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.[23] A year later, he narrated the documentary Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity. Following a noticeable lull in his acting career, Neeson starred in the 2008 hit Taken, which brought his image back into the public eye and resulted in his casting in many more mainstraim Hollywood movies. In 2007, Neeson starred in the American Civil War epic Seraphim Falls alongside Pierce Brosnan and Anjelica Huston. Neeson’s voice is featured in the video game Fallout 3 as the main character’s father, James.[24] The executive producer of the game, Todd Howard, said “This role was written with Liam in mind, and provides the dramatic tone for the entire game”.[25] Fallout 3, the third game in the Fallout series, has been extremely well received by critics and had sold 4.7 million copies of the PC version alone by the end of 2008, the year it was released.[26] In the director’s commentary of the 2007 Transformers DVD, Michael Bay said that he had told the animators to seek inspiration from Liam Neeson in creating Optimus Prime’s body language. Neeson appeared as Alistair Little in the BBC Northern Ireland/Big Fish Films television drama Five Minutes of Heaven, which tells the true story of a young Protestant man convicted of murdering a Catholic boy during The Troubles.[27] He starred in the action film Taken in 2008, which was a French film also starring Famke Janssen and Maggie Grace. It is based on a script by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen and was directed by Pierre Morel. Neeson plays a retired Central Intelligence Agency operative from their elite Special Activities Division who sets about tracking down his teenage daughter after she is kidnapped for sexual slavery while traveling in Europe. Taken was a huge worldwide box office hit, grossing $223,882,658 worldwide and making almost $200,000,000 more than its initial budget. He again gave his voice to Aslan in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008).[28] Neeson has wrapped filming the psychological thriller After.Life with Christina Ricci and Justin Long.[29] He also provided a voice for Hayao Miyazaki’s anime film Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, which received an August 2009 release.[30] In 2010, Neeson played the Greek God Zeus in the remake of the 1981 film, Clash of the Titans. The film went on becoming a huge box office hit and grossing $475 million worldwide.[31] Neeson also starred in the erotic thriller Chloe, theatrically released by Sony Pictures Classics on March 26, 2010. The film grossed $3 million in the United States theatrically and became one of the higher-grossing specialty films in the United States in 2010[32] (according to Variety, “$3 million is the new $10 million” for specialty films’ box office in 2010).[33] Later the same year, he played John “Hannibal” Smith in the spin-off movie from the TV series The A Team.[34][35] In 2010, Neeson voiced the character Aslan again in the sequel The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Recently, he claimed that “his character is also based on other religious leaders such as Mohammed”, which upset many fans of the series, who felt that he was “destroying the author’s legacy to be politically correct.”.[36] Intentionally or otherwise, Neeson overlooked the ample evidence that Lewis created the Lion, Aslan, as an alternate depiction of Christ.[37][38] In 2011, Neeson starred in Unknown, a German British American co-production of a French book, it was filmed in Berlin in early 2010. It has been compared to Taken, which was set in Paris. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film enjoyed box office success in the United States. It was largely funded by Dark Castle entertainment with smaller amounts coming from the Berlin film agency He has played several characters based on real people, including Schindler, Collins, and Kinsey. He was also set to reunite with director Steven Spielberg and star as Abraham Lincoln in the film based on the book Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin.[39][39] In preparation for the role, Neeson visited Washington, D.C., Springfield, Illinois where Lincoln lived prior to being elected, and read Lincoln’s personal letters. He also visited Ford’s Theatre, where the President was shot.[40] However in July 2010 Neeson said in an interview with GMTV “I’m not actually playing Lincoln now. I was attached to it for a while, but it’s now I’m past my sell-by date.”[41] He was later replaced in the role by two-time Academy Award winner, Daniel Day-Lewis. Director Lee Daniels has confirmed that Neeson will play former U.S. president Lyndon B. Johnson in Daniels’ developing film Selma, which is about Martin Luther King, Jr., Johnson, and the civil rights marches.[42] Neeson also starred as Ben Ryan in the drama Before and After alongside Meryl Streep. This film was about how a family dealt with the aftereffects of a murder their son was accused of committing. It was announced in July 2010 that Neeson would guest-star on the new Showtime series The Big C.[43]   Personal life Neeson was married to actress Natasha Richardson from 3 July 1994 until her death on 18 March 2009, when she suffered a severe head injury in a skiing accident at the Mont Tremblant Resort in the Canadian province of Quebec. Richardson and Neeson have two sons: Michael and Daniel. Neeson lives in Millbrook, New York. In August 2004 Neeson and his wife purchased an additional 16 acres next to their estate.[44][45] A heavy smoker earlier in his career, Neeson has since quit smoking. When he took the role of Hannibal for the 2010 film adaptation of The A-Team, Neeson had reservations about smoking cigars (which is a signature trait of the Hannibal character) in the film due to being an ex-smoker, but agreed to keep that personality trait of Hannibal intact for the film.[46] In August 2009, Neeson stated on ABC’s Good Morning America that he had been naturalized as a United States citizen.[47] Neeson is a fan of Liverpool F.C.[48] In March 2011, Neeson was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.[49]   Honours and awards Neeson was offered the ‘Freedom of the Town of Ballymena’ by Ballymena Borough Council, but because of objections made by members of the Democratic Unionist Party regarding his comments that he had felt like a ‘second-class citizen’ growing up as a Catholic in the town, he declined the award, citing tensions. Neeson continues to practice the Catholic faith and has raised his children as Catholics. He has also expressed admiration for The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Loyola.[50] He was appointed as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in her 1999 New Year’s Honours List. The American Ireland Fund honoured Liam Neeson with their Performing Arts Award for the great distinction he has brought to Ireland at their 2008 Dinner Gala in New York.   Occupation: Actor, director, producer, screenwriter Years active: 1926 – 1988 Interview:   Laurence Kerr Olivier, Baron Olivier (22 May 1907 – 11 July 1989) was an English actor, director, and producer. He was one of the most famous and revered actors of the 20th century.[1] He married three times, to fellow actors Jill Esmond, Vivien Leigh, and Joan Plowright. Olivier played a wide variety of roles on stage and screen from Greek tragedy, Shakespeare and Restoration comedy to modern American and British drama. He was the first artistic director of the National Theatre of Great Britain and its main stage is named in his honour. He is regarded by some to be the greatest actor of the 20th century,[2] in the same category as David Garrick, Richard Burbage, Edmund Kean and Henry Irving in their own centuries. Olivier’s AMPAS acknowledgments are considerable: fourteen Oscar nominations, with two awards (for Best Actor and Best Picture for the 1948 film Hamlet), and two honorary awards including a statuette and certificate. He was also awarded five Emmy awards from the nine nominations he received. Additionally, he was a three-time Golden Globe and BAFTA winner. Olivier’s career as a stage and film actor spanned more than six decades and included a wide variety of roles, from the title role in Shakespeare’s Othello and Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night to the sadistic Nazi dentist Christian Szell in Marathon Man and the kindly but determined Nazi-hunter in The Boys from Brazil. A High church clergyman’s son who found fame on the West End stage, Olivier became determined early on to master Shakespeare, and eventually came to be regarded as one of the foremost Shakespeare interpreters of the 20th century. He continued to act until the year before his death in 1989.[3] Olivier played more than 120 stage roles: Richard III, Macbeth, Romeo, Hamlet, Othello, Uncle Vanya, and Archie Rice in The Entertainer. He appeared in nearly sixty films, including William Wyler’s Wuthering Heights, Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca, Stanley Kubrick’s Spartacus, Otto Preminger’s Bunny Lake Is Missing, Richard Attenborough’s Oh! What a Lovely War, and A Bridge Too Far, Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s Sleuth, John Schlesinger’s Marathon Man, Daniel Petrie’s The Betsy, Desmond Davis’ Clash of the Titans, and his own Henry V, Hamlet, and Richard III. He also preserved his Othello on film, with its stage cast virtually intact. For television, he starred in The Moon and Sixpence, John Gabriel Borkman, Long Day’s Journey into Night, Brideshead Revisited, The Merchant of Venice, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and King Lear, among others. In 1999, the American Film Institute named Olivier among the Greatest Male Stars of All Time, at number 14 on the list.   Early life Olivier was born on 22 May 1907 in Dorking, Surrey, England. He was raised in a severe, strict, and religious household, ruled over by his father, Gerard Kerr Olivier (1869–1939), a High Anglican priest[4] whose father was Henry Arnold Olivier, a rector. Olivier took solace in the care of his mother, Agnes Louis (née Crookenden; 1871–1920, and herself the younger sister of High Anglican vicar George Pelham Crookenden), and was grief-stricken when she died (at 48) when he was only 12.[5] Gerard Dacres “Dickie” (1904–1958) and Sybille (1901–1989) were his two older siblings. His uncle was Sydney Olivier, 1st Baron Olivier, a career civil servant and Fabian who ended up as a Governor of Jamaica and as Secretary of State for India in the first government of Ramsay MacDonald. In 1918 his father became the new church minister at St. Mary’s Church, Letchworth, Hertfordshire and the family lived at the Old Rectory, now part of St Christopher School. He was educated at the choir school of All Saints’, Margaret Street, London.[6] He played Brutus in his school’s production of “Julius Caesar” at the age of 9, where Ellen Terry noted he was “already a great actor”.[7] At 13 he went to St Edward’s School, Oxford again appearing in school drama productions: he was a “bold” Katherine in The Taming of the Shrew (selected for a schools’ drama festival at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, Stratford)[7] and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, played “very well, to everyone’s disgust”, as Olivier noted in his diary.[8] After his brother, Dickie, left for India, it was his father who decided that Laurence—or “Kim”, as the family called him—would become an actor.[9]   Early career Olivier, 17 years old, attended the Central School of Speech and Drama, tutored by Elsie Fogerty.[10] In 1926, he joined The Birmingham Repertory Company.[11] At first he was given only minor tasks at the theatre, such as bell-ringing; however, his roles eventually became more significant, and in 1927 he was playing Hamlet and Macbeth.[3] In 1928, he was cast to play Captain Stanhope in the Apollo theatre’s first production of Journey’s End, a play which would expand his career. He always insisted that his acting was pure technique, and he was contemptuous of contemporaries who adopted method acting popularised by Lee Strasberg.   Olivier with his future second wife, Vivien Leigh, in Fire Over England (1937)   Olivier married Jill Esmond, a rising young actress, on 25 July 1930; their only son, Simon Tarquin was born on 21 August 1936. Olivier was, however, from the beginning not happy in his first marriage. Repressed, as he came to see it, by his religious upbringing, Olivier recounted in his autobiography the disappointments of his wedding night, culminating in his failure to perform sexually. He temporarily renounced religion and soon came to resent his wife, though the marriage would last for ten years. Despite this supposed resentment, Olivier remained in congenial contact with Esmond until his death (as documented by their son Tarquin in his book My Father Laurence Olivier), accompanying her to Tarquin’s wedding in January 1965. He made his film debut in The Temporary Widow and played his first leading role on film in The Yellow Ticket; however, he held the film in little regard.[10] His stage breakthrough was in Noël Coward’s Private Lives in 1930, followed by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in 1935, alternating the roles of Romeo and Mercutio with John Gielgud. Olivier did not agree with Gielgud’s style of acting Shakespeare and was irritated by the fact that Gielgud was getting better reviews than he was.[12][13] His tension towards Gielgud came to a head in 1940, when Olivier approached London impresario Binkie Beaumont about financing him in a repertory of the four great Shakespearean tragedies of Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth and King Lear. However, Beaumont would only agree to the plan if Olivier and Gielgud alternated in the roles of Hamlet/Laertes, Othello/Iago, Macbeth/Macduff, and Lear/Gloucester and that Gielgud direct at least one of the productions, a proposition Olivier bluntly declined.[14] In 1939, Olivier starred in a production of No Time for Comedy, by S.N. Behrman in a Katharine Cornell with them both in leading roles. It was his first prominent role on Broadway.[15] The engagement as Romeo resulted in an invitation by Lilian Baylis to be the star at the Old Vic in 1937/38. Olivier’s tenure had mixed artistic results, with his performances as Hamlet and Iago drawing a negative response from critics and his first attempt at Macbeth receiving mixed reviews. But his appearances as Henry V, Coriolanus, and Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night were triumphs, and his popularity with Old Vic audiences left Olivier as one of the major Shakespearean actors in England by the season’s end. Olivier continued to hold his scorn for film, and though he constantly worked for Alexander Korda, he still felt most at home on the stage. He made his first Shakespeare film, As You Like It, with Paul Czinner, however, Olivier disliked it, thinking that Shakespeare did not work well on film. Laurence Olivier saw Vivien Leigh in The Mask of Virtue in 1936, and a friendship developed after he congratulated her on her performance. While playing lovers in the film Fire Over England (1937), Olivier and Leigh developed a strong attraction, and after filming was completed, they began an affair.[16]   Olivier and Vivien Leigh in Old Vic production of Hamlet, 1938   Leigh played Ophelia to Olivier’s Hamlet in an Old Vic Theatre production, and Olivier later recalled an incident during which her mood rapidly changed as she was quietly preparing to go on-stage. Without apparent provocation, she began screaming at him, before suddenly becoming silent and staring into space. She was able to perform without mishap, and by the following day, she had returned to normal with no recollection of the event. It was the first time Olivier witnessed such behaviour from her.[17]   The move to Hollywood Olivier travelled to Hollywood to begin filming Wuthering Heights as Heathcliff. Leigh followed soon after, partly to be with him, but also to pursue her dream of playing Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind (1939). Olivier found the filming of Wuthering Heights to be difficult but it proved to be a turning point for him, both in his success in the United States, which had eluded him until then, but also in his attitude to film, which he had regarded as an inferior medium to theatre. The film’s producer, Samuel Goldwyn was highly dissatisfied with Olivier’s overstated performance after several weeks of filming and threatened to dismiss him. Olivier had grown to regard the film’s female lead, Merle Oberon, as an amateur; however, when he stated his opinion to Goldwyn, he was reminded that Oberon was the star of the film and already a well-known name in American cinema. Olivier was told that he was dispensable and that he was required to be more tolerant of Oberon. Olivier recalled that he took Goldwyn’s words to heart, but after some consideration realised that he was correct; he began to moderate his performance to fit the more intimate film medium and began to appreciate the possibilities it offered. The film was a hit and Olivier was praised for his performance, with a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actor. Leigh won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Gone with the Wind, and the couple suddenly found themselves to be major celebrities throughout the world. They wanted to marry, but at first both Leigh’s husband and Olivier’s wife at the time, Jill Esmond, refused to divorce them. Finally divorced, they were married in simple ceremony on 31 August 1940 with only Katharine Hepburn and Garson Kanin as witnesses.[18] Olivier’s American film career flourished with highly regarded performances in Rebecca and Pride and Prejudice (both 1940).   in Pride and Prejudice (1940)   Olivier and Leigh starred in a theatre production of Romeo and Juliet in New York City. It was an extravagant production, but a commercial failure.[19] Brooks Atkinson for The New York Times wrote, “Although Miss Leigh and Mr Olivier are handsome young people they hardly act their parts at all.”[20] The couple had invested almost their entire savings into the project, and its failure was a financial disaster for them.[21] They filmed That Hamilton Woman (1941) with Olivier as Horatio Nelson and Leigh as Emma Hamilton. With Britain engaged in World War II, the Oliviers returned to England, and in 1944 tuberculosis was diagnosed in Leigh’s left lung, but after spending several weeks in hospital, she appeared to be cured. In the spring, she was filming Caesar and Cleopatra (1945) when she discovered she was pregnant, but suffered a miscarriage. She fell into a deep depression which reached its nadir when she turned on Olivier, verbally and physically attacking him until she fell to the floor sobbing. This was the first of many major breakdowns related to manic-depression, or bipolar mood disorder. Olivier came to recognise the symptoms of an impending episode—several days of hyperactivity followed by a period of depression and an explosive breakdown, after which Leigh would have no memory of the event, but would be acutely embarrassed and remorseful.[22]   War When World War II broke out, Olivier intended to join the Royal Air Force, but was still contractually obliged to other parties. He apparently disliked actors such as Charles Laughton and Cedric Hardwicke, who would hold charity cricket matches to help the war effort.[3] Olivier took flying lessons, and racked up over 200 hours. After two years of service, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Olivier RNVR, as a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm[23] but was never called to see action. In 1944 he and fellow actor Ralph Richardson were released from their naval commitments to form a new Old Vic Theatre Company at the New Theatre (later the Albery, now the Noël Coward Theatre) with a nightly repertory of three plays, initially Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt, Bernard Shaw’s Arms and the Man and Shakespeare’s Richard III, rehearsed over 10 weeks to the accompaniment of German V1 ‘doodlebugs’. The enterprise, with John Burrell as manager, eventually extended to five acclaimed seasons ending in 1949, after a prestigious 1948 tour of Australia and New Zealand. The second New Theatre season opened with Olivier playing both Harry Hotspur and Justice Shallow to Richardson’s Falstaff in Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2, in what is now seen as a high point of English classical theatre. The magic continued with one of Olivier’s most famous endeavours, the double bill of Sophocles’ Oedipus and Sheridan’s The Critic, with Olivier’s transition from Greek tragedy to high comedy in a single evening becoming a thing of legend. He followed this triumph with one of his favourite roles, Astrov in Uncle Vanya. Kenneth Tynan was to write (in He Who Plays the King, 1950): “The Old Vic was now at its height: the watershed had been reached and one of those rare moments in the theatre had arrived when drama paused, took stock of all that it had learnt since Irving, and then produced a monument in celebration. It is surprising when one considers it, that English acting should have reached up and seized a laurel crown in the middle of a war.” In 1944, Olivier filmed Henry V, which—in view of the patriotic nature of the story of the English victory—was viewed as a psychological contribution to the British war effort. In 1945 Olivier and Richardson were made honorary Lieutenants with ENSA, and did a six-week tour of Europe for the army, performing Arms and the Man, Peer Gynt and Richard III for the troops, followed by a visit to the Comédie-Française in Paris, the first time a foreign company had been invited to play on its famous stage.[24] When Olivier returned to London the populace noticed a change in him. Olivier’s only explanation was: “Maybe it’s just that I’ve got older.”[10] A 2007 biography of Olivier, Lord Larry: The Secret Life of Laurence Olivier by Michael Munn, claims that Olivier was recruited to be an undercover agent inside the United States for the British government by film producer and MI5 operative Alexander Korda on the instructions of Winston Churchill. Munn’s main source was Hollywood producer Jesse Lasky, who believed that “Larry…was drumming up support, and doing it with the British Government’s sanction”.[25] According to an article in The Telegraph, David Niven, a good friend of Olivier’s, is said to have told Michael Munn, “What was dangerous for his country was that (Olivier) could have been accused of being an agent. So this was a danger for Larry because he could have been arrested. And what was worse, if German agents had realised what Larry was doing, they would, I am sure, have gone after him.”[26]   Olivier and Leigh arriving in Brisbane, Australia, June 1948   In 1947 Olivier was made a Knight Bachelor and by 1948 he was on the Board of Directors for the Old Vic Theatre, and he and Leigh embarked on a tour of Australia and New Zealand to raise funds for the theatre. During their six-month tour, Olivier performed Richard III and also performed with Leigh in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’sThe School for Scandal and Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth. The tour was an outstanding success, and although Leigh was plagued with insomnia and allowed her understudy to replace her for a week while she was ill, she generally withstood the demands placed upon her, with Olivier noting her ability to “charm the press”. Members of the company later recalled several quarrels between the couple, with the most dramatic of these occurring in Christchurch when Leigh refused to go on stage. Olivier slapped her face, and Leigh slapped him in return and swore at him before she made her way to the stage. By the end of the tour, both were exhausted and ill, and Olivier told a journalist, “You may not know it, but you are talking to a couple of walking corpses.” Later he would comment that he “lost Vivien” in Australia.[27] The success of the tour encouraged the Oliviers to make their first West End appearance together, performing the same works with one addition, Antigone, included at Leigh’s insistence because she wished to play a role in a tragedy. Leigh next sought the role of Blanche DuBois in the West End stage production of Tennessee Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire, and was cast after Williams and the play’s producer, Irene Mayer Selznick, saw her in The School for Scandal and Antigone, and Olivier was contracted to direct.[28] Leigh would go on to star as Blanche in the 1951 film version of A Streetcar Named Desire, earning her second Academy Award for Best Actress. In 1951, Leigh and Olivier performed two plays about Cleopatra, William Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra and George Bernard Shaw’s Caesar and Cleopatra, alternating the play each night and winning good reviews. They took the productions to New York, where they performed a season at the Ziegfeld Theatre into 1952. The reviews there were also mostly positive, but the critic Kenneth Tynan angered them when he suggested that Leigh’s was a mediocre talent which forced Olivier to compromise his own. Tynan’s diatribe almost precipitated another collapse; Leigh, terrified of failure and intent on achieving greatness, dwelt on his comments, while ignoring the positive reviews of other critics.[29] In January 1953, Leigh travelled to Ceylon to film Elephant Walk with Peter Finch. Shortly after filming commenced, she suffered a breakdown, and Paramount Pictures replaced her with Elizabeth Taylor. Olivier returned her to their home in England, where between periods of incoherence, Leigh told him that she was in love with Finch, and had been having an affair with him. She gradually recovered over a period of several months. As a result of this episode, many of the Oliviers’ friends learned of her problems. David Niven said she had been “quite, quite mad”, and in his diary, Noël Coward expressed surprise that “things had been bad and getting worse since 1948 or thereabouts.”[30] Leigh recovered sufficiently to play The Sleeping Prince with Olivier in 1953, and in 1955 they performed a season at Stratford-upon-Avon in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Macbeth and Titus Andronicus. They played to capacity houses and attracted generally good reviews, Leigh’s health seemingly stable. Noël Coward was enjoying success with the play South Sea Bubble, with Leigh in the lead role, but she became pregnant and withdrew from the production. Several weeks later, she miscarried and entered a period of depression that lasted for months. She joined Olivier for a European tour with Titus Andronicus, but the tour was marred by Leigh’s frequent outbursts against Olivier and other members of the company. After their return to London, her former husband Leigh Holman, who continued to exert a strong influence over her, stayed with the Oliviers and helped calm her. In 1958, considering her marriage to be over, Leigh began a relationship with the actor Jack Merivale, who knew of Leigh’s medical condition and assured Olivier he would care for her. She achieved a success in 1959 with the Noël Coward comedy Look After Lulu, with The Times critic describing her as “beautiful, delectably cool and matter of fact, she is mistress of every situation.”[31] In December 1960 she and Olivier divorced, and Olivier married the actress Joan Plowright, with whom he later had three children: Richard Kerr (b. 1961), Tamsin Agnes Margaret (b. 1963), and Julie-Kate (b. 1966). In his autobiography he discussed the years of problems they had experienced because of Leigh’s illness, writing, “Throughout her possession by that uncannily evil monster, manic depression, with its deadly ever-tightening spirals, she retained her own individual canniness—an ability to disguise her true mental condition from almost all except me, for whom she could hardly be expected to take the trouble.”[32]   Shakespeare trilogy After gaining widespread popularity in the film medium, Olivier was approached by several investors (namely Filippo Del Giudice, Alexander Korda and J. Arthur Rank), to create several Shakespearean films, based on stage productions of each respective play. Olivier tried his hand at directing, and as a result, created three highly successful films: Henry V, Hamlet, and Richard III.   Henry V During the Second World War, Olivier made his directorial debut with a film of Shakespeare’s Henry V. At first, he did not believe he was up to the task, instead trying to offer it to William Wyler, Carol Reed, and Terence Young. The film was shot in Ireland (because it was a neutral country), with the Irish plains serving for the fields of Agincourt and the Irish army providing extras for the battle scenes. During the shooting of one of the battle scenes, a horse collided with a camera that Olivier was operating. Olivier had had his eye to the viewfinder; and, when the horse crashed into his position, the camera smashed into him, cutting his lip and leaving a scar that would be visible in later roles. The film opened to rave reviews; it was the first widely successful Shakespeare film, and was considered a work of art. The film received Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Actor, but the Academy, in Olivier’s opinion, did not feel comfortable in giving out all of their major awards to a foreigner, so they gave him a special Honorary Award. Olivier disregarded the award as a “fob-off”.[33]   Hamlet Olivier followed up on his success with an adaptation of Hamlet. He had played this role more often than he had Henry, and was more familiar with the melancholy Dane. However, Olivier was not particularly comfortable with the introverted role of Hamlet, as opposed to the extroverts that he was famous for portraying. The running time of Hamlet (1948) was not allowed to exceed 153 minutes, and as a result Olivier cut almost half of Shakespeare’s text, excising Rosencrantz and Guildernstern completely. He was severely criticised for doing so by purists, most notably Ethel Barrymore; Barrymore stated that the adaptation was not nearly as faithful to the original text as her brother John’s stage production from 1922. Ironically, Ethel presented the Best Picture Oscar that year—and was visibly shaken when she read,”Hamlet”. The film became another resounding critical and commercial success in Britain and abroad,[3] winning Olivier Best Picture and Best Actor at the 1948 Academy Awards. It was the first British film to win Best Picture, and Olivier’s only Best Actor win, a category for which he would be nominated five more times before his death. Olivier also became the first person to direct himself in an Oscar-winning performance, a feat not repeated until Roberto Benigni directed himself to Best Actor of 1998 for Life Is Beautiful. Also, Olivier remains the only actor to receive an Oscar for a Shakespearean role. Olivier, however, did not win the Best Director Oscar that year.   Richard III Olivier’s third major Shakespeare project as director and star was Richard III. Alexander Korda initially approached Olivier to reprise on film the role he had played to acclaim at the Old Vic in the 1940s. This role had been lauded as Olivier’s greatest (rivalled only by his 1955 stage production of Macbeth and his performance as the music hall performer Archie Rice in The Entertainer), and is arguably his greatest screen performance. During the filming of the battle scenes in Spain, one of the archers actually shot Olivier in the ankle, causing him to limp. Fortunately, the limp was required for the part, so Olivier had already been limping for the parts of the film already shot. Although the film was critically well received (Olivier would be nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for the fifth time), it was a financial failure. Korda sold the rights to the American television network NBC, and the film became the first to be aired on television and released in theatres simultaneously. Many deduce that from the enormous ratings that the NBC transmissions received, more people saw Richard III in that single showing than all the people who had seen it on stage in the play’s history.   The Entertainer After World War II, apart from his Shakespeare trilogy, Olivier had made only sporadic film appearances. In the second half of the 1950s, British theatre was changing with the rise of the “Angry Young Men”. John Osborne, author of Look Back in Anger, wrote a play for Olivier entitled The Entertainer, centred on a washed-up stage comedian called Archie Rice, which opened at the Royal Court on 10 April 1957. As Olivier later stated, “I am Archie Rice. I am not Hamlet.” During rehearsals of The Entertainer, Olivier met Joan Plowright, who took over the role of Jean Rice from Dorothy Tutin when Tony Richardson’s Royal Court production transferred to the Palace Theatre in September 1957.[34] Later, in 1960, Tony Richardson also directed the screen version with Olivier and Plowright repeating their stage roles. Olivier received his fifth Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for The Entertainer. Olivier married Plowright on St. Patrick’s Day, 1961.   National Theatre Olivier was one of the founders, and the inaugural director, of the National Theatre. He became first NT Director at the Old Vic before the South Bank building was constructed with his opening production of Hamlet in October 1963. During his directorship he appeared in twelve plays (taking over roles in three) and directed nine, enjoying particularly remarkable personal successes for his performances in Othello (1964), The Dance of Death (1967) and Long Day’s Journey into Night (1971).[35] Reportedly, some felt that his tenure as the director of the NT was marred by his jealousy towards other performers when he manoeuvred to block famous names like John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson from appearing there,[36] although young actors like Michael Gambon, Robert Lang, Maggie Smith, Sheila Reid, Christopher Timothy, Alan Bates, Frank Finlay, Derek Jacobi and Anthony Hopkins (both of whom understudied Olivier) made their names there during the period. Olivier’s career at the National ended, in his view, in betrayal when the theatre’s governorship decided to replace him with Peter Hall in 1973 without consulting him on the choice and not informing him of the decision until several months after it had been made.[3]   Othello Olivier underwent a transformation, requiring extensive study and heavy weightlifting, to get the physique needed for the Moor of Venice. It is said that he bellowed at a herd of cows for an hour to get the deep voice that was required. John Dexter’s 1964 stage production of the play was filmed in 1965, securing Olivier his sixth Oscar nomination for Best Actor. The production was a huge public success as it also was with most of the critics. Franco Zeffirelli said of Olivier’s acting: “It’s an anthology of everything that has been discovered about acting in the past three centuries.” Even so, it has not gone without criticism: in 1997, director Jonathan Miller called it “a condescending view of an Afro Caribbean person”.[37]   Three Sisters Olivier’s final film as director was the 1970 film Three Sisters, based on the Chekhov play of the same name, and his 1967 National Theatre production. It was, in Olivier’s opinion, his best work as director.[9] The film was co-directed by John Sichel. In addition, his most fondly remembered National Theatre performances at the Old Vic were as Astrov in his own production of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, seen first in 1962 at the Chichester Festival Theatre, of which he was the founding director; his Captain Brazen in William Gaskill’s December 1963 staging of George Farquhar’s The Recruiting Officer; Shylock in Jonathan Miller’s 1970 revival of The Merchant of Venice; and his definitive portrayal of James Tyrone in Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night, produced in December 1971 by Michael Blakemore. These last two were later restaged for television, and telecast both in England and in the United States. He played a droll supporting role as the ancient Antonio in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1973 production of Eduardo De Filippo’s Saturday, Sunday, Monday, with his wife Joan Plowright in the starring role of Rosa. His final stage appearance, on 21 March 1974, was as the fiery Glaswegian, John Tagg, in John Dexter’s production of Trevor Griffiths’s The Party. The only appearance he made on the stage of the new Olivier Theatre was at the royal opening of the new National Theatre building on 25 October 1976.   Later career Laurence Olivier in 1972, during the production of Sleuth. Olivier immersed himself even more completely in his work during his later years, reportedly as a way of distracting himself from the guilt he felt at having left his second wife Vivien Leigh.[3] He began appearing more frequently in films, usually in character parts rather than the leading romantic roles of his early career, and received Academy Award nominations for Sleuth (1972), Marathon Man (1976; Supporting Actor) and The Boys from Brazil (1978). Having been recently forced out of his role as director of the Royal National Theatre, he worried that his family would not be sufficiently provided for in the event of his death, and consequently chose to do many of his later TV special and film appearances on a “pay cheque” basis. He later freely admitted that he was not proud of most of these credits, and noted that he particularly despised the 1982 film Inchon, in which he played the role of General Douglas MacArthur.[34] In 1966, Olivier portrayed the Mahdi (Mahommed Ahmed), opposite Charlton Heston as General Gordon in the film Khartoum. The next year, he underwent radiation treatment for prostate cancer and was also hospitalised with pneumonia. For the remainder of his life, he would suffer from many different health problems, including bronchitis, amnesia and pleurisy. In 1974, at age 67, he was found to have dermatomyositis, a degenerative muscle disorder, and nearly died the following year, but he battled through the next decade. In 1968, he starred as Piotr Ilyich Kamenev, the Soviet Premier, in the movie version of The Shoes of the Fisherman along with Anthony Quinn, Leo McKern, John Gielgud, and Oskar Werner. The movie was nominated for two Academy awards, and was produced during the height of the Cold War. One of Olivier’s enduring achievements involved neither stage nor screen. In 1974, UK Thames Television released The World at War, a 26-part documentary on the Second World War, narrated by Olivier. His last decade did contain three notable roles for television. In 1981 he appeared in Brideshead Revisited, the final episode of which revolved entirely around Olivier’s character Lord Marchmain, patriarch of the Flyte family, as he came home to die. The next year Olivier was cast in the much-praised television adaptation of John Mortimer’s stage play A Voyage Round My Father, in the role of Clifford Mortimer, the author’s blind father. In 1975 he appeared as an aging British barrister, opposite Katharine Hepburn, in a British TV production of Love Among the Ruins. Finally, in 1983 Olivier played his last great Shakespearean role, King Lear, for Granada Television. For Voyage, Olivier received a BAFTA nomination, but for the final episode of Brideshead Revisited and for King Lear he won Emmys in the Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor categories, respectively. When presenting the Best Picture Oscar at the Academy Awards for 1984 (held 25 March 1985), he absent-mindedly presented it by simply stepping up to the microphone and saying Amadeus. He had grown forgetful, and had forgotten to read out the nominees first.[38]   One of Olivier’s last feature films was Wild Geese II (1985), in which, aged 77, he played Rudolf Hess in the sequel to The Wild Geese (1978). According to the biography Olivier by Francis Becket (Haus Publishing, 2005), Hess’s son Wolf Rüdiger Hess said Olivier’s portrayal of his father was “uncannily accurate”. In 1986, Olivier appeared as the pre-filmed holographic narrator of the West End production of the multimedia Dave Clark rock musical Time.   On 31 May 1987 the National Theatre put on a 80th birthday tribute pageant, with Olivier, and his family in attendance.[39] It was held in the National’s Olivier theatre with Alec McCowen as Richard Burbage, Edward Petherbridge as David Garrick, Ben Kingsley as Edmund Kean and Anthony Sher as Henry Irving. Peter Hall as Shakespeare, Peggy Ashcroft as Lillian Baylis,[40] Maureen Lipman, Albert Finney, Julia McKenzie and Imelda Staunton.[41] In 1988 Olivier gave his final performance, aged 81, as a wheelchair-bound old soldier in Derek Jarman’s film War Requiem (1989).   Family and death Olivier died at his home in Steyning, West Sussex, England, from renal failure on 11 July 1989.[42] He was survived by his son Tarquin from his first marriage, as well as his wife Joan Plowright and their three children. He was cremated and his ashes interred in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey, London. Olivier is one of only a few actors, along with David Garrick, Henry Irving,[43] Ben Jonson and Sybil Thorndike[44] to have been accorded this honour. Olivier is buried alongside some of the people he portrayed in theatre and film, for example King Henry V, General John Burgoyne and Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding. Fifteen years after his death, Olivier once again received star billing in a film. Through the use of computer graphics, footage of him as a young man was integrated into the 2004 film Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow in which Olivier “played” the villain.   Sexuality Since Olivier’s death, multiple biographers have produced books about him, several of which include the claim that Olivier was bisexual. Biographer Donald Spoto claimed that Danny Kaye and Olivier were lovers.[45] Joan Plowright, Olivier’s widow, denies the affair with Kaye in her memoir[46] but does not deny that Olivier may have been bisexual.[47] Terry Coleman’s authorised biography of Olivier suggests a relationship between Olivier and an older actor, Henry Ainley, based on correspondence from Ainley to Olivier although the book disputes that there is any evidence linking Olivier sexually to Kaye.[3] Olivier’s son Tarquin disputed these rumours as ‘unforgivable garbage’[48] and sought to suppress them. In her 2001 autobiography, Joan Plowright wrote, “Larry tended to shower almost everyone he knew with endearments and demonstrative terms of address. In the same way as the macho Sean Kenny had to put up with ‘Shawnie, darling’, and our son Richard had to endure ‘Dickie-Wickie’ for a short time, there is a published letter addressing his supposed arch-enemy, Peter Hall, as ‘My dear Peterkins’. And Larry could say, ‘I adored Danny Kaye’, in exactly the same way as he said, ‘I adored old Ralphie’, without anyone suspecting Ralph Richardson of harbouring carnal desires for his own sex. — No man, alive or dead, has ever claimed to have slept with Larry, though the kiss-and-tell merchants of the female sex have tumbled over themselves to boast of a night or two, here or there.”[49] However, in August 2006, on the radio program Desert Island Discs, Plowright responded to the question of Olivier’s alleged bisexualityby stating: If a man is touched by genius, he is not an ordinary person. He doesn’t lead an ordinary life. He has extremes of behaviour which you understand and you just find a way not to be swept overboard by his demons. You kind of stand apart. You continue your own work and your absorption in the family. And those other things finally don’t matter.[47]   Honours Olivier was created a Knight Bachelor on 12 June 1947 in the King’s Birthday Honours,[50] and created a life peer on 13 June 1970 in the Queen’s Birthday Honours as Baron Olivier, of Brighton in the County of Sussex, the first actor to be accorded this distinction.[51][52] He was admitted to the Order of Merit in 1981.[53] The Laurence Olivier Awards, organised by The Society of London Theatre, were renamed in his honour in 1984. Though he was a knight, a life peer, and one of the most respected personalities in the industry, Olivier insisted he be addressed as “Larry”, which he made clear he preferred to “Sir Laurence” or “Lord Olivier”.[3]   Holden, Anthony (2008). Olivier . Weidenfeld. ISBN 1904435890 . http://books.google.com/books?id=0JwnGQAACAAJ . Olivier, Laurence (1982). Confessions of an Actor. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0-14-006888-0 . Olivier, Laurence (1986). On Acting. Weidenfeld isbn=0-297-78864-7. Plowright, Joan (2001). And That’s Not All: The Memoirs of Joan Plowright. Weidenfeld. ISBN 0-29764594-3 . Saint-Denis, Michel ; Laurence Olivier (1949). Five Seasons of the Old Vic Theatre Company. London: Saturn Press.   Further reading Hall, Lyn, editor (1989). Olivier at Work: The National Years. Nick Hern Books/National Theatre. ISBN 1-85459-037-5   Laurence Olivier at the Internet Broadway Database Laurence Olivier at the Internet Movie Database Laurence Olivier at the TCM Movie Database Laurence Olivier at the British Film Institute’s Screenonline   Occupation: Actor, comedian, broadcaster, raconteur Years active: 1952 – 1988 Interview:    Kenneth Williams (22 February 1926 – 15 April 1988) was an English comic actor and comedian, star of 26 Carry On films, numerous British television shows, and radio comedies with Tony Hancock and Kenneth Horne.   Life and career Kenneth Charles Williams was born on 22 February 1926 in Bingfield Street, King’s Cross, London,[1] the son of Louisa (“Lou” or “Louie”) and Charles Williams (a barber). Williams had a half-sister, Alice Patricia, born before Louie had met Charlie Williams. He was educated at Lyulph Stanley School, later becoming apprenticed as a draughtsman to a mapmaker. He joined the Army in 1944 at 18. As part of the Royal Engineers survey section in Bombay, he first performed on stage in the Combined Services Entertainment alongside Stanley Baxter and Peter Nichols.[2] He was a voracious reader able to quote poems or literary extracts from memory. Excerpts from the diaries he kept as an adult show he adored his supportive, theatrical mother but despised his homophobic, morose and selfish father.   Comic performer His professional career began in 1948 in repertory theatre. Failure to become a serious dramatic actor disappointed him, but his potential as a comic performer gave him his break when he was spotted playing the Dauphin in George Bernard Shaw’s St Joan in 1954 by radio producer Dennis Main Wilson. Main Wilson was casting Hancock’s Half Hour, a radio series starring Tony Hancock. Playing mostly funny voice roles, Williams stayed in the series almost to the end, five years later.[3] His nasal, whiny, camp-cockney inflections (epitomised in his “Stop messing about…!” catchphrase) became popular with listeners.[4] Despite the success and recognition the show brought him, Williams thought theatre, film and television were superior forms of entertainment.   When Hancock moved the show away from what he considered gimmicks and silly voices, Williams had less to do on the programme. Tiring of his reduced status, he joined Kenneth Horne in Beyond Our Ken (1958–1964), and its sequel, Round the Horne (1965–1968). His roles in Round the Horne included Rambling Syd Rumpo, the eccentric folk singer; Dr Chou En Ginsberg, MA (failed), Oriental criminal mastermind; J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock, telephone heavy breather and dirty old man; and Sandy of the camp couple Julian and Sandy (Julian was played by Hugh Paddick). Their double act was notable for double entendres and Polari, the homosexual slang.   Williams appeared in West End revues including Share My Lettuce with Maggie Smith, written by Bamber Gascoigne, and Pieces of Eight with Fenella Fielding. The latter included material written by Peter Cook, then a student at Pembroke College, Cambridge. Cook’s One Leg Too Few and Interesting Facts were part of the show and became routines in Cook’s own performances. Williams’s last revue was One over the Eight, with Sheila Hancock. In 1972, Williams starred opposite Jennie Linden in My Fat Friend. He also appeared with Ingrid Bergman in a stage production of George Bernard Shaw’s Captain Brassbound’s Conversion in 1971.   Carry On Williams worked regularly in British film during the 1960s and 1970s, mainly in the Carry On series (1958–1978) with its British double entendre-laced humour. He appeared in the series more than any other actor.[5] The films were commercially successful but Williams and the rest of the cast were poorly paid. In his diaries, Williams wrote that he earned more in a British Gas commercial than for any Carry On film. He often criticised Carry On films, his own performances and those of others, considering them beneath him. This was the case with many of the films, television programmes, stage plays and radio shows in which he appeared. He was quick to find fault with his own work. Despite this, he spoke fondly of the Carry On films in interviews. Peter Rogers, producer of the series, recollected, “Kenneth was worth taking care of because, while he cost very little – £5,000 a film, he made a great deal of money for the franchise.”[6]   Radio and television shows Williams was a regular on the BBC radio panel game Just a Minute from its second season in 1968 until his death. From 1972, when he felt he wasn’t being appreciated, he would scream, “I’ve come all the way from Great Portland Street.” (It was a short distance to the studio from his home.) He also talked for almost a minute[7] about a supposed Austrian psychiatrist called Heinrich Swartzberg, guessing that show creator Ian Messiter had just made the name up.[8]   On television he was a frequent contributor to the 1973-1974 revival of What’s My Line?, hosted the weekly entertainment show International Cabaret and was a reader for the children’s story-reading series Jackanory on BBC1. He appeared on Michael Parkinson’s chat show on eight occasions, during which he told anecdotes from his career. Williams was a stand-in host on the Wogan talk show in 1986.   Personal life and death On 14 October 1962, Williams’s father, Charlie, was taken to hospital after drinking carbon tetrachloride that had been stored in a cough mixture bottle. Williams refused to visit him, and the following day went out for lunch and then to the cinema. Charlie died that afternoon and, an hour after being informed, Williams went on stage in the West End. The coroner’s court recorded a verdict of accidental death due to corrosive poisoning by carbon tetrachloride.[9]   Several years later Williams turned down work with Orson Welles in America because he did not like the country and had no desire to work there. Many years after his death, The Mail on Sunday, quoting Wes Butters, co-writer of the book Kenneth Williams Unseen: The Private Notes, Scripts And Photographs, claimed Williams had been denied a visa because Scotland Yard considered him a suspect in his father’s death.[10]   Williams insisted that he was celibate, and his diaries substantiate his claims – at least from his early 40s onwards. He lived alone all his adult life and had few close companions apart from his mother, and no romantic relationships of significance. It has been suggested that Williams was a repressed homosexual. His diaries contain references to unconsummated or barely consummated dalliances, which he describes as “traditional matters” or “tradiola” (since male homosexual activity was a criminal offence in the UK before 1967, outright admission would be held against him if anyone had read the diaries). He befriended gay playwright Joe Orton, who wrote the role of Inspector Truscott in Loot (1966) for him, and had holidays with Orton and his lover, Kenneth Halliwell, in Morocco. Other friends included Stanley Baxter, Gordon Jackson and his wife Rona Anderson, Sheila Hancock, Maggie Smith and her playwright husband, Beverley Cross. A psychoanalytical examination of Williams’s diaries suggests that the underlying cause of his repressed sexuality could be his life-long struggle with depression and feelings of worthlessness.[11]   Williams lived in a succession of small rented flats in north London from the mid-1950s. After his father died, his mother, Louisa, lived close by him and, finally, in the flat next to his. His last home was a flat on Osnaburgh Street, now demolished. Williams was fond of fellow Carry On regulars Barbara Windsor, Kenneth Connor, Hattie Jacques, Joan Sims and Bernard Bresslaw.   Williams rarely revealed details of his private life, though he spoke openly to Owen Spencer-Thomas about his loneliness, despondency and sense of underachievement in two half-hour documentary programmes entitled Carry On Kenneth on BBC Radio London.[12] In later years his health declined, along with that of his elderly mother, and his depression deepened. He died on 15 April 1988 in his flat;[13] the cause of death was an overdose of barbiturates.[14] An inquest recorded an open verdict, as it was not possible to establish whether his death was a suicide or an accident.[15] His diaries reveal he had often had suicidal thoughts and as far back as his earliest diaries he noted there were times when he could not see any point in existence. His authorised biography argues that Williams did not take his own life but died of an accidental overdose. His death was due to heart failure from the interaction between pain killers and sleeping pills.[16] The actor had doubled his dosage of antacid without discussing this with his doctor, which, combined with the aforementioned mixture of medication, is the widely accepted cause of death. He had a stock of painkilling tablets and it is argued that he would have taken more of them if he had been contemplating suicide.[17] His mother died in July 1991 and his half-sister, Pat, died in 1994.   Diaries and biographies Posthumous publication of his diaries and letters, edited by Russell Davies, caused controversy—particularly Williams’s caustic remarks about fellow professionals—and revealed bouts of despair, often primed by feelings of personal isolation and professional failure. Williams wrote his diaries from the age of 14 in 1940 until his death 48 years later, although the earliest to survive to publication was for 1942 when he reached 16. Williams kept pocket-sized diaries for 1942 and 1947 (he kept no diaries for 1943 to 1946 as he was touring the Far East in the army); a desk diary for 1948; pocket-sized diaries for 1949 and 1950; desk diaries for 1951 to 1965; standard edition desk diaries for 1966 to 1971, and finally A4-sized executive desk diaries for 1972 to 1988. He claimed that writing in his diaries eased the loneliness he often felt.   In April 2008, BBC Radio 4 broadcast the two-part The Pain of Laughter: The Last Days of Kenneth Williams.[18] The programmes were researched and written by Wes Butters and narrated by Rob Brydon. Butters purchased a collection of Williams’s personal belongings from the actor’s godson, Robert Chidell, to whom they had been bequeathed.[19]   The first of the programmes said that, towards the end of his life and struggling with depression and ill health, Williams abandoned Christian faith following discussions with the poet Philip Larkin. Williams had been a Methodist, though he spent much of his life struggling with Christianity’s teachings on homosexuality.[18]   Kenneth Williams Unseen by Wes Butters and Russell Davies, the first Williams biography in 15 years, was published in October 2008.[20]   An authorised biography, Born Brilliant: The Life Of Kenneth Williams, by Christopher Stevens,[21] was published in October 2010. This drew for the first time on the full Williams archive of diaries and letters, which had been stored in a London bank for 15 years following publication of edited extracts.[22] The biography said Williams used a variety of handwriting styles and colours in his journals, switching between different hands on the page.[23]   Portrayals Williams has been portrayed in two made-for-television films. In 2000, Adam Godley played him in the story of Sid James and Barbara Windsor’s love affair, Cor, Blimey! (Godley had originated the role in the 1998 National Theatre play Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick on which Cor Blimey! was based). Subsequently in 2006, Michael Sheen played him in the BBC Four drama Kenneth Williams: Fantabulosa!   David Benson’s 1996 Edinburgh Fringe show, Think No Evil of Us: My Life with Kenneth Williams, saw Benson playing Williams; after touring, the show ran in London’s West End. Benson reprised his performance at the 2006 Edinburgh Fringe and continues to tour.[24]   From 2003 to 2005, Robin Sebastian took on Williams in the West End stage show Round the Horne… Revisited, recreating his performance in 2008 for a production called Round the Horne: Unseen and Uncut. Williams’ blue plaque at 57 Marchmont Street   Recognition The flat Williams had lived in on Osnaburgh Street from 1972 until his death was bought by Rob Brydon and Julia Davis for the writing of their comedy series Human Remains. The building was demolished in May 2007.[25]   Williams is commemorated by a blue plaque at the address of his father’s barber shop in Marchmont Street, London, where he lived from 1935 to 1956. The plaque was unveiled on 11 October 2009 by Bill Pertwee and Nicholas Parsons, with whom Williams performed.[26]   In September 2010, a plaque commissioned by the British Comedy Society was unveiled in the foyer of the New Diorama Theatre by Mayor of Camden, Jonathan Simpson, accompanied by David Benson, the actor known for his performances of his own work dedicated to Williams, ‘Think No Evil of Us – My Life With Kenneth Williams’. The theatre stands in the Regents Place development, site of the demolished Osnaburgh Street.   Years active: 1935 – 1980 Scrooge scene:  Kenneth Gilbert More CBE (20 September 1914 – 12 July 1982) was a highly successful English film actor[1] during the post-World War II era and starred in many feature films, often in the role of an archetypal carefree and happy-go-lucky middle-class gentleman.   Early life Kenneth More was born in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, the only son of Charles Gilbert More, a Royal Naval Air Service pilot, and Edith Winifred Watkins, the daughter of a Cardiff solicitor. He was educated at Victoria College, Jersey. He spent part of his childhood in the Channel Islands, where his father was general manager of Jersey Eastern Railways. After he left school, he followed the family tradition by training as a civil engineer. He gave up his training and worked for a while in Sainsbury’s. When More was 17 his father died, and he applied to join the RAF, but failed the medical test for equilibrium. He went to Canada, intending to work as a fur trapper, but was sent back for lacking immigration papers.   Acting career On his return, a family friend, Vivian Van Damm, took him on as assistant manager at the Windmill Theatre, where his job included spotting audience members misbehaving or using opera glasses to look at the nude players during its Revudeville variety shows.[2] He was soon promoted to playing straight man in the Revudeville comedy routines. This led to regular work in repertory, including Newcastle and Wolverhampton, performing in plays such as Burke and Hare and Dracula’s Daughter. He continued this work until World War II, during which time he served as a lieutenant in the Royal Navy, seeing active service aboard the cruiser HMS Aurora and the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious, returning to acting in 1946. After various roles in the West End, he attracted particular attention through his performance as Freddie in Terence Rattigan’s The Deep Blue Sea.   In the 1950s, he entered into a contract with the Rank Organisation, which led to a successful career in starring roles for a decade. He enjoyed great success in films of the 1950s after winning a BAFTA Award as best newcomer for Doctor in the House in 1954. Possibly his most famous role was that of the Royal Air Force fighter ace, Douglas Bader, in Reach for the Sky in 1956. He played the lead role in the Titanic movie A Night to Remember in 1958. He specialised in likeable, unflappable English heroes (“an air of hectoring confidence … heroic in a cocky big-brotherly way”),[3] a persona that could in some roles show darker aspects, as with the controlling Crichton in The Admirable Crichton and the brash Ambrose Claverhouse in Genevieve. In 1959, Rank’s John Davis gave permission for More to work outside his contract to appear in The Guns of Navarone. More, however, made the mistake of heckling and swearing at Davis at a BAFTA dinner at the Dorchester, losing both the role (which went to David Niven) and his contract with Rank.[2]   He later appeared in a number of all-star war films, among them Sink the Bismarck! (1960), The Longest Day (1962), Battle of Britain (1969), and Oh! What a Lovely War (1969). His film parts got smaller in the 1960s, with some thinking his popularity declined when he left his wife to live with Angela Douglas.[4] His popularity recovered through West End stage performances and television roles, especially following his success in The Forsyte Saga, and as the title character in ATV’s 1974 Father Brown. He is also known for his role as the Ghost of Christmas Present in 1970′s Scrooge.   He stood in the wings to replace Bernard Lee as M in the James Bond film Live and Let Die when it wasn’t known if an ill Lee would be able to appear.   Personal life More was married three times. His first marriage in 1939 to actress Beryl Johnstone (one daughter, Susan, born 1941) ended in divorce in 1946. He married Mabel Edith “Bill” Barkby in 1952 (one daughter, Sarah, born 1954) but left her in 1968 for Angela Douglas, an actress 26 years his junior, causing considerable estrangement from friends and family. He was married to Douglas (whom he nicknamed “Shrimp”)[2] from 17 March 1968 until his death.   Kenneth More published two autobiographies, Happy Go Lucky in 1959 and More or Less in 1978. In the second book he related how he had had since childhood a recurrent dream of something akin to a huge wasp descending towards him. During the war he experienced a Nazi Stuka bomber descending in just such a manner. After that he claimed never to have had that dream again. He died in London from Parkinson’s disease on 12 July 1982, aged 67, and was cremated at Putney Vale Crematorium.   The Kenneth More Theatre, named in his honour, is in Ilford, Essex. The robot Kryten in the TV series Red Dwarf was named after More’s character in The Admirable Crichton.  
Noël Coward
Brenda Mae Tarpley achieved fame under what name?
August | 2010 | Paul Roth's Music Liner Notes Agnetha Fältskog Agneta Åse Fältskog (born 5 April 1950) is a Swedish recording artist and entertainer . She became a household name in Sweden after the release of her début album Agnetha Fältskog in 1968, and reached international stardom as a member of pop group ABBA , which sold nearly 370 million records worldwide, [1] [2] making them the second best–selling band in history and the fourth best–selling pop artists in history. [3] Fältskog was born on 5 April 1950 in Jönköping , Småland , Sweden . [4] [5] She was the first of two daughters of department store manager Knut Ingvar Fältskog (1922—1995) and his wife Birgit Margareta Johansson (1923—1994). [4] Her younger sister, Mona Fältskog Ericsson (1955), works as a nurse in Stockholm . Ingvar Fältskog showed much interest in music and showbusiness , whereas Birgit Fältskog was a very calm and careful woman who devoted herself to her children and household. [6] Fältskog cites Connie Francis , Marianne Faithfull , Aretha Franklin and Lesley Gore as her strongest influences. [4] Fältskog wrote her first song aged only six, which was named “Två små troll” (Two Little Trolls) [7] In 1958, she started taking piano lessons, and also sang in a local church choir. [4] In early 1960, Fältskog formed a musical trio The Chambers with her friends Lena Johansson and Elisabeth Strub. They performed locally in minor venues and soon dissolved because of a lack of engagements. [4] At age 15, Fältskog decided to leave school and pursue a career. [4] “Fly Me To The Moon” Fältskog worked as a telephonist for a car firm while performing with a local dance band , headed by Bernt Enghardt. [4] The band soon became so popular that she had to make a choice between her job and her musical career. She continued singing with the Bernt Enghardt band for two years. [4] During that time, Fältskog broke up with her boyfriend Björn Lilja; this event inspired her to write a song that would soon raise her to media prominence, “Jag var så kär”. [4] [6] At that time, Karl Gerhard Lundkvist, a relative of one of the band’s members, retired from his successful rock and roll career and began working as a music producer at Cupol Records. Enghardt sent him a demo record of the band, but Lundkvist showed interest in Fältskog and her song only. [6] She was worried because he was not interested in the band and they were not to be included on the record. However, she decided to accept the offer, and signed a recording contract with CBS Records . [4] Her début album Agnetha Fältskog was released by the CBS Records in 1968 (see 1968 in music ), and topped the Swedish Albums Chart on 28 January 1968. [4] She also submitted the song “Försonade” to Melodifestivalen , the Swedish heats of the Eurovision Song Contest , but it was not selected for the final. [6] Fältskog developed a career as one of Sweden’s most popular pop music artist, participating in a television special about pilots in 1969. [8] The same year, she released the single “Zigenarvän” about a young girl attending a Gypsy wedding and falling in love with the bride’s brother. Its release coincided with a heated debate about Gypsies in the Swedish media, and Fältskog was accused of deliberately trying to make money out of the situation by writing the song. [7] “Sealed With A Kiss” Her success continued throughout the late 1960s. She then met German songwriter and music producer Dieter Zimmerman, to whom she became engaged. [4] Thus Fältskog’s albums were reaching German charts, and Zimmerman promised Fältskog she would achieve great success in Germany. [4] When she went there and met with record producers, she refused to meet their demands, describing their chosen material as “horrible”. [4] Fältskog soon ended her engagement to Zimmerman and returned to Sweden. [4] In 1970, she released “Om tårar vore guld,” which was perhaps her most successful song in Sweden before the ABBA period. This was in spite of a claim from a Danish composer that she had used 22 bars from his composition “Tema,” even though this had been written in the 1950s and had never been recorded. The case dragged on until 1977, when a settlement was reached and Fältskog paid the Dane SEK 5,000. In 1971, Fältskog portrayed Mary Magdalene in the Swedish production of the international musical hit Jesus Christ Superstar . [6] “Love Me With All Your Heart” Fältskog met Björn Ulvaeus , a member of the Hootenanny Singers , in 1969. [5] [6] Her relationship with Ulvaeus, as well as her friendship with Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson , with whom Ulvaeus had already written songs, eventually led to the formation of ABBA . Fältskog and Ulvaeus married on 6 July 1971 in the village Verum, with Andersson playing the organ at their wedding. [4] Their first child, Linda Elin Ulvaeus was born on 23 February 1973, and their son Peter Christian Ulvaeus on 4 December 1977. [5] The couple decided to separate in late 1978, and Fältskog moved out of their home on Christmas night, 25 December 1978. In January 1979, the couple filed for divorce, which was finalised in June 1980. Both Fältskog and Ulvaeus agreed not to let their failed marriage interfere with their responsibilities with ABBA. [4] [5] [6] The failure of their marriage inspired Ulvaeus to write “ The Winner Takes It All “, one of ABBA’s greatest hits. [4] [5] [6] In 1975, during the same period as her bandmate Anni-Frid Lyngstad recorded her Swedish number one album Frida ensam , Fältskog recorded and produced her solo album Elva kvinnor i ett hus . These albums were both recorded between sessions and promotion for the ABBA albums Waterloo and ABBA . Even though ABBA was already a number one act in Sweden by 1975, Fältskog’s album failed to reach the Top 10 on the Swedish album charts, peaking at #11. However, Elva Kvinnor I Ett Hus did spend a staggering 53 weeks on the chart, even longer than any of the ABBA albums, and it also contained three further Svensktoppen entries for Fältskog: her Swedish language version of ABBA’s “SOS” (also #4 on the single sales chart); “Tack För En Underbar Vanlig Dag”; and “Doktorn!”. Except for the version of “SOS”, all the songs had lyrics by Bosse Carlgren and music by Fältskog herself. The album had been underway since 1972, when Agnetha started writing the songs, but it was delayed because of the work with ABBA and her pregnancy. In 1974, she and Carlgren agreed on a concept for the album; it should consist of 12 songs, sung by 12 different women living in the same apartment building, each having a distinct name, identity, etc. In the end, only 11 songs were put onto the album, and the concept was never fully developed. “What Now My Love?” Between the years 1968 and 1980, Fältskog had a total of 18 entries on the important Svensktoppen radio chart, starting with debut single “Jag Var Så Kär” in January 1968 (peak position #1) and ending with “När Du Tar Mig I Din Famn” from the compilation Tio år med Agnetha twelve years later, in January 1980 (peak position #1). The 18 entries, most of which were composed or co-written by Fältskog herself, spent a total of 139 weeks on the chart during this time, with the biggest hit being 1970’s “Om Tårar Vore Guld” (#1, 15 weeks). Fältskog also recorded the Swedish Christmas album Nu tändas tusen juleljus with daughter Linda Ulvaeus which reached #6 on the Swedish album sales chart in December 1981. Chartwise Fältskog was, therefore, by far the most successful solo artist of the four ABBA members, both before and during the band’s international career. [9] [10] Fältskog is also the only member of ABBA to have participated in Melodifestivalen again after having won Eurovision with “Waterloo” in 1974 – albeit only as a composer. In 1981 she wrote the ballad “Men Natten Är Vår” (“But The Night is Ours”) with lyrics by Ingela Forsman , but instead of performing the song in the contest herself she chose new talent Kicki Moberg. The single, which Fältskog produced in the Polar Studios with the same musicians as on contemporary ABBA recordings, was backed with the Swedish version of “I’m Still Alive”, entitled “Här Är Mitt Liv” (“Here is My Life”), a song which she herself had sung on ABBA’s 1979 world tour. Moberg’s recording of the song remains the only version to have been officially released to date. [11] In the 1980s, Fältskog released three English-language solo albums. The records did well in Europe and Scandinavia. At the end of 1982, she duetted with Swedish singer (and former ABBA backing vocalist) Tomas Ledin on a song called “ Never Again “, which became a Top Five hit in Sweden, Norway, Belgium, and South America. The song was also released in a Spanish language version, entitled “Ya Nunca Más”. In the summer of the same year, Fältskog starred in the hit Swedish movie Raskenstam, and received positive reviews for her film début. The film was also a blockbuster hit in Sweden. “Dancing Queen” Abba In May 1983, Fältskog released her first post-ABBA solo album, Wrap Your Arms Around Me . The album became a moderate hit in North America and Australia, and reached the higher regions of the charts across Europe, including No. 1 in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belgium and Denmark (where it became the biggest-selling album of the year), and No.18 in the UK. All in all Agnetha sold 1.2 million records of her first solo album after ABBA. Two singles from the album became big hits in continental Europe. “ The Heat Is On ” became a No. 1 hit in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and the Netherlands, but only just scraped into the UK Top 40. The title track also reached No.1 in Belgium as well as the Top Five in the Netherlands, Germany and South Africa. In North America, the album track “ Can’t Shake Loose ” was released as the lead-off single, reaching No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and No. 23 on the RPM Top 50 singles chart in Canada. The same year, Fältskog was voted by the readers of Aftonbladet as “Best Female Artist Of The Year,” and received the Music Award Price Rockbjörnen . Her next album, Eyes Of A Woman , produced by Eric Stewart of 10cc fame, was released in March 1985. “She is quite content to grace the works of various other lesser mortals with her immaculate, sugar-sweet voice,” wrote Barry McIlheney in Melody Maker . The album sold well in parts of Europe, reaching No. 2 in Sweden and the Top 20 in Norway and Belgium, but failed to match the success of Wrap Your Arms Around Me . Lead single “I Won’t Let You Go”, composed by Fältskog herself, however enjoyed considerable chart success in both Continental Europe and Scandinavia. “Take A Chance On Me” In 1986, Fältskog recorded another duet, “The Way You Are,” with Swedish singer Ola Håkansson , which became another No. 1 hit in Sweden. In mid-1987, Fältskog travelled to Malibu , California , to record the album I Stand Alone , produced by Peter Cetera and Bruce Gaitsch (fresh off Madonna ‘s La Isla Bonita collaboration). Released in November of that year, it was a minor hit in Europe, except for Sweden where it spent eight weeks at No. 1 and became the biggest selling album of 1988 and entering the Top 15 in Norway. The single from the album, “ I Wasn’t The One (Who Said Good-Bye) “, on which Fältskog duetted with Peter Cetera, was released primarily in North America, and became her second solo single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 (No. 93). It was also a Top 20 Billboard Adult Contemporary hit. Two tracks were also recorded in Spanish for the Latin American market; “La Ultima Véz” (“The Last Time”) and “Yo No Fui Quién Dijo Adiós” (“I Wasn’t The One (Who Said Goodbye)”). After the release of I Stand Alone in mid-1988 Fältskog took a break from her musical career and completely withdrew from public life. In December 1990, Fältskog married for a second time, albeit briefly, a surgeon named Tomas Sonnenfeld. They were divorced in 1993. Former Dutch citizen Gert van der Graaf claims he had fallen in love with Fältskog at the age of 6, in 1974, when he saw ABBA performing “Waterloo” on Dutch TV. Since that day, Van der Graaf was obsessed with Fältskog. As an adult, he started to make trips to Sweden and found the area where Fältskog lived. In 1997, he moved from Holland to Sweden, determined to get in contact with Fältskog. He managed to buy a small house near Fältskog’s estate and also found a job in the area. Soon, he began to approach Fältskog during her walks in her neighborhood. Fältskog began a sexual relationship with him and finally invited him to visit her home – and co-habit with her. “Fool Am I” After about two years, Fältskog wanted to end the relationship and told Van der Graaf. After the relationship terminated, he began to send Fältskog many letters, called her relentlessly, and visited her estate frequently without invitation. Eventually, Fältskog obtained a restraining order against Van der Graaf. He broke the order several times and was eventually deported back to Holland. In 2005, the deportation order from Sweden ran out, and within months Van der Graaf was again sighted near Fältskog’s estate in Ekerö . [12] In court, Fältskog was forced to admit that she had seduced him and Van der Graaf said that he “did not mean to stalk her” but claimed he was still in love with her and “couldn’t let go.” [13] Since the deportation, Fältskog has not reported any further contact from Van der Graaf. However, as recently as 2007, Van der Graaf was spotted at a play at which Fältskog was in attendance. When asked, Fältskog stated that she did not know Van der Graaf had been there and that he did not approach her. In 1996, her autobiography Som jag är was published in Swedish (in English the following year as As I Am), followed by several compilation CDs of her Swedish and English recordings. Hardcore fans welcomed the autobiography, but critics panned it. In April 2004, Fältskog released a new single, “ If I Thought You’d Ever Change Your Mind ” (a cover of the song originally recorded by Cilla Black ). It reached No. 2 in Sweden, No. 11 in the UK, and became a sizeable hit throughout Europe. “It is exciting to hear her voice, utterly undimmed, delivering a tellingly-titled song,” commented London’s Music Week . A few weeks later, the album My Colouring Book , a collection of Fältskog’s covers of 1960s classic oldies , was released, topping the charts in Sweden, hitting the Top Five in Finland and Denmark, No. 6 in Germany and peaking at No. 12 in the UK. The title song “My Colouring Book” is a cover of the song originally recorded by Dusty Springfield . “I love this record,” enthused Pete Clark in London’s Evening Standard , while Daily Mail pointed out that “it reveals a genuine affection for the era’s forgotten pop tunes.” The Times reviewer noted that “her voice is still an impressive pop instrument,” and The Observer shared the same sentiment suggesting that “time hasn’t diminished her perfect voice.” Reviewing the release in The Guardian , Caroline Sullivan wrote: “Agnetha Fältskog has a vulnerability that gets under the skin of a song. She may be cheating a trifle by including no original material on this collection of 1960s covers, but if anyone can do justice to the likes of “ Sealed with a Kiss “, it’s her. The soaring sentimentality evokes Cilla Black and Sandie Shaw in their mini-skirted pomp, and I don’t say that lightly.” The release attracted major media attention across Europe, but Fältskog staunchly refused to be involved in any extensive promotion of the album (including personal appearances), and thus limited her public exposure to several short newspaper interviews, a few videos and a Swedish-language low-key TV special. Yet, the album managed to sell more than 500,000 copies worldwide, 50,000 of those in the UK alone. A second single release from the album, “When you walk in the room” peaked at No.11 in Sweden and also reached the UK Top 40. “The Winner Takes It All” Shortly after this release, for the 2004 semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest , staged in Istanbul thirty years after ABBA had won the contest in Brighton, Fältskog appeared briefly in a special comedy video made for the interval act, entitled “Our Last Video.” Each of the four members of the group appeared briefly in cameo roles, as did others such as Cher and Rik Mayall . The video was not included in the official DVD release of the Eurovision Contest, but was issued as a separate DVD release. It was billed as the first time the four had worked together since the group split. In fact, they each filmed their appearances separately. In 2004, Fältskog was nominated for Best Nordic Artist at the Nordic Music Awards , and at Christmas of that year (for the first time in almost 20 years), she gave an extensive interview which was filmed by Swedish TV. Around the same time, Sony Music released a lavishly produced 6 CD boxed set comprising Fältskog’s Swedish solo career before ABBA (five original solo albums – 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1975 – and an additional compilation disc with bonus tracks). In January 2007, Fältskog appeared at the final performance of Mamma Mia! in Stockholm (as she had at its opening in 2005). Together with ex-husband and former colleague Björn, she appeared on stage at the after show party held at Stockholm’s Grand Hotel. She also sang a duet, “True Love,” with Tommy Körberg of Chess fame. In October 2008 a new compilation album, “My Very Best”, was released in Sweden. The double CD contains both Swedish (CD 1) and English language hits (CD 2) from her whole solo career, from 1967 to 2004. It successfully entered as #4 on the Swedish albums chart and was certified Gold within the first week of its release. [14] On 4 July 2008 Fältskog joined former colleagues Anni-Frid Lyngstad , Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson at the Swedish premiere of the film version of Mamma Mia! , held at the Rival Theatre (owned by Andersson) in Mariatorget , Stockholm . Fältskog arrived with Lyngstad and movie star Meryl Streep , the three dancing in front of thousands of fans before joining the film’s other stars and Andersson and Ulvaeus on the hotel balcony for the first photograph of all four ABBA members together in 22 years. [15] The event made the front pages of newspapers around the world as well as being shown live on news channels. In February 2010 ABBA World, an extensive multi-million pound exhibition, debuted at London’s Earls Court and included an extensive interview with Agnetha filmed in Sweden the previous summer. For the exhibition’s Melbourne launch, she recorded a light-hearted opening film together with former ABBA colleague Benny Andersson, shot in Stockholm in June 2010. Sources: Wikipedia, youtube, nndb.com Requires Flash 7+ and Javascript. 37.810448 -122.239864 August 31, 2010 Barbara Cook Barbara Cook (born October 25, 1927) is an American singer and actress who first came to prominence in the 1950s after starring in the original Broadway musicals Candide (1956) and The Music Man (1957) among others, winning a Tony Award for the latter. She continued performing mostly in theatre until the mid 1970s, when she began a second career that continues to this day as a cabaret and concert singer. During her years as Broadway’s leading ingénue Cook was lauded for her excellent lyric soprano voice. She was particularly admired for her vocal agility, wide range, warm sound, and emotive interpretations. As she has aged her voice has taken on a darker quality, even in her head voice , that was less prominent in her youth. [1] Today Cook is widely recognized as one of the “premier interpreters” of musical theatre songs and standards, in particular the songs of composer Stephen Sondheim . Her subtle and sensitive interpretations of American popular song continue to earn high praise even into her eighties. [2] Cook was born in Atlanta, Georgia to Charles Bunyan, a traveling hat salesman, and Nell (Harwell) Cook, an operator for Southern Bell . [3] Her parents divorced when she was a child and, after her only sister died of whooping cough , Barbara lived alone with her mother. She later described their relationship as “so close, too close. I slept with my mother until I came to New York. Slept in the same bed with her. That’s just, it’s wrong. But to me, it was the norm….As far as she was concerned, we were one person.” [2] Though Barbara began singing at an early age, at the Elks Club and to her father over the phone, she spent three years after graduating from high school working as a typist. [2] Barbara Cook gives a classic performance of “Losing My Mind” from Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies.” While visiting New York City in 1948 with her mother, Cook decided to stay and try to find work as an actress. [4] She began to sing at clubs and resorts, eventually procuring an engagement at the Blue Angel club in 1950. She made her Broadway debut a year later, as Sandy in the short-lived 1951 musical Flahooley . [1] She landed another role quickly, portraying Ado Annie in the 1951 City Center revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein ‘s Oklahoma! and stayed with the production when it went on its national tour the following year. Also in 1952, Cook made her first television appearance on the show Armstrong Circle Theatre which presented her in an original play entitled Mr. Bemiss Takes a Trip. In 1954, Cook was cast in the short lived soap opera Golden Windows which ran for only a handful of episodes before being canceled. She also starred as Jane Piper in a television version of Victor Herbert ‘s operetta Babes in Toyland and returned to City Center to portray Carrie Pipperidge in the revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel . In 1955, she began to attract major critical praise when she played the supporting role of Hilda Miller in Plain and Fancy . Cook’s good reviews and clear soprano voice enabled her to win the role of Cunegonde in Leonard Bernstein ‘s new operetta Candide in 1956. She became famous for the show stopping song, “ Glitter and Be Gay “. [1] That same year she appeared on television in a Producers’ Showcase production of Bloomer Girl as Evelina Applegate. “Till There Was You” from the Music Man In 1957, she took the role of Julie Jordan in the yet another City Center revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel and portrayed Elsie Maynard in a television version of The Yeomen of the Guard as part of the Hallmark Hall of Fame series. Other television credits for Cook during this time of her career include appearances on Alfred Hitchcock Presents , The Perry Como Show , The Ed Sullivan Show , The Dinah Shore Chevy Show , The United States Steel Hour , Play of the Week , and a musical version of Hansel and Gretel . Although Candide was not a success, Cook’s portrayal of Cunegonde established her as one of Broadway’s leading ingenues . Her two most famous roles after this were her Tony Award winning portrayal of Marian the Librarian in Meredith Willson ‘s 1957 hit The Music Man and as Amalia Balash in the 1962 Jerry Bock – Sheldon Harnick musical She Loves Me . The song “Ice Cream” from the latter became one of Cook’s signature songs. Cook married acting teacher David LeGrant on March 9, 1952. They had one child, Adam, in 1959, and were divorced in 1965. “Make The Man Love Me!” During the 1960s, Cook created roles in some less successful musicals: Liesl Brandel in The Gay Life (1961) and Carol Deems in Something More! (1964). She did, however, make a well received portrayal of Anna Leonowens in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I in 1960 and an acclaimed portrayal of Magnolia in Show Boat in 1966, both revivals at City Center . Cook also recorded the role of Anna in a 1964 studio recording with Theodore Bikel as the King. She starred in two National tours during the 1960s, Molly Brown in The Unsinkable Molly Brown in 1964 and Fanny Brice in Funny Girl in 1967. [5] Cook also tried her hand at non-musical roles, replacing Sandy Dennis in the play Any Wednesday and originating the role of Patsy Newquist in Jules Feiffer ‘s Little Murders . Her last original musical role on Broadway came in 1971 when she played Dolly Talbo in The Grass Harp . In 1972, she returned to the dramatic stage in the Repertory Theatre of Lincoln Center ‘s production of Gorky ‘s Enemies . As she began struggling with depression, obesity, and alcoholism in the seventies (she eventually quit drinking in 1977), Cook began finding trouble getting stage work. [2] “Its Not Where You Start” In the mid 1970s Cook’s fortunes changed for the better when she met and befriended composer and pianist Wally Harper . Harper convinced her to put together a concert and on January 26, 1975, accompanied by Harper, she made her debut in a legendary solo concert at Carnegie Hall that resulted in a highly successful live album. [4] Continuing a collaboration with Harper that lasted until his death in 2004, Cook became a successful concert performer. Over the next three decades, the two performed together at not only many of the best cabaret spots and music halls like Michael’s Pub and the St. Regis Hotel in New York City but nationally and internationally. Cook and Harper returned to Carnegie Hall in September 1980, to perform a series of songs arranged by Harper. The performance was captured on the CD It’s Better With a Band. Barbara Cook 5-28-56  “Bloomer Girl” In 1986, Cook was nominated for an Olivier Award for her one-woman show, accompanied by Harper, at London’s Albery Theatre . She won a Drama Desk Award in 1987 for her Broadway show A Concert for the Theatre, again with Harper. In October 1991 they appeared as featured artists at the Carnegie Hall Gala Music and Remembrance: A Celebration of Great Musical Partnerships which raised money for the advancement of the performing arts and for AIDS research. In 1994, they performed a critically acclaimed performance at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London. Alistair Macauley wrote in the Financial Times about the concert, “Barbara Cook is the greatest singer in the world… Ms. Cook is the only popular singer active today who should be taken seriously by lovers of classical music. Has any singer since Callas matched Cook’s sense of musical architecture? I doubt it.” The performing duo traveled all over the world giving concerts together including a number of times at the White House – for Presidents Carter , Reagan , Bush , and Clinton . “We’ll Be Together Again” on Barbara’s 80th Birthday! From the mid 1970s on, Cook returned only sporadically to acting, mostly in occasional studio cast and live concert versions of stage musicals. In September 1985 she appeared with the New York Philharmonic as Sally in the renowned concert version of Stephen Sondheim ‘s Follies . In 1986, she recorded the role of Martha in the Sharon Burgett musical version of The Secret Garden along with John Cullum , Judy Kaye , and George Rose . In 1987 she performed the role of Julie Jordan in a concert version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel with Samuel Ramey as Billy, Sarah Brightman as Carrie, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , and she won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding One-Person Show for A Concert for the Theatre. In 1988 she originated the role of Margaret White in the notorious musical version of Stephen King ‘s Carrie – The Musical which premiered in England and was presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company . In 1994 she provided both her acting and singing skills to the animated film version of Thumbelina which featured music by Barry Manilow . That same year she was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame . In 2000 she was joined by Lillias White , Malcolm Gets , and Debbie Gravitte on the studio cast recording of Jimmy McHugh ‘s Lucky in the Rain . “Its Better With A Band” In 1997, Cook celebrated her 70th birthday by giving a concert at Albert Hall in London with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra . In 2000, she was one of the only American performers chosen to perform at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Arts Festival in the fabled Sydney Opera House . In February 2001, Cook returned to Carnegie Hall to perform Sings Mostly Sondheim which was recorded live and released on CD. Critically acclaimed from the start, Cook took the concert to London’s West End where it was the smash hit during London’s 2001 summer season. She garnered two Olivier Award nominations for Best Entertainment and Best Actress in a Musical for the concert. She went on to perform Sings Mostly Sondheim at Lincoln Center for a sold-out fourteen week run, winning a Tony Award nomination for Best Theatrical Event, and then took the show on a National tour throughout major cities in the United States. DRG filmed the stage production and it was released on DVD on the DRG/Koch Entertainment label. Sings Mostly Sondheim was the last major project that Wally Harper and Cook worked on together. After Harper’s death in 2004, Cook made the painful adjustment to new accompanists in solo shows like Tribute (a reference to Harper) and No One Is Alone that continued to receive acclaim; The New York Times exclaimed in 2005 that she was “at the top of her game….Cook’s voice is remarkably unchanged from 1958, when she won the Tony Award for playing Marian the Librarian in The Music Man. A few high notes aside, it is, eerily, as rich and clear as ever.” [2] Another rndition of “Better With A Band” This time from 1980 In January 2006, Cook became the first female pop singer to be presented by the Metropolitan Opera in the company’s more than one hundred year history. She presented a solo concert of Broadway show tunes and classic jazz standards, and was supported on a few numbers by guest singers Audra McDonald and Josh Groban . The concert was recorded and subsequently released on CD. On June 25, 2006, Cook was the special guest star of the Award Winning Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. , celebrating GMCW’s Silver Anniversary in a performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Cook was the featured artist at the Arts! by George gala on September 29, 2007 at the Fairfax campus of George Mason University . [6] On October 22, 2007, Cook sang at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (Fort Lauderdale, FL) with the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus in the chorus’s concert entitled “An Evening With Barbara Cook”. Upon completion of the concert, an almost full house greeted her with a round of “Happy Birthday” in honor of her impending 80th birthday. On December 2, 2007, Cook celebrated her birthday in the UK with a concert at the home of English National Opera – The Coliseum Theatre , in London’s West End. Most notably as she entered her ninth decade, she performed in two sold-out concerts with the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. The New York Times reviewer threw his hat in the air, writing of Miss Cook as “a performer spreading the gospel of simplicity, self-reliance and truth” who is “never glib” and summoning adjectives such as “astonishing” and “transcendent,” concluding that she sings with “a tenderness and honesty that could break your heart and mend it all at once.” [7] Barbara Cook, soprano Salute to Broadway (South Pacific, Camelot and No Strings) In June 2008, Cook appeared in Strictly Gershwin at the Albert Hall in London, England with the full company of English National Ballet . She appeared with the Ulster Orchestra as the Closing Concert of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on 31 October 2008. Her other 2008 appearances included concerts in Chicago, West Palm Beach and San Francisco. In 2009 she performed with the Princeton Symphony, Detroit Symphony, and gave concerts in Boca Raton, Florida and at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton. She is currently performing in a cabaret show in New York City which opened in April 2009. Cook returns to Broadway in the Roundabout Theatre ‘s Stephen Sondheim revue “ Sondheim on Sondheim “, created and directed by long-time Sondheim collaborator James Lapine ,currently running at Studio 54 . She will star opposite Vanessa L. Williams . Cook has been nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in the category of Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, opposite notables like Angela Lansbury and Katie Finneran. Quick Bio Facts: Ella Mae Morse (September 12, 1924 – October 16, 1999 [1] ), was an American popular singer . Morse blended jazz , country , pop , and R&B . Morse was born in Mansfield , Texas . She was hired by Jimmy Dorsey when she was 14 years old. Dorsey believed she was 19, and when he was informed by the school board that he was now responsible for her care, he fired her. [1] In 1942, at the age of 17, she joined Freddie Slack ‘s band , with whom in the same year she recorded “ Cow Cow Boogie “, Capitol Records ‘ first gold single . [1] “ Mr. Five by Five ” was also recorded by Morse with Slack [2] and they had a hit recording with the song in 1942 (Capitol 115). She also originated the wartime hit “Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet,” which was later popularized by Nancy Walker in the film , Broadway Rhythm . “Cow Cow Boogie” In 1943, Morse began to record solo . She reached #1 in the R&B chart with “ Shoo-Shoo Baby ” in December for two weeks. In the same year she had a cameo appearance in the film Reveille with Beverly and starred in Universal’s “South of Dixie” and “The Ghost Catchers” with Olsen and Johnson. She sang in a wide variety of styles , and she had hits on both the U.S. pop and rhythm and blues charts . However, she never received the popularity of a major star . [1] The song “ Love Me or Leave Me ” as recorded by Morse was released by Capitol Records as catalog number 1922, with the flip side “Blacksmith Blues”. [3] “Shoo Shoo Baby” 1943 In 1946, “House of Blue Lights” by Freddie Slack and Morse, (written by Slack and Raye ) saw them perform what was one of many of Raye’s songs picked up by black R&B artists. [4] [5] . Her biggest solo success was “Blacksmith Blues” in 1952, which sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc . [6] The same year her version of “ Down the Road a Piece ” appeared on Capitol with Slack again on piano accompaniment. Morse also recorded a version of “ Oakie Boogie ” for Capitol which reached #23 in 1952. [7] Her version was one of the first songs arranged by Nelson Riddle . [8] Morse ceased recording in 1957 but continued performing until the early 1990’s at such clubs as Michael’s Pub in New York, Ye Little Club in Beverly Hills, the Hollywood Roosevelt Cinegrill and the Vine St. Bar and Grill. She appeared regularly at Disneyland for several years with the Ray McKinley Orchestra and did a successful tour of Australia shortly before her final illness. 1943, “No Love, No Nothin’ ” Morse had six children from two marriages , as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her music career was profiled in Nick Tosches ‘ 1984 book, The Unsung Heroes of Rock ‘N’ Roll: The Birth of Rock in the Wild Years Before Elvis. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1724 Vine Street . Her entire recorded body of work was issued in a deluxe box set by Bear Family Records. “Why Shouldn’t I?” In 1999 Morse died of respiratory failure in Bullhead City , Arizona , aged 75. [1] Sources: wikipedia, youtube, imdb.com Alternate Bio Info: Popular singer best known for her hit ”Cow Cow Boogie,” Ella Mae Morse got her big break at a young age with Jimmy Dorsey ‘s orchestra. There are two stories about her short stay with Dorsey. One is that she called for an audition when the band was booked at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas. Needing a female singer, Dorsey listened, liked her and hired her. She claimed to be 19 but was really 13, and when Dorsey later received a notice from the school board informing him that he was responsible for her he fired her. The other story tells that Dorsey discovered a 15-year-old Ella Mae at a Houston jam session. She had borrowed carfare to get to the event and walked out with a Dorsey contract. She was, however, inexperienced and undisciplined. Singer Bob Eberly recalls that on one radio program she forgot the lyrics to a song and started ad libbing as to that fact and on another song she sang an alternate set of risqué lyrics that was banned by the network. Dorsey fired her after only a month, hiring Helen O’Connell in her place. “40 Cups Of Coffee” The first story seems to be the ”official” one, while the second is how Dorsey bandmembers and music journalists of the time remembered it. In consideration of Morse’s age, the second story better fits with the chronology of Dorsey’s orchestra. Whatever the truth, young Ella Mae apparently made a good impression on Dorsey bandmember Freddie Slack . Three years later, in 1942, he hired her to sing with his new orchestra. It was there she had her biggest hit with ”Cow Cow Boogie,” Capitol Records’ first gold single. She left Slack a year later and continued recording solo for Capitol. Though her records sold well throughout her career she never found a large following. She retired in 1957. Ella Mae Morse passed away from respiratory failure in 1999. 37.810448 -122.239864 August 29, 2010 Paul Whiteman Paul Samuel Whiteman (March 28, 1890 – December 29, 1967) was an American bandleader and orchestral director. Leader of the most popular dance bands in the United States during the 1920s, Whiteman’s recordings were immensely successful, and press notices often referred to him as the “ King of Jazz .” Using a large ensemble and exploring many styles of music, Whiteman is perhaps best known for his blending of symphonic music and jazz , as typified by his 1924 commissioning and debut of George Gershwin ‘s jazz-influenced “ Rhapsody In Blue “. Whiteman recorded many jazz and pop standards during his career, including “Wang Wang Blues”, “ Mississippi Mud “, “ Rhapsody in Blue “, “ Wonderful One “, “ Hot Lips “, “ Mississippi Suite “, and “ Grand Canyon Suite “. His popularity faded in the swing music era of the 1930s, and by the 1940s Whiteman was semi-retired from music. Whiteman’s place in the history of early jazz is somewhat controversial. Detractors suggest that Whiteman’s ornately-orchestrated music was jazz in name only (lacking the genre’s improvisational and emotional depth), and co-opted the innovations of black musicians. Defenders note that Whiteman’s fondness for jazz was genuine (he worked with black musicians as much as was feasible during an era of racial segregation), that his bands included many of the era’s most esteemed white jazz musicians, and argue that Whiteman’s groups handled jazz admirably as part of a larger repertoire. [1] In his autobiography, Duke Ellington [2] declared, “ Paul Whiteman was known as the King of Jazz, and no one as yet has come near carrying that title with more certainty and dignity.” 1920 “Whispering” Big hit that year and re-make hit in the early 40’s for Tommy Dorsey also hit the top of the charts. Whiteman was born in Denver, Colorado . After a start as a classical violinist and violist , he led a jazz-influenced dance band, which became popular locally in San Francisco, California in 1918. In 1920 he moved with his band to New York City where they started making recordings for Victor Records which made the Paul Whiteman Orchestra famous nationally. 1927 “My Blue Heaven” Whiteman became the most popular band director of the decade. In a time when most dance bands consisted of six to 10 men, Whiteman directed a much larger and more imposing group of up to 35 musicians. He recorded Hoagy Carmichael singing and playing “ Washboard Blues ” to the accompaniment of his orchestra in 1927. [3] In May 1928 Whiteman signed with Columbia Records , and stayed with that label until September 1931, when he returned to Victor. He would remain signed with Victor until March 1937. In the 1920s the media referred to Whiteman as “The King of Jazz”. [4] Whiteman emphasized the way he had approached the already well-established style of music, while also organizing its composition and style in his own fashion. While most jazz musicians and fans consider improvisation to be essential to the musical style, Whiteman thought the genre could be improved by orchestrating the best of it, with formal written arrangements. Whiteman’s recordings were popular critically and successful commercially, and his style of jazz music was often the first jazz of any form that many Americans heard during the era. For more than 30 years Whiteman, referred to as “Pops”, sought and encouraged musicians, vocalists, composers, arrangers, and entertainers who looked promising. In 1924 Whiteman commissioned George Gershwin ‘s Rhapsody in Blue, which was premiered by Whiteman’s orchestra with George Gershwin at the piano. Another familiar piece in Whiteman’s repertoire was Grand Canyon Suite, by Ferde Grofé . Whiteman hired many of the best jazz musicians for his band, including Bix Beiderbecke , Frankie Trumbauer , Joe Venuti , Eddie Lang , Steve Brown , Mike Pingitore , Gussie Mueller , Wilbur Hall (billed by Whiteman as “Willie Hall”), Jack Teagarden , and Bunny Berigan . He also encouraged upcoming African American musical talents, and initially planned on hiring black musicians, but Whiteman’s management eventually persuaded him that doing would be career suicide due to racial tension and America’s segregation of that time. [5] However, Whiteman crossed racial lines behind-the-scenes, hiring black arrangers like Fletcher Henderson and engaging in mutually-beneficial efforts with recording sessions and scheduling of tours. One of my favorite of the band singers, Mildred Bailey, with Paul Whiteman’s orchestra singing Hoagy Carmichael’s, “Georgia” Mildred went on to Red Norvo’s band in the 30’s and 40’s and became one of the most celebrated of the girl singers. In late 1926 Whiteman signed three candidates for his orchestra: Bing Crosby , Al Rinker , and Harry Barris . Whiteman billed the singing trio as The Rhythm Boys . Crosby’s prominence in the Rhythm Boys helped launch his career as one of the most successful singers of the 20th century. Paul Robeson (1928) and Billie Holiday (1942) also recorded with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. Whiteman had 28 number one records during the 1920s and 32 during his career. At the height of his popularity, eight out of the top ten sheet music sales slots were by the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. His recording of José Padilla’s Valencia (Padilla/Boyer/Charles/Grey) topped the charts for 11 weeks, beginning 30 March 1926, becoming the #1 record of 1926. [6] Whiteman signed singer Mildred Bailey in 1929 to appear on his radio program. She first recorded with the Whiteman Orchestra in 1931. recorded 9/20/1938 melody based on Claude Debussy’s “Reverie” This song was also recorded by Larry Clinton’s band and became an instant hit for vocalist Bea Wain. Jazz musician and leader of the Mound City Blue Blowers Red McKenzie and cabaret singer Ramona Davies (billed as “Ramona and her Grand Piano”) joined the Whiteman group in 1932. The King’s Jesters were also with Paul Whiteman in 1931. In 1933 Whiteman had a #2 hit on the Billboard charts with the song, “ Willow Weep for Me “. [7] In 1934 Paul Whiteman had his last two #1 hits, “ Smoke Gets in Your Eyes “, with vocals by Bob Lawrence, which was #1 for six weeks, and “Wagon Wheels”, which was #1 for one week, his final hit recording. From 1920 to 1934 Whiteman had 32 #1 recordings, charting 28 of them by 1929. By contrast, during the same period, the 1920s Jazz Age, Louis Armstrong had none. In 1942 Whiteman began recording for Capitol Records , cofounded by songwriters Buddy DeSylva and Johnny Mercer and music store owner Glenn Wallichs. Whiteman and His Orchestra’s recordings of “ I Found a New Baby ” and “The General Jumped At Dawn” was the label’s first single release. (Another notable Capitol record he made is the 1942 “Trav’lin Light” featuring Billie Holiday (billed as “Lady Day”, due to her being under contract with another label). 1920 “The Japanese Sandman” Whiteman was married four times; to Nellie Stack in 1908; to Miss Jimmy Smith; to Mildred Vanderhoff in 1922. In 1931 Whiteman married motion picture actress Margaret Livingston following his divorce from Vanderhoff that same year. The marriage to Livingston lasted until his death. Whiteman resided at Walking Horse Farm near the village of Rosemont in Delaware Township , Hunterdon County , New Jersey from 1938 to 1959. After selling the farm to agriculturalist Lloyd Wescott , Whiteman moved to New Hope, Pennsylvania for his remaining years. [8] [9] [10] Whiteman died at the age of 77 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania on December 29, 1967. In 1930 “Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra” starred in the first feature-length movie musical filmed entirely in Technicolor , King of Jazz . The film was technically ahead of its time, with many dazzling camera effects complementing the Whiteman music. Whiteman appeared as himself, and good-naturedly kidded his weight and his dancing skills. A highlight was a concert rendition of Rhapsody in Blue. Unfortunately, by the time King of Jazz was released to theaters, audiences had seen too many “all-singing, all-dancing” musicals, and much of the moviegoing public stayed away. (It also didn’t help that the film was shot as a revue with no story and not particularly imaginative camerawork.) The expensive film didn’t show a profit until 1933, when it was successfully reissued to cash in on the popularity of 42nd Street and its elaborate production numbers. Whiteman also appeared as himself in the 1945 movie Rhapsody in Blue on the life and career of George Gershwin and also appeared in The Fabulous Dorseys in 1947, a bio-pic starring Jimmy Dorsey and Tommy Dorsey . Whiteman also appeared as the baby in Nertz (1929), the bandleader in Thanks a Million (1935), as himself in Strike Up the Band (1940), and in the Paramount Pictures short The Lambertville Story (1949). Conducted by Nat Shilkret and w George Gershwin at the piano. New York, April 21, 1927. This is the first electrical recording of “Rhapsody In Blue”. During the 1930s Whiteman had several radio shows, including Kraft Music Hall and Paul Whiteman’s Musical Varieties, which featured the talents of Bing Crosby , Mildred Bailey , Jack Teagarden , Johnny Mercer , Ramona , Durelle Alexander and others. “Anything Goes” In the 1940s and 1950s, after he had disbanded his orchestra, Whiteman worked as a music director for the ABC Radio Network . He also hosted Paul Whiteman’s TV Teen Club from Philadelphia on ABC-TV from 1949–1954 (with announcer Dick Clark ), and continued to appear as guest conductor for many concerts. His manner on stage was disarming; he signed off each program with something casual like, “Well, that just about slaps the cap on the old milk bottle for tonight.” Whiteman composed the standard “Wonderful One” in 1922 with Ferde Grofé and Dorothy Terris (also known as Theodora Morse ), based on a theme by film director Marshall Neilan . The songwriting credit is assigned as music composed by Paul Whiteman, Ferde Grofe, and Marshall Neilan, with lyrics by Dorothy Terriss. The single reached #3 on Billboard in May 1923, staying on the charts for 5 weeks. “(My) Wonderful One” was recorded by Gertrude Moody, Edward Miller, Martha Pryor, Mel Torme , Doris Day , Woody Herman , Helen Moretti, John McCormack ; it was released as Victor 961. Jan Garber and His Orchestra, and Ira Sullivan with Tony Castellano also recorded the song. Henry Burr recorded it in 1924 and Glenn Miller and his Orchestra in 1940. On the sheet music published in 1922 by Leo Feist it is described as a “Waltz Song” and “Paul Whiteman’s Sensational Waltz Hit” and is dedicated “To Julie”. “Wonderful One” appeared in the following movies: The Chump Champ (1950), Little ‘Tinker (1948), Red Hot Riding Hood (1943), Sufferin’ Cats (1943), Design for Scandal (1941), Strike Up the Band (1940), and Westward Passage (1932). Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra. – “Charleston” (unpublished version), 1925 In 1924 Whiteman composed “When the One You Love Loves You” with Abel Baer and lyricist Cliff Friend . Whiteman recorded the song on 24 December 1924 in New York with Franklyn Baur on vocals and released it as Victor 19553-B backed with “I’ll See You in My Dreams”. The single reached #7 on the Billboard national pop singles charts in April 1925, staying on the charts for 3 weeks. The song is described as “A Sentimental Waltz Ballad” on the 1934 sheet music. Singer and composer Morton Downey, Sr. , the father of the talkshow host, recorded the song in 1925 and released it as Brunswick 2887. Eva Shirley sang the song in Ed Wynn ‘s Grab Bag, a Broadway musical which opened in 1924 at the Globe. Leo Feist published the sheet music for the Shirley version in 1924 featuring Eva Shirley on the cover. “Dardanella” Paul Whiteman composed “Flamin’ Mamie” in 1925 with Fred Rose , one of the top hits of 1925, which was recorded by the Harry Reser Band, Merritt Brunies and the Friars Inn Orchestra, Billy Jones and Ernest Hare, the Six Black Diamonds in 1926 on Banner, the Toll House Jazz Band, Aileen Stanley in 1925 with Billy “Uke” Carpenter on the ukulele, Hank Penny in 1938, Turk Murphy , the Frisco Syncopators, the Firehouse Five Plus Two , Bob Schulz and His Frisco Jazz Band, and the Coon-Sanders Nighthawk Orchestra led by Carleton Coon and Joe Sanders with Joe Sanders on vocals. The lyrics describe Mamie as a Roaring Twenties vamp: “Flamin’ Mamie, a sure-fire vamp/When it comes to lovin’/She’s a human oven/Come on you futuristic papas/She’s the hottest thing he’s seen since the Chicago fire.” Paul Whiteman also composed “Charlestonette” in 1925 with Fred Rose which was published by Leo Feist. The song was released as Victor 19785 backed with “Ida-I Do” in 1925. Ben Selvin’s Dance Orchestra and Bennie Krueger and His Orchestra also recorded the song in 1925. “You Took Advantage of Me” In Louis Armstrong & Paul Whiteman: Two Kings of Jazz (2004), Joshua Berrett wrote that “Whiteman Stomp” was credited to Fats Waller , Alphonso Trent, and Paul Whiteman. Lyricist Jo Trent is the co-author. The Fletcher Henderson Orchestra first recorded “Whiteman Stomp” on 11 May 1927 and released it as Columbia 1059-D. The Fletcher Henderson recording lists the songwriters as “Fats Waller/Jo Trent/Paul Whiteman”. Paul Whiteman recorded the song on 11 August 1927 and released it as Victor 21119. “California Here I Come” “Then and Now”, recorded on December 7, 1954 and released in 1955 on Coral, was composed by Paul Whiteman with Dick Jacobs and Bob Merrill . The song was released as a 45 inch single in 1955 as Coral 61336 backed with “Mississippi Mud” by Paul Whiteman and His New Ambassador Orchestra with the New Rhythm Boys. “Sugar” Whiteman also co-wrote the popular song “My Fantasy” with Leo Edwards and Jack Meskill, which is a musical adaptation of the Polovetsian Dances theme from the opera Prince Igor by Alexander Borodin . The Paul Whiteman Orchestra recorded “My Fantasy” in 1939. 1926 “The Birth of the Blues” Quick Bio Facts: Sources: Wikipedia, nndb.com, youtube Major recordings Whispering, 1920, #1 for 11 weeks, the no.2 hit of 1920, 1998 Grammy Hall of Fame inductee The Japanese Sandman, 1920, #1 for 2 weeks Wang Wang Blues, 1921, #1 for 6 weeks, on the soundtrack to the 1996 Academy Award–winning movie The English Patient My Mammy, 1921, #1 for 5 weeks Cherie, 1921, #1 for 6 weeks Say It With Music, 1921, #1 for 5 weeks Grieving For You-Feather Your Nest, #26 hit of 1921 Play that “Song of India” Again, 1921, #1 for 5 weeks, music adapted by Paul Whiteman from the Chanson Indoue theme by Nikolai Rimski-Korsakov from the opera Sadko (1898) with lyrics by Leo Wood and Irving Bibo Bright Eyes, the #13 hit of 1921 Hot Lips (He’s Got Hot Lips When He Plays Jazz), 1922, #1 for 6 weeks, featured in the Oprah Winfrey movie The Color Purple (1985), directed by Steven Spielberg Do It Again, 1922, #1 for 2 weeks Three O’Clock in the Morning, 1922, #1 for 8 weeks Stumbling, 1922, #1 for 6 weeks Wonderful One, 1922, music composed by Paul Whiteman and Ferde Grofe, with lyrics by Theodora Morse, #3 on Billboard charts in 1923 I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise, 1923, #1 for 1 week Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, 1923, #1 for 7 weeks Bambalina, 1923, #1 for 1 week Nuthin’ But, 1923, co-written by Ferde Grofe and Henry Busse Linger Awhile, 1924, #1 for 4 weeks What’ll I Do, 1924, #1 for 5 weeks Somebody Loves Me, 1924, #1 for 5 weeks Rhapsody in Blue, 1924, arranged by Ferde Grofe, with George Gershwin on piano When the One You Love Loves You, 1924, composed by Paul Whiteman All Alone, 1925, #1 for 3 weeks Charlestonette, 1925, composed by Paul Whiteman with Fred Rose Birth of the Blues, 1926, #1 for 4 weeks Valencia, no.1 for 11 weeks in 1926, the #1 record of 1926 My Blue Heaven, 1927, #1 for 1 week Three Shades of Blue: Indigo/Alice Blue/Heliotrope, 1927, composed and arranged by Ferde Grofe In a Little Spanish Town, 1927, #1 for 8 weeks I’m Coming, Virginia The Night is Young (And You’re So Beautiful), 1956, with Tommy Dorsey It’s the Dreamer in Me, 1956, with Jimmy Dorsey 37.810448 -122.239864 August 28, 2010 Carmen Miranda Carmen Miranda 9 February 1909 – 5 August 1955) was a Portuguese-born Brazilian [1] samba singer and Broadway actress popular in the 1940s and 1950s. She was, by some accounts, the highest-earning woman in the United States and recognized for her signature fruit hat outfit that she wore in the 1943 movie The Gang’s All Here . She is considered the precursor of Brazil ‘s Tropicalismo . Carmen Miranda was born in Várzea da Ovelha , a village in the northern Portuguese municipality of Marco de Canaveses . [1] She was the second daughter of José Maria Pinto Cunha (1887 – 1938) and Maria Emília Miranda (1886 – 1971). [2] When she was 10-months old, her father emigrated to Brazil [3] and settled in Rio de Janeiro , where he opened a barber’s shop. Her mother followed in 1910, together with her daughters Olinda and Maria do Carmo. Maria do Carmo never returned to Portugal , but retained her Portuguese nationality. In Brazil, her parents had four more children – Amaro (1911), Cecília (1913), Aurora (1915 – 2005) and Óscar (1916). [2] She was christened Carmen by her father because of his love for the opera comique, and also after Bizet ‘s masterpiece Carmen . This passion for opera influenced his children, and Miranda’s love for singing and dancing at an early age. [3] She went to school at the Convent of Saint Therese of Lisieux . Her father did not approve of her plans to enter show business . However, her mother supported her and was beaten when her husband discovered Carmen had auditioned for a radio show. Carmen had previously sung at parties and festivals in Rio. Her older sister Olinda contracted tuberculosis and was sent to Portugal for treatment. Miranda went to work in a tie shop at age 14 to help pay her sister’s medical bills. She next worked in a boutique, where she learned to make hats and opened her own hat business which became profitable. “Chica Chica Boom Chic Her extraordinary talent was discovered when Miranda was first introduced to composer Josué de Barros, who went on to promote and record her first album with a Brunswick, a German recording company in 1929. In 1930, she was known to be Brazil’s gem singer, and in 1933 went on to sign a two-year contract with Rádio Mayrink Veiga – becoming the first contract singer in the radio industry history of Brazil. In 1934, she was invited as a guest performer in Radio Belgrano in Buenos Aires . [3] Ultimately, Miranda wound up with a recording contract with RCA Records . She pursued a career as a samba singer for ten years before she was invited to New York City to perform in a show on Broadway . As with other popular singers of the era, Miranda made her screen debut in the Brazilian documentary A Voz Do Carnaval (1933). Two years later, Miranda appeared in her first feature film entitled Alô, Alô Brasil. But it was the 1935 film Estudantes that seemed to solidify her in the minds of the movie-going public. In the 1936 movie Alô Alô Carnaval, she performed the famous song Cantoras do Rádio with her sister Aurora, for the first time. [3] Mamae Eu Quiero Miranda signed a movie contract with Hollywood and arrived in the United States in 4 May 1939 [3] with her band, the Bando da Lua. Carmen grew to fame in the country quickly, having formally been presented to President Franklin D. Roosevelt at a White House banquet shortly after arrival, and going on to star in 13 Hollywood films. [3] She was encouraged by the United States government as part of President Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor Policy , designed to strengthen links with Latin America and Europe; it was believed that in delivering content like hers, the policy would be better received by the American public. By 1946 she was Hollywood ‘s highest-paid entertainer and top female tax payer in the United States, [3] earning more than $200,000 that year, according to IRS records. Against her family’s wishes, she married in March 17, 1947 to failed American movie producer David Sebastian. He soon declared himself to be her “manager” and was responsible for many bad business deals. A heavy drinker, he got Miranda into drinking as well and is accused of eventually being her downfall. In 1948 she became pregnant, but suffered a miscarriage after a show. The marriage lasted only a few months, but Carmen, who was Catholic, would not accept getting a divorce. Her sister Aurora later would state in the documentary Bananas is My Business that “he was very rude, many times even hit her. The marriage was a burden in her life; he only married her for her money. He did not like our family”. “Chattanooga Choo Choo” In Portuguese!! Miranda made a total of fourteen Hollywood films between 1940 and 1953 and was dubbed “The Brazilian Bombshell”. [4] Her Hollywood image was one of a generic Latinness that blurred the distinctions between Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, and Mexico as well as between samba, tango and habanera . It was carefully stylized and outlandishly flamboyant. She was often shown wearing platform sandals and towering headdresses made of fruit, becoming famous as “the lady in the tutti-frutti hat.” [5] However there were times that Miranda performed barefoot on stage because she could move more easily in bare feet than in the towering platform sandals. “When I Love I Love” During a visit to Brazil in 1940, Miranda was heavily criticized for giving in to American commercialism and projecting a false image of Brazil. She responded with the Portuguese language song “ Disseram que Voltei Americanizada “, or “They Say I’ve Come Back Americanized.” Another song, “Bananas is My Business,” was based on a line in one of her movies and directly addressed her image. She was greatly upset by the criticism and did not return to Brazil again for fourteen years. After returning to the United States, Miranda made her final film appearance in the 1953 film Scared Stiff with Martin and Lewis . [6] In the later years of her life, in addition to her already heavy smoking and alcohol consumption, Miranda began taking amphetamines and barbiturates , all of which took a toll on her body. [7] On August 4, 1955, Miranda suffered a heart attack during a segment of the live TV show The Jimmy Durante Show , although she did not realize it. After completing a dance number (which was later aired on A&E Network ‘s Biography episode about Miranda), she fell to her knees, and Durante instinctively told the band to “stop da music!”. He helped Miranda up to her feet as she laughed “I’m all out of breath!”. “Dat’s OK, honey, I’ll take yer lines”, Durante replied. Miranda laughed again and quickly pulled herself together, finishing the show. At the end of the broadcast, she smiled and waved, then exited the stage. She died later that night after suffering a second heart attack at her home in Beverly Hills . [8] Her last performance In accordance with her wishes, Miranda’s body was flown back to Rio de Janeiro where the Brazilian government declared a period of national mourning. [9] 60,000 people attended her mourning ceremony at the Rio town hall [3] , and more than a half a million Brazilians escorted the funeral cortège to her resting place. [10] She is buried in the Cemitério São João Batista in Rio de Janeiro . [11] For her contribution to the motion picture industry, Carmen Miranda has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6262 Hollywood Boulevard . In his third album, Tropicalia, Caetano Veloso pays tribute to her in the lyrics of the titular song, “Viva a banda, -da, -da/Carmen Miranda, -da, -da, -da, -da.” Helena Solberg made a documentary of her life, Carmen Miranda: Bananas is My Business in 1995. Miranda’s enormous, fruit-laden hats are iconic visuals recognized around the world. These costumes led to Saks Fifth Avenue developing a line of turbans and jewelry inspired by Carmen Miranda in 1939. [12] Many costume jewelry designers made fruit jewelry also inspired by Carmen Miranda which is still highly valued and collectible by vintage and antique costume jewelry collectors. Fruit jewelry is still popular in jewelry design today. Much of the fruit jewelry seen today is often still fondly called “Carmen Miranda jewelry” because of this. Her image was much satirized and taken up as camp , and today, the “Carmen Miranda” persona is popular among drag performers . The style was even emulated in animated cartoon shorts. The animation department at Warner Brothers seemed to be especially fond of the actress’s image. Animator Virgil Ross used it in his short Slick Hare , featuring Bugs Bunny , who escapes from Elmer Fudd by hiding in the fruit hat. Bugsy himself mimics Miranda briefly in What’s Cookin’ Doc? Tex Avery also used it in his MGM short Magical Maestro when an opera singer is temporarily changed into the persona, fruit hat and all, via a magician’s wand. 1944 “I’m Just Wild About Harry” Brazilian singer Ney Matogrosso ‘s album Batuque brings the period and several of Miranda’s early hits back to life in faithful style. Caetano Veloso paid tribute to Miranda for her early samba recordings made in Rio when he recorded “Disseram que Voltei Americanizada” on the live album Circuladô Vivo in 1992. He also examined her iconic legacy of both kitsch and sincere samba artistry in an essay in the New York Times . Additionally, on one of Veloso’s most popular songs, “Tropicalia”, Veloso sings “Viva a banda da da da….Carmem Miranda da da da” as the final lyrics of the song. Singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett included a tribute to Carmen Miranda on his 1973 album A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean , entitled “They Don’t Dance Like Carmen No More.” In the early 1970s a novelty act known as Daddy Dewdrop had a top 10 hit single in the US titled “Chick-A-Boom,” one of Carmen’s trademark song phrases, although the resemblance ended there. The band Pink Martini recorded “Tempo perdido” for their Hey Eugene! Album on 2007. Brazilian author Ruy Castro wrote a biography of Carmen Miranda entitled Carmen, published in 2005 in Brazil. This book has yet to appear in English. Visitors to Rio de Janeiro can find a museum dedicated to Carmen Miranda in the Flamengo neighborhood on Avenida Rui Barbosa. The museum includes several original costumes, and shows clips from her filmography. There is also a museum dedicated to her in Marco de Canaveses , Portugal called “Museu Municipal Carmen Miranda”, with various photos and one of the famous hats. Outside the museum there is a statue of Carmen Miranda. A hot air balloon in her likeness was conceived in 1982 at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta by Jacques Soukup and Kirk Thomas. Named “Chic-I-Boom”, the craft was built by Cameron England, and was the first special-shaped hot-air balloon ever to fly at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. The original Chic-I-Boom was retired from flight in 1996, and a new Chic-I-Boom was built by Aerostar. Chic-I-Boom’s bananas are each 50 feet long. The singer Leslie Fish created a song called “Carmen Miranda’s Ghost is Haunting Space Station Three”, in which a space station is inundated with fresh fruit . A science fiction anthology later had the same title. John Cale , a member of the Velvet Underground , issued a song called “The Soul of Carmen Miranda” on his album Words for the Dying. A suburb in Sydney, Australia called “Miranda” has a night club called “Carmens” thus being Carmens (in) Miranda. Some time ago, I saw an interview with Alice Faye as the guest. Alice said that 20th Century Fox had entered into a rather boring period and they were looking to breathe some new life into the studio. Carmen Miranda burst onto the scene. Alice Faye said she was a bundle of energy and despite her “hokey” appearance and crazy costumes, she was extraordinarily talented and a very savvy business woman. She was exactly what the studio was looking for and everyone there welcomed her. No wonder Carmen Miranda quickly rose to the status of highest paid female celebrity in the country. Sources: imdb.com, nndb.com, youtube, wikipedia William “Count” Basie (August 21, 1904 – April 26, 1984) was an American jazz pianist , organist , bandleader , and composer . Basie led his jazz orchestra almost continuously for nearly 50 years. Many notable musicians came to prominence under his direction, including tenor saxophonists Lester Young and Herschel Evans , trumpeters Buck Clayton and Harry “Sweets” Edison and singers Jimmy Rushing and Joe Williams . Basie’s theme songs were “ One O’Clock Jump ” and “ April In Paris “. William James Basie was born to Harvey Lee Basie, and Lillian Ann Childs, who lived on Mechanic Street in Red Bank, New Jersey . [1] [2] His father worked as a coachman and caretaker for a wealthy judge. After automobiles replaced horses , his father became a groundskeeper and handyman for several families in the area. [3] His mother, a piano player who gave Basie his first piano lessons, took in laundry and baked cakes for sale and paid 25 cents a lesson for piano instruction for him. [4] [5] Basie was not much of a scholar and instead dreamed of a traveling life, inspired by the carnivals which came to town. He only got as far as junior high school. [6] He would hang out at the Palace Theater in Red Bank and did occasional chores for the management, which got him free admission to the shows. He also learned to operate the spotlights for the vaudeville shows. One day, when the pianist failed to arrive by show time, Basie took his place. Playing by ear, he quickly learned to improvise music appropriate to silent movies . [7] Though a natural at the piano, Basie preferred drums. However, the obvious talents of another young Red Bank area drummer, Sonny Greer (who was Duke Ellington ‘s drummer from 1919 to 1951), discouraged Basie and he switched to piano exclusively by age 15. [4] They played together in venues until Greer set out on his professional career. By then Basie was playing with pick-up groups for dances, resorts, and amateur shows, including Harry Richardson’s “Kings of Syncopation”. [8] When not playing a gig, he hung out at the local pool hall with other musicians where he picked up on upcoming play dates and gossip. He got some jobs in Asbury Park, New Jersey , playing at the Hongkong Inn, until a better player took his place. [9] Around 1924, he went to Harlem , a hotbed of jazz, living down the block from the Alhambra Theater. Early after his arrival, he bumped into Sonny Greer , who was by then the drummer for the Washingtonians, Duke Ellington ‘s early band. [10] Soon, Basie met many of the Harlem musicians who were making the scene, including Willie “the Lion” Smith and James P. Johnson . Basie toured in several acts between 1925 and 1927, including Katie Krippen and Her Kiddies as part of the Hippity Hop show; on the Keith , the Columbia Burlesque, and the Theater Owners Bookers Association (T.O.B.A.) vaudeville circuits; and as a soloist and accompanist to blues singers Katie Krippen and Gonzelle White. [11] [12] His touring took him to Kansas City , St. Louis , New Orleans , and Chicago . Throughout his tours, Basie met many great jazz musicians, including Louis Armstrong . [13] Count Basie, piano; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Buddy DeFranco, clarinet; Clark Terry, trumpet; Freddie Green, guitar; Jimmy Lewis, bass; Gus Johnson, drums, from the film, “Rhythm and Blues Review,” October 1950 “One O’Clock Jump” Back in Harlem in 1925, Basie got his first steady job at Leroy’s, a place known for its piano players and its “cutting contests”. The place catered to “uptown celebrities”, and typically the band winged every number without sheet music (using “head” arrangements). [14] He met Fats Waller , who was playing organ at the Lincoln Theater accompanying silent movies, and Waller taught him how to play that instrument (Basie later played organ at the Eblon Theater in Kansas City). [15] As he did with Duke Ellington, Willie “the Lion” Smith helped Basie out during the lean times arranging gigs at house-rent parties, introducing him to other top musicians, and teaching him some piano technique. [16] In 1928 Basie was in Tulsa and heard Walter Page and his Famous Blue Devils, one of the first big bands , which featured Jimmy Rushing on vocals. [17] A few months later, he was invited to join the band, which played mostly in Texas and Oklahoma . It was at this time that he began to be known as ‘Count’ Basie (see Jazz royalty ). [18] “April In Paris” The following year, Basie became the pianist with the Bennie Moten band based in Kansas City, inspired by Moten’s ambition to raise his band to the level of Duke Ellington’s or Fletcher Henderson ‘s. [19] Where the Blue Devils were “snappier” and more “bluesy”, the Moten band was classier and more respected, and played in the “ Kansas City stomp ” style. [20] In addition to playing piano, Basie was co-arranger with Eddie Durham, who actually did the notating. [21] During a stay in Chicago, Basie recorded with the band. He occasionally played four-hand piano and dual pianos with Moten, who also conducted. [22] The band improved with several personnel changes, including the addition of tenor saxophonist Ben Webster . When the band voted Moten out, Basie took over for several months as Count Basie and his Cherry Blossoms until the band folded, when he returned to Moten’s newly re-organized band. [23] When Moten died in 1935 after a surgical procedure, the band unsuccessfully attempted to stay together. Then Basie formed a new band, which included many Moten alumni, with the important addition of tenor player Lester Young . They played at the Reno Club and sometimes were broadcast on local radio. Late one night with time to fill, the band started improvising. Basie liked the results and named the piece “ One O’Clock Jump “. [24] According to Basie, “we hit it with the rhythm section and went into the riffs , and the riffs just stuck. We set the thing up front in D-flat, and then we just went on playing in F”. It became his signature tune. [25 Ella with the Count. Gershwins’ “Lady Be Good” At the end of 1936, Basie and his band, now billed as Count Basie and His Barons of Rhythm, moved from Kansas City and honed their repertoire at a long engagement at the Grand Terrace Ballroom in Chicago. [26] Right from the start, Basie’s band was noted for its rhythm section. Another Basie innovation was the use of two tenor saxophone players; at the time, most bands had just one. When Lester Young complained of Herschel Evans ‘ vibrato, the two were split apart and placed one on each side of the alto players, and soon Basie had the tenor players engaged in “duels”. Many other bands later adapted the split tenor arrangement. [27] One of my favorite tunes!! “Make Me Rainbows” In that city in October 1936, members of the band participated in a recording session which producer John Hammond later described as “the only perfect, completely perfect recording session I’ve ever had anything to do with”. [28] Hammond, according to Basie, had heard Basie’s band over short-wave radio, then he went to Kansas City to check them out. [29] The results were Lester Young’s earliest recordings. Those four sides were released under the name Jones-Smith Incorporated, because Basie had already signed with Decca Records but had not started recording for them (his first Decca session was January 1937). The sides were “Shoe Shine Boy”, “Evening”, “Boogie Woogie”, and “Oh, Lady Be Good”. [30] By now, Basie’s sound was characterized by a “jumping” beat and the contrapuntal accents of his own piano. His personnel around 1937 included: Lester Young and Herschel Evans (tenor sax), Freddie Green (guitar), Jo Jones (drums), Walter Page (bass), Earle Warren (alto sax), Buck Clayton and Harry Edison (trumpet), Benny Morton and Dickie Wells (trombone). [31] Lester Young, known as “Prez” by the band, came up with nicknames for all the other band members. Basie became known as “Holy Man”, “Holy Main”, and just plain “Holy”. [32] Basie favored blues , and he showcased some of the most notable blues singers of the era: Billie Holiday , Jimmy Rushing , Big Joe Turner , Helen Humes , and Joe Williams . He also hired arrangers who knew how to maximize the band’s abilities, such as Eddie Durham and Jimmy Mundy . When they arrived in New York, they made the Woodside Hotel their base (where they often rehearsed in the basement). Soon, they were booked at the Roseland Ballroom for the Christmas show. Basie recalled a review, which in his words was something like, “We caught the great Count Basie band which is supposed to be so hot he was going to come in here and set the Roseland on fire. Well, the Roseland is still standing”. [33] Compared to the reigning band of Fletcher Henderson , Basie’s band lacked polish and presentation. [34] Hammond advised and encouraged them, and they soon came up with some adjustments, including softer playing, more solos, more standards, and saving their hottest numbers for later in the show to give the audience a chance to warm up. [35] His first official recordings for Decca followed, under contract to agent MCA, including “ Pennies from Heaven ” and “ Honeysuckle Rose “. [36] Joe Wiliams and the Count Basie Orchestra, “I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me.” Hammond introduced Basie to Billie Holiday who was soon singing with the band. (Holiday didn’t record with Basie, however, as she had her own record contract and preferred working with small combos). [37] The band’s first appearance at the Apollo Theater followed, with vocalists Holiday and Rushing getting the most attention. [38] Eddie Durham came back to help with arranging and composing, but for the most part their numbers were worked out in rehearsal, with Basie, guiding the proceedings, and the results written out little if at all. Once they found what they liked, they usually were able to repeat it using their collective memory. [39] Nancy Wilson with Joe Williams and the Count -Joe’s hit song with Count Basie, “All Right! Okay. You win!” Next, Basie played at the Savoy , which was noted more for jitterbugging , while the Roseland was more of a place for fox-trots and congas . [40] In early 1938, the Savoy was the meeting ground for a “battle of the bands” with Chick Webb ‘s group. Basie had Holiday and Webb countered with Ella Fitzgerald . As Metronome magazine proclaimed, “Basie’s Brilliant Band Conquers Chick’s”, then it went on in detail, “Throughout the fight, which never let down in its intensity during the whole fray, Chick took the aggressive, with the Count playing along easily and, on the whole, more musically scientifically. Undismayed by Chick’s forceful drum beating, which sent the audience into shouts of encouragement and appreciation and casual beads of perspiration to drop from Chick’s brow onto the brass cymbals, the Count maintained an attitude of poise and self-assurance. He constantly parried Chick’s thundering haymakers with tantalizing runs and arpeggios which teased more and more force from his adversary”. [41] The publicity over the battle, before and after, gave the Basie band a big boost and they gained wider recognition, as evidenced by Benny Goodman ‘s recording of One O’Clock Jump shortly thereafter. [42] A few months later, Holiday left for Artie Shaw ‘s band, and was replaced by Helen Humes ; she was also ushered in by John Hammond, and stayed with Basie for four years. [43] Co-arranger and trombone player Eddie Durham left for Glenn Miller ‘s orchestra and was replaced by Dicky Wells . Basie’s 14-man band began playing at the Famous Door, a mid-town nightspot, with a CBS network feed and air conditioning . Their fame took a huge leap. [44] Adding to their play book, Basie received arrangements from Jimmy Mundy (who had also worked with Benny Goodman and Earl Hines ) particularly for “Cherokee”, “Easy Does It”, and “Super Chief”. [45] In 1939, Basie and his band made a major cross-country tour, including their first West Coast dates. A few months later, Basie quit MCA and signed with the William Morris Agency, who got them better fees. [46] “Everyday I Have The Blues” In 1942, Basie moved to Queens with Catherine Morgan, after being married to her for a few years. On the West Coast, the band did a spot in Reveille With Beverly, a musical starring Ann Miller , and also a “Command Performance” for Armed Forces Radio with Hollywood stars Clark Gable , Bette Davis , Carmen Miranda , Jerry Colonna , and singer Dinah Shore . [47] Other minor movie spots followed including Choo Choo Swing, Crazy House, Top Man, and Hit Parade of 1943. [48] They also started to record with RCA. [49] The war years caused a lot of member turn over, and the band worked many play dates with lower pay. Dance hall bookings were down sharply as swing began to fade, the effects of the musicians’ strikes of 1942-44 and 1948 began to be felt and the public’s growing taste for singers . The big band era appeared to be over after the war (c. 1946), and Basie disbanded the group. For awhile, he performed in combos, sometimes stretched to an orchestra. In 1950, he headlined the Universal-International short film ‘Sugar Chile’ Robinson, Billie Holiday, Count Basie and His Sextet . He reformed his group as a 16-piece orchestra in 1952. Basie credits Billy Eckstine , a top male vocalist of the time, for prompting his return to Big Band and Norman Granz for getting him into the Birdland club and promoting the new band through recordings on the Mercury , Clef , and Verve labels. [50] The jukebox era had begun, and Basie shared the exposure along with early rock’n’roll and rhythm and blues artists. Basie’s new band was more of an ensemble group, with fewer solo turns, and relying less on “head” and more on written arrangements. “Lil’ Darling” Basie added touches of bebop “so long as it made sense”, and he required that “it all had to have feeling”. Basie’s band was sharing Birdland with bebop greats Charlie Parker , Dizzy Gillespie , and Miles Davis . Behind the occasional bebop solos, though, he always kept his strict rhythmic pulse, “so it doesn’t matter what they do up front; the audience gets the beat”. [51] Basie also added flute to some numbers, a novelty at the time that became widely copied. [52] Soon, they were touring and recording again. The new band included: Paul Campbell , Tommy Turrentine , Johnny Letman , and Idris Sulieman , Joe Newman (trumpet); Jimmy Wilkins , Benny Powell , Matthew Gee (trombone); Paul Quinichette and Floyd Johnson (tenor sax); Marshall Royal and Ernie Wilkins (alto sax); and Charlie Fowlkes (baritone sax). [53] Down Beat said “(Basie) has managed to assemble an ensemble that can thrill both the listener who remembers 1938 and the youngster who has never before heard a big band like this”. [54] In 1954, the band made its first European tour. Jazz was especially strong in France , The Netherlands , and Germany in the 1950’s; These countries were the stomping grounds for many expatriate jazz stars who were either resurrecting their careers or sitting out the years of racial divide in the United States. Neal Hefti began to provide arrangements, notably “ Lil Darlin’ “. By the mid-1950s, Basie’s band had become one of the preeminent backing big bands for some of the most prominent jazz vocalists of the time. They also toured with the “Birdland Stars of 1955”, whose lineup included Sarah Vaughan , Erroll Garner , Lester Young , George Shearing , and Stan Getz . [55] 1962 Count Basie and Sarah Vaughan, “Lover Man” In 1957, Basie released the live album Count Basie at Newport . “ April in Paris ” (arrangement by Wild Bill Davis) was a best-selling instrumental and the title song for the hit album. [56] The Basie band made two tours in the British Isles and on the second, they put on a command performance for Queen Elizabeth II , along with Judy Garland , Vera Lynn , and Mario Lanza . [57] In 1959, Basie’s band recorded a “greatest hits” double album The Count Basie Story ( Frank Foster , arranger) and “Basie and Eckstine, Inc.”: album featuring Billy Eckstine, Quincy Jones (as arranger) and the Count Basie Orchestra. It was released by Roulette Records, then later reissued by Capital Records. Later that year, Basie appeared on a television special with Fred Astaire , featuring a dance solo to “ Sweet Georgia Brown “, followed in January 1960 by Basie performing at one of the five John F. Kennedy Inaugural Balls. [58] That summer, Basie and Duke Ellington combined forces for the recording First Time! The Count Meets the Duke, each providing four numbers from their play books. [59] Sarah with Count Basie, “Until I Met You” During the balance of the 1960s, the band kept busy with tours, recordings, television appearances, festivals, Las Vegas shows, and travel abroad, including cruises. Some time around 1964, Basie adopted his trademark yachting cap. [60] Through steady changes in personnel, Basie led the band into the 1970s. Basie made a few more movie appearances, such as the Jerry Lewis film Cinderfella (1960) and the Mel Brooks movie Blazing Saddles (1974), playing his arrangement of “ April in Paris “. Basie died of pancreatic cancer in Hollywood, Florida on April 26, 1984 at the age of 79. [15] Basie hitched his star to some of the most famous vocalists of the 1950s and 1960s, which helped keep the Big Band sound alive and added greatly to his recording catalog. Jimmy Rushing sang with Basie in the late 1930s. Joe Williams toured with the band and was featured on the 1957 album One O’Clock Jump , and 1956’s Count Basie Swings, Joe Williams Sings , with “ Every Day (I Have the Blues) ” becoming a huge hit. With Billy Eckstine on the album Basie-Eckstine Inc., in 1959. Ella Fitzgerald made some memorable recordings with Basie, including the 1963 album Ella and Basie! . With the ‘New Testament’ Basie band in full swing, and arrangements written by a youthful Quincy Jones , this album proved a swinging respite from her Songbook recordings and constant touring she did during this period. She even toured with the Basie Orchestra in the mid-1970s, and Fitzgerald and Basie also met on the 1979 albums A Classy Pair , Digital III at Montreux , and A Perfect Match , the last two also recorded live at Montreux. In addition to Quincy Jones , Basie was using arrangers such as Benny Carter (Kansas City Suite), Neal Hefti ( The Atomic Mr Basie ), and Sammy Nestico (Basie-Straight Ahead). Sinatra and Basie, “Luck Be A Lady” Frank Sinatra recorded for the first time with Basie on 1962’s Sinatra-Basie and for a second studio album on 1964’s It Might as Well Be Swing , which was arranged by Quincy Jones . Jones also arranged and conducted 1966’s live Sinatra at the Sands . In May 1970, Sinatra performed in London ‘s Royal Festival Hall with the Basie orchestra, in a charity benefit for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children . Sinatra later said of this concert “I have a funny feeling that those two nights could have been my finest hour, really. It went so well; it was so thrilling and exciting”. [61] Judy Garland, and Count Basie, “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” Basie also recorded with Tony Bennett in the early 1960s — their albums together included the live recording at Las Vegas and Strike Up the Band, a studio album. Basie also toured with Bennett, including a date at Carnegie Hall . Other notable recordings were with Sammy Davis, Jr. , Bing Crosby , and Sarah Vaughan . One of Basie’s biggest regrets was never recording with Louis Armstrong , though they shared the same bill several times. [62] Quick Bio Facts: Good Morning Blues: The Autobiography of Count Basie (1985, memoir, with Al bert Murray) Sources: Wikipedia, imdb.com, nndb.com, youtube 37.810448 -122.239864 August 26, 2010 Noël Coward Sir Noël Peirce Coward (16 December 1899 – 26 March 1973) was an English playwright, composer, director, actor and singer, known for his wit, flamboyance, and what Time magazine called “a sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise”. [1] Born in Teddington , a suburb of London, Coward attended a dance academy in London as a child, making his professional stage début at the age of eleven. As a teenager he was introduced into the high society in which most of his plays would be set. Coward achieved enduring success as a playwright, publishing more than 50 plays from his teens onwards. Many of his works, such as Hay Fever , Private Lives , Design for Living , Present Laughter and Blithe Spirit , have remained in the regular theatre repertoire. He composed hundreds of songs, in addition to well over a dozen musical theatre works (including the operetta Bitter Sweet and comic revues ), poetry, several volumes of short stories, the novel Pomp and Circumstance, and a three-volume autobiography. Coward’s stage and film acting and directing career spanned six decades, during which he starred in many of his own works. At the outbreak of World War II , Coward volunteered for war work, running the British propaganda office in Paris. He also worked with the Secret Service, seeking to use his influence to persuade the American public and government to help Britain. Coward won an Academy Honorary Award in 1943 for his naval film drama, In Which We Serve , and was knighted in 1969. In the 1950s he achieved fresh success as a cabaret performer, performing his own songs, such as “ Mad Dogs and Englishmen “, “ London Pride ” and “ I Went to a Marvellous Party “. His plays and songs achieved new popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, and his work and style continue to influence popular culture. Coward did not publicly acknowledge his homosexuality, but it was discussed candidly after his death by biographers including Graham Payn , his long-time partner, and in Coward’s diaries and letters, published posthumously. The former Albery Theatre (originally the New Theatre) in London was renamed the Noël Coward Theatre in his honour in 2006. Coward was born in 1899 in Teddington , England , a suburb of London. His parents were Arthur Sabin Coward (1856–1937), a piano salesman, and Violet Agnes Coward (1863–1954), daughter of Henry Gordon Veitch, a captain and surveyor in the Royal Navy . [2] Noël Coward was the second of their three sons, the eldest of whom had died in 1898 at the age of six. [3] Coward’s father lacked ambition and industry, and family finances were often poor. Coward was bitten by the performing bug early and appeared in amateur concerts by the age of seven. He attended the Chapel Royal Choir School as a young child. He had little formal schooling but was a voracious reader. [4] From the revue ‘This year of grace’ 1927, “Dance Little Lady” Encouraged by his ambitious mother, who sent him to a dance academy in London, [5] Coward’s first professional engagement was in January 1911 as Prince Mussel in the children’s play The Goldfish. [6] The leading actor-manager Charles Hawtrey , whom the young Coward idolised and from whom he learned a great deal about the theatre, cast him in the children’s play Where the Rainbow Ends . Coward played in the piece in 1911 and 1912 at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End . [8] [9] In 1912 Coward also appeared at the Savoy Theatre in An Autumn Idyll (as a dancer in the ballet) and at the London Coliseum in A Little Fowl Play, by Harold Owen, in which Hawtrey starred. [10] Italia Conti engaged Coward to appear at the Liverpool Repertory Theatre in 1913, and in the same year he was cast as the Lost Boy Slightly in Peter Pan . [11] He reappeared in Peter Pan the following year, and in 1915 he was again in Where the Rainbow Ends. [12] He worked with other child actors in this period, including Hermione Gingold (whose mother threatened to turn “that naughty boy” out); [13] Fabia Drake ; Esmé Wynne , with whom he collaborated on his earliest plays; Alfred Willmore, later known as Micheál MacLíammóir ; and Gertrude Lawrence who, Coward wrote in his memoirs, “gave me an orange and told me a few mildly dirty stories, and I loved her from then onwards.” [9] [14] [15] 1962 Judy Garland and Noel Coward talking. In 1913, when Coward was 14, he became the protégé and probably the lover of Philip Streatfeild , a society painter. [16] Streatfeild introduced him to Mrs Astley Cooper and her high society friends. [17] Streatfeild died from tuberculosis in 1915, but Mrs Astley Cooper continued to encourage her late friend’s protégé, who remained a frequent guest at her estate, Hambleton Hall. [18] Coward continued to perform during most of World War I, appearing at the Prince of Wales’s Theatre in 1916 in The Happy Family [15] and on tour with Amy Brandon Thomas’s company in Charley’s Aunt . In 1917, he appeared in The Saving Grace, a comedy produced by Hawtrey. Coward recalled in his memoirs, “My part was reasonably large and I was really quite good in it, owing to the kindness and care of Hawtrey’s direction. He took endless trouble with me… and taught me during those two short weeks many technical points of comedy acting which I use to this day.” [19] “Rehab” In 1918, Coward was drafted into the Artists Rifles but was assessed as unfit for active service because of a tubercular tendency, and he was discharged on health grounds after nine months. [20] That year he appeared in the D. W. Griffith film Hearts of the World in an uncredited role. He sold short stories to several magazines to help his family financially. [4] He also began writing plays, collaborating on the first two (Ida Collaborates (1917) and Women and Whisky (1918)) with his friend Esmé Wynne. [21] His first solo effort as a playwright was The Rat Trap (1918) which was eventually produced at the Everyman Theatre , Hampstead , in October 1926. [22] During these years, he met Lorn McNaughtan, [23] who became his private secretary and served in that capacity for more than forty years, until her death. [4] In 1920, at the age of 20, Coward starred in his own play, the light comedy I’ll Leave It to You. After a tryout in Manchester , it opened in London at the New Theatre (renamed the Noël Coward Theatre in 2006), his first full-length play in the West End. [24] Neville Cardus ‘s praise in The Manchester Guardian was grudging. [25] Notices for the London production were mixed, but encouraging. [4] The Observer commented, “Mr Coward… has a sense of comedy, and if he can overcome a tendency to smartness, he will probably produce a good play one of these days.” [26] The Times, on the other hand, was enthusiastic: “It is a remarkable piece of work from so young a head – spontaneous, light, and always ‘brainy’.” [27] 1928 “A Room With A View” The play ran for a month (and was Coward’s first play seen in America), [24] after which Coward returned to acting in works by other writers, starring as Ralph in The Knight of the Burning Pestle in Birmingham and then London. [28] He did not enjoy the role, finding Francis Beaumont and his sometime collaborator John Fletcher “two of the dullest Elizabethan writers ever known … I had a very, very long part, but I was very, very bad at it”. [29] Nevertheless, The Manchester Guardian thought that Coward got the best out of the role, [30] and The Times called the play “the jolliest thing in London”. [31] Coward completed a one-act satire, The Better Half, about a man’s relationship with two women. It had a short run at The Little Theatre, London, in 1922. The critic St. John Ervine wrote of the piece, “When Mr Coward has learned that tea-table chitter-chatter had better remain the prerogative of women he will write more interesting plays than he now seems likely to write.” [32] The play was thought to be lost until a typescript was found in 2007 in the archive of the Lord Chamberlain’s Office , the official censor of stage plays in the UK until 1968. [33] In 1921, Coward made his first trip to America, hoping to interest producers there in his plays. Although he had little luck, he found the Broadway theatre stimulating. [4] He absorbed its smartness and pace into his own work, which brought him his first real success as a playwright with The Young Idea. The play opened in London in 1923, after a provincial tour, with Coward in one of the leading roles. [34] The reviews were good: “Mr Noël Coward calls his brilliant little farce a ‘comedy of youth’, and so it is. And youth pervaded the Savoy last night, applauding everything so boisterously that you felt, not without exhilaration, that you were in the midst of a ‘rag’.” [35] One critic, who noted the influence of George Bernard Shaw on Coward’s writing, thought more highly of the play than of Coward’s newly found fans: “I was unfortunately wedged in the centre of a group of his more exuberant friends who greeted each of his sallies with ‘That’s a Noëlism!'” [36] The play ran in London from 1 February to 24 March 1923, after which Coward turned to revue , co-writing and performing in André Charlot ‘s London Calling! [37] In 1924, Coward achieved his first great critical and financial success as a playwright with The Vortex . The story is about a nymphomaniac socialite and her cocaine-addicted son (played by Coward). Some saw the drugs as a mask for homosexuality, [38] while Kenneth Tynan later described it as “a jeremiad against narcotics with dialogue that sounds today not so much stilted as high-heeled”. [39] The Vortex was considered shocking in its day for its depiction of sexual vanity and drug abuse among the upper classes. Its notoriety and fiery performances attracted large audiences, justifying a move from a small suburban theatre to a larger one in the West End. [40] Coward, still having trouble finding producers, raised the money to produce the play himself. During the run of The Vortex, Coward met Jack Wilson , an American stockbroker (later a director and producer), who became his business manager and lover. Wilson used his position to steal from Coward, but the playwright was in love and accepted both the larceny and Wilson’s heavy drinking. [41] The success of The Vortex in both London and America caused a great demand for new Coward plays. In 1925 he premiered Fallen Angels , a three-act comedy that amused and shocked audiences with the spectacle of two middle-aged women slowly getting drunk while awaiting the arrival of their mutual lover. [42] Hay Fever , the first of Coward’s plays to gain an enduring place in the mainstream theatrical repertoire, also appeared in 1925. It is a comedy about four egocentric members of an artistic family who casually invite acquaintances to their country house for the weekend and bemuse and enrage each other’s guests. Some writers have seen elements of Coward’s old mentor, Mrs Astley Cooper, and her set in the characters of the family. [43] By the 1970s the play was recognised as a classic, described in The Times as a “dazzling achievement; like The Importance of Being Earnest , it is pure comedy with no mission but to delight, and it depends purely on the interplay of characters, not on elaborate comic machinery.” [44] By June 1925 Coward had four shows running in the West End: The Vortex, Fallen Angels, Hay Fever and On With the Dance . [45] Coward was turning out numerous plays and acting in his own works and others’. Soon, his frantic pace caught up with him, and he collapsed on stage in 1926 while starring in The Constant Nymph and had to take an extended rest in Hawaii . [41] Other Coward works produced in the mid-to-late 1920s included the plays Easy Virtue (1926), a drama about a divorcée’s clash with her snobbish in-laws; The Queen Was in the Parlour, a Ruritanian romance ; This Was a Man (1926), a comedy about adulterous aristocrats; The Marquise (1927), an eighteenth-century costume drama; Home Chat (1927), a comedy about a married woman’s fidelity; and the revues On With the Dance (1925) and This Year of Grace (1928). None of these shows has entered the regular repertoire, but the last introduced one of Coward’s best-known songs, “A Room with a View”. [46] His biggest failure in this period was the play Sirocco (1927), which concerns free love among the wealthy. It starred Ivor Novello , of whom Coward said, “the two most beautiful things in the world are Ivor’s profile and my mind”. [47] Theatregoers hated the play, showing violent disapproval at the curtain calls and spitting at Coward as he left the theatre. [41] Coward later said of this flop, “My first instinct was to leave England immediately, but this seemed too craven a move, and also too gratifying to my enemies, whose numbers had by then swollen in our minds to practically the entire population of the British Isles.” [48] 1955, “Nina” By then one of the world’s highest-earning writers, with an annual income in 1929 of £50,000, [49] Coward thrived during the Great Depression , writing a succession of popular hits. [50] These ranged from large-scale spectaculars to intimate comedies. Examples of the former were the operetta Bitter Sweet (1929), about a woman who elopes with her music teacher, and the historical extravaganza Cavalcade (1931) at Drury Lane , about thirty years in the lives of two families, which required a huge cast, gargantuan sets and a complex hydraulic stage. Its 1933 film adaptation won the Academy Award for best picture. Coward’s intimate-scale hits of the period included Private Lives (1930) and Design for Living (1932). In Private Lives, Coward starred alongside his most famous stage partner, Gertrude Lawrence , together with the young Laurence Olivier . It was a highlight of both Coward’s and Lawrence’s career, selling out in both London and New York. Coward disliked long runs, and after this he made a rule of starring in a play for no more than three months at any venue. [41] Design for Living, written for Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne , was so risqué, with its theme of bisexuality and a ménage à trois, that Coward premiered it in New York, knowing that it would not survive the censor in London. [51] In 1933, Coward wrote, directed and co-starred with French singer Yvonne Printemps in both London and New York productions of an operetta, Conversation Piece (1933). [41] Coward next wrote, directed and co-starred with Lawrence in Tonight at 8:30 (1936), a cycle of ten short plays that were shuffled to make a different playbill of three plays each night. One of these plays, Still Life , was expanded into the 1945 David Lean film Brief Encounter . [52] Tonight at 8:30 was followed by a musical, Operette (1937), from which the most famous number is “The Stately Homes of England”, and a revue entitled Set to Music (1938, a Broadway version of his 1932 London revue, Words and Music). [53] Coward’s last pre-war plays were This Happy Breed , a drama about a working-class family, and Present Laughter , a comic self-caricature with an egomaniac actor as the central character. These were first performed in 1942, although they were both written in 1939. [54] Between 1929 and 1936, Coward recorded many of his best-known songs for His Master’s Voice (HMV), now reissued on CD, including the romantic “ I’ll See You Again ” from Bitter Sweet, the comic “ Mad Dogs and Englishmen ” from Words and Music, and “Mrs Worthington”. [55] With the outbreak of World War II, Coward abandoned the theatre and sought official war work. After running the British propaganda office in Paris, where he concluded that “if the policy of His Majesty’s Government is to bore the Germans to death I don’t think we have time”, [56] he worked on behalf of British intelligence. [57] His task was to use his celebrity to influence American public and political opinion in favour of helping Britain. [58] He was frustrated by British press criticism of his foreign travel while his countrymen suffered at home, but he was unable to reveal that he was acting on behalf of the Secret Service. [59] In 1942, George VI wished to award Coward a knighthood for his efforts, but was dissuaded by Winston Churchill . Mindful of the public view of Coward’s flamboyant lifestyle, Churchill advised giving the official reason as Coward’s ₤200 fine for contravening currency regulations in 1941. [59] Had the Germans invaded Britain, Coward was scheduled to be arrested and killed, as he was in The Black Book along with other figures such as Virginia Woolf , Paul Robeson , Bertrand Russell , C. P. Snow and H. G. Wells . When this came to light after the war, Coward wrote: “If anyone had told me at that time I was high up on the Nazi blacklist, I should have laughed … I remember Rebecca West , who was one of the many who shared the honour with me, sent me a telegram which read: ‘My dear – the people we should have been seen dead with’.” [60] Churchill’s view was that Coward would do more for the war effort by entertaining the troops and the home front than by intelligence work: “Go and sing to them when the guns are firing – that’s your job!” [61] Coward, though disappointed, followed this advice. He toured, acted and sang indefatigably in Europe, Africa, Asia and America. [62] He wrote and recorded war-themed popular songs, including “ London Pride ” and “ Don’t Let’s Be Beastly to the Germans “. His London home was wrecked by German bombs in 1941, and he took up temporary residence at the Savoy Hotel . [63] During one air raid on the area around the Savoy he joined Carroll Gibbons and Judy Campbell in impromptu cabaret to divert the captive guests from their fears. [64] Another of Coward’s wartime projects, as writer, star, composer and co-director (alongside David Lean), was the naval film drama In Which We Serve . The film was popular on both sides of the Atlantic, and he was awarded an honorary certificate of merit at the 1943 Academy Awards ceremony. [65] Coward played a naval captain, basing the character on his friend Lord Louis Mountbatten . Lean went on to direct and adapt film versions of several Coward plays. [41] Coward’s most enduring work from the war years was the hugely successful black comedy Blithe Spirit (1941), about a novelist who researches the occult and hires a medium. A séance brings back the ghost of his first wife, causing havoc for the novelist and his second wife. [41] With 1,997 consecutive performances, it broke box-office records for the run of a West End comedy, and was also produced on Broadway , where its original run was 650 performances. [66] The play was later filmed by David Lean. Coward toured during the war years in Blithe Spirit, alternating the piece with his comedy Present Laughter and his working-class drama This Happy Breed. “Dont Cha” Live in Las Vegas, 1953 In Coward’s Middle East Diary, he made several statements that offended many Americans. In particular, he commented that he was “less impressed by some of the mournful little Brooklyn boys lying there in tears amid the alien corn with nothing worse than a bullet wound in the leg or a fractured arm”. [67] After protests from both The New York Times and the Washington Post , the Foreign Office urged Coward not to visit the United States in January 1945. He did not return to America again during the war. In the immediate aftermath of the war, Coward wrote an alternate history , Peace In Our Time , a play depicting an England occupied by Nazi Germany . [50] Coward’s new plays after the war were moderately successful but failed to match the popularity of his pre-war hits. [68] Relative Values (1951) addresses the culture clash between an English aristocratic family and a Hollywood actress with matrimonial ambitions; South Sea Bubble (1951) is a political comedy set in a British colony; Quadrille (1952) is a drama about Victorian love and elopement; and Nude with Violin (1956, starring John Gielgud in London and Coward in New York) is a satire on modern art. [69] A revue, Sigh No More (1945), was a moderate success, [70] but two musicals, Pacific 1860 (1946), a lavish South Seas romance, and Ace of Clubs (1949), set in a night club, were financial failures. [71] In addition, his friends Charles Cochran and Gertrude Lawrence died in 1951 and 1952, respectively. Despite his disappointments during this period, Coward maintained a high public profile; his performance as King Magnus in Shaw’s The Apple Cart for the Coronation season of 1953, co-starring Margaret Leighton , received much coverage in the press, [72] and his cabaret act, honed during his wartime tours entertaining the troops, was a supreme success, first in London at the Café de Paris , and later in Las Vegas . [73] The theatre critic Kenneth Tynan wrote: To see him whole, public and private personalities conjoined, you must see him in cabaret … he padded down the celebrated stairs … halted before the microphone on black-suede-clad feet, and, upraising both hands in a gesture of benediction, set about demonstrating how these things should be done. Baring his teeth as if unveiling some grotesque monument, and cooing like a baritone dove, he gave us “I’ll See You Again” and the other bat’s-wing melodies of his youth. Nothing he does on these occasions sounds strained or arid; his tanned, leathery face is still an enthusiast’s…. If it is possible to romp fastidiously, that is what Coward does. He owes little to earlier wits, such as Wilde or Labouchere . Their best things need to be delivered slowly, even lazily. Coward’s emerge with the staccato, blind impulsiveness of a machine-gun. [39] In 1955, Coward’s cabaret act at Las Vegas, recorded live for the gramophone, and released as Noël Coward at Las Vegas [74] was so successful that CBS engaged him to write and direct a series of three 90-minute television specials for the 1955-1956 season. The first of these, Together With Music, paired Coward with Mary Martin , featuring him in many of the numbers from his Las Vegas act. [75] It was followed by productions of Blithe Spirit in which he starred with Claudette Colbert , Lauren Bacall and Mildred Natwick and This Happy Breed with Edna Best and Roger Moore . Despite excellent reviews, the audience viewing figures were moderate. [76] During the 1950s and 1960s, Coward continued to write musicals and plays. After the Ball , his 1953 adaptation of Lady Windermere’s Fan , was the last musical he debuted in the West End; his last two musicals premiered on Broadway. Sail Away (1961), set on a luxury cruise liner, was Coward’s most successful post-war musical, with productions in America, Britain and Australia. [77] The Girl Who Came to Supper , a musical adaptation of The Sleeping Prince (1963), ran for only three months. [78] He directed the successful 1964 Broadway musical adaptation of Blithe Spirit, called High Spirits . Coward’s late plays include a farce, Look After Lulu! (1959), and a tragi-comic study of old age, Waiting in the Wings (1960), both of which were successful despite “critical disdain”. [79] Coward argued that the primary purpose of a play was to entertain, and he made no attempt at modernism, which he felt was boring to the audience although fascinating to the critics. His comic novel, Pomp and Circumstance (1960), about life in a tropical British colony, met with more critical success. [80] Coward’s final stage success came with Suite in Three Keys (1966), a trilogy set in a hotel penthouse suite. He wrote it as his swan song as a stage actor: “I would like to act once more before I fold my bedraggled wings.” [81] The trilogy gained glowing reviews and did good box office business in the UK. [82] In one of the three plays, A Song at Twilight , Coward abandoned his customary reticence on the subject and played an explicitly homosexual character. The daring piece earned Coward new critical praise. [83] He intended to star in the trilogy on Broadway but was too ill to travel. Only two of the Suite in Three Keys plays were performed in New York, with the title changed to Noël Coward in Two Keys, starring Hume Cronyn . [84] Coward won new popularity in several notable films later in his career, such as Around the World in 80 Days (1956), Our Man in Havana (1959), Bunny Lake is Missing (1965), Boom! (1968) and The Italian Job (1969). [85] Stage and film opportunities he turned down in the 1950s included an invitation to compose a musical version of Pygmalion (two years before My Fair Lady was written), and offers of the roles of the king in the original stage production of The King and I , and Colonel Nicholson in the film The Bridge on the River Kwai . [86] Invited to play the title role in the 1962 film Dr. No , he replied, “No, no, no, a thousand times, no.” [87] In the same year, he turned down the role of Humbert Humbert in Lolita , saying, “At my time of life the film story would be logical if the 12-year-old heroine was a sweet little old lady.” [88] Marlene Dietrich and Noel Coward.  “A Lifelong Friendship,” with a very brilliant introduction by the famous English Playwriter/Director Sir Noel Coward, before Marlene`s Performance at The Cafe De Paris in London 1954. In the mid-1960s and early 1970s successful productions of his 1920s and 1930s plays, and new revues celebrating his music, including Oh, Coward! on Broadway and Cowardy Custard in London, revived Coward’s popularity and critical reputation. He dubbed this comeback “Dad’s Renaissance”. [89] This began with a hit 1963 revival of Private Lives in London and then New York. [90] Invited to direct Hay Fever with Edith Evans at the National Theatre , he wrote in 1964, “I am thrilled and flattered and frankly a little flabbergasted that the National Theatre should have had the curious perceptiveness to choose a very early play of mine and to give it a cast that could play the Albanian telephone directory.” [91] Other examples of “Dad’s Renaissance” included a 1968 Off Broadway production of Private Lives at the Theatre de Lys starring Elaine Stritch , Lee Bowman and Betsy von Furstenberg , and directed by Charles Nelson Reilly . Despite this impressive cast, Coward’s popularity had risen so high that the theatre poster for the production used an Al Hirschfeld caricature of Coward (pictured) [92] instead of an image of the production or its stars. The illustration captures how Coward’s image had changed by the 1960s: he was no longer seen as the smooth 1930s sophisticate, but as the doyen of the theatre. As The New Statesman wrote in 1964: “Who would have thought the landmarks of the Sixties would include the emergence of Noël Coward as the grand old man of British drama? There he was one morning, flipping verbal tiddlywinks with reporters about “Dad’s Renaissance”; the next he was… beside Forster , T. S. Eliot and the OMs , demonstrably the greatest living English playwright.” [93] Time magazine wrote that “in the ’60s… his best work, with its inspired inconsequentiality, seemed to exert not only a period charm but charm, period.” [1] By the end of the 1960s, Coward suffered from arteriosclerosis and, during the run of Suite in Three Keys, he struggled with bouts of memory loss. [94] This also affected his work in The Italian Job , and he retired from acting immediately afterwards. [95] He died at his home in Jamaica on 26 March 1973 of heart failure [44] and was buried three days later on the brow of Firefly Hill, Jamaica, overlooking the north coast of the island. A memorial service was held in St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London on 29 May 1973, for which the Poet Laureate , John Betjeman , wrote and delivered a poem in Coward’s honour, [96] John Gielgud and Laurence Olivier read verse and Yehudi Menuhin played Bach . On 28 March 1984 a memorial stone was unveiled by the Queen Mother in Poets’ Corner , Westminster Abbey . Thanked by Coward’s partner, Graham Payn , for attending, the Queen Mother replied, “I came because he was my friend.” [97] His classic 30’s recording on a 1958 EP, “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” Coward was knighted in 1969 and was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature . [98] He received a Tony Award for lifetime achievement. [99] The Noël Coward Theatre in St Martin’s Lane , originally opened in 1903 as the New Theatre and later called the Albery, was renamed in his honour after extensive refurbishment, re-opening on 1 June 2006. A statue of Coward was unveiled by the Queen Mother in the foyer of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 1998. [100] There are also sculptures of Coward displayed in New York and Jamaica. [101] In 2008 an exhibition devoted to Coward was mounted at the National Theatre in London. [102] The exhibition was later hosted by the Museum of Performance & Design in San Francisco and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills , California. [103] Coward was homosexual but, following the convention of his times, this was never publicly mentioned. The critic Kenneth Tynan ‘s description in 1953 was close to an acknowledgment of Coward’s sexuality: “Forty years ago he was Slightly in Peter Pan, and you might say that he has been wholly in Peter Pan ever since. No private considerations have been allowed to deflect the drive of his career; like Gielgud and Rattigan , like the late Ivor Novello , he is a congenital bachelor.” [39] Coward firmly believed his private business was not for public discussion, considering “any sexual activities when over-advertised” to be tasteless. [104] Even in the 1960s, Coward refused to acknowledge his sexual orientation publicly, wryly observing, “There are still a few old ladies in Worthing who don’t know.” [105] Despite this reticence, he encouraged his secretary Cole Lesley to write a frank biography once Coward was safely dead. [106] Details of his sexual life emerged; for instance, from his youth Coward had a distaste for penetrative sex . [107] [108] Coward’s most important relationship, which began in the mid-1940s and lasted until his death, was with the South African stage and film actor Graham Payn . [109] Coward featured Payn in several of his London productions. Payn later co-edited with Sheridan Morley the collection of Coward’s diaries, published in 1982. Coward’s other relationships included the playwright Keith Winter, actors Louis Hayward and Alan Webb , his manager John (Jack) C. Wilson (1899–1961) and the composer Ned Rorem , who published details of their relationship in his diaries. [110] Coward had a 19-year friendship with Prince George, Duke of Kent , but biographers differ on whether it was platonic. [111] According to Payn, Coward maintained that it was simply a friendship. [112] Coward said, on the duke’s death, “I suddenly find that I loved him more than I knew.” [113] Coward maintained close friendships with many women, including the actress and author Esmé Wynne-Tyson , his first collaborator and constant correspondent; the designer Gladys Calthrop; his secretary and close confidante Lorn Loraine; the actresses Gertrude Lawrence , Joyce Carey and Judy Campbell; and “his loyal and lifelong amitié amoureuse“, Marlene Dietrich . [114] In his profession, Coward was widely admired and loved for his generosity and kindness to those who fell on hard times. Stories are told of the unobtrusive way in which he relieved the needs or paid the debts of old theatrical acquaintances who had no claim on him. [44] Coward was the president of The Actors’ Orphanage , which was supported by the theatrical industry. In that capacity, he befriended the young Peter Collinson , who was in the care of the orphanage. He became Collinson’s godfather and helped him to get started in show business. When Collinson was a successful director, he invited Coward to play a role in The Italian Job . Graham Payn also played a small role in the film. [115] In the 1950s, Coward left the UK for tax reasons, receiving harsh criticism in the press. [116] He first settled in Bermuda but later bought houses in Jamaica and Switzerland (in the village of Les Avants , near Montreux ), which remained his homes for the rest of his life. [117] His expatriate neighbours and friends included Joan Sutherland , David Niven , Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor , and Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards in Switzerland [118] and Ian Fleming and his wife Ann in Jamaica. Coward was a witness at the Flemings’ wedding, but his diaries record his exasperation with their constant bickering. [119] On, “What’s My Line?” Coward’s political views were conservative, but not unswervingly so: he despised the government of Neville Chamberlain for its policy of appeasing Nazi Germany, and he differed sharply with Winston Churchill over the abdication crisis of 1936. Whereas Churchill supported Edward VIII ‘s wish to marry “his cutie”, Wallis Simpson , Coward thought the king irresponsible, telling Churchill, “England doesn’t wish for a Queen Cutie.” [120] Coward disliked propaganda in plays: “The theatre is a wonderful place, a house of strange enchantment, a temple of illusion. What it most emphatically is not and never will be is a scruffy, ill-lit, fumed-oak drill hall serving as a temporary soap box for political propaganda.” [121] Nevertheless, his own views sometimes surfaced in his plays: both Cavalcade and This Happy Breed are “overtly Conservative political plays written in the Brechtian epic manner.” [122] In religion, Coward was agnostic. He wrote of his views, “Do I believe in God? I can’t say No and I can’t say Yes, To me it’s anybody’s guess.” [123] Coward spelled his first name with the diæresis (“I didn’t put the dots over the ‘e’ in Noël. The language did. Otherwise it’s not Noël but Nool!”). [124] The press and many book publishers failed to follow suit, and his name was printed as ‘Noel’ in The Times, The Observer and other contemporary newspapers and books. [125] The papers of Noël Coward are held in the University of Birmingham Special Collections. [126] “Why”, asked Coward, “am I always expected to wear a dressing-gown, smoke cigarettes in a long holder and say ‘Darling, how wonderful’?” [127] The answer lay in Coward’s assiduous cultivation of a carefully crafted image. As a suburban boy who had been taken up by the upper classes, he rapidly acquired the taste for high life: “I am determined to travel through life first class.” [128] He first wore a dressing gown onstage in The Vortex and used the fashion in several of his other famous plays, including Private Lives and Present Laughter. [129] [130] In connection with the National Theatre’s 2008 exhibition, The Independent commented, “His famous silk, polka-dot dressing gown and elegant cigarette holder both seem to belong to another era. But 2008 is proving to be the year that Britain falls in love with Noël Coward all over again.” [102] As soon as he achieved success he began polishing the Coward image: an early press photograph showed him sitting up in bed holding a cigarette holder: “I looked like an advanced Chinese decadent in the last phases of dope.” [131] Soon after that, Coward wrote, “I took to wearing coloured turtle-necked jerseys, actually more for comfort than for effect, and soon I was informed by my evening paper that I had started a fashion. I believe that to a certain extent this was true; at any rate, during the ensuing months I noticed more and more of our seedier West-End chorus boys parading about London in them.” [132] He soon became more cautious about overdoing the flamboyance, advising Cecil Beaton to tone down his outfits: “It is important not to let the public have a loophole to lampoon you.” [133] However, Coward was happy to generate publicity from his lifestyle. [41] In 1969, he told Time magazine, “I acted up like crazy. I did everything that was expected of me. Part of the job.” Time concluded, “Coward’s greatest single gift has not been writing or composing, not acting or directing, but projecting a sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise.” [1] Coward’s distinctive clipped diction arose from his childhood: his mother was deaf and Coward developed his staccato style of speaking to make it easier for her to hear what he was saying; it also helped him eradicate a slight lisp. [134] His nickname, “The Master”, “started as a joke and became true”, according to Coward. It was used of him from the 1920s onwards. [135] Coward himself made light of it: when asked by a journalist why he was known as “The Master”, he replied, “Oh, you know – Jack of all trades, master of none.” [136] He could, however, joke about his own immodesty: “My sense of my importance to the world is relatively small. On the other hand, my sense of my own importance to myself is tremendous.” [137] When a Time interviewer apologised, “I hope you haven’t been bored having to go through all these interviews for your [70th] birthday, having to answer the same old questions about yourself”, Coward rejoined, “Not at all. I’m fascinated by the subject.” [1] The playwright John Osborne said, “Mr Coward is his own invention and contribution to this century. Anyone who cannot see that should keep well away from the theatre.” [138] Kenneth Tynan wrote in 1964, “Even the youngest of us will know, in fifty years’ time, exactly what we mean by ‘a very Noel Coward sort of person’.” [39] In praise of Coward’s versatility, Lord Mountbatten said, in a tribute on Coward’s seventieth birthday, “There are probably greater painters than Noël, greater novelists than Noël, greater librettists, greater composers of music, greater singers, greater dancers, greater comedians, greater tragedians, greater stage producers, greater film directors, greater cabaret artists, greater TV stars. If there are, they are fourteen different people. Only one man combined all fourteen different labels – The Master.” [139] “Don’t Let’s Be Beastly To The Germans” Tynan’s was the first generation of critics to realise that Coward’s plays might enjoy more than ephemeral success. In the 1930s, Cyril Connolly wrote that they were “written in the most topical and perishable way imaginable, the cream in them turns sour overnight”. [140] What seemed daring in the 1920s and 1930s came to seem old-fashioned in the 1950s, and Coward never replicated the success of his pre-war plays. [39] By the 1960s, however, it was becoming clear that underneath the witty dialogue and the Art Deco glamour of the inter-war years, Coward’s best plays also dealt with recognisable people and familiar relationships. [141] By the time of his death, The Times was writing of him, “None of the great figures of the English theatre has been more versatile than he”, and the paper ranked his plays in “the classical tradition of Congreve , Sheridan , Wilde and Shaw “. [44] A symposium published in 1999 to mark the centenary of Coward’s birth listed some of his major productions scheduled for the year in Britain and North America, including Ace of Clubs, After the Ball, Blithe Spirit, Cavalcade, Easy Virtue, Hay Fever, Present Laughter, Private Lives, Sail Away, A Song at Twilight, The Young Idea and Waiting in the Wings, with stars including Lauren Bacall , Rosemary Harris , Ian McKellen , Corin Redgrave , Vanessa Redgrave and Elaine Stritch . [142] In another tribute, Tim Rice said of Coward’s songs: “The wit and wisdom of Noël Coward’s lyrics will be as lively and contemporary in 100 years’ time as they are today”, [121] and many have been recorded by Paul McCartney , Sting , Elton John , Robbie Williams , Pet Shop Boys , The Divine Comedy , Vic Reeves , Ian Bostridge , Damon Albarn , Michael Nyman , and others. [143] [144] [145] Coward’s music and writings and his characteristic voice and style have been widely parodied and imitated, for instance by Jonathan Meese and in Monty Python , Round the Horne and Privates on Parade . [146] [147] Coward has frequently been depicted as a character in plays, [148] [149] films, television and radio shows, for example, in the 1969 Julie Andrews film Star! (in which Coward was portrayed by his godson, Daniel Massey ), [150] the award-winning BBC sitcom Goodnight Sweetheart [151] and a BBC Radio 4 series. [152] [153] On stage, characters based on Coward have included Beverly Carlton in the 1939 Broadway play The Man Who Came to Dinner . [154] A play about the friendship between Coward and Marlene Dietrich , called Lunch with Marlene , by Chris Burgess, ran at the New End Theatre in 2008. The second act presents a musical revue, including Coward songs such as “Don’t Let’s Be Beastly to the Germans”. [155] Coward was an early admirer of the plays of Harold Pinter , and backed Pinter’s film version of The Caretaker with a £1,000 investment. [156] Some critics have detected Coward’s influence in Pinter’s plays. [157] Tynan compared Pinter’s “elliptical patter” to Coward’s “stylised dialogue”. [156] Pinter returned the compliment by directing the National Theatre’s revival of Blithe Spirit in 1976. [158] Sources: Wikipedia, youtube, imdb.com, nndb.com Plays The Last Chapter (Ida Collaborates) (1917), one-act comedy, co-written with Esmé Wynne under their joint pen name, Esnomel Woman and Whisky (1918), one-act play, co-written with Wynne The Rat Trap (1918), play in four acts; fp 1926 I’ll Leave It to You (1920), light comedy in three acts The Young Idea (1922), comedy of youth in three acts Sirocco (1921), play in three acts, revised 1927 “A Bar on the Piccola Marina” (1954) “Why Must the Show Go On?” (Together With Music) “Sail Away” (Ace of Clubs and Sail Away) “Zigeuner” (Bitter Sweet) [46] As a songwriter, Coward was deeply influenced by Gilbert and Sullivan , although he shared a dislike of their works common in his generation. [159] [160] He recalled: “I was born into a generation that still took light music seriously. The lyrics and melodies of Gilbert and Sullivan were hummed and strummed into my consciousness at an early age. My father sang them, my mother played them… my aunts and uncles, who were legion, sang them singly and in unison at the slightest provocation.” [161] His colleague Terence Rattigan wrote that as a lyricist Coward was “the best of his kind since W. S. Gilbert .” [162] Coward’s plays adapted for film include:
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In which year was the wearing of crash helmets for motor cycle riders made compulsory?
The Motorcycle Helmet Law The Motorcycle Helmet Law You are here: Home / Rider News EU / The Motorcycle Helmet Law The Motorcycle Helmet Law 7th February 2013 The Motorcycle Helmet Law in the UK – Background Forty years ago, the “Motor Cycles (Wearing of Helmets) Regulations 1973 (S.I., 1973, No. 180), dated 7th February 1973”, was enacted – the statutory instrument came into operation on 1st June of the same year. On April 5th 1973, the order for this regulation was debated in the House of Commons, with members from either side taking opposite views. Many considered this as a gross infringement of personal liberty. However, during World War II, Dr Hugh Cairns, a consulting neurosurgeon to the British Army, recommended mandatory helmet use for British Service dispatch riders, who carried instructions and battle reports between commanders and the front lines via motorcycles. This recommendation was accepted the British Army and crash helmets became compulsory for all army motorcyclists on duty from November 1941. Cairns first became concerned about helmet use after treating the war hero T. E. Lawrence—otherwise known as Lawrence of Arabia—for a fatal head injury suffered during a 1935 motorcycle accident. Lawrence of Arabia, Sir Hugh Cairns, and the Origin of Motorcycle Helmets – Click Here – pdf 825kb On 31st May 1956, a motion was introduced into the House of Commons “(Helmets to be worn by Drivers and Riders of Motorcycles). After a lengthy debate, this motion was withdrawn. New Clause.—(Helmets to be worn by drivers and riders of Motor Cycles.) – Click Here However, six years later in 1962, in the Road Traffic Bill of that year, there was proposed (on Report) a new clause to give the Minister power to make an order such as the one (wearing of helmets), that had been made and was before the House. Road Traffic Bill – Click Here Evening of 1973 In the gallery at the House of Commons on that evening in April 1973, were motorcyclists listening carefully to the debate. MP Ronald Bell (Buckinghamshire South) opened the debate: “I beg to move, That this House takes note of the Motor Cycles (Wearing of Helmets) Regulations 1973 (S.I., 1973, No. 180), dated 7th February 1973, a copy of which was laid before this House on 14th February. Perhaps I should say a word about the form of this motion. It started life as a Prayer against the statutory instrument requiring those riding on motor cycles to wear crash helmets, but before time could be found for it to be debated the 40 days applicable to a Prayer had run out. (NB: known as an Early Day Motion – EDMs against statutory instruments are known as ‘prayer’ and generally the only type of EDM that leads to a debate.) Accordingly, my motion has been transformed into one to “take note” of this statutory instrument. That is the procedure to be adopted, but I assure the House that the last thing I want to do is to take note of this instrument. Since I consider that an important question of principle arises here, having moved that motion, I shall ultimately vote against it and invite my hon. Friends and hon. Members opposite to adopt the same procedure of principle with me and to vote against taking note of this instrument, that being the only way in which at this stage after the 40 days have passed the House can indicate its dissent from the course that has been taken. (…)” Enoch Powell Enoch Powell was noted for his oratorical skills, and for being a maverick . He was a champion of this cause, his powerful intervention in the House of Commons in relation to his opposition to the compulsory wearing of helmets by motorcyclists argued in favour of individual freedom. Although he was not the only MP to oppose this regulation, he was certainly the most eloquent. Herewith are excerpts from Powell’s intervention in the House of Commons that evening: “We are told, first, that avoidable accidents—and nearly all accidents are in one sense or another avoidable—increase the cost imposed on the National Health Service. That is a fallacy, because the cost is not determined by the demands on the NHS but upon the supply, by what we decide from year to year to spend upon the Service. But then it is said—and the right hon. Member for Vauxhall (Mr. Strauss) said it in a previous debate—that it shifts the resources of the NHS from one sort of case to another. Of course we could enter into endless consideration of the reasons which brought patients to be treated under the NHS—all manner of avoidable accidents, unwise courses of life, unwise behaviour of every kind. Are we to make all these criminal offences because the consequences might be to divert the use of resources inside the NHS? At other times the argument is broadened. We are told that every one has people who are dependent on him— most of us do—or linked with him humanly in one way or another, and that therefore we ought to create a criminal offence in order to punish a person for endangering the support or affectionate feelings of those with whom he is linked, or to prevent him from doing so. The House must perceive how far we shall be taken if we embark upon that course. There is hardly a single decision which a man can take, certainly no important decision, no decision even about what sport to engage in, without affecting potentially the welfare of his family, the interests of his friends and the affections of those with whom he is linked. If we do this thing on such grounds, we shall be laying the basis for a series of new laws which will reach right into every act, every form of behaviour, every choice of the average citizen. The last and the most beguiling argument—and I imagine it is the argument which operates upon those hon. Members who will reject my argument and that of my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Buckinghamshire, South—is that if this crime is created there will be fewer road casualties from this cause. That is the most alarming argument of all that could be used in this House of Commons: that because by doing so we could reduce the number of deaths from a particular cause—not deaths inflicted by other people’s carelessness, not deaths resulting from the omission of precautions which those who manufacture articles or sell them could have been caused to take, but deaths resulting from private and uniquely personal decisions—therefore we can make it a crime to take that sort of risk. That argument is the most dangerous because it is the most beguiling. When one bastion after another of individual freedom, of independence, is breached, it does not happen in an unpopular context. It does not happen when the reasons for doing so are unattractive. It does so when sentiment and emotion and the feelings of all of us are engaged. None of us likes to contemplate the notion of a young man whose life could have been saved being lost because he was not wearing a crash helmet. Our first natural instinct and reaction, having legislative power in our hands, is to use that legislative power. But that is where the danger lies. The abuse of legislative power by this House is far more serious and more far-reaching in its effects than the loss of individual lives through foolish decisions. I say just that and I repeat that, as a Member of the House of Commons speaking to the House of Commons. The maintenance of the principles of individual freedom and responsibility is more important than the avoidance of the loss of lives through the personal decision of individuals, whether those lives are lost swimming or mountaineering or boating, or riding horseback, or on a motor cycle. We are sent here to make laws and to preserve liberties. If we allow this regulation to stand, we shall have failed in the duties we were sent here to perform”. Motor Cyclists (Helmets) – Click Here Reduction of Motorcyclist Fatalities On March 1st, 1976, in the House of Commons, the Road Traffic (Seat Belt) Bill was debated for a Second Reading (and rejected). On that occasion Enoch Powell returned to the issue of motorcycle crash helmets and used it as an example in order to defeat the proposed Seat Belt Bill. On this occasion, he provided evidence that the introduction of the helmet law made no difference whatsoever in the reduction of motorcyclist fatalities. He argued: “There is one precedent, and only one in the strict sense, for what we are doing, and it is a significant one. I am referring to the legislation enacted under the previous Administration which made it a criminal offence to ride a motor cycle without a crash helmet. I believe that that was the first instance, and this proposition has not been shaken, when it was made a criminal offence (…). That precedent in the matter of wearing safety helmets, which this House by about 55 votes to 15 decided to establish, is now being promptly followed. It is being followed within a matter of two or three years. But this will not be the end. These are by no means the only circumstances in which the failure of individuals to take certain precautions in their private lives entails all manner of risk to themselves and, indirectly, consequences which may be tragic upon others. There is the whole realm of sporting activity, such as mountaineering, boating, and so on, where there are precautions which ought to be taken, and which any sensible person will take. We shall be told presently that these, too, have to be regulated. It will not stop there, because it cannot logically stop there. We shall be told, and rightly, that a man’s habits in life—smoking, the manner in which he conducts his life, indulges himself—affect materially his prospects of survival, as certainly they do. There will, therefore, be increasingly irresistible pressure, once we break through this barrier of principle, to envelop one area of personal decision after another within the criminal law. I believe, therefore, that it is of outstanding importance that, even though this principle has once been breached, it should be reasserted and upheld. I fear I shall not carry the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South with me on this, but I should not fear to accept the loss of life which might otherwise, by the breaching of that principle, have been avoided. As I said in the debate on the wearing of crash helmets, many lives have been laid down, and are laid down, in order to maintain the essentials of personal liberty in a society living under the law. Nevertheless, we ought in this debate not to be carried away with the projections and predictions of the Minister. In this context—I am not straying on to the merits—it is instructive to look back at what we were told on the first occasion when we breached this principle—in the matter of safety helmets. The then Minister said: Our estimate”— that is the estimate of the Minister’s predecessors— taking all these figures into account”— that is taking into account the proportion of people who were already wearing crash helmets— and bearing in mind that there are no longer people of 16 years of age riding the larger motor cycles, is that some 300 to 400 deaths and serious injuries would be saved each year. One half of these casualties would involve teenagers.”—[ Official Report, 5th April 1973; Vol. 854, c. 771. ] It was under that advice, under the impression that the number involved was 300 or 400 a year, that hon. Members, in a thin House, decided in favour of the crash helmet legislation. We can now apply a fairly rigorous test to the fulfilment of that prediction. On 29th November 1974, the Minister’s predecessor gave me the comparison between motor cycle casualties—deaths and serious injuries—in the 12 months before and the 12 months immediately after the wearing of crash helmets became compulsory. It is here that one has about as straight a comparison as one could hope to get, if one bears in mind the growth of traffic and the estimate, which was stated in the answer to my Question, that the number of motor cycle riders rose between those two years by 12 per cent. Having noted that, we can make the comparison of the outcome with the prediction. The number of deaths, all ages, for the year before was 505; for the year after, the figure was 506. Of those under 20 years of age, the figure for the year before was 236, while for the year after it was 235. Let us consider the number seriously injured. The number of seriously injured, all ages, was up by 12’3 per cent., while for those under 20 the figure was up by 24 per cent. comparing the year after with the year before. If one takes both figures together, which I think is statistically objectionable, for the statistic of death is a statistic of a different category from the statistic of serious injury, one finds that the number of killed and seriously injured together was up by 11.6 per cent. In other words, so far as one can judge the matter at all by the out-turn, the legislation had no effect whatever upon deaths and serious injury among those riding motor cycles. If it be said, however, that there is significance in the fact that the number of deaths remained static instead of rising by 12 per cent., and if we suppose that that effect was due solely to the wearing of crash helmets—which I think is clearly an extreme assumption—the number of deaths and serious injuries saved in a year was not 300 to 400, but 40. So, with the best will in the world, the calculations which were genuinely intended to give the best possible guidance to the House, the advice which we were offered when we decided to establish this precedent, have turned out to be repudiated and refuted by the outcome, however generously interpreted. I hear someone ask whether 40 lives are not worth saving. Of course they are; but I want to know what I am losing at the same time. If, to delay those 40 deaths, I have to assent to a proposition being established which can be applied successively in one area after another of personal behaviour, then I say, as hon. Members in this House and in generations gone by have said, that in the end the principle is what we are here to uphold, and we must not be distracted by the appeal to figures of casualties looked at in isolation. I do not rest upon the statistics, though my own belief is that the estimates which the Minister with entirely proper intentions and entirely sincerely has been advised to give will probably be found to be grossly exaggerated. As legislators we are here considering what will be the cost in the future of legislation which makes it a criminal offence for a person to endanger himself in circumstances in which thereby he directly endangers no other person whatsoever. That is something which I believe the Legislature should not do”. Road Traffic (Seat Belts) Bill – Click Here Religious Exemption of Sikhs Moving onto the Religious Exemption of Sikhs to wear motorcycle helmets, during the debate in the House of Commons in January 1975, the MP responsible for this bill was Sydney Bidwell MP for Ealing-Southall who argued that: “In battle time the Sikh has never been called upon to discard his turban in favour of the war hat or tin helmet worn by other soldiers under battle fire. It has been known for bullets to lodge in the hair of Sikhs. No one would care if at that time a Sikh was not wearing a tin hat. So far as I know, right up to the present time the long hair and turban are freely accepted in the three branches of the British Armed Services. I cannot imagine that the true Sikh is ever told that his services are no longer required in any shape or form. As citizens of the Commonwealth, many Sikhs from the middle 1950s onwards have come to the United Kingdom. They are hard working and are winning their way in British society. In the past, because of native prejudice and misunderstanding, they have had to struggle for the right to wear the turban, particularly at work. We have overcome objections to the right to wear long hair and the turban, notably in transport in the Midlands and in London. Some factory cases have been fought and overcome. Uniformed caps and helmets are not enforced against the Sikh’s religious belief”. In November 1976, Her Majesty the Queen gave her Royal Assent to a Bill to exempt turbanned Sikhs from having to wear crash-helmets when riding a motor-cycle: The motorcycle Crash-Helmets (Religious Exemption) Act, 1976. Motor-Cycle Crashhelmets (Religious Exemption) Bill – Click Here Fred Hill The consequence of this exemption was that one man, Fred Hill was to provide impetus to the recently formed Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) to call for the helmet law to be rescinded. Fred Hill was born in Yorkshire and spent the war as a dispatch rider before becoming a Mathematics teacher after the war. Ian Mutch now President for life of MAG UK wrote about Fred Hill and explained his reasons for refusing to wear a helmet and the price this “freedom fighter” paid. “(…) Fred’s involvement with MAG and the anti helmet law campaign began in 1976 after the Sikhs gained and exemption from the law. There were those at the time who were uncertain about Fred’s motivation, fearing that it might be racist, born of the resentment that an immigrant minority were enjoying preferential treatment. Those who met Fred, heard his speeches, and got to know him a little, were re-assured that this was not the case. If Sikhs did not have to wear helmets then nobody should have to although he rarely ever made any reference to the Sikhs’ preferential treatment. While Fred’s personal campaign was passive, it was absolute, in that Fred never wore a helmet and never paid a fine. In consequence, huge number of summonses began falling through his letter box, when a journalist from the motorcycle press went to interview him in his home in Hayes, Middlesex. Fred produced a sizeable suitcase packed with summonses that he kept as souvenirs, all unpaid. It was his refusal to pay the fines, rather than the helmetless riding offence, that led the courts to imprison Fred, the charge being the more serious one of “Contempt of Court”. Although he was always polite to the authorities that pursued and imprisoned him, Fred was totally unimpressed by people in high positions, and was never intimidated by them. On one occasion a woman magistrate was endeavouring to chastise Fred for breaking the law, to which criticism, Fred, implicitly referring to Emily Pankhurst and the female emancipation movement, replied, “if it hadn’t been for a woman breaking the law, you wouldn’t be sitting there now madam”. Fred was sentenced to a total of 31 prison sentences over the eight year coursed of his campaign, sometimes for as little as twenty-four hours, rising to a maximum of two months, his final spell which he half completed in London’s Notorious Pentonville prison”. Who Was Fred Hill? – Click Here Forty Years On Forty years on, all riders (except Sikhs) are required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle in the UK and in fact in most countries throughout the world. Generally it is accepted that in a crash scenario helmets help to prevent injuries. Few people of principle remain from those days in 1973 when the imposition of mandatory helmet use was felt to be unnecessary because the vast majority (88%) of motorcyclists wore helmets anyway and it was felt that this was an abuse of legislative power and removed the freedom of liberties. The introduction of the helmet law in the UK was a defining moment for motorcycling because it established precedence for “safety” legislation for this form of transport. The latest of which has recently (2012) been enacted into law via the European parliament through the requirement for ABS brakes and mandatory headlights for these vehicles. Trevor Baird was the General Secretary of MAG UK. He resigned in 2008 and in his farewell speech to the Annual General Conference that year, said: “(…) the principle of MAG’s objection to the helmet law is not an umbilical attachment, but a philosophy that underpins MAG’s existence. Thus, every action we have taken, every action we should take, centres around this one fundamental principle. It’s not about whether you wear a helmet or in fact any form of protection, it’s about whether you choose to do so. It’s a way of life that I share with my friends and fellow riders. The culture of safety and security eats away at everything we do and dinosaurs like myself, find it harder to explain that each of us must stand up and be counted. Helmets, protective clothing, leg protectors, electronic safety devices may or may not save us. Our wits and God’s favour might. But in the end, we must have the right to live our lives as we see fit, respecting our fellow man, but in freedom”. Lawrence of Arabia and the Helmet Law – Click Here Elaine Hardy, PhD
1973
Who voiced the character 'Buzz Lightyear' in 'Toy Story'?
Chronology of Motorcycle Legislation Chronology of Motorcycle Legislation Chronology of Motorcycle Legislation in Britain The First Century 1905. 21,521 machines registered in Britain. 1916. 150,000 motorcycles registered in Britain. 1920. More than 200 marques available. 1921. First Moto Guzzis produced. 1923. First BMW's produced. 1924. Over 500,000 machines registered for use. 1929. Highest ever casualty rate at 1,582,000 1934. Speed limits introduced. 1938. New registrations slump to 30,093 1940 - 45. Don't mention it, but the army suddenly required a large number of machines! 1947. First Honda Produced. 1960. Learner riders restricted to motorcycles under 250cc / Highest recorded number of motorcycles in use. 1961. MOT Test for motorcycles older than 10 years introduced. 1964. British motorcycle industry starts collapsing. 1967 MOT Test threshold reduced to 3 years. 1968. First Aprilia produced. 1970. 86 decibel noise limit introduced for motorcycles larger than 125cc (not implemented until 1982) 1971. Motorcycles first used after 1/1/71 required to be equipped with dipped beam headlight 1971. All motorcycle riders required to have passenger insurance 1971. Motorcycle minimum age raised to 17. Moped age left at 16 1973. Wearing of crash helmets made compulsory for all motorcycle riders 1973 MAG formed by riders protesting against the unjust introduction of compulsory helmet legislation. 1975. Requirement for motorcycles to carry a front number plate abolished. 1976. Government exempts followers of Sikh religion when wearing turbans from helmet law. 1977. Mopeds first used after 1/8/77 not permitted to have maximum design speed greater than 30 mph. 1980. 77 decibel limit on Mopeds first used after 1/10/80. 1980. Right hand sidecars banned on motorcycles registered after 1/8/81 1980. Highest ever new registrations at 315,641. 1982. EEC 86 decibel noise limit implemented. 1982. Two part motorcycle test introduced (1981 act) 1982. One year ban introduced (1981 act) 1983. Learner riders restricted to 125cc motorcycles (1981 act) 1983. Motorcycles required to have main beam headlights. 1984. Ban on motorcycle trailers repealed. 1985. Repeal of the offence of rider aiding and abetting passenger who fails to wear a helmet. 1986. Motorcycles first used after 1/4/86 required to have direction indicators. 1987. EC 87/56 stage one (82 decibel) noise limit becomes Euro law. Stage 2 (80 decibels) planned for 1993. 1987. Motorcycles first used after 1/4/87 to have brake system approved by UN/ECE regulation 13.05 1987. BSI stamped aftermarket exhausts made compulsory. 1987. Crash helmet visors required to comply with BSI standards. 1987. Government proposes that new motorcycles be fitted with leg protectors. 1987. Annual new registrations fall below 100,000 - lowest level since 1949. 1988. Leg protector proposal withdrawn. 1988. EC makes draft proposal for separate licence for motorcycles over 400cc 1988. Euro Demo Strasbourg, France. 1990. CBT introduced, part one test abolished 1990. EC Type Approval directive proposed. 1990. Euro Demo II, London England. 1991. EC licence directive becomes EC law without 400cc limit. 1991. EC proposes 100 bhp maximum power output from motorcycles. 1992. EC Type Approval directive becomes EU law. 1991. TRRL accused of scientific fraud over its handling of LP research. They are largely exonerated in Glaister & Cesari report 1992. Hinkley Triumphs Launched. 1992. Euro Demo III, Brussels, Belgium. 1992. EU proposes Anti Tampering regulations (French). These are later included in the Multi Directive. 1993. EU proposes 'Multi Directive'. Contains 80 decibel upper noise limit, anti tampering and emission limits. 1994. EU publishes White Paper calling for leg protector legislation 1994. 100th Gatso Camera installed. 1994. Euro Demo IV, Paris, France. 1995. New ISO standard for leg protector crash test dummy introduced. 1995. Postponement of EU power limit until new research is conducted. 1995. UK implements stage one of EU directive 87/56 and reduces maximum noise limit to 82 decibels 1995. EU proposes Design Protection regulations. 1996. TRL promote motorcycle air bags and 'leg bolsters' at ESV conference, Australia. 1996. Euro Demo V, Brussels, Belgium. 1996. Draft plans for EU roadworthiness testing (MOT) discussed. 1996. Draft EU 'End Of Life Vehicles' directive published. 1996. UK implements EU licence directive in July. 2 year 33 bhp restriction for newly qualified riders. Direct access test & Theory Test. 1997. Photo ID required for practical & theory tests from March. 1997. EU Multi Directive becomes European law. Maximum noise limit set at 80 decibels. Europe wide implementation July 1999. 1997. All main UK political parties publish 'motorcycling manifestos' 1997. Honda Belgium attempts to restrict parallel motorcycle market. They win a court case against a parallel importer. 1997. Labour wins the General Election by a landslide. The DoT becomes the DETR and consults on an integrated transport policy. 1997. Europe starts to look at End of Life Vehicles (ELV) and Roadworthiness testing regulations. 1997. Disagreements between EP and Council on Design Protection regulations. The issue moves into conciliation. 1997. Honda UK issue legal ultimatum against parallel importers. 1997. First MEP Ride.
i don't know
Which god, in Egyptian mythology, had the head of a Jackal?
Ancient Egypt: the Mythology - Anubis Anubis Symbols: jackal, ox-hide hanging from a pole, embalming equipment, flail, flags Cult Center: Heliopolis , Cynopolis The jackal-god of mummification, he assisted in the rites by which a dead man was admitted to the underworld. Anubis was worshipped as the inventor of embalming and who embalmed the dead Osiris and thereby helping to preserve him that he might live again. Anubis is portrayed as a man with the head of a jackal holding the divine sceptre carried by kings and gods; as simply a black jackal or as a dog accompanying Isis . His symbol was a black and white ox-hide splattered with blood and hanging from a pole. It's meaning is unknown. Anubis had three important functions. He supervised the embalming of bodies. He received the mummy into the tomb and performed the Opening of the Mouth ceremony and then conducted the soul in the Field of Celestial Offerings. Most importantly though, Anubis monitored the Scales of Truth to protect the dead from deception and eternal death. Early in Egyptian history, Anubis was a god of the dead. This role was usurped by Osiris as he rose in popularity. The god of embalming is probably associated with the jackal due to the habits of jackals to lurk about tombs and graves. One of the reasons the early Egyptians sought to make their tombs more elaborate was to keep the bodies safe from the jackals lingering about the graves. It is only natural therefore that a god of mummification would be connected with them. By worshipping Anubis, the Egyptians hoped to invoke him to protect their deceased from jackals, and later, the natural decay that unprotected bodies endure. Anubis was the son of Nephthys , and his father was Osiris. One myth says that Nephthys got Osiris drunk and the resultant seduction brought forth Anubis. Yet another says she disguised herself as Isis and seduced Osiris and subsequently gave birth to Anubis. Digg This!
Anubis
On which lake or inland sea does Buffalo stand?
Ancient Egyptian Jackal | Globerove Ancient Egyptian Jackal By Globerover on March 29, 2010 in Ancient Egyptian , Egypt Want to learn more about the ancient Egyptian jackal? Read on for facts and info on the endangered species of ancient Egyptian jackals and their role in Egyptian mythology... The Egyptian jackal is both a very significant mythological character in a different history as well as an endangered species of jackal that is native to the country of Egypt. It was once found all over Egypt, Libya as well as the entire Arabian Peninsula but the population has significantly decreased due to over hunting which has reduced the Egyptian jackal into an endangered species. Egyptian Jackal Mythology The ancient Egyptian jackal can be seen depicted in the form of a jackal headed god that was popularly known as Anubis. The majority of descriptions show the jackal headed god with a black colored head that is characterized by its long ears along with a pointed muzzle just like the actual animal. Anubis the jackal god is regarded as being one of the most significant mythological symbols of ancient Egypt. He was regarded as being the God of burial rituals. It was also believed that Anubis judged each soul upon its death and assigned it its designated place. Anubis was regarded as being the ruler of the underworld and the protector of the dead. Egyptian Jackal Characteristics The Egyptian jackal was characterized by its lanky structure and a thick fur coating. It appeared to be grey-beige in color although a dirty yellow shade may also be found. It had characteristic long and pointing ears that could be seen from a distance extending above its thin body. The locals referred to the Egyptian jackal as the wucharia. The Saharan wolf is considered to be a subspecies of this ancient animal. Although lanky in its appearance the Egyptian jackal is relatively heavier and larger than other species of jackals. Many critics argue that the Egyptian jackal should actually be classified as a smaller Desert wolf rather than a breed of jackal. This is primarily because of its dental measurements and the Carnal nature of its dentures. The Egyptian jackal has an elongated upper jaw with a flat bottom jaw. Over the years extensive research has been conducted on the genetic structure of the Egyptian jackal. The latest DNA research has caused scientists and zoologists to classify the Egyptian jackal as a variation of the golden jackal had not a subspecies of the gray wolf. A number of elements from the physical structure of the Egyptian jackal caused scientists to consider it as a variation of the gray wolf. These were primarily its large ears, long legs and a body that resembled that of a wolf more than that of the conventional jackal. Nonetheless scientific research has proved it to be closer to the breed of jackals than wolves. Today the ancient Egyptian jackal can hardly be seen. The largest population of this species was in the western desert of Egypt and other areas such as Kharga, Dakhla and Siwa as well as certain areas near Cairo. Although the animal has now made it to the endangered species list because of over hunting yet there are no laws that restrict the hunting of this animal in Egypt.
i don't know
Whose autobiography was entitled 'From Drags To Riches'?
Drag queen Danny La Rue dies aged 81 | Stage | The Guardian Theatre Drag queen Danny La Rue dies aged 81 Danny La Rue, the 'comic in a frock' who was appointed an OBE and performed for the Queen, has died Danny La Rue pictured in his dressing room at a theatre in Woking. Photograph: Martin Godwin Theatre Drag queen Danny La Rue dies aged 81 Danny La Rue, the 'comic in a frock' who was appointed an OBE and performed for the Queen, has died Monday 1 June 2009 09.34 EDT First published on Monday 1 June 2009 09.34 EDT This article is 7 years old Legendary British drag act Danny La Rue has died at the age of 81. The cabaret entertainer spent more than half a century on stage, and was most famous for his impersonations of such diverse female icons as Marlene Dietrich, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Margaret Thatcher. His spokesperson said that La Rue died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Kent. He had been suffering from cancer. Brian Shaw, who worked as La Rue's agent for more than 25 years, described him today as "a true show-business legend" and "a man of real class and style". Born Daniel Patrick Carroll in Ireland in 1927, La Rue was brought to England at the age of nine, and his family settled in London. The youngest of three children, he was evacuated to Devon during the blitz and worked in an Exeter shop after leaving school at the age of 15. La Rue first donned wig and eyelashes during a navy concert party in Singapore at the end of the second world war. He acquired his stage name early on, but disliked being called a drag artist, preferring the title "comic in a frock". La Rue made his London debut at the tiny Irving theatre and worked with Barbara Windsor, who remained a close friend, after he broke into cabaret. As his stage act grew even bigger, he opened his own nightclub in Hanover Square in 1964. The venture was a huge success, attracting more than 13,000 members and shooting La Rue to fame. Judy Garland, Warren Beatty, Shirley Bassey, Noël Coward, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Elizabeth Taylor were all patrons. La Rue went on to appear in pantomime in the 1960s, becoming one of the highest-paid entertainers of the decade. He clocked up 53 panto roles over the course of his 54-year career, andmade theatrical history by becoming the first man to play a female role in a major musical when he took the part of the titular matchmaker in Hello, Dolly! He later said of that role: "It took me 20 years to make something that wasn't acceptable, acceptable. I mean, it's not funny just to put on a frock and a wig. It takes a lot of time to develop a character. But I suppose I must be doing something right, otherwise I wouldn't have lasted." He went on to appear in dozens of TV shows, including The Good Old Days and Tonight With Danny La Rue. He was appointed an OBE in 2002, and performed more than 30 times at Buckingham Palace. He was the first female impersonator to appear at the Royal Variety Performance for the Queen. Following the death of his partner and manager, Jack Hanson, in 1984, La Rue developed a drinking problem and financial troubles, revealed in his 1987 autobiography, From Drags to Riches. He suffered a stroke in 2006, but had a cameo on stage the following year at Benidorm Palace in Spain, appearing in a biographical show entitled Hello Danny. Jerry Lane played the role of La Rue. Noël Coward once described La Rue as "the most professional, most witty and most utterly charming man in the business", while Bob Hope described him as "the most glamorous woman in the world". Danny La Rue, the 'comic in a frock' whose talent won him a host of loyal fans including the Queen and Noël Coward, has died. Take a look at a unique life in showbiz Published: 1 Jun 2009
Danny La Rue
On which lake or inland sea does Kampala stand?
Danny La Rue: Female impersonator who turned drag into an art form | The Independent Danny La Rue: Female impersonator who turned drag into an art form Monday 1 June 2009 23:00 BST Click to follow The Independent Online When Danny La Rue started his career as a female impersonator, drag acts were an area of show business traditionally regarded as seedy and suspect, but he successfully elevated his performance to an art form. The transformation of something seen as coarse and vulgar was achieved by adding an element of sophistication and glittering spectacle, with La Rue dressing in the most expensive and elegant costumes, and sending drag up rather than playing it straight. "A comic in a frock" was how he preferred to refer to his trade. "Wotcha, mates!" he growled in a very unladylike voice as he took to the stage, making clear from the outset that what the audience saw was definitely not a woman. He always insisted that he was not a transvestite– a man wanting to be a woman – explaining: "I never think of myself as a man or a woman when I'm in drag. I'm just an actor playing a woman." La Rue was born Daniel Patrick Carroll in the Irish city of Cork in 1927, the son of an interior decorator and a former nurse. He was 18 months old when his father died of tuberculosis, leaving his mother to bring up three daughters and two sons alone. His first experience of theatre, at the age of five, was watching the Irish comedian Jimmy O'Dea as the dame in the pantomime Mother Goose at Cork Opera House . In 1937, the Carroll family moved to London and the young Danny's love of theatre grew as he watched acts such as Arthur Lucan in the guise of Mother Riley. Then came the Second World War and, after their home was wiped out in the Blitz, the family moved to the Devon countryside outside Exeter. At school there, he was remembered for drawing women's dresses, before leaving at the age of 15 to work in Coulson's store, in Exeter, first in the bakery and then as lift attendant. Offered a job at the general outfitters J.V. Huttons, across the road, he became a trainee window-dresser while acting with an amateur dramatics group in the evenings. On turning 17, he joined the Navy (1944-47) and served aboard HMS Alaunia, part of Lord Mountbatten's task force heading for the Far East, as a steward assigned to the officers' mess. He also performed with a concert party, making his début in a spoof of the play White Cargo, acting an African girl wearing a bed sheet as a sarong. In Singapore, he took part in regular shows staged for the Army and RAF. John Gielgud, whose Ensa company was on a Far East tour, told him: "I don't like men who dress up as women, but you make me laugh." On being demobbed, Carroll returned to Huttons but continued performing on stage by joining the Exeter Dramatic Group, at the city's Theatre Royal. Switching to Huttons' London store, he was invited to join a drama group attached to the Young Women's Christian Association, which was short of male performers. He then became one of a chorus of men dressed as women in a touring all-male revue, Forces Showboat (1949-50), which starred Terry Bartlett and Colin Ross as female impersonators. He followed this with appearances in similar shows featuring ex-servicemen – Forces in Petticoats, Soldiers in Skirts and Misleading Ladies. Having given up his job at Huttons, he filled in time between acting work by washing dishes at Lyons Corner House, in Coventry Street, and working at the Post Office's Mount Pleasant sorting office. Carroll's first professional pantomime appearance was in Aladdin (Chatham Empire, 1953), joining the chorus line of men in drag alongside women. However, after becoming disillusioned with all-male revues, he gave up performing and returned to Huttons. But he found show business was impossible to leave behind completely. Paul Raymond asked him to teach young women in his touring company how to walk correctly, Siobhan McKenna took members of Dublin's Abbey Theatre company to him to learn timing, and Ralph Richardson sent his What the Butler Saw co-star Coral Browne along to learn how to stand. When the comedian Ted Gatty needed another male performer to make up the numbers in a show at the Irving Theatre, in Leicester Square, Carroll finally agreed to tread the boards again – on condition that his real name not be used, so that Huttons did not find out. Gatty came up with the pseudonym Danny La Rue. "You look wonderful in costume and you remind me of Paris, like the Follies," he told Carroll. "You are also long and lean, like a lovely French street. So I thought I would call you 'Danny the Street' – Danny La Rue." Danny La Rue was first seen in Gatty's revue Men Only, in which he was given the chance to step out of the chorus line and project his personality. As a result, in 1954, he was booked to appear in cabaret at the fashionable Churchill's nightclub in Bond Street, where he stayed for three years. He invested his money in bespoke, glamorous stage costumes and wigs, as well as in employing his own writers. Within a year, he left Huttons for the final time. Among the stage characters he created were a geisha girl, a teenage rocker and a striptease artist. In December 1956, La Rue teamed up with Alan Haynes to form a long-running Ugly Sisters partnership in pantomime and, within a couple of months, switched his own act to Winston's nightclub. While there, he made his television début in Jack Hylton's Monday Show (1958), even fooling one of the guests, the television chef Fanny Cradock, into thinking he was a woman. In 1964, after failing to get the business partnership he wanted in Winston's, the performer opened his own venue, Danny La Rue's, in Hanover Square, where his cabaret revue company included the comedian Ronnie Corbett, who had performed at Winston's. La Rue's costumes became more and more lavish, and the club ran for eight years, attracting international celebrities and royalty. In his act, La Rue parodied personalities old and new, from Nell Gwyn to Cher, and one of his most popular new characters was Lady Cynthia Grope. "It was all irrestistible fun, in the true tradition of British music hall, bawdy vulgarity, littered with innuendo, double meanings and everything thrown in for good measure," La Rue wrote in his 1987 autobiography, From Drags To Riches. "But it was never smutty, or dirty, or snide. No one ever found it obscene." At the same time, La Rue's stage career expanded into the West End with the musical comedy Come Spy With Me (Whitehall Theatre, 1966-7), Queen Passionella and Sleeping Beauty (Saville Theatre, 1969), the long-running Danny La Rue at the Palace (watched by 1,200,000 people at the Palace Theatre, 1970-72), The Danny La Rue Show (Prince of Wales Theatre, 1973-75), The Exciting Adventures of Queen Daniella (London Casino, 1975-76, and Coventry Theatre, 1976-77), Aladdin (London Palladium, 1978-9) and a critically mauled, shortlived revival of Hello, Dolly! (as Dolly Levi, Prince of Wales Theatre, 1984). He also performed in the 1969, 1972 and 1978 Royal Variety Performances and starred in the film Our Miss Fred (1972) as an actor fleeing Nazi-occupied France during the Second World War by dressing in women's clothes. On the small screen, as well as appearing in television specials and regularly in The Good Old Days, La Rue starred as Lord Fancourt Babberley in an original production of Charley's Aunt ("Play for Today", 1969) and in the title role of Queen of Hearts (1973), with Alan Haynes playing the Queen Mother. He also recorded his signature tune, "On Mother Kelly's Doorstep", for release as a single (1968), which reached No 33 in the charts. In 1969, he was named the Variety Club of Great Britain's Showbusiness Personality of the Year. La Rue's club finally closed in 1972, when it was sold to property developers, but the performer took his show out of London to northern clubs and then to Canada, Australia and New Zealand. He also remained popular in pantomime. In 2006, he suffered a mild stroke but returned to the stage within months. La Rue lived for many years with his manager, Jack Hanson, who died in 1979. Anthony Hayward Daniel Patrick Carroll (Danny La Rue), actor and female impersonator: born Cork, Republic of Ireland 26 July 1927; OBE, 2002; died Tunbridge Wells, Kent, 31 May 2009. More about:
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What is the largest member of the Tuba family?
Beginning Band: Brass Family - Trumpet - French Horn - Trombone - Baritone - Tuba Home Articles and Information Sound Clips Instrument Recommendations Contact Us The Brass Family The brass family consists of 5 major instruments with many other similar variations on them. The Trumpet/Cornet , the French Horn , the Trombone , the Baritone/Euphonium , and the Tuba/Sousaphone . Sound is produced by each instrument in the family by buzzing the lips together into the mouthpiece. These instruments are a part of the band program, along with the woodwinds family and the percussion family. The Trumpet and Cornet are two different instruments but their differences are so trivial, beginning band teachers don´t distinguish between the two. These instruments are the highest and smallest members of the brass family. The French Horn is a brass instrument somewhat larger than a trumpet so it’s pitched lower. It´s a beautiful sounding instrument but beginners should be aware of a serious difficulty with learning to play the French Horn. The Trombone , unlike the French Horn and Trumpet is considered 'low brass' and reads from the bass clef, opposed to the higher treble clef that is read by the higher instruments. The trombone is a brass instrument with a unique feature. Rather than valves or keys that are pushed with the fingertips, the trombone uses a slide to change pitches. The Baritone and Euphonium are two seperate instruments but the difference is minor and not important for a beginning band student. A baritone or euphonium can be considered a double sized trumpet or a half sized tuba. The Tuba and Sousaphone are two seperate instruments but the difference is minor and not important for a beginning band student. They are the largest and lowest instruments of the brass family.
Sousaphone
Hamid Karzai is the current (2011) President of which Asian country?
What is the largest brass instrument? | Reference.com What is the largest brass instrument? A: Quick Answer The largest brass instrument is the tuba. It is also the lowest in pitch. Because of its low tone, the tuba serves as the bass in the brass section of orchestras and other musical groups. Full Answer Tubas are featured in many styles of music, from marching bands to classical orchestras. The sousaphone is another large brass instrument that is closely related to the tuba, but it is more commonly used in marching bands. In 2013, the largest playable tuba and largest brass instrument in the world was displayed at the Musikmesse music trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany. Nearly 8 feet tall, the instrument was almost double the size of a conventional tuba.
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In which year was it made compulsory that passengers in the rear sets of a car had to wear seat belts?
Unbelted rear passengers 'biggest danger in crash' - Telegraph Unbelted rear passengers 'biggest danger in crash' By David Derbyshire, Science Correspondent 12:01AM GMT 04 Jan 2002 THE risks of dying in the front seat during a car crash increase fivefold if passengers in the back refuse to wear seat-belts, a new study shows. Analysis of 100,000 accidents has found that unbelted back seat passengers pose the biggest threat to drivers and front seat passengers. If rear seat-belts had been used in all the accidents studied, the deaths of almost 80 per cent of belted front seat occupants could have been avoided, the report concludes. Although it became compulsory to wear rear seatbelts in 1991, more than half of all passengers still refuse to use them. Men are more reluctant to wear them than women. During a car accident at 30mph, a typical rear passenger is flung forward at 30mph with a force of 3.5tons. That is enough to crush the driver or front passenger fatally. The heavier the passenger, the more damage they cause. Related Articles Plan to stop children using adult seat belts 05 Mar 2001 The new study came from Dr Masao Ichikawa, of Tokyo University, who reported the findings in The Lancet. His team studied records of about 74,000 drivers and 30,000 front seat passengers involved in collisions. Of these, 211 drivers and 173 front seat passengers died. "The risk of death of drivers and front seat passengers who used seat-belts was increased about fivefold when rear seat occupants were unrestrained." In head-on collisions, the risks for front seat occupants increased six or seven times if rear passengers were not strapped in, he said. "Our findings provide a basis for making rear seat-belt use compulsory. "Most deaths and severe injuries of front seat occupants would potentially be averted by rear seat-belt use. "To reduce the burden of road traffic injuries, we recommend that all car occupants should wear seat-belts for protection of not only themselves, but also the other passengers." Forty front seat passengers are thought to die each year in Britain as a result of back seat passengers not wearing belts, the Transport Department said. A total of 120 deaths and 1,000 serious injuries could be avoided if rear seat-belts were worn in all cars.  
1991
Assassinated by his nephew in 1975, of which country was Faisal the king?
BBC NEWS | UK | Millions 'not wearing seatbelts' Millions 'not wearing seatbelts' Brake say that putting on a seatbelt should be automatic Millions of people are not wearing seatbelts years after wearing one became compulsory, research suggests. A Liverpool Victoria survey found 2.3m drivers do not always wear seatbelts and government figures suggest only seven in 10 adults wear rear seatbelts. The wearing of seat belts was made compulsory for car drivers and front seat passengers 25 years ago, and in the back 17 years ago. Road safety charity Brake said belting up should be an "automatic" action. Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said that 60,000 lives had been saved over the past 25 years thanks to the introduction of seatbelt wearing laws on 31 January 1983. It is estimated that an 670,000 serious injuries have been prevented since seatbelts were made mandatory for drivers and front seat passengers. It is a simple, quick action which should be as automatic as looking in your mirror or putting the key in the ignition Brake Mr Fitzpatrick said: "Government campaigns have helped increase the numbers of people wearing seatbelts to more than 90% for drivers and front seat passengers but too many back seat passengers are still not belting up. "With up to 15 drivers and front seat passengers killed each year by the impact of an unbelted rear seat passenger it is vital that everyone - young or old, travelling in the front or back - wears a seatbelt." In the UK there are 37,000 fatal or serious injuries every year on the roads. Rear seatbelt requirements were introduced in 1991. Safety concerns A spokesman for Brake said: "It is of huge concern that 2m drivers are still not belting up every time they drive. "It is a simple, quick action which should be as automatic as looking in your mirror or putting the key in the ignition. "The government must do more to publicise the dangers of driving without a seatbelt on to prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries." Martin Milliner, Head of Claims at Liverpool Victoria said: "It has been 17 years since rear seatbelts became compulsory and our research suggests that the message is still not getting through and confusion remains regarding the law and the consequences. "More than 2.7m adults never wear a seat belt when travelling as a passenger in the car and over 3.5 million don't believe there is a fine for being caught without one." Those convicted in court of a seatbelt wearing offence face a maximum fine of �500. If a Fixed Penalty Notice is offered and accepted, then the fine is �30. The total sample size of the Liverpool Victoria survey was 2,047 adults, who took part in an online survey between 31 December 2007 and 2 January 2008.
i don't know
What domestic appliance was invented in 1901 by Alva J. Fisher?
washing machine : definition of washing machine and synonyms of washing machine (English)   Irreler Bauerntradition shows an early Miele washing machine at the Roscheider Hof Open Air Museum   A electric wringer/mangle washing machine (1930) Laundering by hand involves beating and scrubbing dirty textiles. Clothes washer technology developed as a way to reduce the manual labor spent, providing an open basin or sealed container with paddles or fingers to automatically agitate the clothing. The earliest machines were hand-operated and constructed from wood, while later machines made of metal permitted a fire to burn below the washtub, keeping the water warm throughout the day's washing (the entire process often occupied an entire day of hard work, plus drying and ironing ).The earliest special-purpose washing device was the scrub board, invented in 1797. [1] As electricity was not commonly available until at least 1930, some early washing machines were operated by a low-speed single-cylinder hit and miss gasoline engine. By the mid-1850s, steam-driven commercial laundry machinery was on sale in the US and UK. [2] Technological advances in machinery for commercial and institutional washers proceeded faster than domestic washer design for several decades, especially in the UK. In the US there was more emphasis on developing machines for washing at home, though machines for commercial laundry services were widely used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. [3] The rotary washing washing machine was patented by Hamilton Smith in 1858. [1] Because water often had to be hand carried, heated on a fire for washing, then poured into the tub, the warm soapy water was precious and would be reused, first to wash the least soiled clothing, then to wash progressively dirtier laundry. Removal of soap and water from the clothing after washing was originally a separate process. After rinsing, the soaking wet clothing would be formed into a roll and twisted by hand to extract water. To help reduce this labor, the wringer/mangle machine was developed, which used two rollers under spring tension to squeeze water out of clothing and household linen. Each laundry item would be fed through the wringer separately. The first wringers were hand-cranked, but were eventually included as a powered attachment above the washer tub. The wringer would be swung over the wash tub so that extracted wash water would fall back into the tub to be reused for the next load. As the term "mangle" implies, these early machines were quite dangerous, especially if powered and not hand-driven. A user's fingers, hand, arm, or hair could become entangled in the laundry being squeezed, resulting in horrific injuries. Safer mechanisms were developed over time, and the more hazardous designs were eventually outlawed.[ citation needed ] The modern process of water removal by spinning did not come into use until electric motors were developed. Spinning requires a constant high-speed power source, and was originally done in a separate device known as an "extractor". A load of washed clothing would be transferred from the wash tub to the extractor basket, and the water spun out in a separate operation. [4] These early extractors were often dangerous to use, since unevenly distributed loads would cause the machine to shake violently. Many efforts were been made to counteract the shaking of unstable loads, such as mounting the spinning basket on a free-floating shock-absorbing frame to absorb minor imbalances, and a bump switch to detect severe movement and stop the machine so that the load could be manually redistributed. What is now referred to as an automatic washer was at one time referred to as a "washer/extractor", which combines the features of these two devices into a single machine, plus the ability to fill and drain water by itself. It is possible to take this a step further, and to also merge the automatic washing machine and clothes dryer into a single device, called a combo washer dryer .   Milestones   A vintage German model   Early machines The first English patent under the category of Washing and Wringing Machines was issued in 1691. [5] A drawing of an early washing machine appeared in the January 1752 issue of "The Gentlemen's Magazine", a British publication. Jacob Christian Schäffer 's washing machine design was published 1767 in Germany. [6] In 1782, Henry Sidgier was issued a British patent for a rotating drum washer, and in the 1790s Edward Beetham sold numerous "patent washing mills" in England. [7] In 1862, a patented "compound rotary washing machine, with rollers for wringing or mangling" by Richard Lansdale of Pendleton, Manchester, was shown at the 1862 London Exhibition . [8] The first United States Patent titled "Clothes Washing" was granted to Nathaniel Briggs of New Hampshire in 1797. Because of the Patent Office fire in 1836, no description of the device survives. A device that combined a washing machine with a wringer mechanism did not appear until 1843, when Canadian John E. Turnbull of Saint John, New Brunswick patented a "Clothes Washer With Wringer Rolls." [9] Margaret Colvin invented the Triumph Rotary Washer, which was exhibited in the Women's Pavilion at the Centennial International Exhibition of 1876 in Philadelphia. [10] [11]   1910 advertisement Electric washing machines were advertised and discussed in newspapers as early as 1904. [12] Alva J. Fisher has been incorrectly credited with the invention of the electric washer. The US Patent Office shows at least one patent issued before Mr. Fisher's US patent number 966677 (e.g. Woodrow's US patent number 921195). The "inventor" of the electric washing machine remains unknown. US electric washing machine sales reached 913,000 units in 1928. However, high unemployment rates in the Depression years reduced sales; by 1932 the number of units shipped was down to about 600,000. The first laundromat opened in Fort Worth, Texas in 1934. [13] [ dubious – discuss ] It was run by Andrew Clein. Patrons used coin-in-the-slot facilities to rent washing machines. The term "laundromat" can be found in newspapers as early as 1884 and they were widespread during the Depression. It is almost impossible to determine who had the first laundromat.[ contradiction ] England established public wash rooms for laundry along with bath houses throughout the 19th century. [14] Washer design improved during the 1930s. The mechanism was now enclosed within a cabinet, and more attention was paid to electrical and mechanical safety. Spin dryers were introduced to replace the dangerous power mangle/wringers of the day. By 1940, 60% of the 25,000,000 wired homes in the United States had an electric washing machine. Many of these machines featured a power wringer, although built-in spin dryers were not uncommon.[ citation needed ] Bendix Corporation introduced the first automatic washing machine in 1937, [15] [ not in citation given ] having applied for a patent in the same year. [16] In appearance and mechanical detail, this first machine is not unlike the front loading automatic washers produced today. Although it included many of the today's basic features, the machine lacked any drum suspension and therefore had to be anchored to the floor to prevent "walking". Many of the early automatic machines had coin-in-the-slot facilities and were installed in the basement laundry rooms of apartment houses. Early automatic washing machines were usually connected to a water supply via temporary slip-on connectors to sink taps. Later, permanent connections to both the hot and cold water supplies became the norm, as dedicated laundry water hookups became common. Most modern front-loading European machines now only have a cold water connection (called "cold fill") and rely completely on internal electric heaters to raise the water temperature.   World War II and after   A classic Bendix washing machine   A 1950s model Constructa After the attack on Pearl Harbor , US domestic washer production had to be suspended for the duration of World War II . However, numerous US appliance manufacturers were given permission to undertake the research and development of washers during the war years. Many took the opportunity to develop automatic machines, realizing that these represented the future for the industry. An improved front-loading automatic model, the Bendix Deluxe (which retailed at $249.50), was introduced in 1947. [17] General Electric also introduced its first top loading automatic model in 1947. This machine had many of the features that are incorporated into modern machines. A large number of US manufacturers introduced competing automatic machines (mainly of the top-loading type) in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Several manufacturers produced semi-automatic machines, requiring the user to intervene at one or two points in the wash cycle. A common semi-automatic type (available from Hoover in the UK until at least the 1970s) included two tubs: one with an agitator or impeller for washing and another, smaller tub for water extraction or centrifugal rinsing. One early form of automatic washing machine manufactured by Hoover used cartridges to program different wash cycles. This system, called the "Keymatic", used plastic cartridges with key-like slots and ridges around the edges. The cartridge was inserted into a slot on the machine and a mechanical reader operated the machine accordingly. The system did not commercially succeed because it offered no real advantage over the more conventional program dial, and the cartridges were prone to getting lost. In hindsight it can be seen as a marketing gimmick rather than offering any really useful functionality. Since their introduction, automatic washing machines have relied on electromechanical timers to sequence the washing and extraction process. Electromechanical timers consist of a series of cams on a common shaft driven by a small electric motor via a reduction gearbox . At the appropriate time in the wash cycle, each cam actuates a switch to engage or disengage a particular part of the machinery (for example, the drain pump motor). On the early electromechanical timers, the motor ran at a constant speed throughout the wash cycle, although it was possible for the user to truncate parts of the program by manually advancing the control dial. However, by the 1950s demand for greater flexibility in the wash cycle led to the introduction of more sophisticated electrical timers to supplement the electromechanical timer. These newer timers enabled greater variation in functions such as the wash time. With this arrangement, the electric timer motor is periodically switched off to permit the clothing to soak, and is only re-energized just prior to a micro-switch being engaged or disengaged for the next stage of the process. Fully electronic timers did not become widespread until decades later. Despite the high cost of automatic washers, manufacturers had difficulty in meeting the demand. Although there were material shortages during the Korean War , by 1953 automatic washing machine sales in the US exceeded those of wringer-type electric machines. In the UK and in most of Europe, electric washing machines did not become popular until the 1950s. This was largely because of the economic impact of World War II on the consumer market, which did not properly recover until the late 1950s. The early electric washers were single-tub, wringer-type machines, as fully automatic washing machines were extremely expensive. During the 1960s, twin tub machines briefly became very popular, helped by the low price of the Rolls Razor washers. Some machines had the ability to pump used wash water into a separate tub for temporary storage, and to later pump it back for re-use. This was done not to save water or soap, but because heated water was expensive and time-consuming to produce. Automatic washing machines did not become dominant in the UK until well into the 1970s and by then were almost exclusively of the front-loader design. In early automatic washing machines, any changes in impeller/drum speed were achieved by mechanical means or by a rheostat on the motor power supply. However, since the 1970s electronic control of motor speed has become a common feature on the more expensive models.   Modern washers   A see-through Bosch machine at the IFA 2010 in Berlin shows off its internal components In the early 1990s, upmarket machines incorporated microcontrollers for the timing process. These proved reliable and cost-effective, so many cheaper machines now incorporate microcontrollers rather than electromechanical timers. Miele, from West Germany, was a top of the line front-load washer, and was introduced in Kananaskis, Alberta by Glenn Isbister, starting a revolution in laundry in Canada.[ when? ] In 1994, Staber Industries released the System 2000 washing machine, which is the only top-loading, horizontal-axis washer to be manufactured in the United States. The hexagonal tub spins like a front-loading machine, only using about third of the water as conventional top-loaders. This factor has led to an Energy Star rating for its high efficiency. In 1998, New Zealand based company Fisher & Paykel introduced its SmartDrive washing machine line in the US. This washing machine uses a computer-controlled system to determine certain factors such as load size and automatically adjusts the wash cycle to match. It also used a mixed system of washing, first with the "Eco-Active" wash, using a low level of recirculated water being sprayed on the load followed by a more traditional style wash. Other variations include the Intuitive Eco, which can sense the water level and type of fabric in the wash load, and the agitatorless AquaSmart line. The SmartDrive also included direct drive brushless DC electric motor , which simplified the bowl and agitator drive by doing away with the need for a gearbox system. In 2001, Whirlpool Corporation introduced the Calypso, the first vertical-axis high efficiency washing machine to be top-loading. A washplate in the bottom of the tub nutated (a special wobbling motion) to bounce, shake, and toss the laundry around. Simultaneously, water containing detergent was sprayed on to the laundry. The machine proved to be good at cleaning, but gained a bad reputation due to frequent breakdowns and destruction of laundry. The washer was recalled with a class-action lawsuit [ citation needed ]] and pulled off the market. In 2003, Maytag introduced their top-loading Neptune washer. Instead of an agitator, the machine had two washplates, perpendicular to each other and at a 45 degree angle from the bottom of the tub. The machine would fill with only a small amount of water and the two washplates would tumble the load within it, mimicking the action of a front-loading washer in a vertical axis design.[ further explanation needed ] In the early first decade of the 21st century,[ when? ] the British inventor James Dyson launched the ContraRotator , a type of washing machine with two cylinders rotating in opposite directions. It was claimed that this design reduces the wash time and produces cleaner results.[ citation needed ] However, this machine is no longer in production.[ why? ] In 2007, Sanyo introduced the first drum type washing machine with "Air Wash" function. [18] This washing machine uses only 50 liters of water in the recycle mode. In 2008, the University of Leeds created a concept washing machine that uses only a cup (less than 300ml) of water to carry out a full wash. The machine leaves clothes virtually dry, and uses less than 2 per cent of the water and energy otherwise used by a conventional machine, but requires 20 kg of re-usable plastic chips in each load. As such, it could save billions of liters of water each year. [19] Features available in most modern consumer washing machines: Predefined programs for different laundry types Variable temperatures, including cold wash Rotation speed settings Delayed execution: a timer to delay the start of the laundry cycle Additionally some of the modern machines feature: Child lock Time remaining indication Steam Future functionalities will include energy consumption prognosis before starting the program, and electricity tariff induced delayed start of the machines. [20] Integration into home local (wireless) networks will allow to monitor energy demand via different clients like computers or smart phones.   Top versus front loading   Top-loading   Low-cost top loading, vertical axis machines in laundromat (California)   In a top-loading washer, water circulates primarily along the poloidal axis during the wash cycle, as indicated by the red arrow in this illustration of a torus . The top-loading or vertical-axis clothes washer is most popular in Australia[ citation needed ], New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and Latin America.[ citation needed ] Simplified, very-low-cost versions are made for markets in Asia, Africa, and other less-developed parts of the world. This design places the clothes in a vertically mounted perforated basket that is contained within a water-retaining tub, with a finned water-pumping agitator in the center of the bottom of the basket. Clothes are loaded through the top of the machine, which is usually but not always covered with a hinged door. During the wash cycle, the outer tub is filled with water sufficient to fully immerse and suspend the clothing freely in the basket. The movement of the agitator pushes water outward between the paddles towards the edge of the tub. The water then moves outward, up the sides of the basket, towards the center, and then down towards the agitator to repeat the process, in a circulation pattern similar to the shape of a torus . The agitator direction is periodically reversed, because continuous motion in one direction would just lead to the water spinning around the basket with the agitator rather than the water being pumped in the torus-shaped motion. Some washers supplement the water-pumping action of the agitator with a large rotating screw on the shaft above the agitator, to help move water downwards in the center of the basket. In most top-loading washers, if the motor spins in one direction, the gearbox drives the agitator; if the motor spins the other way, the gearbox locks the agitator and spins the basket and agitator together. Similarly if the pump motor rotates one way it recirculates the sudsy water; in the other direction it pumps water from the machine during the spin cycle. Because they usually incorporate a gearbox, clutch , crank , etc., top-loading washers are mechanically more complex than front loading machines. An example of the complex mechanisms once used to produce different motions from a single motor is the so-called " wig wag " mechanism, which was used for decades until modern controls rendered it obsolete. The electromechanical components in conventional top-load washers have largely reached maturity, and there is a trend towards simpler mechanical components but greater complexity in electronic controllers. The top-loader's spin cycle between washing and rinsing allows an extremely simple fabric softener dispenser, which operates passively through centrifugal force and gravity . The same objective must be accomplished by a solenoid valve on a front loader. Another advantage to the top loading design is the reliance on gravity to contain the water, rather than potentially trouble-prone or short-lived front door seals. Top loaders may require less periodic maintenance since there is no need to clean a door seal or bellows, although a plastic tub may still require a periodic "maintenance wash" cycle (described below). As with front-loading washers, clothing should not be packed tightly into a top-loading washer. Although wet cloth usually fits into a smaller space than dry cloth, a dense wad of cloth can restrict water circulation, resulting in poor soap distribution and incomplete rinsing. Extremely overloaded top-loading washers can either jam the motion of the agitator, overloading or damaging the motor or gearbox, or tearing fabrics. Extreme overloading can also push fabrics into the small gap between the underside of the agitator and the bottom of the wash basket, resulting in fabrics wrapped around the agitator shaft, possibly requiring agitator removal to unjam.   Arctic BE1200A+ is a front loading budget model sold in 2008 with 6 kg load, LCD indicator, 1200 RPM   Front-loading The front-loading or horizontal-axis clothes washer is the dominant design in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and much of the rest of the world. In the US and elsewhere, most "high-end" washing machines are of this type. In addition, most commercial and industrial clothes washers around the world are of the horizontal-axis design. This layout mounts the inner basket and outer tub horizontally, and loading is through a door at the front of the machine. The door often but not always contains a transparent window. Agitation is supplied by the back-and-forth rotation of the cylinder and by gravity. The clothes are lifted up by paddles on the inside wall of the drum and then dropped. This motion flexes the weave of the fabric and forces water and detergent solution through the clothes load. Because the wash action does not require the clothing be freely suspended in water, only enough water is needed to moisten the fabric. Because less water is required, front-loaders typically use less soap, and the repeated dropping and folding action of the tumbling can easily produce large amounts of foam or suds. Front-loaders control water usage through the surface tension of water, and the capillary wicking action this creates in the fabric weave. A front-loader washer always fills to the same low water level, but a large pile of dry clothing standing in water will soak up the moisture, causing the water level to drop. The washer then refills to maintain the original water level. Because it takes time for this water absorption to occur with a motionless pile of fabric, nearly all front-loaders begin the washing process by slowly tumbling the clothing under the stream of water entering and filling the drum, to rapidly saturate the clothes with water. Front-loading washers are mechanically simple compared to top-loaders, with the main motor normally being connected to the drum via a grooved pulley belt and large pulley wheel, without the need for a gearbox, clutch or crank. But front-load washers suffer from their own technical problems, due to the drum lying sideways. For example, a top loading washer keeps water inside the tub merely through the force of gravity pulling down on the water, while a front-loader must tightly seal the door shut with a gasket to prevent water dripping onto the floor during the wash cycle. This access door is locked shut during the entire wash cycle, since opening the door with the machine in use could result in water gushing out onto the floor. For front-loaders without viewing windows on the door, it is possible to accidentally pinch fabric between the door and the drum, resulting in tearing and damage to the pinched clothing during tumbling and spinning. Nearly all front-loader washers for the consumer market must also use a folded flexible bellows assembly around the door opening, to keep clothing contained inside the basket during the tumbling wash cycle.[ citation needed ] If this bellows assembly were not used, small articles of clothing such as socks could slip out of the wash basket near the door, and fall down the narrow slot between the outer tub and basket, plugging the drain and possibly jamming rotation of the inner basket. Retrieving lost items from between the outer tub and inner basket can require complete disassembly of the front of the washer and pulling out the entire inner wash basket. Commercial and industrial front-loaders used by businesses (described below) usually do not use the bellows, and instead require all small objects to be placed in a mesh bag to prevent loss near the basket opening. The bellows assembly around the door is a potential source of problems for the consumer front-loader. The bellows has a large number of flexible folds to permit the tub to move separately from the door during the high speed extraction cycle. On many machines, these folds can collect lint, dirt, and moisture, resulting in mold and mildew growth, and a foul odor. Some front-loading washer operating instructions say the bellows should be wiped down monthly with a strong bleach solution, while others offer a special "freshening" cycle where the machine is run empty with a strong dosing of bleach. In the past, suggested remedies have included adding vinegar to the laundry detergent, running an empty cycle with bleach every few weeks, wiping the door gasket with a diluted bleach solution every other week, and leaving the front-loading washer door ajar between loads. Compared to top-loading washers, clothing can be packed more tightly in a front loader, up to the full drum volume if using a cottons wash cycle. This is because wet cloth usually fits into a smaller space than dry cloth, and front loaders are able to self-regulate the water needed to achieve correct washing and rinsing. Extreme overloading of front-loading washers pushes fabrics towards the small gap between the loading door and the front of the wash basket, potentially resulting in fabrics lost between the basket and outer tub, and in severe cases, tearing of clothing and jamming the motion of the basket.   Variant and hybrid designs   European top loader with horizontal axis rotating drum (2008) There are many variations of these two general themes. Top-loading machines in Asia use impellers instead of agitators. Impellers are similar to agitators except that they do not have the center post extending up in the middle of the wash tub basket. There is also a variant of the horizontal axis design that is loaded from the top, through a small door in the circumference of the drum. These machines usually have a shorter cylindrical drum and are therefore smaller, but offer the washing efficiency of a front-loader while eliminating the problems of the flexible bellows. This kind of washing machine is sold and popular in Europe, especially in small households, because it offers the same drum system as front-loaders, just with a smaller footprint. There are also combo washer dryer machines that combine washing cycles and a full drying cycle in the same drum, eliminating the need to transfer wet clothes from a washer to a dryer machine. In principle, these machines are convenient for overnight cleaning (the combined cycle is considerably longer), but the effective capacity for cleaning larger batches of laundry is drastically reduced. The drying process tends to use much more energy than using two separate devices, because a combo washer dryer not only must dry the clothing, but also needs to dry out the wash chamber itself. These machines are used more in Europe and the UK, because they can be fitted into small spaces, and many can be operated without dedicated utility connections.   Comparison Front loaders and top loaders can be compared on a number of aspects: Efficient Cleaning: Front loaders usually use less energy, water, and detergent, and can clean more effectively than many of the best top loaders. [21] "High Efficiency" washers use 20% to 60% of the detergent, water and energy of "standard" washers. They usually take somewhat longer (20-110 minutes) to wash a load, but are often computer controlled with additional sensors, to adapt the wash cycle to the needs of each load. As this technology improves, the human interface will also improve, to make it easier to understand and control the many different cleaning options.[ citation needed ] Water Usage: Front loaders generally use less water than top-loading residential clothes washers. Estimates are that front loaders use anywhere from about one third [22] to one half [23] as much as top loaders. Spin-dry Effectiveness: Front loaders offer much higher spin drying speeds of up to 2000 RPM, although those machines marketed to consumers tend to be in the 1100 or 1200 RPM range, but still considerably higher than the 650 RPM that are typically found in top loaders. Higher spin speeds remove much more residual water, making it possible to dry clothes very quickly by hanging them on washing lines or drying racks . More efficient water removal can substantially reduce the length of time and energy usage in a clothes dryer machine.[ citation needed ] Cycle Length: Top loaders have tended to have shorter cycle times, in part because their design has traditionally emphasized simplicity and speed of operation more than resource conservation. Wear and Abrasion: Top loaders require an agitator or impeller mechanism to force enough water through clothes to clean them effectively, and this action greatly increases mechanical wear and tear on laundry textiles. Front loaders rely on paddles to repeatedly pick up and drop clothes into water for cleaning, and this gentler action causes less wear. The amount of clothes wear can be crudely gauged by the amount of accumulation in a clothes dryer lint filter, since the lint largely consists of stray fibers detached from textiles during washing and drying. Difficult Items: Top loaders may have trouble cleaning large items, such as sleeping bags or pillows , which tend to float on top of the wash water rather than circulate within it. In addition, vigorous top loader agitator motions may damage delicate fabrics. Front loaders use the same gentle tumbling motion as most clothes dryers, and any delicate items suitable for the latter machine should be washable in the former one. Acoustic Noise: Front loaders tend to operate more quietly than top loaders, because the door seal helps contain noise, and because there is less of a tendency to imbalance. Top loaders usually need a mechanical transmission , which can generate more noise than the rubber belt or direct drive found in most front loaders. Compactness: Front loading machines may be installed underneath counter height work surfaces. A front loading washing machine, in a fully fitted kitchen, may even be disguised as an ordinary base cabinet unit. These models can also be convenient in homes with limited floor area, since the clothes dryer may be installed directly above the washer ("stacked" configuration). Water Leakage: Top loading machines are less prone to leakage, because simple gravity can reliably keep water from spilling out the loading door on top. Front loading machines require a flexible seal or gasket on the front door, and the front door must be locked during operation to prevent opening, lest large amounts of water spill out. This seal may leak or require eventual replacement. However, many current front-loaders use so little water that they can be stopped mid-cycle for addition or removal of laundry, while keeping the water level in the horizontal tub below the door level. Best practice installations of either type of machine will include a floor drain or an overflow catch tray with a drain connection, since neither design is immune to leakage or a solenoid valve getting stuck in the open position. Maintenance and Reliability: Top-loading washers are more tolerant of maintenance neglect, and may not need a regular "freshening" cycle to clean door seals and bellows. During the spin cycle, a top-loading tub is free to move about inside the cabinet of the machine, using only a lip around the top of the inner basket and outer tub to keep the spinning water and clothing from spraying out over the edge. Therefore, potentially problematic door sealing and door locking mechanisms are not needed. On the other hand, top loaders use mechanical gearboxes that are more vulnerable to wear than simpler front load motor drives. Accessibility and Ergonomics: Front loaders are more convenient for little people and those with paraplegia , as the controls are front-mounted and the horizontal drum eliminates the need for standing or climbing. For people who are sufficiently tall and can stand up, top-loaders may be easier to load and unload, since reaching into the tub does not require stooping. However, this latter issue can be mitigated by installing risers (usually with storage drawers underneath) to raise the front loader door opening closer to the user's level. Initial Cost: Front loaders have tended to have a higher initial cost than top loaders, though their lower cost of operation can save money over time, especially if energy, detergent, or water are expensive. In addition, manufacturers have tended to include more "high end" features (such as internal water heating, automatic dirt sensors, high speed water extraction) on front loaders, even though some of these features could in principle be implemented on top loaders as well. Although the price differential has been shrinking, especially on low-end models, front loaders still tend to cost somewhat more.   Wash cycles   A stand-alone spin dryer used for extracting water from laundry   Washing Many front loading machines have internal electrical heating elements to heat the wash water to near boiling, if desired. Chemical cleaning action of the detergent and other laundry chemicals is greatly enhanced by the higher temperatures. Washing machine with internal heaters can use special detergents formulated to release different chemical ingredients at different temperatures. This allows different type of stains and soils to be cleaned from the clothes as the wash water is heated up by the electrical heater. Front loaders need to use low sudsing detergents because the tumbling action of the drum folds air into the clothes load that can cause over-sudsing and overflows. However, due to efficient use of water and detergent, the sudsing issue with front-loaders can be controlled by simply using less detergent, without lessening cleaning action.   Rinsing Washing machines perform several rinses after the main wash to remove most of the detergent. Modern washing machines use less water due to environmental concerns; however, this has led to the problem of poor rinsing on many washing machines on the market, [24] which can be a problem to people who are sensitive to detergents. The Allergy UK website suggests re-running the rinse cycle, or rerunning the entire wash cycle without detergent. [25] In response to complaints, many washing machines allow the user to select additional rinse cycles, at the expense of higher water usage and longer cycle time.   Spinning Spin cycle speed is important, because higher speeds are much more effective in extracting water, resulting in better cleaning, and much faster drying times (and lower total energy use). Early machines would spin at only 300 RPM and, because of lack of any mechanical suspension, would often shake and vibrate. Early front-loading machines, especially those manufactured in warm Mediterranean countries such as Italy, had low spin speeds such as 800 RPM or less. Nowadays, a spin speed of 1200 RPM is common, and a peak spin speed as high as 1600 RPM is available on many machines. Some current models in Europe have speeds of 1800 RPM, while a few high-end washing machines have a spin speed of 2000 RPM. Many modern machines are equipped with an automatic balancer, using a sealed ring of viscous liquid that helps to counteract any imbalances. Today's better machines include internal suspension and shock systems to reduce noises, as well as sensors and software to detect and correct a load that is spinning out of balance. Front-loading washers can be significantly quieter during spin than top loaders because of the lack of a noisy gearbox to drive the machine's moving parts. However, because they were as not susceptible to gravitational forces and imbalances, some early top-loading machines had spin speeds in excess of 1000 RPM, although some were as low as 360 RPM. Most US top-loading washers have spin speeds less than 1000 RPM. Separate water extractor machines still are available for niche applications. For example, a small high-speed centrifuge machine may be provided in locker rooms of communal swimming pools to allow wet bathing costumes to be substantially dried to a slightly damp condition after daily use. These small machines do not wash the clothes, which must be laundered elsewhere from time to time.   Maintenance wash Most consumer washing machines (excepting premium models), now use a plastic outer shell [26] instead of stainless steel to contain the wash water, and this plastic tub can attract a buildup of residue over time. Some washing machine manufacturers are now advising users to perform a regular maintenance or "freshening" wash which more thoroughly cleans the inside of the washing machine of any mold , bacteria , encrusted detergent, and grunge (unspecified dirt). A maintenance wash is performed without any laundry, on the hottest wash programme, [27] using any one of the following: white vinegar , 100 grams of citric acid , or a detergent with bleaching properties (it is not advisable to put actual bleach inside the washing machine),[ further explanation needed ] or a proprietary washing machine cleaner. If using white vinegar, it is important to allow the washing machine to fill for about 30 seconds before adding the vinegar, as the first injection of water goes into the sump. [28]   Standards   Europe   The EU requires washing machines carry an efficiency label Capacity and cost are the main considerations when purchasing a washing machine. If intended for use by a small family, a capacity of under 5 kg should be sufficient (thus saving energy and running costs). Washing machines display an EU Energy Label with grades for energy efficiency, washing performance and spin efficiency. Grades run from A to G (best to worst), providing a simple method for judging running costs and performance. For example a "Triple A" (AAA) rated machine indicates lowest energy consumption, best wash and best water extraction (i.e. spin) performance. This has had the desired effect of driving customers toward more efficient washing machines and away from less efficient ones. One important factor that is missing from the energy labelling scheme is the washing machine's rinsing performance, which can adversely affect allergy sufferers and people who are sensitive to laundry detergents and chemicals. It is advisable to check an independent consumer report on how well a washing machine can rinse before purchasing, as newer washing machines use a lot less water than older ones. [24] This section requires expansion .   United States Top-loading and front-loading clothes washers are covered by a single Federal Standard regulating energy consumption. The Federal Standard effective up until January 1, 2011 included no restriction on water consumption. Therefore, washer manufacturers faced no legal restriction on how much unheated rinse water would be used in washers manufactured before that date. [29] Many US market clothes washers are now more energy-efficient and water-efficient than required by the mandatory Federal Standard, or even the more stringent Energy Star standard. [30] Manufacturers may be motivated to exceed legally mandated standards by a program of direct-to-manufacturer tax credits. [31] However, excessive energy conservation in the laundering process may lead to less-than-satisfactory cleaning, [32] and excessive water conservation may lead to poor rinsing, causing skin irritation and dermatitis . [24] This section requires expansion .   Equipment durability The expected life of today's washing machine has decreased by about 10 years compared to 30 years ago.[ further explanation needed ] The underlying cause is a tendency of US consumers to buy a washing machine at the lowest price, which has caused manufacturers to drastically lower their quality standards. Today's "disposable" machines have shorter lifespans, and only one year warranties are offered. Compared to washing machines of the 1970s that lasted about 15 years, the same quality machine would cost about $2300 today, adjusted for inflation. Europeans generally spend two to three times more money for better built laundry machines.[ citation needed ] Recent[ when? ] studies of consumer reviews posted across the internet show a trend for certain US front-loading washers to have sealed bearing failure problems, usually within the first 6 years. Typical symptoms are louder noises while spin-rinsing, or soiled clothes (from bearing grease leaking into the inner tub) shortly before complete failure. Repair costs are close to replacement cost, causing the consumer to replace rather than repair.[ citation needed ] This section requires expansion . This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability .   Commercial washing machines and dryers (at left) in a self-service laundry (Paris, France)   Commercial washing machines in a self-service laundromat (Toronto, Canada) A commercial washing machine is intended for more frequent and long-term usage than a consumer washing machine. Because function is more important than style, most commercial washers have a sharp-edged square appearance, often with more expensive stainless steel exteriors and interiors to minimize rust, corrosion, and mildew in a constantly moist environment. They are built with large easy-to-open service covers, and the washer mechanisms are internally laid out in a manner that does not require access to the underside of the unit for service. Often commercial washers are installed in long rows with a wide access passageway behind all the machines to allow maintenance without moving the heavy machine. Commercial washers tend to be bulkier and heavier than consumer machines.   Laundromat machines Many commercial washers are built for use by the general public, and are installed in publicly accessible laundromats or laundrettes, operated by money accepting devices or card readers . The features of a commercial laundromat washer are more limited than a consumer washer, usually offering just two or three basic wash types plus an option to choose wash cycle temperatures. The common front-loading commercial washing machine also differs from consumer models in its expulsion of wash and rinse water. While the consumer models pump used washer water out, allowing the waste line to be located above the washer, front loading commercial machines generally use only gravity to expel used water. A drain in the rear, at the bottom of the machine opens at the appointed time during the cycle and water flows out. This creates the need for a drainage trough behind machines, which leads to a filter and drain. The trough is usually part of a cement platform built for the purpose of raising the machines to a convenient height, and can be seen behind washers at most laundromats. Most traditional laundromat machines have been horizontal-axis front-loading models, because of their lower operating costs (notably lower consumption of expensive hot water). Their somewhat higher initial costs are further offset by better durability, maintainability, and other advantages mentioned earlier. However, some low cost laundromat machines are simply modified versions of consumer vertical-axis top-loading machines, plus provisions for collecting money, and possibly some sturdier components. These machines tend to be installed in smaller apartment buildings and in other situations where lowest possible initial cost is given priority over usage of hot water (which often is not paid for by the specifier of the machines). Many consumers are not aware of the less desirable characteristics of these low-end machines (such as higher wear and tear on clothing, and less-thorough cleaning), and use them simply for the convenience of location in the same building or neighborhood.   Industrial washers   A 1980s Belgian 90kg load industrial washer (horizontal axis, front load) By contrast, commercial washers for internal business operations (still often referred to as "washer/extractor" machines) can include extra features that are never seen in the consumer market. Many commercial washers offer an option for automatic chemical injection of five or more different chemical types, so that the operator does not have to deal with constantly measuring out soap products and fabric softeners for each load by hand. Instead, a precise metering system draws the detergents and wash additives directly from large liquid-chemical storage barrels and injects them as needed into the various wash and rinse cycles. Some computer-controlled commercial washers offer the operator complete control over the various wash and rinse cycles, allowing the operator to program custom washing cycles. Most large scale industrial washers are horizontal-axis machines, but may have front-load, side-load, or top-load doors. Industrial-sized vertical-axis machines would be too inefficient, hard to load and empty, and too rough on their contents for large-scale use. An industrial clothes washer can be used to batch process up to 800 pounds (360 kg) of textiles at once, and can be used for extremely machine-abusive washing tasks such as stone washing or fabric bleaching and dyeing . An industrial washer can be mounted on heavy-duty shock absorbers and attached to a concrete floor, so that it can extract water from even the most severely out-of-balance and heavy wash loads. It may be mounted on hydraulic cylinders , permitting the entire washer to be lifted and tilted so that fabrics can be automatically dumped from the wash drum onto a conveyor belt once the cycle is complete. One special type of continuous-processing washer is known as the tunnel washer . This specialized high-capacity machine does not have separate, distinct wash or rinse cycles, but combines them all in sequence as the laundry gradually moves through a single long, large-diameter horizontal-axis rotating tube.   Social impact   "Woman's Friend" machine (c. 1890) The historically laborious process of washing clothes has at times been labelled "woman's work" and women from all classes have tried to find ways to get relief from doing laundry. In 2009, L'Osservatore Romano published an article entitled "The Washing Machine and the Liberation of Women" that was controversially meant to demonstrate that the washing machine had done more for the liberation of woman than the contraceptive pill and abortion rights , which are often associated to Women's Day. [33] The article shocked Italian feminists and provoked criticism from Opposition MP Paola Concia . [34] A study from Université de Montréal also presented a similar point of view to that of L'Osservatore. [35] Swedish statistician Hans Rosling has suggested that the positive effect the washing machine had on the liberation of women, makes it "the greatest invention of the industrial revolution". [36]   Environmental Impact Due to the decreasing gap between the cost of repairs and the cost of purchasing a washing machine, there has been a major decline in the number of washing machines being repaired (to the detriment of the environment). The cost of having a washing machine repaired once they develop faults is often so high relative to the cost of purchasing a new one, that most washing machines are scrapped because they are considered beyond economical repair. [37] Different washing machine models vary widely in their use of water, detergent, and energy. Because of their use of hot water, washing machines are among the largest consumers of energy in a typical modern home.   Manufacturers and brands
electric washing machine
Which singer was married to actor Emilio Estevez from 1992 - 1994?
WorldStart Tech & Computer Help Forums - Today in history. 195th day of 2007 - 170 remaining. Saturday, July 14, 2007 BABY BOOK DAY. :) On this day in 1946, Dr. Benjamin Spock�s Baby and Child Care was first published. The book quickly became one of the most widely-discussed books ever published -- and one of the most widely sold. In fact, Dr. Spock�s baby book sold more copies than any book other than the Bible. Over three generations of parents have reared their children according to Dr. Spock�s philosophy of sparing the rod and trying to understand a child�s needs. �I wanted to be supportive of parents rather than to scold them,� Dr. Spock once commented. �The book set out very deliberately to counteract some of the rigidities of pediatric tradition, particularly in infant feeding. It emphasized the importance of great differences between individual babies, of the need for flexibility and of the lack of necessity to worry constantly about spoiling.� Dr. Benjamin Spock died Sunday, March 15, 1998. If he was still with us, we�re sure his best advice would be to read Dr. Spock�s Baby and Child Care. Events July 14th. 1789 - This was the day the French Revolution began -- at the fall of the Bastille. It is still celebrated in many countries throughout the world and is a public holiday in France; generally called Bastille Day or Fete National. It is considered the day freedom was born in France. 1868 - Alvin J. Fellows of New Haven, CT patented the tape measure. Alvin�s measurements: 40-46-42. 1908 - The Adventures of Dolly opened at the Union Square Theatre in New York City. It was the first film release for director D.W. Griffith. 1911 - For the first time, a pilot flew an airplane onto the lawn of the White House! Harry N. Atwood flew in to accept an award from President William Taft. There wasn�t a National Airport at the time, you see. Today, if you land a plane on the White House lawn, you do so at your own risk. If you don�t get shot out of the sky first, you�ll probably receive a hail of bullets from the Secret Service as a welcoming salute. It�s not that people don�t keep trying. In 1994, a small plane crashed on the lawn and slammed into the White House, killing the pilot. 1914 - Robert H. Goddard of Worcester, MA patented liquid rocket fuel on this day. 1942 - Helen O�Connell and Bob Eberly sang their last duet together as they recorded the famous Brazil with the Jimmy Dorsey band. 1951 - In his last race, Citation became the winningest thoroughbred in horse racing as he won the Hollywood Gold Cup at Hollywood Park. Citation earned a total of $1,085,760 in his career. 1951 - The first sports event to be shown in color was the Molly Pitcher Handicap at Oceanport, New Jersey. The historic event was seen over CBS-TV this day, but not by many. A color TV system for wide use wouldn�t be available until the 1960s. 1957 - Funnyman Stan Freberg debuted a new weekly comedy program on CBS radio beginning this night. Freberg was a late entry into the radio program race, though he was well known for many famous radio commercials over the years. The Freberg show only lasted a short time and that newfangled contraption, television, was blamed for the show�s quick demise. 1962 - Bobby Vinton�s Roses are Red became the top song in the U.S. The song stayed at the top for four weeks and was the first of four #1 hits for Vinton. The others were: Blue Velvet, There! I�ve Said It Again and Mr. Lonely. Roses are Red was also Vinton�s first million-seller. He had two others: I Love How You Love Me (which made it to #9 in 1968) and My Melody of Love (which hit #3 in 1974.) 1967 - Eddie Mathews of the Houston Astros hit career homer #500. 1968 - Hank Aaron hit his 500th career home run -- in Atlanta, GA -- leading the Braves to a 4-2 win over the San Francisco Giants. (In April of 1974, Hammerin� Hank eclipsed the old home-run mark [714] held by Babe Ruth.) 1981 - The All-Star Game was postponed because of a 33-day-old baseball players strike. Still, some 15,000 fans showed up to boo the players and to see an imaginary game! The 52nd All-Star classic was not held until August 9th (in Cleveland Municipal Stadium). 1985 - Baltimore defeated Oakland, 28-24, to clinch their second consecutive United States Football League championship. The game was also significant, in that it brought the curtain down on the league�s spring schedule. Total losses were estimated at $63 million for all 14 teams. The USFL quickly faded away when owners refused to incur further losses. Plans calling for the league to resume play in the fall of 1986 never materialized. 1987 - The second-longest game in All-Star Game history was played as the National League defeated the American League in a 2-0 shutout in 13 innings. The game was played in Oakland, CA and lasted 3 hours, 39 minutes. Birthdays July 14th. 1862 - Florence Bascom geologist: first woman geologist appointed to the U.S. Geological Survey and first to be elected a Fellow of the Geological Society of America; associate editor: American Geologist; educator: Bryn Mawr, Ohio State; 1st woman to receive a doctorate degree: Johns Hopkins University [1893]; died June 18, 1945 1903 - Ken Murray (Don Court) actor: Follow Me, Boys!, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Marshall�s Daughter; died Oct 12, 1988 1903 - Irving Stone (Tennenbaum) novelist: Lust for Life, Love is Eternal, The Agony and the Ecstasy; died in 1989 1910 - William Hanna cartoonist: half of Hanna-Barbera team: The Flintstones; died Mar 22, 2001 1911 - Terry-Thomas (Thomas Terry Hoar Stevens) actor: It�s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines, Don�t Raise the Bridge, Lower the River; died Jan 8, 1990 1912 - Woody (Woodrow Wilson) Guthrie �father of modern American folk music�: singer, songwriter: This Land is Your Land, Hard Travelin�, Union Maid, So Long It�s Been Good to Know Yuh, Dirty Overhalls, Pretty Boy Floyd, The Sinking of the Reuben James, more than 1,000 original songs; father of folk singer Arlo Guthrie; died Oct 4, 1967 1913 - Gerald R. Ford (Leslie King, Jr.: changed name to Gerald Ford after his adoptive father) 38th U.S. President [1974-1977]; married to Elizabeth �Betty� Bloomer [three sons, one daughter]; nickname: Jerry; first non-elected vice president and president: Vice President under President Richard Nixon, assumed presidency upon resignation of Nixon; one of seven left-handed Presidents [others were/are: James A. Garfield, Herbert Hoover, Harry S Truman, Ronald Reagan, George Bush and Bill Clinton]; died Dec 26, 2006 1917 - Douglas Edwards TV�s first evening news anchor: CBS; TV panel moderator: Masquerade Party; host: F.Y.I., The Eyes Have It, Armstrong Circle Theatre; died Oct 13, 1990 1918 - Ingmar Bergman Academy Award-winning director: Through a Glass Darkly [1961]; The Seventh Seal, Wild Strawberries, Cries and Whispers, Fanny and Alexander 1918 - Arthur Laurents playwright: Home of the Brave, Summertime, Gypsy, The Turning Point, The Way We Were, Anastasia 1923 - Frances Lear magazine publisher: Lear�s; married to TV producer Norman Lear; died Sep 30, 1996 1923 - Dale Robertson actor: The Last Ride of the Dalton Gang, Melvin Purvis: G-Man, Kansas City Massacre, Son of Sinbad, Tales of Wells Fargo, J.J. Starbuck, Death Valley Days 1926 - Harry Dean Stanton actor: Down Periscope, Never Talk to Strangers, Against the Wall, Wild at Heart, Twister, The Last Temptation of Christ, Red Dawn, Christine, Paris, Texas, Repo Man, Young Doctors in Love, Escape from New York, Private Benjamin, Death Watch, The Rose, Alien, The Godfather, Part 2, Kelly�s Heroes, Cool Hand Luke, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Two-Lane Blacktop 1927 - John (William) Chancellor radio/TV newscaster: NBC Nightly News with John Chancellor; commentaries: The Huntley-Brinkley Report, Chicago Sun Times, WMAQ radio, Today; director: Voice of America; died July 12, 1996 1928 - Nancy Olson actress: Sunset Boulevard, The Absent-Minded Professor, Son of Flubber, Snowball Express 1930 - Polly Bergen (Nellie Burgin) actress: The Winds of War, Cry-Baby, Escape from Fort Bravo; TV panelist: To Tell the Truth 1931 - Robert Stephens actor: The Secret Rapture, Chaplin, The Bonfire of the Vanities, Henry V, Empire of the Sun, The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, A Taste of Honey; died Nov 12, 1995 1932 - Roosevelt �Rosey� Grier football: one of the LA Rams �Fearsome Foursome� [w/Deacon Jones, Lamar Lundy and Merlin Olsen]; actor: Sophisticated Gents, The Big Push, The Seekers; minister 1933 - Del (Franklin Delano) Reeves singer: Slow Hand, Be Quiet Mind, The Girl on the Billboard, Looking at the World through a Windshield, The Philadelphia Phillies; films: Second Fiddle to a Steel Guitar, Forty Acre Feud 1934 - Lee Elder golf: 5-time United Golf Association Champion, PGA winner: Monsanto Open [1974], Houston Open [1976] 1947 - Steve (Steven Michael) Stone baseball: pitcher: SF Giants, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles [World Series: 1979/Cy Young Award: 1980/all-star: 1980]; sportscaster 1948 - Earl (Craig) Williams baseball: Atlanta Braves [Rookie of the Year: 1971], Baltimore Orioles, Montreal Expos, Oakland Athletics 1952 - Chris Cross (Allen or St. John) musician: bass, synthesizer: group: Ultravox: Vienna, All Stood Still, The Thin Wall, The Voice, Reap the Wild Wind, Hymn, Visions in Blue 1952 - Jerry Houser actor: A Very Brady Christmas, Slap Shot, Class of �44, Summer of �42 1970 - Missy Gold actress: Little Mo, Benson, Twirl. Chart Toppers 1947 Peg o� My Heart - The Harmonicats I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder - Eddy Howard Chi-Baba, Chi-Baba - Perry Como Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) - Tex Williams 1955 Rock Around the Clock - Bill Haley & His Comets Learnin� the Blues - Frank Sinatra Hard to Get - Giselle Mackenzie A Satisfied Mind - Porter Wagoner 1963 Easier Said Than Done - The Essex Surf City - Jan & Dean Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport - Rolf Harris Act Naturally - Buck Owens 1971 It�s Too Late/I Feel the Earth Move - Carole King Indian Reservation - Raiders You�ve Got a Friend - James Taylor When You�re Hot, You�re Hot - Jerry Reed 1979 Ring My Bell - Anita Ward Bad Girls - Donna Summer Chuck E.�s in Love - Rickie Lee Jones Amanda - Waylon Jennings 1987 I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) - Whitney Houston Shakedown - Bob Seger All My Ex�s Live in Texas - George Strait Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 196th day of 2007 - 169 remaining. Sunday, July 15, 2007 ST. SWITHIN�S DAY. :) Sometime in the late 800s-900s, there lived a man named Swithun or Swithin. He was the Bishop of Winchester in Old England. For some unknown reason - since Bishop Swithin was not particularly famous - his remains were transferred to Winchester Cathedral on this day in 971. It so happened that there was a heavy rainfall on this same day. Some say Bishop Swithin was angry about the move and caused the downpour. From then on, according to an old English adage, if it should rain on July 15th, it will rain for forty days thereafter. �St. Swithin�s day, gif ye do rain, for forty days it will remain; St. Swithin�s day, an ye be fair, for forty days �twill rain nae mair.� Are you weather forecasters paying attention? Events July 15th. 1876 - George Washington Bradley pitched the first no-hitter in baseball by leading St. Louis to a 2-0 win over Hartford. 1904 - The first Buddhist temple in the United States was established in Los Angeles, CA. 1912 - Jim Thorpe won the decathlon in the Olympic games in Stockholm, Sweden. 1922 - The duck-billed platypus arrived in America, direct from Australia. It was exhibited at the Bronx Zoo in New York City. For those of you who have never seen this unusual mammal, it has webbed feet, a duck�s bill, a beaver�s tail; is seal-like, yet hairy and it lays eggs. Go figure... 1940 - Robert Wadlow was 8 feet, 11-1/10 inches tall and weighed 439 pounds when he died this day -- at the age of 22. 1942 - Glenn Miller and his band recorded the classic Jukebox Saturday Night for Victor Records. 1952 - Singer Patti Page made her TV debut in a summer replacement series for Perry Como. The 15-minute program spotlighted Patti three times each week on CBS. 1960 - The New York World-Telegram reported that the average white-collar worker would earn a lifetime income of $200,000 (forty years at $5,000 per year). 1965 - The Mariner IV spacecraft sent back the first close-up pictures of the planet Mars. 1965 - Comedy star Joan Rivers married Edgar Rosenberg. Edgar became a favorite target in her comedy routine on stage, TV and in recordings. 1966 - Singer Percy Sledge earned a gold record for When a Man Loves A Woman. It was his only song to make it to number one (5/28/66) and the only one of five to break into the top ten. 1968 - ABC-TV first presented the serial, One Life to Live. 1968 - Commercial air travel began between the United States and the U.S.S.R. with the first plane, a Soviet Aeroflot jet, landing at Kennedy International Airport in New York. 1972 - Elton John landed at the top spot on the Billboard album chart for the first time as Honky Chateau made it to the top for a five-week stay. 1973 - For the first time in two decades, a baseball pitcher won two no-hitters in a season. Nolan Ryan of the California Angels did the trick with his second no-hit victory of the season, a 6-0 romp over the Detroit Tigers. Ryan pitched his first no-hitter of the season against the Kansas City Royals on May 15th. 1978 - Bob Dylan performed before the largest open-air concert audience (for a single artist). Some 200,000 fans turned out to hear Dylan at Blackbushe Airport in England. 1981 - Steven Ford, son of former President Gerald R. Ford, appeared in the much publicized seduction scene of The Young and the Restless on CBS-TV. Ford played the part of Andy, the macho maverick. 1985 - Baseball players voted to strike on August 6th if no contract was reached with baseball owners. The strike action turned out to be just a one-day interruption. 1997 - Former Miller Brewing Company executive Jerold Mackenzie was vindicated by a jury in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mackenzie had brought a suit against Miller after the company fired him from his $95,000-a-year job for sexual harassment. He had been commenting on the Seinfeld episode, The Junior Mint, where Seinfeld�s TV character can�t remember the name of his new girlfriend -- only that it rhymes with a female body part. One of Mackenzie�s female co-workers complained to the Miller human resources director after she heard Mackenzie joking about the show. 1997 - Fashion designer Gianni Versace was shot to death on the steps of his mansion in Miami Beach, Florida. Police believe Andrew Phillip Cunanan shot Versace. Cunanan committed suicide a week later on a houseboat about two miles north of the Versace mansion. Cunanan is suspected of killing four other men in a cross-country shooting spree. Birthdays July 15th. 1606 - Rembrandt (Van Rijn) artist: 300 etchings, 1,400 drawings, 600 paintings: The Night Watch, Man with a Magnifying Glass, The Anatomy Lesson of Professor Tulp, Descent from the Cross, Rape of Ganymede; died Oct 4, 1669 1779 - Clement Clarke Moore poet, author: �Twas the Night before Christmas [A Visit from St. Nicholas]; died in July 10, 1863 1867 - Maggie Lena Walker first woman bank founder and president: opened St. Luke Penny Savings Bank [Richmond VA: Nov 2, 1903]; women's rights/black pride advocate; died Dec 15, 1934 1905 - Dorothy Fields lyricist: w/Cy Coleman: Sweet Charity, Seesaw; w/Jimmy McHugh: I Can�t Give You Anything But Love, I�m in the Mood for Love, On the Sunny Side of the Street; daughter of comedian Lew Fields; died Mar 28, 1974 1913 - Cowboy (Lloyd) Copas country singer: Alabam, Goodbye Kisses, Signed, Sealed and Delivered; killed in plane crash with singer, Patsy Cline [Mar 2, 1963] 1925 - Philip Carey actor: The Great Sioux Massacre, Philip Marlowe, Laredo, One Life to Live, The Time Travelers, Mister Roberts 1927 - Nan Clow Martin actress: Matters of the Heart, Goodbye Columbus, For Love of Ivy 1931 - Clive Cussler author: Raise the Titanic, Deep Six, Sahara, Cyclops 1933 - Julian Bream musician: classical guitar, lute 1935 - Donn (Alvin) Clendenon baseball: Pittsburgh Pirates, Montreal Expos, NY Mets [World Series: 1969], SL Cardinals; died Sep 17, 2005 1935 - Alex (Alexander G.) Karras football: U of Iowa line backer: Outland Trophy [1957], Detroit Lions defensive tackle: All-Pro [1960-62]; sportscaster: Monday Night Football [1974-76]; actor: Blazing Saddles, Against All Odds, Victor/Victoria, Webster 1935 - Ken Kercheval actor: Dallas, Search for Tomorrow, Corporate Affairs, Calamity Jane 1939 - Patrick Wayne actor: Chill Factor, Young Guns, McClintock, Big Jake; John Wayne�s son 1940 - Tommy Dee (Thomas Donaldson) singer: The Three Stars; record company executive; DJ: KFXM, San Bernardino, CA 1940 - Roy Winston football: Minnesota Vikings line backer: Super Bowl IV, VIII, IX, XI 1943 - Bill Truax football: Dallas Cowboys tight end, Super Bowl VI 1944 - Jan-Michael Vincent actor: Airwolf, The Winds of War, Indecent Behavior, The World�s Greatest Athlete, Hooper, Born in East L.A. 1945 - Peter Lewis musician: guitar, singer: group: Moby Grape: LPs: Moby Grape, Wow, Grape Jam, Truly Fine Citizen, 20 Granite Creek, Grape Live 1946 - Linda Ronstadt singer: group: The Stone Poneys: Different Drum; solo: Blue Bayou, You�re No Good, When Will I Be Loved, It�s So Easy, Ooh Baby Baby, Hurt So Bad; actress: Pirates of Penzance 1951 - Rick Kehoe hockey: NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins: player, scout, assistant coach 1952 - John Stallworth football: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver: Super Bowl IX, X, XIII, XIV 1953 - David Pack singer: group: Ambrosia: The Biggest Part of Me 1960 - Willie Aames actor: Eight is Enough, Charles in Charge, Frankenstein, Zapped! 1961 - Lolita Davidovich actress: Now and Then, Indictment: The McMartin Trial, For Better or Worse, Cobb, Boiling Point, Raising Cain, The Inner Circle, Recruits 1963 - Brigitte Nielsen actress: Galaxis, Body Count, Chained Heat 2, Beverly Hills Cop 2, Cobra, Rocky 4, Red Sonja 1961 - Forest Whitaker actor: Phenomenon, Ready to Wear, The Enemy Within, Body Snatchers, Jason�s Lyric, The Crying Game, Bird, Good Morning Vietnam, Platoon, The Color of Money, Fast Times at Ridgemont High; director: Waiting to Exhale, Strapped 1963 - Brigitte Nielsen actress: Galaxis, Body Count, Chained Heat 2, Beverly Hills Cop 2, Cobra, Rocky 4, Red Sonja 1973 - Brian Austin Green actor: Knots Landing, Beverly Hills 90210, An American Summer. Chart Toppers 1948 Woody Woodpecker Song - The Kay Kaiser Orchestra (vocal: Gloria Wood & The Campus Kids) You Can�t Be True, Dear - The Ken Griffin Orchestra (vocal: Jerry Wayne) Little White Lies - Dick Haymes Bouquet of Roses - Eddy Arnold 1956 The Wayward Wind - Gogi Grant My Prayer - The Platters Hound Dog/Don�t Be Cruel - Elvis Presley I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - Elvis Presley 1964 I Get Around - The Beach Boys Memphis - Johnny Rivers Rag Doll - The 4 Seasons My Heart Skips a Beat - Buck Owens 1972 Lean on Me - Bill Withers Too Late to Turn Back Now - Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose Brandy (You�re a Fine Girl) - Looking Glass Made in Japan - Buck Owens 1980 Coming Up - Paul McCartney & Wings It�s Still Rock & Roll to Me - Billy Joel Little Jeannie - Elton John You Win Again - Charley Pride 1988 The Flame - Cheap Trick Mercedes Boy - Pebbles Pour Some Sugar on Me - Def Lappard Fallin� Again - Alabama Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 197th day of 2007 - 168 remaining. Monday, July 16, 2007 MISSY DAY. :) She was born Ruby Stevens on this day in 1907. Later, she was fondly called �Missy� by the film crews who worked with her. We knew her as Barbara Stanwyck, her stage name. She used it for the first time, at age 18, when she won a leading role in a Broadway play titled, Noose. This was not the last time Ms. Stanwyck would win a leading role. In fact she was nominated for Best Actress by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences four times out of her 82 films. Her Oscar nominations were for her roles as Stella Dallas in Stella Dallas (1937), Sugarpuss O�Shea in Ball of Fire (1941), Phyllis Dietrichson in Double Indemnity (1944), and Leona Stevenson in Sorry Wrong Number (1948). Barbara Stanwyck easily crossed over from film to TV as the matriarch, Victoria Barkley, in The Big Valley, and later, as Mary Carson, in the miniseries, The Thorn Birds, and as Constance Colby Patterson in the prime time soap, The Colbys. This time she wasn�t just nominated, she won. Her first Emmy was in 1960-61 for her lead role in The Barbara Stanwyck Show. She received another Emmy for her Big Valley performances in 1965-66 and one for The Thorn Birds in 1983. Her popularity increased over the years as did her pay check. In 1944, Ms. Stanwyck was listed by the government as the highest paid woman in the U.S., at $400,000 per year. Not bad for a chorus girl from Brooklyn. We miss you, Missy. Events July 16th. 1790 - The District of Columbia, or Washington, D.C., was established as the permanent seat of the United States Government. 1845 - The New York Yacht Club hosted the first American boating regatta. 1912 - Bradley A. Fiske patented the airplane torpedo. Kids, please, don�t try this at home or near electric lines. And stay off the roof, too! 1926 - The first underwater color photographs appeared in National Geographic magazine. The pictures were taken near the Florida Keys. 1934 - The NBC Red radio network premiered the musical drama, Dreams Come True. It was a show about baritone singer Barry McKinley and his novelist sweetheart. 1935 - The first automatic parking meter was installed in Oklahoma City, OK. You could drive up and park for only a nickel in places where parking used to be free. 1945 - Fat Boy, the experimental, plutonium bomb, exploded at 5:30 a.m. in the first U.S. test of an atomic bomb. The mushroom-shaped cloud rose to a height of 41,000 feet above the New Mexico desert at Alamogordo Air Base. All life in a one-mile radius ceased to exist. 1950 - The largest crowd in sporting history -- 199,854 -- watched the World Cup soccer finals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Uruguay defeated Brazil. �Scccoooorrrreeeeee!� 1963 - Congressman Carl Vinson of Georgia broke House Speaker Sam Rayburn�s record of service in the U.S. Congress, as he celebrated serving 48 years, 8 months and 13 days. 1970 - The Pittsburgh Pirates played their first game at Three Rivers Stadium. The Bucs had spent 61 baseball seasons at Forbes Field. Cincinnati�s Reds spoiled the housewarming for the Pirates with a 3-2 win. The game also marked the first time the Pirates wore new double-knit uniforms which became commonplace throughout both the American and National Leagues. 1981 - Jack Nicklaus played his worst round of professional golf. He scored a 13-over-par 83 at the British Open. He came back the next day, however, and whipped the field with a four-under-par 66. 1981 - After 23 years of familiarity with the name, Datsun, executives of Nissan, the Japanese automaker, played with our minds and changed the name of their cars to Nissan. Nissan didn�t begin to show up on nameplates in the U.S. until the 1985 models were released. 1981 - Singer Harry Chapin died in a car crash in New York. Chapin, a folk-rock balladeer, was 38. His hit songs included Taxi, W-O-L-D and the million seller, Cat�s in the Cradle. He was a champion of the hungry and homeless and organized a massive effort to provide food for the needy. This was his legacy to the world; his work continues by other performers. 1985 - The largest crowd to see a baseball game in Minnesota came out to see Darryl Strawberry of the New York Mets score two runs to lead the National League to a 6-1 victory over the American League. The All-Star Game crowd numbered 54,960. It was the 12th win in 13 games for the National League. 1985 - The All-Star Game, televised this day, was the first program broadcast in stereo by a TV network. The NBC milestone soon led to sound enhancement of other network shows. 1986 - Columbia Records announced that after 28 years with the label, the contract of country star Johnny Cash would not be renewed. Cash recorded 13 hits on the pop music charts from 1956 to 1976 -- all but four on Columbia. The others were on Sam Phillips� Memphis-based label, Sun. Cash�s biggest hit for Columbia was "A Boy Named Sue" in 1969. 1990 - An earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale devastated the Philippines, killing over 1,600 people. A thousand more were missing. Damage was reported in Manila, Cabanatuan, Baguio and Luzon. It was the worst earthquake in that part of the world since 1976. 1999 - John F. Kennedy Jr.�s plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Martha�s Vineyard (Massachusetts), killing him, his wife and his sister-in-law. The three had been en route to a Kennedy family wedding. The National Transportation Safety Board concluded that Kennedy suffered from spatial disorientation, brought on by a loss of balance in the inner ear. Kennedy�s problems were exacerbated by the hazy night sky and his inability to see the horizon. The NTSB also said investigators did not find any mechanical problems with Kennedy�s plane, a single-engine Piper Saratoga II. Birthdays 1486 - Andrea del Sarto (Vanucchi or di Francesco) Italian Renaissance artist; subject of poem by Robert Browning; died Sep 29, 1530 1723 - Sir Joshua Reynolds artist: The Age of Innocence, Mrs. Siddons as the Tragic Muse, The Infant Hercules, The Strawberry Girl, Garrick Between Comedy and Tragedy; portrait painter: Samuel Johnson, David Garrick, Lawrence Stern, Oliver Goldsmith; 1st president of the Royal Academy; died Feb 23, 1792 1821 - Mary Baker Eddy religious leader: founder of Christian Science; died Dec 3, 1910 1862 - Ida Wells journalist, antilynching activist: Red Record [first account of lynchings of blacks in U.S. South]; died Mar 25, 1931 1872 - Roald Amundsen explorer: discovered South Pole [Dec 14, 1911]; first man to sail from from the Atlantic to Pacific through the Northwest Passage [1903-1905]; lost at sea while flying rescue mission to airship Italia [stranded in the arctic] June 22, 1928 1907 - Orville Redenbacher popcorn gourmet & tycoon; died Sep 19, 1995 1907 - Barbara Stanwyck (Ruby Stevens) actress; died Jan 20, 1990; see Missy Day [above] 1911 - Ginger Rogers (Virginia Katherine McMath) Academy Award-winning actress: Kitty Foyle [1940]; dancer with Fred Astaire in many musicals; appeared in over 70 films in 60 years; died Apr 25, 1995 1915 - Barnard Hughes Emmy Award-winning actor: Lou Grant [1977]; Prelude to a Kiss, The Guiding Light, Sisters, Doc; died July 11, 2006 1920 - Larry (Lawrence Joseph) Jansen baseball: pitcher: NY Giants [all-star: 1950, 1951/World Series: 1951], Cincinnati Redlegs 1924 - Bess Myerson Miss America [1945], actress, corporate spokesperson, civic leader 1925 - Cal Tjader (Callen Radcliffe Tjader Jr.) Grammy Award-winning musician: vibes, piano, percussion; composer: Cast Your Fate to the Winds [1962], La Onda Va Bien [1980]; soundtracks for Peanuts TV cartoons; died May 5, 1982 1925 - Nat Pierce musician: jazz rhythm pianist; cobandleader: Capp-Pierce Juggernaut; died June 10, 1992 1927 - Mindy Carson singer: You�re Not in My Arms Tonight, The Touch of Your Lips, Let�s Go to Town [w/The Dorsey Brothers] 1930 - Joey Giardello (Carmine Tilelli) International Boxing Hall of Famer: World Middleweight Champion [1963-1965] 1932 - Max (William) McGee football: Green Bay Packers wide receiver: Super Bowl I [made juggled reception to score first Super Bowl touchdown], II 1939 - Corin Redgrave actor: Persuasion, Four Weddings and a Funeral, In the Name of the Father, Excalibur, Between Wars, The Charge of the Light Brigade, A Man for All Seasons; brother of actresses Vanessa and Lynn Redgrave 1940 - Tony Jackson musician: bass, singer: group: Searchers: Sweets for My Sweet, Needles & Pins, Don�t Throw Your Love Away, When You Walk into the Room, Goodbye My Love; died Aug 18, 2003 1942 - Margaret Smith Court International Tennis Hall of Famer: champion: Australian Open: [1960-1966], French Open [1962, 1964, 1969, 1970, 1973], Wimbledon [1963, 1965, 1970], U.S. Open [1962, 1965, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1973] 1942 - Desmond Dekker (Dacris) reggae musician: Israelites, 007 [Shanty Town], You Can Get It if You Really Want; died May 25, 2006 1943 - Jimmy Johnson football: champion college coach: Miami; pro coach: Dallas Cowboys: Super Bowl XXVII, XXVIII 1948 - Ruben Blades Grammy Award-winning singer [1986, 1988]; duet [w/Linda Ronstadt]: Silencios; songwriter: El Cantante, Tu Carino, GDBD, Move It!; actor: Color of Night, The Two Jakes, One Man�s War, Dead Man Out, The Milagro Beanfield War, Homeboy, Crossover Dreams, The Last Fight 1948 - Bob Murray hockey: NHL: Atlanta Flames, Vancouver Canucks 1948 - Pinchas Zukerman violinist, orchestra conductor: 100 releases, 21 Grammy nominations, two awards 1950 - Camille Saviola actress: The Heights, Civil Wars, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 1951 - Jerry Sisemore football: Philadelphia Eagles tackle: Super Bowl XV 1952 - Stewart Copeland musician: drums: group: Police: Fall Out, Every Breath You Take, LP: The Equalizer & Other Cliffhangers 1953 - Mickey Rourke actor: The Last Ride, Desperate Hours, Johnny Handsome, 9 1/2 Weeks, Year of the Dragon, Diner, Body Heat, City in Fear, 1941 1958 - Michael Flatley dancer, performer: Lord of the Dance 1963 - Phoebe Cates actress: Gremlins, Drop Dead Fred, Princess Caraboo, Bright Lights, Big City, Fast Times at Ridgemont High 1968 - Will Ferrell comedian, actor: Saturday Night Live, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, The Suburbans, The Ladies Man, The Andy Dick Show, The Ladies Man, Zoolander, Elf, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy 1971 - Corey (Scott) Feldman actor: License to Drive, The �Burbs, National Lampoon�s Last Resort, The Goonies, Gremlins, voice: Donatello in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Chart Toppers 1949 Some Enchanted Evening - Perry Como Bali Ha�i - Perry Como Again - Gordon Jenkins One Kiss Too Many - Eddy Arnold 1957 Teddy Bear - Elvis Presley Searchin�/Young Blood - The Coasters Valley of Tears/It�s You I Love - Fats Domino Bye Bye Love - The Everly Brothers 1965 (I Can�t Get No) Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones Wonderful World - Herman�s Hermits Yes, I�m Ready - Barbara Mason Before You Go - Buck Owens 1973 Will It Go Round in Circles - Billy Preston Kodachrome - Paul Simon Bad, Bad Leroy Brown - Jim Croce Love is the Foundation - Loretta Lynn 1981 Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes All Those Years Ago - George Harrison The One that You Love - Air Supply Fire & Smoke - Earl Thomas Conley 1989 Satisfied - Richard Marx Baby Don�t Forget My Number - Milli Vanilli I Don�t Want to Spoil the Party - Roseanne Cash Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 198th day of 2007 - 167 remaining. Tuesday, July 17, 2007 WRONG WAY DAY. :D :D We�ve all seen football players running the wrong way on the field, and some announcer will refer to the unfortunate player as �Wrong Way� Corrigan. Well, the original �Wrong Way� was not a football player; he was Douglas Corrigan, unemployed airplane mechanic. It was on this, a foggy day in 1938, that Doug left Floyd Bennett Field in New York, supposedly headed for Los Angeles. He landed his 1929 Curtiss Robin monoplane about 28 hours later - not in California but in Ireland at Dublin�s Baldonnel Field. Corrigan made the 3,150-mile flight without benefit of a radio or navigational equipment other than a compass. His explanation for the monumental mistake was that he was following the wrong end of the compass needle. (Folks were never sure whether his feat was a mistake or moxie.) He was, however, welcomed home as a hero (ticker tape parade and all) and known forever more as �Wrong Way� Corrigan. Events July 17th. 1862 - National cemeteries were authorized by the U.S. government on this day. Arlington National Cemetery, located just outside Washington, D.C. in Virginia, is one of the most honored in the country. In addition to those who died in battle, other war veterans, including U.S. Presidents and government leaders, are buried there. Arlington National Cemetery also houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in honor of those who lay unidentified on the battlefields of freedom. 1866 - Authorization was given to build a tunnel beneath the Chicago River. The project was completed three years later at a cost of $512,709. 1867 - Harvard School of Dental Medicine was established in Boston, MA. It was the first dental school in America. 1901 - Dr. Willis Carrier installed a commerical air conditioning system at a Brooklyn, NY printing plant. The system was the first to provide man-made control over temperature, humidity, ventilation and air quality. It was originally installed to help maintain quality at the printing plant and for the first two decades of the 20th Century, Carrier�s invention was used primarily to cool machines, not people. The development of the centrifugal chiller by Carrier in the early 1920s led to comfort cooling for movie theaters (remeber the marquees with �It�s cool inside�?) and, before long, air conditioning came to department stores, office buildings and railroad cars. Cool... 1920 - Sinclair Lewis finished the now-famous novel, Main Street. 1939 - Charlie Barnet and his orchestra recorded Cherokee for Bluebird Records. Listen carefully and you�ll hear the horn of Billy May on the piece. 1941 - The hitting streak of Joe DiMaggio came to an end after 56 games. The Yankee slugger couldn�t get a hit. Since May 16th, he batted at an average of .408. He hit 19 homers during the streak. Two pitchers were responsible for putting the skids on DiMaggio�s hitting streak: Al Smith and Jim Bagby of the Cleveland Indians. After a day off, Joltin� Joe resumed his hitting ways, in a shorter, but still impressive, 14-game streak. 1954 - The first Newport Jazz Festival was held on the grass tennis courts of the Newport Casino in Newport RI. Eddie Condon and his band played Muskrat Ramble as the opening number of the world�s first jazz fest. 1954 - The Brooklyn Dodgers took to the field, making history as the first team with a majority of black players. 1955 - Disneyland opened the gates to �The Happiest Place on Earth� in Anaheim, California. In the famous theme park�s first year of operation, some four million people visited Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland. On its opening day, Disneyland held a gala TV broadcast featuring Walt Disney, Bob Cummings, Art Linkletter and Ronald Reagan. 1961 - John Chancellor became the on-air host of the Today show on NBC-TV. Chancellor replaced Dave Garroway, who had resigned after 10 years of early morning duty on the popular program. 1961 - Ty Cobb died of cancer at age 74. Cobb was considered by many to be the greatest baseball player of all time. 1961 - Rocker Bobby Lewis was starting week #2 of a seven-week stay at number one (one, one, one) on the pop-music charts with his smash, Tossin� and Turnin�. Lewis, who grew up in an orphanage, learned to play the piano at age 5. He became popular in the Detroit, MI area before moving on to fame and fortune with Beltone Records. 1968 - The Beatles� feature-length cartoon, Yellow Submarine, premiered at the London Pavilion. The song, Yellow Submarine, had been a #2 hit for the supergroup (9/17/66) and was the inspiration for the movie. 1981 - Two skywalks suspended from the ceiling over the atrium lobby at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, MO collapsed, killing 114 people. Five years later, two design engineers were convicted for their gross negligence. 1984 - Hector Camacho, previously undefeated, lost the WBC junior-lightweight boxing crown because he could no longer make the 130-pound fighting limit. He moved into the 135-pound class for lightweight competition. 1986 - The largest bankruptcy filing in U.S. history took place as LTV Corporation asked for court protection from more than 20,000 creditors. LTV Corp. had debts in excess of $4 billion. 1996 - TWA (Trans World Airlines) flight 800, carrying 230 people, including four ****pit crew members and 14 flight attendants, exploded, falling into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Long Island, New York. The Boeing 747 had lifted off from New York�s John F. Kennedy Airport at 8:19 p.m. bound for Paris, France. The explosion happened about 26 minutes later, some 40 miles east of New York, as the plane was climbing through 13,800 feet. The victims included celebrities in sports, entertainment and the arts, business people, and vacationers. Possibly the most poignant were the deaths of sixteen teen-agers, all students from the Montoursville, PA high school French club, and their five chaperones. There are several theories as to the cause of the explosion. Some believe that the airliner was sabotaged and destroyed by a bomb planted on board. Others swore they knew the plane had been struck by a U.S. missile. But, after a 16-month probe, the FBI announced it had found no evidence of a criminal act or stray (or otherwise) missile. It has concluded that the crash was caused by electrical arcing in the plane�s center fuel tank igniting fuel vapors. 1998 - Just after seven in the evening, the inhabitants of the West Sepik area of Papua New Guinea felt the tremors from a magnitude 7.1 earthquake. Eye-witnesses reported that minutes later the villages were hit in quick succession by three tsunami (tidal waves) reaching heights of 14 meters (45 feet: taller than a four-story building), followed by two smaller waves. More than 2,000 people were killed and some 10,000 left homeless. In addition, many of the survivors were badly injured, with broken bones and bruising. Costas Synolakis, a researcher at UCLA and co-leader of a science team that visited PNG in early August 1998: �We were in a state of shock. It was really something we had not seen before. It was sort of a new threshold in terms of what a wave can do.� Birthdays July 17th. 1744 - Elbridge Gerry politician: 5th vice president of the U.S. [1813-1814]; governor of Massachusetts: wrote a redistricting bill, hence the origin of the word �gerrymandering�; died Nov 23, 1814 1763 - John Jacob Astor fur tycoon: American Fur Company; died Mar 29, 1848 1859 - Luis Munoz-Rivera Puerto Rican patriot; poet; journalist; died Nov 15, 1916 1889 - Erle Stanley Gardner (A.A. Fair) novelist: Perry Mason; died Mar 11, 1970 1898 - Berenice Abbott photographer: 1930s B/W photos of NYC: Changing New York; died in 1991 1899 - James Cagney (James Francis Cagney, Jr.) Academy Award-winning actor: Yankee Doodle Dandy [1942]; Mr. Roberts, The Seven Little Foys, Man of a Thousand Faces; died Mar 30, 1986 1905 - William Gargan actor: Dynamite, The Canterville Ghost, Rain; died Feb 17, 1979 1912 - Art Linkletter (Arthur Gordon Kelly) TV host: House Party, Kids Say the Darnedest Things 1916 - Eleanor Steber soprano: internationally acclaimed Metropolitan Opera diva, appeared in 50 different leading operatic roles, heard in more premiers at the Met than any other artist; died in 1990 1917 - Lou Boudreau Baseball Hall of Famer: Cleveland Indians shortstop [all-star: 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1948/World Series/Baseball Writer�s Award: 1948]; player, manager: Boston Red Sox; manager: KC Athletics; sportscaster: Chicago Cubs 1917 - Phyllis Diller (Driver) comedienne: The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show, actress: Boy Did I Get the Wrong Number 1929 - Roy (David) McMillan baseball: shortstop: Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Redlegs [all-star: 1956, 1957], Milwaukee Braves, NY Mets; died Nov 2, 1997 1932 - Bob Leonard basketball: All-American: Indiana University; coach: Indiana Pacers [Bobby �Slick� Leonard] 1933 - Mimi Hines pop singer, actress: duo: Ford & Hines [w/husband, Phil Ford]; Broadway singer, actress: Funny Girl, Grease 1934 - Pat McCormick performer: The New Bill Cosby Show, The Don Rickles Show; writer: The Tonight Show, Jack Paar Show, Under the Rainbow; actor: Chinatown Connection, Smokey and the Bandit series, Buffalo Bill and the Indians; died July 29, 2005 1935 - Diahann Carroll (Carol Diahann Johnson) actress: Claudine, Julia, Dynasty, The Five Heartbeats 1935 - Donald Sutherland actor: JFK, Klute, Backdraft, M*A*S*H, The Dirty Dozen, National Lampoon�s Animal House, Outbreak 1941 - Daryle Lamonica football: Oakland Raiders quarterback: Super Bowl II 1942 - Spencer Davis musician: group: Spencer Davis Group: Keep on Runnin�, Somebody Help Me, Gimme Some Lovin�, I�m a Man 1942 - Connie (Cornelius) Hawkins Basketball Hall of Famer: Pittsburgh Rens, Harlem Globetrotters, Pittsburgh Pipers, LA Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns [jersey retired Nov 19, 1976] 1942 - Don (Donald Eulon) Kessinger baseball: shortstop: Chicago Cubs [all-star: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974], SL Cardinals, Chicago White Sox 1948 - Cathy Ferguson swimming: U.S. Olympic gold medalist [Tokyo - 1964]: women�s 100-meter backstroke, women�s 400-meter medley relay w/Cynthia Goyette, Sharon Stouder, Kathleen Ellis 1949 - Terence �Geezer� Butler musician: bass: group: Black Sabbath: Paranoid 1949 - Lon Hinkle golf: champ: World Series of Golf [1979] 1949 - Mick Tucker musician: drums: group: Sweet: Funny Funny, Co-Co, Little Willy, Wig Wam Bam, Blockbuster, Hell Raiser, Ballroom Blitz, Teenage Rampage, Fox on the Run; died Feb 14, 2002 1949 - Mike Vale musician: bass: group: Tommy James and the Shondells: Say I Am [What I Am], I Think We�re Alone Now, Mirage, Mony Mony, Crimson and Clover, Sweet Cherry Wine, Crystal Blue Persuasion 1951 - Lucie Arnaz actress: They�re Playing Our Song, Here�s Lucy; Emmy Award-winning producer [w/Laurence Luckinbill]: Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie [1992-93]; Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz� daughter 1952 - David Hasselhoff actor: Bay Watch, Knight Rider, The Young and the Restless; TV talent-show judge: America�s Got Talent 1952 - Nicolette Larson singer: Lotta Love; died Dec 16, 1997 1952 - Phoebe Snow (Laub) singer: Poetry Man, Gone at Last 1953 - Mike Thomas football: Washington Redskins RB [Offensive Rookie of the Year: 1975] 1955 - P.J. (Pamela Jane) Soles actress: Carrie, Rock �n� Roll High School, Private Benjamin, Stripes, The Power Within 1960 - Robin Shou actor: Mortal Kombat, Beverly Hills Ninja, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation 1963 - Paul Hipp actor: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Lethal Weapon 3, The Chippendales Murder 1963 - Bobby (Robert Thomas) Thigpen baseball: pitcher: Chicago White Sox [all-star: 1990/record for saves: 57 in one season: 1990], Philadelphia Phillies [World Series: 1993], Seattle Mariners 1965 - Alex Winter actor: Bill & Ted�s Excellent Adventure. Chart Toppers 1950 Bewitched - The Gordon Jenkins Orchestra (vocal: Mary Lou Williams) My Foolish Heart - The Gordon Jenkins Orchestra (vocal: Eileen Wilson) Mona Lisa - Nat King Cole Mississippi - Red Foley 1958 The Purple People Eater - Sheb Wooley Hard Headed Woman - Elvis Presley Poor Little Fool - Ricky Nelson Guess Things Happen that Way - Johnny Cash 1966 Hanky Panky - Tommy James & The Shondells Wild Thing - The Troggs You Don�t Have to Say You Love Me - Dusty Springfield Think of Me - Buck Owens 1974 Rock Your Baby - George McCrae Annie�s Song - John Denver On and On - Gladys Knight & The Pips He Thinks I Still Care - Anne Murray 1982 Don�t You Want Me - The Human League Rosanna - Toto Hurts So Good - John Cougar �Till You�re Gone - Barbara Mandrell 1990 Step By Step - New Kids on the Block She ain�t Worth It - Glenn Medeiros featuring Bobby Brown Hold On - En Vogue The Dance - Garth Brooks Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 199th day of 2007 - 166 remaining. Wednesday, July 18, 2007 WIENERMOBILE DAY. :D Every now and then a commercial jingle becomes something other than a commercial. It becomes a part of Americana. And so it goes with the Oscar Mayer Wiener Jingle (�I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Wiener...�). But long before the jingle/song entered our lives, Carl Mayer, nephew of Oscar Mayer, invented another quaint entry into Americana: the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. The first Wienermobile rolled out of General Body Company�s factory in Chicago on this day in 1936. The Wienermobile tours around the U.S. fascinating children of all ages as it promotes the famous Oscar Mayer wiener. If you�ve had the pleasure of seeing the Wienermobile in person, don�t think only the folks in your part of the U.S.A. are the lucky ones, because today there are six of the silly-looking cars. For those of you who have never seen it - it�s a giant hot dog on wheels - there�s just no other way to describe the Wienermobile. 0064 - Rome burned on this day -- while Nero fiddled, literally. 1743 - The New York Weekly Journal published the first half-page newspaper ad. 1914 - The Aviation Section of the U.S. Signal Corps was created, giving status to the air service for the first time. The first flying unit had twelve officers, 54 enlisted men, and six airplanes assigned to it at North Island (San Diego, CA). 1927 - Ty Cobb set a major-league baseball record by getting his 4,000th career hit. Cobb recorded 4,191 hits before his career came to an end the following year -- after 23 years in the big leagues. 1936 - The critically acclaimed, experimental theatre of the air, The Columbia Workshop, debuted on CBS radio. 1951 - After trying four times without success, �Jersey� Joe Walcott became the world heavyweight boxing champ by knocking out Ezzard Charles (whose real name was actually Charles Ezzard) in Pittsburgh, PA. Walcott became the oldest heavyweight titlist to the time (age 37). 1964 - Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds connected for the only grand-slam home run of his career. It came against the team he would later play for -- the Philadelphia Phillies. Rose had been in the major leagues for only two years and was just 22 at the time. Dallas Green (later to become manager of the Phillies) gave up the gopher ball to Rose. 1964 - The 4 Seasons reached the top spot on the record charts with Rag Doll, the group�s fourth hit to climb to the #1 position. The song stayed on top for two weeks. Other #1 hits by Frankie Valli and company include, Big Girls Don�t Cry, Walk Like a Man, and December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night). 1968 - Hugh Masekela struck gold with the breezy, latin-soul instrumental Grazing in the Grass, while Gary Puckett and The Union Gap received a similar honor for the hit, Lady Willpower. Masekela, a trumpeter since age 14, saw Grazing in the Grass go to number one for two weeks (July 20/27). Grazing was his only entry on the pop music charts. The Union Gap scored three more million-sellers in the late 1960s: Woman, Woman, Young Girl and Over You. The Union Gap was formed in 1967 and named after the town of Union Gap, Washington. As always, I�m Casey Kasem. Keep your feet off the sofa and, um, you know the rest. 1969 - �Broadway� Joe Namath got out of the restaurant/nightclub business after agreeing to terms suggested by then NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Namath owned half of Bachelors III in New York City. 1970 - Ron Hunt of the San Francisco Giants was hit by a pitch for the 119th time in his career, earning him the dubious distinction of being the most-beaned baseball player in the major leagues. 1976 - Nadia Comaneci, the 14-year-old star gymnast from Romania, stunned those watching the Olympic Games by executing perfect form to collect a perfect score of �10� from the judges. This was the first perfect score ever recorded on the uneven parallel bars. Nadia went on to collect seven perfect scores, three gold medals, a silver and a bronze. She also won two gold and two silver medals in the 1980 Olympics. Pretty heavy stuff for the tiny lady. 1983 - Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel took to the road to begin a 19-city tour beginning in Akron, OH. It was the first tour by the popular singing duo since their success in the 1960s. 1985 - Jack Nicklaus II, son of the legendary �Golden Bear�, made his playing debut on the pro golf tour at the Quad Cities Open in Coal Valley, IL. The 23-year-old golfer played as an amateur while his dad was playing in the British Open. 1992 - America�s reigning pop princess Whitney Houston wed R&B artist/bad boy Bobby Brown. The ceremony was held in a gazebo on Houston's Mendham, New Jersey estate. Among the 800 guests: Ray Charles, Dionne Warwick, Quincy Jones, Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, Isiah Thomas, Donald Trump. 1999 - David Cone pitched a perfect game for the New York Yankees. Cone befuddled the Montreal Expos, throwing the 16th perfect game in baseball history, while leading the Yankees to a 6-0 victory. Birthdays July 18th. 1720 - Gilbert White �father of British naturalists�: author: The Natural History of Selborne; died June 26, 1795 1811 - William Makepeace Thackeray author: Vanity Fair, Pendennis; died Dec 24, 1863 1903 - Chill Wills actor: Billy the Kid, McClintock, Giant, The Yearling, Tarzan�s New York Adventure, The Wheeler Dealers; died Dec 15, 1978 1906 - S.I. (Samuel Ichiye) Hayakawa U.S. Senator; president of San Francisco State College; writer: language textbooks; led initiative declaring English as official language of California; died Feb 27, 1992 1906 - Clifford Odets playwright: Waiting for Lefty, Awake and Sing, The Golden Boy, The Big Knife, The Country Girl, The Flowering Peach; died Aug 18, 1963 1909 - Harriet Hilliard Nelson (Peggy Lou Snyder) singer: Ozzie Nelson�s orchestra; actress: The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Follow the Fleet, Rick & Dave�s mother; passed Oct 2, 1994 1910 - Lou Busch (Joe �Fingers� Carr) musician: piano, arranger, composer: Sam�s Song, Down Yonder, Portuguese Washerwoman; died Sep 19, 1979 1911 - Hume Cronyn (Blake) actor: Sunrise at Campobello, The Seventh Cross, Cocoon, The Four Poster, Fox Fire, The Gin Game; Jessica Tandy�s husband; died June 15, 2003 1913 - Marvin Miller (Mueller) actor: Kiss Daddy Goodbye, Red Planet Mars; died Feb 8, 1985 1913 - Red (Richard) Skelton Emmy Award-winning comedian: The Red Skelton Show [1951, 1960-61]; ATAS Governor�s Award [1985-86]; recording artist: The Pledge of Allegiance; �Goodnight ... and may God Bless.�; died Sep 17, 1997 1918 - Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace prize-winner [1993]; South African President; imprisoned for 28 years 1921 - John Glenn Jr. astronaut: first to orbit Earth [Feb 20, 1962]; oldest to fly in space [oldest space-shuttle crew member: age 77: Oct 1998]; U.S. Senator [Ohio: 1975-1999] 1929 - Richard Button figure skater: 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist [1948, 1952]; first to land a double axel [1948 Olympics]; Sullivan Award [1949]; sportscaster 1929 - Screamin� Jay (Jalacy) Hawkins R&B singer, pianist: I Put a Spell on You [Rolling Stone magazine voted it one of 50 greatest songs of the 1950s]; died Feb 12, 2000 1931 - �Papa Dee� (Thomas) Allen musician: keyboards: group: War: LPs: All Day Music, The World is a Ghetto, Why Can�t We Be Friends?; died Aug 30, 1988 1935 - Tenley Albright Olympic Hall of Famer: figure-skating silver medal [1952], gold [1956]: first American woman to win event; International Women�s Sports Hall of Famer 1939 - Dion DiMucci Rock and Roll Hall of Famer: singer: group: Dion and the Belmonts: A Teenager in Love, Where or When; solo: Runaround Sue, The Wanderer, Abraham, Martin and John, Ruby Baby, Donna the Prima Donna 1939 - Brian Auger musician: keyboards: groups: Mahavishnu Players, Oblivion Express; played harpsichord for Yardbirds: For Your Love 1940 - James Brolin (Bruderlin) actor: Hotel, Marcus Welby, M.D., Angel Falls, Westworld, Von Ryan�s Express, Pee Wee�s Big Adventure, Fantastic Voyage, The Boston Strangler, The Amityville Horror; married to singer/actress, Barbra Streisand 1940 - Joe (Joseph Paul) Torre baseball: Milwaukee Braves [all-star: 1963, 1964, 1965]], Atlanta Braves [all-star: 1966, 1967], SL Cardinals [all-star: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973/Baseball Writer�s Award: 1971], NY Mets; manager: St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, NY Mets, NY Yankees; broadcaster 1941 - Lonnie Mack (McIntosh) musician: guitar: Memphis 1941 - Martha Reeves singer: group: Martha and the Vandellas: Power of Love, Heat Wave, Quicksand, Dancing in the Street, Nowhere to Run, Jimmy Mack, Come and Get These Memories 1943 - Don Awrey hockey: NHL: Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, Colorado Rockies 1943 - Robin McDonald musician: guitar: group: Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas: From a Window, Little Children, Trains and Boats and Planes, Bad to Me 1944 - Rudy May baseball: pitcher: California Angels, NY Yankees [World Series: 1981], Baltimore Orioles, Montreal Expos 1950 - Glenn Hughes singer: group: The Village People [mustachioed, leather-clad biker]; died Mar 4, 2001 1951 - Bruce (Alan) Lietzke golf pro: nine PGA tour victories; won four tournaments twice: Colonial [1980, 1992], Byron Nelson [1981, 1988], Tucson Open [1977, 1979], Canadian Open [1978, 1982] 1954 - Ricky Skaggs Grammy Award-winning instrumentalist [banjo, fiddle, guitar]: Wheel Hoss [1985]; singer: I Don�t Care, Crying My Heart Out over You; CMA Male Vocalist of the Year [1981], Entertainer of the Year [1985] 1955 - Terry Chambers musician: drums: group: XTC: Making Plans for Nigel, Sgt Rock [Is Going to Help Me], Senses Working Overtime 1956 - Audrey Landers actress: Dallas, Somerset, California Casanova 1958 - Nigel Twist musician: drums: group: The Alarm: Guns, Where Were You Hiding When the Storm Broke?, The Bells of Rhymney 1961 - Elizabeth McGovern actress: Ordinary People, Racing with the Moon, The Bedroom Window 1962 - Lee Arenberg actor: Cradle Will Rock, Robocop 3, Waterworld, Bob Roberts, The Apocalypse, Cross My Heart, Dungeons & Dragons 1963 - Al Snow (Allan Sarven) pro wrestler/actor: WWF Monday Night RAW, WWF Judgement Day, Wrestlemania XV, Royal Rumble. Chart Toppers 1951 Too Young - Nat King Cole Mister and Mississippi - Patti Page The Loveliest Night of the Year - Mario Lanza I Wanna Play House with You - Eddy Arnold 1959 Lonely Boy - Paul Anka Waterloo - Stonewall Jackson The Battle of New Orleans - Johnny Horton 1967 Windy - The Association Little Bit o� Soul - The Music Explosion Can�t Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Valli All the Time - Jack Greene 1975 Love Will Keep Us Together - The Captain & Tennille The Hustle - Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony Listen to What the Man Said - Wings Movin� On - Merle Haggard 1983 Every Breath You Take - The Police Electric Avenue - Eddy Grant Never Gonna Let You Go - Sergio Mendez The Closer You Get - Alabama 1991 Rush, Rush - Paula Abdul Unbelievable - EMF Right Here, Right Now - Jesus Jones Don�t Rock the Jukebox - Alan Jackson Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 200th day of 2007 - 165 remaining. Thursday, July 19, 2007 OUR MISS BROOKS DAY. :) Our Miss Brooks, starring Eve Arden and Gale Gordon, debuted on CBS radio this day in 1948. Arden played the role of Connie Brooks. The program stayed on radio until 1957, running simultaneously on TV from 1952 to 1956. Miss Brooks taught English at Madison High School. Her pal, the bashful, biology teacher Philip Boynton, was played by Robert Rockwell. The crusty, blustery principal of Madison High, Osgood Conklin, was none other than Gale Gordon. Supporting Eve Arden was Jane Morgan as Miss Brooks� landlady, Mrs. Davis. The main problem child in the classroom, the somewhat dimwitted Walter Denton, was Richard Crenna. Eve Arden was so popular as Miss Brooks that she was frequently asked to speak to educational groups and at PTA meetings. She was even offered teaching positions at real high schools. Ah, the power of radio and television! ;) Events July 19th. 1909 - The first unassisted triple play in major-league baseball was made by Cleveland Indians shortstop Neal Ball in a game against Boston. �Yer out! Yer out! And you, sir, are out number three!� 1914 - Boston began what was called its miracle drive as the Braves went from worst to first in the National League. They won the pennant and the World Series as well. 1926 - Walter Hagen scored a 132 for 36 holes of golf at the Eastern Open tournament. He set a world�s record low tourney score in the process. 1939 - Jack Teagarden and his orchestra recorded Aunt Hagar�s Blues for Columbia Records. Teagarden provided the vocal on the session recorded in Chicago, IL. 1942 - The Seventh Symphony, by Shostakovich, was performed for the first time in the United States by Arturo Toscanini and the NBC Symphony Orchestra. 1946 - Marilyn Monroe acted in her first screen test. She passed it with flying colors and was signed to her first contract with Twentieth Century Fox Studios. The first of her 29 films was Scudda-Hoo! Scudda-Hay! 1949 - Singer Harry Belafonte began recording for Capitol Records on this day. The first sessions included They Didn�t Believe Me and Close Your Eyes. A short time later, Capitol said Belafonte wasn�t �commercial enough,� so he signed with RCA Victor (for a very productive and commercial career). 1951 - Famous thoroughbred race horse Citation retired from racing. 1960 - Juan Marichal of the San Francisco Giants became the first pitcher to get a one-hitter in his major-league debut. Marichal allowed just one hit (a double in the eighth inning) as the Giants beat the Philadelphia Phillies. 1966 - Frank Sinatra married actress Mia Farrow this day. Sinatra, 50, married the 20-year-old actress and was photographed after the ceremony by 14 motion-picture cameras and 37 still cameras. 1980 - Billy Joel earned his first gold record with It�s Still Rock and Roll to Me, which reached the top of the Billboard pop music chart. He would score additional million-sellers with Just the Way You Are, My Life, Uptown Girl (for girlfriend and later, wife and supermodel Christie Brinkley) and We Didn�t Start the Fire. Joel reached the top only one other time, with Tell Her About It in 1983. 1984 - Geraldine Ferraro was nominated by the Democratic Party to become the first woman from a major political party to run for the office of U.S. Vice President. Ferraro, age 48, campaigned with presidential hopeful Walter �Fritz� Mondale of Minnesota. Both lost in a landslide to the GOP ticket of Ronald Reagan and George Bush. 1985 - Two years after its initial release, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial grossed an additional $8.8 million in its first three days in rerelease. The film placed second in popularity that weekend to another Steven Spielberg film, Back to the Future. 1987 - Don Mattingly of the New York Yankees tied the major-league record of Dale Long (set in 1956) by failing to get a home run after hitting round-trippers in eight consecutive games. Despite rumors as such, Mattingly was not taken behind the dugout and whipped by the team�s owner... 1989 - 181 out of 293 passengers and crew survived the crash of a United Airlines DC-10. The pilot of Flight 232, bound for Chicago, reported trouble to the Sioux City, Iowa airport half an hour before it slammed into the Sioux City runway. Prepared emergency personnel were credited with helping many to survive the fiery crash. 1990 - Baseball�s all-time hits leader Pete Rose was sentenced in Cincinnati to five months in prison and fined $50,000 for filing false income tax returns. Rose, who spent 25 years in the majors with 4256 hits, 1314 RBIs and a lifetime average of .303, was released from prison Jan 7, 1991. 1996 - The Centennial Olympics opened in Atlanta, Georgia. In the biggest Olympics staged in the 100-year history of the Games, 197 nations marched in the opening ceremonies. Montreal singer Celine Dion sang "The Power of the Dream," written by David Foster, Kenneth (Babyface) Edmonds and Linda Thompson -- and commissioned for the Olympics. Former heavyweight champ and Atlanta native Evander Holyfield carried the Olympic torch into the stadium. Holyfield handed off to American swimmer Janet Evans Evans, who ran up the aisle with the torch and lighted the torch of heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali. (Evans also swam the 800m in the Olympics and was talking with a German TV crew when the infamous Olympic Centennial Park bomb exploded.) 1997 - Daniel Komen of Kenya broke the 8-minute barrier for the 2-mile run while setting a new world record of 7:58.61 at the Hechtel Night of Athletics in Hechtel, Belgium. Komen actually ran two sub-4-minute-miles in this race, running his first mile in 3:59.2, then turned in a second mile of 3:59.4. Birthdays artist; Impressionist: noted for his paintings of dancers in motion; died Sep 27, 1917 1865 - Charles Mayo surgeon: founded Mayo Clinic & Mayo Foundation with his brother; died May 26, 1939 1896 - A.J. (Archibald Joseph) Cronin author: The Citadel, Keys of the Kingdom; died on Jan 9, 1981 1916 - Phil (Philip Joseph) Cavarretta baseball: Chicago Cubs [World Series: 1935, 1938, 1945/all-star: 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947/Baseball Writer�s Award: 1945], Chicago White Sox 1921 - Rosalyn Yalow medical investigator, Nobel Prize-winner for Physiology/Medicine [1977]: medical applications of radioactive isotopes: developed RIA 1922 - George McGovern U.S. Senator and 1972 presidential contender 1923 - Alex Hannum basketball: player: Syracuse Nationals; coach: only coach to win titles in both NBA [Philadelphia �76ers] and ABA [Oakland Oaks]; died Jan 18, 2002 1926 - Helen Gallagher actress: All My Children, Ryan�s Hope, One Life to Live, Neptune�s Rocking Horse 1924 - Pat Hingle actor: Batman, The Grifters, Splendor in the Grass, On the Waterfront, Norma Rae, Of Mice and Men 1926 - Sue Thompson (Eva McKee) singer: Norman, Sad Movies [Make Me Cry] 1927 - Billy (William Frederick) Gardner �Shotgun�: baseball: NY Giants, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Senators, Minnesota Twins, NY Yankees [World Series: 1961], Boston Red Sox; manager: California Angeles, Minnesota Twins 1935 - Philip Agee CIA agent; author: Inside the Company: CIA Diary 1937 - George Hamilton IV singer: A Rose and a Baby Ruth, Why Don�t They Understand, Abilene, The Teen Commandments [w/Paul Anka & Johnny Nash], She�s a Little Bit Country 1938 - Richard Jordan actor: Captains and the Kings, The Bunker, The Hunt for Red October, Dune, Logan�s Run, Rooster Cogburn; died Aug 30, 1993 1940 - Dennis Cole actor: The Young and the Restless, The Barbary Coast 1941 - Natalya Bessmertnova 1941 - Vikki Carr (Florencia Bisenta deCasilla Martinez Cardona) singer: It Must be Him, With Pen in Hand, The Lesson 1945 - Craig Cameron hockey: Minnesota North Stars, NY Islanders 1946 - Alan Gorrie musician: bass, singer: group: Average White Band: Pick Up the Pieces, Work to Do, Let�s Go Around Again; solo: LP: Sleepless Nights 1946 - Ilie Nastase tennis champion: French Open [1973], U.S. Open [1972] 1947 - Bernie Leadon musician: guitar: group: The Eagles: Take It Easy, Best of My Love, One of these Nights 1947 - Brian Harold May musician: guitar: group: Queen: Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Another One Bites the Dust 1952 - Allen Collins musician: guitar: group: Lynyrd Skynyrd: Freebird, Sweet Home Alabama; died Jan 23, 1990 of respiratory failure due to a 1986 car crash which killed his girfriend and left him paralyzed 1962 - Anthony Edwards actor: ER, Northern Exposure, It Takes Two, The Client, Pet Sematary 2, Delta Heat, El Diablo, Summer Heat, Revenge of the Nerds series, Top Gun, Fast Times at Ridgemont High 1965 - Clea Lewis actress: Ellen, Flying Blind, The Rich Man�s Wife. Chart Toppers 1944 I�ll Be Seing You - Bing Crosby Long Ago and Far Away - Helen Forrest & Dick Haymes Amor - Bing Crosby Straighten Up and Fly Right - King Cole Trio 1952 I�m Yours - Eddie Fisher Kiss of Fire - Georgia Gibbs Walkin� My Baby Back Home - Johnnie Ray Are You Teasing Me - Carl Smith 1960 I�m Sorry - Brenda Lee Only the Lonely - Roy Orbison That�s All You Gotta Do - Brenda Lee Please Help Me, I�m Falling - Hank Lockin 1968 This Guy�s in Love with You - Herb Alpert The Horse - Cliff Nobles & Co. Jumpin� Jack Flash - The Rolling Stones D-I-V-O-R-C-E - Tammy Wynette 1976 Afternoon Delight - Starland Vocal Band Kiss and Say Goodbye - Manhattans I�ll Be Good to You - The Brothers Johnson Teddy Bear - Red Sovine 1984 When Doves Cry - Prince Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen Eyes Without a Face - Billy Idol I Don�t Want to Be a Memory - Exile Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 201st day of 2007 - 164 remaining. Friday, July 20, 2007 GIANT LEAP DAY. ;) With �...one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,� astronaut, Neil Armstrong, pilot of the lunar spacecraft, the Eagle, made the first footsteps on the surface of the moon at 10:56 p.m. EDT on this day in 1969. Which foot did Armstrong use to step on the grainy, grayish, lunar soil? His left. So incredible were the TV images of Armstrong and (15 minutes) later, Buzz Aldrin, exploring the lunar surface, people around the world stopped and collectively held their breath. The words �Houston, Tranquillity Base here. The Eagle has landed...� gave instant impact to the drama of watching human beings reach something so far away so successfully. And all were able to breathe once again. The American flag that was deployed, along with other moon-landing memorabilia, including a lunar rover, still sits on the moon as abandoned space junk. While Armstrong and Aldrin cavorted on the moon, astronaut Michael Collins piloted the Apollo 11 command ship, Columbia, above the moon�s surface. The world again stopped -- in anticipation of the fragile lunar module lifting off from the moon and rejoining the command ship -- reuniting the three astronauts for a most historic trip home to planet Earth. Events July 20th. 1801 - A 1,235 pound cheese ball was pressed at the farm of Elisha Brown, Jr. The huge ball of cheese was later loaded on a horse-driven wagon and presented to President Thomas Jefferson at the White House. Mr. Jefferson was heard to say, �That�s one small bite for man, one giant cheese for mankind.� 1859 - Brooklyn and New York played baseball at Fashion Park Race Course on Long Island, New York. The game marked the first time that admission had been charged for spectators to see a ball game. It cost $.50 to get in and the players on the field received no salary (until 1863). Hot dogs were $18.50, just like today. 1868 - Legislation that ordered U.S. tax stamps to be placed on all cigarette packs was passed this day. 1935 - NBC radio debuted G-men. The show was later renamed Gangbusters and stayed on the air until 1957. 1940 - Billboard magazine published its first listing of best-selling singles. 10 tunes were listed. 1942 - The first members of the WAACS, the Women�s Army Auxiliary Corps began training at Fort Des Moines, IA. In 1943, the name was changed to WACS (Women�s Army Corps) and the organization became a part of the U.S. Army. All WAACS were given the choice of joining the new WACS (and joining the army) or returning to civilian life (75% stayed on). 1947 - The National Football League ruled that no professional team could sign a player who had college eligibility remaining. 1958 - Pitcher Jim Bunning threw a no-hitter and led the Detroit Tigers to a baseball win over the Boston Red Sox. The no-hitter was the last by a Tiger pitcher until Jack Morris did the same 26 years later. This turned out to be a major-league record for time between no-hitters. 1961 - Stop the World, I Want to Get Off opened in London. The show went to Broadway in 1962. 1963 - Ray Conniff received two gold-record awards -- for the albums, Concert in Rhythm and Memories are Made of This -- on Columbia Records. Conniff recorded dozens of albums of easy listening music for the label. He had been a trombonist and arranger with Bunny Berigan, Bob Crosby, Harry James, Vaughn Monroe and Artie Shaw. 1983 - Frank Reynolds, anchor of the nightly ABC News, died at the age of 59. He was replaced by ABC News correspondent, Peter Jennings. Through his years at ABC, Reynolds was noted for being temperamental. That personality came through on the air from time to time. During the assassination attempt of President Ronald Reagan, Reynolds scolded staff members while he was on camera. Reynolds had to retract previously broadcast statements that Reagan�s Press Secretary James Brady had been killed in the attack. The misinformation embarrassed Reynolds, causing the on-air reaction. 1985 - Treasure hunters began hauling off $400 million in coins and silver ingots from the sea floor in the biggest underwater jackpot in history. The bounty came from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha. The Spanish galleon sank 40 miles off the coast of Key West, Florida in 1622. It was located by treasure hunter Mel Fisher. The 40 tons of gold and silver and was the richest treasure find since the opening of King Tut�s tomb in the 1930s. 1996 - Blue, the very first major-label (Curb Records) album by Country singer LeAnn Rimes (13 years old), debuted at number one on Billboard�s Country music chart and number four on the Pop album chart. The title track from Blue went on to became a signature song for Rimes. The album went on to go multi-platinum. Birthdays actress: Picnic, The Oklahoman; died Dec 14, 1966 1919 - Sir Edmund Hillary explorer: first to climb Mt. Everest 1920 - Tommy Prothro Jr. football: coach: Oregon State Univ., UCLA, Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers 1921 - Ted Schroeder tennis: champ: U.S. Open [1941], Wimbledon [1949]; died May 26, 2006 1925 - Lola Albright actress: The Tender Trap, The Impossible Years 1929 - Mike Ilitch entrepreneur: owner of Detroit Red Wings, Little Caesar�s Pizza franchises 1930 - Sally Ann Howes actress: Dead of Night, The History of Mr. Polly, Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang, Nicholas Nickleby 1936 - Butch (Fred) Baird golf: champ: PGA: Waco Turner Open Invitational [1961], 1976 San Antonio Texas Open [1976]; champ: Senior PGA: Cuyahoga Seniors [1986], Northville Long Island Classic [1989] 1938 - Tony (Pedro Lopez) Oliva baseball: Minnesota Twins [3-time AL batting champion/Rookie of the Year: 1964/all-star: 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971/World Series: 1965] 1938 - Diana Rigg Tony Award-winning actress: Medea; King Lear, Witness for the Prosecution, The Avengers, On Her Majesty�s Secret Service, In Trust and Follies; hostess: PBS� Mystery 1938 - Natalie Wood (Natasha Nikolaevna Gurdin) actress: From Here to Eternity, West Side Story, Splendor in the Grass, Rebel Without a Cause, Marjorie Morningstar, Gypsy, Love with the Proper Stranger; died Nov 29, 1981 1942 - Pete Hamilton auto racer: Daytona 500 winner [1970] 1942 - Mickey (Mitchell Jack) Stanley baseball: Detroit Tigers [World Series: 1968] 1943 - Chris Amon auto racer: �...the New Zealander led lots of races, started from pole yet never ever managed to win a Grand Prix.� 1943 - John Lodge musician: guitar: Blue Guitar [w/Justin Hayward], singer: group: Moody Blues: Nights in White Satin 1944 - T.G. Sheppard (William Bowder) singer: I Loved �Em Every One, Make My Day [w/Clint Eastwood], Last Cheater�s Waltz 1945 - Betty Burfeindt golf champion: LPGA [1976] 1945 - Kim Carnes Grammy Award-winning singer: Bette Davis Eyes [1981]; w/Kenny Rogers: Don�t Fall in Love With a Dreamer, What About Me; co-wrote score: Flashdance 1946 - John Almond musician: reeds, keyboards, vibes: group: Johnny Almond and the Music Machine 1947 - Carlos Santana Grammy Award-winning musician: LP: Supernatural [9 Grammys in 2000]; group: Santana: Evil Ways, Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va 1957 - Donna Dixon actress: Wayne�s World, Speed Zone, Beverly Hills Madam, Dr. Detroit, Bosom Buddies, Berrenger�s 1958 - Mick McNeil musician: keyboards: group: Simple Minds: Changeling, Premonition, The American, Love Song, Don�t You [Forget About Me] 1963 - Dino Esposito singer: I Like It, Romeo 1964 - Chris Cornell Grammy Award-winning musician: drums, singer, songwriter: group: Soundgarden: Spoonman [1994], Black Hole Sun [1994] Chart Toppers 1945 Dream - The Pied Pipers The More I See You - Dick Haymes Sentimental Journey - The Les Brown Orchestra (vocal: Doris Day) Stars and Stripes on Iwo Jima - Bob Wills 1953 Song from Moulin Rouge - The Percy Faith Orchestra April in Portugal - The Les Baxter Orchestra I�m Walking Behind You - Eddie Fisher It�s Been So Long - Webb Pierce 1961 Tossin� and Turnin� - Bobby Lewis The Boll Weevil Song - Brook Benton Yellow Bird - Arthur Lyman Group Heartbreak U.S.A. - Kitty Wells 1969 In the Year 2525 - Zager & Evans Spinning Wheel - Blood, Sweat & Tears Good Morning Starshine - Oliver I Love You More Today - Conway Twitty 1977 Da Doo Ron Ron - Shaun Cassidy Looks like We Made It - Barry Manilow I Just Want to Be Your Everything - Andy Gibb It was Almost like a Song - Ronnie Milsap 1985 A View to a Kill - Duran Duran Raspberry Beret - Prince & The Revolution Everytime You Go Away - Paul Young Dixie Road - Lee Greenwood Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 202nd day of 2007 - 163 remaining. Saturday, July 21, 2007 BULL RUN DAY. :) It isn�t often that people are invited to a picnic to watch a war; but that�s what happened on this day in 1861. For those of you who weren�t invited or just don�t remember, it was the first major battle of the Civil War between the North and the South. U.S. Federal troops under the leadership of Major General Irwin McDowell attacked Confederate troops led by General Beauregard. It was the Battle of Bull Run Creek at Manassas Junction, Virginia. The Confederates, with the help of General E. Kirby Smith and General Thomas �Stonewall� Jackson, held back the Union troops like a stone wall. Many folks, dressed in their Sunday best, came to watch and picnic as 60,000 men fought for over ten hours. When a shell destroyed a wagon blocking the main road of retreat, panic sent Union troops and picnickers scurrying back to Washington D.C. Events July 21st. 1873 - The first train robbery in America was pulled off by Jesse James and his gang. They took $3,000 from the Rock Island Express at Adair, IA. Stick �em up. And don�t try to grab my mask! 1930 - The Veterans� Administration of the United States was established this day. 1931 - Ted Husing was master of ceremonies for the very first CBS-TV program. The gala show featured singer Kate Smith, composer George Gershwin and New York City Mayor Jimmy Walker. 1944 - Harry S Truman accepted the Democratic party�s nomination for vice president of the U.S. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected for a fourth term that year -- with Truman as his VP. On April 12, 1945, Roosevelt died and Truman became president. 1957 - Althea Gibson became the first black woman to win a major U.S. tennis title. She won the Women�s National clay-court singles competition. 1958 - The last of Arthur Godfrey�s Talent Scouts programs aired on CBS-TV. Many artists got their start on Talent Scouts, including Tony Bennett, Pat Boone, The McGuire Sisters and a singer named Connie Francis -- who not only sang, but played the accordion, as well. 1959 - A U.S. District Court judge in New York City ruled that Lady Chatterley�s Lover was not a dirty book. The ruling was upheld in U.S. appeals court one year later. The book, incidentally, has been called a literary work of art. We recommend pages 21, 46 and 319. 1968 - Arnold Palmer became the first golfer to make a million dollars in career earnings after he tied for second place at the PGA Championship. Palmer accomplished the feat in just 13 years and 2 months as a professional golfer. He won 52 golf tournaments during that period. 1969 - Just one day after Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, Duke Ellington and a portion of his band performed a 10-minute composition on ABC-TV titled Moon Maiden. The work featured piano, drums, bass and vocals. 1973 - Bad, Bad Leroy Brown reached the top spot on the Billboard pop-singles chart, becoming Jim Croce�s first big hit. Croce died in a plane crash two months later (September 20, 1973). 1985 - The 10 sexiest men in the U.S., according to Playgirl magazine, included comedian John Candy, New York Governor Mario Cuomo and Representative Jack Kemp. 1985 - Sandy Lyle became the first British golfer in 16 years to win the British Open golf title. Tony Jacklin was the previous winner from Great Britain (1969). 1985 - Race horse John Henry retired. The thoroughbred was originally purchased for $1,100. The 1984 Horse of the Year had career winnings of $6.5 million. John Henry won 39 of 83 races and was 10 years old when he retired. 1987 - TV personality Mary Hart of Entertainment Tonight made news as she had her legs insured by Lloyd�s of London for $2 million. 1989 - Former president Ronald Reagan was inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame in recognition of his role as George Armstrong Custer in The Santa Fe Trail (1940) and as host of TV�s Death Valley Days (1965-1966). 1990 - Some 250,000 people celebrated at the site where the Berlin Wall once stood in East Berlin. Included in the benefit concert was an all-star cast performing Pink Floyd�s The Wall. Artists who performed: The Band, The Scorpions, Ute Lemper, Thomas Dolby, Sinead O'Connor, Joni Mitchel, James Galway, Brian Adams, Jerry Hall, Van Morrison, Marianne Faithfull, Albert Finney. Pink Floyd founder Roger Waters (organizer of the concert) performed together with his group The Bleeding Heart Band. �Organizing this show was certainly a lot of hard work,� Waters said, �but it was excellent to work with Bryan Adams, Van Morrison, Cyndi Lauper and all the others.� 1990 - As reported by This Week in Musical History and Rock Date Diary: The Radio One apologized to listeners after Madonna repeatedly cursed during a live concert broadcast from Wembley Stadium. Birthdays wife of 22nd U.S. President Grover Cleveland; died Oct 29, 1947 1899 - Ernest (Miller) Hemingway Pulitzer Prize [1953] & Nobel Prize-winning writer [1954]: The Old Man and the Sea, The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls; died July 2, 1961 1911 - (Herbert) Marshall McLuhan professor, writer: Understanding Media, The Medium is the Massage; �The medium is the message.�; died Dec 31, 1980 1920 - Isaac Stern concert violin impresario: soundtrack: Fiddler on the Roof; died Sep 22, 2001 1922 - Kay Starr (Katherine Starks) singer: Rock and Roll Waltz, My Heart Reminds Me, Wheel of Fortune, Side By Side 1924 - Don Knotts comedian, Emmy Award-winning actor: The Andy Griffith Show [1960-1961, 1961-1962, 1962-1963, 1965-1966, 1966-1967], Matlock, Three�s Company, The Don Knotts Show, The Steve Allen Show; died Feb 24, 2006 1926 - Paul Burke actor: Anatomy of Terror, Valley of the Dolls, Francis in the Navy, Twelve O�Clock High, Noah�s Ark, Naked City, Hot Shots, Dynasty 1926 - Norman Jewison director: Moonstruck, Agnes of God, And Justice for All, Jesus Christ, Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof, Rollerball 1930 - Gene Littler golf champion: U.S. Open [1961] 1931 - Gene Fullmer International Boxing Hall of Famer: World Middleweight Champion [1957], NBA Middleweight Champion [1959-62] 1938 - Janet Reno U.S. Attorney General (1993-2001) 1943 - Edward Herrmann actor: Big Business, Beacon Hill, Reds, The Paper Chase, Mrs. Soffel, The Great Gatsby, Eleanor & Franklin 1943 - Jerry McGee golf: champ: Pensacola Open [1975], IVB-Philadelphia Classic [1977], Kemper Open [1979], Sammy Davis, Jr.-Greater Hartford Open [1979] 1944 - Pete Banaszak football: Oakland Raiders running back: Super Bowl II, XI 1945 - Leigh Lawson actor: Battling for Baby, O Pioneers!, Tears in the Rain, Tess, Love Among the Ruins, Brother Sun, Sister Moon 1948 - Cat Stevens (Stephen Demetre Georgiou, Muslim name: Yusuf Islam) singer: Wild World, Moon Shadow, Peace Train, Oh Very Young 1948 - Garry Trudeau 1949 - Al (Alan Thomas) Hrabosky �The Mad Hungarian�: baseball: pitcher: SL Cardinals, KC Royals, Atlanta Braves 1952 - Phil Russell hockey: NHL: Chicago Blackhawks, Atlanta Flames, Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres 1952 - Robin Williams Academy Award-winning actor: Good Will Hunting [1997]; comedian and/or actor: Mork and Mindy, Good Morning, Vietnam, Mrs. Doubtfire, Dead Poet�s Society, Popeye, The Fisher King, Hook, Comic Relief, Patch Adams, What Dreams May Come, Jumanji, Jakob the Liar 1957 - Jon Lovitz comedian, actor: Saturday Night Live, A League of Their Own, City Slickers: The Legend of Curly�s Gold 1958 - Henry Priestman singer: group: The Christians 1960 - Lance Guest actor: Lou Grant, Knots Landing, Life Goes On, The Wizard of Loneliness, Jaws: The Revenge, The Last Starfighter, Halloween II: The Nightmare isn�t Over 1960 - Matt Mulhern actor: Biloxi Blues, Major Dad 1961 - Jim Martin musician: guitar: group: Faith No More 1978 - Josh Hartnett actor: Pearl Harbor, Cracker, Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, The Virgin Suicides. Chart Toppers 1946 The Gypsy - The Ink Spots They Say It�s Wonderful - Frank Sinatra Surrender - Perry Como New Spanish Two Step - Bob Wills 1954 Little Things Mean a Lot - Kitty Kallen Sh-Boom - The Crew-Cuts Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight - The McGuire Sisters Even Tho - Webb Pierce 1962 Roses are Red - Bobby Vinton The Wah Watusi - The Orlons Johnny Get Angry - Joanie Sommers Wolverton Mountain - Claude King 1970 Mama Told Me (Not to Come) - Three Dog Night (They Long to Be) Close to You - Carpenters Band of Gold - Freda Payne He Loves Me All the Way - Tammy Wynette 1978 Shadow Dancing - Andy Gibb Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty Miss You - The Rolling Stones Only One Love in My Life - Ronnie Milsap 1986 Invisible Touch - Genesis Until I Met You - Judy Rodman Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 203rd day of 2007 - 162 remaining. Sunday, July 22, 2007 AMERICAN POET DA. :) The youngest of the Ben�t children, Stephen Vincent Ben�t, was born on this day in 1898 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Stephen, his brother William, and sister Laura, were all prolific poets and novelists, yet Stephen is considered the epitome of the American poet. It was his interest in American history and folklore that garnered Ben�t his first Pultizer Prize for the long ballad, John Brown�s Body, which he penned in 1928. This American masterpiece exemplifies the War Between the States in dramatic poetry. It draws verbal pictures from the slave trade in the 1600s and the political events that led to the war to the Battle of Gettysburg and the abolitionsists of New England. Ten years later, Ben�t took his fantasy story, The Devil and Daniel Webster, which combined an old folk tale with the history of New England, and adapted it into a folk opera. He then wrote the screenplay for a movie of the same title, which was also known as: All That Money Can Buy, A Certain Mr. Scratch, Daniel and the Devil, and Here is a Man. Stephen, who studied at Yale University, was published at an early age. His works include his 1920 volume of poetry, Heavens and Earth, novels, Young People�s Pride and Spanish Bayonet, and a collection of short stories, Thirteen O�Clock. Ben�t, who was married to the former Rosemary Carr, died at the early age of 45, before he completed his last narrative poem about the settling of America. Western Star, the completed first section of the epic, earned Ben�t another Pulitzer Prize, this one posthumously. (His brother William was honored with his own Pulitzer the previous year.) One hundred years after his birth, Stephen Vincent Ben�t was honored with his portrait on a U.S. stamp. The unveiling of the stamp was held at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, the scene of John Brown�s raid on Harpers Ferry during the Civil War. If you have ever read any of Ben�t�s poetry, you would have to agree with Don Campbell, the Superintendent of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, when he said, �This is really where John Brown�s soul and Stephen Vincent Ben�t�s poetry come together for an eternity.� Ben�t�s son, Thomas, said, �Who knows what he might have accomplished had he lived longer. I feel this occasion would have pleased him immensely.� The American poet, Stephen Vincent Ben�t, will live forever through his poetry. Events July 22nd. 1926 - Babe Ruth proved that he could catch a baseball. In a stunt at Mitchell Field in New York, Ruth, a private in the National Guard, caught a baseball that was dropped from an airplane. The plane was at 250 feet and traveling at about 100 miles-per-hour. As the cowhide hit the leather of Ruth�s glove, the �Bambino� said, �Eeeeeeeooooooowwwwwcccchhh!� 1933 - Aviator Wiley Post ended his first around-the-world flight on this day. Post traveled 15,596 miles in just over a week (7 days, 18 hours and 45 minutes). His famous plane was called the Winnie Mae. 1933 - Caterina Jarboro became the first black prima donna of an opera company. The singer performed Aida with the Chicago Opera Company at the Hippodrome in New York City. 1934 - Public enemy number one, the notorious John Dillinger, was gunned down and mortally wounded by FBI agents at the Biograph Theatre in Chicago, IL. 1937 - Hal Kemp and his orchestra recorded the now-standard tune, Got a Date with an Angel, for Victor Records in Hollywood, California. The distinctive vocal on the tune is provided by Skinnay Ennis. 1944 - The Bretton Woods (New Hampshire) Conference created the International Monetary Fund on this day. The IMF is �...a cooperative institution that [many] countries have voluntarily joined because they see the advantage of consulting with one another in this forum to maintain a stable system of buying and selling their currencies so that payments in foreign money can take place between countries smoothly and without delay.� The IMF was based on the ideas of the U.S. Treasury Department�s Director of Monetary Research, Harry Dexter White, John Maynard Keynes of England and the IBRD (International Bank for Reconstruction & Development). The IMF began operations in Washington, D.C. in May 1946 with 39 member countries. 1955 - U.S. Vice President Richard M. Nixon chaired a cabinet meeting in Washington, D.C. It was the first time that a Vice President had carried out this task. 1963 - World Heavyweight Champion Sonny Liston hung on to his boxing title by knocking out challenger Floyd Patterson in the first round of a bout in Las Vegas, NV. 1965 - Till Death Us Do Part debuted on England�s BBC-TV. The show was so popular that it became a TV series in Great Britain and was the forerunner of the 1971-92 CBS-TV hit, All in the Family, starring Carroll O�Connor and Jean Stapleton. 1967 - The Billboard singles chart showed that Windy, by The Association, was the most popular record in the U.S. for the fourth straight week. The Los Angeles-based sextet would make way for Jim Morrison and The Doors a week later when Light My Fire became the hottest record of the mid-summer. 1975 - Confederate General Robert E. Lee had his U.S. citizenship restored by the U.S. Congress. 1977 - Tony Orlando announced his retirement from show business. Orlando was performing in Cohasset, MA when he said that he had finally decided to call it quits. Orlando had two solo hits in 1961 (Halfway to Paradise and Bless You) and 14 hits with his backup singers (known as Dawn) through the mid-1970s. He also hosted a weekly TV variety show with Dawn (Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent) from 1974-1976. 1979 - Frenchman Bernard Hinault won the Tour de France in 103 hours, 6 minutes and 50 seconds. It was the second time that the bicyclist had won the event. He took a little longer to complete the course the previous year, finishing in 108 hours and 18 minutes. Hinault won this event again in 1981, 1982 (his best time, 92 hours, 8 minutes and 46 seconds) and 1985. 1985 - Bruce Springsteen became the hottest ticket in the rock concert biz as 70,000 Cleveland fans lined up (in less than three hours) to grab tickets to see the �Boss�. 1990 - Greg LeMond won his third Tour de France. He outdistanced all other cyclists by finishing in 90 hours, 43 minutes and 20 seconds. His time was slower than his past wins. LeMond won in 1986 and again in 1989 with his best time of 87 hours, 38 minutes and 35 seconds. It seems like you have to be French to win the Tour de France, you say? Wrong, bicycle breath! Greg LeMond represented the U.S.A. 1994 - O.J. Simpson pleaded �absolutely, 100 percent not guilty� to charges he murdered his ex-wife, Nicole and restaurant worker, Ronald Goldman; and the case was assigned to Superior Court Judge Lance A. Ito in Los Angeles. 1998 - U.S. President Bill Clinton signed a bill designed to mold the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) into a friendlier, fairer tax collector. Democrat and Republican lawmakers attended the bill-signing ceremony at White House. Now that it�s been a few years, what do you think of this fuzzy, warm IRS? Birthdays July 22nd. 1784 - Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel German astronomer and mathematician: first to triangulate the heavens by observing the parallax of the star 61 Cygni [the change in its angular position as the Earth moved between opposite extremes of its orbit]: Bessel estimated the distance of the star to be 10�1 light years [the Bessel function]; died Mar 17, 1846 1822 - Gregor (Johann) Mendel botanist: his theories formed basis of genetics and heredity in today�s science; died Jan 6, 1884 1890 - Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy mother of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy, U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy; died Jan 22, 1995 1893 - Karl Menninger psychiatrist: founded [w/brother & father] the Menninger Clinic and Foundation, Topeka, KS to care for people with emotional problems; died July 18, 1990 1898 - Stephen Vincent Ben�t Pulitzer prize-winning poet: see American Poet Day [above]; died Mar 13, 1943 1898 - Alexander (Stirling) Calder sculptor: wood, bronze, mobiles; died Nov 11, 1976 1922 - Jim (Manuel Joseph) Rivera �Jungle Jim�: baseball: Chicago White Sox [World Series: 1959], SL Browns, KC Athletics 1923 - Bob (Robert) Dole U.S. Senate majority leader, 1996 GOP candidate for president of U.S. 1924 - Margaret Whiting singer: Moonlight in Vermont, It Might as Well Be Spring, Now is the Hour, Far Away Places, A Tree in the Meadow, w/Jimmy Wakely: Slippin� Around, Wedding Bells Will Soon Be Ringing 1928 - Orson Bean (Dallas Burroughs) comedian, actor: Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman; game show panelist: To Tell the Truth, I�ve Got a Secret, Keep Talking; author: 25 Ways to Cook a Mouse 1929 - Marcia Henderson actress: The Aldrich Family, Thunder Bay, Naked Alibi, Deadly Duo; died Nov 23, 1987 1932 - Oscar De La Renta fashion designer 1934 - Louise Fletcher actress: High School High, Two Moon Junction series, Nightmare on the 13th Floor, Final Notice, Flowers in the Attic, Invaders from Mars, A Summer to Remember, Natural Enemies, Lady in Red, One Flew Over the Cuckoo�s Nest 1937 - Chuck Jackson singer: Any Day Now, I Don�t Want to Cry 1939 - Terence Stamp actor: Superman: The Movie, Far from the Madding Crowd, Alien Nation, Billy Budd, Wall Street, Young Guns, The Real McCoy 1940 - George Clinton (aka Dr. Funkenstein, also Maggot Overlord) singer: groups: The Parliaments: [I Just Wanna] Testify; Funkadelic: LP: Funkadelic, Maggot Brain, One Nation Under a Groove, Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome, Trombipulation, The Electric Spanking of War Babies; Parliament: Mothership Connection; Brides of Funkenstein; Parlet; Bootsy�s Rubber Band; solo: LP: Computer Games: single: Atomic Dog; Parliament/Funkadelic motto: Free Your Mind and Your *** Will Followomic Dog 1940 - Alex Trebek game show host: Jeopardy, Concentration, The $128,000 Question; narrator: Heart of Courage 1941 - Thomas Wayne (Perkins) singer: Tragedy 1943 - Bobby Sherman singer: Little Woman, Julie, Do Ya Love Me; actor: Shindig, Here Come the Brides, Getting Together; founder of TAC-5, a paramedics group 1944 - Estelle Bennett singer: group: The Ronettes: Be My Baby, Baby I Love You, Do I Love You, [The Best Part Of] Breaking Up, Walking in the Rain 1944 - Rick Davies musician: keyboard, singer: group: Supertramp 1944 - Sparky (Albert) Lyle baseball: NY Yankees pitcher: Cy Young Award [1977] 1946 - Danny Glover actor: Lethal Weapon series, Silverado, Escape from Alcatraz, Chiefs, The Color Purple, Angels in the Outfield, Places in the Heart 1947 - Albert Brooks (Einstein) actor: Broadcast News, Lost in America, Private Benjamin, Taxi Driver 1947 - Don Henley drummer, singer: groups: Shiloh; The Eagles: Hotel California; solo: Dirty Laundry, All She Wants to Do is Dance, The End of the Innocence; songwriter: The Boys of Summer 1947 - Cliff (Clifford) Johnson baseball: Houston Astros, NY Yankees [World Series: 1977, 1978], Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers 1955 - Willem Dafoe actor: Platoon, Mississippi Burning, Clear and Present Danger, New York Nights 1956 - Scott (Douglas) Sanderson baseball: pitcher: Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics [World Series: 1990], NY Yankees [all-star: 1991], California Angels, SF Giants, Chicago White Sox 1963 - Rob Estes director, actor: Silk Stalkings, Melrose Place, Days of Our Lives, Aces: Iron Eagle III, Terror in the Mall, Outreach 1963 - Joanna Going actress: Search for Tomorrow, Another World, Dark Shadows, Wyatt Earp, Still Breathing, NetForce, Cupid & Cate 1964 - John Leguizamo actor: The Fan, To Wong Foo: Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, Super Mario Bros., Carlito�s Way, Die Hard 2: Die Harder, Casualties of War; actor, playwright: Mambo Mouth, Spic-O-Rama; comedian: House of Buggin� 1964 - David Spade writer, comedian, actor: Saturday Night Live, Just Shoot Me, Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol, Coneheads, A Very Brady Sequel, 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag, The Rugrats Movie, Lost & Found 1965 - Michael Hickenbottom pro wrestler/actor: WWF Superstars of Wrestling, Wrestlemania series, Royal Rumble series, Sunday Night Heat, WWF Smackdown!, Armageddon 1965 - Patrick Labyorteaux actor: JAG, Mame, Little House on the Prairie, Ghoulies 3: Ghoulies Go to College, 3 Ninjas, Redemption of the Ghost, Hollywood Palms 1967 - Irene Bedard actress: Crazy Horse, Grand Avenue, Lakota Woman: Siege at Wounded Knee, Squanto: A Warrior�s Tale; voice-over: Pocahontas. Chart Toppers 1947 Peg o� My Heart - The Harmonicats I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder - Eddy Howard Chi-Baba, Chi-Baba - Perry Como Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) - Tex Williams 1955 Rock Around the Clock - Bill Haley & His Comets Honey-Babe - Art Mooney The House of Blue Lights - Chuck Miller I Don�t Care - Webb Pierce 1963 Surf City - Jan & Dean So Much in Love - The Tymes Memphis - Lonnie Mack 1971 It�s Too Late/I Feel the Earth Move - Carole King You�ve Got a Friend - James Taylor Don�t Pull Your Love - Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds When You�re Hot, You�re Hot - Jerry Reed 1979 Bad Girls - Donna Summer Good Times - Chic Makin� It - David Naughton Shadows in the Moonlight - Anne Murray 1987 Alone - Heart Don�t Disturb This Groove - The System I Know Where I�m Going - The Judds Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 204th day of 2007 - 161 remaining. Monday, July 23, 2007 BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN DAY. :) To the strains of Back in the Saddle Again, by Ray Whitley and Gene Autry, TV viewers were treated to the first performance of The Gene Autry Show. The singing cowboy made the move from Hollywood films to the tube on this night in 1950. Autry and his sidekick, Pat Buttram, maintained law and order in the U.S. Southwest for six years. And they did it in a most entertaining manner. Gene sang just like he did in the movies and his horse, Champion, would do some amazing horse tricks, and Pat Buttram would invariably get into silly situations. The Gene Autry Show started out on CBS on Sunday nights from 7 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Three years later, the show was moved to Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. The half-hour horse opera remained in that time slot for one year when it moved once again to Saturday night in the 7 p.m. slot. Gene Autry and friends hopped back in the saddle weekly until August of 1956. Autry went on to become a Country Music Association Hall of Famer, own Golden West Broadcasting and the California Angels baseball team. And he is the only person to have five Hollywood Walk of Fame stars (film, radio, TV, stage, records). He died October 2, 1998. July 23rd. 1715 - The first lighthouse in America was authorized for construction at Little Brewster Island, Massachusetts. 1827 - The first swimming school in the U.S. opened in Boston, MA. Actually, the first lesson proved interesting: A student was suspended from a pole on a rope while �learning the use of his limbs.� Famous people who were former students: John Quincy Adams, James Audubon. 1829 - The first typewriter was patented -- by William Burt of Mt. Vernon, MI. It didn�t work out as well as other practical models developed years later. The first problem was, people couldn�t get used to calling it a Burtwriter... 1934 - The program Home Sweet Home debuted on the NBC Red radio network. The principal characters were Fred, Lucy, Dick Kent and Uncle Will. 1941 - Sonny Dunham and his orchestra recorded the tune that was to become Mr. Dunham�s theme song. Memories of You was Bluebird record #11289. 1945 - The first passenger train observation car was placed in service by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. 1962 - The Telstar communications satellite sent the first live TV broadcast to Europe. The bird was used to send TV programs between the United States and Europe. 1966 - Frank Sinatra hit the top of the pop album chart with his Strangers in the Night. It was the first #1 Sinatra LP since 1960. The album�s title song had made it to number one on the pop singles chart on July 2nd. 1969 - Three Dog Night received a gold record for the single, One. It was the first of seven million-sellers for the pop-rock group. 1972 - Eddie Merckx of Belgium won his fourth consecutive Tour de France bicycling competition. 1984 - From the Oh, THOSE Pictures File: Miss America, Vanessa Williams, turned in her crown. It had been discovered that she had posed nude for Penthouse magazine. Williams, the first black Miss America, relinquished her title to Suzette Charles, the pageant�s runner-up. 1987 - Billy Williams, Catfish Hunter and Ray Dandridge were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Joining the trio, St. Louis Cardinals/CBS radio announcer Jack Buck, who became the 11th person to receive the Ford Frick Award for broadcasters. 1999 - The Haunting, a remake of the 1963 classic, opened at theatres across the U.S. It brought it a not-so-spooky $33.44 million bucks the first weekend. The cast included the scary Lili Taylor, Liam Neeson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Owen Wilson and Bruce Dern. 2000 - Tiger Woods won the British Open at St. Andrews, Scotland to become the youngest player (24 years of age) to win the career �Grand Slam� of golf (The Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open and British Open) and the first to win all four majors since Jack Nicklaus� victory in the 1966. Woods not only was the youngest player to win the career Grand Slam, he completed it faster than any of the four greats who did it before him. The other players to win the Grand Slam were Gene Sarazen in 1935, Ben Hogan in 1953, Gary Player in 1965 and Jack Nicklaus in 1966 (age 26) at Muirfield. (Nicklaus went on to win the Grand Slam two more times.) Woods finished the British Open at 19-under-par 269, the best score ever at St. Andrews (Nick Faldo shot an 18-under in his 1990 win), and the lowest score ever at a major championship. Birthdays July 23rd. 1876 - Ginger (Clarence Howeth) Beaumont baseball: Pittsburgh Pirates [World Series: 1900, 1903], Boston Doves, Chicago Cubs [World Series: 1910]; died Apr 10, 1956 1894 - Arthur Treacher (Veary) actor: National Velvet, A Midsummer Night�s Dream, The Little Princess, Heidi, David Copperfield, The Merv Griffin Show; fast-food chain: Arthur Treacher�s Fish & Chips; died Dec 14, 1975 1908 - Karl Swenson actor: The Hanging Tree, The Gallant Hours, North to Alaska, Brighty of the Grand Canyon, Vanishing Point; died Oct 8, 1978 1912 - Michael Wilding actor: Waterloo, The World of Suzie Wong, The Glass Slipper, Under Capricorn, The Courtney Affair; died July 8, 1979 1913 - Coral Browne actress: Auntie Mame, The Killing of Sister George, Eleanor, First Lady of the World, The Courtney Affair; wife of actor Vincent Price; died May 29, 1991 1915 - Vincent Sardi, Jr. restaurateur: Sardi�s Restaurant, New York, NY; died Jan 4, 2007 1918 - Pee Wee (Harold) Reese Baseball Hall of Fame shortstop: Brooklyn Dodgers [World Series: 1941, 1946-1954/all-star: 1942, 1946-1954], LA Dodgers; coach: LA Dodgers; died Aug 14, 1999 1921 - Calvert DeForest actor: Late Night with David Letterman: Larry �Bud� Melman; Mr. Write, Leader of the Band, Heaven Help Us; died Mar 19, 2007 1925 - Gloria DeHaven actress: Two Girls and a Sailor, Three Little Words, Summer Stock, Broadway Rhythm, Nakia 1926 - Johnny (John Thomas) Groth baseball: Detroit Tigers, SL Browns, Chicago White Sox, Washington Nationals, KC Athletics 1929 - Billy Maxwell golf: Texas Golf Hall of Famer: North Texas State University: 4 straight NCAA championships [1949-1952]; champ: U.S. Amateur [1951], Azalea Open [1955], Arlington Hotel Open [1956], Hesperia Open [1957], the Memphis Open [1958], Palm Springs Classic, Puerto Rico Open [1961], Dallas Open [1962] 1933 - Bert Convy TV host: Win, Lose or Draw, Tattletales, People Do the Craziest Things; actor: Love of Life, The Snoop Sisters; singer: group: Cheers: Black Leather Jacket and Motorcycle Boots; died July 15, 1991 1934 - Steve Lacy (Lackritz) jazz musician: soprano sax: Ask Me Now, Pannonica; composer 1935 - Cleveland Duncan singer: group: Penguins: Earth Angel 1936 - Don (Donald Scott) Drysdale Baseball Hall of Famer: pitcher: Brooklyn Dodgers [World Series: 1959], Los Angeles Dodgers [World Series: 1959, 1963, 1965, 1966/all-star: 1959, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968/Cy Young Award-winner: 1962]; broadcaster: ABC Monday Night Baseball; writer: Once a Bum, Always a Dodger; died July 3,1993 1936 - Anthony Kennedy lawyer: U.S. Supreme Court Justice, sworn in February 18, 1988 1938 - Ronny Cox actor: Scissors, Total Recall, Loose Cannons, RoboCop, Beverly Hills Cop series, Some Kind of Hero, Taps, The Onion Field, Harper Valley P.T.A., Gray Lady Down, Bound for Glory, Deliverance, Sweet Justice, Spencer, Second Chances, St. Elsewhere, Cop Rock, Apple�s Way 1939 - Nicholas Gage Radio Hall of Fame talker: Imus In The Morning; actor: Odd Jobs 1940 - Gary Stites singer: Lonely for You, Lawdy Miss Clawdy, Starry Eyed 1945 - Dino Danelli musician: drummer: group: The (Young) Rascals: Good Lovin�, Groovin�, How Can I Be Sure, A Beautiful Morning, People Got to Be Free; group: Bulldog 1946 - Andy Mackay musician: saxophone, woodwinds: group: Roxy Music: Virginia Plain, Pyjamarama, Do the Strand, Editions of You, In Every Dream a Heartache, Street Life, A Hard Rain�s A-Gonna Fall, All I Want is You, Out of the Blue, Dance Away, Angel Eyes, Jealous Guy; solo: LPs: In Search of Eddie Riff, Resolving Contradictions 1947 - David Essex (Cook) singer: Rock On, Lamplight, I�m Gonna Make You a Star; actor: Godspell, Evita, That�ll be the Day 1947 - Larry Manetti actor: Magnum P.I., Baa Baa Black Sheep, Exit, The Take 1948 - Coby Dietrick basketball [center]: San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls 1950 - Belinda Montgomery actress: Man from Atlantis, Doogie Howser, M.D., Stone Fox, Tell Me That You Love Me 1950 - Blair Thornton musician: guitar: group: Bachman-Turner Overdrive: Takin� Care of Business, You Ain�t Seen Nothin� Yet, Roll On Down the Highway 1951 - Edie McClurg actress: WKRP in Cincinnati, The Hogan Family, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, A River Runs Through It, Eating Raoul 1961 - Martin Gore musician: group: DePeche Mode: Enjoy the Silence 1961 - Woody Harrelson Emmy Award-winning actor: Cheers [1988-89]; White Men Can�t Jump, Natural Born Killers, Indecent Proposal, The Cowboy Way 1962 - Eriq La Salle actor: ER, Another World, Coming to America, Under Suspicion, Color of Night 1967 - Philip Seymour Hoffman actor: The Talented Mr. Ripley, Scent of a Woman, The Getaway, Twister, Boogie Nights, The Big Lebowski, Patch Adams, Magnolia, State and Main, Almost Famous 1968 - Gary Payton �The Glove�: basketball [guard]: Oregon State Univ; NBA: Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, LA Lakers, Boston Celtics 1968 - Stephanie Seymour (super model) 1972 - Marlon Wayans writer, actor: The Wayans Bros, Scary Movie, Scary Movie 2; brother of Damon Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Kim Wayans, Shawn Wayans. Chart Toppers 1948 You Can�t Be True, Dear - The Ken Griffin Orchestra (vocal: Jerry Wayne) Woody Woodpecker Song - The Kay Kaiser Orchestra (vocal: Gloria Wood & The Campus Kids) It�s Magic - Doris Day Bouquet of Roses - Eddy Arnold 1956 The Wayward Wind - Gogi Grant Hound Dog/Don�t Be Cruel - Elvis Presley Whatever Will Be Will Be (Que Sera Sera) - Doris Day I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash 1964 Rag Doll - The 4 Seasons Can�t You See that She�s Mine - The Dave Clark Five The Girl from Ipanema - Stan Getz/Astrud Gilberto Dang Me - Roger Miller 1972 Lean on Me - Bill Withers Too Late to Turn Back Now - Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose Alone Again (Naturally) - Gilbert O�Sullivan It�s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer - Charley Pride 1980 It�s Still Rock & Roll to Me - Billy Joel Little Jeannie - Elton John Cupid/I�ve Loved You for a Long Time - Spinners True Love Ways - Mickey Gilley 1988 Hold on to the Nights - Richard Marx Pour Some Sugar on Me - Def Lappard New Sensation - INXS Set �Em Up Joe - Vern Gosdin Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 205th day of 2007 - 160 remaining. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 PINE-TARRED BAT DAY. :) On this day in 1983, Kansas City Royals slugger George Brett slammed a two-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning to give the Royals a 5-4 lead over New York. Or did he? Seconds after Brett crossed home plate, New York Yankees Manager Billy Martin came out of the dugout to protest that the pine tar on Brett�s bat was more than 18 inches up the bat handle. The umpires measured Brett�s bat, using home plate as a measuring rod, and came to the conclusion that Martin was correct -- and called Brett out -- erasing the Royals lead. Or did they? The president of the American League, Lee McPhail, later reversed the umpires� decision on the pine tar and ruled that the game was suspended -- with the Royals leading, 5-4. The game was completed 3 1/2 weeks later, on August 18, 1983, in Yankee Stadium. The outcome of the game? It only took 12 minutes to play the remainder of the contest with the Royals tarring the Yankees 5-4. Events July 24th. 1847 - Richard M. Hoe of New York City patented the rotary-type printing press. 1849 - Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. presented its first Doctor of Music Degree -- to Professor John Casper Henry Dielman. 1933 - The first broadcast of The Romance of Helen Trent was heard on radio. The show continued on the air for 7,222 episodes and 27 years. Amazingly, Helen stayed at 35 years of age throughout the entire series! The show used two Helen Trents over the years. The first Helen was played by Virginia Clark (for 11 years) and the second by Julie Stevens (for 16 years). 1933 - During his fourth Fireside Chat, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt showed why the homey, warm, comfortable discussion was, indeed, a fireside chat. The President stopped the discussion on the air (remember folks, this was radio) and asked for a glass of water, which he then sipped. Newsman Robert Trout is credited with coming up with the name, Fireside Chat, because of real moments like this. 1938 - Clarinet virtuoso and big band leader Artie Shaw recorded his now-classic, Begin the Beguine, for Bluebird Records in New York City. Shaw was married to Ava Gardner at the time. 1943 - Foreign Assignment, was first heard on Mutual radio. The title role of Brian Berry was played by Jay Jostyn, who also starred in another popular radio drama, Mr. District Attorney. 1956 - After a decade together as the country�s most popular comedy team, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis called it quits this night. They did their last show at the Copacabana nightclub in New York City. The duo ended their relationship exactly 10 years after they had started it. 1969 - Hoyt Wilhelm, pitching for the Chicago White Sox, set a major-league baseball record by pitching in game number 907 of his career. Wilhelm went on to lead all major-league hurlers (number of games pitched) with 1,070 in his career (1952-1972). 1978 - Billy Martin was fired. It was the first of three times the manager of the New York Yankees baseball team would get the boot. Martin would be canned again in 1979 and in 1983, each time by Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. 1984 - After 14 years and four Super Bowl championships with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Terry Bradshaw retired from the National Football League. Bradshaw, age 35, was forced to the sidelines by an elbow injury. Following a divorce from ice skater Jo Jo Starbuck, Bradshaw joined CBS as a football analyst. 1985 - Walt Disney�s The Black Cauldron opened in movie houses around the country. The film was the 25th full-length cartoon produced by the Disney Studios in Burbank, CA and was its most expensive to that time. The Black Cauldron cost Disney $25 million to produce. 1987 - Hulda Crooks, at 91 years of age, climbed Mt. Fuji. Hulda became the oldest person to climb Japan�s highest peak. When she got to the top, she was heard to say, �Hey, dudes -- how do I get down from here?� 1998 - �In the last great invasion of the last great war, the greatest danger for eight men ... was saving one.� That one was one Private James Ryan and the story of the search for him, Saving Private Ryan, opened in U.S. theatres this day. Produced and directed by one Steven Spielberg, the movie earned $30.58 million the first weekend. 2001 - The city of Detroit, Michigan celebrated its 300th anniversary with a historical reenactment of city founder Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac landing on the shores of the Detroit River. Included in the tricentennial party, the unveiling of a statue of Cadillac: a gift of the French-American Chamber of Commerce to the city of Detroit. Happy birthday Motor City! Birthdays South American liberator; died Dec 17, 1830 1802 - Alexandre Dumas (La Pailleterie) playwright, novelist: The Count of Monte Cristo, The Three Musketeers; died Dec 5, 1870 1898 - Amelia Earhart aviator: 1st woman to fly solo across the Atlantic; 1st woman to fly solo from Hawaii to California; disappeared July 2, 1937 near Howland Island in the Pacific during a round the world trip from Florida to California 1908 - Cootie (Charles) Williams musician: trumpet: Echoes of Harlem, Concerto for Cootie, Carelessly [w/Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman]; band leader: Cootie Williams Sextet and Orchestra: Tess� Torch Song, Cherry Red Blues; died Sep 15, 1985 1914 - Frank Silvera actor: Valdez is Coming, Toys in the Attic, The High Chaparral; died June 11, 1970 1916 - Bob Eberly (Robert Eberle) singer: The Breeze and I, Besame Mucho [w/Kitty Kallen]; sang w/Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra & on TV�s Top Tunes; brother of singer Ray Eberle; died Nov 17, 1981 1920 - Bella Abzug (Stavitsky) feminist, attorney, U.S. Congresswoman; died Mar 31, 1998 1921 - Billy Taylor jazz pianist: leader: Billy Taylor Trio, Orchestra; co-founder of Jazzmobile �65; music director: The David Frost Show; jazz segments: Sunday Morning with Charles Kuralt 1933 - Doug Sanders golf: champ: 21 victories on PGA & Senior PGA Tours; sponsored Doug Sanders International Jr Championship for top-ranked amateurs; hosts Doug Sanders Celebrity Classic in Houston; inducted into Florida, Georgia , Texas Sports Halls of Fame, Georgia Golf Hall of Fame 1934 - Rudy Collins musician: drums: group: Dizzy Gillespie quintet 1935 - Pat Oliphant political cartoonist 1936 - Ruth Buzzi comedienne, actress: Rowan and Martin�s Laugh-In, The Entertainers, The Steve Allen Comedy Hour, That Girl, Sesame Street, Finders Keepers, Freaky Friday 1939 - Walt Bellamy Basketball Hall of Famer: NY Knicks, Detroit Pistons: individual NBA record for games played [88] in a season [1968-1969] 1941 - Barbara Jean Love singer: group: Friends of Distinction: Grazing in the Grass, Going in Circles, Love or Let Me Be Lonely 1942 - Heinz Burt musician: bass: group: The Tornados: Telstar, Globetrotter; solo: Just like Eddie; died Apr 7, 2000 1942 - Roger Lafreniere hockey: Cincinnati Wings, Pittsburgh Hornets, Buffalo Bisons, Denver Spurs, St. Louis Blues 1942 - Chris Sarandon actor: The Princess Bride, Child�s Play, Deadly Temptress, The Nightmare before Christmas, The Guiding Light 1947 - Robert Hays actor: Airplane!, Airplane 2, Take This Job & Shove It, Starman, FM, Angie 1951 - Lynda Carter actress: Wonder Woman, Partners in Crime, Hawkeye; Miss World-USA 1951 - Lynval Golding musician: guitar: groups: The Specials: Gangsters, A Message to You Rudy, Too Much Too Young, Ghost Town; Fun Boy Three: LPs: Fun Boy Three, Waiting 1951 - Jim O�Malley football: Notre Dame University, Denver Broncos 1953 - Steve Grogan football: New England Patriots quarterback: Super Bowl XX 1962 - Kevin Butler football: Chicago Bears kicker: Super Bowl XX 1963 - Karl Malone basketball: Louisiana Tech, Utah Jazz 1964 - Barry Bonds baseball: Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants: [NL MVP: 1990, 1992-1993, 2001-2004; all-star: 1990, 1992-1998, 2000-2004, 2007 1965 - Kadeem Hardison actor: A Different World, Vampire in Brooklyn, Renaissance Man, White Men Can�t Jump, I�m Gonna Git You Sucka, Beat Street 1968 - Laura Leighton (Miller) actress: In Living Color, Selena, Hotel Malibu, Money Train, Anaconda, Angel Eyes 1982 - Anna Paquin actress: X-Men, The Piano, Jane Eyre, Amistad, Almost Famous, Finding Forrester, Buffalo Soldiers. Chart Toppers 1949 Some Enchanted Evening - Perry Como Bali Ha�i - Perry Como Again - Gordon Jenkins One Kiss Too Many - Eddy Arnold 1957 Teddy Bear - Elvis Presley Love Letters in the Sand - Pat Boone It�s Not for Me to Say - Johnny Mathis Bye Bye Love - The Everly Brothers 1965 (I Can�t Get No) Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones I�m Henry VIII, I Am - Herman�s Hermits What�s New Pussycat? - Tom Jones Before You Go - Buck Owens 1973 Bad, Bad Leroy Brown - Jim Croce Yesterday Once More - Carpenters Love is the Foundation - Loretta Lynn 1981 Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes All Those Years Ago - George Harrison The One that You Love - Air Supply Feels So Right - Alabama What�s Going on in Your World - George Strait Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 206th day of 2007 - 159 remaining. Wednesday, July 25, 2007 MARTIN & LEWIS DAY. :) Crooner Dean Martin and comedian Jerry Lewis staged their first show as a team this day in 1946 at Club 500 in Atlantic City, NJ. Actually, the two had met while performing -- separately -- at the Glass Hat in New York City and decided to try an ad-lib act together. The rest is entertainment history. The duo went from earning $350 a week to $5,000 a week in under eight months, with Martin playing the romantic straight man opposite Lewis as his goofy, unpredictable partner. Ten years later, the curtain came down on their final team performance at the Copacabana in New York. Over that decade, the zany two made seventeen movies including My Friend Irma, That�s My Boy, The Caddy, Pardners, Jumping Jacks and The Stooge. Dean Martin went on to become a recording star (Memories are Made of This, Return to Me, Everybody Loves Somebody), movie star (The Young Lions, Rio Bravo, Sons of Katie Elder, the Matt Helm series) and host of his own TV variety show, The Dean Martin Show. Lewis pursued a solo career in Hollywood as comic lead (The Sad Sack, Cinderfella, The Nutty Professor); director (The Bellboy, The Errand Boy, The Patsy, Family Jewels, Which Way to the Front); producer; teacher (USC); and consummate entertainer. It would take 20 years for the two to speak publicly with each other again. Martin died December 25, 1995. Lewis continues to set records in fund-raising during his annual Stars Across America! Labor Day Telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (he has been chairman of the MDA since 1950). The Las Vegas resident continues to make nightclub appearances and returned to the stage in the Broadway revival production of Damn Yankees in 1996. Critics called his performance as the Devil, a rip-roaring success. Events July 25th. 1854 - The paper shirt collar was patented by Walter Hunt of New York City. The once-popular collar was very much a part of a clergyman�s wardrobe. You can, literally, count your blessings that other, more comfortable collars have come along since. Imagine having to wear paper a collar in the heat of July or the dog days of August ... or anytime, for that matter. Amen. 1860 - Harvard and Yale University freshmen met in the first intercollegiate billiards match -- at Worcester, MA. 1866 - Ulysses S. Grant was elevated to full (four-star) general of the U.S. Army, becoming the first American officer to reach that rank. 1871 - Seth Wheeler of Albany, NY patented perforated toilet paper. 1909 - Louis Bleriot of France crossed the English Channel in a 28-hp monoplane with a wingspan of just 23 feet. It was the first time that trick had been accomplished. Actually, it was the world�s first international, overseas flight. Today, one may also travel between France and England by way of the �chunnel� that runs beneath the English Channel. A train will take you over, or rather, under and back. Or, you can do what several others have done -- swim the Channel. Not very time efficient, but it gets the job done, as long as you have no baggage, or no more clothes than just a swim suit... 1925 - Station 2XAG in Schenectady, NY became the first radio station in the U.S. to broadcast with a 50,000-watt transmitter. The station, soon known as WGY Radio, could broadcast with 50,000 watts, since it was owned by the General Electric Company -- a company that knew lots about watts. Today, WGY still broadcasts with its original call letters and is still using 50,000 watts of power. 1939 - W2XBS TV in New York City presented the first musical comedy seen on TV. The show was Topsy and Eva. 1942 - Capitol Records first number one hit made it to the top this day. It was one of their first six records released on July 1. The new company�s hit was Cow Cow Boogie, by Ella Mae Morse and Freddy Slack. 1947 - Fortune Gordien of Oslo, Norway set a world record discus throw of 178.47 feet. 1956 - 52 of the 1,662 passengers and crew on board the Andrea Doria died in a collision with the Swedish-American liner Stockholm near Cape Cod. Launched on June 16, 1951 and named after a famous Italian admiral, the Andrea Doria was Italy�s most luxurious liner. For three years the Andrea Doria reigned supreme on the Atlantic cruise routes while gaining the moniker �Grand Dame of the Sea�. At 11:10 p.m., sixty miles from Nantucket Island, the heavily reinforced bow of the Stockholm tore through the starboard side of the Andrea Doria. Thanks to the ship�s S.O.S. signals, a group of ships soon arrived and provided much-needed lifeboats to complete the abandonment of the Andrea Doria. Newsmen and cameras caught her eventual fate and the entire world listened on the radio as she slid beneath the waves to settle in 225 feet of water at 10:09 a.m. All of the 52 who were lost died as a direct result of the initial collision. 1965 - Bob Dylan appeared on stage at the Newport Jazz Festival with an electric guitar. He was not well received, even with the classic folk song, Blowin� in the Wind. The electrified �poet laureate of a generation� was booed and hissed by the audience for being amplified. He was, in fact, booed right off the stage. 1978 - Cincinnati Reds� first baseman Pete Rose broke the National League record for hitting safely in consecutive games as he hit safely in his 38th straight game. He passed Tommy Holmes who had held the record since 1945. Charlie Hustle, as Rose was known, went on to extend his streak to 44 games (streak dates: June 14-July 31, 1978). Joe DiMaggio set the American League -- and major-league -- record, hitting safely in 56 consecutive games (May 15-July 16, 1941). 1978 - The first test-tube baby was born -- in England. Louise, a daughter born to Lesley and Gilbert Brown, was the first baby conceived outside the mother�s body. 1981 - Walter Payton signed a contract to play with the Chicago Bears of the NFL on this, his 27th birthday. The famed running back earned almost $2 million over three years. Sweetness, as he was nicknamed (because of his disposition), became the highest-paid player in the National Football League. 1987 - The Salt Lake City Trappers set a professional baseball record as the team won its 29th game in a row. The Class �A� team beat Pocatello (Idaho) 13-3. 1997 - Air Force One, with President Harrison Ford, er, James Marshall on board, is skyjacked by some despicable bad guys. The running time of the movie is 188 minutes, which is about 30 minutes too long, but plenty long enough for President Ford, er Marshall to fight his way out of all kinds of impossible situations. Unfortunately, the airplane itself couldn�t be saved. Folks all over the U.S. did fly to their neighborhood theatres to drop off some $37.13 million the first weekend. 1999 - Lance Armstrong rode to victory in the Tour de France, capping an amazing comeback from cancer. He was only the second American to win cycling�s showcase race. Birthdays wife of 9th U.S. President Benjamin Harrison; died Feb 25, 1864 1844 - Thomas Eakins realist painter: Walt Whitman, The Thinker, The Clinic of Dr. Gross, The Clinic of Dr. Agnew, Max Schmitt in a Single Scull; died June 25, 1916 1894 - Walter (Andrew) Brennan Academy Award-winning actor: Come and Get It [1936], Kentucky [1938], The Westerner [1940]; The Tycoon, To Rome with Love, The Real McCoys, The Guns of Will Sonnett; singer: Old Rivers, Dutchman�s Gold, Mama Sang a Song; died Sep 21, 1974 1902 - Eric Hoffer political, social philosopher, author: The True Believer, The Ordeal of Change, The Temper of Our Time; died in 1983 1908 - Jack Gilford (Jacob Gellman) actor: Cocoon series, Arthur 2: On the Rocks, Caveman, Wholly Moses!, Save the Tiger, Catch-22, Enter Laughing, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Paul Sand in Friends and Lovers, The Duck Factory, The David Frost Revue, The Arrow Show; died June 2, 1990 1923 - Estelle Getty actress: Golden Girls, Golden Palace, Tootsie, Mask, Mannequin; workout video: Young at Heart Body Conditioning 1926 - Whitey (Carroll Walter) Lockman baseball: NY Giants [World Series: 1951, 1954/all-star: 1952], SL Cardinals, SF Giants, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds 1927 - Stanley Dancer harness racer: Hall of Fame of the Trotter: only driver to win two trotting triple crowns [1968, 1972]; only driver to win the Yonkers Trot six times 1934 - Don Ellis Grammy Award-winning jazz musician: trumpet, composer: Theme from the French Connection [1973]; New Nine, 3-3-2-2-2-1-2-2-2, Tears of Joy, Milo�s Theme, Star Children; soloist: NY Philharmonic; died Dec 17, 1978 1935 - Barbara Harris actress: Who is Harry Kellerman and Why is He Saying Those Terrible Things about Me, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Peggy Sue Got Married, Plaza Suite, A Thousand Clowns 1940 - John Pennel pole-vaulter: 1st to break 17' barrier [1963]: held world record [17'10 3/4"] 1969-1973; 1963 Sullivan Award for outstanding amateur athlete of the year; broke or tied the world pole vault record eight times from 1963 through 1969; died Sep 26, 1993 1941 - Manuel Charlton musician: guitar, singer: group: Nazareth: Love Hurts 1941 - Nate Thurmond Basketball Hall of Famer: San Francisco/Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers; NBA record: 18 rebounds in one quarter [1965] 1943 - Janet Margolin actress: Annie Hall, The Game of Love, The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal; died Dec 17, 1993 1944 - Buddy (Charles William) Bradford baseball: Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, SL Cardinals 1944 - Jim McCarty musician: drums: groups: Renaissance, Shoot, Box of Frogs, The Yardbirds: For Your Love, Heart Full of Soul, I�m a Man, Shapes of Things, Over Under Sideways Down; songwriter [w/Samwell-Smith]: Still I�m Sad 1948 - Tony Cline football: DE: Oakland Raiders [1970-75], San Francisco 49ers [1976]; father of Buffalo Bills TE, Tony Cline 1951 - Verdine White musician: bass, singer: group: Earth, Wind & Fire: Shining Star, Sing a Song, Got to Get You into My Life, After the Love Has Gone, Boogie Wonderland, Let�s Groove, Best of My Love 1954 - Walter Payton Pro Football Hall of Famer: Chicago Bears RB: Super Bowl XX; NFL individual record-holder: rushing yards gained in one game [275], in career [16,726]; career [1975-87] touchdowns scored [110] scored; died Nov 1, 1999 1955 - Iman model, actress: The Human Factor, Out of Africa, L.A. Story, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, Exit to Eden; married to singer David Bowie 1957 - Ray Billingsley skier: World Cup Ski Champion 1961 - Bobbie Eakes actress: The Bold and the Beautiful, JAG, Choosing Matthias 1962 - Doug (Douglas Dean) Drabek baseball: pitcher: NY Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros [all-star: 1994] 1965 - Illeana Douglas actress: The Perfect Woman, To Die for, Grace of My Heart, Chasing Amy, Picture Perfect, Weapons of Mass Distraction, Bella Mafia, Message in a Bottle, The Next Best Thing 1967 - Matt LeBlanc actor: Friends, TV 101, Reform School Girl, Ed, Lost in Space, Charlie�s Angels, All the Queen�s Men. Chart Toppers 1950 Bewitched - The Bill Snyder Orchestra Mona Lisa - Nat King Cole I Wanna Be Loved - The Andrews Sisters I�m Movin� On - Hank Snow 1958 Hard Headed Woman - Elvis Presley Poor Little Fool - Ricky Nelson Little Star - The Elegants Alone with You - Faron Young 1966 Hanky Panky - Tommy James & The Shondells Wild Thing - The Troggs Lil� Red Riding Hood - Sam the Sham & The Pharoahs Think of Me - Buck Owens 1974 Rock Your Baby - George McCrae Annie�s Song - John Denver Rock and Roll Heaven - The Righteous Brothers Maria Laveau - Bobby Bare 1982 Eye of the Tiger - Survivor Rosanna - Toto Hurts So Good - John Cougar Take Me Down - Alabama 1990 She ain�t Worth It - Glenn Medeiros featuring Bobby Brown Hold On - En Vogue Cradle of Love - Billy Idol The Dance - Garth Brooks Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 207th day of 2007 - 158 remaining. Thursday, July 26, 2007 POST OFFICE DAY. :) On this day in 1775, a postal system was established by the 2nd Continental Congress of the United States. The first Postmaster General was the same gentleman who graces the U.S. $100 bill and who flew a kite with a key attached in a thunderstorm -- Benjamin Franklin. Mr. Franklin was paid $1,000 a year for his job as Postmaster General. Just fifty-four years later, the U.S. Post Office had grown to 7,600 offices and in some places, especially big cities, lines of people were kept waiting as postal clerks determined correct postal charges. Citizens were angered over the long lines and by the U.S. Government�s enforcement of postal rates. Here we are, over 200 years later, still complaining about postal rates while we wait in long lines at the post office. Some things never change. :D Events July 26th. 1788 - New York, the 11th state, entered the United States of America this day. New York City, one of the most famous cities in the world, was once the capital of the Empire State, but that ended in 1796. Albany, once called Fort Orange, has been the capital of the State of New York ever since. The beautiful rose is the official state flower with the colorful bluebird taking the honorable title of New York�s state bird. 1859 - The first intercollegiate regatta began in Worcester, MA. Harvard University defeated both Yale and Brown on Lake Quinsigamond. 1893 - Commercial production of the Addressograph started in Chicago, Illinois. 1939 - Sixteen-year-old singer Kay Starr got a big break. She recorded Baby Me with Glenn Miller and his orchestra on Victor Records. Starr was filling in for Marion Hutton who, at the last minute, was unable to attend the recording session. 1942 - Judy Garland joined Gene Kelly to record For Me and My Gal for Decca Records. The song is featured in the movie of the same name. 1947 - The National Security Act of July 26, 1947 was passed into law. It established the National Security Council and provided for all armed forces in the U.S. to be under the control of the National Military Establishment. That office is now called the Department of Defense. 1947 - The Abe Burrows Show premiered on CBS radio. 1948 - Babe Ruth was seen by the public for the last time as he attended the New York City premiere of the the motion picture, The Babe Ruth Story. 1969 - Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones, celebrated his 26th birthday with the release of the album, Beggar�s Banquet. It was the first time that Jagger�s guitar playing had been featured on any of the Stone�s records. 1970 - Home runs came in triplicate. Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds belted three home runs against the St. Louis Cardinals, and Orlando Cepeda of the Atlanta Braves launched a trio of homers in a game with the Chicago Cubs. 1975 - Van McCoy and The Soul City Symphony reached the top spot on the Billboard record chart for the first -- and only -- time. The disco hit The Hustle became the top record in the U.S. The instrumental remained in the reflection of the disco mirror ball for only one week ... though plenty of other disco hits followed. Keep that white suit handy. Disco may just come back! 1984 - Purple Rain, the film creation of Prince, premiered in Hollywood. Attending the gala at the Palace Theatre were Eddie Murphy, Lionel Richie and Stevie Nicks. MTV presented live coverage of the events. 1984 - NBC took a giant step back to the way things were done in the 1950s. NBC started shooting 15-minute episodes of Punky Brewster to use when football games spilled over into the Punky time. 1987 - Robert Wrenn set a record for the Buick Open. He won the golf tourney with a 26-under-par 262, a seven-stroke victory. Wrenn just missed the PGA Tour record of 27-under-par at the tourney, which was held at Grand Blanc, MI. 1992 - Patty Sheehan defeated Juli Inkster in a playoff to win the 47th U. S. Women�s Open at the Oakmont (PA) Country Club. 1998 - Hale Irwin birdied the 18th hole for a 69 to win the U.S. Senior Open by one stroke over Argentina's Vicente Fernandez at Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades CA. 2000 - U.S. District Judge Marilyn Hall Patel (in federal court, San Francisco CA) issued a preliminary injunction against online music service Napster. The judge ordered Napster to stop distributing copyrighted songs on the Web. Although Napster fought the ruling for months, this was the beginnning of the end for the Internet music distribution site. Birthdays July 26th. 1796 - George Catlin artist: of North [Catlin�s Indian Gallery] and South American natives; died Dec 23, 1872 1856 - George Bernard Shaw playwright: Pygmalion; died Nov 2, 1950 1892 - �Sad� Sam (Samuel Pond) Jones baseball: pitcher: Cleveland Naps, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox [World Series: 1918], NY Yankees [World Series: 1922, 1923, 1926], SL Browns, Washington Nationals, Chicago White Sox; died July 06, 1966 1894 - Aldous (Leonard) Huxley philosopher, satirist, author: Brave New World, Crome Yellow, Point Counter Point; died Nov 22, 1963 1895 - Gracie (Grace Ethel Cecile Rosalie) Allen vaudeville, radio, TV, stage actress w/husband, George Burns: The Burns and Allen Show; College Swing, Honolulu, Two Girls and a Sailor, We�re Not Dressing; died Aug 27, 1964 1909 - Vivian Vance (Vivian Roberta Jones) Emmy Award-winning actress: I Love Lucy [1953]; The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, Lucy in Connecticut, The Lucy Show; died Aug 17, 1979 1914 - Erskine Hawkinsbr> �20th Century Gabriel�: musician: trumpet: bandleader: Dolemite, No Soap, Uptown Shuffle; composer: Tuxedo Junction [w/Julian Dash, Bill Johnson]; died Nov 11, 1992 1918 - Marjorie Lord actress: The Danny Thomas Show, Sweet Surrender, Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number!, Riding High, Sherlock Holmes in Washington 1922 - Blake Edwards (McEdwards) director: The Pink Panther, 10, Victor/Victoria, Breakfast at Tiffany�s, Days of Wine and Roses, Switch, Peter Gunn 1922 - Jason Robards Jr. Obie Award-winning actor: The Ice Man Cometh; Long Day�s Journey into Night, A Boy and His Dog, The Adventures of Huck Finn, Philadelphia, All the President�s Men, Tora! Tora! Tora!, The St. Valentine�s Day Massacre; son of actor Jason Robards Sr.; died Dec 26, 2000 1923 - (James) Hoyt Wilhelm baseball: pitcher: NY Giants [all-star: 1953/World Series: 1954], Cleveland Indians, SL Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles [all-star: 1959, 1961, 1962], Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves [all-star: 1970], California Angels, Chicago Cubs, LA Dodgers; pitched more games than any other pitcher in the major leagues [1,070] 1924 - Louie Bellson (Balassoni) musician: drummer: Duke Ellington Band: drum solo: Skin Deep; composer: The Hawk Talks, I Need Your Key, Carnaby Street; music director for wife Pearl Bailey; also played with Dorsey Brothers and Count Basie bands 1926 - James Best actor: The Dukes of Hazzard, Ode to Billy Joe, The Naked and the Dead, Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair 1928 - Stanley Kubrick director: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Spartacus, Dr. Strangelove, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, A Clockwork Orange, Lolita, Paths of Glory; died Mar 7, 1999 1939 - Bob Lilly Pro Football Hall of Famer: Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle: Super Bowl V, VI 1940 - Dobie Gray (Leonard Ainsworth) singer: Drift Away, Look at Me, Loving Arms, You Can Do It; singer, songwriter: The �In� Crowd 1940 - Bobby Rousseau hockey: NHL: Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota North Stars, NY Rangers 1941 - Bobby Hebb Grammy Award-winning songwriter: A Natural Man [1971]; singer: Sunny; Grand Ole Opry at age 12 1943 - Mick (Michael) Jagger singer: group: The Rolling Stones: 41 hits [1964-89], 5 gold records, 8 number one hits [U.S.]: (I Can�t Get No) Satisfaction, Get Off of My Cloud, Paint It, Black, Ruby Tuesday, Honky Tonk Women, Brown Sugar, Angie, Miss You; Rock and Roll Hall of Famer 1944 - Micki (Maxine) King International Women�s Sports Hall of Famer; Olympic gold medalist: diver [1972]; Air Force Academy diving coach 1944 - Kiel Martin actor: Hill Street Blues, Second Chance, Panic in Needle Park, Convicted: A Mother�s Story; died Dec 28, 1990 1945 - Helen Mirren (Ilyena Lydia Mironoff) actress: Prime Suspect, The Hawk, White Knights 1949 - Roger Taylor (Meadows-Taylor) musician: drums: group: Queen: Seven Seas of Rhye, Killer Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody, You�re My Best Friend, Somebody to Love, Another One Bites the Dust, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Radio Ga-Ga; solo: LPs: Fun in Space, Strange Frontier 1950 - Susan George actress: Straw Dogs, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde [the musical], Jack the Ripper, Mandingo, Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry 1950 - Duncan Mackay musician: keyboards: groups: Steve Harley & ****ney Rebel, 10CC: Dreadlock Holiday 1951 - Rick Martin hockey: NHL: Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings 1954 - Vitas Gerulaitis tennis champion: Australian Open [1977]; killed by carbon monoxide from a faulty heater Sep 17, 1994 1956 - Dorothy Hamill Olympic Hall of Famer, Olympic Gold Medalist ice skater [1976]; U.S. Ice Skating Champion [1974-1976]; developed new skating move: Hamill camel; Ice Capades; married Dean-Paul Martin, son of singer Dean Martin 1959 - Kevin Spacey Academy Award-winning actor: American Beauty [1999]; Academy Award-winning supporting actor: The Usual Suspects [1995]; A Time to Kill, Outbreak, Consenting Adults, Long Day�s Journey into Night, Lost in Yonkers, Henry and June, Working Girl, Wiseguy, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, L.A. Confidential 1964 - Sandra Bullock actress: Speed, Speed 2: Cruise Control, The Net, While You Were Sleeping, A Time to Kill, Hope Floats, Forces of Nature, Miss Congeniality, Fool Proof, Exactly 3:30, The Chambermaid 1965 - Jeremy Piven actor: The Larry Sanders Show, Ellen, Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde, Kiss the Girls, Cupid, Serendipity, Highway, Black Hawk Down 1966 - Jennifer Ashe actress: As the World Turns 1973 - Kate Beckinsale actress: Pearl Harbor, One Against the Wind, Much Ado About Nothing, Haunted, Shooting Fish, Brokedown Palace, Alice Through the Looking Glass 1993 - Taylor Momsen actress: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Prophet�s Game, We Were Soldiers. Chart Toppers 1951 Too Young - Nat King Cole My Truly, Truly Fair - Guy Mitchell Mister and Mississippi - Patti Page I Wanna Play House with You - Eddy Arnold 1959 Lonely Boy - Paul Anka A Big Hunk o� Love - Elvis Presley My Heart is an Open Book - Carl Dobkins, Jr. The Battle of New Orleans - Johnny Horton 1967 Windy - The Association Can�t Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Valli Light My Fire - The Doors With One Exception - David Houston 1975 The Hustle - Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony I�m Not in Love - 10cc One of These Nights - Eagles Touch the Hand - Conway Twitty 1983 Every Breath You Take - The Police Electric Avenue - Eddy Grant Is There Something I Should Know - Duran Duran Pancho and Lefty - Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard 1991 Unbelievable - EMF (Everything I Do) I Do It for You - Bryan Adams P.A.S.S.I.O.N. - Rythm Syndicate I Am a Simple Man - Ricky Van Shelton Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 208th day of 2007 - 157 remaining. Friday, July 27, 2007 FLIGHT ENDURANCE DAY. :) On this day in 1909, Orville Wright (one of the famous Wright Brothers, along with Wilbur) set a record for the longest airplane flight. Not that there were many records available ... after all, it was the Wright Brothers who worked so hard at making plane flight practical in the first place! Orville was testing the Army�s first airplane and kept it aloft for 1 hour, 12 minutes and 40 seconds over Fort Myer, Virginia. He was so tired from the experience that the plane crash-landed. He and his passenger (name unknown) were OK. July 27th. 1775 - Benjamin Church began his service as the first Surgeon General of the Continental Army. 1784 - Courier De L�Amerique became the first French newspaper to be published in the United States. The paper was printed in Philadelphia, PA for all the many Philadelphians who spoke French. 1789 - The Department of Foreign Affairs was established by the U.S. Congress and President George Washington. The agency later was named the Department of State -- or the State Department. 1866 - After a dozen years, Cyrus Field successfully completed the Atlantic Cable. 1918 - Socony 200, the first concrete barge, was launched on this day. The vessel was used to carry oil ... not concrete. 1942 - Peggy Lee recorded her first hit record -- in New York City. With the backing of the Benny Goodman band, Miss Lee sang Why Don�t You Do Right for Columbia Records. 1947 - The World Water Ski Organization was founded in Geneva, Switzerland. 1950 - During a match in Chicago, IL, professional wrestler Gorgeous George completely missed a flying tackle on Lou Thesem. George took off like a rocket, flew right out of the ring and landed on top of a newspaper reporter�s typewriter. 1953 - The armistice agreement that ended the Korean War was signed at Panmunjon, Korea. The war lasted three years and 32 days. The truce negotiations between North Korean and U.S. delegates (representing South Korea) lasted two years and seventeen days. 1959 - Brothers, Santo and Johnny (Farina) of Brooklyn, NY saw their one and only hit record, the instrumental Sleepwalk released. Sleepwalk was number one for two weeks. Their next song, Tear Drop, only made it to number 23 on the pop charts. Such is life in the pop music biz. 1960 - Vice President Richard M. Nixon was nominated for president at the Republican National Convention in Chicago. 1972 - Pro hockey star Maurice �The Rocket� Richard signed a one-year contract to coach the Quebec Nordiques of the World Hockey Association. 1973 - Secretariat broke two records while practicing at Saratoga Springs, NY. The legendary horse covered a mile in a speedy 1 minute, 34 seconds and ran a 1-1/8 mile distance in 1 minute, 47-4/5 seconds. 1974 - NBC-TV removed Dinah�s Place from its daytime programming roster. The move brought Dinah Shore�s 23-year association with the Pea**** Network to a close. 1974 - John Denver�s biggest hit song reached the top of the Billboard singles chart. Annie�s Song, written for his wife, became the most popular song in the U.S. Denver had three other #1 songs: Sunshine on My Shoulders, Thank God I�m a Country Boy and I�m Sorry. 1976 - John Lennon finally had his request for permanent residency in the United States approved. Lennon�s immigration card number was A-17-597-321. The decision to allow Lennon to stay in the country ended a long struggle between the former Beatle and the U.S. Government. 1984 - Pete Rose passed Ty Cobb�s record for most singles in a career. Rose connected for his 3,503rd base hit. The baseball great was playing for the Montreal Expos at the time and led them to a win over one of his former teams, the Philadelphia Phillies. 1987 - Freeway shooting incidents were the talk of Los Angeles. Since June 18th there had been nine incidents involving vehicles and guns. Two motorists were actually shot to death and four others were injured. Police psychologists blamed �self-centered attitudes, violence in films and even the breakdown of family...� for the �road rage�. Authorities recommended that drivers avoid confrontation. In other words, don�t honk your horn, flash your headlights or wave your middle finger at that S.O.B.! It could be fatal. 1991 - Bryan Adams� (Everything I Do) I Do It For You hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It topped the pop chart for 7 straight weeks. 1995 - The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. opened to the public on the 42nd anniversary of the armistice that ended the Korean War. U.S. President Bill Clinton and President Kim Young Sam of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) dedicated the memoirial. A plaque at the flagstaff reads, �Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered a call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.� 1996 - An early-morning pipe-bomb blast in Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta killed Alice Hawthorne of Albany, Georgia and injured more than 100 other people as an overnight celebration erupted into chaos. Hawthorne, 44, died from bomb shrapnel that struck her in the head. Her 14-year-old daughter, Fallon Stubbs, was wounded by flying screws and nails. Eric Robert Rudolph, who eluded police until his capture May 31, 2003, pleaded guilty to the bombing on April 13, 2005. Birthdays novelist: La Dame aux Camelias; playwright; died Nov 27, 1895 1880 - Joe Tinker Baseball Hall of Famer: Chicago Cubs shortstop; playing manager: Cincinnati & Chicago; famous for Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance double-play combination; died Jul 27, 1948 1905 - Leo �Lippy� (Ernest) Durocher baseball: NY Yankees [World Series: 1928], Cincinnati Reds, SL Cardinals [World Series: 1934/all-star: 1936], Brooklyn Dodgers [all-star: 1938, 1940]; coach: LA Dodgers; �Nice guys finish last.�; died Oct 07, 1991 1916 - Keenan (Francis Xavier Aloysius) Wynn actor: Dr. Strangelove, Nashville, Finian�s Rainbow, Kiss Me Kate, A Time to Love and a Time to Die, Requiem for a Heavyweight, The Absent-Minded Professor; died Oct 14, 1986 1922 -Norman Lear Emmy Award-winning producer: All in the Family [1970-1971, 1971-1972, 1972-1973], Maude, Good Times, Sanford & Son, Powers that Be, The Nancy Walker Show, The Jeffersons, Hot L Baltimore, Fernwood 2-Night 1927 - Bob Morse singer: group: The Hi-Lo�s 1931 - Jerry Van Dyke actor: Coach, My Mother the Car, The Judy Garland Show, The Headmaster, Accidental Family; brother of actor Dick Van Dyke 1933 - Nick Reynolds folk singer: group: The Kingston Trio: Tom Dooley, M.T.A., Tijuana Jail, A Worried Man, Where Have All the Flowers Gone, Greenback Dollar, Reverend Mr. Black 1937 - Don Galloway actor: Two Moon Junction, Demon Rage, Snowblind, Tom, Dick and Mary, Ironside, Arrest and Trial; TV host: The Guinness Game 1939 - James Victor actor: Stand and Deliver, Fuzz, Zorro, Viva Valdez, Condo 1942 - Barbara Ferris actress: The Strauss Family, A Chorus of Disapproval, Nice Girl like Me, Children of the Damned 1942 - John Pleshette actor: Knots Landing, Doctors� Hospital, Eye of the Stranger, Lies of the Twins, Burning Rage, The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald; brother of actress Suzanne Pleshette 1942 - Dennis Ralston tennis: youngest Wimbledon champ [age 17]: men�s 1960 doubles [w/Rafael Osuna: 1960] 1943 - Al Ramsey musician: guitar: group: Gary Lewis & The Playboys: This Diamond Ring 1944 - Bobbie Gentry Grammy Award-winning singer [1967]: Ode to Billy Joe, All I Have to Do is Dream [w/Glen Campbell], I�ll Never Fall in Love Again 1948 - Peggy Fleming Olympic Hall of Famer: gold medalist: figure skater [1968]; Ice Follies, Holiday on Ice, ABC sports commentator; International Women�s Sports Hall of Famer 1948 - Betty Thomas Emmy Award-winning director: For Peter�s Sake [1992-1993], Dream On [1992-1993], actress: Hill Street Blues [1984-1985]; The Seventh Sign, When Your Lover Leaves, Troop Beverly Hills 1949 - Maury Chaykin actor: Cold Comfort, Dances with Wolves, WarGames, Mrs. Soffel, Def-Con 4, Meatballs III, Iron Eagle II, My Cousin Vinny, Cutthroat Island, The Mask of Zorro, Entrapment, A Nero Wolfe Mystery 1949 - Andre Dupont hockey: NHL NY Rangers, SL Blues, Philadelphia Flyers 1949 - Maureen McGovern singer: Different Worlds, The Morning After; actress: Pirates of Penzance 1950 - Michael Vaughn musician: guitarist: group: Paperlace: The Night Chicago Died 1951 - Al Simpson football: Colorado State Univ., New York Giants 1952 - Bump (Elliott Taylor) Wills baseball: Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs 1963 - Donnie Yen martial artist, actor: Once Upon a Time in China II, The Iron Monkey, Iron Monkey 2, Asian Cops - High Voltage, City of Darkness, Highlander: Endgame, Fist of Fury: The Sequel 1969 - Maria Grazia Cucinotta actor: The World Is Not Enough, Maria Maddalena, Picking Up the Pieces, Just One Night 1969 - Michael Paul LeVesque pro wrestler/actor: WCW Saturday Night, WWF Warzone, Royal Rumble: No Chance in Hell, WWF Smackdown!, Armageddon, Fully Loaded, Wrestlemania X-Seven 1972 - Maya Rudolph actress: Saturday Night Live, City of Angels, Chuck & Buck, Duets; daughter of singer Minnie Riperton. Chart Toppers 1944 I�ll Be Seing You - The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (vocal: Frank Sinatra) Swinging on a Star - Bing Crosby Amor - Bing Crosby Straighten Up and Fly Right - King Cole Trio 1952 I�m Yours - Eddie Fisher Walkin� My Baby Back Home - Johnnie Ray Auf Wiedersehn, Sweetheart - Vera Lynn Are You Teasing Me - Carl Smith 1960 I�m Sorry - Brenda Lee Only the Lonely - Roy Orbison Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini - Brian Hyland Please Help Me, I�m Falling - Hank Lockin 1968 Grazing in the Grass - Hugh Masekela Stoned Soul Picnic - The 5th Dimension Hurdy Gurdy Man - Donovan Folsom Prison Blues - Johnn Cash 1976 Kiss and Say Goodbye - Manhattans Love is Alive - Gary Wright Moonlight Feels Right - Starbuck 1984 When Doves Cry - Prince Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr. Just Another Woman in Love - Anne Murray Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 209th day of 2007 - 156 remaining. Saturday, July 28, 2007 SH-BOOM DAY. ;) On this day in 1954, The Crew Cuts reached the top spot of the Billboard pop singles chart with Sh-Boom (Life Could Be a Dream). It became the fastest-moving record to hit the music charts, making it to the top ten in only three weeks. The tune stayed atop the pop music listing for seven weeks. Many people consider this song (a cover version of a rhythm and blues recording by The Chords) to be the first rock �n� roll record. It wasn�t the first. Rock and roll had made it to the music scene long before this. In fact, The Boswell Sisters recorded a song titled, Rock and Roll in 1934. However, Sh-Boom was the first rock �n� roll record to make it to the top of the pop charts. (The Chords� version became the first rock-related hit in Great Britain.) Purists consider "Rock Around the Clock" to be the first, true #1 rock �n� roll hit. However, it didn�t hit the top of the charts until one year after "Sh-Boom". Our lines are open. Call in your votes now. Events July 28th. 1865 - The American Dental Association proposed its first code of ethics. Procedures like using a welder�s torch to shrink swollen gums were banned. The old string-on-the-doorknob trick to pull loosened teeth was also frowned upon. 1866 - Although its use was not required, the metric system was legalized by the U.S. Congress for the standardization of weights and measures throughout the United States. And we still don�t have it figured out. How many yards in a meter or quarts in a litre? 1896 - The community of Miami, was incorporated. The city had a population of 260. Today, the Miami area boasts a population of around 2,000,000. 1933 - The singing telegram was introduced on this day. The first person to receive a singing telegram was singer Rudy Vallee, in honor of his 32nd birthday. 1939 - Judy Garland sang one of the most famous songs of the century with the Victor Young Orchestra. The tune became her signature song and will forever be associated with the singer-actress. Garland recorded Over the Rainbow for Decca Records. It was the musical highlight of the film, The Wizard of Oz. 1942 - L.A. Thatcher of Stamford, CT received a patent by mail. Appropriately, Mr. Thatcher had patented a coin-operated mailbox. When money was inserted, a meter stamped the envelope. 1945 - A B-25 bomber crashed into the 79th floor of the fog-shrouded Empire State Building in New York City. Over a dozen people were killed. 1951 - The Walt Disney film Alice in Wonderland was released by RKO pictures. 1958 - Three years after his Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White reached number one, Cuban-born bandleader Perez Prado captured the top spot again, with Patricia. Prado was known as the Mambo King for his popular, Latin-flavored instrumentals. 1965 - The American Football Conference set a new record. More reporters showed up in Lowell, MA to cover an exhibition game than were on hand to cover the AFC championship game the year before. The preseason game between the New York Jets and the Boston (now New England) Patriots attracted all the attention because the Jets sported a new quarterback who had caught everyone�s fancy: Joe Namath. 1973 - On this day, exactly a year after their first date, TV�s Six Million Dollar Man, Lee Majors, married one of Charlie�s Angels, Farrah Fawcett. The new Farrah Fawcett-Majors was named one of the 10 most beautiful women on the campus of the University of Texas. Farrah, famous for her blonde mane and brilliant smile, and Majors were divorced February 16, 1982. 1984 - The 23rd Summer Olympic Games opened at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Southern California. Peter V. Uberroth, head of the U.S. Olympic Committee, welcomed 7,800 athletes from 140 nations during the 3-1/2 hour opening ceremonies. 1985 - Lou Brock, Enos Slaughter, Hoyt Wilhelm and Arky Vaughn were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York. Wilhelm of the Chicago White Sox was the first relief pitcher to make the Hall of Fame. Vaughn was the first player named Arky to make it... 1989 - Songstress Anne Murray opened the Anne Murray Centre in her hometown of Springhill, Nova Scotia. Packed with awards, photographs, memorabilia and audio-visual highlights of her life and career, the Centre is open every day from mid-May to mid-October. 1991 - National League teams Montreal and Los Angeles played ball and Dennis Martinez pitched. And, did he ever! It was the 13th perfect game in major league baseball. Martinez� Montreal Expos won, 2-0. 1994 - Several coincidences occurred in major league baseball on this day. Kenny Rogers -- not the singer, but the pitcher -- threw the 14th perfect game in the history of major league baseball. It was three years to the day since the last time this event occurred. This time it was an American League game with Texas beating California, 4-0. Ten years earlier (9-30-84), the same two teams were playing when the 11th perfect game was hurled. The pitcher was Mike Witt and the winning team was reversed. 1998 - Bell Atlantic Corp. and GTE Corp. announced a $52.88 billion stock-swap deal to create the second-biggest telephone company -- behind AT&T. The resulting mega-corporation -- later to be named Verizon Communications -- would begin with 63 million local telephone lines in 38 states and revenue of $53 billion. 2000 - Nutty Professor II: The Klumps debuted. Eddie Murphy is (most of) the Klumps: Professor Sherman Klump, Buddy Love, Cletus �Papa� Klump/Young Cletus Klump, Anna Pearl �Mama� Jensen Klump, Ida Mae �Grandma/Granny� Jensen, Ernie Klump Sr., and Lance Perkins. Though complaints abounded about too much �bathroom humor�, the funny, if not filthy, flick did $42.52 million at U.S. box offices the first weekend. Birthdays children�s stories author: Peter Rabbit books; died Dec 22, 1943 1892 - Joe E. (Evan) Brown comedian, actor: It�s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, Around the World in 80 Days, Show Boat, Some like It Hot; died July 6, 1973 1901 - Rudy (Hubert Prior) Vallee singer: My Time is Your Time; actor: Live a Little, Love a Little, The Admiral was a Lady, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Second Fiddle; died July 3, 1986 1914 - Carmen Dragon classical music conductor, bandleader; father of singer, �Captain� Daryl Dragon; died Mar 28, 1984 1915 - Frankie Yankovic Grammy Award-winning musician: accordion: Just Because, Blue Skirt Waltz; bandleader: polka band; died Oct 14, 1998 1929 - Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis First Lady: wife of 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy; wife of Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis; editor: Doubleday Publishing; died May 19, 1994 1930 - Ted (Thaddeus Stanley) Lepcio baseball: Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins 1931 - Darryl Hickman actor: The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, The Americans; executive producer: Love of Life; brother of actor, Dwayne Hickman 1934 - Jacques d�Amboise ballet dancer: New York City Ballet: Irish Fantasy, Tschaikovsky Suite No. 2 1937 - Peter Duchin pianist, bandleader; son of musician, Eddy Duchin; Board of Directors: Harlem Dance Theatre, NY State Council on Arts 1938 - George Cummings musician: guitar: group: Dr. Hook: Sylvia�s Mother, The Cover of Rolling Stone, [Freakin� At] The Freakers� Ball, A Little Bit More, Only Sixteen, When You�re in Love with a Beautiful Woman, Sharing the Night Together, Sexy Eyes, Better Love Next Time 1943 - Bill Bradley Basketball Hall of Famer: Princeton Univ., Olympic gold medalist [men�s basketball: Tokyo/1964], NY Knicks; politician: US Senator [New Jersey: elected 1978, 1984, 1990]; author: Life on the Run, Time Present, Time Past 1945 - Jim Davis musician: keyboard: group: Pink Floyd: Another Brick on the Wall 1946 - Linda Kelsey actress: Lou Grant, Day by Day 1947 - Barbara Ferrell National Track & Field Hall of Famer: Olympic medalist: silver: 100 meter dash, gold: 4x100 meter relay [1968]; gold medalist: Pan American Games: 100 meters [1967]; tied world record twice: 100 meters [11.1 seconds, 1967] 1948 - Georgia Engel actress: The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Betty White Show, Goodtime Girls, Jennifer Slept Here, Coach 1948 - Sally (Ann) Struthers Emmy Award-winning actress: All in the Family [1971-72, 1978]; Five Easy Pieces, The Odd Couple; promoter of the Christian Children�s Fund 1949 - Vida (Rochelle) Blue baseball: pitcher: Oakland Athletics [Cy Young Award: 1971/all-star: 1971, 1975, 1977/Baseball Writer�s Award: 1971/World Series: 1972, 1973, 1974], SF Giants [all-star: 1978, 1980, 1981], KC Royals 1949 - Peter Doyle singer: group: The New Seekers: I�d like to Teach the World to Sing, Look What They�ve Done to My Song Ma 1949 - Simon Kirke musician: drums: groups: Free: All Right Now; Bad Company: Can�t Get Enough, Ready for Love, Feel like Makin� Love 1952 - Clint Longley football: Dallas Cowboys quarterback 1958 - Terry Fox Marathon of Hope runner: 22 yr.-old cancer-victim with artificial leg completed 3,328 miles of 5,200 planned miles, raising $24 million for cancer research; died June 28, 1981 1964 - Lori Loughlin actress: The Night Before, Back to the Beach, Rad, Secret Admirer, The New Kids, Amityville 3: The Demon, The Edge of Night, Full House 1972 - Elizabeth Berkley actress: Saved by the Bell, The First Wives Club, Random Encounter, Any Given Sunday, Africa, The Elevator, Soulmates. Chart Toppers 1945 The More I See You - Dick Haymes Dream - The Pied Pipers Sentimental Journey - The Les Brown Orchestra (vocal: Doris Day) Oklahoma Hills - Jack Guthrie 1953 Song from Moulin Rouge - The Percy Faith Orchestra April in Portugal - The Les Baxter Orchestra I�m Walking Behind You - Eddie Fisher It�s Been So Long - Webb Pierce 1961 Tossin� and Turnin� - Bobby Lewis The Boll Weevil Song - Brook Benton Yellow Bird - Arthur Lyman Group Heartbreak U.S.A. - Kitty Wells 1969 In the Year 2525 - Zager & Evans Crystal Blue Persuasion - Tommy James & The Shondells My Cherie Amour - Stevie Wonder Johnny B. Goode - Buck Owens 1977 Looks like We Made It - Barry Manilow I Just Want to Be Your Everything - Andy Gibb I�m in You - Peter Frampton It was Almost like a Song - Ronnie Milsap 1985 Everytime You Go Away - Paul Young Shout - Tears For Fears You Give Good Love - Whitney Houston Love Don�t Care (Whose Heart It Breaks) - Earl Thomas Conley Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 210th day of 2007 - 155 remaining. Sunday, July 29, 2007 The Tonight Show began simply as Tonight in 1954. Then it changed titles to Tonight! America after Dark. On this night in 1957, Jack Paar began a successful five-year run as host of the Tonight show on NBC-TV, changing its name to The Jack Paar Show. Jack Paar came to NBC from the competition over at CBS where he had been a game and talk-show host. Paar's forte was interviewing. He would get so involved with his guests and their stories that he would not only laugh with them, but would sometimes, even cry. Paar's emotional outbursts, whether they involved an interviewee, a personal crusade or a feud with the likes of Ed Sullivan or Dorothy Kilgallen, became the major attraction of the show. Jose Melis and his orchestra stayed with Paar through the years as did his sidekick and announcer, Hugh Downs. Those of us who stayed up night after night got used to being entertained by regulars such as Dody Goodman, Cliff Arquette, Pat Harrington, Hans Conried, Joey Bishop and Florence Henderson. The very first show had as guests Alexander King, singer Robert Merrill, and funnyman Buddy Hackett. King and Hackett became regulars over the years just as Jack Paar became a regular in our bedrooms every weekday night until March 30, 1962. Events 1754 - The first international boxing match was held -- in Harlston, England. Jack Slack, the champion from Great Britain, knocked out the French challenger, Jean Petit. Everybody got home at a decent hour, too -- the bout lasted only 25 minutes. 1773 - The first schoolhouse to be located west of the Allegheny Mountains was built in Schoenbrunn, OH. 1786 - The first newspaper west of the Alleghenies was published. Originally called The Pittsburgh Gazette, it is still being published, but is now The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 1874 - Major Walter Clopton Wingfield of England received a patent for the lawn-tennis court. 1914 - The first transcontinental telephone service was inaugurated when two people held a conversation between New York and San Francisco. 1931 - Helen Wills Moody mentioned that she favored short skirts and no stockings when she played tennis. However, she said that shorts would never be popular with top women tennis players. By gosh, she was right. 1945 - Near Leyte Gulf, the U.S. heavy cruiser Indianapolis was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine. Of the crew of 1,199 men, only 316 survived. Several days earlier, the Indianapolis had delivered the makings for the first atomic bomb to Tinian Island. 1950 - RKO pictures released the Walt Disney adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson literary classic, Treasure Island. 1958 - The United States space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), was authorized by Congress this day. 1965 - The Queen of England attended the premiere of the motion picture, Help!, starring The Beatles. The command performance was held at the London Pavilion. The film later earned first prize at the Rio De Janeiro Film Festival in Brazil. 1974 - Jim Hartz was named to join Barbara Walters as co-host of the Today show on NBC. Hartz had been the original host of the popular morning TV show. Others who have hosted the show which has aired since 1952 include Dave Garroway, John Chancellor, Hugh Downs, Frank McGee, Tom Brokaw, Bryant Gumbel, Katie Couric and Matt Lauer. 1981 - Millions of people around the world watched on television as England's Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer took center stage amidst the pomp and splendor of their royal wedding at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The ceremony took place in the wee small hours of the morning in America, but was still a ratings success, with coverage on all networks. 2,500 guests were in actual attendance. 1983 - Steve Garvey of the Los Angeles Dodgers was injured in the first game of a doubleheader. Because he was unable to play in the second game, his National League consecutive game record ended at 1,207. 1995 - Bandleader Les Elgart died. He was 76 years old. Elgart's recording of Bandstand Boogie (1954) was adopted by Dick Clark as the theme for American Bandstand. Elgart also had two top-selling albums: The Elgart Touch (1956) and For Dancers Also (1957). He often jointly led a band with his brother Larry in the 1950s and 1960s. 1996 - Carl Lewis won his ninth Olympic gold medal by winning the long jump competition at the 1996 games. Lewis tied swimmer Mark Spitz for most golds by an American athlete. Lewis also was only the second athlete (the other was discus thrower Al Oerter) to win the same track event in four straight Olympics. Birthdays 1st wife of 26th President of the U.S. Theodore Roosevelt; died Feb 14, 1884 [17 years before her husband became President] 1869 - Booth Tarkington Pulitzer Prize-winning author: The Magnificent Ambersons [1919], Alice Adams [1922]; died May 19, 1946 1887 - Sigmund Romberg operetta composer: Blossom Time, The Student Prince, The Desert Song, Up in Central Park; songs: When Hearts are Young, Deep in My Heart Dear, Golden Days, Lover Come Back to Me, Softly as in a Morning Sunrise, When I Grow Too Old to Dream; founding member of ASCAP; died Nov 9, 1951 actress: Hula, Dancing Mothers, Mantrap, Free to Love, Down to the Sea in Ships; died Sep 27, 1965 1907 - Melvin Belli 'King of Torts': attorney: represented Mae West, Errol Flynn, Muhammad Ali, Jack Ruby, Tammy Fae Bakker; author: Everybody's Guide to the Law; died July 9, 1996 1913 - Stephen (Horace) McNally actor: Dear Detective, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, A Bullet is Waiting, The Black Castle; died June 4, 1994 1917 - Homer (Henry D. Haynes) comedy singer: duo: Homer and Jethro: Baby, It's Cold Outside [w/June Carter (Cash)], That Hound Dog in the Winder, Hernando's Hideaway, The Battle of Kookamonga, I Want to Hold Your Hand; died Aug 7, 1971 1921 - Richard Egan actor: Love Me Tender, The Hunters, A Summer Place, Blackbeard the Pirate; died July 20, 1987 1924 - Lloyd Bochner actor: Naked Gun 2 1/2, Morning Glory, Dynasty, The Richard Boone Show, One Man's Family, Hong Kong; died Oct 29, 2005 1924 - Robert Horton actor: Wagon Train, A Man Called Shenandoah, Kings Row, The Green Slime, Men of the Fighting Lady 1925 - Ted Lindsay Hockey Hall of Famer: Detroit Red Wings: 4 Stanley Cup titles, Chicago Black Hawks; held NHL records for most goals and assists by a left wing and most minutes spent in penalty box 1926 - Don Carter bowling champion: U.S. Open 4 time winner [1953, 1954, 1957, 1958] 1930 - Paul Taylor dancer: Martha Graham Dance Company, New York City Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company: Emmy Award-winning choreographer: Speaking in Tongues [1992], Kennedy Center Honors [1992] "...for enhancing the lives of people around the world and enriching the culture of our nation." 1933 - Randy Sparks folk singer, songwriter: groups: New Christy Minstrels: Green, Green, Saturday Night, Today; The Back Porch Majority, Randy Sparks and the Patch Family actor: Laramie, Wagon Train, Emergency, Maverick, Donner Pass: The Road to Survival, Sinai Commandos 1934 - Felix (Lamela) Mantilla baseball: Milwaukee Braves [World Series: 1957, 1958], NY Mets, Boston Red Sox [all-star: 1965], Houston Astros 1938 - Peter Jennings journalist: World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, Peter Jennings' Journal [ABC radio]; died Aug 7, 2005 1938 - Don (Donald Ralph) Wert baseball: Detroit Tigers [World Series: 1968/all-star: 1968], Washington Senators actor: Holocaust, Tron, Tom Jones, Time Bandits, Star Trek V & VI, Wild Palms, Ice Cream Man, In the Mouth of Madness, The Old Curiosity Shop, The Man with Two Brains 1946 - Neal Doughty musician: keyboards: group: REO Speedwagon: Can't Fight this Feeling, Keep on Loving You, Take It on the Run 1949 - Marilyn Quayle (Tucker) wife of 44th Vice-President of the U.S. Dan Quayle 1951 - Dan (Daniel) Driessen baseball: Cincinnati Reds [World Series: 1975, 1976], Montreal Expos, SF Giants, Houston Astros, SL Cardinals [World Series: 1987] 1951 - Leslie Easterbrook actress: Police Academy series, Private Resort, The Song of the Lark, ManiaX 1953 - Ken Burns Emmy Award-winning writer, producer, director: The Civil War [1990-91]; Baseball, Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery, Frank Lloyd Wright musician: bass, singer: group: Rush: Rivendell, By-Tor and the Snow Dog, Necromancer, The Fountain of Lamneth, Distant Early Warning 1956 - Patti Scialfa singer: backup vocalist for Bruce Springsteen on 1988 tour 1963 - Alexandra Paul actress: Baywatch, The Paperboy, Sunset Grill, American Nightmare, Christine 1966 - Martina McBride country singer: The Time Has Come, The Way I Am, Wild Angels, Evolution, Live from the Crazy Horse [Radio Show] 1972 - Wil Wheaton actor: Stand by Me, Toy Soldiers, Star Trek: the Next Generation, The Liar's Club. 1962 Roses are Red - Bobby Vinton The Wah Watusi - The Orlons Sealed with a Kiss - Brian Hyland Wolverton Mountain - Claude King 1970 (They Long to Be) Close to You - Carpenters Band of Gold - Freda Payne Make It with You - Bread Wonder Could I Live There Anymore - Charley Pride 1978 Shadow Dancing - Andy Gibb Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty Miss You - The Rolling Stones Only One Love in My Life - Ronnie Milsap 1986 Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel Glory of Love - Peter Cetera On the Other Hand - Randy Travis Those were the days, my friend. We thought they'd never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 211th day of 2007 - 154 remaining. Monday, July 30, 2007 GUIDING LIGHT DAY. :) On this day in 1952, the popular radio soap opera, The Guiding Light, was seen for the first time on CBS television. The daytime drama continues today. The dean of soap operas, The Guiding Light centers on the Bauer family and their trials and tribulations. The original radio version (debuted January 25, 1937) revolved around Rev. John Ruthledge and, later, Dr. Charles Matthews of the Church of the Good Samaritan -- in Five Points (no one ever knew where the town of Five Points was supposed to be). The TV version is set in Springfield (again, no one knows where Springfield is). Just follow The Guiding Light. Events July 30th. 1898 - Scientific American carried the first magazine automobile ad. The Winton Motor Car Company of Cleveland, OH invited readers to �Dispense with a Horse.� 1932 - The Olympic Games opened in Los Angeles, CA. The Games would revisit Los Angeles -- and the same venues of the Los Angeles Coliseum, the Rose Bowl, etc. -- in 1984. 1937 - The American Federation of Radio Artists (AFRA) was organized. It was part of the American Federation of Labor. The union was for all radio performers except musicians. The union later became The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) to include TV folk, as well. 1942 - Frank Sinatra recorded the last of 90 recordings with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra on Victor Records. His last side was There are Such Things, which became number one in January of 1943. Sinatra moved on to Columbia Records (1943-1952) as a solo singing sensation. 1942 - The WAVES were created by legislation signed by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The members of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services were a part of of the U.S. Navy. 1942 - Stage Door Canteen was first heard on CBS radio. The show was broadcast live from New York City and 500 servicemen were entertained each week by celebrities who freely donated their time for the war (WWII) effort. 1956 - Singer Brenda Lee recorded her first hit for Decca Records. Jambalaya and Bigelow 6-200 started a new career for the petite 11-year-old from Lithonia, GA (near Atlanta). Brenda Mae Tarpley (Brenda Lee) had been singing professionally since age six. She recorded 29 hit songs in the 1960s and became a successful country singer in 1971. Brenda Lee had a pair of number one tunes with I�m Sorry and I Want to be Wanted. She recorded a dozen hits that made it to the top 10. 1956 - The phrase �In God We Trust� was adopted as the U.S. national motto. 1959 - Willie McCovey stepped to the plate for the first time in his major-league baseball career. McCovey of the San Francisco Giants batted 4-for-4 in his debut against Robin Roberts of the Philadelphia Phillies. He hit two singles and two triples, driving in two runs. It was the start of an all-star career that landed McCovey in baseball�s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. 1968 - Ron Hansen, of the Washington Senators, made the first unassisted triple play in the major leagues in 41 years. The shortstop speared a line drive by Joe Azcue, doubled up the runner at second by stepping on the bag and then tagged out the runner who was moving in from first base. The Senators still lost the game to Cleveland by a score of 10-1. 1984 - Reggie Jackson hit the 494th home run of his career, passing the Yankees� Lou Gehrig and taking over 13th place on the all-time home run list. Larry Sorenson was the victim who gave up Reggie�s milestone homer. 1985 - Gerry Cooney retired from professional boxing. Cooney had only one loss -- in a championship match with Larry Holmes (boxing�s biggest money-making fight to that time). Cooney had a record of 28 wins (24 by knockout) and three losses. 1987 - NBC�s L.A. Law was nominated for 20 Emmy Awards, one shy of the record for nominations. Hill Street Blues was the recordholder (in the 1981-1982 season). L.A. Law had only been on the air a year when it earned four out of the 20 Emmys. 1997 - San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young signed a 6-year contract extension worth $45 million, making him one of the NFL's highest-paid players. 1998 - A 1999 - Richard Gere (Ike Graham) and Julia Roberts (Maggie Carpenter) star in Runaway Bride, which opened this day. The romantic comedy scored big with movie crowds, doing $35.06 million during its first weekend. Birthdays author: Wuthering Heights; died Dec 19, 1848 1857 - Thorstein Veblen economist, author: The Theory of the Leisure Class; died Aug 3, 1929 1863 - Henry Ford auto manufacturer: first assembly line production: the Tin Lizzie; died Apr 7, 1947 1890 - Casey (Charles Dillon) Stengel �The Old Professor�: baseball: Brooklyn Dodgers [World Series: 1916], Brooklyn Robins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, NY Giants [World Series: 1922, 1923], Boston Braves; manager: NY Yankees: 7 World Series championships [1949-53, 1956, 1958]; died Sep 29, 1975 1898 - Henry Moore English sculptor: Sheep Piece, Large Oval with Points, Stringed Figure No. 1; died Aug 31, 1986 1925 - Jacques Sernas actor: 55 Days at Peking, La Dolce Vita, Superfly T.N.T. 1928 - Joe (Joseph Henry) Nuxhall baseball: pitcher: Cincinnati Reds [youngest major-league player: 15 yrs, 314 days], Cincinnati Redlegs [all-star: 1955, 1956], KC Athletics, LA Angels 1929 - Christine McGuire singer: group: The McGuire Sisters: Sincerely, Something�s Gotta Give, He, Sugartime 1933 - Edd Byrnes (Breitenberger) actor: 77 Sunset Strip, Darby�s Rangers; singer [w/Connie Stevens]: Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb; holds record for appearing on the most magazine covers [20] in one month [October 1960] 1934 - Ben Piazza actor: The Hanging Tree, The Bad News Bears, The Blues Brothers, Dynasty, Dallas, The Winds of War, Guilty by Suspicion; died Sep 7, 1991 1936 - Buddy (George) Guy musician: blues guitar, singer: Stone Crazy, LPs: A Man and His Blues, This is Buddy Guy, Hold That Plane, Hot and Cool, Buddy and the Juniors, In the Beginning; in films: The Blues is Alive and Well in Chicago, Out of the Blacks and into the Blues; on BBC-TV: Supershow, Chicago Blues 1939 - Peter Bogdanovich director: What�s Up Doc?, Paper Moon, Nickelodeon; director/writer: The Last Picture Show, Texasville 1939 - Eleanor Smeal feminist: president of NOW 1941 - Paul Anka songwriter: Johnny�s Theme [Tonight Show Theme], My Way, She�s a Lady, Diana; singer: 33 hits over 3 decades: Diana, You Are My Destiny, Lonely Boy, Put Your Head on My Shoulder, Puppy Love, You�re Having My Baby 1945 - David Sanborn Grammy Award-winning musician: saxophone, flute: LP: Voyeur [1981]; Sanborn, David Sanborn Band, Heart to Heart, Hideaway, As We Speak, Backstreet, Straight to the Heart, Love and Happiness; composer: TV movie score: Finnegan Begin Again 1947 - William Atherton actor: Bio-Dome, Saints and Sinners, The Pelican Brief, Die Hard series, Ghostbusters, Looking for Mr. Goodbar, The Day of the Locust, Class of �44, Centennial 1947 - Marc Bolan (Feld) singer: group: T. Rex: Bang a Gong; killed in car crash Sep 16, 1977 1947 - Arnold Schwarzenegger actor: Eraser, The Terminator, Predator, Twins, Conan the Barbarian, Total Recall, Kindergarten Cop, True Lies, Last Action Hero; married to Maria Shriver; 5-time Mr. Universe; part owner of Planet Hollywood restaurants; governor of California [2003- ] 1948 - Jean Reno actor: Le Grand bleu, Les Visiteurs, L�on, Mission: Impossible, Godzilla, Just Visiting 1949 - Dwight White football: Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end: Super Bowl IX, X, XIII, XIV 1950 - Willie Harper football: San Francisco 49ers linebacker: Super Bowl XVI 1950 - Frank Stallone actor: Rocky series, Staying Alive, Ten Little Indians, Hudson Hawk, Tombstone, Doublecross On Costa�s Island; brother of actor Sylvester Stallone 1952 - Randy Crowder football: Penn State Univ. All-American, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1954 - Ken Olin actor: Hill Street Blues, Falcon Crest, Thirtysomething 1956 - Delta Burke actress: Delta, Designing Women, Filthy Rich, Chisholm; Miss Florida 1956 - Anita Hill law professor: Hill-Thomas hearings before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee concerning Clarence Thomas� nomination to the Supreme Court 1957 - Rat Scabies (Chris Millar) musician: drums: group: The Damned: Neat, Neat, Neat, New Rose, Love Song, Grimly Fiendish, Shadow of Love, LP: Phantasmagoria 1958 - Kate Bush singer: Experimental IV, Running Up That Hill, The Man with the Child in His Eyes, Wow, Wuthering Heights 1961 - Laurence Fishburne (Lawrence Fishburne III/Larry Fishburne) Tony Award-winning actor: Two Trains Running; Apocalypse Now, Bad Company, Boyz N the Hood 1963 - Monique Gabrielle actress: Night Shift, Bachelor Party, Young Lady Chatterley II, Electric Blue series, Bad Girls IV, Emmanuelle 5, Amazon Women on the Moon, Hard To Die, Scream Queen Hot Tub Party, Angel Eyes 1963 - Lisa Kudrow actress: Friends, Mad About You, The Opposite of Sex, Analyze This, Dr. Dolittle 2 1964 - Vivica A. Fox actress: Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless, Independence Day, Booty Call, Hollywood Squares, City of Angels 1974 - Hilary Swank actress: Growing Pains, Evening Shade, The Next Karate Kid. Chart Toppers 1947 Peg o� My Heart - The Harmonicats I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder - Eddy Howard Chi-Baba, Chi-Baba - Perry Como Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) - Tex Williams 1955 Rock Around the Clock - Bill Haley & His Comets Hard to Get - Giselle Mackenzie Sweet and Gentle - Alan Dale I Don�t Care - Webb Pierce 1963 Surf City - Jan & Dean So Much in Love - The Tymes Fingertips - Pt 2 - Little Stevie Wonder Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash 1971 Indian Reservation - Raiders You�ve Got a Friend - James Taylor Mr. Big Stuff - Jean Knight I�m Just Me - Charley Pride 1979 Bad Girls - Donna Summer ;) Good Times - Chic You�re the Only One - Dolly Parton 1987 Alone - Heart I Still Haven�t Found What I�m Looking For - U2 The Weekend - Steve Wariner Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 07-30-2007 11:37 PM Gonna be a little early tonight folks. Shadow isn't feeling so hot and needs to shut down for the night. 212th day of 2007 - 153 remaining. Tuesday, July 31, 2007 JACK ARMSTRONG DAY. :) On this day in 1933, listeners turned up the radio to hear the announcer introduce �Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy!� The show was one of the longest-running adventure programs on radio, continuing until 1951. Armstrong was Hudson High School�s football hero and the hero who saved the day from dastardly villains. Somehow, these adventures would take Jack and his cousins, Betty and Bill Fairfield, to exotic locales where they would make use of industrialist Uncle Jim�s yacht and a hydroplane they referred to as the Silver Albatross. The first actor to play Armstrong was Jim Ameche, the brother of actor Don Ameche. The series, created by Robert Hardy Andrews, portrayed Jack Armstrong as loyal, brave, honest, and yes, all-American; obvious in this excerpt from one of the scripts. Jack Armstrong: �When I think of this country of ours, with millions of homes stretching sea to sea, and with everybody working and pulling together to have a nation where people can be free, and do big things ... why, it makes me realize what a terribly important job we�ve got ahead!� Events July 31st. 1790 - The first U.S. patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins of Vermont. Mr. Hopkins did not get Patent #1 as thousands of patents were issued before someone came up with the bright idea to number them. The inventor patented a process for making potash and pearl ashes. 1792 - Construction started with the laying of the cornerstone in the first building to be used solely as a U.S. Government building. It was the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. 1845 - The French Army introduced the saxophone to its military band. The musical instrument was the invention of Adolphe Sax of Belgium. 1928 - MGM�s Leo the lion roared for the first time. He introduced MGM�s first talking picture, White Shadows on the South Seas. Leo�s dialogue was more extensive than the film�s, whose only spoken word was, �Hello.� 1942 - Harry James and his band recorded the classic I�ve Heard that Song Before, for Columbia Records. Helen Forrest sang on the million-seller. 1948 - New York�s John F. Kennedy International Airport wasn�t always named that. In fact, on this day, U.S. President Harry S Truman dedicated the airport as International Airport at Idlewild Field. 1955 - Marilyn Bell of Toronto, Canada, at age 17, became the youngest person to swim the English Channel. 1961 - The first tie in All-Star Game history was recorded as the second All-Star Game of the year (there were two a year back then) was stopped in the 9th inning due to rain at Boston�s Fenway Park. 1964 - Country Music Hall of Famer Jim Reeves died when his single-engine Beechcraft crashed near Nashville, TN. Gentleman Jim started as a DJ, first at KGRI in Henderson, Texas; then at KWKH in Shreveport, LA (the home of the Louisiana Hayride in the early 1950s). His first hit was Mexican Joe in 1953. Reeves became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1955. He had his own TV series on ABC in 1957. He was in the 1963 film, Kimberley Jim. Reeves bought a radio station in Henderson, Texas, which became very successful. Hits by Jim Reeves include Four Walls, He�ll Have to Go, I�m Getting Better, Am I Losing You, Welcome to My World and I Guess I�m Crazy. 1970 - The Houston Astros sent ex-New York Yankee pitcher Jim Bouton down to the minor leagues. Ten days after joining the Oklahoma City farm team, Bouton retired from baseball. He authored several baseball books including Ball Four. Bouton also became a sportscaster in New York City for WABC and WCBS-TV. 1971 - The first men to ride in a vehicle on the moon did so on this day in the LRV (lunar rover vehicle). This example of a lunar dune buggy carried Apollo 15 astronauts David R. Scott and James B. Irwin for five miles on the lunar surface. Their first stop at the rim of Elbow Crater was televised back to Earth to millions of viewers. The moon ride lasted two hours and the astronauts were heard to exclaim, �There�s some beautiful geology out there!� 1972 - Thomas Eagleton, the Democratic vice-presidential candidate, withdrew from the ticket with presidential candidate George McGovern following disclosure that Eagleton had once undergone psychiatric treatment for depression. Eagleton was replaced by Sargent Shriver, who, incidentally, was the only Democratic vice-presidential nominee who did not serve in Congress at any point in his or her career. 1974 - One of the President Nixon�s main men, John Erlichman was sentenced to prison for his role in the break-in at the office of Daniel Ellsberg�s psychiatrist. Ellsberg was the Pentagon consultant who leaked the "Pentagon Papers" (which purportedly told Americans how and why the U.S. really got into the Vietnam War). Ehrlichman also created the White House unit that was called the �plumbers� because it was intended to plug leaks. 1981 - The seven-week baseball players� strike came to an end as the players and owners agreed on the issue of free agent compensation. 1985 - Prince was big at the box office with the autobiographical story of the Minneapolis rock star, Purple Rain. The flick grossed $7.7 million in its first three days of release on 917 movie screens. The album of the same name was the top LP in the U.S., as well. 1988 - Willie Stargell became 200th man inducted into Baseball�s Hall of Fame. Stargell had 475 career homers, twice leading the NL (48 in 1971, 44 in 1973). He drove in 1540 runs, scored 1195 and had 2232 hits with a lifetime batting average of .282. His inspirational leadership contributed greatly to Pittsburgh Pirate world championships in 1971 and 1979, when he shared NL MVP honors. His #8 was retired by the Pirates in 1982. 1992 - Olympic swimming world records set this day: Jeff Rouse: 100m backstroke (53.86 sec); Kieren John Perkins: 1500m free style (14:43.4); Tamas Darnyi: 200m backstroke (first swimmer to break 2 minutes in 200m: 1:59.36); Yang Wenyi 50m freestyle (24.79 sec). Also this day, Summer Sanders became the first American athlete to win four medals at the Barcelona Olympics as she won the gold in the women�s 200-meter butterfly. 1996 - Alanis Morissette, born in Ottawa, kicked off her first big-time Canadian tour with a show before 15,000 at General Motors Place, Vancouver. The concert had sold out in less than an hour two months earlier. 1999 - The U.S. heat wave -- linked to at least 94 deaths -- continued. As Chicago baked in 100-degree weather, thousands of hot and sweaty residents were forced to endure the heat without air conditioning or fans, due to sporadic power outages and brownouts. Birthdays 1867 - S.S. (Sebastian Spering) Kresge merchant: S.S. Kresge�s five & dime stores [now Kmart]; died in 1966 1911 - George Liberace musician: violinist, conductor; administrator of Liberace Museum; brother of pianist/entertainer Liberace; died Oct 16, 1983 1913 - Bryan Hextall Hockey Hall of Famer: New York Rangers: Stanley Cup [1940]; Art Ross Trophy winner [1941-1942] 1918 - Hank Jones pianist: accompanied Billy Eckstine, Ella Fitzgerald; led Hank Jones Trio 1918 - Bill (William) Todman game show producer: Goodson-Todman Productions: The Price is Right, To Tell the Truth, Beat the Clock, I�ve Got a Secret, What�s My Line; died in 1978 1919 - Curt Gowdy sports commentator: ABC, CBS, NBC, HBO; voice of NY Yankees, Boston Red Sox [1949-1966]; TV play-by-play: AFL, NFL, major league baseball, World Series, All-Star Games, Rose Bowls, Super Bowls, Olympics, NCAA Final Fours; host: The American Sportsman; radio station owner: WCGY-FM, Lawrence [Boston] MA; recipient of George Foster Peabody Award for achievement in radio and TV [1970]; Curt Gowdy Award presented by Hall of Fame Board of Trustees for meritorious contributions by the media; Curt Gowdy State Park [Wyoming] named after him [1971]; died Feb 20, 2006 1922 - Hank (Henry Albert) Bauer baseball: NY Yankees [World Series: 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958: 4 home runs/all-star: 1952, 1953, 1954], KC Athletics; manager: NY Yankees, KC Athletics 1929 - Don Murray actor: Bus Stop, Knots Landing, The Outcasts, Baby the Rain Must Fall, Peggy Sue Got Married, Advice and Consent 1931 - Kenny Burrell guitarist: played with Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman; own combos 1937 - John Sellers jockey: winner: Kentucky Derby [1961: on Carry Back], Belmont Stakes [1965: on Hail To All], Brooklyn Handicap [1965: on Pia Star] 1939 - France Nuyen (Vannga) actress: The Joy Luck Club, South Pacific, Diamond Head, St. Elsewhere 1939 - John West musician: keyboards: group: Gary Lewis and the Playboys: This Diamond Ring 1943 - Susan Flannery Daytime Emmy Award-winning actress: Days of Our Lives [1975], The Bold and the Beautiful [2000, 2002]; Dallas, Anatomy of a Seduction 1944 - Geraldine Chaplin actress: Nashville, Rosalind, Chaplin, Dr. Zhivago, The Wedding; daughter of comedian Charlie Chaplin 1945 - Gary Lewis (Levitch) singer: group: Gary Lewis and the Playboys: This Diamond Ring; entertainer Jerry Lewis� son 1946 - Bob Welch guitarist, singer: group: Fleetwood Mac; solo: Sentimental Lady 1947 - Karl Green musician: guitar, harmonica: group: Herman�s Hermits: I�m into Something Good, Mrs. Brown You�ve Got a Lovely Daughter, I�m Henry VIII, I Am, Listen People, A Must to Avoid, Leaning on the Lamp Post 1951 - Evonne Goolagong tennis champion: Australian Open [1974, 1975, 1976, 1977]; Wimbledon [1971, 1980]; French Open [1971] 1951 - Barry Van Dyke actor: Diagnosis Murder, The Van Dyke Show, Foxfire Light, It Happened at Lakewood Manor, Casino; son of actor Dick Van Dyke 1952 - Chris Ahrens hockey: NHL: Minnesota North Stars; WHA: Edmonton Oilers 1952 - Alan Autry actor: In the Heat of the Night, Proud Men, Blue De Ville, At Close Range; mayor of Fresno California 1956 - Michael Biehn actor: The Rock, Breach of Trust, Blood of the Hunter, Tombstone, A Taste for Killing, Timebomb, Aliens, The Terminator, The Fan, Coach, The Runaways 1957 - Daniel Ash musician: guitar, singer: groups: Bauhaus, Love and Rockets 1957 - Leon Durham baseball: St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs [all-star: 1982, 1983], Cincinnati Reds 1958 - Bill Berry musician: drums: group: R.E.M.: Radio Free Europe, Talk about the Passion, So Central Rain, [Don�t Go Back To] Rockville, Seven Chinese Brothers 1962 - Wesley Snipes actor: Demolition Man, Rising Sun, Major League, Sugar Hill, White Men Can�t Jump, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, One Night Stand, U.S. Marshals 1963 - Norman (Quentin) Cook singer: groups: The Housemartins: Caravan of Love; Beats International: Dub Be Good To Me; Freakpower: Tune In, Turn On, Drop Out; Mighty Dub Katz, Pizzaman, Norman Cook Presents Wildski, Fried Funk Food; Fatboy Slim: Better Living through Chemistry, The Rockafeller Skank, You've Come A Long Way, Baby 1966 - Dean Cain actor: Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Chart Toppers 1948 You Can�t Be True, Dear - The Ken Griffin Orchestra (vocal: Jerry Wayne) Woody Woodpecker Song - The Kay Kaiser Orchestra (vocal: Gloria Wood & The Campus Kids) It�s Magic - Doris Day Bouquet of Roses - Eddy Arnold 1956 The Wayward Wind - Gogi Grant Hound Dog/Don�t Be Cruel - Elvis Presley Whatever Will Be Will Be (Que Sera Sera) - Doris Day I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash 1964 Rag Doll - The 4 Seasons A Hard Day�s Night - The Beatles The Little Old Lady (From Pasadena) - Jan & Dean Dang Me - Roger Miller 1972 Alone Again (Naturally) - Gilber O�Sullivan Brandy (You�re a Fine Girl) - Looking Glass ;) (If Loving You is Wrong) I Don�t Want to Be Right - Luther Ingram It�s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer - Charley Pride 1980 It�s Still Rock & Roll to Me - Billy Joel Magic - Olivia Newton-John Cupid/I�ve Loved You for a Long Time - Spinners Bar Room Buddies - Merle Haggard & Clint Eastwood 1988 Roll with It - Steve Winwood Hands to Heaven - Breathe Make Me Lose Control - Eric Carmen Don�t We All Have the Right - Ricky Van Shelton Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 213th day of 2007 - 152 remaining. Wednesday, August 1, 2007 MTV DAY. ;) MTV (Music Television) made its debut at 12:01 a.m. on this day in 1981. The first music video shown on the rock-video cable channel was, appropriately, Video Killed the Radio Star, by the Buggles. MTV�s original five veejays were Martha Quinn, Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, J.J. Jackson and Alan Hunter. Since MTV is targeted to 18- to 24-year-olds, its music videos feature rock, rap, R&B and heavy metal. Today, the radio-with-pictures TV channel does more than play wall-to-wall music. Watch MTV and you�ll see news, drama, game shows, comedy, dance shows and inaugural balls. In 1987, having reached the near-saturation point on U.S. cable systems, MTV expanded internationally with MTV Europe. Two years later, and just two days before the Berlin Wall came down, MTV went on the air in East Berlin. A big push into Asia was launched in September of 1991, and in the fall of 1993, MTV went Latin with MTV Latino. Wow! Zillions of households worldwide all want... and can get... their MTV! Events August 1st. 1291 - A pact was made to form the Swiss Confederation. The anniversary of this founding has been celebrated as National Day in Switzerland since 1891, the 600th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation. 1873 - The first cable streetcar in America began operation on Clay Street Hill in San Francisco, CA. 1876 - Colorado, the 38th state, entered the United States of America this day. It is the only state to enter the union in the one hundredth year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Consequently, Colorado is called the Centennial State. The Rocky Mountains are Colorado�s most famous feature; which explains why the Rocky Mountain columbine is the state flower. The lark bunting is the state bird. Denver, Colorado�s largest city, is also the state capital. 1893 - Henry Perky and William Ford of Watertown, NY woke up early and found their patent sitting on the breakfast table. They had invented shredded wheat. Pass the bananas and milk, please... 1894 - George Samuelson and Frank Harbo completed a 3,000-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean -- in a rowboat! They landed in England after having left New York on June 6th. We can think of easier ways to cross the ocean... 1937 - Mutual radio debuted The Goodwill Hour, with its familiar phrase, �You have a friend and advisor in John J. Anthony.� 1940 - The first book written by 23-year-old John Fitzgerald Kennedy was published. It was titled, Why England Slept. Later, Kennedy�s Profiles in Courage would become a best-seller for the man who would become the United States� 35th President. 1941 - Parade magazine called it �...the Army�s most intriguing new gadget.� The gadget was �a tiny truck which can do practically everything.� General Dwight D. Eisenhower said that America couldn�t have won World War II without it. The tiny truck was the Jeep, built at the time by the Willys Truck Company. Parade was so enthusiastic about the Jeep that it devoted three pages to the vehicle. 1942 - Jimmy Dorsey and his orchestra recorded Charleston Alley, on Decca Records. 1942 - The American Federation of Musicians went on strike. Union president James C. Petrillo told musicians that phonograph records were �a threat to members� jobs.� As a result, musicians refused to perform in recording sessions over the next several months. Live, musical radio broadcasts continued, however. 1943 - This day marked the groundbreaking ceremony in Oak Ridge, TN for the first uranium 235 plant. (Uranium 235 was needed to build the A-bomb.) The uranium manufacturing facility cost $280,000,000 to build and was completed in the summer of 1944. 1944 - 13-year-old Anne Frank made the last entry in her diary; a diary she had kept for two years while hiding with her family to escape Nazi deportation to a concentration camp. Three days later the Grune Polizei raided the secret annex in Amsterdam, Holland, where the Jewish family was in hiding. Anne died in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp at age 15. 1950 - Pitcher Curt Simmons of the Philadelphia Phillies became the first major-league baseball player to be called to active military duty during the Korean War. 1953 - The first aluminum-faced building constructed in America was completed. It was the Alcoa (Aluminum Corporation of America) Building in Pittsburgh, PA. 1958 - After 26 years at 3 cents, the cost of mailing a first-class letter in the United States went up a penny. 1960 - Chubby Checker�s The Twist was released. The song inspired the dance craze of the 1960s. Round and around and around... 1971 - The Concert for Bangladesh was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Leon Russell, Ravi Shankar and Billy Preston performed. A multirecord set commemorating the event was a super sales success. Together, the concert and the album raised over $11 million to help the starving minions of Bangladesh. 1978 - Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds failed to get a hit in five times at bat in Atlanta. As a result, his consecutive hitting streak ended at 44 games -- just 12 short of Joe DiMaggio�s major-league baseball record with the New York Yankees. 1984 - Singer Jermaine Jackson made a guest appearance on the TV soap opera, As the World Turns. 1987 - Mike Tyson �out-pointed� Tony Tucker in 12 rounds at Las Vegas, Nevada. He won the right to call himself the �Undisputed world heavyweight champion� as he won the IBF heavyweight title and retained the WBA/WBC heavyweight titles. 1996 - Here�s today�s Olympic wrap-up: Michael Johnson left his fellow runners in the dust to win gold in the 200 meters in a record 19.32 seconds. He was the first male Olympian to complete the 200/400-meter Olympic double. And French sprinter Marie-Jose Perec became only the second woman in history to win gold medal in both the 200-meter and the 400-meter runs at the same Olympics. Perec joined American Valerie Brisco-Hooks, who won both the 200 and 400 races in 1984 in Los Angeles. The U.S. women�s soccer team claimed the gold medal and capped the first women�s soccer competition at the Olympics, beating China 2-1. And last, but certainly not least, decathlon, four years after failing to make the U.S. Olympic team. Birthdays explorer: Lewis and Clark Expedition; died Sep 1, 1838 1779 - Francis Scott Key attorney, poet: The Star-Spangled Banner: U.S. national anthem; died Jan 11, 1843 1818 - Maria Mitchell astronomer: 1st woman to be elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; 1st U.S. woman to become a professor of astronomy; died June 28, 1889 1819 - Herman Melville author: Moby Dick, Redburn, Typee, Omoo, White-Jacket; died Sep 28, 1891 1843 - Robert Todd Lincoln son of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln; rescued from train accident by Edwin Booth, brother of man who assassinated President Lincoln 1914 - Lloyd Mangrum golf champ: winner of 36 professional tournaments including 1946 U.S. Open; died in 1973 1916 - James Hill producer: Vera Cruz, The Kentuckian, Trapeze, Sweet Smell of Success, The Unforgiven, The Happy Thieves; writer: His Majesty O'Keefe; died Jan 11, 2001 1921 - Jack Kramer tennis champion: Wimbledon [1947], U.S. Open [1946, 1947] 1922 - Arthur Hill actor: Harper, The Andromeda Strain, Revenge of the Stepford Wives, Futureworld, Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law, Glitter; died Oct 22, 2006 1923 - George (Irvin) Bamberger baseball: pitcher: NY Giants, Baltimore Orioles; manager: KC Royals; died Apr 4, 2004 1929 - Michael Stewart (Rubin) playwright: Midnight Edition, Bye Bye Birdie, Hello, Dolly!; died Sep 20, 1987 1930 - Geoffrey Holder dancer, actor: Live and Let Die, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Sex [But were Afraid to Ask], Doctor Dolittle 1931 - Tom Wilson cartoonist: Ziggy 1932 - Bobby Isaac International Motorsports Hall of Famer: In a race in 1973, Bobby Isaac heard a ghostly voice telling him to stop immediately or suffer the consequences. He pulled out of the race and, until the day he died of a heart attack (Aug 14, 1977), he believed that he had pulled out just in time. 1933 - Dom Deluise comedian, actor: Dean Martin Show, Loose Cannons, Cannonball Run 1 & 2, Blazing Saddles, Silent Movie, Smokey and the Bandit, Part 2, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas; host: New Candid Camera 1936 - Yves St. Laurent (Henry Mathieu) fashion designer 1937 - Alfonse M. D�Amato U.S. Senator from New York 1939 - Robert James Waller author: The Bridges of Madison County, Slow Waltz in Cedar Bend; professor of economics, business management 1941 - Ronald Brown U.S. Secretary of Commerce [Clinton Administration]; Democratic National Committee chairman: 1st African-American to head a major political party; killed in plane crash Apr 3, 1996 1942 - Jerry Garcia guitarist, banjo, lyricist: group: The Grateful Dead: Dark Star, Truckin�, Alabama Getaway; died Aug 9, 1995 1942 - Giancarlo Giannini actor: A Walk in the Clouds, Once Upon a Crime, Goodnight Michael Angelo, Swept Away...by an Unusual Destiny in the Blue Sea of August 1947 - Rick Anderson musician: bass: group: The Tubes 1947 - Rick Coonce singer, drummer: group: The Grass Roots: Let�s Live for Today, Midnight Confessions 1948 - Cliff Branch football: Oakland Raiders wide receiver: Super Bowl XI, XV; LA Raiders: Super Bowl XVIII 1950 - Milt (Milton Scott) May baseball: catcher: Pittsburgh Pirates [World Series: 1971], Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, SF Giants 1952 - Greg (Gregory Eugene) Gross baseball: Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies [World Series: 1980, 1983] 1953 - Robert Cray singer: group: Robert Cray Band: albums: Showdown, Strong Persuader; in film: Animal House 1958 - Taylor Negron comedian, actor: Hope & Gloria, Angels In The Outfield, Young Doctors In Love, Easy Money, Punchline, The Last Boy Scout 1959 - Joe Elliot singer: group: Def Leppard: Photograph, Rock of Ages, Foolin� 1963 - Coolio (Artis Ivey Jr.) rapper: LPs: It Takes a Thief, Gangsta�s Paradise, My Soul 1971 - Jennifer Gareis actress: Private Parts, Miss Congeniality, Venus on the Halfshell, Gangland 1972 - Devon Hughes aka D-Von Dudley pro wrestler/actor: Extreme Championship Wrestling, Raw Is War, Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania 2000, WWF Judgement Day, Armageddon 1973 - Tempestt Bledsoe actress: The Cosby Show, Dream Date, Monsters, Fire & Ice. Chart Toppers I�ll Be Seeing You - Bing Crosby Long Ago and Far Away - Helen Forrest & Dick Haymes Is You is or is You Ain�t (Ma� Baby) - Louis Jordan 1952 I�m Yours - Don Cornell Delicado - Percy Faith Auf Wiedersehn, Sweetheart - Vera Lynn Are You Teasing Me - Carl Smith 1960 I�m Sorry - Brenda Lee Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini - Brian Hyland It�s Now or Never - Elvis Presley Please Help Me, I�m Falling - Hank Locklin 1968 Grazing in the Grass - Hugh Masekela Stoned Soul Picnic - The 5th Dimension Hurdy Gurdy Man - Donovan Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash 1976 Kiss and Say Goodbye - Manhattans Love is Alive - Gary Wright ;) Moonlight Feels Right - Starbuck 1984 When Doves Cry - Prince Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr. Angel in Disguise - Earl Thomas Conley Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 214th day of 2007 - 151 remaining. Thursday, August 2, 2007 DEAD MAN�S HAND DAY. :) Wild Bill (James Butler) Hickok was gunned down by Jack McCall, a desperado from Texas, in Saloon #10 at Deadwood, in the Dakota Territory on this day in 1876. Hickok was playing poker (with his back to the door) at the time of the shooting. McCall shot Wild Bill in the back, and was hanged for the shooting, never revealing his motive. Hickok, a Union army spy, a scout for General Custer, a marshal for Abilene, Kansas, and a crack shot with a pistol, was handsome, longhaired, and a flamboyant gambler. Doc Pierce, who prepared Wild Bill for burial was quoted as saying, �Wild Bill was the prettiest corpse I have ever seen.� The poker hand Hickok was holding when he died consisted of a pair of black aces and a pair of black eights. This combination became known as the dead man�s hand. Events August 2nd. 1769 - The city of Los Angeles was named on this day. Uh, sort of. Gaspar de Portola, a Spanish army captain, and Juan Crespi, a Franciscan priest, stopped on their way north from San Diego. They really liked the area and decided to name it Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles de Porciuncula, which means Smog-free Paradise. Hah! Just kidding. It really means Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of Porciuncula -- Porciuncula being a chapel in Italy. 1791 - Samuel Briggs and his son, Samuel Briggs, Jr., became the first father-son pair to receive a joint patent -- for their nail-making machine. 1823 - The New York Mirror and Ladies Literary Gazette was founded. The weekly newspaper later became the daily New York Mirror. 1824 - Fifth Avenue was opened in New York City. It became one of the most famous thoroughfares in the world, the home of many beautiful, fashionable stores. 1858 - The first mailboxes were installed along the streets of Boston and New York City. The idea of mailboxes began in Belgium in 1848. We suggest that you check yours twice on this special day. And remember, mailboxes must be, as it says on the lid, �Approved by Postmaster General�! 1887 - Barbed wire was patented Chester A. Hodge of Beloit, WI. 1907 - Walter Johnson pitched his first professional baseball game for the Washington Senators. He went on to fan 3,499 batters in his career. 1926 - The first demonstration of the Vitaphone system, that combined picture and sound for movies, was held at the Warner Theatre in New York City. John Barrymore and Mary Astor starred in the demonstration film for the new moving picture projector. 1938 - The yellow baseball was first used in a test by the Brooklyn Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals in New York City. Ball players said that they had no preference for the yellow ball over the traditional white ball. 1943 - U.S. General George Patton had a bad day. He slapped and kicked U.S. Army Private C.H. Kuhl. 1943 - Lieutenant (j.g.) John F. Kennedy had a bad day, too. His PT 109, with the future President of the U.S. on board, was rammed and sunk by the Japanese destroyer Amigiri. Kennedy suffered a back injury that plagued him for the rest of his life. The story of the PT 109 was told in Hollywood style in the 1963 movie, PT 109, starring Cliff Robertson as JFK. 1973 - Rick DeMont captured the 400-meter freestyle event in 4 minutes, 2.9 seconds at the Los Angeles Invitational Swim Meet. His coach, looking for that ultimate sound bite said, �Rick turned in the fastest time ever by an unshaven swimmer.� Imagine what he could have done with a nice, close shave... 1984 - Charles Schulz� award-winning comic strip was picked up by the Daily Times in Portsmouth, OH. With the addition of that paper, Peanuts, featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Pigpen, Linus, Peppermint Pattie, Woodstock and the gang, became the first comic strip to appear in 2,000 newspapers. 1987 - The 50-year-old Walt Disney movie classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, was rereleased. The film was the most popular animated film in motion picture history. It grossed almost $20 million in its first two weeks of rerelease. 1992 - Rollie Fingers, Bill McGowan, Hal Newhouser and Tom Seaver were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Birthdays August 2nd. 1754 - Pierre Charles L�Enfant architect, engineer, Revolutionary War officer: designed the plan for city of Washington D.C.; died June 14, 1825 1834 - Frederic Bartholdi sculptor: Statue of Liberty, Lion of Belfort; died Oct 4, 1904 1871 - John Sloan artist: South Beach Bathers; cofounder of Ashcan Art; died Sep 7, 1951 1892 - Jack L. (Leonard) Warner (Eichelbaum) movie mogul: one of Hollywood�s famed Warner Brothers; died Sep 9, 1978 1894 - Westbrook Pegler 1940s journalist, columnist: anti-communist McCarthyist newspaper man and syndicated columnist: awareded Pulitzer Prize for expose on union racketeering [1940]; died June 24, 1969 1900 - Helen Morgan (Riggins) singer, actress: Frankie and Johnny, Show Boat, Applause; died Oct 9, 1941 1905 - Myrna Loy (Williams) actress: Thin Man movies, Airport, Topaz, Midnight Lace; died Dec 14, 1993 1912 - Ann Dvorak (Anna McKim) actress: A Life of Her Own, Abilene Town, Scarface; died Dec 10, 1979 1915 - Gary Merrill actor: The Seekers, Twelve O�Clock High, All About Eve, The Great Impostor; died Mar 5, 1990 1918 - Beatrice Straight Academy Award-winning actress: Network [1976]; Poltergeist, Bloodline, Endless Love; Tony Award: The Crucible [1953]; died Apr 7, 2001 1922 - Paul Laxalt author: Go Tell It on the Mountain; died Dec 1, 1987 1924 - Carroll O�Connor Emmy Award-winning actor: All in the Family [1971-1972, 1976-1977, 1977-1978, 1978-1979], In the Heat of the Night [1988-1989]; Cleopatra, The Devil�s Brigade, In Harm�s Way, Kelly�s Heroes, Marlowe; died June 21, 2001 1924 - Joe Harnell conductor/arranger: Fly Me to the Moon; died July 14, 2005 1925 - John Dexter opera director: Mid-America Chorale, M Butterfly, Le Rossignol, The Abduction from the Seraglio 1932 - Peter O�Toole actor: Lawrence of Arabia, Becket, A Lion in Winter, The Last Emperor; autobiography: Loitering with Intent 1935 - Hank Cochran songwriter: A Little Bitty Tear, Funny Way of Laughing, Make the World Go Away, I Fall to Pieces 1937 - Dave (David) Balon hockey: NHL: NY Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota North Stars, Vancouver Canucks 1937 - Garth Hudson musician: keyboard: group: The Band: Up on Cripple Creek, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down 1939 - Wes Craven author: A Nightmare on Elm Street; director: Vampire in Brooklyn, The People Under the Stairs, Shocker, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Swamp Thing, Summer of Fear, The Hills Have Eyes series, Last House on the Left 1939 - Edward Patten singer: group: Gladys Knight & The Pips: Every Beat of My Heart, Letter Full of Tears, Everybody Needs Love, I Heard It Through the Grapevine, If I Were Your Woman, Neither One of Us [Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye] 1941 - Doris Kenner-Jackson singer: group: The Shirelles: Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Soldier Boy, I Met Him on a Sunday, Tonight�s the Night, Dedicated to the One I Love, Mama Said; died Feb 4, 2000 1943 - Tom (Thomas Henry) Burgmeier baseball: pitcher: California Angels, KC Royals, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox [all-star: 1980], Oakland Athletics 1943 - Kathy Lennon singer: group: The Lennon Sisters: The Lawrence Welk Show 1943 - Max Wright actor: ALF, Buffalo Bill, Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo, White Mile, Touch and Go, Fraternity Vacation 1945 - Joanna Cassidy actress: Blade Runner, Don�t Tell Mom the Babysitter�s Dead, Under Fire, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, The Package, Buffalo Bill 1950 - Kathryn Harrold actress: MacGruder & Loud, The Bronx Zoo, I�ll Fly Away, The Larry Sanders Show, The Companion, Deadly Desire, Into the Night, Heartbreakers, The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper, Modern Romance, The Hunter, Nightwing 1951 - Andrew Gold singer: Lonely Boy, Thank You for Being a Friend; son of composer Ernest Gold 1959 - Victoria Jackson actress: Saturday Night Live, Half Nelson, Based on an Untrue Story, I Love You to Death, Family Business, The Pick-Up Artist, Baby Boom 1960 - Linda Fratianne Olympic silver medalist: figure skating [1980]; Walt Disney�s World on Ice 1964 - Mary-Louise Parker actress: Sugartime, A Place for Annie, The Client, Bullets over Broadway, Naked in New York, Fried Green Tomatoes, Signs of Life 1966 - Tim Wakefield baseball: pitcher: Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox. Chart Toppers 1945 The More I See You - Dick Haymes Dream - The Pied Pipers Sentimental Journey - The Les Brown Orchestra (vocal: Doris Day) Oklahoma Hills - Jack Guthrie 1953 I�m Walking Behind You - Eddie Fisher No Other Love - Perry Como Ruby - Richard Hayman 1961 Tossin� and Turnin� - Bobby Lewis I Like It Like That - Chris Kenner Dum Dum - Brenda Lee 1969 In the Year 2525 - Zager & Evans Crystal Blue Persuasion - Tommy James & The Shondells What Does It Take (To Win Your Love) - Jr. Walker & The All Stars Johnny B. Goode - Buck Owens 1977 I Just Want to Be Your Everything - Andy Gibb I�m in You - Peter Frampton My Heart Belongs to Me - Barbra Streisand It was Almost like a Song - Ronnie Milsap 1985 Everytime You Go Away - Paul Young Shout - Tears For Fears ;) You Give Good Love - Whitney Houston Love Don�t Care (Whose Heart It Breaks) - Earl Thomas Conley Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 215th day of 2007 - 150 remaining. Friday, August 3, 2007 SEEING-EYE REPORTER DAY. :) Steven Spielberg captured �reality� with film, cast, crew, and the technology of the 1990s in his award-winning film, Saving Private Ryan. Some five decades earlier, Ernie Pyle, using the hunt and peck method on a beat-up old typewriter (on display at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.), drew word pictures of the landing at Normandy. He watched the landings from a ship. The next day, he walked where the troops had gone before. The popular war correspondent wrote, �I took a walk along the historic coast of Normandy in the country of France. It was a lovely day for strolling along the seashore. Men were sleeping in the sand, some of them sleeping forever. Men were floating in the water, but they didn�t know they were in the water, for they were dead.� �... There in a jumbled row for mile on mile were soldiers� packs. There were socks and shoe polish, sewing kits, diaries, Bibles, hand grenades. There were the latest letters from home, with the address on each one neatly razored out -- one of the security precautions enforced before the boys embarked ...� Ernie Pyle was born on this day in 1900 in Indiana. He grew up on a farm near the town of Dana (the location of the Ernie Pyle Museum and Historic Site), the only child of Will and Maria Pyle. Although his military career was brief, having enlisted in the Naval Reserve shortly before the end of WWI, it was his career in journalism that took him to the front lines. Pyle studied journalism at Indiana University, but left before getting his degree to work in the real world. His first job as reporter was for the LaPorte Herald, but he moved on to the Washington Daily News in Washington D.C. It was for this Scripps Howard newspaper that Pyle wrote an aviation column, the first of its kind in America. He was then given the managing editor�s positionwhich was followed by the job of roving reporter for all Scripps Howard papers. Ernie Pyle�s first reporting of a battle scene (the Battle of Britain) was in 1940. A year later, he started what would become one of the most widely read columns in journalism history, as he covered the United States� involvement in WWII. Pyle�s stories were written from the trenches where he became one with the infantrymen he preferred to write about. His gripping accounts of the bloody fighting in North Africa, Sicily and Anzio captured the attention of all America. After Normandy and the liberation of Paris, Pyle began covering the war in the Pacific. It was on Ie Shima, a small island off Okinawa, that his career came to an end. Worrying more about his Army buddies than himself, he didn�t take cover but turned to ask if they were OK while under Japanese sniper fire. He took a bullet in the left temple. A memorial stands on the site where Ernest T. Pyle was killed on April 18, 1945. Once buried there, his remains now lie at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Punchbowl Crater on Oahu, Hawaii. Pyle was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously. The man referred to by the Army and Navy Journal as �the seeing-eye reporter� said of himself, �I want to make people see what I see.� You can still see through the eyes of Ernie Pyle. The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist compiled his columns in several books, Here is Your War, Brave Men, and Last Chapter. Events August 3rd. 1492 - Christopher Columbus set sail on the Santa Maria. He was accompanied by a crew of 90 and two more ships, the Nina and the Pinta. They left Spain half an hour before sunrise to begin the search for a water passage to Cathay. Instead, Columbus and company landed on October 12 at Guanahani, San Salvador Island in the Bahamas ... not India but the New World of the Americas. 1750 - This is the day that Christopher Dock completed the first book of teaching methods. He called it A Simple and Thoroughly Prepared School Management. Sounds like fun reading... 1880 - The American Canoe Association was formed at Lake George, New York. 1922 - WGY radio in Schenectady, NY presented the first full-length melodrama on radio. It was The Wolf, written by Eugene Walter. 1933 - With Lefty Grove pitching, the Philadelphia Athletics whipped the New York Yankees, 7-0. The Yankees had gone 308 games without being shutout. 1933 - The world-famous Mickey Mouse Watch was introduced. The timepiece sold for $2.75. A Mickey Mouse Clock sold for $1.50. New models now sell for $25 or more and the original watches and clocks are worth hundreds of dollars. 1949 - The National Basketball Association was formed. It was a combination of the Basketball Association of America and the National Basketball League. 1954 - A record divorce settlement (for the time) was awarded to Mrs. Barbara Bobo Rockefeller. Winthrop Rockefeller was ordered to pay a sum of $5,500,000 to his ex-wife. 1958 - James Robert Sordelet of Fort Wayne, IN, became the first person to reenlist in the U.S. Navy while under the North Pole! He did so while serving on the submarine Nautilus as it crossed under the Arctic ice. 1963 - The college football all-stars downed the Green Bay Packers by a 20-17 score. It was a big upset since the college upstarts had been heavy (50-1) underdogs. 1963 - The Beatles made their final appearance at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, England. The group was about to leave its hometown behind for unprecedented world-wide fame and fortune. 1963 - The Beach Boys� Surfer Girl, was released on Capitol Records. It became one of their biggest hits. Surfer Girl made it to number seven on the hit music charts (9/14/63). 1963 - Comedian Allan Sherman�s summer camp parody, Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! (A Letter from Camp) was released on Warner Brothers Records. It went to number two on the pop charts (8/24/63). 1966 - Comedian Lenny Bruce died of a morphine overdose this day. 1971 - Paul McCartney formed a new band called Wings. Joining McCartney in the group were Denny Laine, formerly of The Moody Blues, Denny Seilwell and McCartney�s wife, Linda. 1979 - Johnny Carson, the Tonight Show host, graced the cover of the Burbank, CA telephone directory. You know you�ve made it when you�re on the cover of the phone book. 1983 - Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn resigned after 14 years on the job. Originally, he had been asked to take the job for six months or so. 1984 - Wall Street ended its best week (to that time) with a jump in the Dow Jones blue-chip average of 87.46. A one-day volume record was also set as 236.57 million shares changed hands, keeping brokers on the trading floor very busy. A total of 72.9 million shares were traded in the first hour alone. 1985 - Mail service returned to Paradise Lakes, FL -- a nudist colony. Residents promised that they�d wear clothes or stay out of sight when the mailperson came to deliver. 1987 - Joe Niekro was suspended for 10 days for throwing scuffed baseballs. He first denied the charge made by the home plate umpire, but an emery board fell right out of his pocket during an inspection! 1989 - The ABC news magazine Primetime Live debuted, with Sam Donaldson and Diane Sawyer reporting/starring. Just one of many creations of ABC News president Roone Arledge, the show ran through Sep 9, 1998, when it was merged with ABC�s 20/20. 1993 - Boston Ventures sold Motown Records to the Dutch recording and entertainment company, Polygram, for $325 million. Boston Ventures and MCA Records had picked up Motown from founder Berry Gordy for a mere $61 million in 1988. 1996 - �Give your body happiness, Macarena...� Macarena (bayside boys mix), by Los Del Rio, hit #1 on Billboard. It stayed and stayed at the top -- for 14 smash weeks -- as dancers swayed and swayed. �Ehhhhhh, Macarena!� Birthdays August 3rd. 1900 - Ernie Pyle journalist: Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter [1944]: reports of 1940 London bombings and war reports from Africa, Italy and France; managing editor: Washington Daily News; killed by sniper�s bullet on Ie Shima, small island off Okinawa, April 18, 1945; see Seeing-Eye Reporter Day [above] 1900 - John T. Scopes high school teacher: subject of famous 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial: convicted of teaching evolution in Tennessee school 1902 - Ray Bloch orchestra leader: TV shows: Blind Date, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Gay Nineties Revue, The Jackie Gleason Show, The Larry Storch Show, Songs for Sale; died Mar 29, 1982 1905 - Dolores del Rio (Lolita Dolores Martinez Asunsolo y Lopez Negrete) actress: Flying Down to Rio, Journey into Fear, Flaming Star, Children of Sanchez, Accused; died Apr 11, 1983 1905 - Margaret Kuhn National Women�s Hall of Famer: forced into retirement at age 65, she formed the Gray Panthers to fight age discrimination; her advice: �Speak your mind. Even if your voice shakes, well-aimed slingshots can topple giants.�; died Apr 22, 1995 1917 - Charlie Shavers musician: trumpet: group: John Kirby Sextet; composer: Pastel Blue, Undecided 1918 - Les Elgart musician: lead trumpet, bandleader: w/brother Larry; died July 29, 1995 1921 - Richard Adler composer, lyricist [w/Jerry Ross]: scores: Pajama Game, Damn Yankees; solo: scores: Kwamina, A Mother�s Kisses 1921 - Marilyn (Marvel) Maxwell actress: Arizona Bushwackers, Champion, The Lemon Drop Kid, Summer Holiday, Lost in a Harem; died Mar 20, 1972 1924 - Leon Uris author: Exodus, Battle Cry, Mila 18, The Angry Hills, Armageddon; screenplay: Gunfight at the O.K. Corral; died June 21, 2003 1926 - Tony Bennett (Benedetto) Grammy Award-winning singer: I Left My Heart in San Francisco [1962], MTV Unplugged [1994]; I Wanna Be Around, Who Can I Turn To, The Shadow of Your Smile, Because of You, Rags to Riches, Stranger in Paradise, In the Middle of an Island, The Good Life; appeared in film: The Oscar 1927 - Gordon Scott (Werschkul) actor: Gladiator of Rome, Tarzan and the Trappers, Sampson and the 7 Miracles of the World; died Apr 30, 2007 1937 - Steven Berkoff actor: Intruders, The Krays, Rambo: First Blood, Part 2, Beverly Hills Cop, A Clockwork Orange, War & Remembrance 1940 - Lance (Bambi) Alworth Pro Football Hall of Famer: Dallas Cowboys wide receiver: Super Bowl VI; San Diego Chargers 1940 - Martin Sheen (Ramon Estevez) actor: The West Wing, Apocalypse Now, J.F.K., Wall Street, Badlands, Ghandi, Gettysburg, The Final Countdown; father of actors Charlie Sheen & Emilio Estevez 1941 - Beverly Lee singer: group: The Shirelles: I Met Him on a Sunday, Dedicated to the One I Love, Tonight�s the Night, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Mama Said, Soldier Boy 1941 - Martha Stewart cooking, craft, decorating, planting advisor; Martha Stewart�s Living [TV show and magazine] 1949 - B.B. (Morris) Dickerson musician: bass, singer: group: War 1950 - John Landis director: Thriller video, Twilight Zone: The Movie, Beverly Hills Cop 3, The Blues Brothers, Coming to America, National Lampoon�s Animal House, Oscar, Three Amigos, Trading Places 1951 - Marcel Dionne Hockey Hall of Famer: Detroit Red Wings: Lady Byng Trophy [1975]; LA Kings: Lady Byng Trophy [1977], Art Ross Trophy [1980]; NY Rangers 1951 - Johnny Graham musician: guitar: group: Earth, Wind & Fire: Shining Star, Sing a Song, Got to Get You into My Life, After the Love Has Gone, Best of My Love 1951 - Jay North (Hopper) actor: Dennis the Menace, Maya, Zebra in the Kitchen, The Teacher, Scout�s Honor 1955 - Corey Burton character voice: Spider-Man, Critters, James Bond Jr., Bonkers, Snow Monkeys, Mighty Ducks, Pocahontas, Hercules, 101 Dalmatians, Toy Story 2, Atlantis: The Lost Empire 1959 - John C. McGinley actor: The Rock, On Deadly Ground, Born on the Fourth of July, Hear No Evil, Point Break, Fat Man and Little Boy, Talk Radio, Wall Street, Platoon, The Pentagon Wars 1963 - James Hetfield musician: guitar, singer: group: Metallica. Chart Toppers 1946 The Gypsy - The Ink Spots Doin� What Comes Naturally - Dinah Shore They Say It�s Wonderful - Frank Sinatra New Spanish Two Step - Bob Wills 1954 Sh-Boom - The Crewcuts The Little Shoemaker - The Gaylords Hey There - Rosemary Clooney One By One - Kitty Wells & Red Foley 1962 Roses are Red - Bobby Vinton The Wah Watusi - The Orlons ;) Sealed with a Kiss - Brian Hyland Wolverton Mountain - Claude King 1970 (They Long to Be) Close to You - Carpenters Make It with You - Bread Signed, Sealed, Delivered I�m Yours - Stevie Wonder Wonder Could I Live There Anymore - Charley Pride 1978 Shadow Dancing - Andy Gibb Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty Miss You - The Rolling Stones Only One Love in My Life - Ronnie Milsap 1986 Glory of Love - Peter Cetera Papa Don�t Preach - Madonna Mad About You - Belinda Carlisle Nobody in His Right Mind Would�ve Left Her - George Strait Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 216th day of 2007 - 149 remaining. Saturday, August 4, 2007 WALLENBERG DAY. :) It was 1912, the scene was Stockholm, Sweden. The event was the birth of a child named Raoul Wallenberg. Three decades later, Raoul made his mark in history. Wallenberg grew up to become an architect but this was not how he became famous. The upper-class Swedish gentleman also imported luxury goods from Hungary; and in his business dealings, learned of the plight of Hungarian Jews at the hands of the Nazis. Unlike others of his stature and position in society during World War II, Wallenberg went to work to save thousands ... ultimately rescuing at least 100,000 Jews from certain death ... 65,000 of them from the Budapest ghetto. Were his motives purely humanitarian? This is one question that will never be answered. In 1945, Soviet troops entered Budapest and arrested Wallenberg. Although no one actually knows what happened to this brave individual, Tass, the Soviet press agency, reported that he died in prison two years after his arrest. Raoul Wallenberg has been honored posthumously by the U.S. government. In 1981 the U.S. House of Representatives voted to award Mr. Wallenberg with honorary American citizenship, only the second person ever to receive such recognition (Winston Churchill was the first). He has also been immortalized in books, film and in a miniseries on television. 1753 - George Washington became a Master Mason on this day. 1821 - The Saturday Evening Post was published as a weekly for the first time. 1927 - Radio station 2XAG, later named WGY, the General Electric station in Schenectady, NY, began experimental operations from a 100,000-watt transmitter. Later, the FCC regulated the power of AM radio stations to not exceed 50,000 watts on �clear channels� (where few, if any, stations would cause interference with each other). 1927 - Singer Jimmie Rodgers recorded his first sides for Victor Records in Bristol, TN. He sang Sleep Baby Sleep and Soldier�s Sweetheart. 1934 - Mel Ott became the first major-league baseball player to score six runs in a single game. 1940 - Crime Doctor introduced a new kind of radio hero to audiences. The CBS radio program presented Dr. Benjamin Ordway, the show�s main character, who was a victim of amnesia. He once was a criminal, but got hit on the head, and suddenly began to work as a crime fighter. Nice twist. 1944 - Nazi police discovered Anne Frank and her family, hiding in secret quarters above her father�s factory in Amsterdam, Holland. Miss Frank was 13 years old and had kept a diary of her feelings, thoughts and fears during the two years of hiding from the Nazis. Anne and her sister were taken to a concentration camp following the arrest. Anne Frank died at Bergen-Belsen. Her diary was found later and has since been translated into 30 different languages, adapted as a dramatic play and a Hollywood film. Her diary is a symbol of the strength of the human spirit. She wrote: �I keep on trying to find a way of becoming what I would like to be and what I could be, if there weren�t any other people living in the world.� 1956 - Wilhelm Herz was clocked at 210 miles per hour at Wendover, UT. He became the first person to race a motorcycle over 200 mph. 1957 - Juan Fangio won his final auto race and captured the world auto driving championship -- for the fifth consecutive year. 1958 - This was a grand day in Grand Forks, ND. The first potato flake plant was completed there. 1963 - After two months out of the lineup due to a broken left foot, Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees got a tie-breaking, pinch-hit, home run in the ninth inning to lead the Yankees to a win over the Baltimore Orioles. 1964 - The murdered bodies of three civil rights workers were found buried in an earthen dam near Philadelphia, Mississippi. James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner had disappeared June 21, not long after they had been held for six hours in the Neshoba County, MS jail on charges of speeding. Their burned car was discovered on June 23, prompting a search by the FBI for the three young men. 1983 - New York Yankee outfielder Dave Winfield threw a baseball during warmups and accidentally killed a seagull! After the game, Toronto police surrounded the slugger and arrested him for �causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.� 1987 - A new 22-cent stamp honoring noted author William Faulkner went on sale in Oxford, MS. Faulkner had been fired as postmaster of that same post office in 1924. 1995 - Movies that opened this day (in U.S. theatres): Babe -- about a pig who learns to be a sheep dog; Something to Talk About -- about a woman who sees her husband giving an unknown young woman a passionate kiss on his lunch hour; Bushwacked -- about a guy who is forced to hide out as a guide to a group of 10-year-old Scouts on their first wilderness outing. 2000 - Movies that opened this day (in U.S. theatres): Coyote Ugly -- about a 21-year-old woman who takes a job as a barmaid at Coyote Ugly, the hottest spot in town; Space Cowboys -- about a group of almost-over-the-hill pilots called to undertake a space rescue mission; and Hollow Man -- about a scientist who develops a serum that induces complete invisibility (it brought in $26.41 million the first weekend -- the movie, not the serum). Birthdays August 4th. 1792 - Percy Bysshe Shelley lyric poet: Prometheus Unbound, Epipsychidion, The Witch of Atlas, Hellas, Adonais, A Defence of Poetry, Ode to the West Wind; died July 18, 1822 1884 - Isoroku Yamamoto Japanese Admiral during WWII: planned attack on Pearl Harbor; killed when U.S. 13th Air Force shot down his plane Apr 18, 1943 1900 - Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Britain�s Queen Mother; died Mar 31, 2002 1901 - (Daniel) Louis Armstrong Satchmo: jazz musician: trumpet; Grammy Award-winning singer: Hello, Dolly! [1964], Lifetime Achievement Award [1971]; It�s a Wonderful World, Mack the Knife, Blueberry Hill; appeared in films: The Five Pennies, The Glenn Miller Story, Hello Dolly!, High Society; American ambassador of good will; inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame [1990]; died July 6, 1971 1904 - Harry Cooper �Lighthorse�: World Golf Hall of Famer: Vardon Trophy winner [1937]; Canadian Open champion [1932,1937]; Bing Crosby Pro Am [1942]; died Oct 17, 2000 1909 - Glenn Cunningham Kansas Ironman: National Track & Field Hall of Famer: Sullivan Award [1933]: world record [1934]: mile [4:06.8]; Olympic silver medalist [1936]; 1932 Olympic team member; director of physical education: Cornell College, Iowa; Glenn Cunningham Youth Ranch; died Mar 10, 1988 1910 - William Schuman Pulitzer Prize-winning composer: Secular Cantata No. 2, A Free Song [1943]; President: Julliard School of Music, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts; died Feb 15, 1992 1912 - Raoul Wallenberg humanitarian; died in a Russian prison July 17, 1947; see Wallenberg Day [above] 1913 - Wesley Addy actor: What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, Kiss Me Deadly, Seconds; died Dec 31, 1996 1915 - Luke Easter Luscious Luke: baseball: Cleveland Indians; died Mar 29, 1979 1919 - Ted Kroll golf: champ: San Diego Open [1952] 1920 - Helen Thomas journalist: UPI White House correspondent [from Kennedy to Clinton: 1961-2000]; author: Front Row at the White House 1921 - Herb (Mitchell) Ellis musician: guitarist, singer: group: Soft Winds: I Told You I Love You, Now Get Out; Oscar Peterson Trio 1921 - Maurice Richard Hockey Hall of Famer: 18 NHL seasons [1942 - 1960] w/Montreal Canadiens: Hart Trophy [1947]; eight Stanley Cup championships; first player to score 500 career goals [1957]; died May 27, 2000 1934 - (George) Dallas Green baseball: pitcher: Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Senators, NY Mets; mgr.: NY Yankees, NY Mets, Chicago Cubs 1934 - Joe Leonard Motorsports Hall of Fame motorcycle racer: Grand National Championship [1954, 1956, 1956]; race car driver: Indy 500 [1967, 1968], USAC titles [1971, 1972] 1938 - Hayes Jones National Track & Field Hall of Famer: Olympic gold medalist [1964]: 110-meter hurdles [:13.6]; New York City�s Director of Recreation 1939 - Frankie Ford (Guzzo) singer: Sea Cruise; in film: American Hot Wax 1940 - Timi (Rosemarie) Yuro singer: Hurt, What�s A Matter Baby [Is It Hurting You], Gotta Travel On, Down in the Valley 1942 - Cleon (Joseph) Jones baseball: NY Mets [World Series: 1969, 1973/all-star: 1969], Chicago White Sox 1943 - David Carr musician: keyboards: group: The Fortunes: You�ve Got Your Troubles 1944 - Richard Belzer comedian, actor: Mad Dog and Glory, Homicide: Life on the Street, The Big Picture, The Groove Tube 1949 - John Riggins Pro Football Hall of Famer: Washington Redskins running back: NFL Individual Record: touchdowns [24] scored in a season [1983]: Super Bowl XVII, XVIII; NY Jets 1952 - Kristoffer Tabori (Siegel) actor: Chicago Story, Seventh Avenue 1955 - Billy Bob Thornton actor: One False Move, Tombstone, On Deadly Ground, Primary Colors, Armageddon, Pushing Tin, Franky Goes to Hollywood 1958 - Mary Decker track: AP & Sullivan Award: U.S. outstanding amateur athlete [1982]; U.S. record holder: 800-meters [1:56.9], 1500-meters [3:57.12], 1,000-meters [2:34.8], 1-mile [4:16.71], 3,000-meters [8:29.69] 1960 - Dean Malenko pro wrestler/actor: WCW Saturday Night, Raw Is War, WWF Smackdown!, Survivor Series 1961 - Lauren Tom actress: The Joy Luck Club, When a Man Loves a Woman, Grace Under Fire, DAG, Max Steel 1962 - (William) Roger Clemens baseball: pitcher: Boston Red Sox [3-time Cy Young Award winner: 1986, 1987, 1991/World Series: 1986/all-star: 1986, 1988, 1991, 1992/Baseball Writer�s Award: 1986] Chart Toppers 1947 Peg o� My Heart - The Harmonicats That�s My Desire - The Sammy Kaye Orchestra (vocal: Don Cornell) I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder - Eddy Howard Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) - Tex Williams 1955 Rock Around the Clock - Bill Haley & His Comets Ain�t That a Shame - Fats Domino Learnin� the Blues - Frank Sinatra I Don�t Care - Webb Pierce 1963 So Much in Love - The Tymes Fingertips - Pt 2 - Little Stevie Wonder (You�re the) Devil in Disguise - Elvis Presley Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash 1971 You�ve Got a Friend - James Taylor Mr. Big Stuff - Jean Knight Draggin� the Line - Tommy James I�m Just Me - Charley Pride 1979 Bad Girls - Donna Summer Good Times - Chic Ring My Bell - Anita Ward You�re the Only One - Dolly Parton 1987 Shakedown - Bob Seger I Still Haven�t Found What I�m Looking For - U2 I Want Your Sex - George Michael Snap Your Fingers - Ronnie Milsap Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 217th day of 2007 - 148 remaining. Sunday, August 5, 2007 AMERICAN BANDSTAND DAY. :) It all began when a radio disc jockey working for WFIL Radio was pressed into hosting duties for a local, after-school dance show on WFIL-TV 6 in Philadelphia. Originally hosted by Bob Horn, the show was American Bandstand; the young, handsome DJ/host from Utica, New York was Dick Clark. And on this day in 1957, Dick Clark�s American Bandstand caught the attention of network executives at ABC-TV in New York, who decided to put the show on its afternoon schedule. However, the one thing they couldn�t do was disrupt an airing of the hugely popular Mickey Mouse Club at 5 p.m. What to do? Halfway through the American Bandstand show, Clark would tell listeners to come back for more of the show ... but �right now ... here comes the Mouse!� At that time, the network would cut away from Philadelphia and show Walt Disney�s Mouseketeers. Following the show ... American Bandstand would return for another 30 minutes. Many artists, acts and groups of the rock �n� roll era debuted on American Bandstand -- Simon and Garfunkel, Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Bobby Rydell, Chubby Checker -- catapulting Clark into the spotlight as one of TV�s most prolific producers and hosts. Clark is still working, often using clips of early American Bandstand acts in rock-music nostalgia shows; and still resembles the oldest living teenager, as he has been called for oh, so many years. If only the writers at Billboard magazine could have seen the future when they wrote some forty years ago that Clark�s show �has teen appeal ... but is not entertainment.� American Bandstand lasted until 1987 on the network, ABC-TV�s longest-running show. And syndicated versions of the original shows, with Dick Clark as host, are still running on cable. A permanent exhibition of American Bandstand memorabilia and personal histories, featuring the Original Bandstanders, is on display at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. We�d have to say ... that�s entertainment! Events August 5th. 1884 - The cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty was laid at Bedloe�s Island (now called Liberty Island), New York. The actual statue was accepted as a gift to the United States from the people of France by U.S. President Grover Cleveland on October 28, 1886. The statue became a symbol of freedom to the European immigrants who passed it on their way to Ellis Island and their admittance to the United States. It remains today as a symbol of liberty for all. 1914 - Euclid Avenue and East 105th Street in Cleveland, Ohio became the first intersection in the U.S. to be equipped with an electric traffic light. The lighting ceremony occurred on this day. 1921 - KDKA radio in Pittsburgh, PA did the first play-by-play broadcast of a baseball game. Harold Arlin described the action as the Pirates beat Philadelphia 8-5. 1921 - The New York World published the first cartoon to be awarded a Pulitzer Prize. On the Road to Moscow, by Rollin Kirby, received the prestigious journalism honor. 1923 - Henry Sullivan became the first American to swim across the English Channel and he did it on this day. 1924 - The comic strip Little Orphan Annie debuted in the New York Daily News. Annie and her little dog, Sandy, were creations of cartoonist Harold Gray. His work would come to life in the Broadway and film adaptations of Annie a half-century later -- to great success. 1935 - The radio drama Backstage Wife was first aired -- on the Mutual Broadcasting System. The show was heard until 1959. 1936 - Jesse Owens won his third gold medal by running a 200-meter race in 20.7 seconds at the Olympic Games held in Berlin, Germany. 1960 - In an unprecedented move, two major-league baseball clubs traded managers. Jimmy Dykes of the Detroit Tigers moved to manage the Cleveland Indians while Joe Gordon left the Indians to take over the managerial reins of the Tigers. 1962 - Actress Marilyn Monroe died from a drug overdose in Los Angeles, in a case that is still unsolved and involves a lot of speculation. She was 36 years old. 1974 - The comic strip Tank McNamara premiered in 75 newspapers. Jeff Millar and Bill Hinds created the 6-foot, 4-inch, 225-pound former defensive tackle of the State University Sand Crabs; and who became a jock/sportscaster. 1975 - Singer Stevie Wonder signed the recording industry�s largest contract: $13 million over a seven-year period. Wonder stayed with his original label, Tamla/Motown, while other major Motown artists, including Diana Ross, Gladys Knight and The Four Tops had left the label over creative differences and financial accounting disputes. 1983 - Vida Blue was released by the Kansas City Royals. Blue had spent 13 years in the big leagues. At his release by the Royals, the former Cy Young Award winner had gone 0-19 in pitching appearances. 1984 - Toronto�s Cliff Johnson set a major-league baseball record by hitting the 19th pinch-hit home run in his career as he led the Blue Jays to a 4-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles. 1984 - Joan Benoit won the first women�s Olympic marathon at the Summer Games in Los Angeles, California. 1984 - Show business mourned the loss of one of its greatest and most colorful actors. Richard Burton died of a stroke at the age of 58. 1986 - John McEnroe beat Marko Ostoja in the Volvo Invitational Tournament held in Vermont. The �bad boy of tennis� had taken a 6-1/2 month respite from tennis before returning to the court to defeat Ostoja. 1994 - Michael Jackson and bride, Lisa Marie Presley, visited Budapest, Hungary. While there, they filmed an advertisement for his upcoming album, HIStory - Past, Present and Future - Book 1. The couple also visited children�s hospitals where they comforted young patients and distributed toys. 1999 - St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire belted home runs #500 and 501 to reach the 500-homer mark faster than anyone had before. He did it in his 5,487th at-bat. Babe Ruth had held the previous record, having reached #500 in 5,801 at-bats. In case you are wondering, the others in the top five were Jimmie Foxx (7,074), Mickey Mantle (7,300) and Mike Schmidt (7,331). McGwire connected for his historic homer(s) in St. Louis� Busch Stadium, the same ballpark where he had broken Roger Maris� 37-year-old single-season home-run record Sept. 8, 1998, when he hit homer #62. McGwire went on to hit 70 home runs that season, finishing just ahead of Chicago Cubs� Sammy Sosa, who hit 66. Birthdays August 5th. 1850 - Guy de Maupassant author: The Tellier House, Yvette, Toine, The Horla, The Diamond Necklace, The Umbrella, The Piece of String, A Woman�s Life, Bel-Ami, Peter and John; died July 6, 1893 1889 - Conrad Aiken Pulitzer Prize-winning poet: Selected Poems [1930]; died Aug 17, 1973 1906 - John Huston Academy Award-winning director: Treasure of Sierra Madre [1948]; The Maltese Falcon, The African Queen, Prizzi�s Honor; father of Academy Award-winning actress Angelica Huston; died Aug 28, 1987 1911 - Robert Taylor (Spangler Brugh) actor: Magnificent Obsession, Quo Vadis, Billy the Kid, Bataan, Knights of the Round Table, The Night Walker, Death Valley Days; died June 8, 1969 1914 - David Brian actor: Pocketful of Miracles, Intruder in the Dust, Flamingo Road, Mr. District Attorney, The Immortal; died July 15, 1993 1926 - Jeri Southern (Genevieve Hering) singer: You Better Go Now, When I Fall in Love, Fire Down Below; died Aug 2, 1991 1930 - Neil Armstrong NASA astronaut: command pilot of Gemini 8 [launched Mar 16, 1966], performed first successful docking of two vehicles in space; commander of Apollo 11 [1969], first manned lunar landing mission: Armstrong was first man to land a craft on the Moon and first man to step onto its surface 1935 - John Saxon (Carmen Orrico) actor: Raid on Entebbe, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Beverly Hills Cop 3, The Cardinal, Death of a Gunfighter, The Unforgiven, The Bold Ones 1940 - Damita Jo (DuBlanc) singer: I�ll Save the Last Dance for You, If You Go Away; died Dec 25, 1998 1940 - Roman Gabriel College Football Hall of Famer: quarterback: North Carolina State; LA Rams, Philadelphia Eagles QB 1942 - Rick Huxley musician: bass: group: Dave Clark Five: Glad All Over, Bits and Pieces, Red Balloon, Good Old Rock & Roll 1943 - Sammi Smith singer: Help Me Make It Through the Night, So Long Charlie Brown, What a Lie, You Just Hurt My Last Feeling; died Feb 12, 2005 1945 - Loni Anderson actress: WKRP in Cincinnati, The Jayne Mansfield Story, Easy Street, Necessity, Nurses 1945 - Duane Benson football: Oakland Raiders linebacker: Super Bowl II 1946 - Erika Slezak Emmy Award-winning actress: One Life to Live 1947 - Bernie (Bernardo) Carbo baseball: Cincinnati Reds [World Series: 1970], SL Cardinals, Boston Red Sox [World Series: 1975], Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates 1947 - Rick Derringer (Zehringer) singer, songwriter: group: The McCoys: Hang on, Sloopy, Fever, Come on, Let�s Go; solo: Rock and Roll Hootchie Coo; record producer 1948 - William Hootkins actor: Star Wars, The Lost Boys, Flash Gordon, Raiders of the Lost Ark, American Gothic, Batman, A River Runs Through It, The NeverEnding Story III, The Omega Code 1953 - Samantha Sang actress: A Very Brady Christmas, The Brady Bunch 1962 - Patrick Ewing basketball: Olympic Gold medalist [1984], Olympic Dream Team [1992]; New York Knicks: NBA Rookie of the Year [1986]; Georgetown University: 3 time All-American [1983, 1984, 1985], Naismith & Eastman Awards, Rupp Trophy [1984] 1966 - Jonathan Silverman actor: At First Sight, Little Big League, Weekend at Bernie�s series, Little Sister, Caddyshack 2, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Gimme a Break. Chart Toppers 1948 You Can�t Be True, Dear - The Ken Griffin Orchestra (vocal: Jerry Wayne) Woody Woodpecker Song - The Kay Kyser Orchestra (vocal: Gloria Wood & The Campus Kids) It�s Magic - Doris Day Bouquet of Roses - Eddy Arnold 1956 My Prayer - The Platters Hound Dog/Don�t Be Cruel - Elvis Presley Whatever Will Be Will Be (Que Sera Sera) - Doris Day I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash 1964 A Hard Day�s Night - The Beatles The Little Old Lady (From Pasadena) - Jan & Dean Everybody Loves Somebody - Dean Martin Dang Me - Roger Miller 1972 Alone Again (Naturally) - Gilbert O�Sullivan (If Loving You is Wrong) I Don�t Want to Be Right - Luther Ingram Daddy Don�t You Walk So Fast - Wayne Newton It�s Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer - Charley Pride 1980 Magic - Olivia Newton-John Take Your Time (Do It Right) - The S.O.S. Band Dancin� Cowboys - The Bellamy Brothers 1988 Roll with It - Steve Winwood Hands to Heaven - Breathe Make Me Lose Control - Eric Carmen Don�t We All Have the Right - Ricky Van Shelton Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 218th day of 2007 - 147 remaining. Monday, August 6, 2007 CY YOUNG DAY. :) Denton �Cy� Young pitched his first major-league baseball game on this day in 1890. He led the Cleveland Spiders past the Chicago White Sox. Young went on to enjoy a great baseball career, winning a total of 511 games (95 more than second place Walter Johnson) ... averaging more than 23 victories over 22 seasons, playing for Cleveland, St. Louis, and Boston (where he played in the first World Series, and won). The Cy Young Award was established in 1956, when the Baseball Writer�s Association of America bestowed the honor on the best pitcher in major-league baseball for that year. The award has been presented every year since. In fact, from 1967 on, two Cy Young awards have been presented annually to the best pitcher in each major league. Where did Denton get the nickname, Cy? It seems that Denton Young, a six-foot, two-inch, 210-pound player, could throw a re-e-e-ally fast curve ball, kind of like a cyclone spinning through the air. A story told about the Baseball Hall of Famer says that one time, before a game, he was warming up by throwing balls at a wooden fence. Afterwards, a remark was made that the fence looked like a cyclone had hit it. Yeah! A cyclone named Denton Young aka Cy Young. Events August 6th. 1926 - Nineteen-year-old Gertrude Ederle from New York became the first woman to swim the English Channel and she picked this day to do it. She accomplished the feat in 14 hours and 31 minutes, breaking the men�s record by two hours. 1926 - You would have paid $10 a seat to see the first talking picture, Don Juan, starring John Barrymore. The movie was shown at New York�s Warners� Theatre in glorious black and white. Bear in mind that $10.00 in 1926 would have almost bought a small theatre. 1928 - One of radio�s first serials was heard as Real Folks debuted on NBC. 1930 - Joseph Crater, 41 years old and a New York Supreme Court Justice, mysteriously disappeared, never to be seen or heard from again. His wife, Estelle, declared Judge Crater to be legally dead in 1937. 1939 - After becoming a success with Ben Bernie on network radio, Dinah Shore started her own show on the NBC Blue radio network. Dinah sang every Sunday evening. Dinah also had a successful TV career spanning over two decades. 1940 - Columbia Records cut the prices of its 12-inch classical records. The records were priced to sell at $1. Within two weeks, RCA Victor did the same and ended a record-buying slump brought on by disinterested consumers. 1945 - More than 200,000 civilians died from the explosion and/or radiation when an American B-29 bomber, the Enola Gay, dropped an atomic bomb over the center of Hiroshima, Japan. It was the first time an atomic bomb had been dropped over a populated place; and the first time a nuclear weapon had been used in warfare. The aftereffects of this WWII event are still felt today. 1948 - Seventeen-year-old Bob Mathias won the decathlon competition at the Olympic Games being held in London, England. 1949 - Chicago White Sox baseball star Luke Appling played in the 2,154th game of his 19-year, major-league career. 1952 - Satchel Paige, at age 46, became the oldest pitcher to complete a major-league baseball game. Paige shutout the Detroit Tigers 1-0 in a 12-inning game. 1967 - Dean Chance of the Minnesota Twins pitched five innings of perfect baseball, leading his team to victory over the Boston Red Sox. Chance was only the third player to pitch a shortened, perfect game. 1969 - Willie �Pops� Stargell of the Pittsburgh Pirates hit the first fair ball to sail completely out of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Stargell�s blast measured 506 feet from home plate. 1973 - After one of the biggest promotional blitzes in TV history, writer/reporter Sally Quinn joined Hughes Rudd as co-host of the CBS Morning News. Not long after her TV debut, Quinn found that she wasn�t suited so much for TV and went back to writing for The Washington Post. 1973 - Stevie Wonder came close to losing his life, following a freak auto accident. Wonder, one of Motown�s most popular recording artists, was in a coma for 10 days. Miraculously, he recovered and was back in the recording studio in less than eight weeks. 1981 - Stevie Nicks� first solo album, Bella Donna, was released. The lead singer for Fleetwood Mac scored a top-three hit with Stop Draggin� My Heart Around (9/05/81) from the album. Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers were featured on the track. Nicks went on to record a total of 11 hits for the pop-rock charts through 1988. 1981 - Golfing legend Lee Trevino was disqualified from the PGA Championship in Duluth, GA when the �Super Mex� had his scorecard signed by Tom Weiskopf instead of himself. Ouch! 1986 - Timothy Dalton became the fourth actor to be named �Bond ... James Bond.� Dalton, 38, and his studio, United Artists, ended months of speculation as to who would star as Agent 007 in the 15th James Bond film. The character of Bond was created by writer Ian Fleming. Other stars to play the role of the suave, debonair and deadly double agent include: Roger Moore, Sean Connery and George Lazenby, with Pierce Brosnan as the James Bond for the 1990s. 1996 - NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin announced the possibility that a primitive form of microscopic life may have existed on Mars more than three billion years ago. The evidence came from a fossil found on a meteorite in Antarctica believed to have come from Mars billions of years ago. 1997 - A Korean Air Boeing 747, Flight 801, plowed into a hillside short of the Guam International Airport, killing 226 of the 254 aboard. �There was a big ball of fire just before the crash,� said Rudy Delos-Santos, a reporter at radio station KOKU who lives near the crash site. The South Korean plane �plowed through the jungle for a minute or so before it came to a rest.� The impact broke the fuselage into six pieces. The tail, with its distinctive Korean Air logo, was the only part of the plane still recognizable. 1999 - Two memorable movies opened in U.S. theatres. The Sixth Sense, with Bruce Willis starring as a child psychologist and Haley Joel Osment, who plays an 8-year-old who is visited by ghosts. As of July 24, 2001, it had rung up $293,501,675 at the box office. Not nearly so successful, but great fun just the same, was The Thomas Crown Affair. Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo starred in this redo of the 1968 Steve McQueen/Faye Dunaway flick. As of June 30, 2001, it had grossed $69,304,264. Birthdays August 6th. 1809 - Alfred Tennyson England�s Poet Laureate [1850]: The Charge of the Light Brigade, In Memoriam, The Lady of Shalott, The Lotuseaters, The Idylls of the King, Maud, Enoch Arden, Locksley Hall Sixty Years After; died Oct 6, 1892 1854 - Mike (Michael E.) Burke baseball: Cincinnati Reds; head of NY Yankees; CBS executive; died June 09, 1889 1881 - Leo Carrillo actor: The Cisco Kid, Pancho Villa Returns, One Night in the Tropics, Phantom of the Opera [1943]; died Sep 10, 1961 1881 - Sir Alexander Fleming Nobel Prize-winning bacteriologist [1945]: discovered penicillin; died Mar 11, 1955 1881 - Louella Parsons (Oettinger) gossip columnist: competed in print and on radio with nemesis Hedda Hopper; died Dec 9, 1972 1883 - Scott Nearing sociologist and natural-food advocate, author [w/wife]: Living the Good Life; Nearing lived to 100 years [died Aug 24, 1983] 1892 - Hoot (Edmund Richard) Gibson actor: Death Valley Rangers, Frontier Justice, The Marshal�s Daughter, The Prairie King, Sonora Stagecoach, Wild Horse, Roaring Ranch, Fighting Parson; died Aug 23, 1962 1908 - Helen Hull Jacobs tennis champion: Wimbledon [1936], U.S. Open [1932, 1933, 1934, 1935]; died June 2, 1997 1911 - Lucille Ball Emmy Award-winning comedienne, actress: I Love Lucy [1952, 1953], The Lucy Show [1966-67, 1967-68], 12th Annual Atlas Governor�s Award [1988-89]; The Lucille Ball Comedy Hour, Yours, Mine and Ours, Mame; died April 26, 1989 1917 - Robert Mitchum actor: The Winds of War, War and Remembrance, Cape Fear, A Family for Joe, African Skies, Night of the Hunter, The Story of G.I. Joe; commercials: �Beef. It�s what�s for dinner.�; died July 1, 1997 1921 - Buddy (William) Collette musician: reeds, piano, composer: LPs: Now and Then, Blockbuster 1922 - Doug Ford golf champion: Masters [1957], PGA [1955] 1928 - Andy Warhol (Warhola) filmmaker, pop artist: Campbell Soup; �In the future everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes.�; died Feb 22, 1987 1930 - Abbey Lincoln (Wooldridge) actress: For Love of Ivy, Mo� Better Blues 1938 - Paul Bartel writer, director, actor: Eating Raoul; writer, director: Not for Publication, Cannonball; director, actor: Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills; director: The Longshot, Lust in the Dust, The Secret Cinema, Death Race 2000, Private Parts; actor: The Usual Suspects, The Jerky Boys, Number One Fan, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Rock �n� Roll High School, Hollywood Boulevard; died May 13, 2000 1938 - Peter Bonerz actor: The Bob Newhart Show, 9 to 5; director: Murphy Brown 1938 - Bert Yancey golf: Charlie Bartlett Award: 1978; died Aug 26, 1994 1941 - Ray (Raymond Leonard) Culp baseball: pitcher: Philadelphia Phillies [all-star: 1963], Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox [all-star: 1969] 1943 - Ray Buktenica actor: Rhoda, House Calls, Life Goes On 1944 - Ed Sneed golf: PGA champ: 1973 Kaiser International [1973], 1974 Greater Milwaukee Open [1974], 1977 Tallahassee Open [1977], Michelob-Houston Open [1982]; TV golf analyst 1945 - Andy (John Alexander) Messersmith baseball: pitcher: California Angels [all-star: 1971], LA Dodgers [World Series: 1974/all-star: 1974, 1975], Atlanta Braves [all-star: 1976], NY Yankees 1947 - Ken Riley football: Cincinnati Bengals cornerback: Super Bowl XVI 1950 - Dorian Harewood actor: Sudden Death, Pacific Heights, Full Metal Jacket, Against All Odds, An American Christmas Carol, Sparkle, Viper, The Trials of Rosie O�Neill, Trauma Center, Strike Force, Roots: The Next Generation, Glitter, Capitol Critters [voice of Moze] 1951 - Catherine Hicks actress: Marilyn, Peggy Sue Got Married, The Bad News Bears, Ryan�s Hope, Tucker�s Witch, Star Trek 4 1952 - Pat MacDonald musician: groups: Essentials, Barbara K, Cat�s Away, Timbuk 3: The Future�s So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades, All I Want for Christmas 1958 - Randy DeBarge musician: bass, vocals: group: DeBarge: Rhythm of the Night, I Like It, All this Love, Time Will Reveal 1962 - Michelle Yeoh actress: Tomorrow Never Dies, Jackie Chan: My Story, Moonlight Express 1965 - David Robinson Olympic Gold Medalist: 1992 basketball Dream Team; San Antonio Spurs center: NBA Rookie of the Year [1990] 1972 - Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) singer: group: Spice Girls: LPs: Forever, Spice, Goodbye, Spiceworld; solo: LP: Schizophonic 1976 - Melissa George actress: Home and Away, Dark City, Hollyweird, Sugar & Spice, Mulholland Drive, Thieves 1976 - Soleil Moon Frye actress: Punky Brewster, The Liar�s Club, The St. Tammany Miracle. Chart Toppers 1949 Some Enchanted Evening - Perry Como Again - Gordon Jenkins Riders in the Sky - Vaughn Monroe I�m Throwing Rice (At the Girl that I Love) - Eddy Arnold - Eddy Arnold 1957 Love Letters in the Sand - Pat Boone Tammy - Debbie Reynolds (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Elvis Presley 1965 (I Can�t Get No) Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones I�m Henry VIII, I Am - Herman�s Hermits What�s New Pussycat? - Tom Jones The First Thing Ev�ry Morning (And the Last Thing Ev�ry Night) - Jimmy Dean 1973 The Morning After - Maureen McGovern Live and Let Die - Wings Diamond Girl - Seals & Crofts Lord, Mr. Ford - Jerry Reed 1981 Jessie�s Girl - Rick Springfield Theme from "Greatest American Hero" (Believe It or Not) - Joey Scarbury I Don�t Need You - Kenny Rogers Dixie on My Mind - Hank Williams, Jr. 1989 Batdance - Prince On Our Own - Bobby Brown So Alive - Love & Rockets Why�d You Come in Here Lookin� like That - Dolly Parton Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 219th day of 2007 - 146 remaining. Tuesday, August 7, 2007 PURPLE HEART DAY. :) U.S. General George Washington wanted to honor several courageous soldiers of the revolutionary war with a Badge of Military Merit. So, on this day in 1782, he ordered the creation of a purple, cloth heart with a silver, braided edge. The Badge of Military Merit was only awarded to three Revolutionary War soldiers. On the bicentennial of the first U.S. President�s birthday, February 22, 1932, the badge was reinstated. This time it was called the Order of the Purple Heart, a purple-enameled, gold-bordered heart with a profile of Washington in the center. The Purple Heart decorates those members of the United States armed forces who have been wounded in battle (if they die, it is awarded to their next of kin). History of the medal. Events August 7th. 1888 - Theophilus Van Kannel of Philadelphia went around and around with the U.S. Patent Office for a time, but, finally, got a patent for the revolving door. To celebrate, we suggest going to your favorite building that has one of the fun doors that makes that whoosh-whoosh noise when you go through it -- and go through it twice! 1900 - �Sunny� Jim Fitzsimmons had his first horse race victory as Agnes D won at Brighton Beach Race Track in New York. By the end of his illustrious 50-year career, Fitzsimmons logged more than 2,000 winners. 1907 - Walter Johnson pitched his first major-league victory by leading the Washington Senators to a 7-2 win over the Cleveland Indians. Johnson won 414 games in his career. 1928 - The U.S. dollar began to shrink. New bills, one third smaller than previous bucks, were issued by the U.S. Treasury Department. 1937 - Bunny Berigan and his orchestra recorded I Can�t Get Started for Victor Records. The song became Berigan�s longtime theme song. 1941 - Television station WNBT, Channel 4 in New York City, broadcast the first audience-participation show. Studio guests played charades as part of the fun. 1948 - A new Olympic Games record was set when 83,000 spectators attended the final day of track and field events. The Games, held in London, England, had gate receipts totaling more than $2 million. 1949 - Martin Kane, Private Eye was first heard on Mutual radio. William Gargan starred on the Sunday afternoon program. 1970 - Christine McVie joined Fleetwood Mac as the group�s first female member. McVie was married to bass player John McVie. She quit touring with the group in 1991. 1972 - Yogi Berra, Sandy Koufax, Lefty Gomez and Early Wynn were among eight players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this day. 1974 - Musician Peter Wolf married actress Faye Dunaway in Beverly Hills, California. 1974 - French daredevil Philip Petit tightroped his way between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York. The stunt caused a massive traffic jam on the street -- 1,350 feet below. The secret to this trick is to not look down. 1975 - The Rolling Stones received a gold album for Made in the Shade. 1981 - After 128 years of publication, The Washington Star ceased operation. Only one daily newspaper remained to serve the nation�s capital: The Washington Post. 1984 - An urbanologist at the University of Chicago issued a report stating that the richest community in America was Manhattan�s Upper East Side. Per capita income in that neighborhood was $32,000. 1987 - Back to the Beach opened at theatres around the country. The film reunited Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello, who played middle-aged parents with rebellious kids -- kids like Frankie and Annette had played in their Bikini Beach movies in the 1960s. 1993 - The rap trio Cypress Hill saw their Black Sunday hit #1 on U.S. LP charts. The group, which brought a Latin flavor to hip-hop, was made up of Sen Dog (real name Senen Reyes), B-Real (real name Louis Freese) and D.J. Muggs (real name Larry Muggerud). A sampling of the cuts: I Wanna Get High, Legalize It, Hits from the Bong, **** the Hammer, Hand on the Glock and the single smash Insane in the Brain. Said B-Real, �I never dreamed it would be number one.� Surprised us too. 1996 - A federal appeals court in New York ruled that two former members of Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers waited too long to claim that they were cowriters of the group�s legendary 1955 hit Why Do Fools Fall in Love. A previous court ruling had cleared the way for royalties to go to Jimmy Merchant and Herman Santiago for writing the song with lead singer Frankie Lymon (he died of a overdose of heroin on Feb 28, 1968). 1997 - Garth Brooks played to a crowd estimated at between 250,000 and 900,000 -- with an HBO audience of more than 15 million. The crowd at the free concert, was the laregest ever for a concert in New York�s Central Park. Said Garth of the preparations required, �We rehearse indoors at a place here in New York. Then we rehearse with no sound for the camera guys, so they will hopefully be in the vicinity of what�s going on. And then the rest of it�s really, man, just fly by the seat of your pants. You know, once the show starts, all the rules are out the window.� 1998 - A pair of major explosions near U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania killed 224 people, including 12 Americans. �Clearly, this is a terrorist attack,� U.S. State Department spokesman Lee McClenny said. Birthdays General: American Revolutionary War; died June 19, 1786 1876 - Mata Hari (Gertrud Margarete Zelle) dancer, courtesan, double agent: German spy: Agent H-21; executed by firing squad near Paris Oct 15, 1917 1885 - Billie (Mary William Ethelbert Appleton) Burke comedienne, actress: The Wizard of Oz, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Father of the Bride, Topper, The Young Philadelphians; died May 14, 1970 1886 - Bill (William Boyd) �Deacon� McKechnie Baseball Hall of Famer: Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Braves, NY Yankees, Indianapolis Hoosiers, Newark Peppers, Cincinnati Reds, NY Giants; manager: Pittsburgh Pirates, SL Cardinals, Boston Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians; 1st manager to win pennants with 3 different teams; died Oct 29, 1965 1903 - Rudolf Ising Academy Award-winning cartoonist: Milky Way [1948]; w/Hugh Harmon: Looney Tunes, Merrie Melodies, 1st talkie cartoon synchronizing soundtrack dialogue with on-screen action; died July 18, 1992 1904 - Ralph Bunche Nobel Peace Prize-winner [1950]: United Nations official; died Dec 9, 1971 1921 - Warren Covington bandleader: trombone: played with Horace Heidt and His Musical Knights; died Aug 24, 1999 1925 - Felice Bryant songwriter [w/husband Boudleaux]: Bye Bye Love, Wake Up Little Susie, All I Have to Do is Dream, Bird Dog, Devoted to You, Problems, Only the Lonely; died Apr 22, 2003 1926 - Stan Freberg comedian: Stan Freberg Presents the United States of America, The Old Payola Roll Blues, St. George and the Dragonet, John and Marcia; commercial producer 1927 - Rocky (Everett Lamar) Bridges baseball: Brooklyn Dodgers, Cincinnati Redlegs, Washington Senators [all-star: 1958], Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians, SL Cardinals, LA Angels 1929 - Don (James) Larsen baseball: pitcher: SL Browns, Baltimore Orioles, NY Yankees [World Series: 1955, 1956: *only perfect game in World Series history: Oct. 8, 1956, Yankees vs Dodgers*, 1957, 1958], KC Athletics, Chicago White Sox, SF Giants [World Series: 1962], Houston Colt .45�s, Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs 1939 - Ron Holden singer: Love You So; died Jan 20, 1997 1942 - Garrison Keillor humorist, radio host: A Prairie Home Companion; author: Radio Days 1942 - B.J. (Billy Joe) Thomas singer: Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head, Hooked on a Feeling, [Hey Won�t You Play] Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song, I Just Can�t Help Believing, I�m So Lonesome I Could Cry 1943 - Lana Cantrell entertainer, singer: LPs: Act III, And then there was Lana, Lana!, The now of Then! 1944 - John Glover actor: Julia, Melvin and Howard, Great God Brown, In the Mouth of Madness, Night of the Running Man, Dead on the Money, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Scrooged, A Killing Affair, An Early Frost, The Evil that Men Do, Last Embrace, Annie Hall, Batman-The Animated Series [voice of The Riddler] 1944 - David Rasche actor: Out There, Dead Weekend, The Masters of Menace, An Innocent Man, Native Son, Manhattan, Sledge Hammer!, Nurses 1945 - John Gilliam football: Minnesota Vikings wide receiver: Super Bowl VIII, IX 1945 - Alan Page Pro Football Hall of Famer: Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle: Super Bowls IV, VIII, IX, XI; Supreme Court Justice, Minnesota; 1st black elected to statewide office in Minnesota 1950 - Dave Wottle Olympic Gold Medalist: 800-meter [1972]; track coach: Bethany College, WV 1951 - Gary Hall International Swimming Hall of Famer: U.S. Olympic team captain [1972]; opening ceremonies U.S. flag bearer [1976); silver medalist: 400-meter medley [1968], 200-meter butterfly [1972], bronze: 100-meter butterfly; Doctor of Ophthalmology 1952 - Caroline Aaron actress: Crimes and Misdemeanors, Edward Scissorhands, Husbands and Wives, Sleepless in Seattle, Weapons of Mass Distraction, Primary Colors, Running Mates 1952 - Andy Fraser musician: bass: group: Free: All Right Now, My Brother Jake, Little Bit of Love 1952 - Alexei Sayle actor: Stuff, Alexei Sayle�s Stuff, Gorky Park, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Carry On Columbus 1954 - Steve (Steven F) Kemp baseball: Detroit Tigers [all-star: 1979], Chicago White Sox, NY Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers 1955 - Wayne Knight actor: Seinfeld, Dead Again, JFK, Jurassic Park, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Space Jam, For Richer or Poorer, Toy Story 2 1957 - Alberto Salazar marathon runner: winner: Boston Marathon [1982] 1958 - Bruce Dickinson singer: group: Iron Maiden: Run to the Hills, Running Free 1960 - David Duchovny actor: The X-Files, Don�t Tell Mom the Babysitter�s Dead, Beethoven, Red Shoe Diaries series, Playing God 1961 - DeLane Matthews actress: Dave�s World, FM, Eisenhower & Lutz 1971 - Sydney Penny actress: The Thorn Birds, Santa Barbara, All My Children, Pale Rider, Running Away, Bernadette, St. Elsewhere 1975 - Charlize Theron actress: That Thing You Do!, Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering, The Devil�s Advocate, Hollywood Confidential, Mighty Joe Young, The Cider House Rules, Reindeer Games. Chart Toppers 1950 Bewitched - The Gordon Jenkins Orchestra (vocal: Mary Lou Williams) Mona Lisa - Nat King Cole Count Every Star - The Ray Anthony Orchestra (vocal: Dick Noel) Mississippi - Red Foley 1958 Poor Little Fool - Ricky Nelson Patricia - Perez Prado Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare) - Domenico Modugno Alone with You - Faron Young 1966 Wild Thing - The Troggs Lil� Red Riding Hood - Sam the Sham & The Pharoahs ;) Summer in the City - The Lovin� Spoonful Think of Me - Buck Owens 1974 Annie�s Song - John Denver Don�t Let the Sun Go Down on Me - Elton John Feel like Makin� Love - Roberta Flack Rub It In - Billy "Crash" Craddock 1982 Eye of the Tiger - Survivor Hurts So Good - John Cougar Abracadabra - The Steve Miller Band Honky Tonkin� - Hank Williams, Jr. 1990 Vision of Love - Mariah Carey Cradle of Love - Billy Idol ;) Rub You the Right Way - Johnny Gill Good Times - Dan Seals Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 220th day of 2007 - 145 remaining. Wednesday, August 8, 2007 DAVIS CUP DAY. :) On this day in 1900, competition began for the International Lawn Tennis Challenge Trophy at the Longwood Cricket Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. Donating the trophy was America�s Dwight Davis. He had been the runner-up in the 1898 U.S. Championships. From then on, the event, the men�s international team championship, was called the Davis Cup. This first event saw the U.S. team defeat Great Britain 3-0. Rain washed out two matches. A Davis Cup meeting between two countries is referred to as a tie. It is a three-day event consisting of two singles matches, one doubles match and then two more singles matches. The team with the greatest number of wins (30) is the United States. Australia follows with twenty wins. There has been a Davis Cup match every year since 1900 except for 1901, 1910, and the war years of 1915-1918 and 1940-45. Dwight Davis played on the winning team in 1900 and 1902. Events August 8th. 1588 - The Spanish Armada, a fleet of 130 huge ships, met defeat at the hands of English sailors and their smaller, more maneuverable vessels. Then a series of wicked Atlantic storms off the coast of Southern England took their toll. Only half of the 130 Spanish ships managed to limp ... at best ... home. The 60 or so English ships had saved England from the Spanish invaders. 1839 - Beta Theta Pi became the first Greek-letter fraternity west of the Alleghenies. The fraternity was a new arrival at Miami University in Oxford, OH. 1876 - Thomas A. Edison of Menlo Park, NJ patented the mimeograph machine. He described it as a method of preparing autographic stencils for printing. We don�t use mimeographs much these days, thanks to paper copiers and computer word processors. Mimeograph machines used to be cranked by hand and later models were electric. The mimeograph worked by first creating a spirit master which was placed on a large rotating drum. A strong smelling, purple ink would then print out on paper. We used to use these a lot in school back in the 1950s and 1960s. We remember the fumes, especially. 1911 - Membership in the U.S. House of Representatives was established at 435. Every 211,877 residents of the U.S. were represented by one member of Congress. 1923 - Benny Goodman was 14 years old as he began his professional career as a clarinet player. He took a job in a band on a Chicago-based excursion boat on Lake Michigan. 1931 - Former heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey signed a contract for a six-bout tour of the northwestern U.S. He was to be paid $35,000 or 50 percent of the gross receipts, whichever was more. 1934 - Bing Crosby became the first singer to record for the newly created Decca Records. His songs, Just A-Wearyin� For You and I Love You Truly, were waxed as Decca number D-100. Place your ear next to the monitor and you�ll hear some of this classic recording... �Just a-wearyin� for you. All the time a-feelin� blue; Wishin� for you, wond�rin when you�ll be comin� home again.� We know the next verse, about �birds awake, singing for your sake� and all that, but, frankly it makes us a-wearyin� to add it here... 1941 - Les Brown and His Band of Renown paid tribute to baseball�s �Yankee Clipper�, Joe DiMaggio of the New York Yankees, with the recording of Joltin� Joe DiMaggio on Okeh Records. From that time on, DiMaggio adopted the nickname, Joltin� Joe. 1960 - Tell Laura I Love Her, by Ray Peterson, wasn�t a big hit in Great Britain. Decca Records in England said the song was �too tasteless and vulgar for the English sensibility.� They destroyed 25,000 of the platters this day. 1963 - Seven million dollars was stolen in Britain�s Great Train Robbery by a gang of fifteen thieves. Scotland Yard called the holdup up, �Britain�s biggest robbery ever attempted.� All but three of the gang were identified by fingerprints. 1974 - Roberta Flack received a gold record for the single, Feel Like Makin� Love. Flack, born in Asheville, NC and raised in Arlington, VA, was awarded a music scholarship to Howard University in Washington, DC -- at the age of 15. One of her classmates became a singing partner on several hit songs. Donny Hathaway joined Flack on You�ve Got a Friend, Where is the Love and The Closer I Get to You. She had 10 hits on the pop charts in the 1970s and 1980s. 1984 - Carl Lewis won his third gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics. He won the 200-meter sprint. At the same time, Greg Louganis received his first gold medal in diving in the springboard competition. 1987 - The opening ceremonies of the Pan American Games were held in Indianapolis, Indiana. A two-hour extravaganza called "The Magic that�s America" was presented at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The big show included some 6,000 volunteer performers and stagehands who joined a 20,000-piece, animated, card section, along with 80 Disney characters and a 1,027-piece band. 1990 - This was a watershed day in the Middle East. Iraq announced that it had annexed the kingdom of Kuwait -- moving over 200,000 troops into the tiny, oil-rich country. As Iraq declared Kuwait to be its 19th Providence, U.S. President George Bush (I) warned Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, �A line has been drawn in the sand,� and American forces began moving into Saudi Arabia. Birthdays explorer: North Pole expedition [1908-09 w/Robert Peary]; died Mar 9, 1955 1899 - Russell Markert choreographer: founded, directed: Radio City Music Hall Rockettes; died Dec 1, 1990 1907 - Benny Carter jazz musician: Honeysuckle Rose, Crazy Rhythm; arranger: I�m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket, One, Two, Button Your Shoe; composer: Jazz ****tail, When Lights are Low; LPs: Benny Carter�s All Stars, American Jazz Orchestra, Central Cities Sketches, Somebody Loves Me; died July 12, 2003 1910 - Sylvia Sidney (Sophia Kosow) actress: Beetlejuice, You Only Live Once, Les Miserables, Love from a StrangerFantasy Island [1998 series]; died July 1, 1999 1919 - Dino De Laurentiis producer: The Bible, Barbarella, Jaws IV 1921 - Webb Pierce singer: In the Jailhouse Now, Honky Tonk Song, Tupelo County Jail, I�ve Got Leaving on My Mind, Back Street Affair, There Stands the Glass; died Feb 24, 1991 1921 - Esther Williams swimmer, actress: Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Dangerous When Wet, Neptune�s Daughter, Million Dollar Mermaid 1922 - Rory Calhoun (Francis Durgin) actor: Angel, Apache Uprising, River of No Return, Treasure of Pancho Villa; died Apr 28, 1999 1923 - Jimmy Witherspoon singer: Ain�t Nobody�s Business, Some of My Best Friends are the Blues, You�re Next; died Sep 18, 1997 1926 - Richard Anderson actor: The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, Escape from Fort Bravo, The Long Hot Summer, Hit the Deck 1926 - Urbie (Urban) Green musician: trombonist: played w/Cab Calloway 1927 - Johnny (John Ellis) Temple baseball: Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Redlegs [all-star: 1956, 1957, 1959], Cleveland Indians [all-star: 1961], Baltimore Orioles, Houston Colt .45�s; died Jan 09, 1994 1930 - Joan Mondale (Adams) wife of 42nd U.S. Vice-President Walter �Fritz� Mondale 1932 - Mel Tillis singer, songwriter: I Believe In You, Coca-Cola Cowboy, Ruby Don�t Take Your Love to Town, Detroit City, I Ain�t Never, Commercial Affection, Good Woman Blues; autobiography: Stutterin� Boy 1933 - Joe Tex (Arrington, Jr.) singer: I Gotcha, Hold What You�ve Got, Skinny Legs and All, Ain�t Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman; died Aug 13, 1982 1936 - Frank (Oliver) �Hondo� Howard �The Capital Punisher�: baseball: LA Dodgers [Rookie of the Year: 1960/World Series: 1963], Washington Senators [all-star: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971], Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers 1937 - Dustin Hoffman Academy Award-winning actor: Rain Man [1989], Kramer vs. Kramer [1980]; The Graduate, Tootsie, Midnight Cowboy, Little Big Man, Dick Tracy, Hook, Search for Tomorrow, Outbreak, Sphere 1938 - Connie Stevens (Concetta Ingolia) singer: Sixteen Reasons, Kookie, Kookie [Lend Me Your Comb]; actress: Hawaiian Eye, The Grissom Gang, Parrish, Back to the Beach 1939 - Phil Balsley singer: group: The Statler Brothers: Flowers on the Wall, Bed of Roses 1947 - Jose (Dilan) Cruz baseball: SL Cardinals, Houston Astros [all-star: 1980, 1985], NY Yankees 1947 - Larry Wilcox actor: Lassie, CHiPs, The Dirty Dozen, Mission Manila, National Lampoon�s Loaded Weapon 1 1949 - Keith Carradine actor: Pretty Baby, The Long Riders, The Moderns, Kung Fu, Will Rogers Follies, Nashville; singer: I�m Easy 1949 - Brian Sipe football: Cleveland Browns: NFL Player of the Year [1980]; U.S. Football League [1985-86] 1950 - Andy Fairweather Low musician: guitar, singer: group: Amen Corner: Gin House Blues, Bend Me Shape Me, [If Paradise Is] Half as Nice, Natural Sinner 1951 - Randy Shilts journalist, writer: And the Band Played On: Politics, People and the AIDS Epidemic; died Feb 17, 1994 1952 - Mike (Michael Wilson) Ivie baseball: SD Padres, SF Giants, Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers 1953 - Donny Most actor: Happy Days, Stewardess School, Dead Man�s Island 1956 - Chris Foreman musician: guitar: group: Madness: The Prince, Don�t Quote Me on That, Our House, My Girl, Baggy Trousers, Embarrassment, Return of the Los Palmos Seven, Cardiac Arrest, House of Fun, Tomorrow�s Just Another Day, Ghost Train 1958 - Harry Crosby singer; actor: Friday the 13th, Private History of a Campaign that Failed; Son of Bing Crosby and Kathryn Grant 1958 - Deborah Norville TV host: Today, Inside Edition 1961 - David Evans �The Edge�: musician: guitar: soundtrack: Captive; group: U2: I Will Follow, Fire, Gloria, New Year�s Day, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Pride [In the Name of Love] 1976 - J.C. Chasez singer: group: �N Sync: I Want You Back, Tearin� Up My Heart, Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You, I Drive Myself Crazy, Music Of My Heart 1977 - Lindsay Sloane actress: Mr. Rhodes, The Wonder Years, Dharma & Greg, Working, My So-Called Life, Between Mother and Daughter 1988 - Beatrice (Beatrice Elizabeth Mary Windsor) Princess of York. 1951 Too Young - Nat King Cole Mister and Mississippi - Patti Page Because of You - Tony Bennett I Wanna Play House with You - Eddy Arnold 1959 Lonely Boy - Paul Anka A Big Hunk o� Love - Elvis Presley My Heart is an Open Book - Carl Dobkins, Jr. Waterloo - Stonewall Jackson 1967 Light My Fire - The Doors All You Need is Love - The Beatles A Whiter Shade of Pale - Procol Harum I�ll Never Find Another You - Sonny James 1975 One of These Nights - Eagles Jive Talkin� - Bee Gees Please Mr. Please - Olivia Newton-John Just Get Up and Close the Door - Johnny Rodriguez 1983 Every Breath You Take - The Police Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Eurythmics She Works Hard for the Money - Donna Summer ;) Your Love�s on the Line - Earl Thomas Conley 1991 (Everything I Do) I Do It for You - Bryan Adams P.A.S.S.I.O.N. - Rythm Syndicate Summertime - D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince She�s in Love with the Boy - Trisha Yearwood Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 221st day of 2007 - 144 remaining. Thursday, August 9, 2007 LET'S GO FISHING DAY. :D A long, long time ago -- several centuries, to be exact -- Isaac Walton (often spelled Isaak Walton) was born in Stafford, England. It was 1593 and his parents had no idea that they were going to raise a fishing expert, and a knighted one, at that. When Isaac was growing up he spent a lot of time studying the art of fishing. By the time he was seventy years old, he had written the masterwork on angling, titled, The Compleat Angler. Sir Isaac Walton was pretty clear about the fact that no matter how many years you've spent fishing, you'll never quite get it right, even if you read his book. He said, "Angling may be said to be so like the mathematics, that it can never be fully learned." Gone fishing. 1831 - The first steam locomotive train began its inaugural run, between Albany and Schenectady, in New York. 1859 - Nathan Ames of Saugus, MA patented the escalator. Please hold on to the handrails, make sure you are wearing shoes and secure all personal belongings -- including small children. And, just because these things tend to run slow, that's no excuse for running up the escalator steps, OK? Thank you. 1893 - America's first bowling magazine was published in New York City. Take a guess as to its title: (a) American Bowler, (b) Pins & Kegglers, (c) Gut Holz, (d) Alley News or (e) Strikes 'N Spares. If you picked anything other than (c) Gut Holz, you rolled a gutter ball. 1910 - Alva J. Fisher of Chicago, IL received a patent for an invention that moms, grandmas and single guys certainly came to appreciate: the electric washing machine. Previous to Mr. Fisher's invention, washing machines were cranked by hand (not easily done) -- or you used a washboard (also sometimes used as a musical instrument). 1932 - Helen Morgan joined the Victor Young orchestra to record Bill, a popular tune from Broadway's Showboat. 1936 - Jesse Owens became the first American to win four medals in one Olympics. Owens ran one leg of the winning 400-meter relay team in Berlin. His three other gold medals were won in the 100-meter, 200-meter and the long jump events. 1942 - CBS radio debuted Our Secret Weapon. It was a program that featured Rex Stout, who countered lies being broadcast by the Axis powers through shortwave radio. 1945 - 'Fat Man', a plutonium bomb carried by the U.S.A. B-29 bomber, Bockscar, was scheduled to be dropped on the Japanese city of Kokura. It was three days after the U.S. had dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The weather made visibility poor, so the aircraft passed Kokura and chose its secondary target, Nagasaki. Fat Man destroyed over half of Nagasaki and killed more than 70,000 people. This was the end of World War II. Japan surrendered unconditionally the following day. 1957 - Paul Anka, at fifteen years of age, was headed up the pop charts with Diana. The single spent nine weeks (out of a total of eighteen on the charts) at #1. 1963 - The TV program Ready Steady Go! premiered on ITV in London, England. The show gave exposure to such music luminaries as Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones. 1969 - Hot Fun in The Summertime, by Sly and the Family Stone, and Easy to Be Hard, from the Broadway production Hair, were released on this day. Hot Fun made it to number two on the music charts (10/18/69) and Easy to Be Hard climbed to number four (9/27/69). 1969 - Cult leader Charles Manson and his disciples committed one of Los Angeles' most heinous crimes. They entered the home of movie director Roman Polanski and brutally murdered Polanski's wife (actress Sharon Tate), movie director Voityck Frykowski, famous hair stylist Jay Sebring, student Steven Parent and coffee heiress Abigail Folger. 1971 - LeRoy Satchel Paige, one of baseball's pitching legends, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. 1974 - At noon on this day, U.S. President Richard Nixon's resignation was official. Mr. Nixon, the subject of the Watergate scandal, had been facing possible impeachment. The previous evening he had given a speech to the American people announcing his resignation. He was the first U.S. President to resign. 1975 - New Orleans, Louisiana was full of celebration -- and it wasn't even Mardi Gras time. The Superdome was opened as the hometown Saints met the Houston Oilers in an exhibition football game. The Oilers won handily, 31-7, in what was described as "a very lackluster" game. There is nothing lackluster about the Superdome though. The Superdome cost $163 million to construct -- and really is super! 1981 - Major-league baseball teams resumed play at the conclusion of the first mid-season players' strike. The first game on the schedule following the bitter strike was the All-Star Game. The National League won the game 5-4. 72,086 diehard baseball fans (a record) came out to see the game at Cleveland's cavernous Municipal Stadium -- and welcome the players back. 1984 - Daley Thompson of Great Britain won the Olympic decathlon at the Summer Games in Los Angeles. Thompson joined Bob Mathias as the only decathletes to win back-to-back gold medals in the event. 1987 - The Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH welcomed Larry Csonka, Len Dawson, 'Mean' Joe Greene, John Henry Johnson, Jim Langer, Don Maynard and Gene Upshaw into the sports shrine. 1988 - President Reagan nominated Lauro F. Cavazos to be secretary of education. Cavazos was the first Hispanic in U.S. history to be named to a cabinet position. On Sep 20, 1988, he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. President George Bush (I) asked him to continue as Secretary following the Nov 1988 election and he remained in that position until resigning in December 1990. 1995 - Jerry Garcia, 53-year-old guitarist and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, died at a Northern California residential drug treatment center. Cause of death was a heart attack. 1999 - "She meant everything to me," said actor William Shatner after the death of his wife, Nerine. He had found her dead in the swimming pool of their Studio City, California home. "My beautiful wife is dead. She meant everything to me. Her laughter, her tears and her joy will remain with me the rest of my life." 1999 - "On a grand night for hitters, pitchers got slammed," as AP sports writer Ronald Blum put it, "for the first time in 129 years of major league baseball, five grand slams were hit in one day." 1) Fernando Tatis (St. Louis Cardinals), 2) Jose Vidro (Montreal Expos), 3) Mike Lowell (Florida Marlins), 4) Bernie Williams (NY Yankees) ... 5) Jay Buhner of the Seattle Mariners, being the last to hit the slam, actually set the record. author: The Compleat Angler; died Dec 15, 1683; see Let's Go Fishing Day [above] 1901 - Charles Farrell actor: My Little Margie; developer [w/Ralph Bellamy]: Palm Springs Racquet Club; died May 6, 1990 1902 - Zino (Rene) Francescatti French concert violinist; died Sep 17, 1991 1919 - Ralph (George 'Major') Houk baseball: catcher: NY Yankees [World Series: 1947, 1952]; manager: Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, NY Yankees 1925 - Len Sutton auto racer: finished second to teammate, Rodger Ward at 1962 Indianapolis 500 [by 11.52 seconds] 1927 - Robert Shaw actor: Battle of the Bulge, Black Sunday, The Deep, Force 10 from Navarone, From Russia with Love, A Man for All Seasons, Jaws; died Aug 28, 1978 Basketball Hall of Famer: Boston Celtics: NBA MVP [1957]; autobiography: The Killer Instinct; actor: Blue Chips 1931 - Gene 'Big Daddy' Lipscomb (Eugene Allen Lipscomb) football [defensive tackle]: U.S. Marine Corps; NFL: LA Rams, Baltimore Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers; died May 10, 1963 1934 - Merle Kilgore Songwriter Hall of Famer: Ring of Fire, More and More, Johnny Reb, Wolverton Mountain, Dear Mama, Love Has Made You Beautiful, Fast Talking Louisiana Man 1936 - Julian (Manuel Liranzo) Javier baseball: SL Cardinals [all-star: 1963, 1968/World Series: 1964, 1967, 1968], Cincinnati Reds [World Series: 1972] 1938 - Rod Laver tennis champion: Australian Open [1960, 1962, 1969], French Open [1962, 1969], Wimbledon [1961, 1962, 1968, 1969], U.S. Open [1962, 1969] singer: group: Spinners: Could It Be I'm Falling in Love, One of a Kind [Love Affair], The Rubberband Man, They Just Can't Stop It [Games People Play] baseball: pitcher: Cincinnati Redlegs, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Senators, LA Dodgers {World Series: 1965, 1966/all-star: 1967, 1970, 1973], Houston Astros, SL Cardinals, Chicago White Sox 1942 - Tommy (Lee) Agee baseball: Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox [all-star: 1966, 1967], NY Mets [World Series: 1969], Houston Astros, SL Cardinals; died Jan 22, 2001 Emmy Award-winning comic writer: The 63rd & 64th Annual Academy Awards [1990-1991, 1991-1992]; TV host: The Music Scene; comedian: The David Steinberg Show, Second City Boxing Hall of Famer: heavyweight boxing champ [1978] 1944 - Sam Elliott actor: Gettysburg, Lonesome Dove, Mask, Tombstone, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, TVs Mission Impossible 1946 - Jim Kiick football: Miami Dolphins running back: Super Bowl VI, VII, VIII 1949 - Ted (Lyle) Simmons baseball: SL Cardinals [all-star: 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1979}, Milwaukee Brewers [all-star: 1981, 1983/World Series: 1982], Atlanta Braves 1951 - Steve (Steven Eugene) Swisher baseball: catcher: Chicago Cubs [all-star: 1976], SL Cardinals, SD Padres 1952 - John Cappelletti football: Penn State: Heisman Trophy Winner [1973]; LA Rams, San Diego Chargers 1955 - Benjamin Orr (Orzechowski) musician: bass guitar, singer: group: The Cars: My Best Friend's Girl, Just What I Needed, Let's Go, You Might Think, Magic, Drive, Tonight She Comes; solo: LP: The Lace; died Oct 3, 2000 1957 - Melanie Griffith actress: Working Girl, Night Moves, Smile, A Stranger Among Us, Born Yesterday, Mulholland Falls, Lolita [1997], Crazy in Alabama; actress Tippi Hedren's daughter actress: Married......with Children; director: Dharma & Greg, Veronica's Closet 1959 - Kurtis Blow (Walker) 1944 I'll Be Seeing You - The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (vocal: Frank Sinatra) Amor - Bing Crosby Swinging on a Star - Bing Crosby Is You is or is You Ain't (Ma' Baby) - Louis Jordan 1952 Walkin' My Baby Back Home - Johnnie Ray Auf Wiedersehn, Sweetheart - Vera Lynn I'm Yours - Don Cornell Are You Teasing Me - Carl Smith 1960 Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini - Brian Hyland It's Now or Never - Elvis Presley Image of a Girl - Safaris Please Help Me, I'm Falling - Hank Locklin 1968 Hello, I Love You - The Doors Classical Gas - Mason Williams Stoned Soul Picnic - The 5th Dimension Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash 1976 Don't Go Breaking My Heart - Elton John & Kiki Dee Let 'Em In - Wings You Should Be Dancing - Bee Gees Golden Ring - George Jones & Tammy Wynette 1984 When Doves Cry - Prince Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr. Mama He's Crazy - The Judds Those were the days, my friend. We thought they'd never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 222nd day of 2007 - 143 remaining. Friday, August 10, 2007 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION DAY. :) The famous Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. was established on this day in 1846 by the United States Congress as an institute of learning. An Englishman, James Smithson, made it possible to create the institute with his generous monetary gift of $500,000; hence, the name, Smithsonian. The Smithsonian Institution supports a wide variety of research projects and publications. It also houses the national museums of natural history, technology, art and history. One of the most popular is the National Air Museum which contains the Wright Brothers original biplane and Charles Lindbergh�s plane, The Spirit of St. Louis. Often referred to as America�s attic, the Smithsonian has a little something for everyone from every era and pertaining to all subject matter. You�ll even find Archie Bunker�s chair at the Smithsonian Institution. Events August 10th. 1821 - Missouri or �muddy water� was the name of the river and the Indian tribe that lived in the area ... long before Missouri became the 24th state of the USA on this day. Missouri, the gateway to the West, calls the hawthorn its state flower and the bluebird, its state bird. St. Louis (1820) and St. Charles (1821-1826) were both capital cities of Missouri before Jefferson City. Missouri is also known as the Show Me State. In 1899, Missouri Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver said, �...frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me.� The phrase stuck. 1833 - Chicago, Illinois was incorporated on this day, not as a city, but as a village. The Windy City had a population of less than 200 at the time. 1869 - O.B. Brown of Malden, MA patented the motion-picture projector. Unfortunately, there were no films yet available. Popcorn was around, however. 1885 - The nation�s first electric streetcar railway opened in Baltimore, MD. 1929 - Grover Cleveland Alexander of the St. Louis Cardinals got his final major-league baseball win as he defeated Philadelphia 19-16. Alexander tied Christy Mathewson for the National League record of career victories with a total of 373. Alexander got his first major-league win in 1911. He played for three National League teams: Philadelphia, Chicago and St. Louis. 1954 - Workers at the Studebaker auto plant in South Bend, IN agreed to take pay cuts of from $12 to $20 weekly in an attempt to help the faltering automaker. The plan didn�t help. Studebaker was soon out of business because of increased competition from Ford, General Motors and Chrysler. 1954 - Sir Gordon Richards announced his retirement as a racing jockey to become a trainer. Sir Gordon rode 4,870 winners into the winner�s circle in his 34-year racing career. 1965 - Karen Muir of Kimberley, South Africa, age 12 (and 328 days), set a women�s world record this day. Young Karen did the 110-yard backstroke in 1:08.7 at Blackpool, England. If you�re wondering, since 1969, world records have been recognized using metric distances only. 1973 - For the first time in his golfing career, Arnold Palmer failed to make the cut for the final two rounds of the PGA Golf Championship. This one was in Cleveland, OH. 1981 - Pete Rose of the Philadelphia Phillies connected for career hit number 3,631, becoming the National League leader for hits, breaking the record set by Stan �The Man� Musial. Rose had been one hit away from that record before a 50-day players� strike kept the mark at bay. At the time, Rose was third on the all-time hit list -- behind Ty Cobb and Hank Aaron. 1984 - Mary Decker�s chances for a medal in the 3,000-meter run at the Summer Olympics fell to the ground in Los Angeles. Zola Budd, representing great Britain, collided with Decker. The U.S. runner, and the favorite to win, fell, sprawling off the track. 1985 - Madonna�s album Like a Virgin became the first solo album by a female artist to be certified for sales of five million copies. 1986 - Billy Martin�s uniform number 1 was retired by the New York Yankees. He was the 13th Yankee great to receive the honor. 1987 - A Chorus Line celebrated its 5,000th performance. It was estimated that 25 million theatre goers had seen the musical since it opened in 1975. An estimated 16.7 million people had seen the show on Broadway, with another 8.3 million taking in the touring production. A Chorus Line became the longest-running show on The Great White Way on September 29, 1983 and ended its Broadway run in 1990. 1987 - The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above the 2600 mark, after a gain of 43.84 points. At the closing bell, the Dow Jones industrials were at 2635.84. That�s it from the Financial Desk... 1995 - Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols were indicted (11 counts each) for bombing the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The April 19, 1995 blast killed 168 people . The first three counts of the indictment were for conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction to kill people and destroy federal property. The eight remaining counts were for killing federal law enforcement agents. 2000 - The California State Legislature approved a bill to make March 31, the birthday of the late labor leader Cesar Chavez (he died in 1993), a holiday for state workers. Gov. Gray Davis signed the bill into law on August 18, 2000. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said, �Cesar Chavez is the first union leader in the United States to be celebrated with a paid holiday, what could be more important as Latinos are changing the face of America?� Birthdays August 10th. 1874 - Herbert (Clark) Hoover 31st U.S. President [1929-1933]; married to Lou Henry [two sons]; first U.S. President born west of the Mississippi River; first to have a telephone at his desk; died Oct 20, 1964 1898 - Jack (John Joseph) Haley actor: The Wizard of Oz, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, Alexander�s Ragtime Band; died June 6, 1979 1902 - Norma Shearer Academy Award-winning actress: The Divorcee [1929-30]; The Barretts of Wimpole Street, Private Lives, Romeo and Juliet; died June 12, 1983 1913 - Noah Beery Jr. actor: The Rockford Files, Walking Tall, Seven Faces of Dr. Lao, The Bastard, Fastest Gun Alive, Million Dollar Kid; died Nov 1, 1994 1913 - Steve Nagy ABC & PBA Hall of Famer: bowler of the year [1952, 1955]; first bowler to roll a perfect 300 game on TV; PBA�s Steve Nagy Sportsmanship Award named for him; died Nov 10, 1966 1914 - Jeff Corey actor: Color of Night, Conan the Destroyer, Sinatra, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Beneath the Planet of the Apes, The Boston Strangler; died Aug 16, 2002 1923 - Rhonda Fleming (Marilyn Louis) actress: Stage Door, The Best of Broadway, Little Egypt, Inferno; operates cancer clinic for women 1926 - Junior Samples comedian: Hee Haw; died Nov 13, 1983 1928 - Jimmy Dean (Seth Ward) Grammy Award-winning singer: Big Bad John [1961]; P.T. 109, I.O.U.; TV host: The Jimmy Dean Show; sausage mogul 1928 - Eddie Fisher singer: Oh! My Pa-Pa, Anytime, Dungaree Doll, A Man Chases a Girl, Wedding Bells, Heart, On the Street Where You Live, Cindy, Oh Cindy, Song of the Dreamer; TV host: Coke Time with Eddie Fisher; actor: All About Eve, Bundle of Joy, Butterfield 8; father of Carrie Fisher and Tricia Leigh Fisher 1933 - Rocky (Rocco Domenico) Colavito baseball: Cleveland Indians [4 home runs in a row: 6/10/1959/all-star: 1959, 1965, 1966], Detroit Tigers [all-star: 1961, 1962], KC Athletics [all-star: 1964], Chicago White Sox, LA Dodgers, NY Yankees 1940 - Bobby Hatfield singer: group: The Righteous Brothers: You�ve Lost that Lovin� Feelin�, Just Once in My Life, Unchained Melody, Ebb Tide, [You�re My] Soul and Inspiration, Rock and Roll Heaven; died Nov 5, 2003 1943 - Ronnie Spector (Veronica Bennett) singer: group: The Ronettes: Be My Baby, Baby I Love You; solo: Try Some Buy Some, Say Goodbye to Hollywood 1947 - Ian Anderson musician: flute, singer: group: Jethro Tull: Bungle in the Jungle, Living in the Past 1947 - George Buehler football: Oakland Raiders guard: Super Bowl XI 1949 - Ralph Simpson basketball: Michigan State, Chicago Bulls 1959 - Rosanna Arquette actress: Pulp Fiction, Silverado, Desperately Seeking Susan, New York Stories, The Executioner�s Song, After Hours 1960 - Antonio Banderas (Jos� Antonio Dom�nguez Banderas) actor: Too Much, Never Talk to Strangers, Assassins, Interview with the Vampire, Philadelphia, Against of the Wind, Law of Desire, Labyrinth of Passion, Los Tarantos, The Mask of Zorro; fashion model: Ralph Lauren, Gucci 1961 - Jon Farriss musician: drums, singer: group: INXS: Just Keep Walking, The One Thing, Original Sin, Melting in the Sun, This Time 1965 - Claudia Christian actress: Babylon 5, Dallas, The Calendar Girl Murders, A Wing and a Prayer, The Substitute 3: Winner Takes All, Atlantis: The Lost Empire 1967 - Riddick Bowe boxing champion: world heavyweight [1992] 1968 - Michael Bivins singer: groups: New Edition, Bell Biv DeVoe 1972 - Angie Harmon actress: Law & Order, Baywatch Nights, Lawn Dogs, Batman Beyond. Chart Toppers 1945 Dream - The Pied Pipers I Wish I Knew - Dick Haymes If I Loved You - Perry Como Oklahoma Hills - Jack Guthrie 1953 No Other Love - Perry Como I�m Walking Behind You - Eddie Fisher I Believe - Frankie Laine 1961 Tossin� and Turnin� - Bobby Lewis I Like It Like That - Chris Kenner Last Night - Mar-Keys I Fall to Pieces - Patsy Cline 1969 In the Year 2525 - Zager & Evans Crystal Blue Persuasion - Tommy James & The Shondells Honky Tonk Women - The Rolling Stones ;) All I Have to Offer You (Is Me) - Charley Pride 1977 I Just Want to Be Your Everything - Andy Gibb I�m in You - Peter Frampton Best of My Love - Emotions Rollin� with the Flow - Charlie Rich 1985 Shout - Tears for Fears Never Surrender - Corey Hart The Power of Love - Huey Lewis & The News I�m for Love - Hank Williams, Jr. Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 223rd day of 2007 - 142 remaining. Saturday, August 11, 2007 ...---... DAY. :) The international distress call, SOS, which replaced CQD (All stations -- distress!), was first used by an American ship on this day in 1909. The ocean liner Arapahoe found itself in trouble off Cape Hatteras, NC. The ship�s wireless operator, T. D. Haubner, radioed for help when his ship lost its screw propeller near the �Graveyard of the Atlantic�, Diamond Shoals. The call was heard by the United Wireless station at Hatteras. Contrary to popular opinion, SOS (which has no stops between the letters, the signal being a continuous signal of three dots, three dashes and three dots) is not an acronym for any series of words such as Save Our Ship or Save Our Souls. The original call for distress began with the British CQ, meaning �All Stations�, used by telegraph and cable operators worldwide. The D for �distress� was added to CQ by the Marconi company in 1904. In 1906, at the Berlin Radiotelegraphic Conference, the German�s general inquiry call, SOE, was suggested as an international distress signal. Changing the E to S gave the signal its unmistakeable character, and SOS was officially ratified as the international distress signal in 1908, although it was not officially adopted by the USA until 1912 (prompted by the Titanic tragedy). It is interesting to note that the Titanic�s radio operator sent Marconi�s CQD code six times before using the four-year-old international SOS signal some twenty minutes later ... as Marconi waited in NY to make the return trip to England on the ill-fated ship. Globe Wireless, a Louisiana company, began operation that same year, as rules and regulations following the sinking of the Titanic included the requirement that all ships carry equipment capable of sending and receiving Morse code messages over VHF radio frequencies. On July 12, 1999, Globe Wireless broadcast its last Morse code message to ships, five months after Morse code was no longer an internationally acceptable form of communication for ships at sea. Globe�s was the last service of its kind in North America. Morse code and its SOS signal began its demise in the 1960s as faster more efficient forms of transmission became available. Today, most ships use mobile phones, fax machines, and e-mail to communicate. The Global Maritime Distress and Safety system, which uses the satellite-based Global Positioning System, is now the internationally accepted manner in which to transmit a ship�s exact location and problem ... instantly. In comparison, SOS and other Morse code transmissions which were the high tech methods of 1909, were �very slow, unreliable ... if you�re lucky, you can send 25 words a minute�, stated Globe Wireless Manager Karl Halvorsen. His and other similar companies around the world now provide the instant message services to ships that are used on land. SOS ...---... Morse code is sinking. Events August 11th. 1874 - Harry S. Parmelee of New Haven, CT gave us reason to relax and cool off on this hot summer day. Mr. Parmelee received a patent for the sprinkler head. 1896 - Harvey Hubbell of Bridgeport, CT received a patent for the pull-chain, electric-light socket! Pull the chain, the light goes on. Pull it again, the light goes off. Pull it again and the chain comes off... 1924 - The first newsreel pictures of U.S. presidential candidates were taken -- in Washington, DC. 1941 - Glenn Miller and his Orchestra recorded Elmer�s Tune on Bluebird Records. 1943 - Benjamin F. White became the first four-time winner of the Hambletonian. White rode Solo Song to the win in a field of 11 racehorses. 1951 - WCBS-TV in New York City televised the first baseball doubleheader -- in color. The Brooklyn Dodgers and the Boston Braves were featured, with the Dodgers winning, 8-1. 1958 - Elvis Presley received a gold record for the hit, Hard Headed Woman. The song was featured in the movie King Creole. 1961 - Warren Spahn of the Milwaukee Braves got his 300th major-league victory as he beat the Chicago Cubs, 2-1. 1965 - Thirty-four people died, more than 3,000 were arrested and there was over $40 million in damage to property in the Watts area of Los Angeles. All of this was the result of a six-day riot which began on this day, and was caused by a minor confrontation between the California Highway Patrol and two young black men. 1968 - It was the start of National Apple Week in England. The Beatles launched their new record label, Apple. 1970 - Jim Bunning of the Philadelphia Phillies became the first pitcher since Cy Young to win 100 games in each of the two major leagues. Bunning, who later became a U.S. Senator, pushed the Phils over the Houston Astros, by a score of 6-5. 1971 - Harmon Killebrew of the Minnesota Twins got the 500th and 501st home runs of his major-league baseball career. 1971 - Republican New York mayor John Lindsay had a change of political heart as he made the switch from the GOP to the Democratic Party. 1977 - Pistol Pete Maravich signed a five-year basketball contract with the New Orleans Jazz for $3 million. 1984 - The Cincinnati Reds honored All-Star and Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench by retiring his uniform (#5) this day. 1984 - U.S. President Ronald Reagan was preparing for his weekly radio broadcast when, during testing of the microphone, the President said of the Soviet Union, �...I have signed legislation that will outlaw Russia. We begin bombing in five minutes.� The remark was made during a time when technicians had the microphone open and the President didn�t think he was being heard. He was just jesting as he was testing. Funny, actually, that this could happen to �Dutch� Reagan -- a former radio sportscaster for WHO in Des Moines, Iowa and other radio stations -- not to mention TV and film. The remark, literally, bombed ... though nothing more serious happened. 1987 - Sgt. Pepper�s Lonely Hearts Club Band was called "the best album made during the last 20 years" by the respected music publication, Rolling Stone magazine. 1992 - The Mall of America opened in Bloomington, Minnesota. It was the largest retail and entertainment complex in the United States. 1998 - British Petroleum announced it was buying, er, merging with Amoco Corp. of the U.S. in a $53-billion deal. BP was already the world�s third-largest oil company, and the deal made it a bigger rival to No. 1 Royal Dutch/Shell and No. 2 Exxon. 1999 - A rare tornado touched down in downtown Salt Lake City, killing one person (the first recorded tornado death in the state�s history). Birthdays August 11th. 1807 - David Atchison politician: organizer of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad; president pro tempore of the U.S. Senate, president of U .S. for one day [March 4, 1849], the Sunday before Zachary Taylor (refused to be inaugurated on a Sunday) was sworn in; Atchison counties in KS and MO are named for him; died Jan 26, 1886 1862 - Carrie Bond composer: I Love You Truly, A Perfect Day; died Dec 28, 1946 1902 - Lloyd (Benedict) Nolan Emmy Award-winning actor: The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial [1955]; Airport, Hannah and Her Sisters, Earthquake, Ice Station Zebra, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Peyton Place, Julia, Martin Kane, Private Eye; died Sep 27, 1985 1912 - Jean Parker (Lois Green Zelinska) actress: Apache Uprising, The Gunfighter, The Texas Rangers, Little Women [1933]; died Nov 30, 2005 1913 - Bob (Robert Boden) Scheffing baseball: catcher: Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, SL Cardinals; died Oct 26, 1985 1921 - Alex Haley Pulitzer Prize-winning author: Roots [1977]; The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Queen; died Feb 10, 1992 1925 - Mike Douglas (Dowd) TV host: The Mike Douglas Show; singer: The Men in My Little Girl�s Life; The Music Show, Kay Kyser�s Kollege of Musical Knowledge; died Aug 11, 2006 1925 - Carl Rowan journalist: NBC News, Chicago Daily News; author: Dream Makers, Dream Breakers: The World of Justice Thurgood Marshall, Breaking Barriers, Wait Till Next Year, Go South in Sorrow, South of Freedom; director: U.S. Information Agency; U.S. Ambassador to Finland; died Sep 23, 2000 1926 - Claus von Bulow business mogul: subject of film: Reversal of Fortune 1928 - Arlene Dahl actress: Night of the Warrior, Slightly Scarlet, Three Little Words, One Life to Live; author: beauty book series; TV host: Pepsi-Cola Playhouse, Opening Night; wife of actor Fernando Lamas, mother of actor Lorenzo Lamas 1933 - Jerry Falwell leader of religious right: Moral Majority head, preacher; died May 15, 2007 1936 - Bill (William Charles) Monbouquette baseball: pitcher: Boston Red Sox [all-star: 1960, 1962, 1963], Detroit Tigers, NY Yankees, SF Giants 1937 - Anna Massey actress: A Doll�s House, Frenzy, Bunny Lake is Missing, Anna Karenina 1938 - Vada (Edward) Pinson baseball: Cincinnati Redlegs, Cincinnati Reds [all-star: 1959, 1960/World Series: 1961], SL Cardinals, Cleveland Indians, California Angels, KC Royals; died Oct 21, 1995 1941 - Bill Munson football: Utah State Univ., LA Rams, Seattle Seahawks, SD Chargers, Detroit Lions; Asst. G.M.: Buffalo Bills; died July 10, 2000 1942 - Mike Hugg musician: drums: groups: Chapter Three, Manfred Mann: 5-4-3-2-1, Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Oh No Not My Baby, If You Gotta Go Go Now, Just like a Woman, The Mighty Quinn, Pretty Flamingo, Semi-Detached Suburban Mr. James 1942 - Otis Taylor football: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver: UPI AFC Player of the Year [1971]: Super Bowl I, IV 1942 - Guy Villari singer: group: The Regents: Barbara Ann 1943 - Jim Kale musician: bass: group: The Guess Who: No Time, American Woman, No Sugar Tonight, Hand Me Down World, Share the Land, Albert Flasher, Rain Dance, Star Baby, Clap for the Wolfman, Dancin� Fool 1948 - Ken Mendenhall football: Univ. of Oklahoma, Green Bay Packers 1949 - Eric Carmen musician: bass, keyboards, songwriter, singer: group: The Raspberries: Go All the Way; solo: All By Myself, Never Gonna Fall in Love, Almost Paradise, Again, Hungry Eyes, Make Me Lose Control 1950 - Erik Braunn musician: guitar, singer: group: Iron Butterfly: In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida 1950 - Steve Wozniak founder: Apple Computer, Inc [1976: w/Steve Jobs] 1953 - Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea) wrestler, actor: Mr. Nanny, Suburban Commando, Thunder in Paradise 1954 - Joe Jackson singer: Steppin� Out, Is She Really Going Out with Him?, It�s Different for Girls, On the Radio, Happy Ending, Be My Number 2. Chart Toppers 1946 They Say It�s Wonderful - Frank Sinatra The Gypsy - The Ink Spots Surrender - Perry Como New Spanish Two Step - Bob Wills 1954 Sh-Boom - The Crewcuts The Little Shoemaker - The Gaylords In the Chapel in the Moonlight - Kitty Kallen One By One - Kitty Wells & Red Foley 1962 Breaking Up is Hard to Do - Neil Sedaka The Loco-Motion - Little Eva Ahab, the Arab - Ray Stevens Wolverton Mountain - Claude King 1970 (They Long to Be) Close to You - Carpenters Make It with You - Bread Signed, Sealed, Delivered I�m Yours - Stevie Wonder Don�t Keep Me Hangin� On - Sonny James 1978 Miss You - The Rolling Stones Three Times a Lady - Commodores Grease - Frankie Valli Love or Something Like It - Kenny Rogers 1986 Glory of Love - Peter Cetera Papa Don�t Preach - Madonna Mad About You - Belinda Carlisle Rockin� with the Rhythm of the Rain - The Judds Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 224th day of 2007 - 141 remaining. Sunday, August 12, 2007 CAST OF THOUSANDS DAY. :) Important Hollywood film innovations -- the first use of indoor lighting on an actor, the first film to publicize its stars� names, the sneak preview, the concept of different versions of the same movie -- were the creations of moviedom�s Cecil B. (Blount) DeMille. DeMille, born on this day in 1881 in Ashfield, Massachusetts is, however, better known for producing the film spectacular. On that large scale were over seventy films including The Crusades, The Sign of the Cross, King of Kings, Cleopatra, The Plainsman, Reap the Wild Wind, The Buccaneer, and his Academy Award-winner, The Greatest Show on Earth [1952]. Cecil B. DeMille�s all-time greatest show was The Ten Commandments. His first production of this biblical story was in 1923. Then, in 1956, he presented a new epic version (which is shown annually on TV) with the famous cast of thousands. Events August 12th. 1851 - Isaac Singer of New York City patented the double-treadle sewing machine on this day. Although a sewing machine had already been patented, Singer�s sewing machine was revolutionary, having a double treadle. With patent in hand, Isaac set up shop in Boston, Massachusetts and began to manufacture his invention. Even after huge settlements paid to Elias Howe, another sewing machine patent holder, Singer, through business innovations like installment buying, after-sale servicing and trade-in allowances, had the marketplace all sewn up... 1865 - Joseph Lister became the first doctor to use disinfectant during surgery. Hmm. Joseph Lister. That name rings a bell. Yep. Same Joseph Lister as the one whose name is on those bottles of Listerine mouthwash. 1877 - Thomas A. Edison finished figuring out his first phonograph. Edison handed the model of his invention to John Kreusi with instructions on how to build it. Kreusi, a confident man, bet the inventor $2 and said that there was no way that the machine would ever work. He lost the bet. 1879 - The first National Archery Association tournament began in Chicago, IL. No, Robin Hood was nowhere to be seen... 1918 - Regular air-mail service began between New York City and Washington, DC. 1936 - Berlin, Germany was host to the Olympics and the youngest winner of a gold medal (to that day). The U.S.A.�s 13-year-old diver, Marjorie Gestring, won the springboard event. 1937 - Comedian Red Skelton got his first taste of network radio as he appeared on the Rudy Vallee Show on NBC. 1940 - Will Bradley and his trio recorded Down the Road Apiece on Columbia Records. 1964 - For the 10th time in his major-league baseball career, Mickey Mantle hit home runs from both the left and ride sides of the plate in the same game -- setting a new baseball record. Would we call this �am-bat-extrous�? 1966 - The last tour for the Beatles began at the International Amphitheater in Chicago; and John Lennon apologized for boasting that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus Christ. London�s Catholic Herald said Lennon�s comment was �arrogant ... but probably true.� 1967 - Fleetwood Mac made their stage debut at the National Blues and Jazz Festival in Great Britain. 1969 - The Boston Celtics basketball team was sold for $6,000,000. It was the highest dollar figure ever paid for a pro basketball team (to that time). 1973 - Golfer Jack Nicklaus won his 14th major golf title, breaking a record held for nearly 50 years by Bobby Jones. Nicklaus won the PGA Championship for the third time. 1981 - IBM (International Business Machines) introduced the Model 5150 PC (personal computer). The IBM PC ran on the Intel 8088 microprocessor at 4.77 mHz with one or two 160K floppy disk drives. It had 16 kilobytes of memory, expandable to 256k, five 8-bit ISA slots, a 65-watt power supply, no built-in clock, no built-in serial or parallel ports, and no built-in video capability -- it was available with an optional color monitor. MS-DOS 1.0/1.1 was issued with the PC (IBM later released its own operating system: PC-DOS). Prices started at $1,565. The IBM PC was a smashing success and IBM quickly became the #1 microcomputer company, with Apple dropping to #2. 1982 - Terry Felton of the Minnesota Twins set a major-league record for rookie pitchers. He had no wins and 14 losses. Guy Morton of the Cleveland Indians had lost 13 games, but won his 14th, back in 1914. 1982 - The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit bottom, closing at 776.92. The next morning, a bull market began that lasted until the 500-point crash of 1987. 1984 - Luis Aparicio and Don Drysdale, who began their playing careers on the same day (in 1956), were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Also inducted were Pee Wee Reese, Harmon Killebrew and Rick Ferrell. 1986 - Rod Carew became the first player in the history of the California Angels franchise to have his uniform retired. Number 29 played for the Angels for seven years. 1988 - The Last Temptation of Christ, the controversial film directed by Martin Scorsese, opened despite demonstrations and protestations by religious groups. 1992 - The United States, Mexico and Canada agreed to form a free-trade zone that would remove most barriers to trade and investment and create the world�s largest trading bloc: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). 1994 - Woodstock �94 began in Saugerties, New York (it ran thru August 14). 235,000-350,000 rockers attended the show, which featured 30+ bands, included Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sheryl Crow, Areosmith, Metallica and Nine Inch Nails. 1998 - Swiss banks agreed to pay $1.25 billion to settle lawsuits filed by Holocaust survivors and their heirs. The banks had kept millions of dollars deposited by Holocaust victims and their relatives before and during World War II. Birthdays illustrator [of books]: Fables of Aesop, History of Quadrapeds, British Birds; died Nov 8, 1828 1849 - Abbott Thayer artist: created camouflage pattern for military; died in 1921 1880 - Christy (Christopher) �Matty� Mathewson �Big Six�: Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher: developed the screwball; New York Giants {World Series: 1905: shut out Philadelphia in 1st three games, 1911, 1912, 1913], Cincinnati Reds; manager: Cincinnati Reds; coach: NY Giants; president: Boston Braves; died Oct 7, 1925 1881 - Cecil B. (Blount) DeMille Academy Award-winning film producer; died Jan 21, 1959; see Cast of Thousands Day [above] 1910 - Jane Wyatt Emmy Award-winning actress: Father Knows Best [1957, 1958-59, 1959-60]; Gentleman�s Agreement, Lost Horizon, Amityville 4; died Oct 20, 2006 1911 - Cantinflas (Mario Moreno Reyes) comic actor: Around the World in 80 Days, Pepe; Mexico�s vaudeville: carpas; died Apr 20, 1993 1917 - Marjorie Reynolds (Goodspeed) actress: Gone with the Wind, The Time of Their Lives, Doomed to Die1916 - Marjorie Reynolds (Goodspeed) (actress: Gone with the Wind, The Time of Their Lives, Doomed to Die; died Feb 1, 1997) 1919 - Michael Kidd (Milton Greenwald) choreographer, dancer: It�s Always Fair Weather, Smile 1926 - John Derek (Derek Harris) actor: All the King�s Men, Prince of Players, Ambush at Tomahawk Gap, Exodus; director: Bolero; married to Bo Derek; died May 22, 1998 1926 - Joe Jones singer: You Talk Too Much; pianist for B.B. King 1927 - Porter Wagoner singer: Satisfied Mind, Sorrow on the Rocks, Big Wind, Cold Hard Facts of Life, Misery Loves Company, The Carroll County Accident; w/Dolly Parton: Daddy Was An Old-Time Preacher Man, Please Don�t Stop Loving Me; songwriter: Tore Down, I Haven�t Learned a Thing, Ole Slew Foot 1928 - Bob (Robert Ray) Buhl baseball: Milwaukee Braves [World Series: 1957/all-star: 1960], Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies; died Feb 16, 2001 1929 - Buck Owens (Alvis Edgar Owens Jr.) singer: I�ve Got a Tiger by the Tail, Act Naturally, Waiting in Your Welfare Line, Made in Japan; songwriter: Crying Time; TV host: Hee Haw, Buck Owen�s Ranch House; died Mar 25, 2006 1931 - William Goldman screen writer: Marathon Man, The Princess Bride, All the President�s Men, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Chaplin 1933 - Parnelli (Rufus) Jones auto racer: Indianapolis 500 winner [1963] 1939 - George Hamilton actor: Love at First Bite, Act One, The Survivors, Zorro, the Gay Blade, Where the Boys Are, Evel Knievel, The Dead Don�t Die, Doc Hollywood 1939 - Larry Ziegler golf: Senior PGA Tour: in top 70 on the all-time money list 1941 - Jennifer Warren actress: Amazons, Slap Shot, The Intruder Within, Confessions of a Married Man, Fatal Beauty, Partners in Crime 1949 - Mark Knopfler musician: guitar, songwriter, singer: group: Dire Straits: Money for Nothing 1950 - George McGinnis basketball: Indiana University, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers 1954 - Sam J. Jones actor: Texas Payback, Fists of Iron, Thunder in Paradise, Maximum Force, Fist of Honor, Silent Assassins, 10, Flash Gordon, The Highwayman 1954 - Pat Metheny musician: jazz-guitar: LPs: Bright Size Life, Watercolors, Pat Metheny Group, New Chautauqua, American Garage, As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls, Offramp, Travels, Rejoicing, First Circle, Song X, Still Life [Talking] 1959 - Suzanne Vega musician: folk-guitar, singer, songwriter: Luka, Marlene on the Wall, Small Blue Thing, Calypso, Tom�s Diner 1961 - Roy Hay musician: guitar: group: Culture Club: Karma Chameleon 1971 - Pete Sampras tennis champion: Australian Open [[1994], Wimbledon [1993, 94, 95], U.S. Open [1990, 93, 95] 1972 - Rebecca Gayheart actress: Urban Legend, Jawbreaker, Scream 2, Beverly Hills, 90210, Shadow Hours. Chart Toppers 1947 Peg o� My Heart - The Harmonicats I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder - Eddy Howard Chi-Baba, Chi-Baba - Perry Como Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) - Tex Williams 1955 Rock Around the Clock - Bill Haley & His Comets Ain�t that a Shame - Fats Domino Learnin� the Blues - Frank Sinatra I Don�t Care - Webb Pierce 1963 Fingertips - Pt 2 - Little Stevie Wonder Wipe Out - The Surfaris (You�re the) Devil in Disguise - Elvis Presley Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash 1971 How Can You Mend a Broken Heart - The Bee Gees Take Me Home, Country Roads - John Denver Beginnings/Colour My World - Chicago I�m Just Me - Charley Pride 1979 Bad Girls - Donna Summer Good Times - Chic The Main Event/Fight - Barbra Streisand Suspicions - Eddie Rabbitt 1987 I Still Haven�t Found What I�m Looking For - U2 I Want Your Sex - George Michael Heart and Soul - T�Pau One Promise Too Late - Reba McEntire Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 225th day of 2007 - 140 remaining. Monday, August 13, 2007 HOUND DOG DAY. :) On this day in 1952, the original version of Hound Dog was recorded by Willie Mae (Big Mama) Thornton. It was the first hit for the song-writing team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. (Among their other famous hits: Kansas City [Wilbert Harrison], On Broadway [The Drifters], and Stand By Me [Ben E. King]. Four years later, Hound Dog got the world�s attention when it was recorded by Elvis Presley. Musician-composer Johnny Otis (Willie and the Hand Jive) said he helped Leiber and Stoller with the writing of Hound Dog. All was fine as long as Big Mama Thornton was doin� the singing (Otis was her producer); but as soon as the Elvis version started bringing in the bucks, Otis was cut out of the picture. Otis went to court but lost the suit. We think the judge said, �You ain�t nothing but a hound dog, a-cryin� all the time.� And Leiber and Stoller chimed in, �You ain�t no friend of mine.� Events August 13th. 1784 - The Continental Congress met for the final time in Annapolis, Maryland. It moved a few more times, from Philadelphia, PA to New York City and, finally, to its permanent seat of government in Washington, DC. 1867 - Under the Gaslight, by Augustin Daly, opened in New York City. The show went on to become one of the most popular melodramas ever staged in America. 1889 - William Gray of Hartford, CT patented the coin-operated telephone. Please deposit another $8.35, please. And if you listen closely you�ll hear the quarters �bong�, the nickels �boing� and the dimes go �bing-bing�... 1912 - St. Joseph�s College in Philadelphia, PA was granted the first experimental radio license by the U.S. Department of Commerce. 1919 - The previously undefeated racehorse, Man o� War, was upset -- by Upset -- at Saratoga, NY. This turn of events so upset Man o� War that the horse never lost a race again. Man o� War proved to be quite the stud, as well. After wining 1,300 races, he sired 379 foals. The stud fee for Man o� War was $5,000. 1924 - The first country music record to sell one million copies reached that point on this day. It was The Prisoner�s Song, recorded by Vernon Dalhart. The Prisoner�s Song and songs like Molly Darling, Death of Floyd Collins and New River Train helped Dalhart outsell all others during his era (about 75 million records). He became a Country Music Hall of Famer in 1981. 1930 - Guy Lombardo and his orchestra put to wax Go Home and Tell Your Mother, on Columbia Records. 1931 - Elk City, Oklahoma dedicated its new community hospital. It was the first of its kind in the United States. 1934 - Cartoonist Al Capp began his famous comic strip, Li�l Abner. In those early days, the cartoon strip was carried in eight newspapers. Eventually, it would be in more than 500, and would be the basis for a Broadway play and a Hollywood movie, too. 1935 - The first roller derby match was held at the Coliseum in Chicago, IL. 1942 - The Walt Disney classic Bambi opened at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. 1948 - Cleveland Indians rookie pitcher Satchel Paige threw his first complete game in the major leagues. He allowed the Chicago White Sox only five hits in the 5-0 shutout. Incidentally, the rookie pitcher was 42 years old. 1961 - The German city of Berlin was divided by a barbed wire fence. The East Berlin government was adamant in its effort to keep those in the eastern sector from moving into the non-Communist western sector. Even regular telephone and postal service between the sectors was stopped. Several days later, the barbed wire was reinforced with a concrete wall between official crossing points. The Berlin Wall stood as a barrier to freedom for the East Germans until November 9, 1989. 1969 - Bowie Kuhn, who had been the acting commissioner of major-league baseball since February, started this day expecting his term to come to an end. He ended the day having been elected to a seven-year term -- and he stayed on for almost a decade after that first term. 1979 - Lou Brock of the St. Louis Cardinals got his 3,000th career hit while leading the Cardinals past the Chicago Cubs, 3-2. 1986 - United States Football League standout Herschel Walker signed to play with the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. Walker�s contract paid an estimated $5 million over five years. He had been playing for the New Jersey Generals before the USFL went out of business. 1986 - After 22 seasons, Tony Perez of the Cincinnati Reds announced his plan to retire at the end of the 1986 season. That would leave Pete Rose and George Foster as the only remaining, active players from the original Big Red Machine of the 1970s. 1990 - Soul singer/songwriter Curtis Mayfield (Superfly, Freddie�s Dead) was paralyzed from the neck down after a lighting tower fell on him at a concert in Brooklyn, New York. Mayfield died Dec 26, 1999. 1996 - CNN reported that The New York Post reported that Donald Trump planned to construct a 140-story NYSE Tower at the end of Wall Street. �The Donald� said the New York Stock Exchange should be housed in the world�s tallest building, and he was willing to build it. Birthdays August 13th. 1422 - William Caxton printer: 1st to print a book in English language: Recuyell of the Histories of Troy; died in 1491 1818 - Lucy Stone women�s rights activist: member of first Woman�s Rights Convention [1850]; founded [w/husband]: American Suffrage Association; died Oct 18, 1893 1860 - Annie Oakley (Phoebe Anne Oakley Mozee) sharpshooter, performer: Buffalo Bill�s Wild West Show; died Nov 3, 1926 1895 - Bert Lahr (Irving Lahrheim) actor: The Wizard of Oz, Rose Marie, Ship Ahoy, The Night They Raided Minsky�s; died Dec 4, 1967 1899 - Alfred (Joseph) Hitch**** �The Master of Suspense�: director: Psycho, Vertigo, The Birds, Rear Window, Rebecca, To Catch a Thief, Frenzy, Notorious, Suspicion, The Thirty-Nine Steps; TV host: Alfred Hitch**** Presents; died Apr 29, 1980 1902 - Regis Toomey actor: Change of Habit, Warlock, They Died with Their Boots On, Shadows of the Orient, The Curfew Breakers; died Oct 12, 1991 1904 - Charles �Buddy� Rogers actor: Abie�s Irish Rose, Varsity, Mexican Spitfire at Sea, My Best Girl; died Apr 21, 1999 1908 - Gene Raymond (Raymond Guion) actor: Hit the Deck, Flying Down to Rio; host: TV�s Reader�s Digest, Hollywood Summer Theatre, Fireside Theatre; died May 3, 1998 1912 - Ben Hogan golf champion: Masters [1951, 1953], U.S. Open [1948, 1950, 1951, 1953], British Open [1953], PGA [1946, 1948]; died July 25, 1997 1919 - Rex Humbard television evangelist 1919 - George Shearing jazz pianist: September in the Rain, I�ll Take Romance, Changing with the Times; composer: Lullaby of Birdland, Conception, Consternation 1920 - Neville Brand actor: Stalag 17, Birdman of Alcatraz, Riot in Cell Block II, Laredo; U.S. Army: 4th most-decorated [WWII]; died Apr 16, 1992 1926 - Fidel Castro (Ruz) Cuban guerrilla/dictator 1929 - Pat Harrington Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor: One Day at a Time [1983-84]; The Jack Paar Show, The Steve Allen Show, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, The Danny Thomas Show 1930 - Don Ho (Donald Tai Loy Ho) singer: Tiny Bubbles; Waikiki entertainer, host: The Don Ho Show; died April 14, 2007 1930 - Vinegar Bend (Wilmer David) Mizell baseball: pitcher: SL Cardinals [all-star: 1959], Pittsburgh Pirates [World Series: 1960], NY Mets; died Feb 21, 1999 1935 - �Mudcat� (James Timothy �Jim�) Grant baseball: pitcher: Cleveland Indians [all-star: 1963], Minnesota Twins [World Series: 1965/all-star: 1965], LA Dodgers, Montreal Expos, SL Cardinals, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates 1940 - Tony (Lee) Cloninger baseball: pitcher: Milwaukee Braves, Atlanta Braves [only player from National League and only pitcher to have 2 grand slams in a game: July 3, 1966], Cincinnati Reds [World Series: 1970], St. Louis Cardinals 1944 - Kevin Tighe actor: What�s Eating Gilbert Grape, Newsies, Double Cross, City of Hope, Another 48 Hrs., Caught in the Act 1947 - Gretchen Corbett actress: The Rockford Files, Jaws of Satan, Let�s Scare Jessica to Death, The Savage Bees 1948 - Kathleen Battle Metropolitan Opera diva: performed w/NY Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, Orchestre de Paris 1949 - Cliff Fish musician: bassist: group: Paper Lace: The Night Chicago Died 1949 - Andy (Andre) Thornton baseball: Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, Cleveland Indians [all-star: 1982, 1984] 1949 - Bobby Clarke Hockey Hall of Famer: Philadelphia Flyers: Hart Memorial Trophy winner [1973, 75, 76], coach, general manager 1951 - Dan Fogelberg singer: Hard to Say, Longer, Leader of the Band, The Language of Love, Same Old Lang Syne, Run for the Roses 1952 - Don Hardeman football: Texas A&I, NFL: Houston Oilers, TB Buccaneers, Baltimore Colts, NO Saints 1958 - Feargal Sharkey singer: group: The Undertones: Teenage Kicks, Jimmy Jimmy, Here Comes the Summer, My Perfect Cousin, Julie Ocean, Forever Paradise, It�s Going to Happen; solo: Listen to Your Father, A Good Heart, When a Man Loves a Woman, More Love 1959 - Danny Bonaduce actor: The Partridge Family, H.O.T.S., America�s Deadliest Home Video; disc jockey 1967 - Quinn Cummings actress: The Goodbye Girl, The Babysitter, Night Terror, Intimate Strangers. Chart Toppers 1948 It�s Magic - Doris Day Woody Woodpecker Song - The Kay Kyser Orchestra (vocal: Gloria Wood & The Campus Kids) A Tree in the Meadow - Margaret Whiting Bouquet of Roses - Eddy Arnold 1956 My Prayer - The Platters Hound Dog/Don�t Be Cruel - Elvis Presley Whatever Will Be Will Be (Que Sera Sera) - Doris Day I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash 1964 A Hard Day�s Night - The Beatles Everybody Loves Somebody - Dean Martin Where Did Our Love Go - The Supremes Dang Me - Roger Miller 1972 Alone Again (Naturally) - Gilbert O�Sullivan Brandy (You�re a Fine Girl) - Looking Glass (If Loving You is Wrong) I Don�t Want to Be Right - Luther Ingram Bless Your Heart - Freddie Hart & The Heartbeats 1980 Magic - Olivia Newton-John Take Your Time (Do It Right) - The S.O.S. Band Sailing - Christopher Cross Stand by Me - Mickey Gilley 1988 Roll with It - Steve Winwood Hands to Heaven - Breathe Make Me Lose Control - Eric Carmen Don�t Close Your Eyes - Keith Whitley Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 226th day of 2007 - 139 remaining. Tuesday, August 14, 2007 YOU�RE ONLY A NUMBER DAY. Those of you who are American citizens can thank or blame Franklin D. Roosevelt for being identified by a number. It was on this day in 1935 that President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. Your Social Security number is the only number that identifies you and only you. How did this numbering of Americans come to pass? Social security was a campaign promise in the 1932 presidential election. Democrats pledged: �We advocate unemployment and old-age insurance under state laws.� FDR proposed the bill in June of 1934. Conservatives fought it, some believing it would �threaten the integrity of our institutions.� Most supported it, hoping that it would address the long-range problem of economic security for the aged through a system in which workers contributed to their own future retirement. The original Act, signed by FDR, benefited only retiring workers. In 1939, amendments were added to the Social Security Act providing for dependents benefits and survivors benefits, plus the start of monthly benefits. The original payments were in lump sums. The first to receive the lump-sum benefit was Ernest Ackerman, a retired Cleveland motorman. He retired one day after the program began and his five-cent contribution turned into a lump-sum, 17-cent benefit. Mr. Ackerman was the first to benefit, but he was not the first to receive a Social Security number. In fact, no one knows who received the first SSN. The U.S. Postal Service distributed the applications beginning in November 1936, numbers to be assigned at local post offices. The first three digits, the Area Number, assigned by geographical region, first represented the state in which they were issued, and since 1972, represent the ZIP code on the applicant�s mailing address ... not necessarily the state of residence. The second two numbers are the Group Number, further defining the Area Number, but were and are not assigned in consecutive order. Go figure... The last four numbers, the Serial Number, further define the Group Number and are distributed consecutively. Huh? Are you still wondering why the Social Security system is in a mess today? Since even newborns now have to have a Social Security Number, it is safe to say, �you�re only a number.� Events August 14th. 1848 - The U.S. Congress created the Oregon Territory, made up of today�s Oregon, Washington, Idaho and parts of Montana and Wyoming. 1873 - The first issue of Field and Stream magazine was published. 1880 - Exactly 632 years after rebuilding began, the Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Germany, was completed ... only to be damaged again during WWII. The largest Gothic style cathedral in Northern Europe was first built on the same site in 873 A.D., but was destroyed by fire in 1248. Rebuilding began on this day in 1248. 1888 - Oliver B. Shallenberger of Rochester, PA received a patent (#388,003) for the electric meter. Without Shallenberger, we wouldn�t have to pay our electric bills, now would we? 1933 - WLW in Cincinnati, OH premiered Ma Perkins. Just four months later, Ma moved to WMAQ Radio in Chicago and was heard over the entire NBC radio network. Virginia Payne was 23 years old when she started in the title role. Ma Perkins operated a lumberyard in Rushville Center. Her children were Evey, Fay and John (who was killed in the war). One of the other characters in the show was Shuffle Shober. Virginia Payne played Ma Perkins for 27 years -- and 7,065 episodes. 1936 - The first basketball competition was held at the Olympic Games -- in Berlin, Germany. The U.S. defeated Canada, 19-8. 1942 - Garry Moore hosted a new radio program on NBC. The Show Without a Name was an effort to crack the morning show dominance of Arthur Godfrey (CBS) and Don McNeil�s Breakfast Club (ABC). A prize of $500 was offered to name the show and Someone came up with the title, Everything Goes. 1945 - This is the day that U.S. President Harry S Truman announced that Japan had surrendered to the Allies [WWII]. Thousands thronged into the streets throughout the United States to celebrate V-J Day. The official ratification of the surrender didn�t take place until September 2, in Tokyo Bay aboard the USS Missouri. 1945 - CBS radio began the series, Columbia Presents Corwin. Orson Welles did a special reading about the fall of Japan, titled, Fourteen August. 1947 - Mildred �Babe� Didrikson Zaharias turned golfing professional in order to accept $300,000 for a series of golf movies. 1953 - David N. Mullany and his 13-year-old son, David A. Mullany, while trying to come up with a ball that would curve every time it was thrown, wound up inventing the Wiffle Ball. The ball had oblong holes on the top half, and a solid bottom. The original Wiffle bat was wood, but for many years it has been a skinny yellow fungo-shaped plastic bat. You can still buy the bat-and-ball set for a few dollars. 1959 - The first meeting to organize the American Football League was held on this day. 1969 - The New York Mets were 9-1/2 games behind the league-leading Chicago Cubs. The Amazing Mets began a comeback that launched the phrase, �You Gotta Believe,� as they began a drive that took them to the National League pennant and the World Series Championship (over the Baltimore Orioles). It was the first championship for the Mets franchise which began in 1962. 1971 - Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals pitched a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was the first no-hitter against the Pirates since 1955. 1971 - Elton John put the finishing touches to his Madman Across the Water LP at Trident Studios, London. He recorded Indian Sunset, Rotten Peaches and the title song, Madman Across the Water. Tiny Dancer, Levon, Razor Face, Holiday Inn, All the Nasties and Goodbye had been recorded earlier. Since the album�s release on Feb 2, 1972, it has sold over two million copies in the U.S. alone. 1976 - A charity picnic and softball game was staged to raise money for a new softball field and for the Community General Hospital in Monticello, NY. Gager�s Diner and Bend �n Elbow Tavern fielded competing teams (a total of 50 men and 20 women) to play a 365-inning ball game. The game began at 10 a.m. and was finally called because of rain and fog at 4 p.m. the following day. The score was Gager�s Diner 491, Bend �n Elbow Tavern 467. 1981 - The BBC recording of the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana reached number one on the album charts in Britain. 1984 - Patricia (Patty) Ann Reagan married Paul Grilley on a movie set in California. The proud poppa, U.S. President Ronald Reagan, gave his daughter away in the private ceremony. 1984 - IBM released PC-DOS v3.0 for PC/AT (with network support). Remember those AT machines? A 286 processor, 20-30meg hard drive and 256k/512k RAM for somewhere between $6000 and $9000. Ah yes, those were the days. 1987 - Mark McGwire set the record for home runs by a rookie, as he connected for his 39th round-tripper of the season. He got the homer off of 317-game winner Don Sutton of the California Angels. McGwire led the the Oakland Athletics to a 7-6 win -- in 12 innings. 1994 - Nick Price won the PGA Championship at Southern Hills Tulsa, Oklahoma in record fashion. He finished at 11-under-par 269 for 72 holes, six strokes ahead of Corey Pavin. It was the lowest stroke total in any American major championship. That year Price also became one of only six players since 1945 to capture consecutive majors (w/Hogan, Nicklaus, Palmer, Trevino and Watson). 1998 - The Avengers opened in U.S. theatres. Academy Award nominees Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman played John Steed and Mrs. Emma Peel (the British agent and his clever partner). Based on the 1960s TV series, the movie version had Oscar-winner Sean Connery playing the �devilishly clever and completely evil� Sir August De Wynter. But all that talent didn�t pay off this time. The film cost $60 million to produce and earned only $25 million (at U.S. box offices). Birthdays writer: Casey at the Bat; died in 1940 1867 - John Galsworthy Nobel Prize-winning author [1932]; The Forsyte Saga; died Jan 31, 1933 1913 - (Franck) Frank Pourcel composer, violinist: group: The French Fiddles: Only You; died Nov 12, 2000 1926 - Buddy (Armando) Greco singer: Mr. Lonely, The Lady is a Tramp, I Ran All the Way Home; musician: piano 1926 - Alice Ghostley actress: Designing Women, Bewitched, Mayberry R.F.D., The Graduate, To Kill a Mockingbird, With Six You Get Eggroll 1929 - Dick Tiger (Ihetu) International Boxing Hall of Famer: world champion middleweight boxer [1962-1963, 1964], lightweight champion [1965-1968]; bouts: 81 [won 61, lost 17, drew 3, KOs 26]; died Dec 14, 1971 1930 - Earl Weaver baseball: Baltimore Orioles manager; TV analyst: ABC�s Monday Night Baseball, playoffs, World Series; autobiography: It�s What You Learn After You Know It All that Counts 1935 - John Brodie College Football Hall of Famer: Stanford University quarterback; San Francisco 49ers; sportscaster: NBC Sports 1937 - Joe (Joel Edward) Horlen baseball: pitcher: Chicago White Sox [all-star: 1967], Oakland Athletics [World Series: 1972] 1940 - Dash Crofts musician: drums, mandolin, keyboard: w/Champs: Tequila; singer: duo: Seals and Crofts: Summer Breeze, Diamond Girl, Get Closer, We May Never Pass This Way Again, You�re the Love, Hummingbird 1941 - David Crosby (Van Cortland) musician: guitar, songwriter: singer: Immigration Man; groups: The Byrds: Mr. Tambourine Man; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young: Teach Your Children, Woodstock; Suite: Judy Blue Eyes 1941 - Connie Smith (Meadows) singer: Once a Day, Ain�t Had No Lovin�, The Hurtin�s All Over, Baby�s Back Again, Just One Time 1945 - Joyce Kazmierski golf: LPGA Tour pro; LPGA teaching pro; owner: Sun Spirit Golf Tours 1945 - Steve Martin Emmy Award-winning comedy writer: The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour [1968-69]; comedian, actor: All of Me, Roxanne, L.A. Story, Parenthood, Father of the Bride, Dead Men Don�t Wear Plaid, The Jerk, The Man with Two Brains, Three Amigos, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Saturday Night Live 1946 - Antonio Fargas actor: Car Wash, I�m Gonna Git You Sucka!, Shaft, Starsky and Hutch 1946 - Larry Graham musician: bassist, singer: groups: Sly and the Family Stone; Graham Central Station: Your Love; solo: One in a Million, I Never Forgot Your Eyes 1946 - Susan Saint James (Susan Jane Miller) Emmy Award-winning actress: The Name of the Game [1968-69]; McMillan and Wife, Kate and Allie, Carbon Copy, Love at First Bite, Desperate Women 1947 - Danielle Steel (Schuelein-Steel) author: Vanished, Wanderlust, Daddy, The Ring, Secrets, Going Home 1950 - Gary Larson football: Dallas Cowboys linebacker: Super Bowl X 1952 - Debbie Meyer International Women�s Sports and Olympic Hall of Famer: the 1st swimmer to win three gold medals at one single Olympics [1968: 200, 400 & 800-meter]; 1968 Sullivan Award-winner; AP Woman Athlete of the Year [1969] 1954 - Mark (Steven) Fidrych �The Bird�: baseball: pitcher: Detroit Tigers [Rookie of the Year: 1976/all-star: 1976, 1977 1956 - Jack�e Harry Emmy Award-winning actress: 227 [1987]; Sister, Sister, The Royal Family 1959 - Magic (Earvin Jr.) Johnson basketball: LA Lakers: NBA individual record: career assists [9,921]; NBA MVP [1987, 89, 90]; Olympic Dream Team [1992] 1961 - Susan Olsen actress: The Bradys, The Brady Bunch Hour, The Brady Bunch 1966 - Halle Berry Academy Award-winning actress: Monster�s Ball [2001];: Living Dolls, Knots Landing, Boomerang, Jungle Fever, Losing Isaiah, Executive Decision, Bulworth, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, X-Men; first runner-up: Miss USA [1986] 1968 - Catherine Bell actress: JAG, Mother of the Bride, Crash Dive, Black Thunder, The Time Shifters. Chart Toppers 1949 Some Enchanted Evening - Perry Como Bali Ha�i - Perry Como Again - Doris Day I�m Throwing Rice (At the Girl I Love) - Eddy Arnold 1957 (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Elvis Presley Love Letters in the Sand - Pat Boone Tammy - Debbie Reynolds Bye Bye Love - The Everly Brothers 1965 I Got You Babe - Sonny & Cher Save Your Heart for Me - Gary Lewis & The Playboys Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers The First Thing Ev�ry Morning (And the Last Thing Ev�ry Night) - Jimmy Dean 1973 The Morning After - Maureen McGovern Live and Let Die - Wings Brother Louie - Stories Trip to Heaven - Freddie Hart & The Heartbeats 1981 Jessie�s Girl - Rick Springfield Endless Love - Diana Ross & Lionel Richie Theme from "Greatest American Hero" (Believe It or Not) - Joey Scarbury Too Many Lovers - Crystal Gayle 1989 Right Here Waiting - Richard Marx On Our Own - Bobby Brown Once Bitten Twice Shy - Great White Timber, I�m Falling in Love - Patty Loveless Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 227th day of 2007 - 138 remaining. Wednesday, August 15, 2007 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...Man/flower.gif They came by the thousands. They came from every corner of the U.S. and many came from other countries. It was a pilgrimage to a farm owned by Max Yasgur in an area of Sullivan County, New York called Bethel. In a manner of speaking, this was a religious experience. It was a pilgrimage for love, and peace. And throughout it all, the music played. The Woodstock Music and Art Fair opened on this day in 1969. Two dozen bands came to play on a wooden stage in the middle of a pasture. It was a happening unlike any other before it ... and, probably like none after. 450,000 people formed a love-in for three days and nights. Jimi Hendrix was there, Joan Baez, and Arlo Guthrie, too. Country Joe and the Fish, Santana, Crosby, Stills and Nash. Jefferson Airplane, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Who, and so many more. There were hippies, and bikers, Viet Nam war vets, and high school kids ... college kids and college grads, longhaired and short, young and old ... and the world watched and joined in through the magic of the media. They came by the thousands. The music played, people danced and sang. And the memories went home with them. Woodstock marked an era. Groovy! Far out! Like, wow, man! Power to the people! And, of course... Peace, brother! I personally had a chance to cover WoodStock 94 with the radiostation I worked with. I refused to cover the story on count of the tremendous crowd. I live fairly close to, Bethel, New York. Events August 15th. 1840 - M. Waldo Hanchett of Syracuse, NY patented the dental chair. So, lean back, stare at the big light up there and don�t worry about that drill! 1877 - Thomas Edison wrote the president of the Telegraph Company in Pittsburgh, PA. The letter stated that the word, �hello� would be a more appropriate greeting than �ahoy,� as suggested by Alexander Graham Bell when answering the telephone. And so it is that we pick up the phone anywhere in the world and say: �Allo. Alo. Bueno. Pronto. Hallo. Aloha. Mo simosi. Hello.� 1896 - The Emporia Gazette published the editorial, �What�s the matter with Kansas?� And we thought everything was up-to-date in Kansas ... or at least in Kansas City... 1911 - Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, OH introduced Crisco hydrogenated shortening. We still use the stuff for pie crusts today. 1926 - The famous Three Men on Third play happened in Boston�s Fenway Park. Babe Herman came to bat in the bottom of the seventh inning. One man was out and the bases were loaded. Chick Fewster was on first base, Dazzy Vance on second and Hank DeBerry on third. Herman hit the ball off the right-field wall. DeBerry crossed the plate, Vance stopped at third and Fewster ran past second base on his way to third. Herman ran PAST Fewster on HIS way to third. Herman was declared out and Fewster was tagged out. Herman had hit into a double play. DeBerry�s score, however, was allowed -- and the Brooklyn Dodgers won, 2-1. 1941 - Au Revoir, Pleasant Dreams was recorded by Ben Bernie and his orchestra. 1943 - Because of his special talent to use food scraps in both unusual and appetizing recipes, the War Department awarded Sgt. Edward Dzuba the Legion of Merit. 1948 - CBS-TV inaugurated the first nightly news broadcast, with anchorman Douglas Edwards reporting the day�s events. 1954 - Bob Toski captured the richest prize in golf -- The Tam O�Shanter world pro golf title. Toski earned a cash prize of $50,000 and a $50,000 exhibition contract. 1969 - Three Dog Night (Danny Hutton, Cory Wells and Chuck Negron) was awarded a gold record for the album, Three Dog Night. Where�d the name of the group come from? In Australia, the aborigine tribes of several regions slept outside all year. As the temperatures got colder, the tribesmen would sleep with a dog to keep warm. In colder weather, they would huddle with two dogs. It must have been an extremely cold night when the group was formed... 1970 - On this day, Mrs. Pat Palinkas became the first woman to �play� in a pro football game. She held the ball for the Orlando (Florida) Panthers. 1980 - I Me Mine, an autobiography by former Beatle George Harrison, went on sale. 1981 - Lionel Richie and Diana Ross hit number one on the pop music charts with their beautiful duet, Endless Love. It was a huge success for the two singers. Endless Love was number one for 9, count �em, nine weeks. 1984 - New York City turned out to honor the Team USA Olympic medalists. An estimated two million people lined the streets during the 10-block-long ticker-tape parade. 1984 - Pete Rose returned to become player and manager of the Cincinnati Reds after being away from his hometown for six years. Rose had been in Philadelphia and Montreal. 1994 - Llich Ramirez Sanchez, the terrorist known as Carlos the Jackal was captured in Sudan, taken to Paris and jailed. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for three murders and held responsible for numerous terrorist attacks. 1997 - The Los Angeles Dodgers retired player, scout, coach, manager, executive Tommy Lasorda�s uniform #2 in a pre-game ceremony at Dodger Stadium. Birthdays emperor of France; died May 5, 1821 1771 - Sir Walter Scott writer: Ivanhoe, The Talisman, The Heart of Midlothian, Rob Roy, The Fortunes of Nigel; died Sep 21, 1832 1879 - Ethel Barrymore (Ethel Mae Blythe) Academy Award-winning actress: None But the Lonely Heart [1944]; The Farmer�s Daughter, Pinky; died June 18, 1959 1885 - Edna Ferber Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist: So Big [1925]; Show Boat, Cimarron, Saratoga Trunk, Ice Palace, Giant, Dawn O�Hara; playwright [w/George Kaufman]: The Royal Family, Dinner at Eight, Stage Door, The Land is Bright, Bravo; died Apr 16, 1968 1904 - Bil Baird puppeteer: Bil Baird Puppets: Life with Snarky Parker; died Mar 18, 1987 1909 - Hugo Winterhalter orchestra leader: Canadian Sunset, Rhapsody in Blue; died Sep 17, 1973 1912 - Julia Child (McWilliams) Culinary Institute of America�s Hall of Famer: chef, author: The French Chef; TV host: Dinner with Julia; died Aug 13, 2004 1912 - Dame Wendy Hiller Academy Award-winning actress: Separate Tables [1958]; A Man for All Seasons, Making Love, Murder on the Orient Express, Pygmalion, The Elephant Man, Toys in the Attic, David Copperfield; died May 14, 2003 1923 - Rose Marie (Mazetta) comedienne, actress: The Dick Van Dyke Show, Hollywood Squares, The Doris Day Show, My Sister Eileen, Ghetto Blaster, Witchboard, Memory of Us 1924 - Phyllis Schlafly 1925 - Mike Connors (Krekor Ohanian) actor: Mannix, Tightrope, Today�s F.B.I., Sudden Fear 1925 - Oscar Peterson jazz pianist: jazz trios, solos, played with all jazz greats, composer; biography: Oscar Peterson: The Will to Swing 1925 - Bill Pinkney musician: bass: group: The Drifters: Money Honey, Such a Night, Lucille, Honey Love, Bip Bam, What�cha Gonna Do, White Christmas; died July 4, 2007 1931 - Janice Rule actress: American Flyers, L.A. Bad, Invitation to a Gunfighter, The Life You Save; died Oct 17, 2003 1933 - Bobby Helms singer: My Special Angel, Jingle Bell Rock, Fraulein 1935 - Abby Dalton actress: Falcon Crest, Barney Miller, Hennesey, The Joey Bishop Show 1941 - Don Rich country musician, songwriter: Waiting in Your Welfare Line; one of Buck Owens� Buckaroos 1942 - Peter York musician: drums: group: Spencer Davis Group: Gimme Some Lovin�, Keep on Runnin�, Somebody Help Me 1944 - Linda Ellerbee journalist, TV co-host: Our World; Maxwell House commercials 1945 - Duffy (Don Robert) Dyer baseball: NY Mets [World Series: 1969], Pittsburgh Pirates, Montreal Expos, Detroit Tigers 1945 - Jill Haworth actress: Exodus, In Harm�s Way, Tower of Evil 1945 - GeneUpshaw Pro Football Hall of Famer: Oakland Raiders guard: Super Bowl II, XI, XIV 1946 - Jimmy Webb Grammy Award-winning songwriter: Up, Up and Away [1967]; MacArthur Park, By the Time I Get to Phoenix, Wichita Lineman, Galveston 1950 - Princess Anne (Mountbatten) British royalty: daughter of Philip Mountbatten [Duke of Edinburgh] and Alexandra Mary Windsor [Queen Elizabeth II], sister of Princes Charles, Andrew and Edward 1950 - Tess Harper (Washam) actress: Tender Mercies, Flashpoint 1961 - Matt Johnson musician: guitar, singer: solo as: The The: Controversial Subject, Untitled, Cold Spell Ahead, Uncertain Smile, Perfect, This is the Day, Giant, Heartland 1968 - Debra Messing actress: Will & Grace, N.Y.P.D. Blue, Ned and Stacey 1972 - Ben Affleck actor: Pearl Harbor, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Glory Daze, Good Will Hunting, Armageddon, Forces of Nature, Reindeer Games. Chart Toppers 1950 Mona Lisa - Nat King Cole I Wanna Be Loved - The Andrews Sisters Sam�s Song - Bing & Gary Crosby I�m Moving On - Hank Snow 1958 Poor Little Fool - Ricky Nelson Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare) - Domenico Modugno My True Love - Jack Scott Alone with You - Faron Young 1966 Summer in the City - The Lovin� Spoonful They�re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa! - Napoleon XIV Sunny - Bobby Hebb 1974 Feel like Makin� Love - Roberta Flack The Night Chicago Died - Paper Lace Please Come to Boston - Dave Loggins Rub It In - Billy "Crash" Craddock 1982 Eye of the Tiger - Survivor Hurts So Good - John Cougar Abracadabra - The Steve Miller Band I�m Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home - David Frizzell 1990 Vision of Love - Mariah Carey The Power - Snap! If Wishes Came True - Sweet Sensation Good Times - Dan Seals Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 228th day of 2007 - 137 remaining. Thursday, August 16, 2007 ELVIS REMEMBERED DAY. ;) Elvis Presley was rushed from Graceland to Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee on this day in 1977. Doctors� efforts to revive him were fruitless and he was pronounced dead (coronary arrhythmia) at 3:30 p.m. He was 42 years old. Thousands of mourning fans kept a vigil outside Graceland, the home of the King of Rock and Roll, for three days before his burial. Thousands more lined the streets of Presley�s hometown on the day of his funeral. The city, the nation, the music world and fans from around the world were in shock over his passing. Even to this day, some say that Elvis didn�t die -- he just wanted to get away from it all. Fans from all over have reported sightings of Elvis -- from a hamburger joint in Kalamazoo, MI, to California. Elvis had an unprecedented 107 hits on the pop music charts and an unprecedented number of fans. His first hit was Heartbreak Hotel in 1956 and his last, one of two RCA hits released after his death, was Guitar Man in 1981. Presley had 28 gold records, 12 number one songs and 38 top-ten hits. Presley is buried at Graceland, now a major tourist attraction. We remember him well. Events August 16th. 1829 - The first Siamese twins brought to the United States arrived in Boston, MA. Chang and Eng (Bunker) were 18 years old when they arrived from their homeland of Banesau, Siam. The twins were joined at the waist. 1896 - There�s gold in them thar hills! This is the day that Skookum Jim, Dawson Charlie and George Carmack found gold in Rabbit Creek, a tributary of the Klondike River -- leading to the famous Klondike Gold Rush. 1906 - The earth was a rockin� and a rollin� as earthquakes hit in San Francisco in April and on this day in Valparaiso, Chile, also on the Pacific coast. Valparaiso, no stranger to disaster (the Dutch destroyed it in 1600, the Spanish in 1866, the Chilean civil war in 1891, earthquakes in 1731, 1822, 1839, 1873), was once more devastated by an earthquake. This one struck after a night of unusually violent thunderstorms. It destroyed two thirds of the city, the coastline was raised three feet, and 1,500 died. 1922 - Radio station WEAF (now WFAN) began broadcasting from new studios atop the Western Electric Building in New York City. The station would later be named WNBC, then WABC, then.. oh, never mind... 1923 - Carnegie Steel Corporation established an eight-hour work day for its workers. 1930 - The first British Empire Games were held at Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The event is now called the Commonwealth Games. 1937 - Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, became the first school to institute graduate study courses in traffic engineering and administration. 1939 - Lights Out, radio�s �ultimate horror show,� was heard for the last time on NBC Radio. In 1942, Arch Obler brought the show back to life on CBS Radio. The show�s most familiar trademark, guaranteed to put you under the covers on a dark night was, �Lights out everybody!�, followed by 12 chimes of a clock. 1939 - The famous vaudeville house, Hippodrome, in New York City, was used for the last time. There were several places called the Hippodrome around the country. They weren�t, generally, theatres, nor true nightclubs. Hippodromes were designed for the wide variety of vaudeville acts available at the time ... dancing, music, comedy and skits. 1940 - Marching Along Together, by Frankie Masters and his orchestra, was recorded for Okeh Records. 1954 - Comedian Jack Paar replaced Walter Cronkite as host of The Morning Show on CBS-TV. Cronkite came back as host in October, 1955, when Paar didn�t pan out. Television found Paar�s forte three years later as the host of The Tonight Show. 1954 - The first issue of Sports Illustrated was published. No, it wasn�t the famous swimsuit edition, and you didn�t win a telephone, radio or sports books with your paid subscription. SI proudly boasted that more than 250,000 subscribers had signed up for the magazine before the first issue rolled off the presses. The first cover of Sports Illustrated showed National League umpire, Augie Donatelli, behind the plate with two major-league stars: catcher Wes Westrum, and batter Eddie Matthews. 1960 - A world record for a successful free fall was set by Colonel Joseph W. Kittinger Jr. What Kittinger did was quite amazing. He dropped from an altitude of 102,800 feet, more than 19 miles, before opening his parachute -- at 17,500 feet -- over New Mexico. 1962 - Brian Epstein, manager of The Beatles, handed drummer Pete Best his walking papers. Best had been with the group for 2-1/2 years. Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey) was picked to take his place. One month later, the group recorded, Love Me Do. 1978 - Xerox was fined $25.6 million for excluding Smith-Corona from the copier market. 1984 - Though it didn�t make the pop music charts, a new single by Elvis Presley was released by RCA Victor Records. The song was originally recorded in 1956 at the Tupelo (MS) Fairgrounds. It was called, Baby, Let�s Play House. 1984 - The U.S. Jaycees voted to admit women to full membership in the organization. 1987 - Thousands of people prayed and meditated for universal peace, as the much publicized Harmonic Convergence, the exact alignment of planets in the solar system, happened. Ancient prophecies were to come true, along with some alien visits. 1996 - The Fan, from TriStar Pictures, opened in the U.S. The flick, about a very dealy game, starred Robert De Niro, Wesley Snipes, Ellen Barkin, John Leguizamo, Benicio Del Toro, and Patti D�arbanville Quinn. And, for those of you who like a little more intensity in your movies, Universal�s Tales from the Crypt Presents Bordello of Blood also opened this day, with Dennis Miller, Erika Eleniak, Angie Everhart, Chris Sarandon, Corey Feldman and John Kassir. As you might expect, it was crammed with violence, gore, sexuality, nudity and strong language. 1999 - Vladimir Putin won confirmation (by the Russian parliament) as Russia�s fifth prime minister since early 1998. He had been appointed by Boris Yeltsin on Aug 9. Birthdays August 16th. 1862 - Amos Alonzo Stagg Basketball Hall of Famer: Yale University, Springfield College; coach: University of Chicago; football: Yale: 1st all-American team; coach: developed wing-back principle, quick kick, onside kick, double flankers, pass-run option play, man in motion; College of the Pacific: Susquehanna, Stockton Junior College; died Mar 17, 1965) 1868 - Bernarr Macfadden (Bernard Adolphus McFadden) physical fitness/exercise advocate: founded Coney Island Polar Bears [1903]; publisher: Physical Culture Magazine, True Story Magazine, True Romances, True Detective Mysteries Magazine, Photoplay; author: Macfadden�s Encyclopedia of Physical Culture, Physical Training, Fasting, Hydropathy, and Exercise, Virile Powers of Superb Manhood, How to Raise a Strong Baby, Colds, Coughs, and Catarrh, Talks to a Young Man about Sex, Be Married and like It, [close to 150 books]; hotel magnate; founded Bernarr Macfadden Institute; died Oct 12, 1955 1894 - George Meany labor leader: president of American Federation of Labor [1952-1979]; merged the AFL with Congress of Industrial Organizations [CIO]; died Jan 10, 1980 1913 - Menachem Begin 6th Prime Minister of Israel: signed peace treaty w/Egypt�s President Anwar Sadat [1979]; died Mar 9, 1992 1922 - Gene (Eugene Richard) Woodling baseball: Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, NY Yankees [World Series: 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953], Baltimore Orioles [all-star: 1959], Washington Senators, NY Mets; died June 2, 2001 1924 - Fess Parker actor: Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, Westward, Ho the Wagons!; singer: The Ballad of Davy Crockett, Wringle Wrangle 1928 - Ann (Marie) Blyth actress: The Merry Monahans, The Helen Morgan Story, Rose Marie, Kismet, The Student Prince, The Great Caruso, The Buster Keaton Story 1930 - Robert Culp actor: I Spy, Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice, The Pelican Brief, The Greatest American Hero 1930 - Frank Gifford College/Pro Football Hall of Famer: USC, New York Giants; broadcaster: Monday Night Football; husband of Kathie Lee Gifford 1930 - Tony Trabert tennis champion: French Open [1954,55], Wimbledon [1955], U.S. Open [1953, 55] 1932 - Eydie Gorme (Edith Gormezano) Grammy Award-winning singer: Blame It on The Bossa Nova [1967]; Too Close for Comfort, Love Me Forever, I�ll Take Romance, Tea for Two, You Need Hands, I Want to Stay Here [w/Steve Lawrence]; married since 1957 to Steve Lawrence 1935 - Julie Newmar (Newmeyer) actress: Batman, My Living Doll, Deep Space, Li�L Abner, MacKenna�s Gold, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 1936 - Anita Gillette (Luebben) actress: Quincy, Moonstruck, Marathon, Boys on the Side 1938 - Ketty Lester (Revoyda Frierson) singer: Love Letters; actress: Up Tight!, Uptown Saturday Night, Morningstar/Eveningstar, Street Knight, Getting Personal 1939 - Carole Shelley actress: The Elephant Man, The Odd Couple 1942 - Barbara George singer: I Know [You Don�t Love Me No More] 1943 - Woody Peoples football: Philadelphia Eagles guard: Super Bowl XV 1945 - Bob Balaban actor: The Late Shift, For Love or Money, Alice, Whose Life is It Anyway?, Absence of Malice, Altered States, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Little Man Tate, Midnight Cowboy 1945 - Suzanne Farrell (Ficker) actress: Cinderella, Victor/Victoria, Clue, Color of Night, Portrait of a Showgirl, Portrait of a Stripper 1948 - Mike Jorgensen baseball: NY Mets, Montreal Expos, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, SL Cardinals [World Series: 1985] 1952 - Al (Alfred Willis) Holland baseball: pitcher: Pittsburgh Pirates, SF Giants, Philadelphia Phillies [World Series: 1983/all-star: 1984], California Angels, NY Yankees 1952 - Reginald VelJohnson actor: Die Hard series, Ghostbusters, Family Matters 1953 - Kathie Lee Gifford (Kathryn Lee Epstein) talk show host: Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee; singer; married to Frank Gifford 1953 - James �J.T.� Taylor singer: group: Kool and The Gang: Celebration 1954 - James Cameron director: Titanic, The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Aliens, The Abyss, True Lies, True Lies 2 1958 - Angela Bassett actress: Waiting to Exhale, FX, What�s Love Got to Do with It?, Malcolm X, Boyz N the Hood 1958 - Madonna (Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone) singer: Material Girl, Like a Virgin; actress: Dick Tracy, Desperately Seeking Susan, Shanghai Surprise, A League of Their Own 1960 - Timothy Hutton actor: Taps, Made in Heaven, Ordinary People, The Dark Half, The Temp, Q&A 1961 - Christian Okoye football: Kansas City Chiefs running back: UP�s AFL offensive player of the year [1989] Chart Toppers 1951 Too Young - Nat King Cole Come on-a My House - Rosemary Clooney My Truly, Truly Fair - Guy Mitchell Hey, Good Lookin� - Hank Williams 1959 A Big Hunk o� Love - Elvis Presley My Heart is an Open Book - Carl Dobkins, Jr. There Goes My Baby - The Drifters Waterloo - Stonewall Jackson 1967 Light My Fire - The Doors All You Need is Love - The Beatles Pleasant Valley Sunday - The Monkees I�ll Never Find Another You - Sonny James 1975 Jive Talkin� - Bee Gees One of These Nights - Eagles Someone Saved My Life Tonight - Elton John ;) Wasted Days and Wasted Nights - Freddy Fender 1983 Every Breath You Take - The Police Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Eurythmics She Works Hard for the Money - Donna Summer He�s a Heartache (Looking for a Place to Happen) - Janie Fricke 1991 (Everything I Do) I Do It for You - Bryan Adams P.A.S.S.I.O.N. - Rythm Syndicate She�s in Love with the Boy - Trisha Yearwood Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 229th day of 2007 - 136 remaining. Friday, August 17, 2007 WIZARD OF OZ DAY. :) �Follow the Yellow Brick Road ... There�s no place like home, there�s no place like home ... Oh, Auntie Em, Auntie Em ... and Toto, too!� Theatre goers first saw the magical The Wizard of Oz in a gala premiere on this night in 1939. The first movie to use the combination of black and white and color film starred Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale; Bert Lahr as both the Cowardly Lion and Zeke; Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow and Hunk; and Jack Haley as both the Tin Woodsman and Hickory. Originally, Buddy Ebsen was in the role of the Tin Man; but he became ill and had to leave the production before its completion. The movie was based on L. Frank Baum�s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which he wrote in 1900 and adapted into a musical play. Directed by Victor Fleming, the Hollywood version took an Oscar for best movie score (Harold Arlen and E.Y. �Yip� Harburg), and for best song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow. With its superb acting, special effects, singing midgets and wonderful songs like Ding Dong the Witch is Dead (the wicked witch was delightfully played by Margaret Hamilton while Billie Burke was equally charming as the good witch); Munchkinland, and Follow the Yellow Brick Road, the Wizard of Oz would probably have won the Best Picture Oscar. As fate would have it, there was another show-stopper filmed that year, Gone with the Wind, and only one film could win. The Wizard of Oz turned into such a triumph that television later clamored to get the rights to show it. William. S. Paley of CBS made sure his network (which also gave Garland the spotlight with her own show in the 1950s) was the one to bring The Wizard of Oz to new generations of viewers. The movie, now released on video, is still shown on TV and remains a popular favorite of young and old alike. �Oh, we�re off to see the wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz. We hear he is a wiz of a wiz, if ever a wiz there was...� Events August 17th. 1807 - Fulton�s Folly, the Clermont (although it wasn�t named at the time), made its first journey. Robert Fulton�s steamboat traveled between Albany, New York and New York City, a 150-mile journey. The trip took 32 hours. 1815 - Napoleon arrived at Saint Helena for the beginning of his exile. 1835 - Solyman Merrick of Springfield, MA patented the wrench. And the design is pretty much the same today as it was back then... 1859 - A hot air balloon became a mail carrier, as John Wise left Lafayette, IN with over 100 letters for people in New York City. Once again, the mail was late, as Mr. Wise only got 27 miles out of town before being forced to land. 1877 - Blacksmith, F.P. Cahill became the first man to be mortally wounded by Billy the Kid -- notch number 1 for the Kid. 1894 - Pitcher John Wadsworth of Louisville gave up 28 base hits, all singles, in a single game. John set a National League and major-league record. 1903 - The first Pulitzer Prize was awarded, as Joseph Pulitzer made a million-dollar donation to Columbia University. This provided the funding for the Pulitzer Prize awards to be made in Joseph Pulitzer�s name. 1915 - Charles F. Kettering of Detroit, MI patented the electric, automobile self-starter. And it�s a good thing he did -- or we�d still be cranking our cars by hand. 1918 - The famous race horse, Man o� War, was sold at auction for $5,000. Samuel Riddle became the thoroughbred�s new owner. 1938 - Henry Jackson Armstrong defeated Lou Ambers at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Armstrong won the lightweight boxing championship and became the first fighter to hold three titles at one time: The feather, welter, and lightweight crowns. 1943 - Writer Norman Corwin�s first success debuted on CBS radio. It was Passport for Adams, starring Robert Young who played a small town newspaper editor. Corwin would have many other radio successes. He wrote and produced such radio classics as This is War, An American in England and We Hold These Truths. 1963 - Dick Hall, a relief pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, retired his 28th batter in a row. Halls�s string of success began on July 24th and covered five games. 1973 - Lee Trevino got the first hole in one of his career at the U.S.I. Golf Classic, in Sutton, MA. 1978 - A transatlantic trip by air was not uncommon in 1978, unless you made the trip by hot-air balloon. Three American men had left Presque Isle, Maine six days earlier. After traveling 137 hours, 18 minutes and approximately 3,200 miles, Max Anderson, Ben Abruzzo and Larry Newman landed at Miserey, France on this day. The balloon that carried the three for this, the first completed transatlantic flight by balloon, was named the Double Eagle II. 1984 - On this, the first night of his Breaking Hearts Tour, Elton John announced that he was retiring from touring. 1987 - Steffi Graf replaced Martina Navratilova as the number one tennis player in the Women�s International Tennis Association. The 18-year-old had won eight tournaments in 1987, including the French Open. 1993 - Allegations of child abuse prompted Los Angeles police to investigate entertainer Michael Jackson. This, after the 13-year-old son of a Beverly Hills dentist told his therapist that Jackson had sexually abused him. Jackson claimed the allegations followed a failed attempt by the dentist to extract 20 million dollars from the singer. No criminal charges were filed against Jackson, but a civil suit was. It was settled out of court in January 1994. Michael Jackson, meanwhile, cancelled or postponed several dates on his Dangerous world tour, citing illness or exhaustion. 1997 - Davis Love III won the 79th PGA Championship at Mamaroneck, NY. It was his first major title and he finished five strokes ahead of Justin Leonard with a 72-hole total of 11-under 269 (which included 3 rounds of 66). 1997 - The old CN (Canadian National) train station in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, home town of country singing legend Hank Snow, was dedicated as the Hank Snow Country Music Centre. The Centre features personal memorabilia of Nova Scotia�s "native son", including his 1947 Cadillac and pieces from other Canadian country music stars (including Carroll Baker, Wilf Carter, Ronnie Prophet, George Hamilton IV, Lucille Starr). Snow died December 20, 1999 at the age of 85. 1999 - More than 17,000 people were killed when a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Turkey, close to the town of Izmit. Tens of thousands of people were injured or killed. No one knows exactly how many. Birthdays frontiersman, soldier, defender of the Alamo; killed Mar 6, 1836 at the Alamo 1882 - Samuel Goldwyn (Schmuel Gelbfisz) movie pioneer: the �G� of MGM; Academy Award-winning producer: The Best Years of Our Lives [1946]; All Quiet on the Western Front; died Jan 31, 1974 1888 - Monty (Edgar Montillion) Woolley actor: As Young as You Feel, Since You Went Away, The Man Who Came to Dinner; died May 6, 1963 1893 - Mae (Mary Jane) West playwright, actress: Sextette, Go West, Young Man, I�m No Angel, Every Day�s a Holiday, Diamond Lil, Sex; actress: She Done Him Wrong, My Little Chicadee, Myra Breckinridge; autobiography: Goodness Had Nothing to Do with It; died Nov 22, 1980 1909 - Larry Clinton bandleader: Deep Purple, My Reverie, On a Slow Boat to China; composer: The Dipsy Doodle, Satan Takes a Holiday, Tap Dancer�s Nightmare, Dusk in Upper Sandusky; died May 2, 1985 1920 - Georgia Gibbs (Fredda Lipson or Gibson) �Her Nibs� singer: Tweedle Dee, Dance With Me Henry [Wallflower], Kiss of Fire, Seven Lonely Days; died Dec 9, 2006 1920 - Maureen O�Hara (FitzSimons) actress: Miracle on 34th Street, How Green was My Valley, The Quiet Man, The Hunchback of Notre Dame 1923 - Larry Rivers (Yitzroch Grossberg) artist: 9 Kinds of French Money, The Bike Girl, Downtown Lion, Head of an English Girl, Lenin?, Sky Music at Carnegie Hall, Wounded Civil War Soldier 1929 - Francis Gary Powers pilot: U-2 flight over Soviet Union; CIA agent; killed in helicopter crash Aug 1, 1977 1929 - Isabel Sanford Emmy Award-winning actress: The Jeffersons [1980-1981]; Desperate Moves, Love at First Bite; died July 9, 2004 1930 - Glenn Corbett Rothenburg actor: Shadow Force, The Stranger, All the Young Men, Shenandoah, The Violent Years, Route 66, The Road West, It�s a Man�s World, Dallas; died Jan 16, 1993 1932 - John (Red) Kerr basketball: Syracuse Nationals, Philadelphia Warriors, Baltimore Bullets; coach: Chicago Bulls: NBA Coach of the Year [1966]; Phoenix Suns 1932 - Duke Pearson composer, band leader, musician: piano: How Insensitive; died: Aug 4, 1980 1933 - Jim (James Houston) Davenport baseball: SF Giants [World Series: 1962/all-star: 1962] 1939 - Chico (Ron) Maki hockey: NHL: Chicago Blackhawks 1941 - Boog (John Wesley) Powell baseball: Baltimore Orioles [World Series: 1966, 1969, 1970, 1971/all-star: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971/Baseball Writer�s Award: 1970], Cleveland Indians, LA Dodgers 1943 - Robert De Niro actor: Academy Award-winning actor: Raging Bull [1980], The Godfather II [1974]; Brazil, The Deer Hunter, The Untouchables, Taxi Driver, Awakenings, Cape Fear, Frankenstein, Back Draft, Search for Tomorrow; director: Bronx Tale 1947 - Gary Talley musician: guitar: groups: Big Star, The Box Tops: The Letter, Neon Rainbow, Cry like a Baby, Choo-Choo Train, I Met Her in Church, Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March, Soul Deep 1948 - Bill (William Raymond) Parsons baseball: pitcher: Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics 1951 - Robert Joy actor: Harriet the Spy, Waterworld, Longtime Companion, Big Shots, Desperately Seeking Susan, Atlantic City, Amityville 3: The Demon, The Lawrenceville Stories 1952 - Nelson Piquet tennis champion: Australian Open [1978-79], French open [1977], U.S. Open 1977] 1953 - Kevin Rowland musician: guitar, singer: group: Dexy�s Midnight Runners: Geno, There There My Dear, Plan B, Celtic Soul Brothers, Come On Eileen, Jackie Wilson Said [I�m in Heaven When You Smile], This One Last Mad Waltz, Until I Believe in My Soul, Because of You 1955 - Colin Moulding songwriter, singer, musician: bass: group: XTC: Making Plans for Nigel, Sgt. Rock [Is Going to Help Me], Senses Working Overtime 1958 - Belinda Carlisle musician: guitar, singer: group: The Go-Go�s: We Got the Beat, Head Over Heels, Turn to You, Heaven on Earth 1960 - Sean Penn Academy Award-winning actor: Mystic River [2003]; Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Casualties of War, Shanghai Surprise, We�re No Angels, Carlito�s Way, Colors, Dead Man Walking 1965 - Steve Gorman musician: drums: The Black Crowes: No Use Lying, Cosmic Friend, Miracle to Me, Losing My Mind, Thorn in My Pride, Remedy, She Talks to Angels, Hard to Handle, Jealous Again 1969 - Donnie Wahlberg singer: group: New Kids on the Block; brother of Marky Mark 1970 - Jim Courier tennis champion: Australian Open [1992, 93], French Open [1991, 92] Chart Toppers 1944 I�ll Be Seeing You - Bing Crosby Amor - Bing Crosby Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet - Ella Mae Morse Is You is or is You Ain�t (Ma� Baby) - Louis Jordan 1952 Walkin� My Baby Back Home - Johnnie Ray Auf Wiedersehn, Sweetheart - Vera Lynn Half as Much - Rosemary Clooney A Full Time Job - Eddy Arnold 1960 It�s Now or Never - Elvis Presley Walk--Don�t Run - The Ventures Walking to New Orleans - Fats Domino Please Help Me, I�m Falling - Hank Locklin 1968 People Got to Be Free - The Rascals Born to Be Wild - Steppenwolf ;) Light My Fire - Jose Feliciano Heaven Says Hello - Sonny James 1976 Don�t Go Breaking My Heart - Elton John & Kiki Dee You Should Be Dancing - Bee Gees Let �Em In -Wings Say It Again - Don Williams 1984 Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr. What�s Love Got to Do with It - Tina Turner State of Shock - Jacksons That�s the Thing About Love - Don Williams Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 230th day of 2007 - 135 remaining. Saturday, August 18, 2007 DARE DAY. :) An expedition led by Sir Walter Raleigh landed at what is now Roanoke Island, North Carolina. Seven days later, on this day in 1587, Virginia Dare became the first child of English parentage to be born in America. Ellinor and Ananias Dare were Baby Virginia�s parents; her grandfather, John White, was the governor of the Roanoke Colony. As far as anyone knows, all was well with the little colony. That is, until four years later when a ship bringing supplies arrived only to find no colony. The settlers, including Virginia Dare, had vanished. No trace was ever found of the lost colony. Legend has it that sometime in the 1600s a white doe was frequently seen in the area where the Dare family once lived. It is said that Virginia Dare returned to the colony as the doe. August 18th. 1735 - The Evening Post, of Boston, MA was published for the first time. 1840 - The organization of the American Society of Dental Surgeons was founded in New York City. Among the organizers was Dr. Chapin A. Harris of Baltimore, Maryland. Get a root canal to celebrate today. 1896 - Carr Baker Neel and Samuel Neel won the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association�s outdoor men�s-doubles title at Newport, Rhode Island. It was the first time that two brothers had taken the title. 1899 - The Chicago Anti-Cigarette League was formed by Lucy Payne Gaston. 1920 - Women throughout the United States rejoiced, as the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. It gave women the right to vote. 1937 - The first FM radio construction permit was issued. It went to W1XOJ, Boston, MA. The station went on the air as WGTR (General Tire & Rubber) in 1941. 1949 - Ralph Flanagan and his orchestra recorded their first tune on wax, You�re Breaking My Heart. 1958 - Perez Prado, the �Mambo King�, received one of the first gold records awarded by the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA). The single, Patricia, was certified as having sold over one million copies. 1973 - Jazz drummer Gene Krupa played for the final time with members of the original Benny Goodman Quartet. Krupa, a jazz and big band legend, died on October 6, 1973. 1980 - Kansas City Royals� slugger George Brett saw his batting average reach the lofty .400 mark. A debate began as to whether Brett could keep up that pace through the end of the season. He couldn�t. 1981 - Rex Harrison brought the award-winning My Fair Lady back to Broadway as he recreated the role of Henry Higgins. The play had originally opened in 1956. 1981 - Football running back Herschel Walker of the University of Georgia took out an insurance policy with Lloyd�s of London. The all-American was insured for one million dollars. 1982 - The stock market set a new trading record. 132,690,000 shares on the New York Stock Exchange were traded. It was the most activity in a single day for stockbrokers and traders. 1982 - The longest baseball game played at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL went 22 innings before the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cubs 2-1. The game had started the previous day and had been postponed, after 17 innings, because of darkness. 1986 - Jim Kelly signed with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League for an estimated $7.5 million (over five years). The contract made the former Houston USFL player the highest paid in the NFL. 1987 - Earl Campbell, the �Tyler Rose�, announced his retirement from professional football. Campbell, the 1977 Heisman Trophy winner, played eight seasons in the National Football League and was a star for the Houston Oilers. 1992 - Due to severe back pain, basketball star Larry Bird was forced to retire after 13 years with the Boston Celtics. In those 13 seasons, he was MVP three times, played in 12 all-star games, and scored double figures in points, rebounds, and assists 69 times. 1997 - The Rolling Stones launched their Bridges to Babylon album/tour package with a news conference -- and a full production number -- under the Brooklyn Bridge. Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Ron Wood and Keith Richards cruised in from Manhattan in a cherry-red 1955 Cadillac convertible with a police escort leading the way. Birthdays explorer: team: Lewis and Clark; died of gunshot wounds Oct 11, 1809 1904 - Max Factor Jr. cosmetic mogul; died June 7, 1996 1915 - (Hubert) Max Lanier baseball: pitcher: SL Cardinals [World Series: 1942, 1943, 1944/all-star: 1943, 1944], NY Giants, SL Browns; died Jan 30, 2007 1917 - Caspar W. Weinberger 15th U.S. Secretary of Defense [1981-1987]; chairman: Forbes magazine; (co)author: The Next War; died Mar 28, 2006 1920 - Bob (Robert Daniel) Kennedy baseball: Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians [World Series: 1948], Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, Brooklyn Dodgers; died Apr 7, 2005 1920 - Shelley Winters (Schrift) Academy Award-winning actress: Patch of Blue [1965], The Diary of Anne Frank [1959]; The Poseidon Adventure, A Place in the Sun, The Night of the Hunter, The Pickle; died Jan 14, 2006 1927 - Rosalynn Carter (Smith) First Lady: wife of 39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter 1930 - Grant Williams actor: Escape from Planet Earth, The Incredible Shrinking Man; died July 28, 1985 1933 - Roman Polanski director: Rosemary�s Baby, Chinatown, MacBeth 1934 - Roberto Clemente (Walker) Baseball Hall of Famer: Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder {World Series: 1960, 1971/all-star: 1960 thru 1967, 1969 thru 1972/Baseball Writer�s Award: 1966]; killed in plane crash Dec 31, 1972 while flying relief supplies to Nicaraguan earthquake victims 1935 - Gail Fisher Emmy Award-winning actress: Mannix [1969-1970]; died Dec 2, 2000 1935 - Rafer Johnson Olympic and National Track and Field Hall of Famer: decathlon gold medalist [1960]; AP Athlete of the Year [1960]; lighted torch at Olympics [1984] 1937 - Robert Redford actor: All the President�s Men, Quiz Show, The Sting, Sneakers, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Out of Africa; Academy Award-winning director: Ordinary People [1980]; A River Runs Through It, Quiz Show 1939 - Joe (Jose Joaquin Lopez) Azcue baseball: catcher: Cincinnati Reds, KC Athletics, Cleveland Indians [all-star: 1968], Boston Red Sox, California Angels, Milwaukee Brewers 1939 - Johnny Preston singer: Running Bear, Cradle of Love 1941 - Christopher Jones actor: The Looking Glass War, Ryan�s Daughter, Three in the Attic, Wild in the Streets 1941 - Matt Snell football: NY Jets running back: Super Bowl III 1943 - Martin Mull comedian, actor: Roseanne, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, Take This Job and Shove It, Portrait of a White Marriage, The History of White People in America 1944 - Carl Wayne singer: group: The Move: Night of Fear, I Can Hear the Grass Grow, Flowers in the Rain, Fire Brigade, Wild Tiger Woman, Blackberry Way; ELO: Evil Woman, Livin� Thing, Can�t Get It Out of My Head 1950 - Dennis Elliott musician: drums: group: Foreigner: I Want to Know What Love Is, Waiting for a Girl like You 1951 - Greg Pruitt football: LA Raiders running back: Super Bowl XVIII 1952 - Elayne Boosler comedienne, actress: Meatballs Part II, Mother Goose Rock �n� Rhyme 1952 - Patrick Swayze dancer, actor: Dirty Dancing, Ghost, Father Hood, Red Dawn, Point Break, North and South 1957 - Ron Strykert musician: guitar: group: Men at Work: Who Can It Be Now, Down Under 1958 - Madeleine Stowe actress: Unlawful Entry, The Last of the Mohicans, Gangster Wars 1969 - Edward Norton actor: Fight Club, American History X, Keeping the Faith, The People vs. Larry Flynt, The Score 1969 - Christian Slater actor: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Murder in the First, Untamed Heart, Young Guns, Interview with the Vampire 1970 - Malcolm-Jamal Warner actor: The Cosby Show, Tyson; writer: Theo & Me. Chart Toppers 1945 If I Loved You - Perry Como I Wish I Knew - Dick Haymes Till the End of Time - Perry Como Oklahoma Hills - Jack Guthrie 1953 No Other Love - Perry Como I�m Walking Behind You - Eddie Fisher Vaya Con Dios - Les Paul & Mary Ford Rub-A-Dub-Dub - Hank Thompson 1961 Tossin� and Turnin� - Bobby Lewis I Like It Like That - Chris Kenner Last Night - Mar-Keys I Fall to Pieces - Patsy Cline 1969 In the Year 2525 - Zager & Evans Honky Tonk Women - The Rolling Stones Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond Workin� Man Blues - Merle Haggard 1977 I Just Want to Be Your Everything - Andy Gibb I�m in You - Peter Frampton Best of My Love - Emotions Rollin� with the Flow - Charlie Rich 1985 Shout - Tears for Fears ;) The Power of Love - Huey Lewis & The News Freeway of Love - Aretha Franklin Highwayman - Waylon Jennings/Willie Nelson/Johnny Cash/ Kris Kristofferson Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 231st day of 2007 - 134 remaining. Sunday, August 19, 2007 OGDEN NASH DAY. :) The poet famous for his strange but funny rhymes of nonsense was born on this day in 1902. �Undeniably brash Was admirably terse And written with panache.� Ogden Nash, the undisputed American master of light verse, wrote quite frequently for The New Yorker. He also had several of his pun-filled poems published. These collections include The Bad Parent�s Garden of Verse, which he wrote in 1936 and the popular 1957 collection titled, You Can�t Get There from Here. One of his most well-known couplets from Reflections on Ice-Breaking reads: �Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker.� Mr. Nash had fun with just about any subject. Consider this little ditty from his observations at the dinner table: �Celery, raw, develops the jaw. But celery, stewed, is more quietly chewed.� Try a few yourself. It�s a lot of fun. As Mr. Nash might say: �Read a poem about a panther, but if the phone rings then, please, don�t anther! The rhino is a homely beast, For human eyes, he�s not a feast. Farewell, farewell you old rhinoceros, I�ll stare at something less preposterous!� Events August 19th. 1848 - The first report of the California gold strike was published in the New York Herald newspaper. 1856 - Gail Borden of Brooklyn, NY patented his process for condensed milk. You�ve heard of Borden�s condensed milk ... �The milk from contented cows.� This slogan was used in one of the great American advertising campaigns. The familiar flat- topped cans of Borden�s condensed milk are still available, as are Borden�s ice cream, cheese and other products -- all with the seal of approval by Borden�s famous mascot, Elsie, the cow. 1909 - The first race was run at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana. It wasn�t a brick track yet. It started as a crushed stone and tar track. 1918 - Sgt. Irving Berlin�s musical about army life in World War I opened at the Century Theatre in New York City. Yip Yip Yaphank included songs, such as Mandy and Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning. 1939 - The Dick Jurgens Orchestra recorded Day Dreams Come True at Night on Okeh Records. Eddy Howard was the vocalist on the piece. It became Jurgens� theme song. 1940 - The new Civil Aeronautics Administration awarded honorary license #1 to Orville Wright. 1960 - The Russians sent two dogs into earth orbit in a satellite. 1962 - Homero Blancas shot a 55 at the Premier Invitational Golf Tournament held at Longview, TX. It was the lowest score in U.S. competitive golf history. 1964 - The Beatles began their first North American concert tour. They would visit 26 cities. 1972 - NBC-TV presented The Midnight Special for the first time. John Denver was the host for the first show. Wolfman Jack was the show�s announcer. The Midnight Special proved to be a ratings success. 1973 - Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge were married in Los Angeles, CA. 1981 - Charlie�s Angels, starring Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and the voice of John Forsythe as Charlie, was seen for the last time on ABC-TV. The show went into syndication and is still seen on cable TV. 1984 - Lee Trevino won the 66th PGA Championship -- by four strokes. Trevino took home $125,000 for his first victory in three years. 1987 - It was on this day that consumer reporter David Horowitz was held at gunpoint on camera. During a KNBC-TV newscast in Burbank, CA, Horowitz was forced to read the assailant�s rambling note. The news director took the program off the air until police could get the gunman off the set. Horowitz was unharmed. 1989 - Authorities from four European countries (on the Dutch vessel Volans and the British launch Landward) boarded the offshore rock station Radio Caroline (on the ship Ross Revenge) in international waters in the North Sea and forced it to shut down. Disc jockeys relayed a blow-by-blow account of events to the astonished listeners right up to the end. 1991 - Hurricane Bob was located 30-35 miles east of Cape Hatteras NC, and was at its peak intensity of 115 mph. Damage from Bob was estimated at $1.5 billion, making it the 15th most costly hurricane in U.S. History. A total of 18 people died in the storm: six in Connecticut, three in both New York and Maine, two in both Nova Scotia and New Hampshire, and one in both North and South Carolina. Birthdays August 19th. 1870 - Bernard (Mannes) Baruch financier; chairman of War Industries Board [WWI]; representative: UN Atomic Energy Commission; presidential adviser; died June 20, 1965 1871 - Orville Wright aviator: one of the Wright Brothers: pioneers in aviation; died Jan 30, 1948 1883 - Coco (Gabriel Bonheur) Chanel fashion designer; perfume creator: Chanel #5; died Jan 10 1971 1902 - (Frederic) Ogden Nash poet; died May 19, 1971; see Ogden Nash Day [above] 1903 - James Gould Cozzens Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist: Guard of Honor [1948]; S.S. San Pedro, The Last Adam, By Love Possessed; died Aug 9, 1978 1903 - Claude (Legrand) Dauphin (Franc-Nohain) actor: Les Miserables, The Madwoman of Chaillot, Is Paris Burning, April in Paris; died Nov 16, 1978 1906 - June Collyer (Dorothea Heermance) actress: A Face in the Fog, The Ghost Walks, Drums of Jeopardy; died Mar 16, 1968 1915 - Ring Lardner Jr. (Ringgold Wilmer Lardner, Jr.) Academy Award-winning screenwriter: Woman of the Year [1942], MASH [1970]; A Star Is Born [1937], Brotherhood of Man, The Cincinnati Kid, Semi-Tough; died Oct 31, 2000 1916 - Marie (Katherine Elizabeth) Wilson actress: My Friend Irma, Babes in Toyland [1934], Rookies on Parade, Shine On, Harvest Moon, The Private Affairs of Bel Ami, Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation; died Nov 23, 1972 1919 - Malcolm Forbes Sr. publishing magnate: Forbes magazine; died Feb 24, 1990 1921 - Gene (Eugene Wesley) Roddenberry creator, producer: Star Trek; writer: Have Gun Will Travel; died Oct 24, 1991 1931 - Willie Shoemaker jockey: holds record for most wins in a career: 8,833 out of 40,350 mounts; died Oct 12, 2003 1933 - Debra Paget (Griffin) actress: Tales of Terror, The Ten Commandments, Omar Khayyam, Love Me Tender, Prince Valiant 1935 - Bobby (Robert Clinton) Richardson baseball: NY Yankees {World Series: 1957, 1958, 1960: record for RBIs in one series (12), and in one game in the series (6) and for most hits in a series (13), 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964/all-star: 1957, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966] 1938 - Diana Muldaur actress: A Year in the Life, The Tony Randall Show, The Survivors, Star Trek: The Next Generation, McCloud, L.A. Law, Born Free 1939 - Ginger (Peter) Baker musician: trumpet, drums: group: Cream; solo: Toad 1940 - Johnny Nash singer: I Can See Clearly Now, Stir It Up, Hold Me Tight, A Very Special Love 1940 - Jill St. John (Oppenheim) actress: Diamonds are Forever, Come Blow Your Horn, The Oscar, Burke�s Law 1943 - Billy J. Kramer (William Ashton) singer: group: The Dakotas: Little Children, Bad to Me 1945 - Ian Gillan singer: group: Deep Purple: Black Night, LPs: Deep Purple in Rock, Fireball, Machine Head 1946 - William Jefferson Clinton 42nd U.S. President [1993- ]; married to U.S. Senator [NY] Hillary Rodham Clinton [one daughter: Chelsea]; nickname: Bill 1946 - Bob Johnson football: Univ. of Tennessee, Cincinnati Bengals 1947 - Gerald McRaney actor: Simon & Simon, Major Dad, Murder by Moonlight, Blind Vengeance, Take Me Home: The John Denver Story 1948 - Tipper (Mary) Gore (Aitcheson) author: Raising PG Kids in an X-rated Society; wife of U.S. Vice President Al Gore 1949 - Paul (Michael) Mitchell baseball: pitcher: Baltimore Orioles, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers 1951 - John Deacon musician: bass: group: Queen: Another One Bites the Dust, Bohemian Rhapsody; score of Flash Gordon 1952 - Jonathan Frakes actor: Star Trek: The Next Generation TV series, Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction?; director: Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Klingon, Star Trek: Insurrection, Total Recall 2 1955 - Peter Gallagher actor: Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Short Cuts, The Hudsucker Proxy, The Man Who Knew Too Little, American Beauty 1957 - Adam Arkin actor: The Doctor, Heat Wave, Necessary Parties, Fourth Wise Man, Chicago Hope, Northern Exposure, A Year in the Life, Teachers Only, Busting Loose, Big Wave Dave�s 1960 - Morten Anderson football [kicker]: Michigan State Univ; NFL: NO Saints, Atlanta Falcons, NY Giants, KC Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings 1963 - John Stamos (Stamotopoulos) actor: General Hospital, Full House, You Again?, Born to Ride, The Disappearance of Christina, Never Too Young to Die 1965 - Kevin Dillon actor: Platoon, No Escape, A Midnight Clear, The Blob, Remote Control; actor Matt Dillon�s brother 1965 - Kyra Sedgwick actress: Phenomenon, Something to Talk About, Murder in the First, Family Pictures, Born on the Fourth of July, Kansas, Tai-pan, War & Love 1969 - Matthew Perry actor: Friends, Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards, Servicing Sara 1970 - M.C. Eric 1946 The Gypsy - The Ink Spots They Say It�s Wonderful - Frank Sinatra I Don�t Know Enough About You - The Mills Brothers New Spanish Two Step - Bob Wills 1954 Sh-Boom - The Crewcuts The Little Shoemaker - The Gaylords Hey There - Rosemary Clooney I Don�t Hurt Anymore - Hank Snow 1962 Breaking Up is Hard to Do - Neil Sedaka The Loco-Motion - Little Eva You Don�t Know Me - Ray Charles Wolverton Mountain - Claude King 1970 (They Long to Be) Close to You - Carpenters Make It with You - Bread Spill the Wine - Eric Burdon & War ;) Don�t Keep Me Hangin� On - Sonny James 1978 Three Times a Lady - Commodores Grease - Frankie Valli Miss You - The Rolling Stones Talking in Your Sleep - Crystal Gayle 1986 Papa Don�t Preach - Madonna Higher Love - Steve Winwood Your the Last Thing I Needed Tonight - John Schneider Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 232nd day of 2007 - 133 remaining. Monday, August 20, 2007 GENTLEMAN JIM DAY. No steel guitar, no fiddle for Jim Reeves. The man who turned country into pop-country, becoming the first big country-crossover artist, and possibly, the most popular, was born on this day in 1923 in Galloway, Panola County, Texas. In his short life (he died in a plane crash near Nashville in 1964), Jim Reeves played minor-league baseball hoping to pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals (that career was ended by an injury), was a radio announcer and an entertainer (Louisiana Hayride), and had more than forty top-ten country hits and over two dozen in the pop Hot 100. His second release, Mexican Joe, was #1 and was quickly followed by the #2 hit, Bimbo. He wrote and performed the hits Yonder Comes a Sucker, Am I Losing You, and I�m Getting Better. A slew of #2 hits, including Losing Your Love, Adios Amigo, I�m Gonna Change Everything and Welcome to My World were only slightly overshadowed by the number ones, Billy Bayou, He�ll Have to Go, I Guess I�m Crazy and his biggest pop and country hit, Four Walls. �Gentleman� Jim Reeves was elected posthumously to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1967, with his fans continuing to make his songs into #1 hits. From 1964 through 1967, there was This is It, Is It Really Over?, Distant Drums, Blue Side of Lonesome, I Won�t Come in While He�s There. Singers Deborah Allen and Patsy Cline did duets with Reeves through the magic of electronic recording. Deborah sang Take Me in Your Arms and Hold Me with Reeves for a 1980 hit, and Cline sang with Reeves� voice in the 1981 hit, Have You Ever Been Lonely? Tonight, if you watch TV, you�ll have a pretty good chance to buy a Jim Reeves record collection from a commercial selling Reeves on CD or cassette. We lost you, Gentleman Jim, but we�ll never lose your music. Events August 20th. 1741 - Alaska was discovered by Danish navigator Vitus Jonas Bering. That�s how the Bering Sea got its name. 1866 - The National Labor Union advocated an eight-hour workday. Industry, however, did not heed the request. Workers commonly worked 10 or 12 hour days -- or more. 1885 - The Mikado, by Gilbert and Sullivan, opened at the Fifth Avenue Theatre in New York City. 1920 - Allen Woodring won the 200-meter run at the Olympic Games held at Antwerp, Belgium. And he wasn�t even wearing his own shoes. The winning feet were in a borrowed pair. 1923 - The first American dirigible, the Shenandoah, was launched at Lakehurst, NJ. 1939 - Tarzan got married. No, not to Jane. Johnny Weissmuller, who played Tarzan in films, married Beryl Scott. 1939 - Orrin Tucker�s orchestra recorded Oh, Johnny, Oh, Johnny, Oh!, on Columbia Records. 1939 - The National Bowling Association was founded in Detroit, MI. It was the first bowling association in the U.S. for African-Americans. 1945 - Tommy Brown became the youngest player to hit a home run in a major-league ball game. Brown, who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers, was 17 years, 8 months and 14 days old. 1949 - Cleveland�s Indians and Chicago�s White Sox played at Municipal Stadium in Cleveland before the largest crowd to see a nighttime major-league baseball game: 78,382. 1955 - Col. Horace A. Hanes, a U.S. Air Force pilot, flew to an altitude of 40,000 feet. Hanes reached a speed of 822.135 miles per hour in a Super Sabrejet. 1960 - The Philadelphia Phillies snapped their modern major-league record of 23 consecutive losses by beating the Milwaukee Braves (score: 7-3). 1969 - Andy Williams received a gold record for the album Happy Heart on Columbia Records. 1977 - Best of My Love, by the Emotions, topped the pop charts. It had a number-one run of four weeks. 1980 - Bob Watson of the New York Yankees hit a baseball that bounced off the loudspeakers in Seattle�s Kingdome. He led the Yankees to a 5-4 victory over the Mariners. It was the second game in a row in which Watson hit a speaker-shot. He hit a double the first night and a triple this night, as the ball caromed off the loudspeakers. 1985 - The machine that revolutionized the world�s offices, the original Xerox 914 copier, took its place among the honored machines of other eras at the Smithsonian Institution�s National Museum of American History. The document copier had been formally introduced to the world in March of 1960. In just twenty-five years, the machine, invented by Chester Carlson, a patent lawyer, had become obsolete enough to make it into the museum. We�re sure some offices, somewhere, are still using the 914, thermal paper, liquid toner and all. 1986 - U.S. Census Bureau officials reported that the U.S. population stood at 240,468,000 and the median age reached an all-time high of 31-1/2 years. 1998 - The Supreme Court of Canada released its opinion on the Quebec Secession Reference. The Court �found there to be no basis, either under Canadian domestic law or under international law, on which the governmental institutions of Quebec could claim any legal right to secede from Canada unilaterally.� 2000 - Tiger Woods won the 82nd PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky. Woods birdied the last two holes in regulation and won the championship in a playoff over Bob May, becoming the first player since Ben Hogan in 1953 to win three majors (Masters, U.S. Open, British Open) in one year. He was the first player to win back-to-back PGA championships since Denny Shute in 1936 and 1937. Birthdays 1778 - Bernardo O�Higgins leader of Chile: �Liberator of Chile�; died Oct 24, 1842 1833 - Benjamin Harrison 23rd U.S. President [1889-1893]; married to C. Scott, M. Dimmick [one son, two daughter]; nickname: Kid Gloves Harrison; grandson of 9th U.S. President, William Henry Harrison; died Mar 13, 1901 1881 - Edgar Guest writer: syndicated columnist; poet; died Aug 5, 1959 1890 - H.P. (Howard Phillips) Lovecraft author: horror stories, science fiction: The Color Out of Space, The Dunwich Horror, The Thing on the Doorstep, Call of Cthulhu ; died Mar 15, 1937 1908 - Al Lopez (Alfonso Ram�n L�pez) Baseball Hall of Famer: Brooklyn Dodgers, Boston Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians; manager: Cleveland, Chicago White Sox; died Oct 30, 2005 1918 - Jacqueline Susann author: The Valley of the Dolls, The Love Machine; died Sep 21, 1974 1923 - Jim (James Travis) Reeves see Gentleman Jim Day [above]; died July 31, 1964 1926 - Frank Rosolino musician: trombone: with Stan Kenton, Harold Land, Bob Cooper, Clarke-Boland Big Band; died Nov 26, 1978 1927 - Joya Sherrill singer: Long, Strong and Consecutive, I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart 1931 - Frank Capp musician: drums: big jazz band: Capp-Pierce Juggernaut 1935 - Justin Tubb singer: Looking Back to See, Sure Fire Kisses; songwriter: Lonesome 7-7203, Love is No Excuse, Keeping Up with the Joneses; Ernest Tubb�s son; died Jan 24, 1998 1936 - Sam Melville actor: The Rookies, Roughnecks, Twice Dead; died Mar 9, 1989 1942 - Isaac Hayes Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer, song-writer: Theme from Shaft [1970]; score: Shaft; w/David Porter: Soul Man, Hold on I�m Coming; actor: Tough Guys, Truck Turner 1942 - Anthony Earl Numkena actor: Wagon Train: A Man Called Horse, Brave Eagle, Alaska Seas, Westward Ho the Wagons, Escape to Burma, Strange Lady in Town, Destination Gobi, Pony Soldier; registered radiologic technologist and diagnostic medical sonographer 1944 - Shri Rajiv Gandhi India�s Prime Minister [1989-1991]; assassinated May 21, 1991 1944 - Craig Nettles baseball: Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians, NY Yankees [World Series: 1976, 1977, 1978, 1981/all-star: 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980], SD Padres [World Series: 1984/all-star: 1985], Atlanta Braves, Montreal Expos 1946 - Connie Chung (Yu-Hwa) journalist: CBS Evening News, Saturday Night with Connie Chung, Eye to Eye, CNN: Connie Chung Tonight; married to Maury Povich 1947 - Jim Pankow trombonist, song writer; group: Chicago: Make Me Smile, Colour My World 1948 - Robert Plant singer: group: Honeydrippers: Big Log, Sea of Love, Rockin� at Midnight; Led Zeppelin: Stairway to Heaven, Whole Lotta Love, Immigrant Song, D�yer Mak�er, Fool in the Rain; solo: Little Sister 1948 - Tom Banks football: Auburn Univ., SL Cardinals 1949 - Philip Parris Lynott musician: bass, singer: [w/Gary Moore]: Parisienne Walkways, Out in the Fields; group: Thin Lizzy: Whiskey in the Jar, The Rocker, Little Girl in Bloom, Still in Love with You, Killer on the Loose; solo: Sarah, Yellow Pearl, Nineteen; died Jan 4, 1986 1952 - Doug Fieger musician: guitar, singer: group: The Knack: My Sharona, Good Girls Don�t, Baby Talks Dirty 1952 - Rudy Gatlin singer: group: The Gatlin Brothers: Night Time Magic, I�ve Done Enough Dyin� Today, All the Gold in California 1953 - Peter Horton actor: Thirtysomething, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 1954 - Al Roker actress: Nixon, Searching for Bobby Fischer, Peggy Sue Got Married, Manhunter, All My Sons 1962 - Geoffrey Blake actor: The Last Starfighter, Young Guns, Critters 3, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, Mighty Joe Young, Cast Away. Chart Toppers 1947 Peg o� My Heart - The Harmonicats I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder - Eddy Howard Across the Alley from the Alamo - The Mills Brothers Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) - Tex Williams 1955 Rock Around the Clock - Bill Haley & His Comets Hard to Get - Gisele MacKenzie The Yellow Rose of Texas - Mitch Miller I Don�t Care - Webb Pierce 1963 Fingertips - Pt 2 - Little Stevie Wonder Blowin� in the Wind - Peter, Paul & Mary Judy�s Turn to Cry - Lesley Gore Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash 1971 How Can You Mend a Broken Heart - The Bee Gees Mr. Big Stuff - Jean Knight Take Me Home, Country Roads - John Denver I�m Just Me - Charley Pride 1979 Good Times - Chic The Main Event/Fight - Barbra Streisand Coca Cola Cowboy - Mel Tillis 1987 I Still Haven�t Found What I�m Looking For - U2 Who�s That Girl - Madonna Luka - Suzanne Vega A Long Line of Love - Michael Martin Murphey Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 233rd day of 2007 - 132 remaining. Tuesday, August 21, 2007 ALOHA STATE DAY. :) It was on this day in 1959 that the citizens of the United States said aloha to their new, fellow Americans. The Hawaiian Islands became the State of Hawaii by a proclamation signed by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The statehood bill had been passed in March of 1959, but it contained a stipulation that the residents of the Hawaiian Islands would have to give their vote of approval. Three months later, they did so -- and by a huge margin. Hawaii finally became the 50th state of the United States of America on this day. Although the Aloha State is made up of a chain of 122 volcanic islands spread out over 1,600 miles, only seven, at the southeastern end of the chain, are inhabited: Hawaii (the Big Island), Maui (the Valley Isle), Lanai (the Pineapple Isle), Molokai (the Friendly Isle), Kauai (the Garden Isle), Niihau (the Forbidden Island), and Oahu (the Gathering Place). Oahu is the home of the state capital, Honolulu, and about 75% of the state�s population ... a population that is truly a melting pot of all races and religions. Hawaii is known for some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, mild tropical climate (the southernmost point in the United States is in Hawaii), and dramatic scenery. Although flowers like orchids, plumeria, pikake, tuberose, gardenia, anthurium, birds of paradise, ginger and protea bloom year round, Hawaii calls the hibiscus its state flower, specifically, the yellow hibiscus. There are many creatures that are only found on Hawaiian soil or in its turquoise-blue ocean waters, but it�s the nene or Hawaiian goose that holds the title of state bird. Hawaii is also unusual in that it has no snakes (or billboards). It does, however, have a state fish: the humuhumunukunukuapua�a. It�s not really that hard to pronounce ... try it this way: humu-humu-nuku-nuku-a-pua-a. That�s better. Hawaii is unique as a state for all of these reasons, but most of all because of its people and their Aloha Spirit. Aloha means love, affection, compassion, mercy, sympathy, pity, kindness, grace, charity ... and hello and good-bye. The state motto of Hawaii is: Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono. = The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness. Events August 21st. 1841 - John Hampton of New Orleans, LA, received a patent for venetian blinds. Now if he could have just invented self-cleaning venetian blinds... 1878 - A group of 100 lawyers got together at Saratoga Springs, New York and formed the American Bar Association. 1888 - William Burroughs of St. Louis, MO patented his adding machine. It was an invention that bore the name of Burrough�s office machine company for many years. 1912 - The first boy reached the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America program. He was Arthur R. Eldred of Oceanside, NY. 1929 - The Chicago Cardinals became the first professional football team to go out of town for training camp. The team started practice in Coldwater, MI. 1938 - A classic recording was made this day. Fats Waller waxed Ain�t Misbehavin. 1950 - The United Nations moved into its new permanent facilities in New York City -- on land donated by the Rockefeller family. 1971 - Sixteen-year-old Laura Baugh became the youngest winner of the United States Women�s Amateur Golf tournament. 1976 - RCA Victor Records announced that sales of Elvis Presley records had passed the 400 million mark. 1980 - Linda Ronstadt debuted on Broadway in the production of Gilbert and Sullivan�s, The Pirates of Penzance. 1984 - Victoria Roche was the first girl to compete in a Little League World Series game. The reserve outfielder from Belgium played in the annual event held in Williamsport, PA with her brother, starting outfielder Jeremy Roche. 1984 - Clint Eastwood contributed a hand print and the words, �You made my day,� to the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of Mann�s Chinese Theatre. 1986 - The Boston Red Sox made history against the Cleveland Indians. The Red Sox whipped the Indians 24-5 in the worst loss in the Tribe�s 85-year history. Greg Swindell made his major-league debut on the mound for the Indians. Dennis �Oil Can� Boyd got a 17-run lead for Boston and, luckily, held on for the win. 1988 - More than 1,000 people were killed in an earthquake at Bihar, India, the Himalayan region and Nepal. Registering 6.6 on the Ritcher scale, it killed more than 850 people and left 15,000 injured. 1993 - The soundtrack from Sleepless in Seattle hit number one on the Billboard LP chart. Other hit albums: #2 Black Sunday (Cypress Hill), #3 janet. (Janet Jackson), #4 Zooropa (U2), #5 Core (Stone Temple Pilots). 1998 - Wrongfully Accused, starring Leslie Nielsen, opened in U.S. theatres. Nielsen plays world-renowned violinist, Ryan Harrison, who is out to prove he was framed for murder by a one-armed, one-legged, one-eyed terrorist (played by Aaron Pearl). The story spoofs events from many other flicks. Nielson is at his slapstick best with lots of help from Richard Crenna (Fergus Falls), Kelly Le Brock (Lauren Goodhue), Sandra Bernhard (Dr. Fridley), Michael York (the murdered Hibbing Goodhue) and Melinda Mcgraw (Cass Lake). Wrongfully Accused was a box-office dud, for sure, but has become a huge favorite on cable TV. 1999 - Hua Mei, the giant panda cub, was born at the San Diego Zoo weighing a not-so-giant 4-5 ounces. Her parents are Bai Yun and Shi Shi (they arrived at the zoo on Sep 10, 1996 on a 12-year conservation study). Hua Mei was the first panda born in the U.S. in ten years. Birthdays August 21st. 1904 - (William Allen) Count Basie bandleader: April in Paris, Open the Door Richard; composer: One O�Clock Jump, Jumpin� at the Woodside; died Apr 26, 1984 1916 - Murry (Monroe) Dickson baseball: pitcher: SL Cardinals [World Series: 1943, 1946], Pittsburgh Pirates [all-star: 1953], Philadelphia Phillies, KC Athletics, NY Yankees [World Series: 1958]; died Sep 21, 1989 1918 - Billy (William) Reay hockey: NHL: Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens 1920 - Gerry (Gerald Lee) Staley baseball: pitcher: SL Cardinals [all-star: 1952, 1953], Cincinnati Redlegs, NY Yankees, Chicago White Sox [World Series: 1959/all-star: 1960], Detroit Tigers, KC Athletics 1923 - Chris Schenkel sportscaster: CBS Sports; ABC Sports: host of Pro Bowlers Tour for 33 years; Lifetime Achievement Emmy [1993]; died Sep 11, 2005 1928 - Art Farmer musician: trumpet, flugelhorn: worked w/Horace Henderson, Johnny Otis, Lionel Hampton Band; recorded be-bop classic Farmer�s Market; developed musical instrument called �flumpet�; died Oct 4, 1999 1930 - Margaret Rose Princess: Countess of Snowdon; sister of England�s Queen Elizabeth II; died Feb 9, 2002 1931 - Pete Retzlaff football: Philadelphia Eagles: Bert Bell Trophy winner [1965] 1932 - Melvin Van Peebles actor: Terminal Velocity, Boomerang; actor, screen writer: Sophisticated Gents, Sweet Sweetback�s Badassssss Song; screenwriter: Panther, Greased Lightning, The Story of a Three Day Pass 1936 - Wilt (Wilton) Chamberlain Basketball Hall of Famer: NBA MVP Award: Philadelphia Warriors [1960], Philadelphia 76ers [1966, 1967, 1968]; died Oct 12, 1999 1938 - Kenny (Kenneth Donald) Rogers Grammy and CMA Award-winning singer: She Believes in Me, Lady, Lucille, Islands in the Stream [w/Dolly Parton], What are We Doin� in Love [w/Dottie West], Through the Years, We�ve Got Tonight [w/Sheena Easton], You Decorated My Life, Coward of the County, The Gambler; groups: The Kirby Stone Four, The New Christy Minstrels, The First Edition; actor: The Gambler series 1939 - Harold Reid singer: group: The Statler Brothers: Flowers on the Wall, Bed of Roses, Class of �57 1939 - Clarence Williams III actor: The Mod Squad, Tales from the Hood, Sugar Hill, Purple Rain 1943 - Felix (Bernardo Martinez) Millan baseball: Atlanta Braves [all-star: 1969, 1970, 1971], NY Mets [World Series: 1973 1944 - Jackie DeShannon (Sharon Myers) singer: What the World Needs Now is Love, Put a Little Love in Your Heart; songwriter: Dum Dum, Needles and Pins, When You Walk in the Room, Don�t Doubt Yourself Babe; co-wrote: Bette Davis Eyes 1944 - Peter Weir director: Dead Poets Society, Witness, Green Card, The Year of Living Dangerously, The Mosquito Coast, The Truman Show 1945 - Patty McCormack (Russo) actress: The Bad Seed, Invitation to Hell, The Ropers, Peck�s Bad Girl, Mama 1945 - Willie Lanier Pro Football Hall of Famer: Kansas City Chiefs linebacker: Super Bowl IV 1947 - Carl Giammarese musician: guitar: The Buckinghams: Kind of a Drag, A&E: Biography 1951 - John (Hardin) Stearns baseball: catcher: Philadelphia Phillies, NY Mets [all-star: 1977, 1979, 1980, 1982] 1952 - Joe Strummer (John Mellors) musician: guitar, singer: group: The Clash: 1977, Capital Radio, Career Opportunities, I�m So Bored with the USA, Police and Thieves, Complete Control, [White Man] in Hammersmith Palais, English Civil War, Stay Free, Brand New Cadillac, Death or Glory, Jimmy Jazz; died Dec 22, 2002 1954 - Bruce (Michael) Berenyi baseball: pitcher: Cincinnati Reds, NY Mets 1954 - Archie Griffin football: Heisman Trophy winner: Ohio State [1974 & 1975]; Cincinnati Bengals running back: Super Bowl XVI 1956 - Kim Cattrall actress: Breaking Point, Wild Palms, Police Academy, The Bastard, The Rebels, Mannequin, Live Nude Girls 1957 - Frank (Enrico) Pastore baseball: pitcher: Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins 1957 - Kim Sledge football: quarterback: Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears: Super Bowl XX 1975 - Alicia Witt actress; Cybill, Mr. Holland�s Opus, Four Rooms, Hotel Room. Chart Toppers 1948 A Tree in the Meadow - Margaret Whiting My Happiness - Jon & Sandra Steele It�s Magic - Doris Day Bouquet of Roses - Eddy Arnold 1956 My Prayer - The Platters Hound Dog/Don�t Be Cruel - Elvis Presley Canadian Sunset - Hugo Winterhalter & Eddie Haywood I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash 1964 Everybody Loves Somebody - Dean Martin Where Did Our Love Go - The Supremes Rag Doll - The 4 Seasons Dang Me - Roger Miller 1972 Alone Again (Naturally) - Gilbert O�Sullivan Brandy (You�re a Fine Girl) - Looking Glass Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress) - The Hollies ;) Bless Your Heart - Freddie Hart & The Heartbeats 1980 Magic - Olivia Newton-John Take Your Time (Do It Right) - The S.O.S. Band Tennessee River - Alabama 1988 Roll with It - Steve Winwood Monkey - George Michael 1-2-3 - Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine Bluest Eyes in Texas - Restless Heart Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) ShadowThomas 234th day of 2007 - 131 remaining. Wednesday, August 22, 2007 WHERE IN THE WORLD IS MONA LISA DAY? :D Leonardo da Vinci�s painting, Mona Lisa, was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris on this night in 1911. Those who visited the Louvre stared at the blank space on the wall where the world�s most famous painting had hung. One could almost believe that they could see the painting of the woman with the enigmatic smile. After all, it had hung in the same spot for over a century and had been a part of French art collections for over 400 years, even though da Vinci, who had painted the masterpiece at the beginning of the 16th century, practiced his art in Florence, Italy. Was the theft the work of a madman? A professional thief couldn�t sell the world�s most famous painting ... so it must have been someone who had lost their mental faculties ... or was it? In a little over two weeks time, the French police arrested gothic poet Guillaume Apollinaire. He was charged with receipt of stolen property. But the space on the wall of the Louvre remained empty for at least two more years. Then, on December 13, 1913, Mona Lisa was found, undamaged, in the city of its origin. It seems that another Florence artist, this one of the 20th century, Vincenzo Perugia, had been arrested for stealing the painting. Vincenzo allegedly tried to sell the painting to an antique dealer. We guess Vincenzo hadn�t read the stories that said no one would buy the stolen Mona Lisa. Events August 22nd. 1762 - Ann Franklin became the first woman to hold the title of newspaper editor. She assumed those duties at The Newport Mercury in Newport, RI. 1770 - Captain James Cook, having landed at Australia, claimed it for the British Crown. 1851 - The Hundred Guinea Cup, a silver trophy, was presented by the Royal Yacht Squadron to the U.S. schooner America, the winner of an international race around the Isle of Wight. The trophy was eventually turned over to the New York Yacht Club and is now known as the America�s Cup. 1865 - William Sheppard of New York City patented liquid soap. Take a rubber ducky to lunch today. 1906 - The Victor Talking Machine Company of Camden, New Jersey began to manufacture the Victrola (record player). The hand-cranked unit, with horn cabinet, sold for $200. Records sold separately. 1932 - The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) began its first experimental TV broadcast in England. 1938 - Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers appeared, dancing, on the cover of LIFE magazine, published on this day. 1938 - Count Basie recorded the classic swing tune, Jumpin� at the Woodside, for Decca Records. 1947 - After many years as a 15-minute daily serial, Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy, was heard for the first time as a 30-minute feature on ABC radio. Remember, if you want to grow up to be big and strong like Jack Armstrong, keep these three rules in mind: Get plenty of sleep, fresh air and exercise. Make a friend of soap and water, because dirt breeds germs -- and germs can make people sickly and weak. And for sound nourishment and keen flavor, eat a big bowlful of Wheaties, the Breakfast of Champions, with plenty of milk or cream and some type of fruit. 1947 - The college all-stars won for the first time in the annual charity football game between the Chicago Bears and a select team of college football standouts. The 14th annual game was played at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. 1951 - The largest crowd to see a basketball game to that time -- 75,052 -- looked on as the Harlem Globetrotters performed before a non-paying crowd in Berlin�s Olympic Stadium. 1954 - Native Dancer, with career earnings of $785,240, was retired from horse racing. A foot ailment put the famous horse -- fourth on the all-time thoroughbred winner�s list -- out to pasture. 1959 - Stephen Rockefeller of the wealthy, powerful Rockefeller family, married Anne Marie Rasmussen. Anne was once a maid in the Rockefeller household. 1967 - President Lyndon B. Johnson welcomed the Shah of Iran to the U.S. for a two-day visit. Two months later, Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlevi was crowned King of Kings. One of the Shah�s major proclamations provided for a general amnesty for political prisoners overflowing Iran�s jails. 1972 - The Republican party renominated Richard M. Nixon (President of U.S.) and Spiro T. Agnew (Vice President) in Miami, FL. 1984 - The last Volkswagen Rabbit rolled off the assembly line in Westmoreland, PA. Over 11 million of the economical cars had been produced. 1987 - Madonna�s single Who�s that Girl hit #1 in the U.S for a short and sweet one-week stay at the top. 1989 - Nolan Ryan of the Texas Rangers fanned Rickey Henderson of the Oakland Athletics to become the first pitcher to strike out 5,000 batters. It happened in the fifth inning at 8:51 p.m. on a 3-2, 96-mph fastball. Ryan�s accomplishment prompted a one-minute, 25-second standing ovation from the sellout crowd of 42,869 at Arlington Stadium in Arlington, Texas. 1990 - Scores of angry smokers blocked a street near Moscow's Red Square for hours in protest of the summer-long cigarette shortage. Birthdays pioneer in aviation: Langley Air Force Base [in Virginia] bears his name; died in 1906 1836 - Archibald M. Willard artist: The Spirit of �76; died Oct 11, 1918 1848 - Melville Stone journalist: founder/publisher: Chicago Daily News, Associated Press; autobiography: Fifty Years a Journalist 1862 - Claude Debussy composer: Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, La Mer, Clair de Lune, Nocturnes, String Quartet in G minor; died Mar 25, 1918 1880 - George Herriman cartoonist: comic strips: Krazy Kat, Krazy Kat and Ignatz, The Dingbat Family; died Apr 25, 1944 1893 - Dorothy Parker (Rothschild) author: News Item: Men seldom make passes/At girls who wear glasses; Enough Rope, Sunset Gun, Death and Taxes, Here Lies; New Yorker columnist; died June 7, 1967 1917 - John Lee Hooker singer: Boom, Boom, I Don�t Want To Go to Viet Nam, Boogie Chillen�, One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer; in film: The Blues Brothers; died June 21, 2001 1920 - Ray Bradbury writer: Fahrenheit 451, The Toynbee Convector, Martian Chronicles 1920 - Dr. Denton Cooley heart surgeon: pioneered many techniques used in cardiovascular surgery 1926 - Bob Flanigan singer: group: The Four Freshmen: It�s a Blue World 1929 - Elmo Langley auto racer: NASCAR pace car driver and official: died of heart attack while preparing for race at Suzuka Circuitland race course, Japan Nov 21, 1996 1933 - Sylva Koscina actress: Lisa and the Devil, The Slasher, Deadly Sanctuary, Hercules Unchained, Hercules; died Dec 26, 1994 1934 - Diana Sands actress: A Raisin in the Sun, Doctors� Wives, Honeybaby, Honeybaby; died Sep 21, 1973 1934 - Norman Schwarzkopf U.S. Army General: Desert Storm [1990-91]; author: It Doesn�t Take a Hero 1935 - Morton Dean TV news anchor: CBS, ABC News 1938 - Paul Maguire football: SD Chargers, Buffalo Bills; NBC, ESPN TV NFL color analyst 1939 - Carl (Michael) Yastrzemski �Yas�: Baseball Hall of Famer: Boston Red Sox outfielder [all-star: 1963, 1965 thru 1979, 1982, 1983/World Series: 1967, 1975/Baseball Writers� Award: 1967] 1940 - Valerie Harper Emmy Award-winning actress: Rhoda [1974-75], The Mary Tyler Moore Show [1970-71, 1971-72, 1972-73]; City, Valerie 1941 - Bill (Duane) Parcells football coach: Air Force Academy, NY Giants [Sporting News Coach of the Year: 1986], New England Patriots, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys 1942 - Joe Chambers musician: guitar; singer: group: The Chambers Brothers: Time Has Come Today 1944 - Tom Mitchell football: Baltimore Colts tight end: Super Bowl: III, V 1947 - Cindy Williams actress: Laverne & Shirley, Normal Life, Getting By, The Funny Side, American Graffiti, Rude Awakening 1948 - Delles Howell football: NO Saints, NY Jets 1950 - (Bertram) Ray Burris baseball: pitcher: Chicago Cubs, NY Mets, NY Yankees, Montreal Expos, Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, SL Cardinals 1950 - Sam Neely singer: Love You Just Crossed My Mind 1951 - Ike (Isaac Bernard) Hampton baseball: NY Mets, California Angels 1952 - Gary (Ray) Beare baseball: pitcher: Milwaukee Brewers 1956 - Paul (Leo) Molitor baseball: Milwaukee Brewers [all-star: 1980, 1985, 1988, 1991, 1992/World Series: 1982]; Toronto Blue Jays [all-star: 1993, 1994/World Series: 1993: MVP: only player to hit 5 for 5 in World Series; designated hitter record for stolen bases [24]]; Minnesota Twins 1960 - Debbi Peterson musician: drums, singer: group: Bangles: Walk like an Egyptian, Manic Monday 1961 - Roland Orzabal singer, musician: guitar: duo: Tears For Fears: Shout, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, Head Over Heels, Suffer the Children, Mad World, Change, Pale Shelter 1964 - Mats Wilander tennis champion: Australian Open [1983, 84, 88], French Open [1982, 85, 88], U.S. Open [1988] Chart Toppers 1949 Some Enchanted Evening - Perry Como Room Full of Roses - The Sammy Kaye Orchestra (vocal: Don Cornell) You�re Breaking My Heart - Vic Damone I�m Throwing Rice (At the Girl I Love) - Eddy Arnold 1957 Love Letters in the Sand - Pat Boone Tammy - Debbie Reynolds (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Elvis Presley 1965 I Got You Babe - Sonny & Cher Save Your Heart for Me - Gary Lewis & The Playboys Help! - The Beatles Yes, Mr. Peters - Roy Drusky & Priscilla Mitchell 1973 Touch Me in the Morning - Diana Ross Live and Let Die - Wings ;) Brother Louie - Stories Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man - Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn 1981 Endless Love - Diana Ross & Lionel Richie Theme from "Greatest American Hero" (Believe It or Not) - Joey Scarbury I Don�t Need You - Kenny Rogers 1989 Right Here Waiting - Richard Marx On Our Own - Bobby Brown Cold Hearted - Paula Abdul Sunday in the South - Shenandoah Those were the days, my friend. We thought they�d never end... ;) For those who are reading this, be sure and stop in daily as I will keep this updated daily. I use to do a, Today in history article daily on my morning radio show. All I ask of you, is to not to post in this thread, so that others that view this thread will not have to scroll down to view the contents. You are however, welcomed to PM. me or even start a thread on comments about, Today in history. Thanks for your kind, considerate understanding. :) All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:26 PM. Page 5 of 17
i don't know
Welsh leader Owen Glendower rebelled against which English king?
Owen Glendower (Owain Glyndwr), last Welsh Prince of Wales The followers of Owen Glendower, the medieval Welsh nationalist leader who disappeared in about 1415, firmly believed that should Wales be in any danger from the English, he would return and free them from oppression. His name is still remembered and revered today. Owen Glyn Dŵr, Owen of the Glen of Dee Water, was thought to have been born in the year 1354, although the exact date is unknown. He claimed descent from Llewelyn the Great and the ruling princes of Wales . He was the heir to two of the four great princely houses of Wales and following his father's death in 1370, received the best education that money could buy in London. He even enjoyed the fashionable 'finishing school' environment provided by the Inns of Court. He went on to serve the English Crown as a soldier against the Scots, and wearing a scarlet flamingo feather as his crest he is said to have bore down on the Scotsmen before him with only the butt of his broken lance! He married the daughter of an Anglo-Welsh judge, fathering six sons with remarkable speed, and led a very peaceful life on his pleasant estates. It was, however, in the late 1390's that the seeds of rebellion were sown, following a series of disagreements and disputes with the English Crown and Parliament concerning the loss of lands and honour. And so in September, 1400, when he was 50, Owen organised a rebellion against the recently usurping English king, Henry IV and claimed the title, Prince of Wales. His popularity appears to have soared almost overnight with Welsh students, seeing in him the leader they had long been looking for, abandoning their university studies to join him. Welsh labourers threw down their hoes and joined the national uprising. More importantly for Owen, hundreds of seasoned Welsh archers and soldiers, fresh from campaigns in France and Scotland, left English service to join the rebellion. Owen’s forces spread quickly through northeast Wales. Ruthin , Denbigh, Rhuddlan, Flint, Hawarden, Holt, Oswestry and Welshpool fell quickly. Simultaneously, the Tudor brothers from Anglesey launched a guerrilla war against the English. The Tudors were a prominent Anglesey family and cousins of Owen. Owen's cause continued to grow fast - in 1401, despite English expeditions into north and south Wales his stature grew as a national hero. The whole of northern and central Wales went over to Owain. In 1402 the sighting of a great comet in the sky was taken by Owen's followers to be a sign of victory and they captured Owen's enemy Reginald Grey of Ruthin. Grey was later released on the payment of a ransom of £6,666. Owen was blessed with a sound common sense, and when Edmund Mortimer, the King's nephew was captured, he did not demand a ransom for him, but married him instead to his daughter Catherine. Now Owen was on course for not only the throne of Wales, but for that of England too! Owen continued to fight the English but after the battle at Woodbury Hill near Worcester in 1405 he retreated back to Wales. In Wales, Owen issued the Pennal Manifesto on the future of the Welsh Church which was supported by most of the churchmen. It appears that not all of the churchmen were loyal to the end though. Prior to the battle of Pwll Melyn in 1406, legend has it that a friar had preached with great spirit that all who fell in the fighting would sup that night in heaven! As it became obvious that defeat for Owen's army was in the wind, the friar tried to slip away, however some soldiers caught him and pointed out to him that he was missing the chance of a heavenly banquet; he smartly informed them that this was one of his fast days, and scurried away to safety. Following this defeat, one by one, Owen's castles surrendered to the English, his wife and children were captured, and by 1410 he had become a hunted outlaw. Despite the substantial rewards being offered, Owen was never captured or betrayed and his place of hiding remains a mystery to this day. Fragments of information about him kept surfacing, until 1416 when he was believed to have died somewhere, possibly on the estate of his daughters' husband in Herefordshire, ironically in England. Like the legend of King Arthur, Welsh legend has it that when Wales is threatened again, he will rise in order to lead the defense of Wales. The year 2000 saw the 600th anniversary of of the rising and was commemorated throughout Wales. Owen’s personal standard (the quartered arms of Powys and Deheubarth rampant) can now to be seen all over Wales - especially at rugby matches against the English!    
Henry IV
What now common devise was proposed by Townes in 1958 and built by Maiman in 1960? Townes got the Nobel Prize and Maiman filed the patent?
BBC - History - Historic Figures: Owain Glyn Dwr (c.1355 - c.1415) z Owain Glyn Dwr   © Owain Glyn Dwr (anglicised as Owen Glendower) led a Welsh revolt against the English crown between 1400 and 1409 and was the last to claim the title of independent prince of Wales. Owain Glyn Dwr was born around the 1350s into an Anglo-Welsh gentry family. His estates provided him with a modest power base in north-east Wales. Glyn Dwr was educated in England, joining the English army and taking part in an invasion of Scotland. He then retired to his estates in Wales. In 1399, against the backdrop of Richard II's overthrow by Henry Bolingbroke in England, Glyn Dwr's long-running land dispute with his neighbour, Reginald de Grey, escalated into rebellion. Glyn Dwr proclaimed himself prince of Wales in September 1400. There followed several fierce attacks by Glyn Dwr supporters on English border towns, and a more general outbreak of rebellion in north-west Wales. The English were galvanised into action, and Henry IV arrived to lead a successful campaign against the rebels - although Glyn Dwr was never captured. Over the next few years punitive measures were enacted to keep control of Wales, but these were matched by many acts of Welsh rebellion - among them the capture of Conwy Castle in April 1401. In June 1402, at the Battle of Pilleth on Bryn Glas Hill, Glyn Dwr led his troops to victory over an English army led by Edmund Mortimer. By now Glyn Dwr was leading a national revolt. In 1404 a French expeditionary force landed at Milford Haven, and joined with the Welsh to march towards Worcester, capturing several important castles as they went. Before long, however, the English started to regain control of Wales, and support for the revolt faded. By 1408, the rebellion had reverted to a guerrilla war. Glyn Dwr was now a leader on the run, and he is last mentioned in government records - where terms are offered for his surrender - in February 1416. It is thought that by this time he was already dead.
i don't know
Assassinated along with several members of his family in 2001 by the heir to his throne, of which country was Birendra the king?
BBC News | SOUTH ASIA | Nepal royal family massacred Saturday, 2 June, 2001, 06:40 GMT 07:40 UK Nepal royal family massacred Police control crowds outside the royal palace The king and queen of Nepal have been killed in a massacre of royal family members by the heir to the throne. We have been orphaned by this loss Kathmandu resident Eleven people - including several members of the royal family - were shot dead late on Friday evening, apparently after a dinner table dispute about a bride for the heir to the throne. King Birendra's 29-year-old son, Crown Prince Dipendra, opened fire on his parents and other family members before turning his sub-machine gun on himself. Some reports say he is on life support in hospital. Crown Prince Dipendra: Unhappy about choice of bride He had apparently disagreed with his mother, Queen Aiswarya, over his choice of wife. Hundreds of people are milling around the Kathmandu palace in shock, waiting for news. Crown Prince Dipendra, educated at exclusive Eton College in the United Kingdom, is reported to have been at odds with his family for some time over his choice of bride. According to recent press reports, astrologers had advised that the crown prince should not be allowed to marry or have children until he reached the age of 35. The astrologers warned that the king would die if this advice was ignored. Revered Nepal's privy council are meeting to choose a successor as a shocked nation attempts to come to terms with the news. Security was tight outside the army hospital, where the dead and injured were taken The king's younger brother and probable successor, Prince Gyanendra, was away from the capital. Poor weather has delayed his return from Chitwan, 120km (75 miles) from Kathmandu. The king and queen's other two children - Prince Nirajan and Princess Shruti - are among the dead. The murders are thought to be the worst mass killing of royalty since the Romanovs were put to death by order of Lenin in 1918 during the Russian civil war. "This is a most unfortunate and shocking event," said Deputy Prime Minister Ram Chandra Paudel. "Shocking is an understatement, we have been orphaned by this loss," said a vegetable seller, Janardan Sharma, who like many in Kathmandu rushed to the royal palace early on Saturday to try to find out more news of the tragedy. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's office issued a statement saying that he was "profoundly shocked". Popular King Birendra, 55, ruled Nepal as an absolute monarch after ascending the throne in 1972, without political parties under a system of local panchayats or councils. But nationwide unrest forced him to legalise political parties in 1990 and accept a parliamentary system. However, the king has remained extremely popular in Nepal. Last December hundreds of people lined the streets of Kathmandu to greet the king on his 55th birthday. Some people in Nepal, which is 90% Hindu, believe that the king is the reincarnation of the god Vishnu. Search BBC News Online
Nepal
Whose figure is depicted on the American award 'The Purple Heart'?
Succession Crisis - TV Tropes Succession Crisis You need to login to do this. Get Known if you don't have an account Share YMMV "The King is dead! Long live the king! ...But who is the king?" In theory, when the King dies, his heir steps straight into the vacancy, replacing him without any fuss, but only in theory. In practice, the deaths of kings are occasions of high drama. Rival claimants — with or without Royal Blood — dispute the succession , and even after the victor is crowned , they'll discover that their predecessor has left them with a host of problems, leaving their throne unstable for years to come. The first problem is deciding who is the rightful heir. There might seem to be a single clear candidate, but any Evil Prince worthy of the name can produce documents 'proving' the Crown Prince is ineligible, and must be passed over in favor of themselves (if he doesn't decide to simply resort to outright murder). Missing heirs will come out of the woodwork , possibly impostors seizing the moment, possibly the real thing. Other powerful figures with no legitimate claims of their own but plenty of ambition (especially the Evil Chancellor ) may set themselves up as Kingmakers so that they can become the Man Behind the Man for the winning side. And then there is sometimes The Usurper , who often prefers to dispense with questions of legitimacy and take the throne by force because no one else can or will stand up to him . Expect lots of backstabbery in this Deadly Decadent Court . This is naturally even worse when, in fact, there is no way to determine the rightful heir. For instance, Roman emperors never had their laws codify who is the emperor's heir, though some techniques were used to try to secure succession, and when Peter the Great decreed that the tsar would name his heir, he never actually designated one, leaving the field wide open. An Elective Monarchy is almost bound to have one. If the rightful heir is foreign royalty, particularly the monarch of a rival country, almost the entire court will unite to prevent them inheriting the crown, out of simple self interest. The foreign heir will object to this, vigorously, and he will have an army backing him up . When there are several candidates with a convincing legal argument, the dispute is normally settled on the battlefield , often with the death of one or more of the claimants. Female heirs, and anyone inheriting through the female line, may have greater problems. In countries with a long tradition of ruling Queens, they'll be fine. Elsewhere, the alternative male candidates will argue that women shouldn't count , often with the help of an army . Such a situation occurred with Henry I of England's designated heir Matilda (Henry produced over 20 bastards, but only two legitimate kids who grew to adulthood, and she was the only one left by then). Similar problems arise if there are other restrictions on who may hold the crown, such as race, religion, or magical talent. If the rightful heir is underage , they might be passed over completely, but more often, they'll get a regent. The great magnates will compete vigorously for this post, with its near-royal status and opportunity to corrupt the young ruler . However, even when the laws state that a Queen cannot rule, it is not unknown for a country to use Loophole Abuse to get out of a Succession Crisis — said loophole frequently being the laws not stating what gender a King must be. More than one nation has thus ended up with a woman King. Sometimes there's a time limit involved: the prince must be crowned king within a specific length of time or at a specific time or someone else gets the kingship. Sometimes, though, there are no traceable heirs. The late king was childless, and all his close relatives are dead, unacceptable, or unwilling to accept the crown. This gives all the neighboring countries an excuse to nominate a friendly noble , or discover some distant relationship. Or there can be succession mandates with serious penalties. For example, the Grimaldi family owns the country of Monaco, because, basically, they got a contract from France saying so back in the 13th Century. However, their contract ends if the current Prince (or Princess) dies without a direct descendant. There were worries for a time that Monaco might revert back to French control if both of Prince Rainer's children, who are not exactly known for participating in safe practices , were to be killed and he didn't get married and have another kid fast enough. So far, it looks like there have been some changes in the activities of the members of House Grimaldi and the chance that France will be able to take Monaco back is no longer likely. Even if the new king is the old one's son, they'll soon discover their training didn't properly prepare them for the reality. More often, in fiction, the throne will go to someone completely unprepared , either a young prince who didn't expect to gain the throne for many years, or a distant relative or younger prince who never expected to gain the throne at all, and the kingdom will be on the brink of disaster when they take over. The crisis may be external—if the old king died in battle, the new king is going to have to rally a defeated army and turn the war around. Or, it may be internal—examples include an empty treasury, impending (or ongoing) famine, or a brewing rebellion. Either way, the new king will be sorely tested before their crown is safe. If there is no real heir, the trope Offered the Crown can produce this as nobles intrigue to get their favorite candidate offered it. The Rightful King Returns is also a common way for this plot to be resolved. Note that this trope is not exclusive to monarchies by any stretch-for a particularly common political plot in the modern day, see the United States' Twenty-Fifth Amendment . This is Truth in Television ! However, the preponderance of constitutional monarchies (for those nations which still retain a monarch) make future occurrences of this trope highly unlikely. National legislatures ultimately dictate who is or is not eligible for the throne and most constitutional monarchies have clear chains of succession spelled out in law. In the UK, for example, it would take a severe disaster to eliminate heirs to get to the point where there would be a succession crisis. Even if a country declares itself a republic, this doesn't avert the situation entirely—the US has its share of difficulties. See below for Real Life examples. Examples     open/close all folders      Anime & Manga  Le Chevalier d'Eon has a Russian story arc about the Palace Revolutions that brought Peter III and Catherine II to power. Code Geass is partially driven by the maneuvering of various claimants to the Britannian throne seeking to solidify their claim. The fact that the Emperor is still alive doesn't bother them too much. The series concludes with Lelouch brainwashing Pendragon's aristocracy and royalty, defeating Schnizel in an epic Brainwashed Army versus Infinite Nukes blockbuster finale, and becoming the world's first ruler of the entire planet... only to get assassinated by Suzaku two months later. It turns out, he planned his own death so that Nunnally would get the title of Empress the 100th, with Schneizel doing all the ruling as a brainwashed advisor. The Emblem of Blood incident was a feud among the various claimants to the Britannian throne during the period when Charles became Emperor. The death of their mother inspired him and his brother, V.V., to pursue their dream of slaying god. Averted in the Alternate Continuity manga Code Geass: Nightmare of Nunnally , where Cornelia and the Japanese expect one of these after Charles starts enacting his master plan and throws the Empire into chaos. Cornelia wants to have Euphemia succeed him and is expecting a bitter struggle, only to have their brother Schneizel shock everyone by throwing in his support for Euphie as well, leaving her with the backing of the one man who could have easily been her fiercest competitor. She stays as the 99th Emperor of Britannia at the end of the manga. Katekyo Hitman Reborn! has one of these when Xanxus shows up and demands to be the 10th boss of the Vongola Family. It's not a perfect example though, because the 9th is still alive. Well, for a while, anyways . In Fullmetal Alchemist the many clans of Xing are united under the Emperor, who sires an heir with a concubine of each clan. The current Emperor is ailing and, to prevent a civil war when he dies, has promised the throne to whichever of his children can bring him the key to eternal life. Ling and May are both driven by their desire to reach the throne, Ling to ensure peace and May to protect her clan, and independently come to Amestris in order to find a Philosopher's Stone. Ling utilmately becomes the Emperor, though May survives the struggle and is shown to be doing pretty well anyway. Ooku : the Inner Chambers is about harem politics, so this trope is a constant. Reverend Kasuga's primary motivation in the second and third volumes is avoiding the massive succession crisis that she feared would occur if it became known that Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu died without a male heir . Anyone that has read volume one (set about 80 years later) is well aware that the secret came out at some point. Two shoguns later Tsunayoshi's only heir died, and even after she hit menopause, she held off naming her niece Ienobu successor as long as possible (despite Ienobu being obviously the most qualified candidate) because her father had been rivals with Ienobu's grandfather. Ienobu died with only one sickly, underage heir, reviving the succession crisis, which culminated in a scandal that brought down the senior chamberlain and the privy counselor. This rendered them unable to oppose the succession by coup of Yoshimune of Kii. Yoshimune's two older daughters are in competition for the throne (as the eldest has significant physical and emotional disabilities) but she resolves the crisis by abdicating in favor of the eldest and then ruling from behind the scenes to prevent her younger daughter, Munetake from seizing power. And then the crisis is revived yet again when Ieharu's only daughter dies, with Munetake promoting the claims of her daughter Sadanobu, only for Ieharu to remove her from the succession altogether after Munetake dies by having her adopted as the heir to another family, all at the instigation of Sadanobu's rival for the throne, Harusada. Then she abdicates her claim to the throne altogether to ensure that it goes to her son, making Ienari the first male shogun in decades. Harusada did this to ensure that she'd hold the power behind the throne, without the pressure to bear a daughter. However, that leads to the next succession crisis: Ienari has so many children that one of these is inevitable. Harusada took it upon herself to poison the grandchildren she doesn't like (and it's implied she did that because she was bored) and after her death the various concubines started poisoning each other's children. However, Ienari took a page from Yoshimune and abdicated in favor of one his sons. It's also implied that the succession from him to Iesada went smoothly too, which is just as well as Commodore Perry has shown up. Kinnikuman 's final arc featured this. At the beginning of the series, everyone knew that Kinnikuman is the prince of the Kinniku tribe's royal family, but was far too stupid to be considered king. But after taking a level in badass and proving to be a worthy successor, it turns out that there was a fire in the hospital where Kin was born, and he could have been mixed up with five other babies. In true fashion, a wrestling tournament is held to see which Kinnikuman is the rightful heir. While not done with royalty, the Sumimura and Yukimura families of Kekkaishi have a vicious rivalry with one another over who is the legitimate heir to the Hazuma style of kekkai that their master, Tokimori Hazuma, developed. As both families possess the Houin mark on their bodies, the result has never been truly settled. Basilisk concerns a succession crisis being resolved in advance by having a proxy war between two ninja clans decide who the Shogun's heir would be. The war destroys both clans, which were on the verge of resolving their feud when the Shogun had them start killing each other for reasons that most of them didn't even know. A smaller scale version occurs in Fruits Basket with the large, wealthy (and old) Sohma family. After Akito's father, Akira, dies, there's a huge dispute over whether his wife Ren or his child Akito should take over as Head of the Family. Akito ends up winning, since it's in Akira's will, but considering that we only hear about that stipulation from the head maid (who has always despised Ren) after the conflict has had some time to escalate, it's possible she made it up. The factions among the servants are still butting heads a decade or so later. In Beelzebub , if the current Lord Beezlebub has too many children (read: more than one), demons are obviously going to create factions over in-fighting, and civil war will eventually start, threatening both the family itself and the entire kingdom. Case and point: Baby Beel and his older brother En. Though, it's assumed that whoever inherits the Beelzebub is the true successor to the throne. Since En did not inherit the title despite being the eldest, it's obvious who their father's successor is. This causes En a considerable amount of (somewhat childish) angst, and claim that he is an "unwanted child," perhaps in realization of that and the fact that he tends to act like a Spoiled Brat . In Magi � Labyrinth of Magic , after the second Kou Emperor died of illness most likely a lie by his wife Gyokuen, everyone believed that the successor would be his first son Kouen. The fact that Gyokuen succeeded as the Third Emperor shocked everyone and supporters of Kouen immediately began to revolt. Saiunkoku Monogatari has the princes fighting each other after their father deliberately set them against themselves to see who would become emperor, nearly destroying the country in the process. Not to mention exiling his former favourite son Prince Seien, the most competent out of his sons. In the end after four of the six princes killed each other, the youngest prince Ryuuki becomes emperor, something he hated and never wanted. In The Heroic Legend of Arslan , there is Arslan who is making his move to free Pars from Lusitania and Silvermask/Prince Hermes, Andragonas' nephew who also wants to undermine Lusitania from within. Parsian officers in exile recognize that because there are two contenders for the throne, liberating Pars will not bring peace to the country. One of these takes place in Anatolia Story , a manga set in the Hittite Empire. The Time Traveler Yuri Suzuki is the concubine of Prince Kail Mursili, one of the sons of the very old King Suppilinuma I, and when the King dies around the same time The Plague hits, things quickly go From Bad to Worse ...     Comic Books  In Marvel Comics ' Power Pack , this was the default for the alien Snark empire every time an Emperor died, with all out war of the whole society. It was so bad, the guy proposing government by gladiatorial combat was a heroic reformer. In the second series of Runaways , Los Angeles is suffering from a power vacuum after the sudden death of the Pride, and thus the Runaways are forced to face off against a horde of third-rate supervillains seeking to make names for themselves.     Fan Works  Actually addressed in How I Became Yours . Mai brings up a pretty good point that not only would this scenario be inevitable if the existence of Zuko's bastard child with Katara became public knowledge, but also that there would be some very serious social fallout in the still struggling-to-recover Fire Nation as well. Emael Mosekhesailho mentions that many Klingon noble houses are facing succession crises due to the deaths of patriarchs and heirs in the Dominion War. The Romulan Star Empire views the chaos as an opportunity.     Film  One segment of The Great Race involved a The Prisoner of Zenda style plot to replace Crown Prince Hapnick with a double before he's crowned King of Carpania. Star Wars : The Galactic Empire fell into this days after their loss at Endor. Palpatine never named a legit successor, Imperial warlords sprung from the ruins of the Empire in a attempt to take back the Galaxy from the newly formed New Republic. That failed and forced the Empire to sign a treaty officially ending its rule though warlords of the ex-Empire escaped into the Unknown Parts of the Galaxy rebuilding the new Empire, The First Order. King Ralph has elements of this; after a freak accident cooks the entire British royal family, you've got one Evil Chancellor type trying to usurp the throne, one legitimate heir of less than ideal character who didn't know about it in the first place, and one heir actively trying not to be king. During Parliament's meeting in The Princess Diaries 2, Viscount Mabrey reveals that his nephew, Lord Devereaux, is another heir to the Genovian throne. Despite Queen Clarisse's objection, the only way Mia can assume her duties as Queen is if she marries within the next 30 days. Devereaux didn't actually want the throne (he was told that was what his father wanted — it was really a lie created by his power hungry uncle), and Mia eventually does gain the crown by initiating a new law during her cancelled wedding to allow a queen to be crowned without being married. The fact that Devereaux and Mia were falling in love with each other probably helped . The Japanese period piece Shogun's Samurai is set entirely around one of these. The Shogun seems increasingly likely to make his younger son Shogun when some court insiders who prefer the elder son poison him, resulting in a situation where several powerful lords (and a scheming, Manipulative Bitch mother) favor the more handsome and charismatic younger son, while the rules and a few court insiders like the Yagyu clan favor the elder son. Interestingly, the director was more known for making Yakuza films, but claimed that there was little difference in the end, summarizing it as "The old boss dies, and the question is about who will become the new boss." An example without a war happens at the beginning of Kull the Conqueror . The paranoid king of Valusia slaughters most of the royal family out of fear that someone will try to kill him. Kull, a barbarian from Atlantis , ends up mortally wounding the king. Kull picks up the crown, not knowing what to do with it. Immediately, General Taligaro and the king's cousin each demand that Kull hand him the crown. As a final "fuck you", the king manages to proclaim Kull his successor, pointing out that Kull will now have to live in constant fear of assassination. The high priest confirms that the king has that right, resulting in Taligaro and the king's cousin plotting to get rid of Kull by resurrecting an ancient sorceress. Naturally, it doesn't go according to plan. The backstory to Bitter Lake is that the king was assassinated, then three of the kingdom's four provinces refused to crown his young son, leading to a four-way civil war that lasted twelve years. It starts as the provinces are sending their leaders to negotiate a peace treaty, but there's a fifth faction that doesn't want the talks to go as planned. This trope is what starts the main plot of Maleficent : King Henry, the cruel ruler of the humans, is fatally wounded in battle by Maleficent. Because he has no male heir, he proposes to the noblemen assembled before his deathbed that whoever can kill Maleficent will ascend the throne and have his daughter's hand in marriage. At the same time, Stefan, Maleficent's childhood friend, overhears Henry's decree (as an adult, Stefan now works as a servant in the king's castle) and, realizing that this is the perfect opportunity to fulfill his dream of being king, goes to Maleficent, claiming to have come just to warn her. Once he has her drugged and asleep, however, Stefan cannot bring himself to kill her, and simply cuts off her wings and lies to the king, thus gaining the throne in return. Unfortunately, Maleficent is still alive (if no longer able to fly), and out for revenge... The Prince and the Pagoda Boy involves one for the majority of the film. Once the king dies, he names his eldest son his heir. However, one of his sons disagrees and creates a civil war over the throne. He has his brother assassinated to take his place, and after declaring himself king kills another brother with his bare hands even after this brother surrendered.     Legend  Many legends of the Trope Namer The Man in the Iron Mask have him a twin brother imprisoned to prevent this. The problem was complicated by a popular belief that of twins, the firstborn was the younger, and the second the older — the birth order showed the order they were conceived in. Either one, therefore, could be described as the rightful heir.     Literature  In A Brother's Price , the so-called "War of the False Eldest" was caused by a conflict over whether the daughters of the younger sisters should inherit the throne, as the shared husband of the older sisters was infertile, and hadn't fathered any heirs. Princess Ren and her sisters know about the war, and are very aware of their own responsibility to marry well (that is, a fertile man) and have daughters, to avoid a second succession crisis. This causes conflict, as one of the princesses, Trini, doesn't want to marry again, and splitting the family, so that she doesn't have to marry when her sisters do, is something the royal family never wants to do again, because of what happened the last time. Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth weaves together the lives of people in a little English town with the Real Life 12th century succession crisis called The Anarchy, triggered when Henry I died without a male heir, leaving his daughter Matilda and nephew Stephen to fight a long war for the succession. In The Prince of Ill Luck, the bastard brother of the Duke tries to kill the Duke and his daughter so he can take over. Pretty much the entire plot so far of A Song of Ice and Fire and a good chunk of the backstory. The real plot essentially kicks off when King Robert Baratheon is killed via hunting accident. His official successor is Joffrey, but Joffrey is not actually his real son (and has a 0% Approval Rating to boot). The crisis results in the very tellingly named War of the Five Kings, partially as two of the leading nobles, Robb Stark and Balon Greyjoy, try to break away from the Iron Throne and set up their own Kingdoms. Further complicating matters are loyalists to the old Targaryen dynasty whom Robert ousted to take the Iron Throne in the first place, though admittedly the king Robert overthrew, Aerys II, was an insane pyromaniac who had just murdered a group of nobles without trial and intended to kill Robert on scant grounds, and Robert had a Targaryen grandmother to help his claim. In the distant backstory, the Targaryen king Aegon IV "the Unworthy" had numerous bastard children whom he legitimised on his deathbed. This, combined with his obvious fondness for his eldest natural son Daemon Blackfyre (to the point of having gifted him with the dynasty's Ancestral Weapon ) caused a succession crisis as Daemon and his supporters argued that Aegon intended for him to be his true heir, which led to a war and many of Daemon's descendants also attempting to claim the throne. The last of the Blackfyres (at least, in the male line) was finally put down shortly before the start of the books' proper timeline. An even earlier succession crisis between two Targaryen branches, "greens" and "blacks" is depicted in the novella "The Princess and the Queen." Viserys I declares Rhaenyra, his daughter from his first marriage, as heir. However his children from his second marriage dispute this, and when he dies his eldest son Aegon II declares himself King. Aegon finally wins the war, feeding his half-sister to his dragon, but is poisoned the next year, meaning the throne passes to Rhaenyra's son Aegon III. This is further complicated by the fact a Great Council had made Viserys King by passing over the female line claimant, essentially being a way to avoid a succession crisis. Basically Jaehaerys I's eldest son Aemon died and he declared his second son Baelon heir over Aemon's daughter Rhaenys. When Baelon died the first Great Council was called to determine succession, and between Rhaenys' seven-year old son Laenor Velaryon (whose father Lord Corlys Velaryon was the richest man in the realm) and Baelon's eldest son Viserys, Viserys was decided, apparently showing the male line would always come first in succession. Later another Great Council was called after Maekar I's death. The claimants were the daughter of his eldest son, Maegor, the year-old son of his second son, his third son who had taken Maesters' vows, and his fourth son Aegon who was distrusted by many of the nobles for spending a lot of time with the smallfolk. The Princess was passed over, she was young, simple-minded, and a woman, which the earlier GC said couldn't succeed. Maegor succeeding would mean a long regency, also his father Aerion was a psychotic monster and it was feared Maegor had inherited his father's madness. Maester Aemon was offered the crown but refused, saying it should go to his younger brother. So Aegon was elected Aegon V. Complicating matters was one of Daemon Blackfyre's sons turning up to put forward a claim, but he was executed by his half-uncle Brynden Rivers. The Deryni series by Katherine Kurtz starts with a contested succession, a barely of age King against the heiress of a long line of pretenders. This crisis in turn has its roots in an earlier crisis in which a Caligula-like monarch was replaced by the middle aged and far from willing lost heir of the original royal line. The Riftwar Cycle shows this happening multiple times on two different worlds. In Magician, Lyam is named Rodric IV's heir just before he dies of battle wounds on the grounds that he is the eldest male member of the royal family still alive. Problem was, Rodric was unaware that Lyam's father (who died very soon before) acknowledged his illegitimate son Martin (Who is older than Lyam), which threatens Lyam's position (Since this means that Lyam isn't the eldest conDoin male) and, by extension, the already-shaky politics of the Kingdom. Youngest son Arutha even considers killing Martin in order to prevent dissidents from rallying behind him. Martin takes the initiative to abandon all claim to the throne and places the crown on Lyam's head himself. In Mistress of the Empire, the Imperial succession winds up including everything from assassins and magicians up to siege engines and whole armies. Others were impending in later novels. In Murder in Lamut, various barons were maneuvering for position in the expectation that one of them would become the next Earl of Lamut when the current earl became Duke of Yabon, a question that was answered in Magician when the title was given to Kasumi of the Shinzawai instead without any of the barons in Murder even being considered for the position. Two different novels have the question of the Keshian succession as part of the plot, though they were defused before an actual war broke out. One of them was amusingly subverted when everyone in the court except the actual heirs was squaring off over which prince would be the next emperor, with the war being aborted when upon the old emperor's death, one prince ordered the court to pay homage to their new emperor - his brother. The final book in the series has an all-out civil war break out over the succession of the Kingdom, as the closest living relative to the late king is the ruler of a foreign nation who many of the nobles refuse to accept because they see him as a foreigner (Helped by the fact that he brought his army with him to the old king's funeral in an attempt to influence the succession). This is actually the B plot of the novel, as there is a second crisis on Midkemia that is much, much worse. The Prisoner of Zenda : "The king of the fictional country of Ruritania is abducted on the eve of his coronation." In Neil Gaiman 's Stardust , we have no less than seven would-be heirs to the king of peak's castle. The ones that die follow the others as ghosts. In J. R. R. Tolkien 's The Lord of the Rings , there are two succession crises in the backstory. One split the north kingdom in three; the other sparked a civil war in Gondor. The Silmarillion : after the death of Finwë, the Noldor were split in three groups, each following one of Finwë's three sons. The followers of the youngest son, Finarfin, stayed in Valinor, where Finarfin became High-king. The followers of Fëanor and Fingolfin went to Middle-earth, but Fëanor betrayed Fingolfin, burning the ships that took his people to Middle-earth and forcing Fingolfin to lead his people across the Grinding Ice, where many died. Fëanor died before Fingolfin got to Middle Earth, but the two groups would probably have slaughtered each other if Fëanor's eldest—and wiser—son, Maedhros, hadn't waived his claim to kingship and given the crown to his uncle. In the Deverry series, a succession crisis causes a hundred-year three-sided civil war that sets the background for many of the flashback chapters. In addition to that, a central point of the fourth book is averting a potential succession crisis in Aberwyn, with Gwerbret Rhys dead without heirs and his only male relative, his half-brother Rhodry, missing. In Nation by Terry Pratchett , all members of the British royal family resident in Britain are wiped out by a plague, and an heir far down the line of succession (currently on a sea voyage to a remote part of the British Empire) must be found and brought back to British soil within nine months to prevent a survivor of the French royal family from claiming the throne. The Chronicles of Amber . What happens when an immortal king's immortal spoiled children, many of whom have been waiting for a chance at the throne and resenting each other for millennia, finally get a shot at the throne when said King goes missing? Chaos. This is the entire plot of Through Wolf's Eyes , by Jane Lindskold, after the king's children are all dead. The heroine is brought in as a possible heir because she's the only survivor of the fire that took out the prince and his party, and might be his daughter. (She isn't.) This is the plot of the first three books in Fiona Patton's Branion series. Book 1: The sovereign is assassinated, the borders rise in rebellion, and the heir is a "Well Done, Son!" Guy and Stoic Woobie . In Robert E. Howard 's Conan the Barbarian story " The Scarlet Citadel " when Conan is believed dead, the people resort to choosing quickly. "Not entirely," broke in Pelias. "They have heard that you are dead. There is no one to protect them from outer enemies and civil war, they think. Naturally, they turn to the strongest noble, to avoid the horrors of anarchy. They do not trust the Poitanians, remembering former wars. But Arpello is on hand, and the strongest prince of the central provinces." There was a succession crisis going on in the background of the Ciaphas Cain novel The Traitor's Hand, with the governor of the planet Cain was on having died without naming a successor a year before, and the issue had yet to be resolved by the time war broke out over a totally different issue. However, since General Zyvan tricks the Council of Claimants (which consisted of the various nobles hoping to become governor) into voting itself out of the loop for the duration of the crisis, it has very little impact on the story. Defusing a succession crisis in Nabol (Whose dying Lord refused to name an heir just to spite everybody) was a subplot in the Dragonriders of Pern novel Dragondrums. Prince (later King) Jonathan of Tortall grew up under the pressure of needing to marry and produce heirs in order to prevent this. It became especially urgent after the death of his only close relative and heir, Duke Roger. All other relatives were distant and had no strong claim, and thus there would have been a huge war among the nobility if Jonathan had died without an heir. Luckily he and Thayet popped out five kids (including three sons) before the second quartet. This happens a couple times in Warrior Cats , despite the fact that the Clans' hierarchy is set up in a way to avoid it: the Clan deputy always succeeds the leader, and the deputy must be chosen before the moon reaches its highest point during the coming night (so that the leader will not be without backup for more than a day). In the first series, most of ShadowClan comes down with a deadly disease, and both the leader and deputy die. That's when Tigerclaw, who had been exiled from ThunderClan as a traitor, steps in and claims leadership. ShadowClan did not know of his previous actions, so they were grateful for such a strong cat as leader. In the second series, Tallstar, leader of WindClan, announces with his dying breaths that Mudclaw is no longer his deputy: Onewhisker now is. Since deputy succeeds leader, and Tallstar managed to announce his decision only to Onewhisker and the leader of ThunderClan, who is Onewhisker's friend, many WindClan cats don't believe it, and start a civil war supporting the old deputy. The guidebook Code of the Clans explains how this setup came to be: The deputy-becomes-leader rule started after there was a case where a leader selected his son as his successor. The son led his Clan into a needless fight, where half the cats disagreed with his choice and those that did listen nearly drowned. He realized that the deputy, due to her rank, had more experience in being in charge of the Clan. The rule that states that the new deputy must be chosen before moonhigh was created after a new leader waited too long to choose her deputy. She died of sickness, leaving the Clan leaderless and with two more dead cats who had attempted to fight for leadership. Eventually the spirit of the previous leader tells the medicine cat in a dream to choose who the new leader will be. The Star Wars Expanded Universe reveals that Palpatine's death caused one of these for the Empire, due in large part to Palpatine having habitually played his possible successors off against each other to keep them off his back. He also never actually designated a successor because he intended to live forever , and Darth Vader (who probably would've been in the strongest position to seize power) died in the process of killing Palpatine. The pretender Trioculus (falsely claiming to be Palpatine's illegitimate son) and the council of Grand Moffs that had replaced Tarkin managed to keep things together for a while, but they were eventually brought down by clashes with both Zorba the Hutt and the Heroes of Endor, and the Empire splintered into a number of warlords vying for the top position. They were briefly united again under Thrawn and later the resurrected Palpatine, but splintered again after the death of each. The remains of the Empire were only finally united for good when Admiral Natasi Daala got fed up with the whole mess , gathered the warlords together, and executed them when they failed to get their act together . At that point, what was left of the Empire was essentially a military dictatorship led first by Daala and then by Admiral Gilad Pellaeon, before stabilizing into the Imperial Remnant led by a council consisting of Pellaeon and the surviving Moffs. It's not until decades later, with the Empire growing again in size and power, that they decide the throne needs to be filled, and Jagged Fel (who had no connection whatsoever to Palpatine) was named Emperor. Technically it took over 40 years for an actual successor to take the Imperial throne. Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde features a frame story with a virtual reality game, the player of which is the illegitimate child of a king. Said king has just died, and named the player his heir, passing over three legitimate sons. The protagonist of Heir Apparent, Giannine Bellisario, must play the game until coronation—or she dies. In real life. In Griffin's Destiny , the elves are faced with a potential crisis: The king is sick with a plague with a low survival rate, and the next three in line (the king's younger brother and his two sons) are about to go to war with the neighboring human empire. The only other member of the royal bloodline is Jelena, the king's newly discovered daughter, who is a hikui ( a half-human ). As hikui were considered second-class citizens at best, this would be like Barack Obama being the Democratic nominee for president in 1964. Ultimately averted, as the council of nobles agreed to support Jelena if it came to that (save one noble, who agreed not to oppose her) and the King's brother and younger son survived the battle with the humans. Invoked and deliberately averted in Dirge for Prester John by the Abir, which decides the king by lottery. And even the the king does die, just plant him and wait a little while. He'll keep ruling in tree form . The Firebird Trilogy had a rather draconian method of averting these, set in place after a group of young disinherited nobles and royals tried and failed to take over the government, backed by popular support: The only members of the royal and noble families legally allowed to reproduce are the head and the direct heir. On top of that, once enough heirs have been produced to drop someone in the family to fifth in the line of succession, that person was required by law to commit suicide (in times of war, this could be modified to being sent to the front lines to serve until dying for their country). The main story of the Safehold series opens with the ending of a succession crisis over an Earldom. The resolution is notable because the decision is made not based on legal arguments, but on the fact that the 'rightful' heir bribed the Corrupt Church arbiters. In Andre Norton 's Ice Crown , the missing Ice Crown is supposed to pick out the heir. In Julie Kagawa 's The Iron Daughter , a crisis has emerged about whether the current Iron King is the true one. This is the main political problem in Elemental Blessings . In the first novel, it's because the king is sterile, and none of his wives' children are his. In the second, it's because the late king's only biological offspring is so mentally stunted that she's totally unfit to rule. Interesting variation in Quest Of The Unaligned . The protagonist, Crown Prince Alaric, must complete the titular quest before the summer solstice, or he will be ineligible to become king of Caederan. Further complicating things is the fact that the current king and queen have badly screwed up the realm, most of the nobility are counting on Prince Alaric to fix things, and the next heir in line will continue to screw things up. The upshot is that if Alaric can't complete his quest, Caederan will probably have a civil war on its hands. There is only one male heir in The Kingdom of Little Wounds , and like his sisters, he's sickly. It's so bad that people are upset the king didn't have a mistress. The prince dies midway through the book, making the situation worse. A major plot point in Last Sacrifice . Following the regicide of Queen Tatiana Ivashkov, the throne is empty, and multiple candidates compete for the throne. In the backstory of The Lost Prince , a succession crisis began when the old king was killed and his son and only heir disappeared on the same day, leaving two families to fight it out for the throne. In the present day, the fight is still ongoing, with neither family having managed to gain the throne for long before being overthrown by the other. The Daybreak series has one of these as one of its central conflicts, after DC and the entire federal government are wiped out by a fusion bomb. While the good news is that the cautious President had previously had the Secretary of the Future and his staff removed to a secure location in Georgia beforehand, thus leaving a member of the line of succession safe, the bad news is that the federal officer in charge of maintaining and enforcing the line of succession succumbs to paranoia over the Daybreak crisis, falsely believing it to be a precursor to a foreign invasion. When he and the Secretary have a falling out over priorities (defense versus rebuilding society's infrastructure), the Secretary finds himself imprisoned by a military-backed coup, until his supporters manage to break him free and smuggle him away to Washington State, where he sets up a new Congress. However, the forces in Georgia refuse to recognize his authority in light of the continuing state of emergency, leaving the former United States divided between two rival governments. In the Village Tales series, His Highness the Nawab of Hubli faces one. His nawabate � let no one tell you it's merely titular nowadays: not with the money and influence that even now comes with it � was granted by the sirkar , and its succession based on what the British at that time condescendingly called "native practices and laws," every cousin he has, including some of the third cousins who are his Begum's family, suck up to him and slander each other once it's clear that he's not reproducing (he's not impotent, but he, not his Begum, is infertile). (He picks his brother-in-law / third cousin precisely because he explicitly doesn't want the title .)     Live-Action TV  Dynasty is the Wuxia story of the Yongzheng Emperor's ascension, reign and assassination. A variation occurs in Farscape 's "Look at the Princess" trilogy. Moya's crew lands on a Sebacean planet where succession goes through the eldest child regardless of gender, but only if they are married (to someone who can give them viable offspring) by a certain age. Since Princess Katralla's DNA was poisoned by her younger brother, she despairs of ever finding a Sebacean male who is compatible and thinks she will have to forfeit the throne. This is particularly problematic since Prince Clavor will lead the society into destruction at the hands of the Scarrans if he is allowed to rule. Fortunately for her, John shows up. As he is human and not Sebacean, he is genetically capable of producing an heir with her and is practically forced to wed her. The Queen even has her daughter artificially inseminated with his DNA to make sure there will be a continuing line. Much of the first season of Downton Abbey revolves around a variation of this: instead of a country trying to figure out who will be the next monarch, it's a group of nobles—the Crawley family, the head of which holds the title Earl of Grantham—trying to determine who will be the inheritor of their estate and its title, after the heir presumptive dies aboard the Titanic. The current (6th) Earl, Robert would very much like to leave as much as possible to his eldest daughter, Lady Mary, but the terms of his marriage contract with his wife Cora put the kibosh on that. You see, the 5th Earl foolishly stipulated that Cora's fortune would be entailed to the estate—that is, assigned to whomever inherited the title "Earl of Grantham." With a few rare exceptions—and this isn't one—British peerages go to "the heirs male of the body" of the grantee; they cannot be inherited in the female line . Lord and Lady Grantham went on to have three daughters and no sons. The solution was for Mary to marry the next male in line, her second cousin and good friend of the family Patrick Crawley (the Earl and Patrick's father were friends growing up), and thus keep hold of her mother's money, but then the Titanic happened, and Patrick was on it. The next closest male relative is the Earl's third cousin once removed (and thus fourth cousin to Mary and her sisters), and he's a Self-Made Man who's not sure he wants to marry Mary and give up his career as a corporate-law solicitor to "run the estate" (i.e. be an idle aristocrat). Eventually he does, quite happily we might add...but he's so very businesslike about that it drives the Earl mad. He also gives Mary a son, ensuring that the money would stay in the family...and dies literally hours after his son is born. Merlin is actively trying to prevent this throughout the course of the show by keeping Arthur alive, the undisputed heir. Were he to die at least before he married Gwen, quite honestly, it's hard to imagine what could happen. Then it gets complicated when it's revealed Morgana is his older half-sister, which apparently gives her a legitimate claim to the throne despite her being a female bastard. Game of Thrones featured this by the end of season 1, with Robert's death causing the "War of Five Kings" between Robert's elder brother Stannis, his younger brother Renly, his son Joffrey, all competing for the Iron Throne. During the chaos two smaller kingdoms also declared themselves independent, not recognizing any king on the Iron Throne and instead their own local high lord. In this case, Stannis is the rightful king as Joffrey (along with all of Robert's children with Cersei) is a bastard and not actually Robert's son. As of the end of season 6, all the contenders from the War of the Five Kings are dead which only leaves Cersei Lannister as the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms after her youngest son's suicide and then Daenarys Targaryen, the rightful heir of throne, finally comes home to Westeros to reclaim her right. There's also the new King of the North, Jon Snow, who turned out to be Lyanna Stark's son, not Ned's, and possibly another contender to the Iron Throne as his biological father might also be the late Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, Daenarys' brother. Happens at the end of season 3 of The Musketeers . King Louis is Secretly Dying and his 6-year-old son is in line for the throne. Governor Feron and Grimaud are plotting, with the help of the King's brother Gaston, to challenge this. To further complicate things, the regent would normally be Queen Anne, however since she is Spanish and France is at war with Spain, that is disputed as well.     Newspaper Comics  One story arc in the Popeye comics featured King Blozo of Spinachia being pressured into marrying because his subjects were fearing this trope. He didn't like the idea of having a wife but was reconsidering because the people of Spinachia was threatening to depose him and elect a President.     Tabletop Games  The classic Avalon Hill game Kingmaker is about the Wars of the Roses, see Real Life , below. In 1st Edition Dungeons & Dragons , the death of the chief modron Primus would always set off a Succession Crisis between the four secundi - the only time that modrons would fail to act as a unified force. Slightly subverted in that the decision process involved a cutthroat competition instead of out-and-out war. And once a Secundus became the new Primus, a Tertian had to be promoted up to fill than empty Secundus spot, and then a Quarton had to be promoted up to fill the Tertian position, and so on all the way down. In the Eberron campaign setting, this is what set off the Last War. King Jarot kicked the bucket, and, thanks to the military buildup during his reign for an invasion that never came and his habit of encouraging his children to squabble incessantly, he paved the war for a century-long war that split the unified kingdom of Galifar into twelve current nations of Khorvaire and only ended when one of the original five provinces was wiped off the map and the great-grandchildren of the royals who started it decided things had gone on long enough. Way to go there, Jarot . Unusually, the problem wasn't that there wasn't a dedicated heir, since on his deathbed Jarot declared the queen of Cyre the new ruler of Galifar; it's that of the five possible heirs, one decided that he had the divine right to be king, one believed he had the military right to be king, and one believed it was time to abandon the old tradition of kicking out the old royal family of each nation and handing them over to the new ruler of Galifar's kids. The classic 1st edition module "Destiny of Kings" is all about this. The PCs must find and rescue an 18-year-old prince before his uncle claims the throne. This is set up as a potential plot hook in the Al-Qadim setting. Grand Caliph Khalil al-Assad al-Zahir, Master of the Enlightened Throne, Most High Sovereign of the Land of Fate, the Worthy of the Gods, Scourge of the Unbeliever, Confidant of the Genies, has no sons (despite the best efforts of his harem). It's left up to the GM just what the reason is; suggestions include all his sons are being raised in secret , and a cursed item in the harem causing sterility . The core Back Story of BattleTech is a Succession Crisis that lasted over 400 years, with 5 powers each claiming the throne, known as the Succession Wars. All of these powers have had internal Succession Crises of there own along the way. House Davion had a succession crisis that caused a civil war so bad that they rewrote the rules of succession to be exceedingly specific, so that there could be no ambiguity as to who would succeed who. It... didn't work. Well, technically, the rules would have worked, but when the populace (and various nobles) simply accepted a new ruler in clear violation of those laws, they were shown to be nothing more than ink on a page. A civil war erupted a few years later. In the Legend of the Five Rings setting, they seem to happen regularly to supply plot prizes for the year's tournaments. Part of the Scarlet Empress' policy of keeping anybody from accumulating the power to overthrow her was to make the line of succession as obscure and convoluted as possible. Her Dynasty consists of twelve extended families, and she herself continuously delayed officially announcing a successor, ultimately stating that she would do so on the 1000th anniversary of her reign. This lack of clear succession is one of the reasons why, in the wake of her mysterious and unexpected disappearance, the Realm is on the verge of collapse. The second Civil War that tore apart the Third Imperium in Traveller was initiated by the assassination of Emperor Strephon and his family. With no clear hiers there were a dozen nobles fighting one another until Virus destroyed their fleets. This happens from time to time in the Empire in Warhammer Fantasy . When an Emperor dies, the Elector Counts often argue on who would be the next Emperor. Once there was the time of the Three Emperors, where three Counts declared themselves as the true Emperor of the Empire. In either franchise , killing an Orc/Ork Warboss will cause a power struggle within the WAAAGH!!!, where the highest ranking Nobs start slugging it out to see who becomes the new Boss. In a best case scenario, the greenskin horde breaks down into a civil war while their enemies mop up the remains. The classic Ironclaw adventure module "The Lost Heir of the Rinaldi" takes place among a brewing succession crisis. The High King Fidelio di Rinaldi has been murdered along with his eldest son, probably by his new wife, the necromancer Lady Amalsand Jakoba, however his second son Fabrizio is missing and could still be alive. The players are usually hired by a banker to whom the king owed a lot of money and who is being pressured by the Great Houses to foreclose on the Rinaldi estate so they can buy it from him, but he can't until they know what happened to the prince. His stepmother drove him completely insane with a curse, he can't even speak coherently. And there's at least two other factions looking for him, and an impostor, and Amalsand wants him dead so her own son can claim the throne.     Videogames  A lot of strategy games are based around a succession crisis. This is not only because it's a highly realistic story, but due to the fact that they are based around wars, that this is actually not that far off from reality. Similar to a group of rebels fighting against a corrupted government. Happens a lot (as you might expect) in the 4X strategy games Crusader Kings and Europa Universalis , set in respectively the Middle Ages and the Renaissance/Colonial era. Special note goes to the Crusader Kings 2 expansion pack The Old Gods, in which the Norse faction is required to adopt gavelkind successionnote Anyone who can inherit, does inherit, which frequently splits kingdoms when a ruler dies until they reform their religion (if ever). This inevitably results in various succession crises, as your heirs start fighting each other over who has a better claim on a title. Vicious intrafactional fighting follows, since this is the Vikings we're talking about. Mongols and Celts also favor gavelkind, though Mongols have the option of choosing ultimageniture (youngest son inherits) which still has a chance of a crisis as opportunistic vassals tend to see young rulers, especially those who need regents, as being weak. And Christian Celts can choose any form of succession while Pagan Celts have the option of Tanistry , which may result in a crisis when a relative gets mad about losing an election but at least it tends to organize most of the kingdom behind one heir beforehand. There's actually a Game Mod available that lets you neatly solve the crisis: by taking the throne for yourself. A succession crisis occurred earlier before Skyrim and after Oblivion. Ocato is named Potentate (kinda like a more permanent Regent), but is soon done in by Thal mor assassins. War breaks out again as several jockey for the Ruby Throne, eventually ending with Titus Mede claiming it. The period is known as the Stormcrown Interregnum, since Potentate Ocato's rule is an extension of the Septim Empire (and Tiber Septim was anointed "Stormcrown" by the Graybeards). Averted, mostly, with the King's Quest universe. King's Quest I: Quest For The Crown is centered around an attempt to avert a succession crisis. By completing the quest given to him, Sir Graham is proven worthy of being the childless King Edward's heir, preventing Daventry from falling into chaos when said king dies mere moments after the quest is complete. Recovering the three treasures was more of a way for him to know the kingdom was in good hands, and a final test for his best knight. The Fan Sequel took it a step further by creating a legendary first king who handed the throne to his trusted knight when he died in battle without heirs. The king's brother was very displeased at being passed over, and founded the Black Cloak Society. In the Air Gem's final test in the fan sequel, Graham can choose whether or not to make the protagonist of King's Quest: Mask of Eternity heir to the throne. Disgaea: Hour of Darkness starts with the Netherworld in the midst of one of these. The rightful heir, Prince Laharl , had been sleeping for several years after his father's death, leading most of the Netherworld to forget about him. The first couple chapters involve him dealing with the numerous contenders looking to be the next Overlord. Disgaea Dimension 2 shows that several years later, this still hasn't blown over, with a sudden appearance by an angel claiming to be Laharl's long-lost sister and rightful inheritor of the throne, and a large faction of demons refuses to accept Laharl's position, and have their own heir to the Overlord title they wish to place on the throne. Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars is entirely based around this trope. After the previous king's death, the choice falls between his two sons Roland (good) and Archibald (not so good). The four royal seers to make the decision fall to " tragic accidents ": one dies in a boating accident (hit by magical lightning), one slips and falls from the castle wall, one is "randomly" attacked by a dragon, and one dies of food poisoning. Archibald accuses his brother of murder and has him exiled. The player is a general who may choose to support either brother and may even switch sides halfway through. The canonical ending has Roland win, though, becoming the next (and last) King of Enroth. Prior to the events of Suikoden V , there was the Falenan Succession Conflict. After the death of their mother, Princess Falzrahm fought her elder sister Crown Princess Shahrewar for the throne. Rather than a flat-out civil war, both sides took advantage of the royal cabal of assassins known as Nether Gate to kill off supporters on both sides. Eventually, Shahrewar withdrew her claim, only to be promptly assassinated by Falzrahm to ensure the conflict wouldn't continue. Ironically, Falzrahm only ruled for two years before passing away. Having grown up in this poisonous environment, their daughters decided to nip any potential problems in the bud: Arshtat took the throne, while her sister Sialeeds and cousin Haswar agreed to never marry or have children. Unfortunately, this didn't quite work out as planned. Although the next queen (Lymsleia, the protagonist's younger sister) was never in doubt, a crisis occurred with regards to who would marry her and become royal consort and head of the country's military. This is traditionally decided through a tournament of champions, but since House Godwin won it through drugging or discrediting all potential threats to their champion, a lot of people were upset with this choice. The Godwins then tried to solidify their rule by assassinating the current Queen and Commander right away, when Lymsleia is still too young to rule on her own. The prince (the protagonist) was able to survive this assassination attempt, and much of the country begins to look to him as preferential to Gizel Godwin as leader of the Queendom (including the father of another contender for Lymsleia's hand, with whom the Prince takes refuge). And thus the stage is set for the civil war that comprises the majority of the game. Some of the Total War games allow this to happen if your faction leader buys the farm in certain circumstances — usually when the leader dies without any male heirs, but it can also happen when heir presumptive is unpopular enough that one of his royal siblings rebels in an effort to take succession. The manual for Medieval: Total War (which allowed you to choose which side to support) actually suggested engineering one of these to dispose of a weak family line, and a savvy player who sees one coming can pick his best general, give him the biggest army, and then marry him to a princess. If you're going to have a succession crisis, it's best to make sure it's a quick one. The Stainless Steel mod for Medieval II: Total War takes this further, with rulers that can get traits like "Offends the Nobility" and distinguishes between bastard children, appointed regents in case of no blood heir, and actual blood heirs. Unpopular kings or unpopular heirs can cause civil wars in that mod. The manual of Homeworld : Cataclysm reveals the Taiidan Empire fell due a rather unusual one: after the death in battle of Emperor Riesstiu IV the Second at the end of the first game, the empire could have solved the lack of an heir (caused by Riesstiu having all possible heirs executed out of paranoia) by simply cloning him (with Riesstiu regnal name suggesting he too was a clone of Emperor Riesstiu), except the Taiidan Rebellion destroyed the data on his genetic code. Immediately after, generals and fake heirs started shooting each other for the right to rule, with the Rebellion taking over as they were distracted. One of the main plots of Ravenmark: The Scourge of Estellion is the aftermath of the death of the beloved Emperor Sergius Corvius, the ruler of the Empire of Estellion . The late Emperor has two children, not to mention other numerous members of House Corvius. Sergius's eldest daughter Adrise, the so-called Chimney Queen has no interest in the throne, content with her role as the Queen (basically, a department head) of the Court of Industry. Adrise's brother Gratian, though, wants to take the throne for himself. While there doesn't appear to be a problem with there being only one claimant, Sergius's Praetorian Guard called the Reiht claim that Sergius had been grooming another as his true successor, someone worthy of the Obsidian Perch (the Imperial throne) much more than his power-hungry son. Cue the Reiht and the other heir being hunted by the Invocati, troops loyal to Gratian. It doesn't help that the Empire is also being invaded by a vast army from beyond the impassable Cardani Swamps, using the disorganized state of Estellion to their advantage. In fact, the invaders are working with one of the royal advisors. It's worth noting that the neighboring Commonwealth of Esotre has a king but can never succumb to this trope because it's an elected post and a largely ceremonial one at that. The King's Hand (also elected) handles most of the day-to-day activities. One of the scenarios in the Russian campaign in Empire Earth is the result of the dying Grigor Stoyanovich making a choice about his successor. He chooses his mech bodyguard Grigor II. In this case, the crisis happens before Grigor is even dead, as many of his supporters turn against him, appalled by his choice. After brutally putting down the coup, Grigor succumbs to his heart condition, leaving the (even more ruthless) mech in charge. Kingdom Come: Deliverance takes place in the middle of one in the Kingdom of Bohemia. After the death of Charles IV, his son Wenceslaus IV, the rightful heir, is kidnapped by Sigismund, one of Charles' other sons, who promptly takes the throne for himself. The plot of Dominions is a war over who gets to be the next Top God after the old Pantokrator left. The plot of strategy video game series Lords of the realm (f.g. Lords Of The Realm 2 ) is entirely based on this trope: after king's death you should defeat other pretendants on the throne as well as they try to do the same thing with you. Meta-example: In a prior version of Dwarf Fortress , if particularly Long Lived monarchs of particularly inbred families died, it was possible for the succession to enter an endless loop , thus causing a game world to crash irreparably . The Choose Your Own Adventure series Affairs Of The Court has the Player Character arriving in court just as the kingdom is going through this—the King/Queen is growing testy with their spouse for their inability to produce a legitimate heir. Naturally, you can use this to slander them and cozy up to the monarch.     Visual Novels  In Umineko: When They Cry , it's the Ushiromiya family's crazy hierarchy that causes the murders , in theory. Under The Moon concerns a succession crisis in the demon world, a land ruled by whoever is most powerful . As the story begins, the current king is growing weak and has potential successors picked out . The king's daughter, our heroine, makes it her job to persuade one of them to take the throne.     Webcomics  This is one of the biggest problems that faces the Sharen clan in Drowtales . Though Diva'ratrika has largely retired from public life and only officially remained alive, since she was in fact murdered by three of her daughters her daughters have squabbled to assert their own authority. Nishi'kanta has been broken by the taint and the loss of her family, and is thus considered out of the running, but she has disappeared and her plans are unknown, making her a potential Wild Card . As the only unbroken, loyal daughter, Sil'lice is the favorite of what little remains of both Diva herself and those who were still loyal to her like Sker, but she was framed for treason and has few followers left alive. Snadhya'rune, the would be favorite, has pretended to have no interest in ruling, and she certainly has no interest in ruling the Sharen, just the empire. The biggest contenders for the Sharen throne are Sarv'swati and Zala'ess. Sarv'swati continues to control the empire through an impostor Puppet Queen , but Zala'ess has the largest family and amassed the great clans of Nuqra'shareh to back her claim. The fallout when those two inevitably met up again came to a head in chapter 47, leaving us with Sarv'swati is dead by Quaintana's (and Zala'ess') hand(s) through secret sabotage from the latter, and those left alive join forces out of sheer desperation as Snadhya'rune's insanity finally reaches its peak in the form of mass mind control plus plant virus that threatens the entire underworld. In The Silver Eye , Gallitan has one after their king and queen both die within a week of each other, leaving behind only their newborn son.     Web Originals  Look to the West , being set primarily in the 18th and early 19th centuries, naturally has a lot of them. It even references the Yongzheng Emperor's strategy mentioned in the introduction to this trope...not that it works if the Emperor writing the note is quietly bonkers and chose a son who had died years before as heir.     Western Animation  Invoked by the wizard in The Care Bears: Adventure in Wonderland , who kidnapped the Princess of Heart, just as she was about to be crowned queen, meaning he would take over. In The Legend of Korra , the Earth Queen is assassinated and practically the whole country descends into chaos. Over three years, a soldier named Kuvira reunites the country with increasingly harsh practices , and eventually declares herself ruler. Meanwhile the actual heir, Prince Wu , is a generally nice but rather selfish and clueless person living in Republic City. Kuvira seems more popular with the people, but most of the other world leaders want Prince Wu on the throne, albeit with lots of advisers they've chosen to help him .     Real Life  The aftermath of Alexander the Great 's short-lived empire puts A Song of Ice and Fire to shame. Half a dozen weak next of kin (the first was a mentally ill half-brother), scheming women, poison, scores of generals battling for supremacy and ripping off kingdoms for themselves resulting in division of his empire , you name it. That's what happens in a culture where the strongest get to rule by killing their rivals. Succession crises started the War of the Spanish Succession , the War of the Austrian Succession , the Hundred Years War , and the Wars of the Roses , among many others. In medieval England alone, the deaths (sometimes murders) of William Rufus, Henry I, Richard I, Edward II, Henry VI, Edward IV, and Richard III all led to irregular successions, and other countries have histories no less colorful. In Tsarist Russia , this was particularly a very common thing, with the many Palace Revolutions resolved by the Leib Guards, before the strict succession laws were introduced by Paul I. Re. England: The death of Edward the Confessor also caused a succession crisis with far-reaching consequences. Henry I's death was followed by a nasty civil war called the Anarchy, as Matilda (Henry's only surviving legitimate offspring) was a woman, and so many nobles recognized Stephen, Count of Blois, as King, a claim Stephen backed up with an army; the issue was settled ad hoc by allowing Stephen to reign but having Matilda's son Henry succeed him rather than Stephen's son Eustace. Richard I's death without an heir split the succession between his underage nephew Arthur of Brittany and his unsavory brother John; the British nobles were persuaded to accept John on the basis of "better the devil we know", and ganged up to force some restraints on him when he (as they expected) got out of hand. (John's seven-year-old son was readily accepted as his successor when John died suddenly, soon after the ganging-up at Runnymede.) Edward II was a borderline case, as he was deposed and (allegedly) murdered for Conduct Unbecoming , and his wife and her lover became regents while his son (Edward III) was underage. Richard II's death was not the cause of an irregular succession but its consequence, and neither did Edward V's death cause a succession crisis as he had not even been crowned before he was passed over (you could perhaps argue that he and his brother were murdered to prevent the possibility of a future succession crisis, which is why some people try to pin the blame on Henry VII). Richard III's death ended the Wars of the Roses in favour of a line that had been officially excluded from succession by Henry IV. The death of Edward VI was followed by an irregular succession (Jane Grey, then Mary I), and from the Catholic point of view, so was the death of Mary I. Re. Russia: The period of palace revolutions was largely the result of the law instituted by Peter I, that every reigning Czar or Czarina could name his or her successor freely. (Peter was probably trying to avoid a repeat of Russia's "Time of Troubles", which lasted from 1598 to 1613 and involved six usurpers out of seven actual rulers.) This law resulted in succession being resolved by palace guards , who, being twenty years old young men, usually picked some pretty and adventurous princess, paying little attention to whether she was Romanov or not exactly. The death of Catherine the Great sparked one due the above law and her planning to name her grandson Alexander as heir in place of her son (and Alexander's father) Paul, who she was keeping exiled in the palace of Gatchina, but dying a few days before being able to formally announce it. Alexander, greatly respecting his father and knowing he would become tsar anyway, solved it by hiding until his father arrived to the Winter Palace, at which point he came out and kneeled before him. Once settled, Paul changed the succession law and established a clear line of succession . Re. the War of the Spanish Succession: the Spanish Habsburgs bred themselves into extinction by a series of incestuous marriages, leading to rival claimants backed by France (Philip V Bourbon, Duke of Anjou), Austria (Archduke Charles, second son of Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I) and an Anglo-Dutch alliance (Joseph Ferdinand of Bavaria was their first choice, but when he keeled over they decided the Austrians were less threatening). The Anglo-Dutch for a while supported Charles of Habsburg, but when his elder brother Joseph I died, this made Charles the new Emperor, and they did not want him to rule both the Holy Roman Empire and Spain. So, when the dust finally settled, Philip got to keep the throne of Spain on condition that he renounce any claim to the throne of France (the current king of Spain, Juan Carlos, is a direct descendant). So instead of becoming King Charles III of Spain, Archduke Charles became Emperor Charles VI-and since he had no son, his death would directly lead to the War of the Austrian Succession. Spain has actually had a few succession crises, one right at the beginning when it was formed by the union of Castile and Aragon through the marriage of Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon. In order to succeed as queen of Castile to her half-brother Henry IV, she had to assert her claim to the throne against Henry's daughter Joanna (Juana) in the War of the Castilian Succession (1475-1479), during which Castile was invaded by armies from Portugal and France. It helped her that Henry IV was rumored to have been impotent and that it was widely believed that his consort, Joan of Portugal, had conceived her with someone else, most likely the courtier Beltrán de la Cueva. Joanna was thus called Juana la Beltraneja and la hija de la reina ("the queen's daughter") by those who contested her succession. Joanna eventually ended her days as a nun, but continued to sign with the traditional Yo, la Reina ("I, the Queen"). When Philip V became King, one of his main priorities was to centralize and formally unify Spain (Spain had been practically unified for about 200 years by this point, but officially the two kingdoms of Castile and Aragon were separate countries), and this meant settling on a succession law. Castile traditionally used male-preference primogeniture (a female could succeed to the throne if there were no immediate male heirs; this was the system used in England and Britain until 2013), while Aragon historically preferred semi-Salic Law (a female could only succeed to the throne if there were no male heirs whatsoever). In an attempt to pacify Aragon, which had largely opposed him in his own bid to become King, Philip introduced semi-Salic law for all of Spain. 120 years down the line, this became a problem: King Ferdinand VII had no sons, only a very young daughter, Isabella. Under Philip's law of succession, this made Ferdinand's younger brother Charles the heir to the throne. However, Ferdinand ignored the laws of succession and declared Isabella his heir. Ferdinand's death in 1833 led to the first of three wars based on this issue. In 1936, Charles' last male-line descendant died, making the exiled King Alfonso XIII (the heir of Isabella who had been forced from the throne in 1931, and was a male line descendent of Ferdinand VII and Charles' brother Francisco, as Isabella had married her first cousin, Francis, Francisco's son) the heir to both lines of the Spanish Royal Family. Ironically, the Carlists (those who has supported Charles and his heirs) opted to ignore this (while producing a conspiracy theory that Alfonso XIII's father Alfonso XII wasn't really Francis' biological son) and instead declared the Duke of Parma, a distant relative of the Spanish Royal Family who had supported the Carlist cause, to be Charles' rightful heir. In 1975, the monarchy was formally reestablished and Alfonso XIII's grandson King Juan Carlos I took the throne. Re. the Austrian War of Succession: Things were further complicated by the fact that the Holy Roman Empire was an elective monarchy and that the Prince-Electors in theory could choose whomever they wanted. The situation was comparable in the latter stages of the Polish-Lithuanian "Commonwealth", although here succession was more often settled by bribery than force of arms (although there was a Polish War of Succession in 1734/35). The Ottoman Turks of the 16th Century had a novel way of avoiding this. With the Sultan usually having many male children via his various harem wives, it became standard practice for the Sultan on his deathbed to name his heir, and the palace attendants would simply strangle all the other potential claimants in their beds. Job done... except that having more than one wife meant that they could start the succession crisis on behalf of their children well before he died and when one of the kids survived they tended to be angrier. Another story on how the Ottomans did things (possibly not accurate, as it came from a history professor but heaven only knows how right he was): All the various princes/contenders would be farmed out to different provinces to practice ruling and government. When the Sultan died, those sons would race for the throne, and whichever of them landed his derrière on it first would get the title, usually followed by a period of fratricide. The point is that the Succession Crisis was built in to the process, in a way that (at least in theory) encouraged survival of the fittest. That is probably a Panglossian interpretation ex post facto, as the first on the throne would not necessarily be the best man for the job, and fratricide and internecine strife had a great potential for weakening the Ottoman Empire vis-à-vis its neighbors and rivals. In fact both the farming out of potential heirs to the provinces and the murder of same are true, the former practice leading to the latter for exactly the reasons stated. The practice of murdering the late Sultan's other sons ended abruptly when a Sultan died young and many of the executed sons were mere children which proved more than the Turks could stomach. The final system, in operation till the end of the Empire, was to literally imprison sons inside the harem until and unless they succeeded, a practice that probably contributed to the high number of mentally disturbed sultans. Of note with regards to the Ottoman custom of strangling other male heirs was the death of Bayezid I as a captive of Timur, which caused his sons to squabble over the Ottoman territory. This Klingon Promotion style of succession led often to situations where there were no other male members of the Othman family line alive except the sultan apparent. To prevent the extinction of the family line, the later sultans invented the practise of Kafes, literally "golden cage", where the other male members of the dynasty were incarcerated, to keep them alive but not endangering the regime of the Sultan. The Roman Empire had a similar problem. Theoretically, the position of Emperor was not inherited: new emperors were supposed to be appointed to the position by the Senate (or by the Senate and the Army, depending who you asked. The Praetorian Guard would claim that the appointment was made by them, as they tended to overthrow any Emperor who didn't bribe them upon assuming the throne, and they once auctioned the throne off outright ). This tended to lead to civil wars, since pretty much any senator or general officer could be proclaimed emperor. There was a workaround where an Emperor could nominate a successor during his reign by adopting a respected politician or general - this usually quashed any rival claimants to the throne, but not in every case. The Five Good Emperors (Nerva to Marcus Aurelius) were all "adoptive", but Aurelius' heir was biological and it turned out badly. But he really had no choice, since the only reason his predecessors adopted heirs was because they didn't have sons. Said son's name was Commodus and his malfeasances led to his assassination and another brutal round of civil wars (Tellingly, Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire begins with the reign of Commodus). The Byzantine Empire went in for dynasties, which produced more stability. The Byzantine Empire was still subject to these, though - especially in its period of terminal decline. Even the appointment of the last Byzantine Emperor, at a time when Byzantium amounted to Constantinople and a sliver of Greece, was the subject of a succession crisis; Demetrius Palaeologus tried to seize power in Constantinople while his brother Constantine, the rightful heir, was in the Morea. The decline of the empire itself can be attributed to multiple succession crises; the Sack of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade was the result of an exiled Byzantine prince bribing the crusaders to depose the ruling emperor and seize control for himself, while the main reason the Battle of Manzikert resulted in more than mild border adjustments and coughing up some ransom was the Emperor being promptly deposed after the Sultan sent him home and the whole thing slagging down into civil war. The Frankish Empire had a different type of succession crisis under the Merovingians and Carolingians (until Louis the Pious and his sons): Here the king would divide his realm up among his sons, which frequently led to wars among them as every one of them tried to expand at the expense of the others. And when a king succeeded to get the whole empire by war, murder and/or being lucky enough that his rivals died childless, he would then divide it among his sons and the process would start again. (Germany and France got their start as separate political entities after the division of the Frankish empire among the three sons of Louis the Pious). Yongzheng , the Chinese emperor who won a bloody succession crisis (and killed all but one of his brothers in the process), also tried to avert future crises by... Keeping a succession note prepared when he's alive but hiding it in a location only known to very close confidants. So the succession was made loud and clear when the emperors' health still allowed them to do so, but it's announced after his death. When the Pope dies, the Sacred College of Cardinals elects his successor from among their number at a Conclave.note Technically they can elect any male Catholic (although a layman would have to be made a deacon, a priest, and then a bishop before succeeding to the Papal throne) but only cardinals have been elected for centuries. The system wasn't always this clear, though. Over its two thousand-year history, the office has seen Popes try to name their own successors, Popes installed by force of arms, and elected Popes contested by candidates chosen by powerful kings or emperors. Individuals who had strong backing to the Papacy but who the church does not recognize as legitimate are called "Antipopes". At one point there was a dispute between two claimants, so the Cardinals chose a third man to replace them, but neither of them stepped down, leaving three men who claimed to be Pope! Eventually, two of the popes were talked into resigning and a new pope was elected who was recognized by everyone. (Or almost everyone: the third pope refused to step down, and spent the rest of his life living in the castle of one of his remaining supporters, where he would regularly perform excommunication ceremonies on the entire rest of the Catholic church for not Respecting his Authoritai. ) And all of this says nothing about yet another problem-even when the College is allowed to choose the Pope normally, the bickering can last for a very long time indeed. Several conclaves in the Middle Ages dragged on for months, until eventually, in 1268, the town of Viterbo, where the cardinals had been "electing a pope" for three years (admittedly due extenuating circumstances such as foreign political pressure, a French army moving in town to make sure the new pope was friendly until a scandal convinced them to leave and the first two choiches literally running away) first put the cardinals into forced seclusion, then denied them all materials or sustenance save bread and water , and finally removed the roof of the building the cardinals were meeting in, at which point they promptly elected Gregory X. However, Gregory was off fighting in the Crusades, and he didn't return to take office for another eight months. Upon finally taking the papal throne, Gregory instituted new rules that included requiring the election be held in a closed room, limiting the cardinals to one meal daily after three days in conclave, bread and water after five days , denying them separate quarters, and cutting off their pay for the whole time they were in conclave. A modified form of these rules remains to this day, and since then, very few conclaves have lasted more than a few weeks. Under the current rules enacted by John XXIII, conclaves go to a runoff between the top two candidates if no Pope is elected within a week of the beginning of the conclave, and the number of votes needed to be elected Pope drops from 2/3 to a simple majority. This even happens in republics. The US alone has had its difficulties. The faults of the original electoral college system — whereby the winner would become President and the runner-up Vice-President, which had already resulted in Thomas Jefferson ending up as Vice-President to John Adams , despite them being political enemies — came to a head in the 1800 election, when Jefferson and his running-mate, Aaron Burr, tied on votes, sending the election into the House of Representatives. Jefferson needed a two-thirds majority of that vote to be elected President, but the rival Federalist party tried to elect Burr as President, as a way of sticking two fingers up at Jefferson. On top of that, there was no mechanism whereby Burr could just concede the Presidency to Jefferson, meaning that he would have had to withdraw from the race altogether, which ironically would have left Adams as the Vice-President.note (More realistically, Jefferson would likely have ended up with Adams's running-mate, Charles Pinckney as VP, as there's almost no way that Adams would have agreed to serve as VP under Jefferson) This resulted in the Representatives voting thirty-five times, with the exact same outcome each time, until Alexander Hamilton was able to persuade enough states to swing toward Jefferson to give him victory. Unsurprisingly, the electoral college was redesigned to have distinct President and Vice-President votes for 1804. The 1824 election was a four-way race in which Andrew Jackson won a plurality of both the popular vote (41 percent) and in the electoral college (99 votes), but not an absolute majority in the latter. Under the Twelfth Amendment it now fell on the House of Representatives to decide on the new president. It elected John Quincy Adams , who had come second in the popular vote (31 percent) and in the electoral college (84 votes). This was denounced by Jackson and his supporters as a "Corrupt Bargain", as it was widely believed that Adams had struck a deal with fourth-placed candidate Henry Clay, whom he appointed as his Secretary of State. All this led to the split of the Democratic Republican party and the election of Andrew Jackson in 1828. Before William Henry Harrison 's term, exactly what would happen when a President was unable to fulfill the duties of office had not been settled—perhaps they thought that if the President got sick, the Vice Prez would fill in until the President could return. Harrison got sick, all right—and then he died only one month into his term and the question had to be answered, because Harrison wasn't coming back. John Tyler answered it by stating that he was the President, not the Acting President. Certainly, the Whig party of the United States of America thought THAT was a crisis , as Tyler was essentially a Democrat. For extra trouble for the Whigs: no accidental president filled in for longer than Tyler. Woodrow Wilson suffered a debilitating stroke towards the end of his term. The solution used in this case—the VP picked up some duties while Wilson handled whatever his wife Edith felt he was up to, and the whole thing was kept secret from the public—was deemed less than optimal. This led to the Twenty-Fifth Amendment , which set out detailed rules for Presidential succession in case of death, illness, or other incapacity. US law has also codified a line of succession 18 people deep (who by tradition are never allowed to gather at a single function) to ensure such a crisis won't happen in the future. If anyone other than the Vice President succeeds to the Presidency, under the Presidential Succession Act of 1947 [3 USC § 19] he or she would "act as President," in the words of the act, unless and until such time as someone qualifies for the presidency constitutionally (e.g., through election). The act uses the title "Acting President." For reference, the Speaker of the House is next in line after the Vice President, followed by the President pro tempore of the Senate, followed by the Cabinet secretaries in the order their department was establishednote Potential successors still must satisfy the Article II requirements for taking the office (i.e., be a natural-born US citizen at least 35 years old and have resided in the US for the past 14 years) - Bill Clinton , George W. Bush , and Barack Obama all had or have Secretaries born overseas (Clinton's last Secretary of State was Madeleine Albright, born in Czechoslovakia; Bush's Secretary of Labor was Elaine Chao, born in Taiwan; Obama's Secretary of the Interior is Sally Jewell, born in the UK) and were/are skipped over for the purposes of presidential succession; the US has never gone beyond the Veep. In 2001, the president of Argentina, Fernando de la Rúa, resigned from office during a period in which the vice presidency was vacant. This set off an elaborate, month-long chain of events in which various officials of the Argentine Congress were either briefly forced to serve as acting president for a couple of days or pre-emptively resigned to avoid having to do the job. A similar situation happened in New Jersey following Christine Todd Whitman's January, 2001 appointment as George W. Bush's head of the EPA. Since the state had no lieutenant governor, a handful of officials from the state legislature served as acting governor for a few weeks until the elected Jim Mc Greevey could take office. After Mc Greevey himself ended up resigning, the state constitution was amended to create the position of lieutenant governor (and to officially recognize that anyone who served as acting governor for a particularly long time "counted" as an actual governor). The Soviet Union also suffered this towards the end of the Cold War , eventually contributing to its dissolution. Or rather it was a crisis of reassignment of powers between the union center and the constituent republics; some of the latter, pushed by growing separatist movements, demanded more powers reassigned to them from the union center. The fall itself happened when the Russian Federation, the central republic, jumped on the separatist bandwagon, leaving the union center the center of exactly nothing. Historian Simon Schaama has interpreted the Restoration in England in this way-Charles II became king not because England needed a successor for Charles I, but for Oliver Cromwell, and his son wasn't up to the job. A Canadian example occurred when Sir John A. Macdonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada, died in office just after being reelected in 1891. Macdonald had dominated his Conservative party for so long that, when he died, there was no immediate successor. From 1891 to 1896, the Conservative party had four separate leaders, who each became Prime Minister in turn. Sir John Abbott eventually resigned when he got tired of the job, Sir John Thompson came to be seen as Macdonald's natural successor but died in office , Sir Mackenzie Bowell was forced out of office by a Cabinet revolt, and Sir Charles Tupper eventually took over in the last few months of the Conservatives' mandate. By the time of the 1896 election, the Conservative party was so damaged that it was said that "not even Sir Charles Tupper could put it back together again." Wilfrid Laurier and the Liberal party won the 1896 election handily, and Laurier would serve as Prime Minister until 1910. Another Canadian example was the King-Byng Affair in 1926. William Mackenzie King's Liberal government were reduced to second-largest after the previous year's election, but clung onto power via an agreement with the third-largest party, the Progressives. The agreement eventually fell apart after a bribery scandal, and King asked the Governor-General, Lord Byng to call an election so as to let the public decide on whether the Liberals should continue to govern. However, Byng refused to do this, and instead threw the Liberals out of power and installed Conservative leader Arthur Meighen as the new Prime Minister. This naturally resulted in a huge firestorm between those who considered Byng's actions an affront to democracy, and those (including Byng himself) who thought that the Conservatives should have been allowed to form a government after the previous election, and that the Liberals and Progressives had entered into a corrupt bargain. King decided to force the issue and immediately called a vote of no confidence in the new Conservative government, which they lost, and the Liberals won the new election that followed, albeit just barely, and still without a majority. The mess could potentially have dragged on further had the smaller parties chosen to back the Conservatives, but in a stroke of fate Meighen actually lost his own seat, and was quickly ousted as the party's leader, leaving them in no condition to govern. According to many Mexican (and foreign) experts, this could happen in Mexico if the president dies due to natural causes, by an accident or is convicted of federal crimes (like treason), since the Mexican Constitution forbids the president to even quit the office, even if it's the last thing he/she can do , but the authors never though about these possibilities. Occurred in Australia after the disappearance and presumed death of Prime Minister Harold Holt in December 1967. The job of Prime Minister was expected to go to Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party Billy McMahon, however Leader of the Country Party note Now known as the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister John McEwen became Caretaker Prime Minister note In Australia the Liberal and Country/Nationals parties act in a coalition, imaginatively called "The Coalition." The leader of the Liberals is the Prime Minister when they're in government, and the leader of the Country/Nationals is Deputy Prime Minister. He despised McMahon and refused to let him become Prime Minister, saying the Country Party wouldn't serve under him. Instead the job went to John Gorton. However by 1971, McEwen had retired, and Gorton had lost the support of the party note including Minister for Defence and future Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser insulting him on the floor of Parliament while quitting his ministerial position. Gorton then held a motion of confidence in his leadership, which was tied - he then resigned as Leader and Prime Minister. McMahon finally became Prime Minister... only to lose the election to Labor under Gough Whitlam the next year. The reason for the split between Sunni and Shi'a Islam was a dispute over who should have succeeded Muhammad as Caliph. The Shi'ites only recognize the short reigns of Muhammad's son-in-law Ali and his son Hassan, while the Sunnis recognize Ali and the three Caliphs who preceded him. When Brazil's first Emperor (Dom Pedro the First) inherited the throne of Portugal, he had to choose between remaining Emperor of Brazil or become Dom Pedro the Fourth, King of Portugal, because the Brazilians, not wanting to be a colony of Portugal again, wouldn't allow their ruler to be the ruler of Portugal as well. He decided to stay in Brazil and pass the Portuguese crown to his daughter, Maria the Second. Unfortunately, her Evil Uncle Miguel managed to usurp the throne and Pedro returned to Portugal to rescue her and restore her to the position. Upon leaving, he abdicated the Brazilian throne in favor of his son Dom Pedro de Alcantara, who'd later become known as Dom Pedro the Second as soon as he became Emperor. Because Pedro II was still a minor when Pedro I abdicated, the Empire of Brazil was ruled by regents until he was deemed ready to rule. During that time, republicans attempted to show Brazil didn't need a monarch. At first, there was a trio of regents; then another trio; then a regent being the sole ruler; then another one; and then the Government decided to declare Pedro the Second an adult so he could finally claim the throne despite being only fourteen years old back then. Forty-some years later, a coup d'etat by some rich landowners ended his rule and Brazil has been a republic ever since. Speaking about Portugal, a Succession Crisis caused when the King disappeared in a battle resulted in Portugal being once ruled by Felipe II of Spain. Portugal has had a few succession crises through the years, the first in the 1380s. Ferdinand I, the last king of the first Portuguese ruling house, had been at war with neighboring Castile for years. His only child was a daughter, so he married her off to King John I of Castile and declared that John would become heir to the Portuguese throne. However, many Portuguese nobles feared this would threaten Portuguese independence, so instead they proclaimed Fernando's illegitimate half-brother, John of Aviz, to be King. The subsequent war was won by the latter, who became King John I of Portugal and founded the Aviz Dynasty of kings. Japan: The four decades without a male being born into the Japanese Imperial Family almost caused them to make the country stop being a Heir Club for Men . The Ōnin War was precipitated by a succession crisis in the Ashikaga shogunate. The shogun Yoshimasa, seemingly preparing to abdicate, announced that, since he had no sons of his own, his younger brother Yoshimi would serve as his heir. The next year, Yoshimasa's son Yoshihisa was born. This led to a feud between the Hosokawa and Yamana clans. Fighting broke out in 1467 and lingered on for about a decade, by which time Kyoto was reduced to ruins and Yoshimasa remained in power, despite having relinquished the title to his son three years before. Another one happened towards the end of the Sengoku Jidai , after Toyotomi Hideyoshi died and left a five-year-old heir. Britain normally avoids this sort of thing in modern times because Parliament actually has the final say on who is crowned, but in 1936 they had a particularly unfortunate one after Edward VIII declared his intention to marry the twice-divorced Wallis Simpson. ( It was a different time. , and even then the two of them being seen schmoozing with Those Wacky Nazis was at least as much of a scandal.) The actual crisis wasn't so much that Edward couldn't be replaced if he agreed to abdicate, which he eventually did, but the serious questions about his younger brother George's ability to take over; he'd had no real training for the job and didn't particularly want it either, to say nothing of his severe speech impediment and subsequent lack of self-confidence . He did alright in the end. The Allies couldn't quite agree on who should govern France after Napoleon abdicated in 1814. Tsar Alexander I had become friends with the recently elected Crown Prince of Sweden, Charles John � formerly known as Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte � and was partial to the idea of having him on the French throne; meanwhile, Francis of Austria would rather retain the Napoleonic Empire, with his daughter Marie-Louise � Napoleon�s second wife � as a Regent on behalf of her son, the King of Rome. However, Great Britain and the provisional government assembled in Paris by the cunning Talleyrand � who had played a large part in setting up Napoleon's downfall � preferred to restore the traditional Bourbon dynasty, which meant bringing back Louis XVIII � Louis XVI�s brother � from his foreign exile. The same question arose one year later among Napoleon's partisans in the crisis following Waterloo: this time, Marshal Davout and Napoleon's brother Lucien advocated for a military dictatorship to fight off the Allied armies; others wanted to proclaim the King of Rome as Emperor (rather unrealistic now that he was in Austria along with his mother); and there was a Republican faction. In the end, Napoleon abdicated and the Royalists came back with a vengeance. Another succession crisis took place in France following the fall of Napoleon III's Second Empire in 1870. The consensus was that France should be a monarchy, but France's various regime changes in the nineteenth century left them trying to choose from three possible monarchies to restore. There was the Legitimists, who favoured to old Bourbons, overthrown in 1830, the Orleanists, who favoured the succeeding "July Monarchy", which was itself overthrown in 1848, and the Bonapartists, who wanted Napoleon III's son. A Third Republic was set up as a temporary measure while they sorted the dispute out. It took so long that people began to notice that the Third Republic was actually working rather well, so in the end none of the possible monarchies was ever restored. The first (monarchist) President, Adolphe Thiers, said in the end that "it is the republic that divides us least". Succession crisis is how Marshal Bernadotte became the Swedish crown prince (and later king, whose descendants still reign in Stockholm). The Swedish king, Charles XIII, was both elderly and childless, with both his natural son and the adopted son, a Danish prince, having died young. Various factions wanted different candidates to succeed King Charles, but the anti-Russian faction, who wanted a French general to ensure Napoleon's support in a potential war against Russia, won out. Ironically, Sweden under Bernadotte wound up as an ally of Russia against Napoleon. There is a looming succession crisis in Japan. The constitution they adopted after World War II note at the gentle urging of the United States limits possible heirs to the Chrysanthemum Throne to male descendants of Hirohito (Emperor Shōwa) or his brothers, of whom only the youngest, Takahito, Prince Mikasa, had children. The problems start with the fact that all of Prince Mikasa's sons are dead and they only had daughters, anyway. Hirohito had 2 sons, but the younger is childless, while the elder (the current emperor) had only female grandchildren until 2006 when Prince Hisahito was born. This means that, before the birth of Hisahito, there were a grand total 6 people in the line of succession, with none under the age of 40note Compare this to the Crown of Great Britain , which has about 5,000 people in the line of succession. There were many discussions of changing the rules of succession to either allow women�since Japan has had female rulers in the past�or include people in the succession who are related to the Imperial family, but distantly enough that the constitution as it is currently written excludes them. Hisahito's birth has put a damper on those discussions for now, but they will most likely rise again at a future date. Genghis Khan attempted to avert this with his sons by bringing them together and demonstrating how a single arrow could be broken with no effort, but a bunch held together were much harder to break, to emphasize that they needed to stand together to survive. They eventually agreed to have his second son, Ogedei, take over the Empire after his death, since no was one entirely sure his eldest son Jochi was actually his since his mother had been abducted and raped by a rival chieftain around the time he would have been conceived. Genghis' plan worked for about a generation until his grandsons began squabbling over rule of the Empire and eventually caused it to split. :: Indexes ::
i don't know
What is the capital of the Spanish region of Andalusia?
Andalusia | region, Spain | Britannica.com Andalusia Córdoba Andalusia, Spanish Andalucía, comunidad autónoma (autonomous community) and historical region of Spain , encompassing the provincias (provinces) of Huelva , Cádiz , Sevilla , Málaga , Córdoba , Jaén , Granada , and Almería . The southernmost region of Spain, Andalusia is bounded by the autonomous communities of Extremadura and Castile–La Mancha to the north and Murcia to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the southeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest, and Portugal to the west. The autonomous community of Andalusia was established by the statute of autonomy of December 30, 1981. Its government consists of an executive council, headed by a president, and a unicameral parliament. The capital is Sevilla . Area 33,819 square miles (87,590 square km). Pop. (2007 est.) 8,059,461. A village in Andalusia, Spain, showing housing typical of the region. © David Warren/SuperStock Geography Andalusia possesses the most-varied terrain and vegetation in all of Spain. Striking contrasts exist between alpine mountains and pine forests at high elevations, arid and barren deserts, and fertile irrigated plains that support plantations of subtropical fruits. The topography of Andalusia is divided by mountain ranges into several distinct zones, each running southwest to northeast. The Sierra Morena is the northernmost range, crossing the northern parts of the provinces of Huelva, Sevilla, Córdoba, and Jaén. These mountains present a relief of desolate ridges punctuated by narrow valleys. In southeastern Andalusia the land rises abruptly to the Baetic Cordillera , one range of which, the Sierra Nevada , contains the highest elevations in the Iberian Peninsula south of the Pyrenees . The Baetic Cordillera extends southward from the province of Jaén into Granada and Almería. Lying between the Sierra Morena and the Baetic Cordillera is the heart of Andalusia, the Guadalquivir River basin and its associated plains. The Guadalquivir River flows southwest across almost the whole of Andalusia, passing the cities of Córdoba and Sevilla before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean west of Cádiz. The river’s lower basin, a region known as La Campiña, is the most densely settled and agriculturally productive part of Andalusia. Similar Topics Navarra The Andalusian steppes, an arid region of badlands in the southeastern corner of Andalusia, cover much of Granada and Almería provinces. Extending east and west from the city of Málaga along the Mediterranean coast is the Costa del Sol, which has become one of Spain’s most popular tourist rivieras. A Mediterranean climate prevails in most of lowland Andalusia, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Annual precipitation ranges from 80 inches (2,000 mm) in the Sierra Nevada and the Grazalema Mountains to as little as 8 inches (200 mm) in the desertic Andalusian steppes. Coastal and lowland Andalusia receive an average of about 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, which has helped draw tourists to the region. The lower portion of the Guadalquivir River basin has some of the most fertile soils in Spain, but the sparse rainfall makes irrigation necessary in some areas. The population of western Andalusia has traditionally been concentrated in the large rural towns from which agricultural labourers commute daily to work on the surrounding estates, or cortijos, but in modern times the population has been concentrated more in the provincial capitals. From the Baetic Cordillera eastward, small villages predominate wherever water is available. Andalusia is underdeveloped and accounts for a disproportionately small percentage of Spain’s gross domestic product and a disproportionately high percentage of its agricultural output. Latifundios, or large estates, have dominated Andalusian agriculture since the Reconquest , producing the traditional Mediterranean crops of wheat, grapes, and olives by dry farming. The large farms have become increasingly mechanized, but the region continues to lag behind the national average in the use of tractors, irrigation, and fertilizers. Oranges are grown throughout the region, and cork trees are raised in mountainous areas. Andalusia is known for its wine and brandy , which are produced in Jerez (where sherry originated), Niebla, Montilla , and Málaga. The provinces of Sevilla, Córdoba, and Jaén process large quantities of olive oil and together account for about two-thirds of Spanish production. Overview of olive processing in Andalusia, Spain. Contunico © ZDF Enterprises GmbH, Mainz Britannica Stories Ringling Bros. Folds Its Tent Andalusia’s landless farm labourers are among the poorest in Spain, and unemployment was a continuing problem in the region throughout the 20th century. In the second half of the century, emigration to more-industrialized regions of Spain and western Europe helped ease these economic pressures, but opportunities for emigration eventually shrank along with the demand for imported labour in the countries of the European Union . World Tour The region’s manufacturing sector is poorly developed and is dominated by the processing of agricultural products and by fishing and mining . Manufacturing is of relatively little importance. Andalusia’s mining industry is in decline, having reached its peak in the late 19th century, but mines in the Sierra Morena still produce large quantities of coal , iron, copper, and lead. Andalusia suffers from an energy deficit despite extensive deposits of coal in the Sierra Morena and the exploitation of hydroelectric resources along the upper reaches of the Guadalquivir River and in the lower regions of the Baetic Cordillera. In the early 21st century, solar power plants were used in the region as an alternative energy source. Solar power plant, Tabernas, Andalusia, Spain. age fotostock/SuperStock Andalusia’s service sector has benefited from the spread of tourism, with visitors attracted to the hotels along the Mediterranean coast as well as the architecturally rich cities of Granada, Córdoba, and Sevilla. The growth of tourism has not been matched by growth in other economic sectors, however. Mezquita, the great Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Spain. Photos.com/Thinkstock Andalusian culture still bears distinct traces of the eight centuries of Moorish rule. The Andalusian dialect , for example, contains many Arabic loanwords, and the names of geographic features often begin with al (“the” in Arabic) or guad (from wadi, the Arabic word for “river”). The region’s Moorish architecture, flamenco dancing, and bullfighting have helped form the popular image of Spain overseas. The observance of Roman Catholicism is heavily ceremonial, with towns hosting elaborate processions during Holy Week and town guilds staging ostentatious pilgrimages, or romerías. History Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest Andalusia has a long history. Agriculture and complex society had developed in the region by 4000 bce. During the 9th century bce the Phoenicians founded the coastal colony of Gadir (now Cádiz), and by the 5th century bce Carthaginians and Greeks had colonized the coast, while the indigenous Iberian peoples of the interior developed a rich urban culture. The Romans, led by Scipio Africanus, conquered Andalusia between 210 and 206 bce, and the region eventually became the Roman province of Baetica. Flourishing under Roman rule, it was the birthplace of the emperors Trajan and Hadrian and the writers Lucan and Seneca . Roman rule lasted until the Vandals and then the Visigoths overran the region in the 5th century ce. In 711 ce Muslims under the leadership of Ṭāriq ibn Ziyād crossed the Strait of Gibraltar from Tangier (now in Morocco) and invaded southern Spain, ending Visigothic rule. Henceforth, Andalusia’s history was closely linked with that of the North African coast until the end of the 15th century. The Arabic name Al-Andalus was originally applied by the Muslims (Moors) to the entire Iberian Peninsula. It probably means “Country of the Vandals.” In the 11th century, when the Christians began to reconquer the peninsula, Al-Andalus, or Andalusia, came to mean only the area still under Muslim control and thus became permanently attached to the modern-day region. After the Muslim conquest, Andalusia became part of the independent Umayyad caliphate of Córdoba , which was founded by ʿAbd al-Raḥmān III in 929. After the breakup of this unified Spanish Muslim state in the early 11th century, Andalusia was divided into a number of small kingdoms, or taifas, the largest of which were Málaga, Sevilla, and Córdoba. These principalities, which warred incessantly among themselves, had begun falling to Christian forces based in León and Castile in the 11th century when they were reinvigorated by a new Muslim invasion from North Africa , that of the Berber Almoravids , who were able to establish centralized rule over Muslim Spain from about 1086 to 1147. The Almoravids were in turn succeeded by another force of Muslim invaders from North Africa, the Almohads , who ruled over Andalusia from about 1147 to 1212. Britannica Lists & Quizzes Editor Picks: Exploring 10 Types of Basketball Movies Despite its political instability, scholars have seen the Moorish period as the golden age of Andalusia because of its economic prosperity and its brilliant cultural flowering. Agriculture, mining, and industry flourished as never before, and the region carried on a rich commerce with North Africa and the Levant. Some of the crops grown in Andalusia today, such as sugarcane, almonds, and apricots, were introduced by the Arabs, and much of the region’s elaborate irrigation system dates from the Muslim period. In the realm of culture, a vibrant civilization arose out of the intermingling of Spanish Christians, Berber and Arab Muslims, and Jews under the relatively tolerant rule of the Muslim emirs. The cities of Córdoba, Sevilla, and Granada became celebrated centres of Muslim architecture, science, and learning at a time when the rest of Europe was still emerging from the Dark Ages. The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba and the fortress-palace of the Alhambra in Granada were built during this period, and the great Spanish Muslim philosopher Averroës was perhaps its leading intellectual figure. The Almohads’ power in southern Spain disintegrated after their defeat by Christian armies led by King Alfonso VIII of Castile at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212. The petty Muslim states that reemerged in this power vacuum were unable to mount a unified resistance to Christian reconquest, and by 1251 Ferdinand III of Castile had reconquered all of Andalusia except the Muslim kingdom of Granada , which survived until its capture by the forces of Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492. All of Andalusia was incorporated into the Christian kingdom of Castile. Andalusia continued to prosper after the Reconquest, in part because the ports of Cádiz and Sevilla were the gateways through which the wealth of the New World flowed into Spain. The expulsion of the Moriscos (Christianized Muslims) from Spain in 1609, however, helped trigger an economic decline that accelerated when Sevilla and Cádiz lost their trading monopolies with the New World in the 18th century. Gibraltar was formally ceded to the British in 1713, and Andalusia was divided into its eight present-day provinces in 1833.
Seville
Which radio presenter's autobiography is called 'The Whispering Years'?
Introduction to Andalucia | Andalucia.com Andalucia is a wonderful place to visit © Michelle Chaplow Population: 7 million ( about 20% of Spain´s national total) Area: 87,300 km sq ( 17.3 % of the Spanish territory ) Spain's region of Andalucia is composed of eight provinces, stretching from the south-east to the south-west of the country, each one named for its capital city: Cadiz, Cordoba, Jaen, Huelva, Almeria, Malaga, Granada and Seville. Once Spain´s poorest region, Andalucia - and specifically the provinces of Malaga, Granada and Seville - is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, thanks to its sandy beaches, beautiful countryside, spectacular mountain ranges, fabulous monuments and high-spirited people who live life to the full and are well known for their exuberance, warmth and hospitality. Andalucia is also home of flamenco and bullfighting, which can be best enjoyed at the region´s countless ferias and romerias. But perhaps the most unique feature of this enchanting region are the remnants of its Moorish past. The Moors were a mixture of Berbers and Arabs who crossed into Spain from North Africa by the Straits of Gibraltar and occupied the peninsula - which they called al Andalus - for more than seven centuries, dating from 710 when they first landed in Tarifa. Within a mere four years they had virtually conquered the entire country, although they soon withdrew to the southern part of the peninsula, where they established, in the towns of Cordoba, Seville and Granada, one of the most sophisticated civilisations of the Middle Ages. Each of these Andalucian capitals boasts spectacular remains of their monuments, the most unforgettable of which is, undoubtedly, Granada's Alhambra palace. Granada's Alhambra palace. Some basic facts about Spain´s region of Andalucia Andalucia has 500 miles of coastline and of which 70% are sandy beaches. The Mediterranean seaboard is graced by the Costa de Almeria, Costa Tropical and the glamorous, cosmopolitan Costa del Sol, while the Costa de la Luz lies along the Atlantic shore to the west of Gibraltar. As well as Andalucia´s fascinating cities and dazzling shores, the region is sprinkled with tiny unspoiled villages and whitewashed towns - the famous pueblos blancos - which tourists often overlook, even though they are of easy access, such as Casares, Gaucin and Frigilana. Andalucia, then, is a region of startling contrasts and great charm. Yet, this mysterious corner of Europe is easy to reach, with hundreds of charter flights arriving each week at Malaga´s Pablo Picasso International Airport, which lies midway between Malaga, the main city of the coast, and Torremolinos, the region´s most legendary resort.
i don't know
What was the middle name of the character 'Bob Collier' from the t.v. series 'The Likely Lads'?
The Likely Lads (Series) - TV Tropes The Likely Lads You need to login to do this. Get Known if you don't have an account Share WMG The Likely Lads was a black and white Britcom that ran from 1964 to 1966 on The BBC . It followed the escapades of two young working-class men Oop North , Terry Collier (who was proud of his roots) and Bob Ferris (who wanted to better himself and become middle-class). It was created by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, and starred James Bolam as Terry and Rodney Bewes as Bob. However, what most people remember now is Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?, a revival that ran from 1973 to 1974, still written by Clement and La Frenais. In this show, Bob had succeeded in becoming middle-class and was engaged to the very middle-class Thelma, when Terry suddenly reappeared (he'd joined the army at the end of the original series), throwing his life into confusion. The Likely Lads contains examples of: Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? contains examples of: Appointment Television : "No Hiding Place", where Bob and Terry desperately try to avoid Spoilers . Armoured Closet Gay : Bob implies this about Terry in "No Hiding Place" ("Well known fact: anyone who's always putting queers down and being aggressively masculine all the time - like you - is only masking their own latent tendencies.") Embarrassing Middle Name : Bob's full name is revealed as Robert Andrew Scarborough Ferris - which is at least less embarrassing than Terry's guesses at what the S might stand for (Stalin, Sarajevo, Sands-of-Iwo-Jima...) It's still pretty embarrassing to explain: it's because he was conceived there. Henpecked Husband : Bob. Heterosexual Life-Partners : Bob and Terry. Not that they weren't such in the first series, but even more so here. The first season ends with them sharing a bed. On Bob's wedding night. The Movie : Also a Vacation Episode (they go caravanning). Just called The Likely Lads. The page image is the movie DVD cover. Ms. Fanservice : Some scenes appear to be slightly contrived to show Thelma (Brigid Forsyth) undressing, or wearing a very short-cut slip, or on one memorable occasion leaning out of a window in a virtually see-through nightie. Oop North : The series is set in Newcastle. although filming for the original series took place in the very Geordie location of East London. Only the second series was filmed on location in the North-East. Only Terry has anything like a realistic Geordie accent, and not nearly as strong as one would expect from his character. James Bolam was actually born in Sunderland, where the accent, though sometimes confused with Geordie, is subtly different. Other characters, including Bob and members of Terry's immediate family, mostly speak in generic Oop North accents (a sort of mild Yorkshire). The Remake : In 2002 Ant and Dec starred in a remake of "No Hiding Place" under the title A Tribute To The Likely Lads. Rodney Bewes made a Remake Cameo as the newspaper vendor.
Scarborough
What word is used in betting slang for odds of 3/1 (three to one)?
Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads? | The Likely Lads Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia The Likely Lads Wiki Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads? 72pages on The show followed the friendship, resumed after five years apart, of two working-class young men, Bob Ferris ( Rodney Bewes ) and Terry Collier ( James Bolam ). Set in Northeast England , humour was based on the tension between Terry's firmly working-class outlook and Bob's aspirations to join the middle class , through his new white-collar job, suburban home, and impending marriage to prissy librarian Thelma Chambers ( Brigit Forsyth ). Since the ending of the original series, in 1966, Bob has left factory life behind for an office job with his future father-in-law's building firm (something which leaves Bob even more desperate to retain favour with Thelma and her family). But what Bob does for a living is not a major factor in the show; more important is the fact that he is now a white-collar worker, and (at Thelma's urging) is joining badminton clubs, attending dinner parties, and — in all sorts of ways — appearing to Terry as aspiring to join the middle class. Terry thus sees his own army experience and solid working class ethos as giving him moral superiority over Bob. But he finds it hard to adjust to all the changes which have occurred in the five years he's been away. As implied in the lyrics to the programme's theme song, the 1970s series plays on both lads' feelings of nostalgia for the lost days of their innocent and reckless youth. Both characters are depressed by the demolition being carried out on the landmarks of their youth, but Bob, who works for a development agency, puts forward that it can be seen as progress. Bob also lives in his own semi-detached house on a recently-built estate, whereas Terry lives with his mother in a 19th century house, which he claims has far more charm than the one owned by Bob, where "The only thing that tells you apart from your neighbours is the colour of your curtains." Indeed, in the opening credits shots of Terry show him along with the older and more industrial buildings of the city, with Bob displayed along with modern, less attractive development. The word "likely" in the title referred, in the 1960s series, to those showing promise, but also those likely to get up to well-meaning mischief; but, as the 1970s title implied, the mischief days were (or at least, perhaps, should have been) behind them now. Yet, in reality, life was still seen by both Bob and Terry as something in which the only things that really mattered were beer, football and sex — though not necessarily in that order. As Terry says at one point, in disbelief, "After all, there are some people who don't like football!" The conflict between what Bob had become, and what he saw himself as, led him to be impulsively inclined to follow the lead set by the more headstrong Terry (especially after a heavy drinking session), who led them recklessly into one scrape after another. And Terry frequently behaved badly, his working class instincts dominating Bob's better judgement. But whatever the plan, they rarely got away with it. Nemesis, in the shape of Thelma (and, to a lesser extent, Terry's sister Audrey) was usually waiting just around the corner. Indeed the battle of the sexes was a frequent theme of the series. Bob usually blamed his drinking, heavy smoking, poor diet and reckless behaviour on Terry: a view which Audrey and Thelma only too willingly agreed with. This may have been true in part, but actually Bob needed little persuasion to stay out drinking with Terry, or to behave accordingly. The show was firmly based in the tradition of Northern comedy, in that much of the humour arose from the fact that Bob and Terry were living in a strongly matriarchal society. They were, in point of fact, surrounded by a sea of women. Bob was henpecked alternately by Thelma and by Thelma's mother; and Terry was henpecked by his own mother and his sister Audrey, and by the various women he dated. There were no strong male influences in either Bob or Terry's life: neither Bob's father nor Terry's ever appeared, and on the few occasions that we saw Thelma's father he was usually being henpecked by either Thelma or her mother. The thirteen episodes of Series 1, aired in 1973, were all self-contained. But nonetheless they were loosely linked together by two common threads: the earliest ones feature Terry's attempts to settle down again, following his discharge from the Army; and the subsequent episodes revolve around the preparations for the wedding of Bob and Thelma. In contrast, the Series 2 episodes the following year were not entirely self-contained: many of them formed parts of related storylines. For instance, the series opens with a two-part story concerning Terry's romance with Thelma's younger sister. There are several two-part stories; and in one instance a single storyline is developed over four episodes (beginning in "Affairs and Relations"). This is never taken so far that it's necessary to the comedy to have seen the previous episodes; but, if you have, there's a stronger unity to this series than in the previous one. [1] [2] Terry and Bob are arrested in One for the Road.The show's catchy theme song, "Whatever Happened to You", was written by Mike Hugg (of Manfred Mann ) and La Frenais, and performed by Hugg's session band under the name Highly Likely. It made the lower reaches of the UK Top 40 in 1973. Mike Hugg also wrote the theme tune to the spin-off 1976 feature film, entitled "Remember When". The complete first and second series of the 1970s show (including the Christmas special) are now available in the UK on Region 2 DVD, as two BBC releases: "Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?: Series 1" (Catalogue No. BBCDVD1957) and "Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?: Series 2" (Cat. No. BBCDVD1991). The 2006 BBC release, The Likely Lads Collection (a 5 disc box set: cat. no. BBCDVD2110), contrary to certain reports, does include both the final episode of series 2, entitled "The Shape of Things to Come", and the 1974 Christmas Special (as an extra feature). Contents Edit Cyril Collier (Terry and Audrey's dad) Leslie Ferris (Bob's dad) (Note: It was established in the 1960s series that Bob's father was in fact deceased) Linda Collier (Terry and Audrey's sister) Frank Clark (Bob's original choice for best man) Nigel "Little Hutch" Hutchinson (a sex-mad pal who always has a racing tip ready for Terry) Hugh and Janey (Bob and Thelma's new middle-class friends) Mr Clough (Cloughy to the Lads, played by Barlett Mullins; he was their workmate in the original 1960s series, and now runs a newsagents) Jutta Baumgarten (Terry's German wife, from whom he's separated) Maurice 'Memphis' Hardaker (a member of a skiffle group called Rob Ferris And The Wildcats, he was also mentioned in the original 60s series as work colleague Morrie Hardaker) Deirdre Birchwood, an ex-girlfriend of Bob's, frequent references to her became a running gag in the first series Wendy Thwaite, another ex-girlfriend of Bob's with whom he had his first sexual experience. Radio series Edit The 13 episodes of Series 1 were adapted for radio, with the original television cast, and broadcast on Radio 4 in 1975, from 30 July to 22 October. This series is periodically re-broadcast in the "classic comedy" hour on digital radio channel BBC Radio 7 . Edit Before the Seventies series was made, the cast had already been re-united twice, in 1967 and 1968, to record sixteen of the original television scripts for two series (of eight episodes each) on BBC radio, the scripts for which were adapted for radio by James Bolam. To emphasise continuity, the opening section of the title credits at the start of each Seventies episode includes a short montage of black-and-white stills photos of Bob and Terry in scenes from the 1960s series, presented as if in a photograph album. The leather-bound photo album which Bob gives Terry before the wedding, in the episode "End Of An Era", is also the one seen in the opening credits. To avoid bad feeling over billing, Rodney Bewes and James Bolam were alternated in the opening credits, so that one week Bewes was billed first and the following week Bolam was. In the closing credits the billing was reversed, with whoever had been billed second in the opening credits being billed first. At recordings of the show Bolam was clearly irritated at times by the fact that Bewes did not always know his lines, and he did not trouble to conceal this irritation from the studio audience. The problem may have arisen because the lads always drank real beer in the pub scenes. Frequent re-takes meant they would sometimes have downed eight pints by the end of a recording. Bewes maintained his connections with The Likely Lads, appearing in a cameo role as the old newspaper seller in a 2002 ITV re-make of the series' most popular episode, "No Hiding Place", starring Tyneside presenters/actors/entertainers Ant and Dec , which aired under the title "A Tribute to the Likely Lads". Bewes wrote an autobiography, "A Likely Story", which was published in 2005. He is currently touring in his various one-man theatre shows, one of which is based upon the works of Jerome K Jerome. In 1995 and 1996 the series was repeated in its entirety on BBC 2 . It went on to become a short-term staple of cable channels, and was again shown on satellite and cable tv in 2008/9, but has not featured on terrestrial TV in the UK since 2000. It has, however, been released on DVD. And the movie spin-off usually appears at least once a year on TV, around Christmas. One of the most notable continuity points about the show is that Terry has been away in the Army for "five years". However, there was a real-life gap of seven years between the end of the original series in 1966 and the sequel in 1973. Also, there are numerous references in the Seventies show to the Lads' shared adventures in 1967, plus citations of that year as the time when Terry was last in town. And, from the audience's point of view, Terry was last seen in the radio series which was broadcast during 1967 and 1968. Taken all together, it suggests Terry's army service lasted for the five years from 1968 (i.e. the end of the radio series) to 1973. Terry's full name is Terence Daniel Collier, born 29 February 1944. Bob's full name is Robert Andrew Scarborough Ferris, born a week earlier. These dates can be worked out from dialogue in the episode "Birthday Boy". The 'Scarborough' in Bob's name comes from the fact that he was allegedly conceived there, but this is contradicted in the opening flashback sequence in the 1976 feature film. Terry's 'silver tankard' joke in his best man's speech at the end of Season 1 (in the episode "End Of An Era") also seems to imply that he, not Bob, turned 21 first. Terry is younger than his sisters Audrey ( Sheila Fearn ) and Linda (who is never seen). Their parents are Edith and Cyril Collier. Terry's father is not featured in either series of this show; neither is Bob's father, Leslie. Bob's mother, Alice, occasionally appears. Bob's father had died 12 years previously (as established in the Sixties episode "Friends and Neighbours"), so wasn't around when Bob - an only child - was growing up. Terry's dad is neither dead nor absent: he is continually referred to in the Seventies series, and also in the feature film, but is never actually seen (although, in the opening flash-back in the film, a back view of him is briefly visible, which is clearly James Bolam; and Bolam also provides the voice-over dialogue in that scene). Thelma's full maiden name is Thelma Ingrid Chambers. Thelma's father, played by Bill Owen , is George Chambers. Her younger sister is Susan, who lives in Toronto, Canada with her accountant fiancé Peter. The lads attended Park Infants School, Park Junior School, and Park Secondary Modern. Thelma was with them for infants and juniors, but then went to the grammar school. Notable school romances for the Lads included the revered (but sadly never seen) Deirdre Birchwood, who was the basis of a running joke in Series 1, where any mention of her (or of any other former girlfriend of Bob's) was guaranteed to upset Thelma. (A Deidre Birchwood actually appears in an episode of the Bewes vehicle, Dear Mother, Love Albert. She is referred to in many episodes of that programme. Her name derives from a real-life person Bewes knew - according to his memoir.) The lads also were in the Scouts together. Bob lost his virginity to Wendy Thwaite, according to the Series 1 episode "I'll Never Forget Whatshername", who scored 8 stars (out of 7!) on his scoring system. Terry's never-seen German wife is called Jutta (pronounced Uta) Baumgarten. They married in November 1969, but split up seven months later, in June 1970, when West Germany defeated England in the 1970 FIFA World Cup . Confusingly, Terry later says they were married for two years "on and off", which further clouds the continuity issue of Terry's time away. She was due to appear in the episode "End Of An Era", played by April Walker, but the scenes featuring her were omitted from the broadcast version. Terry's address is given in the dialogue as 127 Inkerman Terrace ("No Hiding Place"); but external shots (in "The Ant and the Grasshopper") clearly show a different house number. Bob and Thelma live at Number 8 of an unspecified avenue on the Elm Lodge Housing Estate. Bob's immediate neighbours at his new house are the Lawsons and the Jeffcotes, again never actually seen in the show. A couple called the Nortons are also later referred to as living next door. It is revealed (in the episode "Storm in a Tea Chest") that the boys used to be in a skiffle group called Rob Ferris And The Wildcats. Other group members included Maurice 'Memphis' Hardaker, named after a real-life friend of the show's co-creator and co-writer Ian La Frenais . The Lads' workmate from the 1960s series, Cloughie (originally played by Bartlett Mullins), does not feature, other than a passing mention in the first episode that he now runs a newsagents. Two running jokes in the show are never fully explained: Terry's supposedly injured leg, which he claims to have injured in the Army ("I never talk about it"), and his aggressive preoccupation with being referred to as 'wiry' rather than as 'thin' or 'slim'. The latter is, in fact, a continuation of a running gag in the original 1960s series, in which Terry was paranoid about being thought weedy. The pubs frequented by the lads include The Black Horse (which is their most regular 'local', featuring buxom barmaid Gloria), The Fat Ox, The Drift Inn and The Wheatsheaf. Others mentioned in passing include The Swan, The Ship, and the Institute. Friends of the Lads who are regularly spoken of but never seen include Frank Clark (Bob's original choice for best man, who had the same name as a Newcastle United F.C. player of the time), and Nigel "Little Hutch" Hutchinson (a sex-mad pal, who frequently has a racing tip for Terry). Bob's new middle-class friends who we hear of but don't meet include Hugh and Janey; but a new pal we do meet (in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "The Ant and the Grasshopper") is affable Londoner Alan Boyle, played by Julian Holloway . Christopher Biggins makes several appearances as Podge Rowley, a friend of the Lads, including in the episode "Birthday Boy" and as an usher at Bob's wedding in "End Of An Era". He would reappear in the next big television hit for Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, Porridge, as would Brian Glover (Flint in "No Hiding Place"). The episodes "I'll Never Forget Whatshername" and "Storm in a Tea Chest" were based in part on elements in the 1960s episode "Where Have All The Flowers Gone?" The titles for the 1974 Christmas Special call the show simply The Likely Lads. The opening scenes are set in late September, on the day of Terry's successful driving test. Exterior shots were filmed on Tyneside and around the North East, while interiors were shot at the BBC Television Centre in London. The genuine affection held by Clement and LaFrenais for the golden age of Hollywood movies is reflected in the show. For instance, nearly all of the episode titles (from "Strangers on a Train" to "The Shape of Things to Come") are based on the titles of Hollywood films; and the script frequently features jokes about popular movies (such as Terry's dig at Bob, on learning that he's becoming middle-class, that his new friends include 'Bob and Carole, and Ted and Alice' - a reference to the 1969 film of that name). The BBC decided not to commission a third series of the show, partly because Dick Clement and Ian LaFrenais had written a pilot script for another 1973 series, entitled Seven of One, in which Ronnie Barker appeared in seven different situations from different writers, each of which was a try-out for a possible series. The BBC decided they liked best the one by Clement and LaFrenais, who found themselves suddenly offered a new series, starring Ronnie Barker, which became the television comedy Porridge. Writing and production for the new show, which debuted in the autumn of 1974 and ran for three series, made it impossible to schedule a further series of The Likely Lads. Instead, Clement and LaFrenais began to develop a one-off script, which became the Likely Lads feature film, which was eventually made in 1976. Edit Main article: The Likely Lads (film) In 1976 a feature-length movie was released, written by Clement and La Frenais, which was directed by Michael Tuchner. By this time both lads had moved house (Bob and Thelma to a detached house, and Terry to a high-rise); and Terry now had a Finnish girlfriend called Christina ("Chris"), played by Mary Tamm . The movie opened with the Lads lamenting the demolition of their favourite pub, The Fat Ox. It then did what so many film spin-offs in the Seventies did, taking the regulars out of their normal environment and sending them off on holiday. The result is a caravanning holiday for Bob and Terry, accompanied by Thelma and Chris. The complications resulting from the trip lead to Terry and Chris splitting up, as a result of which Terry decides to go away, signing on as a crewman on a cargo ship. Bob and Terry sneak one last late-night drink together aboard Terry's ship, anchored in the docks; but Terry has second thoughts the morning after and elects to stay at home. Bob, however, awakes - hung over - aboard the ship, as it sails for Bahrain. This was an ironic reversal of the ending of the original Sixties show (where Terry, missing Bob - who had joined the Army - joined up too, only to discover that Bob had been discharged with flat feet ). Ian McDiarmid , who went on to play the Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious in four Star Wars movies, made his film debut here, playing a vicar. Future 1980s sitcom icons Vicki Michelle and Linda Robson also made cameo appearances. Vicki Michelle had already appeared, as a different character, in the second series of the Seventies show (in the episode "The Ant and the Grasshopper"). Any future plans for the lads were never announced; but if they existed they were scuppered by Bewes and Bolam falling out. Edit In 2008, The Gala Theatre in Durham staged the world premiere of "The Likely Lads", adapted for the stage by Dick Clement and Ian LaFrenais and directed by Simon Stallworthy. The title roles of Bob and Terry were played by David Nellist and Scott Frazer respectively. In May 2011 The Tynemouth Priory Theatre, in Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear, were granted the rights to become the first non professional company to stage the production. It became one of the theatres most attended productions selling out well in advance for all performances. Terry was played by Brendan Egan and Bob by Stu Bowman. now they back as Ant and Dec
i don't know
Which component of Microsoft Office generates files with a .doc or .docx file suffix?
Open XML Formats and file name extensions - Office Support Admin Open XML Formats and file name extensions Applies To: Excel 2013 Word 2013 PowerPoint 2013 Excel 2010 Word 2010 PowerPoint 2010 Excel 2007 Word 2007 PowerPoint 2007 Office 2007 Office 2010 More... Less Starting with the 2007 Microsoft Office system, Microsoft Office uses the XML-based file formats, such as .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx. These formats and file name extensions apply to Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint. This article discusses key benefits of the format, describes the file name extensions and discusses how you can share Office files with people who are using earlier versions of Office. In this article Can different versions of Office share the same files? What are the benefits of Open XML Formats? The Open XML Formats include many benefits — not only for developers and the solutions that they build, but also for individual people and organizations of all sizes: Compact files     Files are automatically compressed and can be up to 75 percent smaller in some cases. The Open XML Format uses zip compression technology to store documents, offering potential cost savings as it reduces the disk space required to store files and decreases the bandwidth needed to send files via e-mail, over networks, and across the Internet. When you open a file, it is automatically unzipped. When you save a file, it is automatically zipped again. You do not have to install any special zip utilities to open and close files in Office. Improved damaged-file recovery     Files are structured in a modular fashion that keeps different data components in the file separate from each other. This allows files to be opened even if a component within the file (for example, a chart or table) is damaged or corrupted. Better privacy and more control over personal information     Documents can be shared confidentially, because personally identifiable information and business-sensitive information, such as author names, comments, tracked changes, and file paths can be easily identified and removed by using Document Inspector. Better integration and interoperability of business data     Using Open XML Formats as the data interoperability framework for the Office set of products means that documents, worksheets, presentations, and forms can be saved in an XML file format that is freely available for anyone to use and to license, royalty free. Office also supports customer-defined XML Schemas that enhance the existing Office document types. This means that customers can easily unlock information in existing systems and act upon it in familiar Office programs. Information that is created within Office can be easily used by other business applications. All you need to open and edit an Office file is a ZIP utility and an XML editor. Easier detection of documents that contain macros     Files that are saved by using the default "x" suffix (such as .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx) cannot contain Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros and XLM macros. Only files whose file name extension ends with an "m" (such as .docm, .xlsm, and .pptm) can contain macros. Top of Page What are the XML file name extensions? By default, documents, worksheets, and presentations that you create in Office are saved in XML format with file name extensions that add an "x" or an "m" to the file name extensions that you are already familiar with. The "x" signifies an XML file that has no macros, and the "m" signifies an XML file that does contain macros. For example, when you save a document in Word, the file now uses the .docx file name extension by default, instead of the .doc file name extension. When you save a file as a template, you see the same kind of change. The template extension used in earlier versions is there, but it now has an "x" or an "m" on the end. If the file contains code or macros, you must save it by using the new macro-enabled XML file format, which adds an "m" for macro to the file extension. The following tables list all the default file name extensions in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Word Top of Page Can different versions of Office share the same files? Office lets you save files in the Open XML Formats and in the binary file format of earlier versions of Office and includes compatibility checkers and file converters to allow file-sharing between different versions of Office. Opening existing files in Office     You can open and work on a file that was created in an earlier version of Office, and then save it in its existing format. Because you might be working on a document with someone who uses an earlier version of Office, Office uses a compatibility checker that verifies that you have not introduced a feature that an earlier version of Office does not support. When you save the file, the compatibility checker reports those features to you and then lets you remove them before continuing with the save. Opening Office files in earlier versions of Office     You can open and change an Office file in Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint 2003 by downloading the necessary file converters. On the computer that uses an earlier version of Office, go to the Download Center and download the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for 2007 Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint File Formats. Important: For the converters to work, the earlier version of Microsoft Office must first be updated to one of the service packs listed here. After you have installed the service pack for your version of Office, download the converter.
Word (disambiguation)
For which Middle Eastern national football team has the Wigan (& previously Bolton) goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi won at least 70 caps?
XML file name extension reference for Office 2013 Collapse the table of content Expand the table of content This documentation is archived and is not being maintained. This documentation is archived and is not being maintained. XML file name extension reference for Office 2013 Office 2013 Applies to: Office 365 ProPlus, Office 2013 Topic Last Modified: 2014-03-14 Summary: Learn about the XML file formats and their extensions that are used by Word 2013, Excel 2013, PowerPoint 2013, and Visio 2013. Audience: IT Professionals XML file formats and their extensions are listed in the following tables for Word 2013, Excel 2013, PowerPoint 2013, and Visio 2013. Important: This article is part of the Content roadmap for Office 2013 compatibility . Use the roadmap as a starting point for articles, downloads, scripts, and videos that help you assess Office 2013 compatibility. Are you looking for information about opening and saving Office documents in different file formats? You can find this information by searching for "2013 file format" on Office.com . In this article: The following table describes the file type, extension, and description for Word XML file formats. XML file types for Word 2013 Word 2013 file type The default Word file format. Can't store VBA macro code. Strict Open XML document .docx Conforms to the Strict profile of the Open XML standard (ISO/IEC 29500). This profile of Open XML doesn't allow a set of features that were designed specifically for backward-compatibility with existing binary documents, as specified in Part 4 of ISO/IEC 29500. Word Macro-Enabled Document .docm Uses the same basic XML format as the Word document format, but can store VBA macro code. This file type is created when VBA macro code is present in the file. Word Template .dotx The default format for a Word template. Created when document styles and formatting are saved. Can't store VBA macro code. Word Macro-Enabled Template .dotm Stores macro code for use with other Word documents. Does not always contain macro code, but is configured to support the storage of macro code. Word documents created from a macro-enabled template do not inherit the VBAProject part of the template. By default, documents are saved as .docx files even when they are created from a Word macro-enabled template. The following table describes the file type, extension, and description for Excel XML file formats. XML file types for Excel 2013 Excel 2013 file type Excel Workbook .xlsx The default Excel file format. Can't store VBA macro code or Microsoft Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm files in Excel 4.0). Strict Open XML Spreadsheet An ISO strict version of the Excel Workbook file format (.xlsx). Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook .xlsm Uses the same basic XML format as the Excel Workbook, but can store VBA macro code. Users who save an Excel workbook that has VBA code or Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm files in Excel 4.0) are prompted to use this file format. Excel Template .xltx The default file format for an Excel template. Can't store VBA macro code or Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm files in Excel 4.0). Excel Macro-Enabled Template .xltm Can contain a VBAProject part or Excel 4.0 macro sheets (.xlm files in Excel 4.0). Workbooks created from this template inherit the VBAProject part or Excel 4.0 macro sheets that exist in the template. Excel Add-In .xlam A supplemental program that runs additional code. Excel add-ins use the Open XML file format to store data, and they support using VBA projects and Excel 4.0 macro sheets. The following table describes the file type, extension, and description for PowerPoint XML file formats. XML file types for PowerPoint 2013 PowerPoint 2013 file type PowerPoint Presentation .pptx The default PowerPoint XML format. Can't contain a VBAProject part (the part that stores VBA macro code) or Action settings. Strict Open XML Presentation An ISO strict version of the PowerPoint Presentation file format (.pptx). PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Presentation .pptm The same basic XML format as the PowerPoint XML presentation format, but can store VBA macro code. Users who save a PowerPoint XML presentation file that contains VBA macro code are prompted to use this file type. PowerPoint Template .potx An XML-based PowerPoint template. Created when a presentation does not have a VBAProject part and does not use Action settings. PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Template .potm Users who save a PowerPoint XML template that contains VBA macro code are prompted to use this file type. Presentations created from this template do not inherit the VBAProject part or Action settings. PowerPoint Add-In PowerPoint presentation designed to be run as a supplemental program. All PowerPoint add-ins are macro-enabled. PowerPoint Show An XML-based PowerPoint auto-running slide show. Can't contain a VBAProject part. PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Show .ppsm An XML-based PowerPoint slide show file that contains a VBAProject part. Created when the auto-running slide show includes VBA macro code. The following table describes the file type, extension, and description for Visio XML file formats. Note: Visio 2013 uses the XML file format package that is defined by the Open Packaging Conventions (ISO/IEC 29500-2:2008) standard. The XML content is based on the existing Visio XML Drawing (VDX) format. XML file types for Visio 2013 Visio 2013 file type The default Visio 2013 file format. Can't store VBA macro code. Visio Macro-Enabled Drawing .vsdm Uses the same basic XML format as the Visio drawing format (.vsdx), but can store VBA macro code. This file type must be used when VBA macro code is present in the file. Visio Stencil The default format for a Visio 2013 stencil. Can't store VBA macro code. Visio Macro-Enabled Stencil .vssm Uses the same basic XML format as the Visio Stencil (.vssx) format, but can store VBA macro code. Does not always contain macro code, but is configured to support the storage of macro code. Visio Template The default format for a Visio 2013 template. Can't store VBA macro code. Visio Macro-Enabled Template .vstm Uses the same basic XML format as the Visio Template (.vstx) format, but can store VBA macro code. Does not always contain macro code, but is configured to support the storage of macro code. Visio Drawings that are created from this template inherit the VBAProject part that exists in the template. However, by default, drawings are saved as .vsdx files even when they are created from a Visio macro-enabled template and will drop the VBAProject part.
i don't know
"""When she says jump, you jump!"" Who was the subject of the first 'Little Miss' books by Roger Hargreaves, first published in 1981?"
Little Miss Bossy - Roger Hargreaves Junior Book product reviews and price comparison Disadvantages A fab tale. You may have seen that I am reviewing the original Mr Men books by Roger Hargreaves as my children love these. However, I thought it would make a nice change to throw a Little Miss into the mix - we only have one of these at present 'Little Miss Bossy' although I have just promised my daughter we will get her the set of Little Misses for her birthday as her brother has the Mr Men so fair's fair! Little Miss Bossy is no. 1 (quite fittingly) in the Roger Hargreaves' library consisting of 33 books. Not sure why there are fewer titles than for the Mr Men (of which there are 46 in the original series). Perhaps Mr Hargreaves could not find enough flaws in women as he could in men and not enough attributes in men as he could in women - there doesn't appear to be a corresponding Miss LAZY for example and there isn't a Mr WISE. Anyway, I digress... On the cover of this book, Little Miss Bossy is pictured marching along with her mouth wide open and a finger pointing at someone out of view (obviously in bossing mode) wearing a red and yellow hat which is adorned with a flower. On the back cover are the numbered Little Misses giving you the opportunity to peruse the series in its entirety which is very helpful and allows your child to point out the ones they woud like to read. These retail at around £2.50. This story begins with Little Miss Bossy going for a walk, during which she is rude and bossy to several of her fellow Mr Men, namely Mr Nosey, Mr Noisy and Mr Happy. I can understand her telling Mr Nosey to mind his own business and telling Mr Noisy to be quiet (although she says it in a much ruder way!) - but NO ONE should mess with Mr Happy who she tells to take the silly smile off his face - I was with her up to this point! Anyway, I am not the only one to be displeased with her. Unfortunately for Little Miss Bossy, Wilfred the Wizard happens to witness Little Miss Bossy's rude behaviour and he decides that something must be done about it! He returns home and checks his spell books. Luckily on page 304 he finds just the thing! When, out for her walk the following day, Little Miss Bossy is rude to Mr Lazy (back on side with her again), the Wizard casts a spell that places magic boots on her feet, no ordinary boots, but boots that can talk to each other! Read the book to find out how they deal with Miss Bossy's bossiness, suffice to say, she gets a lot more exercise than her morning walks have ever given her. Will she be able to curb her bossy nature or is it too inbred? As always, Hargreaves' books are fun to read with simple language aided by illustrations that help to tell the story in an eye catching and colourful way. With the gentle humour and a behavioural or moral tale to tell, these make super bedtime reading, giving your child some food for thought as they (hopefully) drift off to slumber land! Thanks for reading. X
List of Little Miss characters
The Egyptian goddess Bast (or Bastet) had the head of which animal?
Little Miss Bossy - Roger Hargreaves Junior Book product reviews and price comparison Disadvantages A fab tale. You may have seen that I am reviewing the original Mr Men books by Roger Hargreaves as my children love these. However, I thought it would make a nice change to throw a Little Miss into the mix - we only have one of these at present 'Little Miss Bossy' although I have just promised my daughter we will get her the set of Little Misses for her birthday as her brother has the Mr Men so fair's fair! Little Miss Bossy is no. 1 (quite fittingly) in the Roger Hargreaves' library consisting of 33 books. Not sure why there are fewer titles than for the Mr Men (of which there are 46 in the original series). Perhaps Mr Hargreaves could not find enough flaws in women as he could in men and not enough attributes in men as he could in women - there doesn't appear to be a corresponding Miss LAZY for example and there isn't a Mr WISE. Anyway, I digress... On the cover of this book, Little Miss Bossy is pictured marching along with her mouth wide open and a finger pointing at someone out of view (obviously in bossing mode) wearing a red and yellow hat which is adorned with a flower. On the back cover are the numbered Little Misses giving you the opportunity to peruse the series in its entirety which is very helpful and allows your child to point out the ones they woud like to read. These retail at around £2.50. This story begins with Little Miss Bossy going for a walk, during which she is rude and bossy to several of her fellow Mr Men, namely Mr Nosey, Mr Noisy and Mr Happy. I can understand her telling Mr Nosey to mind his own business and telling Mr Noisy to be quiet (although she says it in a much ruder way!) - but NO ONE should mess with Mr Happy who she tells to take the silly smile off his face - I was with her up to this point! Anyway, I am not the only one to be displeased with her. Unfortunately for Little Miss Bossy, Wilfred the Wizard happens to witness Little Miss Bossy's rude behaviour and he decides that something must be done about it! He returns home and checks his spell books. Luckily on page 304 he finds just the thing! When, out for her walk the following day, Little Miss Bossy is rude to Mr Lazy (back on side with her again), the Wizard casts a spell that places magic boots on her feet, no ordinary boots, but boots that can talk to each other! Read the book to find out how they deal with Miss Bossy's bossiness, suffice to say, she gets a lot more exercise than her morning walks have ever given her. Will she be able to curb her bossy nature or is it too inbred? As always, Hargreaves' books are fun to read with simple language aided by illustrations that help to tell the story in an eye catching and colourful way. With the gentle humour and a behavioural or moral tale to tell, these make super bedtime reading, giving your child some food for thought as they (hopefully) drift off to slumber land! Thanks for reading. X
i don't know
Which perennial herb appeared on the twelve sided threepenny bit coin?
Friends of Hilbre Back to 'Inside this issue'. What we've been up to, Summer of 2004! The committee members of The Friends of Hilbre meet about once a month, and have lots of work to do between meetings. We work as a committee, and do not make individual decisions. But we meet people from the Wirral council, which is the owner (as a body) of the islands of Hilbre. We are their voluntary helpers, with the jobs of doing only authorised tasks on Hilbre, and making efforts to raise funds. Our meetings are often concerned with finding out what is planned for the islands, and what we would ask the council to consider doing. We cannot make their decisions for them, but we can bring experience and common sense to bear as requests. Having said all that, we can do a lot. Our volunteers have continued to clean up and staff the Telegraph Station Lookout building, as a public exhibition. It can only be open when there is someone there to look after it, and to meet visitors. Our timetable of Open Days has been made public this year, and we are preparing a similar one for 2005. Please contact a committee member if you want to help. Renovation of buildings and the slip way on Hilbre have been given a lot of attention. Even though there are few changes to be seen as yet, we are working hard with the council, engineers, etc. to prepare for building work in future. The proposed small wind generator, to be put up in a paddock for the Rangers, and Proudman Laboratories� survey equipment, will probably go ahead, though hardly visible when erected. It will replace the diesel generator, and so remove air pollution, which at present cannot be avoided. We are providing some of the funds for a reprinting of the Explore Hilbre leaflet. You will be familiar with the Caravan (the MIU) at Dee Lane nearly every month, providing goods and information about the Dee and the islands. It has proved very popular. Our web site is now up and running on www.hilbreisland.org.uk , it is hosted within the Dee Estuary Birding website, www.deeestuary.co.uk , also well worth a look. Our committee has worked hard, and learnt a lot about partnership with public organisations and funding bodies. We are always glad to have offers of suitable help from able bodied members to work on our tasks days on the island. In this way we have cleaned and restored several features - buildings, wall, gardens - and hope to do more. � Sue Craggs Hilbre Island - a friend for life!  Hilbre Island�a friend for life! On the 7th August 2004, I ventured out to Hilbre Island, Wow! What an experience! The weather was perfect with the sun beating down and a cool sea breeze, the beauty of the island was intoxicating, the only disappointment was that I hadn't brought any binoculars to view the seals. A sandbank full of black dots was all that could be seen. Walking home I noticed a poster that advertised �The Friends of Hilbre Island, in search for somebody to participate in seal watch� - this is the job for me! Eager with my �5.00 membership I met with Marianthi and Nicky at the slipway, West Kirby. This was a good start to the day, meeting friendly, like-minded people. Once the information stand (the Mobile Information Unit at Dee Lane) had been successfully set up, we went off in the Ranger�s Landrover to Hilbre. Uncertain of how much work was to be expected of me, I was pleased to be informed that the task would only last a few hours, due to the tides. This would ease me in slowly and be a gentle introduction to the needs of the island. Firstly, there was a pleasant tour around the Buoy Master's buildings, whilst we moved some tools around. It was sad to see how badly deteriorated the buildings were, as they have great potential. I am excited to know that I could be part of such a worthwhile project (to renovate them). However, the day�s task was not so appealing, filling in the cracks in the sandstone (sea defences) was not my idea of fun, Yet, I kid you not� it was quite exhilarating. Fresh air, beautiful views and friendly banter from �Mike the observer�- even he caved in and joined the fun! � Peter Williams of Hilbre bird Observatory . Colin, the birdwatcher, arrived at the most appropriate time with his binoculars. Six or seven seals floated around in the sea a few feet away from the island. This was really exciting. Apparently, the seals don�t usually come on to the island, except as a very rare occurrence. I felt honoured to have seen the seals playing in the water. Many people had been disappointed, that day, because the seals had been so far away on the sandbank. I think that providing a telescope and informing the visitors about the seals, is a jolly good idea�a task I shall definitely volunteer for, in the future. I have fallen in love with Hilbre and hope to be a good friend for life. � Julie Somerville to confirm attendance Stephen Hesford, visit to Hilbre West Kirby resident and Friends of Hilbre Life Member, Stephen Hesford M.P. was keen to arrange a visit to Hilbre. Stephen was prompted to visit Hilbre by the recent publicity surrounding the plans for the study centre which have recently been approved by the Council. On a wet and stormy afternoon, we were glad of a lift across from Dave, but the rain stopped when we arrived on Hilbre so that Sue Craggs, Val Burnett and Neil Kelly could give Stephen a tour of Hilbre, with the focus being on some of our recent achievements and our plans for the future. Like many visitors to the Island, Stephen was interested in the display boards in the Lookout building, but we thought he would be blown across to Talacre when he climbed up the steps to enjoy the view from the top. The highlight of the afternoon was definitely a tour of the Buoy master's buildings. Some of the tools and equipment used by the Buoy master for maintaining the buoys in the Dee are still in storage and it would be wonderful if we were able to display them permanently. Sue Craggs commented that she felt like an estate agent showing us around the Buoy master's House. Although it is in need of some interior modernisation, the house certainly has lots of character. It is in surprisingly good order given that it hasn't been in use for some years, and the study centre plans offer a real opportunity to allow this beautiful building to be used on a regular basis. We have been very impressed at how much work the Rangers have recently carried out to present plans to the Council for the study centre and for the repairs to the slipway. Now that the plans for both projects have been approved, the next step is to raise the funding. Both projects will require significant levels of funding, and we have already identified a number of potential funders to apply for grants. Stephen has indicated that he has a number of suggestions in this area, and we hope to arrange to meet with him in the near future to discuss his ideas further. In obtaining funding for the larger projects on the horizon, the backing and assistance of our local M.P is likely to be a real help, and we are grateful to Stephen for his interest and continuing support. � Neil Kelly   Do you want more information about FOH activities? Details about all our activities are published in the newsletter and the rest of this website throughout the year (eg task lists). Please Email us if you wish to find out further information. Ranger's Report - Hilbre's Flora The first difficulty in writing a short article on Hilbre's Flora, was what to include and what to leave out. In the end I decided to limit this article to four species, in order to write more about them, rather than producing a long list of what is found on Hilbre. The four I decided all have the word 'sea' in their name and are therefore examples of the more specialised flora of Hilbre. The first two are nationally rare or scarce, and the second two are typical plants of 'Maritime Cliff and Slope' habitat, which is the most important habitat on Hilbre. Rock Sea-lavender (Limonium britannicum subspecies celticum). A small perennial with basal rosette of small leaves and a tall central stem, bearing flowering branches. The flowers are lilac-lavender coloured, spread along the upper edge of the branches, each flower has 5 petals and appears in July to September. Rock Sea-lavenders are confined to sea-cliffs and rocky coasts, this sub-species of Rock Sea-lavender only occurs between Dorset & Cumbria. Hilbre Island is one of only five places in the world that this sub-species occurs, and it is classified as 'near threatened' in the Red Data Book.     Sea Spleenwort (Asplenium marinum) A bright green shiny looking evergreen fern, forming tufts within crevices and cliffs. The plant has no flowers, but produces spores on the underside of each frond, these ripen from mid July to mid August. It is the only fern of the British Isles that is confined to cliffs and caves which are exposed to sea spray, and is predominantly found in the South and West of Britain. It is an internationally scarce species due to its specific habitat requirements.    Rock Sea-spurrey (Spergularia rupicola) A small low growing perennial with a woody base, from which arises a branching stem. The whole plant is glandular and has a strange sticky feel. The leaves form dense clumps of 5 small leaves off the stem or side branch. The flowers are small with 5 vivid pink petals, appearing in June to September. Rock Sea-spurrey is found on sea-cliffs, exposed rocks and seawalls around the western coast of Britain & Ireland. Sea Pink or Thrift (Armeria maritima) Thrift is a perennial, growing as a low springy cushion with erect flowering stems 5 to 20cm tall. The leaves form a dense basal rosette, are hairless, narrow, pointed and up to 10cm long. The scented flowers are small, numerous, pink (or white) at the end of the stem in a round head 1 - 3cm across. The flowers appear early in May, until finishing in August. Thrift is abundant on most coastlines, found on rocks, cliffs and salt-marshes. It is also seen on mountain sides and spoil-heaps old copper and lead mines in the Peak District and Highlands of Scotland. The plant appeared on the reverse side of the old 12 sided �threepenny bit� coin. � Adam King, Senior Ranger     Do you have any stories or memories about Hilbre Island? We would love to hear from you. Please send your contributions for the newsletter to the editor by Email .     SAFETY NOTICE Always check the tides before going out to Hilbre. Tides change each day. Use the safe route, it is dangerous to use any other route. For full details of when to cross safely and the safest route to Hilbre see our Planning your visit to Hilbre Island page . PLEASE NOTE: All articles and photographs in this web site are �  COPYRIGHT of Friends of Hilbre unless specifically otherwise stated.
Thrift
Which educational grant system to Oxford University, established by bequest in 1902, finally achieved sexual equality in 1976?
Friends of Hilbre Back to 'Inside this issue'. What we've been up to, Summer of 2004! The committee members of The Friends of Hilbre meet about once a month, and have lots of work to do between meetings. We work as a committee, and do not make individual decisions. But we meet people from the Wirral council, which is the owner (as a body) of the islands of Hilbre. We are their voluntary helpers, with the jobs of doing only authorised tasks on Hilbre, and making efforts to raise funds. Our meetings are often concerned with finding out what is planned for the islands, and what we would ask the council to consider doing. We cannot make their decisions for them, but we can bring experience and common sense to bear as requests. Having said all that, we can do a lot. Our volunteers have continued to clean up and staff the Telegraph Station Lookout building, as a public exhibition. It can only be open when there is someone there to look after it, and to meet visitors. Our timetable of Open Days has been made public this year, and we are preparing a similar one for 2005. Please contact a committee member if you want to help. Renovation of buildings and the slip way on Hilbre have been given a lot of attention. Even though there are few changes to be seen as yet, we are working hard with the council, engineers, etc. to prepare for building work in future. The proposed small wind generator, to be put up in a paddock for the Rangers, and Proudman Laboratories� survey equipment, will probably go ahead, though hardly visible when erected. It will replace the diesel generator, and so remove air pollution, which at present cannot be avoided. We are providing some of the funds for a reprinting of the Explore Hilbre leaflet. You will be familiar with the Caravan (the MIU) at Dee Lane nearly every month, providing goods and information about the Dee and the islands. It has proved very popular. Our web site is now up and running on www.hilbreisland.org.uk , it is hosted within the Dee Estuary Birding website, www.deeestuary.co.uk , also well worth a look. Our committee has worked hard, and learnt a lot about partnership with public organisations and funding bodies. We are always glad to have offers of suitable help from able bodied members to work on our tasks days on the island. In this way we have cleaned and restored several features - buildings, wall, gardens - and hope to do more. � Sue Craggs Hilbre Island - a friend for life!  Hilbre Island�a friend for life! On the 7th August 2004, I ventured out to Hilbre Island, Wow! What an experience! The weather was perfect with the sun beating down and a cool sea breeze, the beauty of the island was intoxicating, the only disappointment was that I hadn't brought any binoculars to view the seals. A sandbank full of black dots was all that could be seen. Walking home I noticed a poster that advertised �The Friends of Hilbre Island, in search for somebody to participate in seal watch� - this is the job for me! Eager with my �5.00 membership I met with Marianthi and Nicky at the slipway, West Kirby. This was a good start to the day, meeting friendly, like-minded people. Once the information stand (the Mobile Information Unit at Dee Lane) had been successfully set up, we went off in the Ranger�s Landrover to Hilbre. Uncertain of how much work was to be expected of me, I was pleased to be informed that the task would only last a few hours, due to the tides. This would ease me in slowly and be a gentle introduction to the needs of the island. Firstly, there was a pleasant tour around the Buoy Master's buildings, whilst we moved some tools around. It was sad to see how badly deteriorated the buildings were, as they have great potential. I am excited to know that I could be part of such a worthwhile project (to renovate them). However, the day�s task was not so appealing, filling in the cracks in the sandstone (sea defences) was not my idea of fun, Yet, I kid you not� it was quite exhilarating. Fresh air, beautiful views and friendly banter from �Mike the observer�- even he caved in and joined the fun! � Peter Williams of Hilbre bird Observatory . Colin, the birdwatcher, arrived at the most appropriate time with his binoculars. Six or seven seals floated around in the sea a few feet away from the island. This was really exciting. Apparently, the seals don�t usually come on to the island, except as a very rare occurrence. I felt honoured to have seen the seals playing in the water. Many people had been disappointed, that day, because the seals had been so far away on the sandbank. I think that providing a telescope and informing the visitors about the seals, is a jolly good idea�a task I shall definitely volunteer for, in the future. I have fallen in love with Hilbre and hope to be a good friend for life. � Julie Somerville to confirm attendance Stephen Hesford, visit to Hilbre West Kirby resident and Friends of Hilbre Life Member, Stephen Hesford M.P. was keen to arrange a visit to Hilbre. Stephen was prompted to visit Hilbre by the recent publicity surrounding the plans for the study centre which have recently been approved by the Council. On a wet and stormy afternoon, we were glad of a lift across from Dave, but the rain stopped when we arrived on Hilbre so that Sue Craggs, Val Burnett and Neil Kelly could give Stephen a tour of Hilbre, with the focus being on some of our recent achievements and our plans for the future. Like many visitors to the Island, Stephen was interested in the display boards in the Lookout building, but we thought he would be blown across to Talacre when he climbed up the steps to enjoy the view from the top. The highlight of the afternoon was definitely a tour of the Buoy master's buildings. Some of the tools and equipment used by the Buoy master for maintaining the buoys in the Dee are still in storage and it would be wonderful if we were able to display them permanently. Sue Craggs commented that she felt like an estate agent showing us around the Buoy master's House. Although it is in need of some interior modernisation, the house certainly has lots of character. It is in surprisingly good order given that it hasn't been in use for some years, and the study centre plans offer a real opportunity to allow this beautiful building to be used on a regular basis. We have been very impressed at how much work the Rangers have recently carried out to present plans to the Council for the study centre and for the repairs to the slipway. Now that the plans for both projects have been approved, the next step is to raise the funding. Both projects will require significant levels of funding, and we have already identified a number of potential funders to apply for grants. Stephen has indicated that he has a number of suggestions in this area, and we hope to arrange to meet with him in the near future to discuss his ideas further. In obtaining funding for the larger projects on the horizon, the backing and assistance of our local M.P is likely to be a real help, and we are grateful to Stephen for his interest and continuing support. � Neil Kelly   Do you want more information about FOH activities? Details about all our activities are published in the newsletter and the rest of this website throughout the year (eg task lists). Please Email us if you wish to find out further information. Ranger's Report - Hilbre's Flora The first difficulty in writing a short article on Hilbre's Flora, was what to include and what to leave out. In the end I decided to limit this article to four species, in order to write more about them, rather than producing a long list of what is found on Hilbre. The four I decided all have the word 'sea' in their name and are therefore examples of the more specialised flora of Hilbre. The first two are nationally rare or scarce, and the second two are typical plants of 'Maritime Cliff and Slope' habitat, which is the most important habitat on Hilbre. Rock Sea-lavender (Limonium britannicum subspecies celticum). A small perennial with basal rosette of small leaves and a tall central stem, bearing flowering branches. The flowers are lilac-lavender coloured, spread along the upper edge of the branches, each flower has 5 petals and appears in July to September. Rock Sea-lavenders are confined to sea-cliffs and rocky coasts, this sub-species of Rock Sea-lavender only occurs between Dorset & Cumbria. Hilbre Island is one of only five places in the world that this sub-species occurs, and it is classified as 'near threatened' in the Red Data Book.     Sea Spleenwort (Asplenium marinum) A bright green shiny looking evergreen fern, forming tufts within crevices and cliffs. The plant has no flowers, but produces spores on the underside of each frond, these ripen from mid July to mid August. It is the only fern of the British Isles that is confined to cliffs and caves which are exposed to sea spray, and is predominantly found in the South and West of Britain. It is an internationally scarce species due to its specific habitat requirements.    Rock Sea-spurrey (Spergularia rupicola) A small low growing perennial with a woody base, from which arises a branching stem. The whole plant is glandular and has a strange sticky feel. The leaves form dense clumps of 5 small leaves off the stem or side branch. The flowers are small with 5 vivid pink petals, appearing in June to September. Rock Sea-spurrey is found on sea-cliffs, exposed rocks and seawalls around the western coast of Britain & Ireland. Sea Pink or Thrift (Armeria maritima) Thrift is a perennial, growing as a low springy cushion with erect flowering stems 5 to 20cm tall. The leaves form a dense basal rosette, are hairless, narrow, pointed and up to 10cm long. The scented flowers are small, numerous, pink (or white) at the end of the stem in a round head 1 - 3cm across. The flowers appear early in May, until finishing in August. Thrift is abundant on most coastlines, found on rocks, cliffs and salt-marshes. It is also seen on mountain sides and spoil-heaps old copper and lead mines in the Peak District and Highlands of Scotland. The plant appeared on the reverse side of the old 12 sided �threepenny bit� coin. � Adam King, Senior Ranger     Do you have any stories or memories about Hilbre Island? We would love to hear from you. Please send your contributions for the newsletter to the editor by Email .     SAFETY NOTICE Always check the tides before going out to Hilbre. Tides change each day. Use the safe route, it is dangerous to use any other route. For full details of when to cross safely and the safest route to Hilbre see our Planning your visit to Hilbre Island page . PLEASE NOTE: All articles and photographs in this web site are �  COPYRIGHT of Friends of Hilbre unless specifically otherwise stated.
i don't know
In which country is Punto Arenas, the most southerly city in the world?
Punta Arenas Chile Photos - Worldatlas.com Punta Arenas Chile Photos Punta Arenas, Chile Positioned some 1,300 miles south of Santiago, Punta Arenas is the world's second most southerly city, behind Ushuaia, Argentina. Overlooking the Strait of Magellan, this port city flourished during the California Gold Rush, but sea-going traffic diminished here after the opening of the Panama Canal. Regardless, it remains a prosperous and stylish city of churches and restored colonial mansions. Its central square is delightful, and Punta Arenas is a great starting point for excursions into the wilderness wonders of Chile. Of all of the countries I've traveled to, Chile is one of the most colorful. More traditional Chilean color, this time applied to blankets. Penguins, penguins, everywhere you turn in Punta Arenas, penguins. And speaking of penguins, in the Strait of Magellan about 27 miles northeast of Punta Arenas sits Magdalena Island, a nature preserve that protects the Magellanic Penguins Photos here! The island is literally covered by penguins, and in fact, an estimated 70,000 mated pairs call it home. Dominating the city's central square were dozens of twisted trees just like this one. I tried to find out what type they were, but with no luck. The Punta Arenas Cathedral is stunning, both inside and out. Besides tasty coffee, they had a copy of the New York Times. Well, to be honest. it was 10 days old, but a nice slice of home nevertheless. In the main square in Punta Arena stands a most impressive military monument. It included numerous statues like this one. Note the detail in the upper body of this figure. On that same monument there's a well-worn brass foot, and local legend has it that if kissed, the person doing the kissing will return to Punta Arenas. Well, this is my wife, so I guess I'll be returning as well. Lunch at La Tasca was both delicious and reasonably priced. We had lots of Chilean pesos left over so we bought some penguins.
Chile
In 2012 which MP controversially took part in the TV show “I’m a Celebrity – Get Me Out of Here”?
Chilean Fjords around Punta Arenas | untrainedeye | Blipfoto By untrainedeye Chilean Fjords around Punta Arenas This blip was supposed to show the glorious city of Punta Arenas, formerly the most southerly city in the world and also very prosperous as the place to go on the way to North America after passing around Cape Horn. And then they built the Panama canal! And I ran out of battery and so here is a picture of passing scenery. The Fjords cut Chile in two and road traffic has to go into Argentina to go for north to south. 213 views
i don't know
In which country is the HQ of the mobile phone company Nokia?
Nokia to sell and lease back Finnish headquarters | Technology | The Guardian Nokia Nokia to sell and lease back Finnish headquarters Ailing mobile phone firm to offload Nokia House in Espoo for €170m but will stay on as tenant in drive to slash costs Nokia headquarters in Espoo, Finland. The struggling mobile phone company, a former market leader, has operated there since 1997. Photograph: Markku Ojala/EPA Tuesday 4 December 2012 12.43 EST First published on Tuesday 4 December 2012 12.43 EST Close This article is 4 years old Nokia is selling its Finnish headquarters for €170m (£137m) and leasing the property back on a long-term deal. The struggling mobile phone company has operated in the glass and steel building in Espoo near Helsinki, known as Nokia House, since 1997. The sale is another step towards reducing costs and concentrating on its core business. Nokia has spent almost a third of its cash reserves in 12 months, and in October had about €3.6bn left in the bank to turn itself into a smartphone manufacturer capable of competing with Apple and Samsung. According to Gartner, the market researcher, Nokia slipped to seventh in smartphone sales in the third quarter from third in the previous quarter. The company has pinned its hopes on the new Lumia 920 and 820 series of smartphones, which run the latest version of Windows Phone software. They have been on sale in the UK for about a month as the company targets the Christmas gift market. "The holiday shopping period will be crucial for Nokia", said a Saxo Banque trader. Nokia, a former leader of the mobile market, has lost almost 90% of its stock market value since Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007. Six successive quarters of losses since adopting Microsoft's Windows phone software have led it to announce 10,000 job cuts . Nokia plans to save €1.6bn by the end of 2013. To reach its goal, the mobile telecoms equipment maker Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) said it was selling its optical-fibre networks unit to Marlin Equity Partners. The joint venture between Nokia and the German industrial group Siemens has been a drain on profits for its owners and is undergoing a massive restructuring.
Finland
Which famous author lived at “Barnhill” on the island of Jura?
Nokia Corporation - Company Profile, Information, Business Description, History, Background Information on Nokia Corporation Nokia Corporation - Company Profile, Information, Business Description, History, Background Information on Nokia Corporation Keilalahdentie 4 Finland Company Perspectives By connecting people, we help fulfill a fundamental human need for social connections and contact. Nokia builds bridges between people--both when they are far apart and face-to-face--and also bridges the gap between people and the information they need. History of Nokia Corporation Nokia Corporation is the world's largest manufacturer of mobile phones, serving customers in 130 countries. Nokia is divided into four business groups: Mobile Phones, Multimedia, Enterprise Solutions, and Networks. The Mobile Phones group markets wireless voice and data products in consumer and corporate markets. The Multimedia segment sells mobile gaming devices, home satellite systems, and cable television set-top boxes. The Enterprise Solutions group develops wireless systems for use in the corporate sector. Wireless switching and transmission equipment is sold through the company's Networks division. Nokia operates 15 manufacturing facilities in nine countries and maintains research and development facilities in 12 countries. 19th-Century Origins Originally a manufacturer of pulp and paper, Nokia was founded as Nokia Company in 1865 in a small town of the same name in central Finland. Nokia was a pioneer in the industry and introduced many new production methods to a country with only one major natural resource, its vast forests. As the industry became increasingly energy-intensive, the company even constructed its own power plants. But for many years, Nokia remained an important yet static firm in a relatively forgotten corner of northern Europe. Nokia shares were first listed on the Helsinki exchange in 1915. The first major changes in Nokia occurred several years after World War II. Despite its proximity to the Soviet Union, Finland has always remained economically connected with Scandinavian and other Western countries, and as Finnish trade expanded Nokia became a leading exporter. During the early 1960s Nokia began to diversify in an attempt to transform the company into a regional conglomerate with interests beyond Finnish borders. Unable to initiate strong internal growth, Nokia turned its attention to acquisitions. The government, however, hoping to rationalize two underperforming basic industries, favored Nokia's expansion within the country and encouraged its eventual merger with Finnish Rubber Works, which was founded in 1898, and Finnish Cable Works, which was formed in 1912, to form Nokia Corporation. When the amalgamation was completed in 1966, Nokia was involved in several new industries, including integrated cable operations, electronics, tires, and rubber footwear, and had made its first public share offering. In 1967 Nokia set up a division to develop design and manufacturing capabilities in data processing, industrial automation, and communications systems. The division was later expanded and made into several divisions, which then concentrated on developing information systems, including personal computers and workstations, digital communications systems, and mobile phones. Nokia also gained a strong position in modems and automatic banking systems in Scandinavia. Oil Crisis, Corporate Changes: 1970s Nokia continued to operate in a stable but parochial manner until 1973, when it was affected in a unique way by the oil crisis. Years of political accommodation between Finland and the Soviet Union ensured Finnish neutrality in exchange for lucrative trade agreements with the Soviets, mainly Finnish lumber products and machinery in exchange for Soviet oil. By agreement, this trade was kept strictly in balance. But when world oil prices began to rise, the market price for Soviet oil rose with it. Balanced trade began to mean greatly reduced purchasing power for Finnish companies such as Nokia. Although the effects were not catastrophic, the oil crisis did force Nokia to reassess its reliance on Soviet trade (about 12 percent of sales) as well as its international growth strategies. Several contingency plans were drawn up, but the greatest changes came after the company appointed a new CEO, Kari Kairamo, in 1975. Kairamo noted the obvious: Nokia was too big for Finland. The company had to expand abroad. He studied the expansion of other Scandinavian companies (particularly Sweden's Electrolux) and, following their example, formulated a strategy of first consolidating the company's business in Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, and then moving gradually into the rest of Europe. After the company had improved its product line, established a reputation for quality, and adjusted its production capacity, it would enter the world market. Meanwhile, Nokia's traditional, heavy industries were looking increasingly burdensome. It was feared that trying to become a leader in electronics while maintaining these basic industries would create an unmanageably unfocused company. Kairamo thought briefly about selling off the company's weaker divisions, but decided to retain and modernize them. He reasoned that, although the modernization of these low-growth industries would be very expensive, it would guarantee Nokia's position in several stable markets, including paper, chemical, and machinery productions, and electrical generation. For the scheme to be practical, each division's modernization would have to be gradual and individually financed. This would prevent the bleeding of funds away from the all-important effort in electronics while preventing the heavy industries from becoming any less profitable. With each division financing its own modernization, there was little or no drain on capital from other divisions, and Nokia could still sell any group that did not succeed under the new plan. In the end, the plan prompted the machinery division to begin development in robotics and automation, the cables division to begin work on fiber optics, and the forestry division to move into high-grade tissues. Rise of Electronics: 1980s Nokia's most important focus was development of the electronics sector. Over the course of the 1980s, the firm acquired nearly 20 companies, focusing especially on three segments of the electronics industry: consumer, workstations, and mobile communications. Electronics grew from 10 percent of annual sales to 60 percent of revenues from 1980 to 1988. In late 1984 Nokia acquired Salora, the largest color television manufacturer in Scandinavia, and Luxor, the Swedish state-owned electronics and computer firm. Nokia combined Salora and Luxor into a single division and concentrated on stylish consumer electronic products, since style was a crucial factor in Scandinavian markets. The Salora-Luxor division was also very successful in satellite and digital television technology. Nokia purchased the consumer electronics operations of Standard Elektrik Lorenz A.G. from Alcatel in 1987, further bolstering the company's position in the television market to the third largest manufacturer in Europe. In early 1988 Nokia acquired the data systems division of the Swedish Ericsson Group, making Nokia the largest Scandinavian information technology business. Although a market leader in Scandinavia, Nokia still lacked a degree of competitiveness in the European market, which was dominated by much larger Japanese and German companies. Kairamo decided, therefore, to follow the example of many Japanese companies during the 1960s (and Korean manufacturers a decade later) and negotiate to become an original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, to manufacture products for competitors as a subcontractor. Nokia manufactured items for Hitachi in France, Ericsson in Sweden, Northern Telecom in Canada, and Granada and IBM in Britain. In doing so it was able to increase its production capacity stability. There were, however, several risks involved, those inherent in any OEM arrangement. Nokia's sales margins were naturally reduced, but of greater concern, production capacity was built up without a commensurate expansion in the sales network. With little brand identification, Nokia feared it might have a difficult time selling under its own name and become trapped as an OEM. In 1986 Nokia reorganized its management structure to simplify reporting efforts and improve control by central management. The company's 11 divisions were grouped into four industry segments: electronics; cables and machinery; paper, power, and chemicals; and rubber and flooring. In addition, Nokia won a concession from the Finnish government to allow greater foreign participation in ownership. This substantially reduced Nokia's dependence on the comparatively expensive Finnish lending market. Although there was growth throughout the company, Nokia's greatest success was in telecommunications. Having dabbled in telecommunications in the 1960s, Nokia cut its teeth in the industry by selling switching systems under license from a French company, Alcatel. The Finnish firm got in on the cellular industry's ground floor in the late 1970s, when it helped design the world's first international cellular system. Named the Nordic Mobile Telephone (NMT) network, the system linked Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland. A year after the network came on line in 1981, Nokia gained 100 percent control of Mobira, the Finnish mobile phone company that would later become its key business interest as the Nokia Mobile Phones division. Mobira's regional sales were vastly improved, but Nokia was still limited to OEM production on the international market; Nokia and Tandy Corporation, of the United States, built a factory in Masan, South Korea, to manufacture mobile telephones. These were sold under the Tandy name in that company's 6,000 Radio Shack stores throughout the United States. In 1986, eager to test its ability to compete openly, Nokia chose the mobile telephone to be the first product marketed internationally under the Nokia name; it became Nokia's "make or break" product. Unfortunately, Asian competitors began to drive prices down just as Nokia entered the market. Other Nokia products gaining recognition were Salora televisions and Luxor satellite dishes, which suffered briefly when subscription programming introduced broadcast scrambling. The company's expansion, achieved almost exclusively by acquisition, had been expensive. Few Finnish investors other than institutions had the patience to see Nokia through its long-term plans. Indeed, more than half of the new shares issued by Nokia in 1987 went to foreign investors. Nokia moved boldly into Western markets; it gained a listing on the London exchange in 1987 and was subsequently listed on the New York exchange. Crises of Leadership, Profitability in the Late 1980s and Early 1990s Nokia's rapid growth was not without a price. In 1988, as revenues soared, the company's profits, under pressure from severe price competition in the consumer electronics markets, dropped. Chairman Kari Kairamo committed suicide in December of that year; not surprisingly, friends said it was brought on by stress. Simo S. Vuorileto took over the company's reins and began streamlining operations in the spring of 1988. Nokia was divided into six business groups: consumer electronics, data, mobile phones, telecommunications, cables and machinery, and basic industries. Vuorileto continued Kairamo's focus on high-tech divisions, divesting Nokia's flooring, paper, rubber, and ventilation systems businesses and entering into joint ventures with companies such as Tandy Corporation and Matra of France (two separate agreements to produce mobile phones for the U.S. and French markets). In spite of these efforts, Nokia's pretax profits continued to decline in 1989 and 1990, culminating in a loss of $102 million in 1991. Industry observers blamed cutthroat European competition, the breakdown of the Finnish banking system, and the collapse of the Soviet Union. But, notwithstanding these difficulties, Nokia remained committed to its high-tech orientation. Late in 1991, the company strengthened that dedication by promoting Jorma Ollila from president of Nokia-Mobira Inc. (renamed Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. the following year) to group president. Leading the Telecommunications Revolution: Mid-1990s and Beyond Forbes's Fleming Meeks credited Ollila with transforming Nokia from "a moneylosing hodgepodge of companies into one of telecommunications' most profitable companies." Unable to find a buyer for Nokia's consumer electronics business, which had lost nearly $1 billion from 1988 to 1993, Ollila cut that segment's workforce by 45 percent, shuttered plants, and centralized operations. Having divested Nokia Data in 1991, Nokia focused further on its telecommunications core by selling off its power unit in 1994 and its television and tire and cable units the following year. The new leader achieved success in the cellular phone segment by bringing innovative products to market quickly with a particular focus on ever smaller and easier-to-use phones featuring sleek Finnish design. Nokia gained a leg up in cellphone research and development with the 1991 acquisition of the United Kingdom's Technophone Ltd. for $57 million. The company began selling digital cellular phones in 1993. Ollila's tenure brought Nokia success and with it global recognition. The company's sales more than doubled, from FIM 15.5 billion in 1991 to FIM 36.8 billion in 1995, and its bottom line rebounded from a net loss of FIM 723 million in 1992 to a FIM 2.2 billion profit in 1995. Securities investors did not miss the turnaround: Nokia's market capitalization multiplied ten times from 1991 to 1994. In late 1995 and early 1996, Nokia suffered a temporary setback stemming from a shortage of chips for its digital cellular phones and a resultant disruption of its logistics chain. The company's production costs rose and profits fell. Nokia was also slightly ahead of the market, particularly in North America, in regard to the shift from analog to digital phones. As a result, it was saddled with a great number of digital phones it could not sell and an insufficient number of analog devices. Nevertheless, Nokia had positioned itself well for the long haul, and within just a year or two it was arch-rival Motorola, Inc. that was burdened with an abundance of phones it could not sell, analog ones, as Motorola was slow to convert to digital. As a result, by late 1998, Nokia had surpassed Motorola and claimed the top position in cellular phones worldwide. Aiding this surge was the November 1997 introduction of the 6100 series of digital phones. This line proved immensely popular because of the phones' small size (similar to a slim pack of cigarettes), light weight (4.5 ounces), and superior battery life. First introduced in the burgeoning mobile phone market in China, the 6100 soon became a worldwide phenomenon. Including the 6100 and other models, Nokia sold nearly 41 million cellular phones in 1998. Net sales increased more than 50 percent over the previous year, jumping from FIM 52.61 billion ($9.83 billion) to FIM 79.23 billion ($15.69 billion). Operating profits increased by 75 percent, while the company's skyrocketing stock price shot up more than 220 percent, pushing Nokia's market capitalization from FIM 110.01 billion ($20.57 billion) to FIM 355.53 billion ($70.39 billion). Not content with conquering the mobile phone market, Nokia began aggressively pursuing the mobile Internet sector in the late 1990s. Already on the market was the Nokia 9000 Communicator, a personal all-in-one communication device that included phone, data, Internet, e-mail, and fax retrieval services. The Nokia 8110 mobile phone included the capability to access the Internet. In addition, Nokia was the first company to introduce a cellular phone that could be connected to a laptop computer to transmit data over a mobile network. To help develop further products, Nokia began acquiring Internet technology companies, starting with the December 1997, $120 million purchase of Ipsilon Networks Inc., a Silicon Valley firm specializing in Internet routing. One year later, Nokia spent FIM 429 million ($85 million) for Vienna Systems Corporation, a Canadian firm focusing on Internet Protocol telephony. Acquisitions continued in 1999, when a further seven deals were completed, four of which were Internet-related. Meanwhile, net sales increased a further 48 percent in 1999, while operating profits grew by 57 percent; riding the late 1990s high-tech stock boom, the market capitalization of Nokia took another huge leap, ending the year at EUR 209.37 billion ($211.05 billion). Nokia's share of the global cellular phone market increased from 22.5 percent in 1998 to 26.9 percent in 1999, as the company sold 76.3 million phones in 1999. Nokia's ascendance to the top of the wireless world by the end of the 1990s could be traced to the company being able to consistently, over and over again, come out with high-margin products superior to those of its competitors and in tune with market demands. The continuation of this trend into the 21st century was by no means certain as the increasing convergence of wireless and Internet technologies and the development of the third generation (3G) of wireless technology (which followed the analog and digital generations and which was slated to feature sophisticated multimedia capability) were predicted to open Nokia up to new and formidable competitors. Perhaps the greatest threat was that chipmakers such as Intel would turn mobile phones into commodities just as they had previously done with personal computers; the days of the $500 Nokia phone were potentially numbered. Nevertheless, Nokia's 25 percent profit margins were enabling it to spend a massive $2 billion a year on research and development and continue to churn out innovative new products, concentrating on the various standards being developed for 3G wireless networks. A Two-Pronged Approach in the 21st Century Mobile communications developed along two broad fronts during the first years of the century, both of which played to Nokia's advantage, ensuring that the company remained the leader of its industry. The evolution of handsets into multimedia devices ushered in by 3G technology meant that Nokia could continue to rely on marketing expensive, sophisticated handsets. The days of the $500 Nokia phone gave way to the days of increasingly more expensive phones, such as the Nokia N90, a unit featuring a camera with Carl Zeiss optics, video-recording capabilities, and Internet access. Nokia could count on a substantial share of the high end of the market, a segment that continued to thrive midway through the decade, but the company's greatest strength was in the lower end of the market. In countries such as China, Brazil, and India there was a tremendous demand for inexpensive mobile phones, with analysts expecting 50 percent of the one billion handsets sold between 2005 and 2010 to be sold in developing economies. Industry observers believed there were only two companies in the world that could seriously compete for the estimated 800-million-unit-per year market for inexpensive handsets: Motorola and Nokia. Rivals such as Samsung, Sony Ericsson, and LG Electronics preferred to confine their activities to the high end of the market, while emerging low-cost producers lacked the manufacturing efficiencies enjoyed by Nokia and Motorola. Against the backdrop of favorable market trends supporting Nokia's entrenched position, the company experienced a rare event in its modern history: a change in leadership. After a decade-and-a-half at the helm, CEO Ollila announced his retirement, effective June 2006. His replacement was a 25-year Nokia veteran named Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, a lawyer by training whom Fortune, in that magazine's October 31, 2005 issue, described as so taciturn that "he can seem like an extra from an Ingmar Bergman movie." Kallasvuo, who was promoted from his position as the head of the handset division, inherited an impressively capable company whose greatest challenge was contending with Motorola for the low end of the market and beating back competitors for control of the high end of the market. "Nokia is a dynamic company in a fast-changing and fluid environment," Kallasvuo said in a November 29, 2005 interview with the South China Morning Post. "I look forward to working together with our team to help Nokia shape the future of mobile communications at a pivotal time for the industry." Principal Subsidiaries Nokia Holding Inc.; Nokia Products Limited (Canada); Nokia IP Telephony Corporation (Canada); Nokia Telecommunications Inc.; Nokia Inc.; Nokia (China) Investment Co. Ltd.; Nokia (H.K.) Limited (Hong Kong); Nokia (Ireland) Ltd.; Nokia Australia Pty Limited; Nokia Asset Management Oy; Nokia Austria GmbH; Nokia Danmark A/S (Denmark); Nokia Do Brasil Ltda. (Brazil); Nokia Do Brasil Tecnologia Ltda. (Brazil); Nokia Finance International B.V. (Netherlands); Nokia France; Nokia GmbH (Germany); Nokia India Private Limited; Nokia Italia Spa (Italy); Nokia Korea Ltd.; Nokia Mobile Phones; Nokia Networks; Nokia Norge AS (Norway); Nokia Oyj; Nokia Pte Ltd. (Singapore); Nokia Spain, S.A.; Nokia Svenska AB (Sweden); Nokia U.K. Ltd.; Nokia Ventures Organization; Bave Tartum (U.K.); Beijing Nokia Hangxing Telecommunications Systems Co., Ltd. (China); Doctortel--Assistencia De Telecomunicaes S.A. (Portugal); Funda Ao Nokia De Ensino (Brazil); Instituto Nokia De Tecnologia (Brazil); Nokia (M) Sdn Bhd (Malaysia); Nokia Argentina S.A.; Nokia Belgium NV; Nokia Capitel Telecommunications Ltd. (China); Nokia Ecuador S.A.; Nokia Hellas Communications S.A.; Nokia Hungary Kommunikacios Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag (Hungary); Nokia Israel Ltd.; Nokia Middle East (United Arab Emirates; Nokia Nederland B.V. (Netherlands); Nokia Poland Sp Z.O.O.; Nokia Portugal S.A.; Nokia Private Joint Stock Company (Russia); Nokia Research Center; Nokia River Golf Ry; Nokia S.A. (Columbia); Nokia Servicios, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico); Nokia Technology GmbH (Germany); Nokianvirta Oy; Oy Scaninter Nokia Ltd.; Pointo Nokia Oy. Principal Competitors Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson; Motorola, Inc.; Siemens AG; Sony Corporation. Chronology 1865 Nokia is founded as a maker of pulp and paper. 1898 Finnish Rubber Works is founded. 1912 Finnish Cable Works is formed. 1915 Nokia shares are first listed on the Helsinki exchange. 1967 Nokia merges with Finnish Rubber Works and Finnish Cable Works to form Nokia Corporation. 1979 Mobira Oy is formed as a mobile phone company. 1981 The first international cellular system, the Nordic Mobile Telephone network, comes on line, having been developed with the help of Nokia. 1982 Nokia acquires Mobira, which later becomes the Nokia Mobile Phones division. 1986 Company markets internationally the first Nokia mobile telephone. 1993 The first Nokia digital cellular phone hits the market. 1998 Nokia surpasses Motorola as the world's number one maker of mobile phones. 2002 Nokia introduces the first third-generation compliant mobile phone. 2005 Jorma Ollila announces he will step down as chief executive officer in 2006. Additional Details Sales: EUR 29.26 billion (2004) Stock Exchanges: New York Helsinki Stockholm Frankfurt Ticker Symbol: NOK NAIC: 334210 Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing; 334220 Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing; 334310 Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing; 334419 Other Electronic Component Manufacturing; 517212 Cellular and Other Wireless Telecommunications; 517910 Other Telecommunications; 551112 Offices of Other Holding Companies Further Reference Angell, Mike, "Nokia Banking on New Phone Features, Cameras, E-Mail Access," Investor's Business Daily, December 3, 2002, p. A7. Baker, Stephen, and Kerry Capell, "The Race to Rule Mobile," Business Week, February 21, 2000, pp. 58-60. Baker, Stephen, Roger O. Crockett, and Neil Gross, "Nokia: Can CEO Ollila Keep the Cellular Superstar Flying High?," Business Week, August 10, 1998, pp. 54-60. "Bellaby, Mara D., "Nokia Acquires Intellisynch," America's Intelligence Wire, November 17, 2005. Bensinger, Ari, "The Call on Nokia," Business Week Online, January 7, 2003. Berkman, Barbara N., "Brainstorming in the Sauna," Electronic Business, November 18, 1991, pp. 71-74. ------, "Sagging Profits Spark Identity Crisis at Nokia," Electronic Business, March 4, 1991, pp. 57-59. Burt, Tim, and Greg McIvor, "Land of Midnight Mobiles: A Former Toilet-Paper Maker from Finland Has Become the World's Largest Manufacturer of Mobile Phones," Financial Times, October 30, 1998, p. 18. Edmondson, Gail, Peter Elstrom, and Peter Burrows, "At Nokia, a Comeback--and Then Some," Business Week, December 2, 1996, p. 106. Fox, Justin, "Nokia's Secret Code," Fortune, May 1, 2000, pp. 161-64+. Furchgott, Roy, "Nokia Signals Desire for Higher Profile," ADWEEK Eastern Edition, June 12, 1995, p. 2. Guth, Robert A., "Nokia Fights for Toehold in Japan's Cell-Phone Market," Wall Street Journal, June 26, 2000, p. A26. Heard, Joyce, and Keller, John J., "Nokia Skates into High Tech's Big Leagues," Business Week, April 4, 1988, pp. 102-03. Jacob, Rahul, "Nokia Fumbles, But Don't Count It Out," Fortune, February 19, 1996, pp. 86-88. Kharif, Olga, "Will New Phones Boost Nokia's Signal?," Business Week Online, December 11, 2002. La Rossa, James, Jr., "Nokia Knocks on U.S. Door," HFD--The Weekly Home Furnishings Newspaper, February 10, 1992, pp. 66-67. Lemola, Tarmo, and Raimo Lovio, Miksi Nokia, Finland, Porvoo, Sweden: W. Sööderströöm, 1996, 211 p. Lineback, J. Robert, "Nokia's Mobile Phone Unit Is Ringing Bells," Electronic Business Buyer, June 1994, pp. 60-62. Meeks, Fleming, "Watch Out, Motorola," Forbes, September 12, 1994, pp. 192-94. "Nokia and CommTel Expand Broadband in the Pacific," PR Newswire, December 28, 2005. "Nokia Expands Production in China," TelecomWeb News Digest, December 1, 2005. "Nokia Launches New 3G Phones," eWeek, December 1, 2005. "Not Finnished Yet," Economist, February 9, 1991, p. 73. Perez, Bien, "Nokia Adapts to Swift Changes," South China Morning Post, November 29, 2005. Reinhardt, Andy, "Cell Phones for the People," Business Week, November 7, 2005, p. 26. ------, "A Whole New Wireless Order," Business Week, October 31, 2005, p. MTL2. Salameh, Asad, "Nokia Repositions for a Major Cellular Marketing Initiative," Telecommunications, June 1992, p. 43. Schwartz, Nelson D., "The Man Behind Nokia's Comeback," Fortune, October 31, 2005, p. 39. Seyfer, Jessie, "Nokia to Acquire Intellisync," San Jose Mercury News, November 17, 2005. Silberg, Lurie, "A Brand Apart," HFD--The Weekly Home Furnishings Newspaper, September 5, 1994, pp. 54-55. "These Sexy Gadgets Will Rock Next Year," Economic Times of India, December 20, 2005. Williams, Elaine, "100-Year-Old Nokia Experiences Fast-Growth Pains," Electronic Business, June 26, 1989, pp. 111-14. User Contributions:
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What nationality was Trygvie Lie, first United Nations Secretary General?
United Nations News Centre - Character Sketches: Trygve Lie by Brian Urquhart United Nations News Centre Trygve Lie by Brian Urquhart Trygve Lie of Norway, the first elected Secretary-General of the United Nations. "Welcome, Dag Hammarskjöld, to the most impossible job on this earth.” With these encouraging words, Trygve Lie, the first Secretary-General of the United Nations, greeted his successor, Dag Hammarskjöld of Sweden, at Idlewild airport in New York on April 9, 1953. 13 April 1953 - Some months after his service as Secretary-General, Trygve Lie meets with his successor, Dag Hammarskjöld, at UN Headquarters. Lie had certainly had a difficult time since his appointment as Secretary-General in early 1946. “Why,” he asked in his memoirs, “has this awesome task fallen to a labor lawyer from Norway?” Lie had battled through endless frustrations and difficulties only to find himself in the end assailed by the Soviet Union on the left, and by the machinations of Senator Joseph McCarthy and others on the right. He resigned in November 1952. Lie was the Minister of Justice in a Socialist government in Norway just before the Second World War. His chief claim to international fame up to that time had been granting Leon Trotsky asylum in Norway and rescinding it a year later on the grounds that Trotsky, by his public statements, had violated the conditions of asylum. Trotsky subsequently left Norway for Mexico, where he was assassinated. Lie’s enemies put it about that he had bowed to Soviet pressure, an allegation that stuck to him in his later career. When Germany invaded Norway in 1940, Lie was credited with ordering all Norwegian ships at sea to sail to British ports. He then escaped to London with King Haakon and served throughout the war as foreign minister of the government-in-exile. When the United Nations was being set up in London in late 1945, Lie, as the foreign minister of a fighting ally which was also well-regarded by the Soviet Union, was a useful candidate for high-level UN appointments that required Soviet approval. Some highlights from the career of Trygve Lie, the Norwegian politician and diplomat who served as the first elected Secretary-General of the United Nations. The Secretary-General of the UN is nominated by the Security Council and appointed by all the member states in the General Assembly. Various glamorous candidates for the post had been mentioned in the press, including General Dwight Eisenhower, Lester Pearson of Canada, and Anthony Eden of Great Britain, but there was no possibility that the Soviets would agree to any of them. The Security Council nominated Lie as a compromise candidate in early 1946. During the process of Assembly approval, Edward Stettinius, the United States Secretary of State, rushed to my table in the Assembly hall and asked me to identify Lie, whose name he mispronounced to rhyme with ‘tie’ rather than ‘see.’ I pointed out the substantial figure of the Foreign Minister of Norway, and Stettinius then mounted the podium to acclaim Lie as an celebrated wartime leader, a household name, etc. 1 January 1946 - Trygve Lie meets with Gladwyn Jebb, who was then the Executive Secretary of the United Nations. Prior to Lie becoming the first elected Secretary-General, Jebb served as Acting Secretary-General from October 1945 to February 1946. Lie’s appointment as Secretary-General was an anti-climax – the first of many to be suffered by the new world organization. He was suited neither by temperament nor intellect to his very demanding new position, and from the beginning he seemed to be out of his depth in a complex and very public job. Lie relied more on what he called his ‘political nose’ than on intellectual effort or hard diplomatic work, and he was difficult to help or to work for. In public life at any rate, he was a suspicious and insecure man with a hair-trigger temper. He was sensitive about his new position without knowing quite what to make of it. He would leave a public event if he felt he had not been properly seated. At a dinner Gladwyn Jebb gave for Anthony Eden, Lie popped into the dining room before dinner and changed the place cards to give himself the place of honor. In those early days, most governments were determined to keep the Secretary-General out of politics and to confine his work to administration. Lie did his best both to get the UN going and to work for political moderation and common sense, two qualities that were becoming increasingly rare among governments. Having put Lie in a new and extremely challenging job, the UN’s member governments did little or nothing to provide the qualified, top-level assistance that would have lightened his burden. The eight assistant secretaries-general were political appointees and, except for Arkady Sobolev of the Soviet Union, they were at best mediocre and at worst grotesque. Outstanding in the latter category was the US appointee ‘Potato Jack’ Hutson, whom the Department of Agriculture had evidently been delighted to get rid of. Lie, who met with this dismal crew once a week, was increasingly frustrated and disgusted, and he had every right to be. It was due to Lie and his good relations with New York Mayor William O’Dwyer, the Rockefeller family, and Robert Moses, the powerful New York City planner, that after wandering in the wilderness and being threatened with a number of totally unsuitable sites in the United States, the UN was finally settled in its magnificent permanent location on the East River in New York City. This was a major achievement, and Lie deserves all credit for it. Lie’s Secretary-Generalship was not without moments of farce, even of slapstick. In the summer of 1946, we went to Geneva for the final conferences of the League of Nations and the UN Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA), the immense, American-led reconstruction operation that began to put the war-shattered world on its feet again. UNRRA was headed by Fiorello LaGuardia, the famously eccentric former mayor of New York City. In the ghastly Palais des Nations in Geneva, former home of the League of Nations, there is a small private elevator originally intended to take the president of the League of Nations Assembly to the podium of the Assembly Hall. On the way to the UNRRA meeting, Lie and LaGuardia, whose combined weight must have approached 500 pounds, both claimed this small and uncertain vehicle as their personal right. Neither would give way and, against all advice, they squeezed into it together. When the doors closed on the competitive statesmen, the elevator, instead of rising, descended slowly out of sight. In the stricken silence that followed, multilingual imprecations arose from the depths. Tweedledum and Tweedledee came to mind. A Swiss engineer was summoned, and the elevator was cranked up to its original position to release its disheveled cargo. The conference started late. Lie and Herbert Evatt, the Australian foreign minister who was president of the UN General Assembly’s 1948 session, were intensely suspicious of each other. For the 1948 session in Paris, our offices were flimsy temporary structures erected for the occasion in the cavernous space of the Musée de l’Homme, looking across the Seine to the Eiffel Tower. One day, after a shouting match in Evatt’s office, Lie emerged red in the face with rage and slammed Evatt’s door with all his strength. The walls of Evatt’s office then collapsed, leaving the two statesmen glaring at each other over the ruins. Bill Stoneman, a veteran war correspondent who had become Lie’s speechwriter, and I were overcome with laughter by this spectacle, which united Evatt and Lie in rebuking us for lack of respect. By mutual consent, I left Lie’s office in 1950. I had strongly disagreed with his attitude to the Palestine problem, rightly or wrongly believing him to be seriously biased in favor of Israel. I also thought that some of the things he said and did at Headquarters were putting Ralph Bunche, who had become the UN Mediator in Palestine after Bernadotte’s assassination, at personal risk as well as undermining his work. 1 August 1949 - Before being appointed Secretary-General in 1946, Trygve Lie served in a variety of roles in Norwegian politics, including as Minister of Justice and of Commerce, and, subsequently, as Minister of Foreign Affairs throughout the Second World War. It was in this role that he represented Norway at the first session of the UN General Assembly. 3 May 1945 - Lie’s work with the United Nations before becoming Secretary-General included chairing Commission III which was responsible for drafting the Security Council provisions of the UN Charter. Shown here, Lie chairs a Commission III meeting, held at the San Francisco Conference between 25 April and 26 June 1945. 10 January 1946 - The first session of the General Assembly opened at Central Hall in London, in the United Kingdom. Lie headed the Norwegian delegation to the gathering which, on 1 February 1946, elected him as the first Secretary-General of the United Nations. Shown here, Lie (seated at right at the podium) listens as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Clement Attlee, addresses the General Assembly. 25 May 1946 - The first meeting of the second session of the UN Economic and Social Council had representatives from Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, India, Lebanon, Norway, Peru, Ukraine, the U.S.S.R. the United Kingdom, the United States and Yugoslavia, as well as Secretary-General Lie. 2 October 1946 - Here, Secretary-General Lie (at head of table) confers with senior officials at the temporary headquarters of the United Nations, located at Lake Success on Long Island in New York state. Lie played a role in helping secure the permanent headquarters location on Manhattan in New York City. Seated to Secretary-General Lie’s right is Brian Urquhart, then serving as the Secretary-General’s personal assistant. 25 March 1947. Here, Secretary-General Lie receives from John D. Rockefeller III, on behalf of his father, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., a check for $8,500,000 for the purchase of a six-block site facing the East River on the Manhattan site where the United Nations was to locate its permanent Headquarters. 5 October 1949. The UN Headquarters complex is located in the heart of New York City on 1st Avenue between 42nd and 48th Street. The 18-acre site has been declared international territory and belongs to the 193 Member States of the United Nations. Here, Secretary-General Lie and members of the Headquarters Advisory Committee are seen with the UN flag before it is unfurled atop the completed steel work for the 39-story UN Secretariat building in accordance with the custom of construction workers in 1949. 24 October 1949 - The cornerstone of the UN’s permanent headquarters was laid in 1949, on United Nations Day, during a special open-air General Assembly meeting. The ceremony, which also marked the fourth anniversary of the Organization, was attended by US President Harry S. Truman. Secretary-General Lie deposited copies of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the cornerstone. Here, he and the building’s chief architect, Wallace K. Harrison, apply mortar to seal the cornerstone. 9 May 1951 - Here, Secretary-General Lie meets with the Prime Minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion, during the latter’s official visit to UN Headquarters, and accompanied by Israeli and UN officials, including Dr. Ralph Bunche (third from right), the Director of the UN’s Division of Trusteeship, and former Acting Mediator in Palestine. 10 November 1952 - Standing at the presidential rostrum in the plenary hall of the new General Assembly building, Secretary-General Lie reads to the delegates the text of the letter in which he submitted to the President of the Assembly his resignation from his post. 9 April 1953 - Secretary-General Lie’s successor was Dag Hammarskjöld of Sweden. Here, at Idlewild Airport, Secretary-General Lie welcomes Hammarskjöld as he alights from his flight from Stockholm. Famously, Lie told Hammarskjöld that he was about to take over “the most impossible job in the world.” 27 April 1953 - At a ceremony, the City of New York paid a special farewell to Secretary-General Lie on his impending departure, and, at the same time, officially welcomed Dag Hammarskjöld as his successor. Here, Mayor Vincent Impellitteri, on behalf of the City, presents a special scroll to Secretary-General Lie "for distinguished and exceptional public service, " and also awarded him the City's "Medal of Honor." ‹ › Since his resignation in 1952, Lie has often been judged and found wanting, but this is scarcely fair. He had been given one of the world’s most difficult jobs—a job to which he had neither aspired nor sought. He did not have all the qualifications or the charisma that would certainly have helped him, but then whom with such qualities could have been accepted by both East and West? The Soviets and the French, for example, as they would later demonstrate with Lie’s successor, Dag Hammarskjöld, had no wish to have a brilliant and charismatic leader in the Secretary-General’s chair. Lie had political courage and conviction, and he certainly cared passionately about the United Nations. He fully backed the Security Council’s decision to fight the North Korean invasion of South Korea and thus earned excommunication by the Soviet Union. He got into difficulties in trying to deal with Senator Joseph McCarthy’s witch-hunt for American Communists in the UN secretariat, thereby earning the scorn of many of its members. Lie was not a good administrator—the ‘political nose’ did not function well in administration—but his major achievement was in the administrative field. It was due to Lie and his good relations with New York Mayor William O’Dwyer, the Rockefeller family, and Robert Moses, the powerful New York City planner, that after wandering in the wilderness and being threatened with a number of totally unsuitable sites in the United States, the UN was finally settled in its magnificent permanent location on the East River in New York City. This was a major achievement, and Lie deserves all credit for it. Lie resigned in order, as he put it, to hand over to someone who had the support of all the member states. He was furious when that person turned out to be Dag Hammarskjöld, who was not only a Swede but also had gifts of intellect and character that Lie lacked. In his anger, Lie foolishly began to put it about that Hammarskjöld was homosexual. The only people who took this canard seriously were the FBI, prompted by Lie’s crony and UN security chief, Frank Begley. The FBI reported triumphantly to Washington that the new Secretary-General was living with his boyfriend in a suite at the Waldorf Astoria. The ‘boyfriend’ was Hammarskjöld’s chief assistant, Per Lind, a respected Swedish diplomat and father of four. When this report was referred to Walton Butterworth, the American ambassador in Stockholm, he commented that if the US government was capable of being taken in by such prurient nonsense, they didn’t deserve to get Hammarskjöld as Secretary-General. Lie’s performance outraged Lester Pearson, the foreign minister of Canada, and Gladwyn Jebb, the British ambassador, who told him that if he did not stop slandering his successor they would have to take public action. Lie’s malicious and baseless calumnies would dog Hammarskjöld at controversial points in his subsequent career. This was an unworthy end to Lie’s time at the UN, and it tended to color subsequent estimates of his performance. He had done his best when the exigencies of the incipient Cold War placed him in an historic position at an historic time, but the UN lost much of its original spark through Lie’s haphazard appointment.
Norwegian
Tiger Beer originates in which Commonwealth country?
List of United Nations Secretaries-General | Article about List of United Nations Secretaries-General by The Free Dictionary List of United Nations Secretaries-General | Article about List of United Nations Secretaries-General by The Free Dictionary http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/List+of+United+Nations+Secretaries-General Related article: United Nations United Nations (UN), international organization established immediately after World War II. It replaced the League of Nations. In 1945, when the UN was founded, there were 51 members; 193 nations are now members of the organization (see table entitled United Nations Members). ..... Click the link for more information. United Nations Secretaries-General Dates in Office Trygve Halvdan Lie Lie, Trygve Halvdan , 1896–1968, Norwegian statesman, first secretary-general of the United Nations. A lawyer and Labor party leader, he was Norwegian minister of justice (1935–39) and minister of trade and supply (1939–41). ..... Click the link for more information. Norwegian 1946–53 Dag Hammarskjöld Hammarskjöld, Dag , 1905–61, Swedish statesman, secretary-general of the United Nations (1953–61). He attended the universities of Uppsala and Stockholm (Ph.D., 1934). ..... Click the link for more information. Swedish 1953–61 U Thant Thant, U , 1909–74, Burmese diplomat, secretary-general of the United Nations (1962–72). Educated at University College, Yangon, he later held positions in education, the press, and broadcasting. ..... Click the link for more information. Burmese 1962–71 Kurt Waldheim Waldheim, Kurt , 1918–2007, Austrian diplomat, secretary-general of the United Nations (1972–81) and president of Austria (1986–92). He entered diplomatic service after World War II, serving in France and Canada. ..... Click the link for more information. Austrian Javier Pérez de Cuéllar Pérez de Cuéllar, Javier, 1920–, Peruvian diplomat, secretary-general of the United Nations (1982–92). He entered the Peruvian foreign service in 1940 and served in several posts, including ambassador to the USSR (1969–71) and the United Nations ..... Click the link for more information. Peruvian 1982–91 Boutros Boutros-Ghali Boutros-Ghali, Boutros , 1922–2016, Egyptian statesman, secretary-general of the United Nations (1992–96). Born into a politically connected Coptic Christian family, he earned degrees in law at the universities of Cairo (LL.B., 1946) and Paris (Ph.D., 1949). ..... Click the link for more information. Egyptian 1992–96 Kofi Annan Annan, Kofi Atta 1938–, Ghanaian diplomat, secretary-general of the United Nations (1997–2006), b. Kumasi. The scion of a family of Fante chieftains, he studied at Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn. (grad. 1961), and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.A. ..... Click the link for more information. Ghanaian Ban Ki-Moon Ban Ki-Moon , 1944–, South Korean diplomat, secretary-general of the United Nations (2007–), b. Chungju, grad. Seoul National Univ. (B.S., 1970), Kennedy School of Government, Harvard (M.P.A., 1985). ..... Click the link for more information. South Korean 2007–
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In 2012, which musical overtook The Phantom of the Opera to become the highest grossing show in Broadway history?
The Lion King Stage Musical is Highest-Grossing Production in Theater History :EltonJohn.com The Lion King Stage Musical is Highest-Grossing Production in Theater History By the [email protected] Share The musical The Lion King , based on the 1994 Disney animated movie and featuring songs by Elton and Sir Tim Rice, has garnered over $6.2 billion in ticket sales and is now the highest-grossing stage show or film release. The production, directed by the amazing Julie Taymor, debuted at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota in July 1997 before opening at the New Amsterdam Theater on Broadway on October 15 (it now is at the Minskoff Theatre). It is the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history and won the 1998 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Direction for a Musical, Best Costume Design for a Musical and Best Lighting Design of a Musical. In October 1999, The Lion King opened in London’s West End at the Lyceum Theatre where it continues, winning two 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards. Since then it has also been produced in Japan, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Germany, China, the Netherlands, South Africa, France, Taiwan, Mexico, Spain, Singapore, Brazil and Ireland. It is currently touring in the United States, the UK and Australia. As in the movie, the Elton/Tim Rice songs Circle Of Life, I Just Can’t Wait To Be King, Be Prepared, Hakuna Matata and Can You Feel The Love Tonight anchor the musical score. Two additional titles that are not in the film, The Morning Report and The Madness of King Scar, have appeared in the stage production and can be found on the Original Broadway Cast recording . The Lion King overtook The Phantom of the Opera as most lucrative stage production, both exceeding the all-time box office film Avatar (a worldwide gross of almost $2.8 million). Last year, The Lion King was named the top-grossing Broadway show of 2013 and has been seen by an estimated 75 million people worldwide.
The Lion King
In a statutory set of financial statements of a plc, for what does the I in the acronym EBIT stand?
Lion King Stage Show Becomes Highest Grossing Production Of All Time By Yolanda Zaw - 24/09/2014 The Lion King musical has made box office history, earning more money at the box office than Hollywood blockbusters Titanic and Avatar. Worldwide ticket sales for the stage production have now surpassed €4.8 billion, the Walt Disney Company confirmed, making it the highest grossing film or stage show of all time. The Lion King has now eclipsed the earnings of the Star Wars Films, Titanic and even Avatar–the highest grossing film of all timThee–which took in €2.2 billion. Lion King stage show becomes the highest grossing production of all time The show which features music by Elton John and lyrics from Sir Tim Rice made its debut on Broadway in 1997 and has since been seen by more than 75 million people in 22 productions around the world. ‘It’s difficult not to become emotional at this realisation of the show’s impact,’ Thomas Schumacher, president and producer at Disney Theatrical Productions, said. ‘Our goal then was to tell the story purely and theatrically so that audiences could feel it in their heart. ‘And, to this day, that is the audience experience whether they see the show in Madrid; Appleton, Wisconsin; South Africa; Tokyo or Broadway. Of that, we are deeply proud.’ Disney also pointed out that the huge earnings were based on ticket sales only and did not include the millions earned from merchandise sales. The Lion King, which was originally an animated film, tells the story of Simba the royal lion cub who is cast into the wild by his malicious uncle. With the help of his friends, he goes on to reclaim his rightful place as King of the Jungle. Watch the cast of Lion King do an impromptu in-flight performance… The Lion King musical overtook Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera as the highest grossing musical in history, but the Phantom still retains its title as the longest running Broadway show after making its debuting in 1986. The Phantom’s producers graciously accepted the success of their rival, calling the Lion King musical ‘the pride of Broadway’. The Phantom of the Opera used to be the highest grossing stage show on Broadway  
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Which architect designed the Queen’s House Greenwich and the Banqueting House in Whitehall?
Inigo Jones Inigo Jones Inigo Jones has been called the 'first English classical architect' Categories Image: Composition of the works of Inigo Jones Credit: RIBA Collections  Portrait of Inigo Jones Credit: RIBA Collections Leading British architectural historian John Summerson called Inigo Jones (1573-1652) 'the first English classical architect'. Jones, a follower of Andrea Palladio , has been described as the father of English Palladianism. He is best known for his revolutionary buildings in London, most notably the Queen's House, Greenwich and the Banqueting House, Whitehall, both were commissioned by royalty. In London he also designed important churches: St Paul's, Covent Garden, and St Paul's Cathedral. He remodelled the cathedral and gave this Gothic building its Classical -style portico, sadly destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Early years Born in Smithfield, London, in the 16th century, little is known of his early life except that he was the son of a Welsh cloth worker, and was christened at the church of St Batholomew the Less. Yet despite this humble start, Jones was to go far.  Influences An architect of immense creativity, one of his greatest influences was Andrea Palladio. He examined Palladio's buildings in detail, as well as his books and drawings. However, he also drew on the ideas of Bramante, Serlio,  Scamozzi  (whom he met in Venice, 1614), Vitruvius and the French designer Jean Barbet.  Grand Tour Travel was key to Jones's meteoric rise. On two separate occasions he travelled to Italy, undertaking an early version of the Grand Tour. These trips, between the years of 1598-1603 and 1613-1614, transformed his understanding of architecture. Image: Queen's House, Greenwich, London Credit: Bernard Cox / RIBA Collections  In Italy, Jones was captivated by the Roman ruins and the buildings of Palladio. Whilst there, he purchased a significant quantity of Palladio's drawings, a collection that would prove to have an extraordinary influence on British architecture.  Palladianism, a royal style
Inigo Jones
Which company created the perfume Nu in 2001 and Paris in 1983?
Inigo Jones - English master architect Inigo Jones BY DAVID ROSS , EDITOR Queen's House, Greenwich The first and greatest of English Renaissance architects, Inigo Jones was an unlikely candidate to change the landscape of British style and design. Yet this self-taught son of a Smithfield clothmaker had an enormous effect on the course of British art and architecture. He had none of the advantages of birth, influence, and education possessed by his successors, such as Christopher Wren, yet this man with the unusual name rose to the post of Surveyor-General of the King's Works on the basis of his enormous talent, and in the process changed history. It is thought that Jones visited Italy twice, once in his late 20's, when he attended theatre events at the Medici court in Florence. This helped prepare him for his first major post at the court of James I, where he designed stage settings, costumes, and decorations for court masques. Later, Jones was taken up by the influential art collector Lord Arundel, who sent him to Italy and France in 1613 to find new works of art. Jones spent a year and a half traveling and studying Roman classical architecture and the more modern European Renaissance attempts to copy it. He was especially taken by the work of the influential Italian architect, Andrea Palladio. The interior of Banqueting House, Whitehall His budding talent was recognized, and in 1615 Jones was elevated to the post of Surveyor-General under James I. This placed him in charge of planning and building royal architectural projects throughout the realm. Now it was time for Jones to put all his study to work. It is unfortunate for Jones, and for us, that for the rest of his tenure as Surveyor-General, Parliament was very tight with the purse strings. Jones is only known to have undertaken about 40 works for the crown, and very few of these have survived unaltered.The first major project Jones undertook for the king was Queen's House, in Greenwich. The house was begun for James' queen, Anne of Denmark. However, Anne died soon after building started, and the project was put on hold for almost 15 years before being finished for another queen, this time Henrietta Maria. Modeled on an Italian palace, Queen's House may appear plain to a modern eye, but at the time it caused a sensation. Even more successful was Jones' next major commission, Banqueting House in Whitehall. The building was part of an extensive palace remodeling planned at Whitehall, but much of the plans were later scrapped. Banqueting House was intended to be a setting for formal banquets and court masques, and it was based on the design of a Roman basilica. The upper hall is built to a "double cube", that is 110 x 55 x 55 ft., and classical orders are used in both exterior and interior. The building was for many years the home of the Imperial War Museum, though now it has been restored to its original purpose as a venue for state occasions. Wilton House, Wiltshire Inigo Jones was also called upon to do ecclesiastical work, the most famous of his designs being Queen's Chapel at St. James Palace (1623-25), and his restoration work on old St. Paul's Cathedral. The former building is now Marlborough House Chapel, but the latter was lost entirely in the Great Fire of London . The other famous project in which Jones was involved was the ambitious Covent Garden. Here he was commissioned by the Duke of Bedford to build a residential square along the lines of an Italian piazza. The Duke felt obliged to provide a church, though he cautioned Jones that he wanted to economise. He told his architect to simply erect a "barn". Jones' oft-quoted response was that his lordship would have "the finest barn in Europe". Sadly, little remains of the original church, and the square has been remodeled several times. For many years it served as London's chief produce market, though now it is given over to very trendy shopping. For many years Jones was thought to have been responsible for the work at Wilton House, Wiltshire. This is now believed to be the work of his pupil and nephew James Webb. Many years later the Italian influence that Jones introduced to Britain was revived by Lord Burlington and the Palladian movement . Inigo Jones died in 1652. What to see:
i don't know
Which company created the perfume Dolce Vita in 1995 and Poison in 1985?
Vintage Christian Dior Perfumes | eBay Vintage Christian Dior Perfumes Share January 14, 2008 In this guide I have listed the various perfumes presented from the House of Christian Dior from 1947-2004. The couture house of Christian Dior was established in 1946 by Christian Dior at 26-32 avenue Montaigne,Paris. He introduced perfumes in 1947. The illustrator Rene Gruau created superb advertising for all of Dior's perfumes. The perfumes of Christian Dior: 1947 Miss Dior 1953 Eau Fraîche de Dior 1956 Diorissimo 1998 Eau de Dolce Vita 1998 Hypnotic Poison 2003 Higher Energy 2004 Pure Poison Feel free to email me for details or any questions. I also have a perfume identification and appraisal service here on ebay, click on my Me page for details.  Check out the 200+ guides & reviews  I have written on perfumes on ebay. If you have found this guide helpful, click YES below. Thanks!Good luck and have fun collecting!   I am always looking to add pictures of vintage perfumes to my guides, if you have a picture you would like to see included here, contact me, credit will be given to the user ID for any picture submitted. If you bought J'Adore perfume on ebay and want to know if you have a fake perfume or not...visit this site, scroll down to the bottom portion of the page, the site shows how you can tell if yours is fake, and shows comparisons of an authentic bottle next to a fake bottle. compusol.org/freeshopping/ebayshopspage.html Tags:
Christian Dior
Which architect designed Blenheim Palace and castle Howard?
Christian Dior Perfumes: The Perfumes of Christian Dior The Perfumes of Christian Dior La Collection Particulière The Perfumes of Christian Dior In this guide I have listed the various perfumes presented from  Christian Dior from 1947 to the present day. The fashion house of Christian Dior was established in 1946 by Christian Dior at 26-32 Avenue Montaigne, Paris. He introduced perfumes in 1947. Charles of the Ritz handled all of Dior's perfume distribution in the USA around 1949. The illustrator Rene Gruau created superb advertising for all of Dior's perfumes. The perfumes of Christian Dior: 1947 Miss Dior 1947 Miss Dior Perfume Extrait de Parfum 1949 Diorama 1994 Dune Esprit de Parfum  1994 Dolce Vita 1998 Eau de Dolce Vita 1998 Hypnotic Poison 1998 Hypnotic Poison Diable Rouge 1999 J'Adore 2000 Eau de Dior Energizing Coloressence 2000 Eau de Dior Relaxing Coloressence 2000 Remember Me 2000 Hypnotic Poison Extrait de Parfum 2000 J`adore Adoration en or Limited Edition 2000 J'Adore Extrait de Parfum 2001 Forever and Ever 2002 J`Adore Eau de Toilette 2002 Higher Black  2004 Dior Me, Dior Me Not 2004 Pure Poison 2004 Dior Addict Eau Fraiche 2004 Dior Addict "Dior Twist" 2004 Private Collection Cologne Blanche 2004 Private Collection Bois D`argent 2004 J`Adore Anniversaire en Or 2004 J`Adore Summer Fragrance 2004 Private Collection Eau Noire 2005 Dior Star 2005 Miss Dior Cherie Extrait de Parfum 2005 Dior Addict 2 2006 Forever and Ever Dior 2006 Midnight Charm 2006 Dior Addict 2 Logomania 2006 Dior Addict 2 Summer Breeze 2006 Fahrenheit Summer 2006 2006 J`Adore Gold Supreme (Divinement Or) 2007 Dior Addict Shine 2007 Miss Dior Cherie  2007 2007 Dior Addict Summer Peonies 2007 Dior Homme Cologne 2007 Midnight Poison Extrait de Parfum 2007 Private Collection Passage No.4 2007 Private Collection Passage No.8 2007 Private Collection Passage No.9 2007 J`adore Le Jasmin 2007 L'or J'adore The Absolute Perfume 2007 J`Adore L`Absolu 2007 Eau Sauvage Fraicheur Cuir 2008 Cruise Collection - Escale a Portofino 2008 Dior Addict 2 Summer Litchi 2008 Dior Addict 2 Sparkle in Pink 2008 Dior Homme Sport 2008 L`Elixir Hypnotic Poison 2008 Miss Dior Cherie Blooming Bouquet 2008 Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Printemps 2009 Dior Addict 2 Eau Fraiche 2009 Cruise Collection Escale a Pondichery 2009 Dior Homme Voyage 2009 J`Adore Collector Anniversary Edition 2009 Fahrenheit Absolute 2009 Miss Dior Cherie L`Eau 2009 J`adore L`eau Cologne Florale 2009 Private Collection Ambre Nuit 2009 Les Creations de Monsieur Dior Diorella 2009 Les Creations de Monsieur Dior Dioressence 2009 Les Creations de Monsieur Dior Eau de Toilette Diorissimo 2009 Les Creations de Monsieur Dior Eau de Parfum Diorissimo 2009 Les Creations de Monsieur Dior Extrait de Parfum Diorissimo 2009 Les Creations de Monsieur Dior Eau Fraiche 2009 Les Creations de Monsieur Dior Forever and Ever 2010 Cruise Collection Escale Aux Marquises 2010 J`Adore L`Or 2010 Miss Dior Cherie Eau De Toilette 2010 2010 La Collection Couturier Parfumeur Cologne Royale 2010 La Collection Couturier Parfumeur Granville 2010 La Collection Couturier Parfumeur Leather Oud 2010 La Collection Couturier Parfumeur Milly-la-Foret 2010 La Collection Couturier Parfumeur Mitzah 2010 La Collection Couturier Parfumeur New Look 1947 2010 La Collection Couturier Parfumeur Patchouli Imperial 2010 La Collection Couturier Parfumeur Vetiver 2010 Les Creations de Monsieur Dior Diorama 2010 Hypnotic Poison Eau Sensuelle 2011 Addict to Life  2011 Miss Dior Eau de Toilette Originale 2011 Miss Dior Couture Edition 2011 Miss Dior Cherie Blooming Bouquet  2011 Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Couture Edition 2011 Dior Homme Intense (reformulation) 2011 Aqua Fahrenheit  2011 Miss Dior Esprit de Parfum 2011 J`adore Eau de Toilette (reformulation) 2011 Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Parfum 2012 Les Creations de Monsieur Dior Diorling 2012 Cruise Collection Escale a Parati 2012 Private Collection Oud Ispahan 2012 Dior Addict Eau de Parfum 2012 J'Adore L'Absolu 2012 Dior Addict Eau Fraiche 2012 Dior Homme Sport 2012 2012 Miss Dior (new) 2012 Miss Dior Le Parfum 2012 Miss Dior Eau Fraiche  2012 Dior Addict Eau Sensuelle 2012 Private Collection Grand Bal 2012 Eau Sauvage Parfum 2013 Dior Addict Eau Delice 2013 Dior Homme Cologne 2013 2013 J`Adore Voile de Parfum 2013 Miss Dior Eau De Toilette 2013 Miss Dior Le Parfum Edition d’Exception 2013 Private Collection Gris Montaigne 2013 Hypnotic Poison Eau Secrete 2014 Private Collection Cuir Cannage 2014 Dior Addict Eau de Toilette  2014 Dior Addict Eau de Parfum (2014) 2014 Dior Addict Eau Fraiche (2014) 2014 Dior Homme Eau for Men 2014 Fahrenheit Le Parfum 2014 Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet 2014 Dior Homme Parfum 2014 Diorissimo Extrait de Parfum 2014 J`Adore Extrait de Parfum 2014 Miss Dior Extrait de Parfum 2014 Miss Dior Original Extrait de Parfum 2014 Poison Extrait de Parfum 2014 Hypnotic Poison Eau de Parfum 2014 Les Elixirs Precieux Ambre Elixir Precieux 2014 Les Elixirs Precieux Musc Elixir Precieux 2014 Les Elixirs Precieux Oud Elixir Precieux 2014 Les Elixirs Precieux Rose Elixir Precieux 2015 Private Collection Fève Délicieuse 2015 Miss Dior Edition d’Exception 2015 Miss Dior Parfum pour Cheveux 2015 J’adore Touche de Parfum 2015 Sauvage 
i don't know
What type of creature was the now extinct Solitaire?
dodo-solitaire DODOS AND SOLITAIRES Perhaps the most famous extinct creature is the dodo; we often refer to defunct things as being "as dead as a dodo" while "dodo" is a byword for stupidity and obsolescence. It was one of four flightless pigeons: the Mauritius, Common or Brown Dodo (Raphus cucullatus), the much-debated Reunion White Dodo (Victoriornis imperialis), the Reunion Solitaire (was Ornithaptera solitarius, currently Theskiornis solitarius) and the Rodrigues Solitaire (Pezohaps solitarius). To people familiar with cooing fantail doves and feral city pigeons, it may seem odd to think of giant pigeons as dominant species, but this is what had happened. Mauritius is 500 miles (800 km) west of Madagascar. The island of Reunion is 100 miles (160 km) south west of Mauritius; Rodrigues is 300 miles (480 km) east of Mauritius. These islands make up the Mascarene islands. Mauritius is approximately 10.5 million years old. Rodrigues is about 8 million years old. Reunion about 3 million. Everything on Mauritius was also on Reunion, apart from the dodo; which was theerefore flightless before Reunion was formed. COMMON DODO The Mauritius dodo (Common Dodo) became extinct in 1680. When first discovered, it was variously described as a wild turkey, a cassowary, a hooded swan, a booby or a bastard ostrich. It was actually a giant, flightless dove. Modern research and reconstruction suggest it was not as gentle and dove-like as once supposed; adult dodos could be aggressive, territorial and fight back. Far from being stupid and useless, it was well-adapted to its environment - an environment without mammals - and its demise was due to the introduction of predators it had not evolved to cope with. Its common name comes from the Portuguese "doudo" (foolish) and the Dutch "dodaarsen" (fat heavy bottom). Teelingly, the Dutch also called it Walghvogel (disgusting bird) alluding to its inedible flesh.   The Mascarene Islands had been discovered and settled by the Portuguese in the early 16th century (Arab traders had already visited, but did not settle). With no mammals, the islands were dominated by birds that had evolved to fill the niches occupied elsewhere by mammals. Mauritius had been discovered around 1500 by Portuguese ships seeking a route for the East Indies. They named it Island of Swans, suggesting they had sighted the dodo and mistaken it for a swan (it was about the size of a swan) It had never been inhabited by man. The Dutch named it after their prince, Maurits of Nassau. Both countries were building colonial empires, but politics between Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands meant the Dutch East India Company was first to establish a foothold in Mauritius where, in addition to finding a useful stopover, they logged the abundant ebony and released pigs to ensure a living larder. In 1598, a large Dutch expedition to the East Indies from the Netherlands, commanded by Admiral Jacob Corneliszoon van Neck, ran into bad weather off the Cape of Good Hope. Five of the ships sailed east of Madagascar and, running out of food and water, landed on an island called Islo do Cerne (Island of Swans) on old Portugeuse charts. Sloops from the Amsterdam and the Gelderland discovered a natural harbour, which they called Warwijk Harbour after theAmsterdam's vice-admiral, Wybrant van Warwijk. Islo de Cerno was a tropical paradise of palm trees and ebony forests inhabited by pigeons, parrots and a strange, large, flightless bird. None of the wildlife showed any fear of them; the birds were docile and easy prey (although the hooked beak of the large, flightless bird apparently gave cause for concern). They called the large flightless bird a kermis-goose, since the harbour was found on the date of the annual kermis fair in Amsterdam. They described them as "as big as our swan, with large heads, and on the head a veil as though they had a small hood on their head; they have no wings but in their place there are three or four black quills, and where there ought to be a tail, there are four or five small curled plumes of a greyish colour". For all its size, the only edible part was the breast and there was not much of it since the birds were less plump than geese. The "stomach" was also good eating. However much the stewed the rest of the bird, it was tough, sinewy, oily and bad tasting, hence the name "walghvogel" (nauseating.bird). Like a turkey, the strange bird stored fat in its rump, earning it another Dutch name "doedaars" (fat-arse), later rendered "dodo". They turned their attention from the kermis-goose to the much tastier pigeons. Despite being poor eating, within 75 years of its discover, the dodo was extinct.   In 1598, Cornelius Van Neck made Mauritius a Dutch possession and it became an important stopover for Dutch ships on long journeys across the Indian ocean. Crews slaughtered the birds in their hundreds for sport; the meat also made a welcome change from ship's rations. A Dutch captain reported: "We lived on Tortoises, Dodos, (Pink and Blue) Pigeons, Grey Parrots and other game, which the crews caught by hand." Of these creatures, only the Mauritian Pink Pigeon remains, and its numbers are critically low. The importance of Mauritius grew quickly and in 1599 an English report said: "This Island being situate to the East of Madagascar, and containing as much in compasse as all Holland, is a very high, goodly and pleasant land, full of green and fruitful vallies, and replenished with Palmito-trees, from wich droppeth holesome wine. Likewise here are very many trees of right Ebenwood as black as jet and smooth and hard as the very Ivory; and the quantity of this wood is so exceeding that many ships may be laden therewith. For to sail into this haven you must bring the two highest mountains one over the other, leaving five small islands on your right hand; and so you may enter in upon 30 fadomes of water. Lying in the bay they had 10, 12 and 14 fadoms. On their left hand was a little island which they named Hemskerk Island." In spite of the birds being bad eating, men made sport of bludgeoning the docile dodo, and at first there were plenty of birds around. In1602 Captain Willem van West-Zanen recorded that his men killed "24 or 25 Dod-aarsen, so big and heavy that scarcely two were consumed at meal-time, and all that were remaining flung into salt." In 1613 the journal of Johan Verken, a German sailor from Leipzig, was published in Frankfurt-am-Main. Verken recorded the dodo's featherless face, the yellow feathers at the tips of its stumpy wings, and "in place of a tail four or five curly greyish feathers" The dodo was also far less docile "They are known as Tottersten or Walck birds. They are found... in large numbers, though the Dutch have been catching and eating them daily, and not only these birds, but many other kinds.., which they beat with sticks and catch, taking care all the while that the Tottersten or Walck birds do not bite them on the arm or leg with their great, thick, curved beaks". Within 13 years of encountering predators, the supposedly dim-witted dodo had adapted its behaviour to defend itself with its powerful beak. The first man to mention the dodo (by that name and spelling) in print was Thomas Herbert, an English diplomat to the Persian Court who went to Mauritius in 1629. His 1634 account of his travels included observations of the dodo: " First, here and here only is generated the Dodo, which for shape and rareness may antagonise the Phoenix of Arabia: her body is round and fat, few weigh lesse then fifty pound, are reputed of more for wonder then for food, greasie stomackes may seeke after them, but to the delicate, they are offensive and of no nourishment. Her visage darts forth melancholy, as sensible of Nature's injurie in framing so great a body to be guided with complementall wings, so small and impotent, that they serve only to prove her bird. The halfe of her head is naked, seeming covered with a fine vaile, her bill is crooked downwards, in the midst is the thrill (nostril), from which part to the end tis a light greene, mixt with a pale yellow tincture; her eyes are small and like to diamonds, round and rowling; her clothing downy feathers, her traine [tail] three small plumes, short and inproportionable, her legs suting to her body, her pounces sharpe, her appetite strong and greedy." The green spot may have been there to guide the young to peck at the parent's beak and make the parents disgorge food. He wrote that the dodo weighed fifty pounds, had a big appetite and that its 'fiery' stomach was capable of digesting stones. Because he wrote from memory and his later editions grew more elaborate, some of his descriptions are inaccurate. Thomas Crosfield wrote in his diary that, in 1634, a Mr Gosling bestowed a "Dodar (a blacke Indian bird)" on the Oxford anatomy school.   Though dodos defended themselves by pecking, they had not learned to flee from man. In 1631, a sailor wrote; "They displayed themselves to us with a stiff and stern face and wide open mouth" ... "very jaunty and audacious of gait, and would scarcely move a foot before us". Peter Mundy kept a travel journal between 1628 and 1634. He described two dodos kept at Surat, where the Dutch East India Company had a station, and where Jahangir, the Great Mogul of Persia, kept a menagerie. Mundy also saw dodos in Mauritius. Mundy was the first man to note that they occurred nowhere else in the world and wrote that they could "neither flye nor swymm, being Cloven-footed'. Dodos were taken to menageries in Amsterdam, Prague, Batavia, Nagasaki and London. They were tough enough to survive the long journeys, but ugly enough that no-one bothered to create breeding colonies. When he visited Mauritius a second time, in the 1630s, he went looking for dodos and wrote "we Mett with none" indicating the bird's declining numbers. Despite the continued slaughter, the dodo continued to breed in the more inaccessible parts of the island. In 1644, Mauritius became a Dutch colony. In 1662, Volkert Iversen, a German sailor, was one of several sailors shipwrecked on a beach at Mauritius following ferocious storms. He spent 6 months on the still uninhabited island. By then, there were no dodos left on Mauritius, but they were still to be found on offshore islets that were by sandbars to Mauritius at low tide. Iversen's islet was likely to have been either the ële aux Cerfs or the ële d'Ambre Iversen wrote: "We also found here many wild goats and all kinds of birds which are not at all timid, perhaps since they are not used to seeing people who hunt them. They stood quite still and watched us and allowed us to approach them. Among them were the birds known to the Indians as Dodderse, which are larger than geese, but unable to fly, having only little stumps of wings, but are fast runners. One party of us would chase them so that they ran towards the other party, who then grabbed them. When we had one tightly gripped around the leg it would cry out, then the others would come to its aid and be caught as well." The dodo had now learnt to run away from humans. In 1693 the French explorer and naturalist François Legaut reached Iversen's islet but did not find a single dodo. By 1680, the combined forces of humans and their introduced animals had rendered the dodo extinct. Joris Laerle of the Gelderland depicted a thin, muscular bird, very different from the fat, ungainly birds drawn in captive settings. Others erroneously depicted it with webbed feet. The most familiar depictions of dodo are of birds so fat that they could scarcely walk because their bellies dragged on the ground. Although generally portrayed as fat, waddling creatures, the dodos' waistlines probably varied according to the season as they accumulated fat stores to see them through leaner times. It is also possible that that they shed their horny bill-sheaths annually during their general moult and wasting season or that juveniles had less robust beaks. The existence of white dodos on Reunion (under debate) is sometimes attributed to different colour phases or colour morphs of the common dodo; possibly immature dodos were white while adults varies from brown to grey. Most reconstructions of dodos are based on overweight specimens, including over-fed menagerie specimens, adding to their unfortunate image as slow, stupid and waddling creatures (Lewis Carroll must also shoulder much of the blame for the bird's poor image). Dodos were kept in menageries in the 1600s; there was one in the menagerie of Rudolph II in Prague (the bird was stuffed after its death), another in Amsterdam, Holland in 1626, one in the menagerie of Henry Frederick of Orange at Buitenhof (near den Haag, possibly this was the Amsterdam dodo). Some sailor artists drew the dodo in its native habitat. According to Ferdinand von Hochstetter, a dodo was displayed in London in 1638. Sir Hamon Lestrange wrote: "About 1638, as I walked London streets, I saw the picture of a strange fowle hung out upon a cloth.., and myselfe with one or two more then in company went in to see it. It was kept in a chamber, and was a great fowle somewhat bigger than the largest Turkey Cock, and so legged and footed, but stouter and thicker and of a more erect shape, coloured before like the breast of a yong cock feson [pheasant], and on the back of a dun or deare colour. The keeper called it a Dodo, and in the ende of a chymney in the chamber there lay a heape of large pebble stones, whereof hee gave it many in our sight, some as big as nutmegs, and keeper told us she eats them (conducive to digestion)" Lestrange's described the bird's erect posture and proud bearing. The pheasant colour would have been chestnut brown; dun indicates a mousy brown. Van Neck's description referred to "ashy grey with a white face". All in all, its colour was pretty nondescript. Its eyes were described as bright with white irises. The legs were yellow and the talons were black. François Gauche's description, based on dodos in Mauritius in 1638, was a mixture of myth, reality and confusion with other unfamiliar birds such as the cassowary. He wrote that it had no tongue. He also wrote that its single white egg was "the size of a penny bun" (one needs to know the size of a 1638 French penny bun!) and, more helpfully, the same size as that of the pink pelican (8cm x 6 cm). He added that dodos made their nests at ground level on a pile of grass in the woods. According to Gauche, it had a call "like a gosling" (soft cooing), but also that it had as many tail feathers as it was old! Its feathers were generally downy, which fits in with a flightless bird. Those pictures of fat, ungainly dodos were drawn of the captive birds. A long sea voyage, incarceration in a small menagerie pen and an unsuitable diet (especially if visitors threw bread or other food to the bored exhibits) would have created lazy, overweight specimens. The taxidermy of that time involved stuffing the specimens with straw, this did not always make for lifelike shapes or poses. The skins were often poorly preserved and decayed, shrank or stretched in places, further distorting proportions. The chemicals used to preserve the skins (and hair or feathers) often contributed to fading or discolouration, with some colours fading more than others; this may have resulted in the debated existence of the Reunion White Dodo. Tragically, the bird picked up and preserved by Elias Ashmole in the seventeenth century was thrown away, except for its skull, beak and one foot, by a spring-cleaning curator at the Ashmolean in 1755. Preserved Dodo specimens became so rare that 1800s naturalists wondered if it had ever really existed; a scientist writing in 1801 even described the dodo as a "feathered tortoise"! George Clark discovered dodo fossils five years after Darwin's "The Origin of Species" was published. Zoologist Richard Owen reconstructed Clark's fossil skeleton, basing his reconstruction on 17th century drawings and paintings of captive dodos, especially a 1626 painting by Roelandt Savery executed in about 1626. Owen's reconstruction showed a slow, fat bird that would be an obvious victim of Darwin's natural selection. Strickland and Melville, published their own study of the dodo in 1848, but did not challenge Owen's reconstruction. Modern studies indicate that Clark's version would have been crippled by its own weight. Dutch accounts give its weight at 25 kilos and modern calculations suggest 17 kilos. The question of why the dodo became extinct is no longer a simple one of it being stupid or over-hunted. It held little appeal as food. Even hunting for sport was limited and the population, though not vast, had to be large enough for it to be genetically healthy. What is beyond doubt is that the dodo was specialised for living at ground level on an island with no predators, no competing species and little disturbance.   In 1865, at a remote place on Mauritius called Mare aux Songes (near Mahébourg in the southeast of the island), George Clark, an amateur naturalist, retrived an entire fossil dodo. Many more were later discovered at the same site. The skeletons revealed that the bird was 75 cm tall, with undeveloped chicken-like wings, a small breast and strong, thick legs. Its head was very large in proportion to its body (larger than that of any existing birds) and equipped with a long, hooked bill. The keratin tip of the beak was shed and re-grown annually, and was used for eating, fighting and possibly in mating displays. Such a beak would have enabled the bird to exploit a wide variety of low-growing or fallen fruits. The forest floor beneath the tall ebony trees would have been relatively clear and the birds would have spent much of their time foraging. To provide calcium for their eggshells they would have eaten the plentiful snails, crabs and coral. They also swallowed stones to grind tough food in their gizzard and their large size indicates a long gut for digesting vegetation. Flying requires a great deal of energy; without energy-dense foods or predators, there was no need for the dodo to expend energy on flight. It probably had a slow metabolism and would also have been long lived, perhaps up to 40 years. Like pigeons, dodos were probably very competitive during mating season. Being large, and needing plenty of food, they were probably not very sociable and may have been territorial to protect their favourite feeding areas. They probably established nesting territories, breeding in pairs rather than harems. We know that they laid a single egg in a ground-level nest. Being large birds, the chick would have developed slowly, perhaps taking 9 months to reach maturity. This means a dodo probably only bred every 2 years and that pairs remained together to raise their single offspring. Once independent of its parents, the young may have formed groups (the French naturalist Legaut wrote of crèches of young in the upland forests) until mature enough to find and defend their own territories. With no predators to keep the population down and with finite food and territory, it benefited the dodo to breed slowly. The only land mammals on Mauritius seem to have been bats. There were reptiles such as geckos, lizards, snakes and giant tortoises (the latter also extinct). Mammals introduced deliberately or accidentally by man included cats, dogs, mongooses, pigs, goats, rats, rabbits and monkeys. Some of these were deliberately released to provide a living larder for sailors and settlers and for sport. The rich undergrowth was perfectly suited to pigs. They competed for ground-level fruit, they rooted, they no doubt trampled over nests, breaking eggs and killing chicks or simply driving the parents to abandon their nest. The only dodos not immediately in danger would have been the adults, but every spoiled breeding season would have meant an ageing population less likely to breed in the future. Excavations at the site of Fort Hendrik, the permanent base established by the Dutch in 1638, found no trace of dodo leftovers in the middens (kitchen waste) at the site. Iversen's islet, where the last dodos were seen, was north of the main island and as far as possible from Fort Hendrik. This suggests that Fort Hendrik was a centre of ebony logging, with loggers working outwards from that point and driving the dodo progressively further away as its habitat was destroyed. However logging alone was not extensive enough to account for its extinction since parts of the forest were impenetrable to loggers. Other factors, such as introduced animals and a new-learnt fear of humans, probably caused the dodos to withdraw to the islet. That last outpost of dodos on their isolated islet would have been under great stress. The shortage of mates would have led to inbreeding, and the population was probably already moderately inbred. The destruction of nests and eggs on the mainland would have meant few youngsters in the population. The remaining birds were possibly too old to breed successfully. They were often cut off from the mainland and probably short of food and nesting materials. Any chicks they did manage to raise were probably not enough to replace the birds that died of old age or being eaten by desperate, shipwrecked sailors. In 1693, no dodos were found on the islet. The following is from "New Zealand" by Ferdinand von Hochstetter (1867); excerpts from Chapter IX "Kiwi and Moa, the wingless Birds of New Zealand" included comparisons with the dodo and its kin. "East of Madagascar, upon the Mascarene Islands (Bourbon, Mauritius, Rodriguez), -- from the bones collected by Mr. Bartlett upon Rodriguez in 1855, there are three species known, the Dronte or Dodo (Didus ineptus), the Solitaire (Pezophaps) and a new, much larger bird. All are extinct; but concerning the former two, it has been proved, that they lived in great numbers on those islands till within the 16th and 17th centuries. Even as late as 1638 a live Dodo was exhibited in England, the skin of which was afterwards transferred to the famous Museum of John Tradescant. At a revision of this Museum in 1775 by the trustees, the damaged specimens were condemned among the rubbish, and unfortunately also the Dronte; the head and feet were all that was saved of it, and these parts, the only remnants of the extraordinary animal, are now exhibited as a great curiosity in the Asmolean Museum in Oxford [Footnote: Besides this, there is a breast-bone in Paris, a skull in Prague, a beak in Kopenhagen and a foot in London.]" One of the biggest tragedies was that the dodo, superbly specialised for its island habitat, was tough enough to survive long sea voyages to Europe. Had the dodo been more attractive or had a flavour suited to refined palates, it would have been bred at menageries or in parks in the same way as ornamental waterfowl, ornamental peacocks and fantail doves. REUNION WHITE DODO The debated fourth member of the dodo family was the white dodo of Reunion. Two eye-witness accounts and several paintings demonstrate how it differed from the Mauritius Dodo. In his account of a voyage by Captain Samuel Castleton on the Pearl in 1613, J. Tatton described the Reunion white dodo: "There is a store of Land-fowl, both small and great, plentie of Doves, great Parrots and such like; and a great fowl of the bigness of a turkey, very fat, and so short-winged that they cannot flie, being white, and in a manner tame; and so are all other fowles, as having not been troubled or feared with shot." Their lack of fear made them defenceless against hunters. In 1646, Dutch navigator Willen Bontekoe van Hoorn, published details of his travels between 1618 - 1625 and wrote: "There were also some Dod-eersen which had small wings, but could not fly; they were so fat that they could scarcely walk, for when they trod their belly dragged along the ground." He did not mention their colour and it has been suggested that he was actually on Mauritius when he observed the birds. Although described as fat and waddling, the dodo's girth probably varied with the season, with them putting on fat reserves in bountiful seasons to see them through leaner seasons. The reunion white dodo may have survived as late as 1770 due to the island's larger size and the slower growth of settlements on Reunion. De la Bourdannaye, the Governor of Mauritius and Reunion between 1735-46, sent either a solitaire or a white dodo to the Directors of the Company as a curiosity. It evidently died or was eaten en route as it never reached the Company. Most depictions of white dodos were based on a 1611 (or 1626) oil painting of a whitish specimen from Rudolf II's collection by Roelandt Savery. Savery was contracted to Rudolf II whose Prague collection included a "walghvogel" specimen described as being a "dirty off-white colouring" in an inventory of 1607-1611. This may have been based on a faded taxidermised specimen as many old taxidermy specimens fade to a cream colour. If Savery based his painting on that specimen, the "white dodo" could not have been from Reunion as the island was not visited by Europeans until 1635. Nevertheless, Savery's depiction was copied by Pieter Holsteyn the Elder and Pieter Withoos, among others. Holsteyn's painting, probably dating to 1638, depicts a whitish, caricature-like dodo with yellow wings and a few feathers in its tail. At the base of its bill it has a black band (a trait found on the Rodrigues solitaire!) suggesting that it was not painted from life. Savery depicts the white dodo in a mythological setting. A painting of a white dodo by Pieter Withoos in 1680 depicts a white dodo in a park among accurately painted waterfowl, suggesting that his depiction of the dodo was also accurate. He portrayed it as having buttercup-yellow wings, a high-arched tail and a faint bluish tint towards the end of its otherwise white plumage. The eyelid was bright red, the legs and feet were ochre-yellow with black nails and the beak was far less hooked and pointed than that of the Mauritius dodo. In fact the end of the beak appears to have been trimmed off, perhaps for the safety of its keepers. A drawing entitled "Dronte" (the Dutch and German name for the bird) is somewhat similar to the watercolour of "White Dodo of R�union" by Pieter Holsteyn and also resembles Roelandt Savery's 1626 depiction of a dodo standing. The unknown artist's drawing shows a tailless dodo, which is actually anatomically correct as many artists added fanciful plumes to their depictions. Some scientists believe the Reunion white dodo was actually an immature common dodo or a colour morph or colour phase of the common (brown) dodo. It was evidently not an albino since it had yellow wings and black claws, but it may have been a leucistic form. Mauritius dodos were variously depicted as brown or grey. Some believe young dodos may have been taken to Reunion from Mauritius by sailors. No dodo bones have been found on the island. Paintings of white dodos are generally used to illustrate articles on the Reunion solitaire, although this may be just as great an error since that bird is currently believed to be a type of ibis! RODRIGUES SOLITAIRE Unlike the ungainly, inedible dodo, the graceful, long-necked solitaires were described as "delightfully beautiful and delightfully edible", with one early observer writing "The Females are wonderfully beautiful, some fair, some brown; I call them fair, because they are of the colour of fair Hair. They have a sort of Peak, like a Widow's upon their Beak, which is of a dun colour. No one feather is straggling from the other . . . The Feathers on their Thighs are round like shells at one end, and being there very thick, have an agreeable effect. They have two Risings on the Craws, and the Feathers are whiter there than the rest, which lively represents the fine bosom of a Beautiful Woman. They walk with so much stateliness and good Grace, that one cannot help admiring and loving them." François Leguat, a Huguenot refugee from France exiled to previously uninhabited Rodrigues for two years, described the Rodrigues solitaire in his memoirs, which were published in 1708. Until 1875, when solitaire skeletons were found, his descriptions were considered fanciful. Archaeology finally upheld much of what he had written and his descriptions are now taken seriously. Leguat described the solitaires' mating dances and displays; the birds whirred their short wings and clapped them "like a rattle" against their sides. They guarded their nests and single chicks and were territorial driving away other solitaires from their territory. They also mated for life: "these two Companions never disunite". Leguat described the birds' annual "betrothal" ceremonies: "Some days after the young one leaves the nest a Company of 30 or 40 brings another young one to it; and the new-fledged Bird with its Father and Mother joyning with the Band, march to some bye Place. We frequently followed them, and found that afterwards the old ones went each their way alone, or in Couples, and left the two young ones together, which we call a Marriage." Thirty years after Leguat, another observer wrote: "When caught they make no sound, but shed tears", and said that they pined away quickly, refusing to eat in captivity. As well as being monogamous, territorial and slow breeding (with only a single chick), the solitaires could also be aggressive, pecking fiercely and striking with their small wings. Their apparently useless wings were tipped with knobs "the size of musket balls" and these were used as weapons as well as being the source of the rattling sound when they danced. In spite of being described as useful, intelligent and beautiful, the opposite of the supposedly useless, stupid and ugly Mauritius dodo, the solitaire shared the dodo's fate. There were reports of solitaires on Rodrigues as late as 1761. In 1831, a long-time inhabitant of the island said he had never seen or heard of the solitaire, so it was certainly extinct by 1800. Several solitaire skeletons were unearthed on Rodrigues in 1875; these included the "widow's peak" and the "musket-ball wingclappers" described by Leguat. An insight into the "musket balls" has been gained from research into the extinct flightless bird from Jamaica, Xenicibis xympithecus. Scientists found some specimens where the clubs appear to have been broken by another bird's clubbed wing indicating these birds used their bony bludgeons to fight territorial rivals and for defence against predators. Xenicibis was a chicken-sized member of the ibis family and fossils show that the metacarpus (one of the hand bones) was elongated and bulky and could be used as a jointed club or flail. Modern ibises grab each other by the beak and flail with their wings. The extinct Rodrigues Solitaire, which may have been either a relative of the Mauritius dodo or, like Xenicibis xympithecus, a relative of the ibis. REUNION SOLITAIRE or REUNION IBIS From all accounts, the Reunion (or Bourbon) solitaire (or Reunion Ibis) was slightly larger and more sturdily built bird than the Rodrigues solitaire. It had longer legs and these were muscled, suggesting it could run at greater speeds than its relative. Unlike the almost tailless Rodrigues solitaire, the Reunion solitaire had a large tuft-like feathered tail. It was considered good eating and was extensively hunted for food, becoming extinct around 1700 (it was last reported in 1705) while the reunion white dodo apparently survived until 1770. Based on bones found on the island, some authorities believe the Reunion Solitaire to be a relative of the ibis, rather than a pigeon/dodo although most sites describing the Reunion solitaire show illustrations of the Reunion white dodo. Authorities now classify the Reunion solitaire as an ibis, Theskiornis solitarius, and ibis remains have been found on the island which support this classification. The ibis remains indicate the bird had not lost the ability to fly, although lack of predators allowed it to adopt a terrestrial lifestyle. Others have suggested that the Reunion solitaire and the Reunion dodo referred to the same bird in its lean and fat forms. It appears to have lived solitarily in deep forests near freshwater, feeding on invertebrates that caught or dug out of the mud with its long beak. When threatened, it reportedly tried to get away on foot, but used its wings for assistance and would sometimes glide short distances, especially downhill. Travellers' reports and bone measurements indicate that it was well on its way to flightlessness, but was able to fly some distance under its own power after a running take-off. Was this the bird described by Mr Tatton, Chief Officer of Captain Samuel Castleton on the Pearl in 1613? "a great fowle of the bignesse of a Turkie, very fat, and so short winged, that they cannot fly, being white, and in a manner tame: and so be all other fowles, as having not been troubled nor feared with shot. Our men did beat them down with sticks and stones. Ten men may take fowle enough to serve fortie men a day." In 1674, the French traveller Du Bois depicted a white bird on Reunion and wrote "These birds are so-called solitaires because they are always found alone. They are as big as a goose and their plumage is white, with black tips to the wings and the tail. The tail has some feathers resembling an ostrich. They have a long neck and a beak shaped like the wood-cocks but larger. Their legs and feet are like those of the turkey. This bird is caught by running after it, as it flies very little. It is the best game of the island." This description suggests a type of ibis and, interesting, does not refer to it as flightless, merely states that it rarely flew. Carre, secretary of the French East Indies Company, wrote in 1669 that two Reunion solitaires were sent to the Royal menagerie, but that they did not arrive: "We wanted to preserve two of these birds to send them to France to His Majesty, but as soon as they came on board, they died of melancholy refusing to eat or drink." Between 1735 and 1746, Mahe de La Bourdonnais, governor of Mauritius and Reunion sent either a Reunion solitaire or a Reunion white dodo as a present to the director of the French East Indies Company, but it evidently expired en route as there are no records of it arriving in France. DODO AND SOLITAIRE (HARMSWORTH NATURAL HISTORY) The entry for the Dodo and Solitaire in Harmsworth Natural History (1910) as a footnote to the section on the pigeon family: The dodo and its near ally the solitaire (family Diddae) are totally extinct members of the order, characterised by their very large size and massive build, accompanied by a complete incapacity for flight. The members of the group were entirely confined to the islands of Mauritius, Reunion, and Rodriguez. A native of Mauritius, and the sole representative of its genus, the dodo (Didus ineptus) was somewhat larger than a swan, with rudimentary wings, and a tail composed of short, curly feathers. The beak was very large and hooked, the body remarkably heavy, and the legs and feet short and stout. Large, clumsy, and defenceless, the dodo was a bird marked out for early destruction; and soon after its discovery it fell a prey to sailors, and the animals introduced by them into its island home. A few scattered relics of stuffed specimens, together with bones dug up from the peat of Mauritius, are all that are left of this bird; but fortunately a good idea of its appearance is given in several contemporary pictures. It was discovered by Admiral Van Neck in 1598, was still abundant in 1601, and was known to be living eighty years later, although by 1691 it appears to have been exterminated. An allied bird inhabited Reunion, but its precise affinities are unknown. The gigantic flightless pigeon of Rodriguez known as the solitaire (Pezophaps solitaria) survived till a later date than the dodo, having probably lingered on in the more remote parts of the island till 1761. It was much longer in the leg than the dodo, and had a proportionately. longer neck, and the males, which were far superior in size to the females, were furnished with a peculiar ball-like excrescence on each wing. The French navigator Leguat, who visited Rodriguez in 1691, and found the solitaire abundant, has given a good account of its habits, and a truthful, if somewhat pre-Raphaelite, portrait; while of late years numerous fossil bones of the solitaire have been brought to Europe, so that we have now a fair idea of its organisation and affinities.
Bird
In 2012 which MP resigned over the “Plebgate” affair?
Image Gallery: 25 Amazing Ancient Beasts Image Gallery: 25 Amazing Ancient Beasts By Live Science Staff | April 12, 2011 12:54pm ET MORE Artistic Views of Ancient Beasts Credit: Marlene Donnelly There seems to be no end to the odd creatures that scientists find by digging up fossils. Here we celebrate some of the coolest extinct fish, mammals, dinosaurs, birds and other beasts discovered in recent years by showcasing the artistic representations that reveal what they might have looked like. Dino Turkey Credit: Michael W. Skrepnick This fleshed-out rendering by artist Michael Skrepnick best represents what a dinosaur called Hagryphus looked like. Plesiosaur Credit: Nicolle Rager, National Science Foundation This artist s rendering reveals what an ancient marine reptile called a plesiosaur discovered in Antarctica may have looked like. The plesiosaur described in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, though not the same species, also sported four fins and a long neck. Analyses of shark teeth embedded in the reptile s bones suggest a feeding frenzy of sorts once the reptile died. Aerosteon dinosaur Credit: Todd Marshall c 2008, courtesy of Project Exploration This flesh rendering of the predator Aerosteon shows its lungs (red) and air sacs (other colors) as they might have been in life about 85 million years ago. This huge carnivorous dinosaur that lived about 85 million years ago had a breathing system much like that of today s birds, a new analysis of fossils reveals, reinforcing the evolutionary link between dinos and modern birds. Megapiranha An artist s rendering of Megapiranha paranensis, a 3-foot-long ancestor of the modern piranha. Camarasaurus Credit: Mark Witton/Mike Taylor An artist impression of a camarasaurus, an extinct sauropod dinosaur thought to have lived 100 million years ago in what is now the Sahara Desert. Mammoth Credit: Stephan Shuster Lab, Penn State Drawing of a woolly mammoth. These beasts were bigger than mastodons and had curved rather than straight tusks. Most died off around 10,000 years ago. Dunkleosteus terrelli Credit: Mark Westneat This prehistoric fish, Dunkleosteus terrelli, was big, mean, and it could bite a shark in two. Scientists say Dunkleosteus terrelli might have been "the first king of the beasts." The prehistoric fish was 33 feet long and weighed up to four tons. The creature lived 400 million years ago. Art by Karen Carr in the Field Museum s Evolving Planet exhibit. Monster Whale Credit: Brian Choo / Source: Museum Victoria This ancient whale, extinct 25 million years, was a vicious hunter, scientists figure. Though likely an ancestor of modern baleen whales, gentle giants of today’s seas this beast had monstrous teeth and huge eyes thought to have been good for hunting. Mega Fauna Credit: Carl Buell/Florida Museum of Natural History A 7-foot-tall prehistoric bird with a monster-size noggin arrived in North America from South America long before a land bridge connected the two continents, a new study reveals. The flightless, carnivorous terror birds—that s what scientists call them—likely hopped to North America via islands that came to form what is today the Isthmus of Panama. Artist rendering of what North Florida may have looked like during about 2 million years ago. The terror bird is shown at the bottom left. Giant Snake Credit: Jason Bourque The extinct giant snake (shown in an artist s reconstruction) would have sent even Hollywood s anacondas slithering away. Researchers conservatively estimate the snake weighed about 2,500 pounds (1,140 kg) and measured nearly 43 feet (13 meters) from nose to tail tip. It was a type of non-venomous constrictor like anacondas and boas and lived in South America s rainforests some 60 million years ago. Aquatic Turtle Credit: Marlene Donnelly A half-shell turtle species that swam in China s coastal waters 220 million years ago is the oldest turtle known to date. It had a belly shell, but its back was basically bare of armor. The ancient aquatic turtle, Odontochelys semitestacea, swam in the coastal waters of China. Airplane-Size Bird Credit: Ludger Bollen, from "Der Flug des Archaeopteryx", Quelle+Meyer Vlg. Imagine a bird like an ocean-going goose almost the size of a small plane. That was this ancient, giant pseudo-toothed bird, or pelagornithid. It lived around what is now England 50 million years ago. Hurdia Victoria Reconstruction of Hurdia victoria, a 500-million-year-old monster-looking predator that was about 1.5 feet long. Three-Fingered Dinosaur Credit: Portia Sloan The fossilized hands from this plant-eating dinosaur reveal a transitional step in the evolution of modern wings from dino digits. The finding could resolve a debate over which fingers ultimately became embedded in the wing. This dinosaur, Limusaurus inextricabilis, may have used its three-fingered hands to help it stand upright from a lying position. Its hand showed a vestigial first finger and robust second and third fingers. Giganotosaurus Credit: Joe Tucciarone Giganotosaurus was 47 feet long and weighed 8 tons. It lived 95 million years ago. It was not the biggest carnivore ever, though. That credit goes ti Spinosaurus, thought to reach 55 feet in length. Troodon Credit: Todd Marshall Troodon had one of the largest brain-to-body size ratios of any known dinosaur and it is believed to have been one of the most intelligent dinosaurs that ever lived. Its large, slightly forward facing eyes suggest that it was a nocturnal creature with excellent depth perception and it had long arms that it could fold back like a bird. It lived about 70 million years ago. Darwinopterus Credit: Mark Witton, University of Portsmouth The remains of this flying reptile, called Darwinopterus modularis, suggest the animals may have been an aerial predator, hunting small feathered dinosaurs (such as the one depicted here) and tiny gliding mammals some 160 million years ago. European Cave Bears Credit: Copyright N. Frotzler, University of Vienna European cave bears were the first of the mega-mammals to die out in the most recent historical round of big-time extinctions, going extinct around 13 millennia earlier than was previously thought, according to a new estimate. The new extinction date, 27,800 years ago, coincides with a period of significant climate change, known as the Last Glacial Maximum, when a marked cooling in temperature resulted in a reduction or total loss of the vegetation that the cave bears ate. Giant Ape Credit: McMaster University A gigantic ape standing 10 feet tall and weighing up to 1,200 pounds lived alongside humans for over a million years, researchers say. A fresh analysis of two previously found skulls determined they're 200,000 old, making them the oldest known examples of our species. Yet fossil records indicate musical instruments, drawings, needles and other sophisticated tools didn't appear until about 50,000 years ago, suggesting Homo sapiens had a pretty lowbrow culture for 150,000 years. Well, evolution takes time. Another team found the fossilized remains of what they think is humankind’s first walking ancestor, from 4 million years ago. Other research confirmed that the oldest human ancestor, from the time when we split with the apes, lived around 6 million years ago. Oh, and you have to respect our relatively recent ancestors (the lowbrow folks) who we now know lived among 10-foot-tall gorillas that have since gone extinct. Maybe they were so busy running they had no time to paint or create alphabets. Woolly Rhino Credit: © Dionisio Álvarez The woolly rhinoceros grazed in the plains of what is now northern Thuringia in Germany. The climate at the time was icy cold and far drier than today, and fluctuated a great deal. Indohyus Credit: Carl Buell This ungulate Indohyus ranged in India 48 million years ago. Indohyus is a close relative of whales, and the structure of its bones and chemistry of its teeth indicate that it spent much time in water. In this reconstruction, it is seen diving in a stream, much like the modern African Mousedeer does when in danger. Glypto Armadillo Credit: Velizar Simeonovski This primitive, oversized armadillo relative, P. septentrionalis, likely weighed 200 pounds. It roamed high in the Andes in northern Chile 18 million years ago. Smilodon Cat Credit: John Conway Weighing an average of 550 pounds (250 kilograms), this saber-toothed cat, Smilodon fatalis, had a weaker bite than modern-day lions. Saber-toothed cats, often incorrectly called tigers, were social creatures that had a bite far less powerful than commonly thought. Giant Eagle Credit: John Megahan. The Haast's eagle of New Zealand, which lived just 700 years go, was 40 percent larger than today's record holder, the Harpy eagle, and it topped the local food chain. Here one is shown attacking the extinct New Zealand moa. The eagle grew so large it approached the physical limits of flight. The eagle, which was the subject of cave paintings and mythological tales from New Zealand s first inhabitants, the Maori, went extinct soon after the arrival of man, as did a number of other species on the islands. [ READ MORE ] Dino-Baby Eater Credit: Mark Witton, University of Portsmouth. A group of flying reptiles called Quetzalcoatlus may have strolled along a fern prairie eating baby dinosaurs for lunch. The reptiles may have even snacked on Tyrannosaurus Rex babies. Research suggested Quetzalcoatlus, which lived during the age of dinosaurs some 230 million to 65 million years ago did not catch prey in flight, but rather stalked them on land. Author Bio Live Science Staff, For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe. Live Science Staff, on Artistic Views of Ancient Beasts Credit: Marlene Donnelly There seems to be no end to the odd creatures that scientists find by digging up fossils. Here we celebrate some of the coolest extinct fish, mammals, dinosaurs, birds and other beasts discovered in recent years by showcasing the artistic representations that reveal what they might have looked like. Dino Turkey Credit: Michael W. Skrepnick This fleshed-out rendering by artist Michael Skrepnick best represents what a dinosaur called Hagryphus looked like. Plesiosaur Credit: Nicolle Rager, National Science Foundation This artist s rendering reveals what an ancient marine reptile called a plesiosaur discovered in Antarctica may have looked like. The plesiosaur described in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, though not the same species, also sported four fins and a long neck. Analyses of shark teeth embedded in the reptile s bones suggest a feeding frenzy of sorts once the reptile died. Aerosteon dinosaur Credit: Todd Marshall c 2008, courtesy of Project Exploration This flesh rendering of the predator Aerosteon shows its lungs (red) and air sacs (other colors) as they might have been in life about 85 million years ago. This huge carnivorous dinosaur that lived about 85 million years ago had a breathing system much like that of today s birds, a new analysis of fossils reveals, reinforcing the evolutionary link between dinos and modern birds. Megapiranha An artist s rendering of Megapiranha paranensis, a 3-foot-long ancestor of the modern piranha. Camarasaurus Credit: Mark Witton/Mike Taylor An artist impression of a camarasaurus, an extinct sauropod dinosaur thought to have lived 100 million years ago in what is now the Sahara Desert. Mammoth Credit: Stephan Shuster Lab, Penn State Drawing of a woolly mammoth. These beasts were bigger than mastodons and had curved rather than straight tusks. Most died off around 10,000 years ago. Dunkleosteus terrelli Credit: Mark Westneat This prehistoric fish, Dunkleosteus terrelli, was big, mean, and it could bite a shark in two. Scientists say Dunkleosteus terrelli might have been "the first king of the beasts." The prehistoric fish was 33 feet long and weighed up to four tons. The creature lived 400 million years ago. Art by Karen Carr in the Field Museum s Evolving Planet exhibit. Monster Whale Credit: Brian Choo / Source: Museum Victoria This ancient whale, extinct 25 million years, was a vicious hunter, scientists figure. Though likely an ancestor of modern baleen whales, gentle giants of today’s seas this beast had monstrous teeth and huge eyes thought to have been good for hunting. Mega Fauna Credit: Carl Buell/Florida Museum of Natural History A 7-foot-tall prehistoric bird with a monster-size noggin arrived in North America from South America long before a land bridge connected the two continents, a new study reveals. The flightless, carnivorous terror birds—that s what scientists call them—likely hopped to North America via islands that came to form what is today the Isthmus of Panama. Artist rendering of what North Florida may have looked like during about 2 million years ago. The terror bird is shown at the bottom left. Giant Snake Credit: Jason Bourque The extinct giant snake (shown in an artist s reconstruction) would have sent even Hollywood s anacondas slithering away. Researchers conservatively estimate the snake weighed about 2,500 pounds (1,140 kg) and measured nearly 43 feet (13 meters) from nose to tail tip. It was a type of non-venomous constrictor like anacondas and boas and lived in South America s rainforests some 60 million years ago. Aquatic Turtle Credit: Marlene Donnelly A half-shell turtle species that swam in China s coastal waters 220 million years ago is the oldest turtle known to date. It had a belly shell, but its back was basically bare of armor. The ancient aquatic turtle, Odontochelys semitestacea, swam in the coastal waters of China. Airplane-Size Bird Credit: Ludger Bollen, from "Der Flug des Archaeopteryx", Quelle+Meyer Vlg. Imagine a bird like an ocean-going goose almost the size of a small plane. That was this ancient, giant pseudo-toothed bird, or pelagornithid. It lived around what is now England 50 million years ago. Hurdia Victoria Reconstruction of Hurdia victoria, a 500-million-year-old monster-looking predator that was about 1.5 feet long. Three-Fingered Dinosaur Credit: Portia Sloan The fossilized hands from this plant-eating dinosaur reveal a transitional step in the evolution of modern wings from dino digits. The finding could resolve a debate over which fingers ultimately became embedded in the wing. This dinosaur, Limusaurus inextricabilis, may have used its three-fingered hands to help it stand upright from a lying position. Its hand showed a vestigial first finger and robust second and third fingers. Giganotosaurus Credit: Joe Tucciarone Giganotosaurus was 47 feet long and weighed 8 tons. It lived 95 million years ago. It was not the biggest carnivore ever, though. That credit goes ti Spinosaurus, thought to reach 55 feet in length. Troodon Credit: Todd Marshall Troodon had one of the largest brain-to-body size ratios of any known dinosaur and it is believed to have been one of the most intelligent dinosaurs that ever lived. Its large, slightly forward facing eyes suggest that it was a nocturnal creature with excellent depth perception and it had long arms that it could fold back like a bird. It lived about 70 million years ago. Darwinopterus Credit: Mark Witton, University of Portsmouth The remains of this flying reptile, called Darwinopterus modularis, suggest the animals may have been an aerial predator, hunting small feathered dinosaurs (such as the one depicted here) and tiny gliding mammals some 160 million years ago. European Cave Bears Credit: Copyright N. Frotzler, University of Vienna European cave bears were the first of the mega-mammals to die out in the most recent historical round of big-time extinctions, going extinct around 13 millennia earlier than was previously thought, according to a new estimate. The new extinction date, 27,800 years ago, coincides with a period of significant climate change, known as the Last Glacial Maximum, when a marked cooling in temperature resulted in a reduction or total loss of the vegetation that the cave bears ate. Giant Ape Credit: McMaster University A gigantic ape standing 10 feet tall and weighing up to 1,200 pounds lived alongside humans for over a million years, researchers say. A fresh analysis of two previously found skulls determined they're 200,000 old, making them the oldest known examples of our species. Yet fossil records indicate musical instruments, drawings, needles and other sophisticated tools didn't appear until about 50,000 years ago, suggesting Homo sapiens had a pretty lowbrow culture for 150,000 years. Well, evolution takes time. Another team found the fossilized remains of what they think is humankind’s first walking ancestor, from 4 million years ago. Other research confirmed that the oldest human ancestor, from the time when we split with the apes, lived around 6 million years ago. Oh, and you have to respect our relatively recent ancestors (the lowbrow folks) who we now know lived among 10-foot-tall gorillas that have since gone extinct. Maybe they were so busy running they had no time to paint or create alphabets. Woolly Rhino Credit: © Dionisio Álvarez The woolly rhinoceros grazed in the plains of what is now northern Thuringia in Germany. The climate at the time was icy cold and far drier than today, and fluctuated a great deal. Indohyus Credit: Carl Buell This ungulate Indohyus ranged in India 48 million years ago. Indohyus is a close relative of whales, and the structure of its bones and chemistry of its teeth indicate that it spent much time in water. In this reconstruction, it is seen diving in a stream, much like the modern African Mousedeer does when in danger. Glypto Armadillo Credit: Velizar Simeonovski This primitive, oversized armadillo relative, P. septentrionalis, likely weighed 200 pounds. It roamed high in the Andes in northern Chile 18 million years ago. Smilodon Cat Credit: John Conway Weighing an average of 550 pounds (250 kilograms), this saber-toothed cat, Smilodon fatalis, had a weaker bite than modern-day lions. Saber-toothed cats, often incorrectly called tigers, were social creatures that had a bite far less powerful than commonly thought. Giant Eagle Credit: John Megahan. The Haast's eagle of New Zealand, which lived just 700 years go, was 40 percent larger than today's record holder, the Harpy eagle, and it topped the local food chain. Here one is shown attacking the extinct New Zealand moa. The eagle grew so large it approached the physical limits of flight. The eagle, which was the subject of cave paintings and mythological tales from New Zealand s first inhabitants, the Maori, went extinct soon after the arrival of man, as did a number of other species on the islands. [ READ MORE ] Dino-Baby Eater Credit: Mark Witton, University of Portsmouth. A group of flying reptiles called Quetzalcoatlus may have strolled along a fern prairie eating baby dinosaurs for lunch. The reptiles may have even snacked on Tyrannosaurus Rex babies. Research suggested Quetzalcoatlus, which lived during the age of dinosaurs some 230 million to 65 million years ago did not catch prey in flight, but rather stalked them on land.
i don't know
Which music hall comedian was known as The Prime Minister of Mirth?
Sir George Robey | British comedian | Britannica.com Sir George Robey Alternative Title: George Edward Wade Sir George Robey Charlie Chaplin Sir George Robey, original name George Edward Wade (born Sept. 20, 1869, Herue Hill, Kent, Eng.—died Nov. 29, 1954, Saltdean, Sussex ), English music-hall comedian known for many years as “the prime minister of mirth.” Robey made his first appearance on the professional stage in 1891, and of his numerous character roles, the most famous—the collarless cleric with the red nose, the startled and heavy black eyebrows, the indignant stare, the ribald smile—was a quite early development. He entertained London audiences during World War I with The Bing Boys Are Here, a jovial musical comedy , and for 15 years thereafter he toured in his own revues and with his own companies. In 1932 he played King Menelaus in a lavish production of Offenbach’s Helen! and three years later he played Falstaff in Henry IV (Part I). He was best known for his extravagant characterizations, precise diction , and comic timing. Robey appeared in many pantomimes and films and in countless music-hall performances. A tireless perfectionist, he worked hard until his retirement at the age of 80. He was knighted in 1954. Learn More in these related articles: Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article! Contact our editors with your feedback. MEDIA FOR: You have successfully emailed this. Error when sending the email. Try again later. Edit Mode Submit Tips For Editing We welcome suggested improvements to any of our articles. You can make it easier for us to review and, hopefully, publish your contribution by keeping a few points in mind. Encyclopædia Britannica articles are written in a neutral objective tone for a general audience. You may find it helpful to search within the site to see how similar or related subjects are covered. Any text you add should be original, not copied from other sources. At the bottom of the article, feel free to list any sources that support your changes, so that we can fully understand their context. (Internet URLs are the best.) Your contribution may be further edited by our staff, and its publication is subject to our final approval. Unfortunately, our editorial approach may not be able to accommodate all contributions. Submit Thank You for Your Contribution! Our editors will review what you've submitted, and if it meets our criteria, we'll add it to the article. Please note that our editors may make some formatting changes or correct spelling or grammatical errors, and may also contact you if any clarifications are needed. Uh Oh There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later. Close Article Title: Sir George Robey Website Name: Encyclopædia Britannica Date Published: February 14, 2008 URL: https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Robey Access Date: January 19, 2017 Share
George Robey
Which artist, described by Matisse as the father of modern painting, painted Apples and Oranges in 1899, The Bather in 1885-87 and The Card Players in 1890?
Archibald, Certainly Not! | George Robey Lyrics, Song Meanings, Videos, Full Albums & Bios Archibald, Certainly Not! / George Robey Video From album: The Prime Minister of Mirth The Prime Minister of Mirth ir George Edward Wade (20 September 1869 – 29 November 1954), better known by his stage name, George Robey, was an English music hall comedian and singer. He was known by audiences as the "Prime Minister of Mirth". Robey was born in Herne Hill, London into a middle class family. His father George was a civil engineer. He earned small fees from performing music and song at local venues, adopting the stage name "Robey" from a firm of builders, finally changing it by deed-poll. Robey's London début was made at the Royal Aquarium, as assistant to Professor Kennedy, a burlesque mesmerist, in 1891. In this act he sang songs, pretending to be under hypnosis. He was soon performing in his own act, and was booked at the Oxford Music Hall in June 1891, aged 21. Like many of his time, Robey's act consisted of patter and song, with elaborate stage costumes, often appearing in drag. He was renowned for his double entendres, and ordering his audience to "Desist" and "Kindly temper your hilarity with a modicum of reserve", in the manner adopted by later comedians such as Frankie Howerd. Naturally, these exhortations had the opposite effect. During World War I he was known for his enthusiastic participation in recruitment drives for the army. In one theatre he promised "a shiny florin for every recruit who signs on tonight". He raised over £500,000 for war charities and at the end of the war he was offered a knighthood for his services, but declined, accepting a CBE. In 1916, he appeared at the Alhambra Theatre in the musical/revue The Bing Boys Are Here.He was given the leading male part, Lucius Bing, opposite Violet Loraine as Emma. It became one of the most popular musicals of the time. His duet with Loraine If You Were the Only Girl (in the World) became a "signature song" of the era and endured as a pop standard. Robey continued to raise money for charity, raising over £2m for war savings in World War II, and in 1954 finally accepted a knighthood. Robey was also an artist, and a number of pen and ink self-caricatures are in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery. Robey also appeared in films. Among his most notable roles were Sancho Panza in both the 1923 film versions of Don Quixote, as Ali Baba in the 1934 film version of the musical comedy Chu Chin Chow, and as the dying Falstaff in Laurence Olivier's film version of Shakespeare's Henry V. Robey appeared in the early sound films And Very Nice Too and Good Queen Bess (both 1913), made in the Kinoplasticon process, where the film was synchronized with phonograph records. He also wrote and starred in two Lee De Forest Phonofilm sound-on-film productions, Safety First (1928) and Mrs. Mephistopheles (1929), both directed by Hugh Croise. Robey also had a brief association with Chelsea Football Club. Following a friendly match involving the club, in which he played and scored, he was awarded an amateur contract. In December 1905, George Robey brought a team of professional football players to Springfield Park, Wigan for a charity match against Wigan Town (1905–08) in aid of the Chief Constable’s "Clog and Stocking Fund". In 1909, Robey was hired by Manchester United to present the kits specially made for the 1909 FA Cup Final to the players, before providing the post-match entertainment after their 1–0 victory over Bristol City. https://sonichits.com/video/George_Robey/Archibald,_Certainly_Not! Length: PT Lyrics: Archibald Certainly Not!
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What was the main wood used by Thomas Chippendale in the 18th century?
Everything you need to know about Chippendale furniture Everything you need to know about Chippendale furniture 1 comment Chippendale is a style of furniture that became popular towards the end of the 18th century, designed by English cabinet maker Thomas Chippendale – after whom the style is named. Chippendale furniture is as popular as ever today, helping people create a period elegance in their homes. If you want to learn more about the popular style of furniture and its origins, read on. Who was Thomas Chippendale? Thomas Chippendale was born in the early 1700s but little more is known of his early life until he married in 1748. A few years later, he moved to the edge of Covent Garden and set up home, as well as establishing workshops where he made furniture. In 1754, Chippendale published a collection of furniture designs called Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director, which was enormously well-received by the public at the time. He was elected to the Society of Arts in 1759 and partnered with upholsterer James Rannie for a number of years until Rannie’s death, when Chippendale recruited his clerk Thomas Haig. Chippendale married again in 1777 after the death of his first wife in 1772, and died in 1779 from tuberculosis.   Styles of Chippendale furniture The Chippendale style is often described as being an anglicised type of Rococo, and Rococo is one of the styles Chippendale encompasses, along with Gothic and Chinese. Rococo Chippendale furniture often displays French influence, with chairs based on Louis XV designs, although usually less ostentatious. The ribbonback chair with a broad seat and cupid’s bow-style back rail is perhaps the most famous Chippendale design. Gothic Chippendale furniture is characterised by s-shaped curves and pointed arches in the backs of chairs, while Gothic bookcases were triangular at the top and had wooden glazing bars to hold the glass in place. Chinese Chippendale creations often included cabinets and shelves for china, and typically features pagoda-style pediments and glazing bars arranged in a fretwork design. This fretwork was also used on the edges of tea tables and on the backs and legs of chairs, often coated with lacquer. Modern Chippendale furniture Chippendale furniture continues to be popular in modern times as the furnishings are not only attractive and help to create an upmarket, classic feel in the home, they are also hardwearing and long-lasting. While original furniture from the 1700s is hard to come by – especially in a well-preserved form, you can invest in replica pieces made from solid mahogany that is virtually undetectable as a modern equivalent. Mahogany is a reddish-brown hardwood that is extremely durable and ideal for carving. It resists wood rot and can be transformed into items of furniture that, with little maintenance, will last for years. You’ll find bedside tables, writing desks and dressing tables among the Chippendale furniture available, and simply need to wipe the furnishings down with a damp cloth to remove dust that has settled. To keep your mahogany Chippendale furniture in good condition, avoid placing it near to sunlight, as this can cause the wood’s colour to fade. Similarly, furnishings should not stand near to radiators or fireplaces. Avoid placing hot dishes directly on your Chippendale furniture, and use coasters lined underneath with felt, as other materials may scratch or damage the wood. You can also add extra shine to your furniture by giving it a regular polish when the pieces are beginning to look a little dull.  
Mahogany
Which South Wales castle is the largest in Wales and second largest, after Windsor, in the UK?
Reconstructed Rooms | Furniture History | National Museum Reconstructed Rooms 18th Century Furniture Explore the refined splendour of furniture in Georgian Ireland. Increasing trade and economic development, together with an element of political independence, brought considerable wealth to the landed aristocracy and merchant classes in 18th century Ireland. The people of this country don’t seem solicitous of having good dwellings or more furniture than is absolutely necessary.                                            - Mary Granville (1700-1788), writer Towns and cities benefited from the widening of prominent streets. Elegant Georgian houses appeared in urban and rural settings and their nouveau riche owners patronised skilled craftsmen. In furniture, mahogany from the West Indies were the preferred wood, although walnut was still used. The designs of Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779), George Hepplewhite (1727-1786), and Thomas Sheraton (1751-1806) dramatically influenced furniture design. A distinctive Irish style developed characterized by cabriole legs and ball and claw feet. Seats narrowed towards the back resulting in a round form. Popular carved motifs included an eagle’s head, birds, rosettes, and scalloped shells. Due to increased trade links with the Far East there was a rise in the popularity of Chinese decorative work, Japanese lacquer and Japanned furniture. From the middle to the end of the century satinwood and other costly veneers were used. Neo-classical styles flourished and painted decoration and delicate mouldings were popular. Chair backs were made in a variety of shapes including oval, heart and shield. Their general design became simplified with tapered or fluted legs. 18th century chair 18th Century Dining Room I have not seen less than fourteen dishes of meat for dinner, and seven for supper during my peregrinations.                                 - Mary Granville (1700-1788), Writer The discovery of different foods and spices, new recipes and the variety of cookery books heightened the pleasures of 18th century dining. Increased importation of glass, porcelain and silverware resulted in large and elaborate dining services. New serving dishes and centerpieces embellished the table. Tableware spoke volumes about the host's standing in society while dining was governed by strict social rules and occasions. According to the formal “French method” of serving, different dishes were simultaneously placed on the table in prescribed locations. Having sampled a dish, a diner would pass the plate onto their neighbour. Employing a French cook was fashionable while menus could feature such delicacies as “lamb’s ear ragout, fricassée of frog, badger flambé.” Badger was relatively uncommon in 18th century cookbooks. Some wealthy households employed a confectioner and a cook. Grander meals lasted many hours and ran to dozens of dishes with the first course consisting of soups, stews, vegetables, boiled fish and meats arranged around a centerpiece. As each course finished servants brought in the “remove dishes,” which introduced and created anticipation for the next course. The second course generally included exotic pies and other baked savories. Elaborate desserts were the crowning glory of the occasion.
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Who described herself as “The last of the red hot mommas”?
Sophie Tucker — Free listening, videos, concerts, stats and photos at Last.fm swing Sophie Tucker (January 13, 1884 - February 9, 1966) was a singer and comedian, one of the most popular entertainers in America during the first third of the 20th century. She was born Sophia Kalish to a Jewish family in Czarist Russia. Her family emigrated to the United States when she was an infant, and settled in Hartford, Connecticut. The family changed its name to Abuza, and her parents opened a restaurant. She started singing for tips in her family's restaurant… read more
Sophie Tucker
Mark Almond was the lead singer of 80’s pop duo Soft Cell, but who was the other member of the band?
Sophie Tucker — Free listening, videos, concerts, stats and photos at Last.fm swing Sophie Tucker (January 13, 1884 - February 9, 1966) was a singer and comedian, one of the most popular entertainers in America during the first third of the 20th century. She was born Sophia Kalish to a Jewish family in Czarist Russia. Her family emigrated to the United States when she was an infant, and settled in Hartford, Connecticut. The family changed its name to Abuza, and her parents opened a restaurant. She started singing for tips in her family's restaurant… read more
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Which TV series evolved from a 1961 drama series called “Jacks and Knaves” by Colin Morris?
TV page of ULTIMATE MYSTERY/DETECTIVE WEB GUIDE A: Mystery/Detective Television Series Acapulco 27 Feb 1961-24 Apr 1961 (NBC-UA-Libra) 8 30-minute episodes, black and white, Mystery/Detective Action- Adventure; Patrick Malone and Gregg Miles, a pair of Korean war vets based in Acapulco, are bodyguards for attorney Mr.Carver. Starring:- JAMES COBURN as Gregg Miles; RALPH TAEGER as Patrick Malone; ALLISON HAYES as Chloe; TELLY SAVALAS as Mr. Carver; BOBBY TROUP as Bobby; and JASON ROBARDS, Sr. as Max Acapulco H.E.A.T 1993-94 and 1996-97 (Syndicated) 48 60-minute episodes; Espionage/Mystery/Detective Action Adventure; From a hotel base in Acapulco, our heroes from Hemisphere Emergency Action Team are the best anti-terrorist team fighting crime. They pose as photographers.Filmed in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Starring: CATHERINE OXENBERG as Ashley Hunter-Coddington (1993-94); BRENDAN KELLY as Mike Savage (1993-94); ALISON ARMITAGE as Cat-Catherine Avery Pascal; SPENCER ROCHFORT as Brett (1993-94); HOLLY FLORIA as Krissie Valentine (1993-94);MICHAEL WORTH as Tommy Chase; RANDY VASQUEZ as Marcos (1993-94); GRAHAM HEYWOOD as Arthur Small (1993-94); FABIO as Claudio (1993-94); JOHN VERNON as Mr Smith (1993-94); LYDIE DENIER as Nicole Bernard (1996-97); CHRISTA SAULS as Joanna Barnes (1996-97); Theme Music by: Michael Lloyd, Tommy Oliver, Jim Ervin; Performed by Pepper Mashay. Ace Crawford, Private Eye 15 Mar 1983-12 Apr 1983 (CBS/Conway); 7 Apr 1984-? (UK: ITV Yorkshire TV); 5 30-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective Sitcom; lucky but bumbling private detective; starring TIM CONWAY as Ace Crawford; Producers: Philip Weltman, Ron Clark; JOE REGALBUTO as Toomey; BILLY BARTY as Inch; SHERA DANESE as Luana; BILL HENDERSON as Mello; DICK CHRISTIE as Lt Fanning. Ace Crawford, Private Eye on Geocities Ace Crawford, Private Eye on about.com Ace Crawford, Private Eye on E! Online AD Police Files (Japan) (Animated) Set in "MegaTokyo" in 2027 AD, relentless technological development has resulted in the creation of Boomers, artificially intelligent androids with the potential to free mankind from physical labor. But anything that can be used can also be misused... AD Police Files: CD-ROMs Content Warning: Contains Nudity, Violence, Adult Situations. Recommended for Mature Audiences ONLY. Adam-12 21 Sep 1968-20 May 1975 (NBC/Universal/Jack Webb) 150 30-minute episodes; starring: MARTIN MILNER as Officer Pete Molloy; KENT McCORD as Officer Jim Reed; WILLIAM BOYETT as Sgt McDonald; GARY CROSBY as Officer Ed Wells; SHARON CLARIDGE as Dispatcher's Voice; WILLIAM STEVENS as Officer Jerry Walters (1968-69); JACK HOGAN as Sgt Jerry Miller (1969); MIKKI JAMISON as Jean Reed (1969); CLAUDE JOHNSON as Officer Norm Green (1970-71); FRED STROMSOE as Officer Woods (1974-75); WILLIAM ELLIOTT as Officer Grant (1974-75). New Adam-12 4 Oct 1989 (Syndicated), 52 60-minute episodes; starring Peter Parros as Officer Gus Grant, Ethan Wayne as Officer Matt Doyle, Miguel Fernandes as Santos {more cast: to be done} adam-12.com Adam-12 episode list at desiluweb.com Adam-12 at tvwav.com Adam-12 at Open Directory The Adventure of Ellery Queen 1950-52 (Dumont-ABC) black and white Creators: Frederic Dannay, Manfred Bennington Lee [see: Authors Q: Ellery Queen] Mystery/Detective drama series. Ellery Queen, a Mystery writer, keeps solving murders, while his father is an Inspector with the NYPD. December 1951: show switched from Dumont to ABC; January 1951, Lee Bowman became Ellery Queen, after the sudden death of Richard Hart. See also: Ellery Queen [1954]; The Further Adventures of Ellery Queen [1958]; Ellery Queen [1975]. Starring: RICHARD HART as Ellery Queen (1950-51); LEE BOWMAN as Ellery Queen (1951-52); FLORENZ AMES as Inspector Richard Queen. The Adventures of Fu Manchu 1956 (Syndicated) 39 30-minute episodes; Characters created by Sax Rohmer [see AuthorsR]; Mystery/Detective drama series. Evil Fu Manchu battles with Sir Dennis Nayland-Smith of Scotland Yard. Uniquely, for its day, featured a villain as anti-hero. Unshown pilot made in 1952 with Cedric Hardwicke. Starring: GLEN GORDON as Fu Manchu; SIR DENNIS NAYLAND-SMITH as Lester Matthews; CLARK HOWAT as Dr John Petrie; CARLA BALENDEN as Betty Leonard; LAURETTE LUEZ as Karamanch; JOHN GEORGE as Kolb. The Adventures of McGraw 2 July 1957-1 Apr 1958 (NBC/MM/Sharpe-Lewis); see: Meet McGraw. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes [USA title] 1955 (Sheldon Reynolds) black and white; 39 30-minute episodes; Starring: RONALD HOWARD as Sherlock Holmes; HOWARD MARION CRAWFORD as Dr Watson {more cast: to be done} The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes 24 Apr 1984-5 June 1984 (UK: ITV); 25 Aug 1985-29 Sep 1985 (season 2, UK: ITV); 14 Mar 1985-25 Apr 1985 (US: WGBH Boston "Mystery"); 6 Feb 1986-13 Mar 1986 (season 2, US: WGBH Boston "Mystery") starring Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes {more cast: to be done} The Return of Sherlock Holmes {to be done} The Hound of the Baskervilles {to be done} The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes {to be done} The Adventures of the Falcon 1955 (Syndicated-Federal-Bernard Schubert) black and white; 39 30-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series. Mike Waring (also known as The Falcon) is a freelance investigator. Adapted from a long running film series. Starring: CHARLES McGRAW as Mike Waring (The Falcon) Affairs of the Heart (1998-in production) {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series African Patrol 15 Apr 1958-6 Feb 1959 (UK: ITV/Kenya Production Ltd.); 1957 (US: Syndicated); British Patrol Inspector Paul Derek roams the jungles of East Africa, battling gun-runners, ivory poachers, smugglers, and vapid teleplays. The on-location filming was high-quality. John Bentley later starred in the British soap opera Crossroads, where he played Meg's unlucky husband Hugh Mortimer. Producer: Michael Sadler (M.E. Productions); Music: Phil Green; starring JOHN BENTLEY as Inspector Paul Derek. Agatha Christie's Poirot 8 Jan 1989-19 Mar 1989 (UK: ITV), starring DAVID SUCHET as Hercule Poirot; HUGH FRASER as Captain Hastings; PHILIP JACKSON as Inp. Japp (later Chief Insp.). Alfred Hitchcock Presents (CBS/NBC/Shamley) 1955-62; 268 30-minute episodes; plus 93 60-minute episodes; Creator: Alfred Hitchcock; Theme Music: Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette." Anthology series of Mystery/Detective stories, usually with twist endings. Introduced by Hitchcock, who personally directed 20 episodes. Literally hundreds of stars appeared in front of or behind the camera. See: The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Alien Nation 18 Sep 1989-17 Sep 1990 (Fox, TCF, Kenneth Johnson Prod.); 3 Oct 1990-? (UK: BSB); 1 120-minute episode; 21 60-minute episodes; Created by: Kenneth Johnson, Rockne O' Bannon; Music by: Steve Dorff, David Kuntz, Larry Herbstritt; Executive Producer: Kenneth John; Science Fiction/Mystery/Detective drama series. 250,000 aliens from the planet Tenkton land in 1995 USA. The show focusses on one of them, and his family, trying to assimilate into human society. The husband (renamed George Francisco) becomes a cop. Adapted from the film of the same name. Since the series ended, there have been occasional 120-minute TV Movies: "Dark Horizon" [1994], "Body and Soul" [1995], "Millennium" [1996], "The Enemy Within" [1996], "The Udara Legacy" [1997]. starring: GARY GRAHAM as Ace Detective Matthew Sikes; ERIC PIERPOINT as Detective George Francisco; MICHELLE SCARABELLI as Susan Francisco; LAUREN WOODLAND as Emily Francisco; SEAN SIX as Buck Francisco; TERRI TREAS as Cathi; JEFF MARCUS as Albert Einstein. The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan 9 Sep 1972-22 Sep 1974 (CBS); Hanna Barbera animation, Key Luke as the Voice of Chan The Amazing Mr.Malone 24 Sep 1951-10 Mar 1952 (ABC); Mondays 8:00 p.m.; __ 60-minute episodes; starring Lee Tracy as John J. Malone Mystery/Detective drama series about criminal lawyer John J. Malone, who solves many mysteries. Adapted from a radio series of the same name. Amy Prentice 1 Dec 1974-2 Feb 1975 (CBS); Sundays 8:30 p.m.; (to 6 July 75 on NBC: Mystery Movie); 20 May 1976-? (UK: ITV), __ 120-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series. Widowed 30-something Amy Prentiss is promoted to Chief of Detectives, San Francisco Police Department. Starring: JESSICA WALTER as Amy Prentiss; STEVE SANDOR as Detective Tony Russell; ARTHUR METRANO as Detective Rod Pena; JOHNNY SEVEN as Detective Contreras; HELEN HUNT as Jill Prentiss; GWENN MITCHELL as Joan Carter. The Andy Griffith Show/Andy of Mayberry 3 Oct 1960-16 Sep 1968 (CBS); 249 30-minute episodes; Police Sitcom. Sheriff Andy Taylor of small town Mayberry, North Carolina; a widower with a young son called Opie. "Gomer Pyle USMC" was a spin off when that character left Mayberry for the marines. The show was later retitled "Mayberry RFD" when Andy Griffith left the show. Reunion TV Movie "Return to Mayberry" [April 1986]. Starring: ANDY GRIFFITH as Andy Taylor; DON KNOTTS as Barney Fife (1960-65); RONNY HOWARD (later a major producer/director) as Opie Taylor; ELINOR DONAHUE as Ellie Walker (1960-61); FRANCIS BAVIER as Aunt Bee Taylor; HOPE SUMMERS as Clara Edwards; JIM NABORS as Gomer Pyle (1963-64); ANETA CORSAUT as Helen Crump (1964-68); GEORGE LINDSEY as Goober Pyle (1963-64); HOWARD McNEAR as Floyd Lawson; HAL SMITH as Otis Campbell (1960-67); JACK DODSON as Howard Sprague (1966-68); PAUL HARTMAN as Emmett Clark (1967-68); BETTY LYNN as Thelma Lou (1960-65); JACK BURNS as Warren Ferguson (1965-66); PARLEY BAER as Mayor Stoner (1962-63); KEN BERRY as Sam Jones (1968); BURT MUSTIN as Jud Crowley (1961-66). Angel 1999 (WB); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Angel Street 1992 (CBS) 1 pilot 120-minute episode; 8 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series revolving around two female detectives, Anita (African-American college grad) and Caucasian street-wise Dorothy. Cancelled after 3 episodes. The 120 minute episode is a pilot TV Movie. Starring ROBIN GIVENS as Detective Anita King; PAMELA GIDLEY as Detective Dorothy Paretsky; JOE GUZALDO as Sgt Ciamaccio; RON DEAN as Detetcive Kenny Branigan; RICK SNYDER as Detective Kanaskie; DANNY GOLDRING as Detective Delaney; LURAY COOPER as Detective Llewellyn. Anna Lee 1993-1994 (UK: ITV); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Archer 30 Jan 1975-13 Mar 1975 (NBC/Paramount); 1 90-minute episode; 7 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series about private detective Lew Archer. TV Movie pilot: "The Underground Man." Starring: Brian Keith as Lew Archer / John S. Ryan Armchair Detective 6 July 1949-28 Sep 1949 (CBS); starring: John Milton Kennedy as Mr.Crime Interrogator, and H. Allen Smith as Mr.Crime Authority {more cast: to be done} Arrest and Trial 15 Sep 1963-19 Apr 1964 (ABC/Universal/Revue); 24 Apr 1964-3 Nov 1964 (UK: BBC); Producer: Frank P. Rosenberg; 30 90-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series. A show in two parts: in the first half, Detective Sergeant Nick Anderson captures a criminal. In the second half, attorney John Egan tries to set him free. starring: BEN GAZZARA as Det Sgt Nick Anderson; CHUCK NORRIS as Attorney John Egan. Arresting Behavior 18 Aug 1992-9 Sep 1992 (ABC) 5 30-minute episodes; Police sitcom. Two mismatched cops are followed on duty by a TV crew; crudely parodying the many "reality" shows (i.e. "Cops") on contemporary American TV. starring: LEO BURMESTER as Officer Bill Ruskin; CHRIS MULKEY as Officer Pete Walsh; RON ELDARD as Officer Donny Walsh; JOEY SIMMRIN as Seth Ruskin; LEE GARLINGTON as Connie Ruskin; AMY HATHAWAY as Rhoada Ruskin; ERIC BALFOUR as Billy Ruskin. Aspen 1977 (Universal/Roy Huggins "Best Sellers") 6 95-minute episodes; Writer/Director: Douglas Heyes adapted from the Novels: "Aspen" by Bert Hirschfield and "The Adversary" by Bart Spicer; Music: Tom Scott, Mike Melvoir; Producer: Jo Swerling, Jr.; Mystery/Detective drama serial. Lawyer investigates a murder within the exclusive ski resort 's jet set. starring: SAM ELLIOTT; PERRY KING; MICHELLE PHILLIPS; JOHN McINTYRE; GENE BARRY; BO HOPKINS; TONY FRANCIOSA; JOSEPH COTTON; JOHN HOUSEMAN. The Asphalt Jungle 2 Apr 1961-24 Sep 1961 (ABC-MGM); Sundays 9:30 p.m.; 13 60-minute episodes; black and white Mystery/Detective drama series. Tough cops headed by Deputy Commissioner Matthew Gower; adapted from 1950 film of the same name. Music: Duke Ellington; starring: JACK WARDEN as Matthew Gower; ARCH JOHNSON as Captain Gus Honochek; BILL SMITH as Sergeant Danny Keller. Assignment Vienna 28 Sep 1972-9 June 1973 (ABC-MGM); Thursdays 9:00 p.m., moved to Saturdays 10:00 p.m.; 1 96-minute episode; plus 8 60-minute episode; Mystery/Detective/Espionage drama series. In Vienna, Austria, Bar owner Jake Webster helps the U.S. Army track down valuables looted by the Nazis in World War II, and becomes involved in other spy situations. TV Movie pilot (starring Roy Schieder): "Assignment Munich"; the show rotated with two other series: "The Delphi Bureau" and "Jigsaw." The three series together were called "The Men." Starring: ROBERT CONRAD as Jake Webster; CHARLES CIOFFI as Major Caldwell; ANTON DIFFRING as Inspector Hoffman. The Automan 15 Dec 1983-2 Apr 1984 (ABC); 12 May 1984-28 Aug 1984 (UK: BBC1); Glen A. Larson; 1 70-minute episode; 12 60-minute episode; Thursday 8:00 p.m., moved to Mondays 8:00 p.m.; Creator/Producer: Glen A. Larson; Music: J.A.C. Radford, Morton Stevens; Science Fiction/Mystery/Detective drama series. Computer genius cop creates a three-dimensional super-cop. starring CHUCK WAGNER as Automan; DESI ARNAZ, Jr., as Walter Nebicher; ROBERT LANSING as Lt Jack Curtis; HEATHER McNAIR as Roxanne Caldwell; GERALD S. O'LOUGHLIN as Capt E.G. Boyd B: Mystery/Detective Television Series B.A.D. Cats 4 Jan 1980-8 Feb 1980 (ABC/Spelling-Cramer); 11 Dec 1980-? (UK: ITV); 6 60-minute episodes; Executive Producers: Aaron Spelling, Douglas S. Cramer Producer: Everett Chambers; Mystery/Detective drama series. Two cops work for the Burglary Auto Detail, Commercial Auto Thefts department. Starring: STEVEN HANKS as Ocee James; ASHER BRAUNER as Nik Donovan; MICHELLE PFEIFFER as Samantha Jensen; VIC MORROW as Capt Skip Nathan; JIMMIE WALKER as Rodney Washington. B.L. Stryker 13 Feb 1989-? 1990 (ABC/TWS/Universal); 27 Apr 1991-25 May 1991 (UK: ITV); 12 120-minute episodes; Executive Producers: Tom Selleck, Burt Reynolds; Producer: Alan Barnette Mystery/Detective drama series. One of ABC's Mystery Movie rotating series. B.L. Stryker, Vietnam Vet, is a private detective working in Palm Beach, Florida, while living on a houseboat. starring BURT REYNOLDS as B.L. Stryker; Ossie OSSIE DAVIS as Oz Jackson; RITA MORENO as Kimberly Baskin; DANA KAMINSKI as Lynda Lennox; MICHAEL O'SMITH as Chief McGee; ALFIE WISE as Oliver. Bakersfield PD 1993-94 (Fox/Rock Island/ Touchstone) 17 30-minute episodes; Crime sitcom about dumb cops in semi-rural California town's police department; Creator/Executive Producer: Larry Levin / Producer: Paul Mazur; Director: Dean Parisot; Starring: RON ELDARD as Det. Wade Preston; GIANCARLO ESPOSITO as Det. Paul Gigante; CHRIS MULKEY as Officer Denny Boyer; TONY PLANA as Officer Luke Ramirez; BRIAN DOYLE-MURRAY as Sgt. Phil Hampton; JACK HALLETT as Capt. Aldo Stiles. Banacek 13 Sep 1972-3 Sep 1974 (NBC/Universal "Mystery Movie"); 8 July 1975-23 Dec 1977 (UK: ITV) 17 90-minute episodes (including pilot); Creators: Richard Levinson, William Link; Music: Billy Goldenberg; Executive Producer: George Eckstein; Producer: Howie Horowitz; Mystery/Detective drama series. Polish-American Thomas Banacek is a freelancer for insurance companies; he tracks down stolen goods. Starring GEORGE PEPPARD as Thomas Banacek; RALPH MANZA as Jay Drury; MURRAY MATHESON as Felix Mulholland; CHRISTINE BELFORD as Carlie Kirkland; LINDEN CHILES as Penniman. Banyon 15 Sep 1972-12 Jan 1973 (NBC/Warner/Quinn Martin); 26 Aug 1975-? (UK: ITV); 1 96-minute episode; plus 13 60-minute episodes; Period Mystery/Detective drama series. Los Angeles-based private detective in the 1930s. Miles C. Banyon was provided a new secretary each week,free, by Peggy Revere, who owned a secretarial school. Executive Producer: Quinn Martin Producer: Richard Alan Simmons; Starring: ROBERT FORSTER as Miles C. Banyon; JOAN BLONDELL as Peggy Revere; JULIE GREGG as Abby Graham; RICHARD JAECKEL as Lt. Pete McNeil; JOSE FERRER; DARREN McGAVIN; HERB EDELMAN. Baretta 17 Jan 1975-18 May 1978 (ABC/Universal/ Roy Huggins/Public Arts); 6 Jan 1978-3 Mar 1979 (UK: ITV), 80 60-minute episodes; Creator: Stephen J. Cannell; Theme Music ("Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow" sung by Sammy Davis, Jr.; Music by: Dave Grusin, Tom Scott; Executive Producers: Roy Huggins, Bernard L. Kowalski, Anthony Spinner; Producer: Jo Swerling, Jr.; Mystery/Detective drama series. Streetwise Italian-American cop. Revamp of Toma [1973]. Starring: ROBERT BLAKE as Detective Tony Baretta; EDWARD GROVER as Lt. Hal Brubaker; MICHAEL D. ROBERTS as Rooster; DANA ELCAR as Inspector Schiller; TOM EWELL as Billy Truman; CHINO WILLIAMS as Fats. Barlow at Large 23 Jan 1974-26 Feb 1975 (UK: BBC1); 16 50-minute episodes; Spinoff from The Days of Vengeance and Z Cars; but without Barlow's former sidekick John Watt, who stayed with Softly, Softly; starring Stratford Johns as Det. Chief Supt. Charlie Barlow; Neil Stacy as A.G. Fenton; Norman Crner as Det. Sgt. Rees; Derek Newark as Det. Insp. Tucker Barnaby Jones 28 Jan 1973-3 Apr 1980 (CBS/Quinn Martin Prod.); 4 Apr 1974-? (UK: ITV); 174 60-minute episodes; Creator/Executive Producer: Quinn Martin; Music: Jerry Goldsmith; Mystery/Detective drama series. Retired private detective Barnaby Jones, when his son is murdered, has to run the family detective business again. Starring: BUDDY EDSON as Barnaby Jones; LEE MERIWEATHER as Betty Jones; MARK SHERA as Jebidiah Roman "JR" Jones; JOHN CARTER as Lt.Biddle. Barney Blake: Police Reporter 22 Apr 1948-8 July 1948 (NBC); 13 30-minute episodes; black and white; starring Gene O'Donnell as Barney Blake; Judy Parrish as Jennifer Allen; The very first regularly scheduled mystery/detective series on television! Broadcast live, this featured a newspaper reporter and his secretary solving crimes, mostly murder. Sponsor pulled plug after 13 weeks (American Tobacco Co.). Barney Miller Pilot: 22 Aug 1974; show 1975-82 (ABC/Four D); 168 30-minute episodes; 1 60-minute episode; Creators: Danny Arnold, Theodore J. Flicker; Executive Producers: Danny Arnold, Roland Kibbee; Producer: Chris Hayward; Police Sitcom. Cops of Greenwich Village, New York City's Twelve Precinct. Great ensemble acting, clever scripts. Pilot episode "The Life and Times of Barney Miller." Spin Off Fish; Starring: HAL LINDEN as Capt. Barney Miller; MAXWELL GAIL as Det. Stan "Wojo" Wojciehowicz; ABE VIGODA as D.S. Phillip Fish (1975-77); GREGORY SIERRA as D.S. Chano Amenguale (1975-76); JACK SOO as D.S. Nick Yemana (1975-78); RON GLASS as D.S. Ron Harris; JAMES GREGORY as Inspector Frank Luger; STEVE LANDESBERG as D.S. Arthur Dietrich (1976-82); RON CAREY as Off. Carl Levitt (1976-82); LINDA LAVIN as Det. Janice Wentworth (1975-76); BARBARA BARRIE as Elizabeth Miller(75-76). Batman 1965-69 (Fox/Greenaway); 120 30-minute episodes; Creator: Bob Kane; Theme Music: Neal Hefti (theme), Nelson Riddle; Producer: Howie Horowitz; Executive Producer: William Dozier; Science Fiction/mystery/detective comedy/drama series. Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson (as superheroes Batman and Robin) try to eliminate evil from the comic/noir streets of Gotham City. Starring: ADAM WEST as Batman/Bruce Wayne; BURT WARD as Robin/Dick Grayson; ALAN NAPIER as Alfred; MADGE BLAKE as Aunt Harriet; NEIL HAMILTON as Commissioner Gordon; STAFFORD REPP as Chief O'Hara; YVONNE CRAIG as Batgirl; CESAR ROMERO as The Joker; BURGESS MEREDITH as The Penguin; GEORGE SANDERS as Mr Freeze; FRANK GORSHIN as the Riddler; a very sexy JULIE NEWMAR as Catwoman; VICTOR BUONO as King Tut. Battery Park 23 March 2000-? (NBC); __ 30-minute episodes; Creators: Garry Goldberg, Chris Henchy; Executive Producer: Garry David Goldberg Mystery/detective comedy/drama series. Cops versus mobsters. Starring: ELIZABETH PERKINS as Captain Madeleine Dunlevy; JUSTIN LOUIS as Detective Ben Nolin; JACQUELINE OBRADORS as Detective Elena Vera; BOKEEM WOODBINE as Detective Derek Finley; FRANK GRILLO as Detective Anthony 'Stig' Stigliano; ROBERT MAILHOUSE as Detective Kevin Strain; JAY PAULSON as Detective Carl Zerrinal; SAM LLOYD as Ray Giddeon. Bearcats! 1971 (CBS); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The Beat 2000 (UPN) __ 60-minute episodes; Creator: Tom Fontana; Executive Producers: Barry Levinson, Tom Fontana, Jim Finnerty; Mystery/detective drama series. Two cops as partners: Mike Dorigan and Zane Marinelli. Starring: DEREK CECIL as Mike Dorigan; MARK RUFFALO as Zane Marinelli; HEATHER BURNS as Beatrice Felsen; POPPY MONTGOMERY as Elizabeth Waclawek; TOM NOONAN as Captain Howard Schmidt; LEA DELARIA as Officer Kathy Speck; PAT McNAMARA as Uncle Connie Dorigan; DAVID ZAYAS as Officer Ray; LEE TERGESEN as Steve Dorigan; JEFFREY DONOVAN as Officer Brad Ulrich. The Beiderbecke Affair 6 Jan 1985-10 Feb 1985 (UK: ITV); Creator: Alan Plater; Music: Frank Ricotti; Executive Producer: David Cunliffe; Producer: Anne W. Gibbons; Director: David Reynolds; Starring: JAMES BOLAM as Trevor Chaplin; other cast {to be done} 6 60-minute episodes; Sequel: The Beiderbecke Tapes 13 Dec 1987-20 Dec 1987 (UK: ITV); 2 90-minute episodes; Sequel: The Beiderbecke Connection 27 Nov 1988-18 Dec 1988 (UK: ITV); 4 60-minute episodes; Bellamy 26 June 1981-? (Australia: Ten Network/Grundy); 1 Sep 1984-4 Apr 1987 (UK: ITV); 26 60-minute episodes; Executive Producer: Don Battye (see: Bluey); Based on Special Crime Squad in Australia; Starring: JOHN STANTON as Bellamy; TIM ELSTON as Mitchell. Bergerac 18 Oct 1981-9 Mar 1991 (UK: BBC/Australia: Seven Network); Creator: Robert Banks Stewart; Title Music: George Fenton; Producers: Robert Banks Stewart, Jonathan Alwyn, George Galaccio; Alcoholic Jim Bergerac starts as Detective Sergeant of the Channel Islands' Bureau des Etrangers, the local cops of the exclusive British island of Jersey. He has a rocky marriage to Deborah, and millionnaire father-in-law Charlie Hungerford is linked to all 84 crimes that Bergerac investigates. Starring: JOHN NETTLES as Detective Sergeant Jim Bergerac; TERRENCE ALEXANDER as Charlie Hungerford; SEAN ARNOLD as Chief Insp. Barney Crozier; DEBORAH GRANT as Deborah Bergerac; CECILE PAOLI as Francine; other cast {to be done} Bert D'Angelo, Superstar 1976 (Quinn Martin); 13 60-minute episodes; Producer: Mort Fine; Mystery/detective drama series, spun off from The Streets of San Francisco, but set in New York. Starring: PAUL SORVINO as Bert D'Angelo. Beverly Hills Buntz 17 Mar 1988-7 Apr 1988 (NBC); Spinoff from Hill Street Blues; Starring: DENNIS FRANZ as Norm Buntz; PETER DURASIK as Sid; {to be done} Biff Baker USA 1953 (Universal) 26 30-minute episodes; black and white; Espionage drama series. American couple spying behind the Iron Curtain. Starring: ALAN HALE, Jr.; and RANDY STUART. Big Guns see Charlesworth Big Shamus, Little Shamus 29 Sep 1979-6 Oct 1979 (CBS); 13 60-minute episodes (2 aired); Saturdays 9:00 p.m.; Mystery/detective drama series. Arnie Sutter is "house detective" in the bustling Atlantic City, New Jersey, Ansonia Hotel. The "Little Shamus" is Arnie's 13 year old son, Max, who gets involved in his father's exploits. Promising, yet cancelled after 2 episodes. Starring: BRIAN DENNEHY as Arnie Sutter; DOUG McKEON as Max Sutter; GEORGE WYNER as George Korman; KATHRYN LEIGH SCOTT as Stephanie Marsh; TY HENDERSON as Jerry Wilson; CYNTHIA SIKES as Jingles Lodestar. The Bill 16 Oct 1984-7 Dec 1987 (UK: ITV); 35 60-minute episodes; plus 315 30-minute episodes; Creator: Geoff McQueen; Title Music: Andy Pask, Charlie Morgan; Executive Producers: Michael Chapman, Lloyd Shirley; Producers: Michael Chapman, Peter Creegan, Pat Sandys, Tony Virgo, Peter Wolfes; Starring: PETER ELLIS as Chief Supt. Charles Brownlow; rest of cast: {to be done} Black Tie Affair 1993, (NBC); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Blacke's Magic 5 Jan 1986-8 May 1986 (MCA/Universal); 7 Apr 1987-23 June 1987 (UK: ITV); 13 60-minute episodes; Retired stage magician Hal Linden (Barney Miller) becomes private eye, aided by witty father-in-law Harry Morgan (M*A*S*H); Creators: Peter S. Fischer, Richard Levinson, William Link; Executive Producers: Peter S. Fischer; Producer: Robert F. O'Neill; Tech Adviser: Jim Steinmeyer (asst. to Doug Henning); Starring: HAL LINDEN as Alexander Blacke; HARRY MORGAN as Leonard Blacke; {to be done} Blood and Orchids 1987; 2 120-minute episodes; Mystery/detective drama serial. Hawaiian Captain Maddox investigates four youths who purportedly raped the wife of a Lieutenant. Starring KRIS KRISTOFFERSON as Captain Maddox. Blood Money 6 Sep 1981-11 Oct 1981 (UK: BBC1); 6 30-minute episodes; German terrorist Irene Kohl kidnaps son of UN official. Original script had kidnapping victim as 10-year-old Earl, 17th-in-line to the throne, but Buckingham Palace forced changes. Writer: Arden Winch; Producer: Gerard Glaister; Director: Michael E. Briant; Starring: BERNARD HEPTON as Chief Supt. Meadows; MICHAEL DENNISON as Capt. Percival; JULIET HAMMOND-HILL as Irene Kohl; {to be done} Blood Rights 24 Oct 1990-7 Nov 1990 (UK: BBC2); 3 55-minute episodes; realistic black P.I.; Creator/Writer: Mike Phillips (black journalist); Producer: Caroline Oulton; Director: Lesley Manning; starring BRIAN BOVELL as Sammy Dean; {to be done} The Blue Knight 17 Dec 1975-27 Oct 1976 (CBS/Lorimar); 5 Jan 1985-? (UK: ITV); 1 90-minute episodes; 13 60-minute episodes; Music: Henry Mancini; Producer: Joel Rogosin; Mystery/detective drama series about a Los Angeles cop. Adapted from novel by Joseph Wambaugh (best-selling author and former LAPD member, who'd consulted on POLICE STORY); Before the TV Movie pilot for the series, there'd been a previous TV Movie (1973) with the same title and theme, which won an Emmy for William Holden (as Bumper); Starring: GEORGE KENNEDY as Bumper Morgan (AKA The Blue Knight); PHILLIP PINE as Sgt. Newman; JOHN STEADMAN as Wimpy; CHARLES SIEBERT as Sgt.Cabe; LIN McCARTHY as Lt.Hauser. The Blue Light 1965 (ABC/TCF); 17 30-minute episodes; Espionage drama series. World War II US agent undercover in Nazi Germany. Starring: ROBERT GOULET. Blue Thunder 6 Jan 1984-7 Sep 1984 (ABC/Rastar/Public Arts/Columbia); 6 Feb 1984-16 Apr 1984 (UK: BBC1); 11 60-minute episodes; Adapted from movie of same name (1984) starring Roy Scheider, about super-helicopter for crime fighting with the mythical APEX government agency, in Los Angeles, sometimes assigned to FBI or Treasury. Executive Producers: Roy Huggins, David Moessinger; Producers: Jeri Taylor, Donald A. Baer; Music: Frank Denson; Starring: JAMES FARENTINO as Frank Chaney; DANA CARVEY as computer nerd Clinton C. Wonderlove; SANDY McPEAK as Ed Braddock; Football star DICK BUTKUS as Richard "Ski" Butkowski; BUBBA SMITH as driver/nerd Lyman "Bubba" Kelsey; {to be done} Bluey 2 Aug 1976-? (Australia: Seven Network/Crawford); 9 Feb 1978-19 July 1979 (UK: ITV/Granada); 1 90-minute episode; plus 38 60-minute episodes; Tough, iconoclastic Australian cop. Producers: Don Battye (see Bellamy), Tom Hegarty, Julian Pringle; Starring: LUCKY GRILLS as "Bluey" Hills; {to be done} Bognor 10 Feb 1981-9 Apr 1981 (UK: ITV/Thames Television Network Prod.); 18 30-minute episodes; Mystery/detective comedy/drama series about a Department of Trade special investigator and sidekick looking into peculiar crimes. Executive Producer: John Frankau; Producer: Bernard Krichefski; Music: Mike Steer; Starring: DAVID HOROVITCH as Bognor of D.O.T.; JOANNA McCALLUM as [sidekick] Monica; EWAN ROBERTS as Parkinson [Head of Special Investigations]. Boney 21 Jan 1972 (Australia/Norfolk); 2 Jan 1975-? (UK: ITV); 26 60-minute episodes; Top of the ratings in Scotland, produced in Australia, starring a heavily made-up white New Zealander as an Australian Aborigine, and adapted from the novels of Arthur Upfield. Executive Producers: Bob Austin, Lee Robinson; Producer: John McCallum; Starring JAMES LAURENSON as Det.Insp. Napoleon Bonaparte. Booker 1989-90 (Fox); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Boon 14 Jan 1986-? 1991 (UK: ITV/Central Independent); 78 60-minute episodes; Ex-fireman motoryclist freelance investigator Ken Boon is so unexpectedly successful that, in the 2nd season, he has an entire team of bikers "The Texas Rangers." The heavy-drinking star was charismatic, getting over 1,000 letters per week from fans, and the theme song "Hi Ho Silver" (sung by Jim Diamond) climbed to #5 on British charts. Creators: Jim Hill, Bill Stair; Executive Producers: Ted Childs (seasons 1-7), William Smethurst (season 4); Producers: Kenny McBain (season 1); Esta Charkman (seasons 2-4), Michele Buck (season 5), Simon Lewis (seasons 6-7); Music: Dean Friedman; Starring: MICHAEL as Ken Boon; DAVID DAKER as Harry Crawford; NEIL MORRISSEY as Rocky Cassidy; LESLEY-ANNE SHARPE as Debbie Yates; ELIZABETH CARLING as Laura Marsh. Boston Blackie 1951-52 (United Artists); 58 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/detective drama series. Kind hearted gangster Boston Blackie. Adapted from a long running film series of the 1940s. Starring KENT TAYLOR as Boston Blackie; LOIS COLLIER; FRANK ORTH. Bourbon Street Beat 1959 (ABC/Warner); 39 60-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/detective drama series. Pair of New Orleans-based Private Investigators. Starring: RICHARD LONG; ANDREW DUGGAN; VAN WILLIAMS. The Boys from the Bush 19 Jan 1991-5 Apr 1991 (UK: BBC1/ Cinema Verity/Entertainment Media/Seven Network Australia); 10 50-minute episodes; Bouncing between Melbourne, Australia, and London, England, Reg Toomer combines detective, marriage counselor, and anything else that generates cash flow legally. An idiosyncratic show with interesting people. Creator: Douglas Livingstone; Producer: Verity Lambert; Music: Dean Friedman; Starring: TIM HEALY as Reg Toomer; CHRIS HAYWOOD as Dennis Tontine; MARK HADDIGAN as Leslie; NADINE GARNER as Arlene; PAT THOMSON as Doris. Brenner 6 June 1959-13 Sep 1964 (CBS); 26 30-minute episodes; black and white; Controversial show about flawed NYPD cops; show nearly killed when sponsor Lever Brothers pulled out, but CBS eventually aired 10 episodes some five years after the initial 16 episodes. Ernie Brenner was supposed to be the son of Roy Brenner. This was one of my father's favorite shows of its day (along with "Gunsmoke"). Creator: Herb Brodkin; Starring: EDWARD BINNS as Det.Lt. Roy Brenner; JAMES BRODERICK as Officer Ernie Brenner. Brimstone 1998 (Fox); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Bronk 21 Sep 1975-18 July 1976 (MGM); 1 90-minute episode; 24 60-minute episodes; Creator: Carroll O'Connor; Executive Producers: Carroll O'Connor, Bruce Geller; Producer: Leigh Vance; Mystery/detective drama series. Homicide cop Lt.Alex Bronkov. Starring: JACK PALANCE as Bronk; JOSEPH MASCOLO as Mayor Pete Santori; TONY KING as Sgt. John Webber; HENRY BECKMAN as Harry Mark; DINA OUSLEY as Ellen Bronkov. The Brothers Brannagan 1960 (CBS/Wilbur Stark); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/detective drama series. Pair of Phoenix based private detectives. Starring STEVE DUNNE; MARK ROBERTS. Buddy Faro 1998 (CBS); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Bulman 5 June 1985-8 Aug 1987 (UK: ITV/Grenada); 20 60-minute episodes; Adapted from Kenneth Royce's characters. Clock repairman who quotes Shakespeare, George Bulman, is said to have a perpetual cold -- because the star actor, a former Essex CID, was being treated for (now cured) throat cancer. Writer: Murray Smith; Music: Dick Walter; Executive Producer: Richard Everitt; Producer: Steve Hawes (season 1), Sita Williams (season 2); Starring: DON HENDERSON as George Bulman; SIOBHAN REDMOND as Lucy McGinty; THORLEY WALTERS as William Dugdale. Burke's Law 1963-65 (ABC/Four Star); 94 60-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/detective/espionage drama series. Rolls Royce owner L.A. Police Chief Captain Amos Burke investigates murders. Near the final shows, Burke quit the force to enter espionage. Each episode began with the words "Who Killed...?" Creator: Ivan Goff, Ben Roberts, Ernest Kinoy; Producer: Arnold [Aaron??] Spelling; Starring: GENE BARRY as Captain Amos Burke; GARY CONWAY as Det. Tim Tilson; REGIS TOOMEY as DS Lester Hart; LEON LONTOL as Henry; CARL BENTON REID as "The Man." C: Mystery/Detective Television Series Cade's Country 19 Sep 1971-9 Apr 1972 (CBS/Twentieth Century Fox); 1 Mar 1972-6 Sep 1972 (UK: ITV); 24 60-minute episodes; New West (as opposed to Old West) Police/Mystery/detective drama series. Madrid County, California, Sheriff Sam Cade is backed by elderly Deputy J.J. Jackson and 3 younger deputies. Pete is played by the son of film star Glenn Ford. Joannie Little Bird was the first dispatcher, later replaced by Betty Ann Sundown -- both women are true Native Americans. Producer: Charles Larson; Executive Producer: David Gerber; Music: Henry Mancini Starring GLENN FORD as Sam Cade; EDGAR BUCHANAN as Dep. J.J. Jackson; TAYLOR LACHER as Arlo; VICTOR CAMPOS as Rudy; PETER FORD as Pete; SANDRA EGO as Joannie Little Bird; BETTY ANN CARR as Betty Ann Sundown. Cagney and Lacey 25 Mar 1982-3 Aug 1988 (CBS); 125 60-minute episodes; the breakthrough woman detective series. starring TYNE DALY as Det. Mary Beth Lacey; LORETTA SWIT as Det. Christine Cagney (in the pilot); MEG FOSTER as Det. Christine Cagney (in season 1); SHARON GLESS as Det. Christine Cagney (after season 1); JOHN KARLEN as Harvey Lacey; AL WAXMAN as Lt.Samuels; MARTIN KOVE as Det. Isbecki; SIDNEY CLUTE as Det. LaGuardia; CARL LUMBLY as Det. Petrie; ROBERT HEGYES as Det. Esposito; BARRY PRIMUS as Sgt. Dory McKenna; TONY LA TORRE as Harvey Lacey, Jr.; TROY SLATEN as Michael Lacey; HARVEY ATKIN as Desk Sergeant; DICK O'NEILL as Charlie Cagney. Cain's Hundred 19 Sep 1961-15 May 1962 (NBC/MGM); 30 60-minute episodes; Producer: Paul Monash; Music: Jerry Goldsmith, Morton Stevens; Supposedly based on actual cases, Nick Cain was a gangland attorney who changed sides to prosecute the 100 key men behind U.S. organized crime. starring : PETER MARK RICHMAN as Nick Cain. Call the Gun Expert 2 July 1964-6 Aug 1964 (UK: BBC1); 6 25-minute episodes; black and white; Reconstructions of genuine cases solved by Robert Churchill and his famous London gunsmiths, starting with the murder of PC Gutteridge (Essex, 1927). Producer/Director: Jack Gold; Starring: WENSLEY PITHEY as Robert Churchill; MACDONALD HASTINGS as on-camera narrator. Campion 22 Jan 1989-12 Mar 1989 (UK: BBC1/US: WGBH); Producer: Ken Riddington (season 1), Jonathyn Alwyn (season 2); 16 55-minute episodes; Adaptations from the 26 novels of Margery Allingham about the amateur gentleman detective, whom she said was partly based on King George VI while he was still just Duke of York. Albert Campion tools about 1930s East Anglia in his classic Lagonda, helped by his ex-burgler manservant Magersfontaine Lugg, played by ex-pro wrestler Brian Glover. Starring: PETER DAVISON as Albert Campion; BRIAN GLOVER as Magersfontaine Lugg; ANDREW BURT as Chief Inspector Stanislaus Oates. Cannon 14 Sep 1971-3 Mar 1976 (CBS/Quinn Martin); 27 Oct 1972-30 Sep 1978 (UK: BBC1); TV's fattest PI. 121 60-minute episodes; Executive Producer: Quinn Martin; Producer: Anthony Spinner; Music: John Parker, John Cannon; TV Movie: The Return of Frank Cannon (1980) Starring: WILLIAM CONRAD as Frank Cannon. Captain Zep - Space Detective 5 Jan 1983-13 Apr 1984 (UK: BBC1); children's Science Fiction/Mystery/Detective series, with super-sleuth Captain Zep in his spacship Zep One, aided by the kids of the SOLVE Academy, in the year 2095. Writer: Dick Hills (season 1), Colin Benet (season 2); Producer: Christopher Pilkington; Director: Christopher Pilkington (season 1), Michael Forte (season 2); Starring: PAUL GREENWOOD as Captain Zep (season 1); RICHARD MORANT as Captain Zep (season 2); BEN ELLISON as Jason Brown; HARRIET KEEVIL as Professor Spiro (season 1); TRACEY CHILDS as Professor Vana (season 2). Car 54, Where Are You 17 Sep 1961-8 Sep 1963 (NBC/Euopolis); 9 July 1964-6 Nov 1965 (UK: ITV); 14 Feb 1986-13 Mar 1987 (UK: Channel 4); 60 30-minute episodes; black and white; Creator: Nat Hiken; Producer: Nat Hiken (The Phil Silvers Show); Music: John Strauss; Police/Mystery/Detective slapstick series; shot on location in New York; Starring: JOE E. ROSS as Officer Gunther; FRED GWYNNE (later Herman Munster of The Munsters) as Officer Francis Muldoon; BEA PONS as Lucille Toody; PAUL REED as Capt. Martin Block; AL LEWIS (later Grandpa of The Munsters) as Officer Leo Schnauser; JOE WARREN as Officer Steinmetz; BRUCE KIRBY as Officer Kissel; HANK GARRETT as Officer Ed Nicholson; NATANIEL FREY as Desk Sgt. Abrams. Caribe 17 Feb 1975-11 Aug 1975 (ABC/Quinn Martin); 3 Apr 1975-? (UK: ITV); 13 60-minute episodes; Caribbean nautical setting, involving an imaginary pro-US agency Caribbean Force; Starring: STACY KEACH as Lt. Ben Logan; CARL FRANKLIN as Sgt. Mark Walters; ROBERT MANDAN as Deputy Commissioner Ed Rawlings of Miami PD. Carter Country 15 Sep 1977-23 Aug 1979 (ABC); 12 30-minute episodes; Producers: Douglas Arango, Phil Doran; Executive Producers: Bud Yorkin, Saul Turtletaub, Bernie Orenstein; Music: Pete Rugolo; During the presidency of Jimmy Carter, this ill-conceived show was set in (ironically) Clinton Corners, purportedly near Jimmy Carter's hometown of Plains, Georgia. Kindly redneck Police Chief Roy Mobey is backed-up by a slick New York-trained African-American deputy, Curtis Baker. There are other cardboard characters: butch policewoman Cloris, idiot mayor Teddy, and the mayor's sexy secretary Lucille (over whom Curtis is smitten). Neither interesting in police procedure, credible in plot, realistic in treatment of race, nor funny. Starring: VICTOR FRENCH as Police Chief Roy Mobey; KENE HOLLIDAY as Sgt. Curtis Baker; RICHARD PAUL as Mayor Teddy Burnside; BARABARA CASON as Cloris Phebus; VERNEE WATSON as Lucille Banks; MELANIE GRIFFITH (later an Oscar nominee for a better role) as a newspaper reporter (2 episodes). The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes see: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Case Histories of Scotland Yard 1955 (UK: Anglo Amalgamated Productions/Syndicated); Based on real cases. 17 Nov 1957--6 Apr 1958 USA title: Scotland Yard (ABC); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; Producer: Jack Greenwood; Starring: RUSSELL NAPIER as Inspector Duggan; EDGAR LUSTGARTEN (real criminologist/journalist) as presenter. The Case of the Dangerous Robin 1961 (Ziv Productions/ Syndicated); 38 30-minute episodes; black and white; First try at presenting insurance investigators, as later done so much better in the novels of Sue Grafton. Robin Scott was a karate champion, sidekick Phyllis was the smart one. Music: David Rose; Starring: RICK JASON as Robin Scott; JEAN BLAKE as Phyllis Collier. The Cases of Eddie Drake 1949 (CBS); 1952 (Syndicated); 13 30-minute episodes; black and white; New York private dick Eddie Drake researches cases for psychologist Karen Gayle, who wants to write a book about the criminal mind. Running 9 episodes on CBS as one of the very first Mystery/Detective television series, it drew better ratings 3 years later when syndicated. Producers: Harlan Thompson, Linsley Parsons; Starring: DON HAGGERTY as Eddie Drake; PATRICIA MORRISON as Karen Gayle. The Cases of Sherlock Holmes 9 Sep 1968-23 Dec 1968 (UK: BBC1); 16 50-minute episodes; black and white; Producer: William Sterling; Starring: PETER CUSHING as Sherlock Holmes; NIGEL STOCK as Dr.Watson; WILLIAM LUCAS as Insp. Lestrade; GRACE ARNOLD as Mrs.Hudson; RONALD ADAMS as Mycroft Holmes. Cassie and Company 29 Jan 1982-20 Aug 1982 (NBC/ Carson Productions/Columbia Pictures Television); 13 60-minute episodes; Ex-cop Cassie Holland turned private detective, assisted by ex-con secretary Meryl, and muscleman Benny. Cassie's ex-husband was District Attorney. Angie Dickenson's follow-up to Police Woman. Starring: ANGIE DICKENSON as Cassie Holland; JOHN IRELAND as Lyman "Shack" Shackelford; DORI BRENNER as Meryl; A. MARTINEZ as Benny; ALEX CORD as D.A. Mike Holland. C.A.T.S. Eyes 12 Apr 1985-6 June 1987 (UK: ITV/TVS); 1 90-minute episode; 30 60-minute episodes; Creator: Terence Feely; Executive Producer: Rex Firkin; Producers: Dickie Bamber, Frank Cox (season 1), Raymond Menmuir (seasons 2-3); Music: John Kongos (season 1), Barbara Thompson (seasons 2-3); The equally stupid British equivalent of Charley's Angels. C.A.T.S. (Covert Activities, Thames Section) had a cover-identity as Eyes Enquiry Agency. This was the basis for 3 female crime-fighters vaguely supervised by "the man from the Ministry" while they did location shots close to TVS' Maidstone studio (Rochester, Gillingham, Chatham). Starring: ROSALYN LANDOR as Pru Standfast; JILL GASCOINE as Maggie Forbes; LESLIE ASH as Fred Smith; DON WARRINGTON as Nigel Beaumont, ("the man from the Ministry"); TRACY-LOUISE WARD as Tessa Robinson. Chandler and Co. 1996 (UK: BBC) ; {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Charlesworth 21 Jan 1956-3 Mar 1956 (UK: BBC); Started under title Tales from Soho (7 30-minute episodes); then the Chief Inspector was promoted to Superintendant and the show was renamed Big Guns 1 Jan 1958-5 Feb 1958 (6 30-minute episodes); all epsiodes were black and white. Creator: Berkely Mather; Producers: Tony Richardson (Tales from Soho), Gerard Glaster (Big Guns); Starring: JOHN WELSH as Chief Detective Inspector Charlesworth (Tales from Soho); WENSLEY PITHEY as Detective Superintendant Charlesworth (Big Guns); WALTER FITZGERALD as J. Philmore Sparkes (Big Guns); NIGEL DAVENPORT as Sgt. Spence (Big Guns). Charlie 26 Mar-4 Apr 1984 (UK: ITV/Central Television); 4 60-minute episodes; Private Detective obtains an address book from a dying man, and, while investigating it, is drawn into a tangled web of murder. Creator: Nigel Williams; Producer: Graham Benson; Director: Martin Campbell; Starring: DAVID WARNER as Charlie Alexander; FRANK WINDSOR as Harry Ainsworth; MARION BAILEY as Susan Alexander. Charlie Grace 1995 (ABC); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Charley Wild, Private Detective 22 Dec 1950-19 June 1952 (CBS/ABC/Dumont); 60+ 30-minute episodes; black and white; Based on Dashiell Hammett's character Sam Spade, but that name was changed when Senator McCarthy branded Dashiell Hammett a communist. The renamed Charley Wild, Private Detective became a hit on radio in the late 1940s, and then was adapted to live television in 1950. The show migrated between 3 competing networks. Producers: Carlo De Angelo, Herbert Brodkin; Starring: KEVIN O'MORRISON as Charley Wild (1950-51); JOHN McQUADE as Charley Wild (1951-52); CLORIS LEACHMAN as Effie Perrine. Charley's Angels 22 Sep 1976-8 May 1982 (ABC/ Twentieth Century Fox); 3 Jan 1977-8 May 1982 (UK: ITV); 109 60-minute episodes; I can't believe they're making a feature film of this in the year 2000... Executive Producers: Aaron Spelling, Leonard Goldberg; Producers: Rick Huskey, David Levinson, Barney Rosenzweig; Music: Jack Elliot, Allyn Ferguson; Starring: KATE JACKSON as Sabrina Duncan; FARRAH FAWCETT-MAJORS as Jill Munroe; CHERYL LADD as Kris Munroe; JACLYN SMITH as Kelly Garrett; SHELLY HACK as Tiffany Wells; TANYA ROBERTS as Julie Rogers; DAVID DOYLE as John Bosley; JOHN FORSYTHE as the voice of Charlie Townsend. Charters and Caldicott 10 Jan 1985-14 Feb 1985 (UK: BBC1/ Network Seven Australia) Thursdays 9:25 p.m.; 20 Mar 1986-24 Apr 1986 (USA: WGBH "Mystery"); 6 50-minute episodes; These characters originated in the classic [1938] thriller/comedy by Hitchcock: The Lady Vanishes. They were first played by Basil Radford and Naunton Wayne. 2 sequels: Night Train to Munich (1940); Crook's Tour (1940). TV Chronicles adds It's Not Cricket. They were two old duffers whose lives revolved around Cricket. As adapted for television, they were updated, more elderly, and both newly retired from the Diplomatic corps. Charters' wife had passed away; he lived in Surrey. Caldicott resided in Viceroy Court, Kensington. Each month, on the First Friday, Charters took a bus to London, to lunch with his best friend at their club, the Pall Mall. They always meant to go to a movie afterwards, but invariably became involved in amateur crime-solving. Creators: Frank Launder, Sidney Gilliat; Writer: Keith Waterhouse; Producer: Ron Craddock; Director: Julian Amyes; Starring: ROBIN BAILEY as Charters; MICHAEL ALDRIDGE as Caldicott; TESSA PEAKE-JONES as Jenny; CAROLINE BLAKISTON as Margaret Mottram. Chase 11 Sep 1973-28 Aug 1974 (NBC/Universal/Mark VII Ltd); 23 60-minute episodes; LAPD plainclothes squad for solving unique cases. Sam MacCray handled police dogs; Steve Baker was a high-speed driver; Fred Sing could work wonders with motorcycles; and Norm Hamilton brought home his Vietnam helicopter expertise. Executive Producer: Robert A. Cinader; Producer: James Schmerer; Music: Oliver Nelson; Starring: MITCHELL RYAN as Capt. Chase Reddick; REID SMITH as Officer Norm Hamilton; MICHAEL RICHARDSON as Officer Steve Baker; BRIAN FONG as Officer Fred Sing; WAYNE MAUNDER as Sgt. Sam MacCray; ALBERT REED as Chief Frank Dawson; FAROUK (German Shepherd) as Fuzz (this talented pooch had previously appeared on Ironside, Mission Impossible, and The Mod Squad!). The Cheaters 10 Dec 1960-23 June 1962 (UK: ITV/Danzinger); 1960 (USA: Syndicated); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective drama series about 2 claims investigators for Eastern Insurance Company. Their cases were never routine, but always involved murder, suicide, arson, or grand theft. Starring: JOHN IRELAND as John Hunter; ROBERT AYRES as Walter. Checkmate 17 Sep 1960-24 June 1961 (CBS/A Revue/J and M); 29 June 1963-27 Nov 1963 (UK: ITV); Mystery/Detective drama series; 70 60-minute episodes; black and white; Checkmate Inc., in San Francisco, existed to prevent crime, not to solve it. Don Corey and Jed Sills ran this unusual investigative agency; Jed Sills being played by Doug McClure before McClure starred as The Virginian. The name meant that they wanted to "checkmate" criminals before the next move. A show as clever as a good game of chess! Creator: Eric Ambler [see Authors "A"]; Producers: Dock Berg, Herb Coleman, Maxwell Shane; Consultant: Carl Hyatt (ex-Oxford Professor of Criminology); Starring: ANTHONY GEORGE as Don Corey; DOUG McCLURE as Jed Sills; SEBASTIAN CABOT as Carl Hyatt; JACK BETTS as Chris Devlin (season 2). Chicagoland Mystery Players 18 Sep 1949-30 July 1950 (DuMont); 26 30-minute episodes; black and white; This series was originally a local Chicago broadcast, before the Dumont Networked picked it up. In Chicago, the twist ending was never broadcast: viewers had to buy the next day's Chicago Tribune to discover the ending! Is that an early version of interactive TV, or what? Starring: GORDON URQUHART as Jeffrey Hall; BOB SMITH as Sgt.Holland; The Chief 20 Apr 1990-10 May 1991 (UK: ITV/Anglia Films); 12 60-minute episodes; Played by Tim Pigott-Smith (Jewel in the Crown). Chief Constable John Stafford has recently been appointed in rural East Anglia, bringing Anne Stewart with him from their previous positions at Nottinghamshire, where she was CID. John Stafford is tough, no-nonsense, politically liberal, applies discipline, and generally becomes disliked by his underlings, who also resent Anne Stewart's promotion to head of Crime and Operations. She fights gender-prejudice both at work and with her house-husband, Martin; John fights his men, who force the Home Office to pressure him, and eventually suspend him. The show reeks of authenticity, perhaps provided by their experienced Technical Advisor and good writing and direction. Creators: Jeffrey Caine; Executive Producer: Brenda Reid Producer: Ruth Boswell; Directors: Brian Farnham (season 1), Desmond Davis (season 2); Music: Nigel Beaham-Powell, Bella Russell; Technical Advisor: John Alderson, ex-Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall; Starring: TIM PIGOTT-SMITH as Chief Constable John Stafford; KAREN ARCHER as Assistant Chief Constable Anne Stewart; JUDY LOE as Dr. Elizabeth Stafford; EAMON BOLANS and Det. Chief Supt. Jim Gray; SARA GRIFFITHS as Emma Stafford (season 1); ROSS LIVINGSTONE as Tim Stafford (season 1); DAVID CARDY as Martin Stewart; INGRID LACEY as Alison Dell; JULIAN GLOVER as Andrew Blake. Chief of Detectives 21 Sep 1979-29 Aug 1980 under the USA title Eischied (NBC/Gerber Productions/Columbia Pictures TV); 17 Jan 1980-10 Apr 1980 (UK: ITV) 13 60-minute episodes; Tough southerner Earl Eischied is strict NYPD Chief of Detectives. He clashed with Deputy Commissioner Kimbrough, who had a political agenda. Earl Eischied's friend Chief Inspector Ed Parks kept the conflict from boiling over. Earl Eischied, a bachelor with a cat "P.C." who commuted to work with his master, ran a special squad. The characters were spun-off from the powerful miniseries To Kill a Cop, and deserved to do better in the ratings... Executive Producer: David Gerber; Producers: Matthew Rapf, Jay Daniel; Starring: JOE DON BAKER as Chief of Detectives Earl Eischied; EDDIE EGAN (in real life, he;d been NYPD Detective First Grade) as Chief Inspector Ed Parks; ALAN OPPENHEIMER as Capt. Finnerty; ALAN FUDGE as Deputy Commissioner Kimbrough; SUZANNE LEDERER as Carol Wright; VINCENT BUFANO as Rick Alessi. China Smith 1952-53 (Syndicated); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The Chinese Detective {30 Apr 1981-4 June 1981 (UK: BBC1); 14 50-minute episodes; Great Britain's first ethnic Mystery/Detective television series. Star David Yip was born in Liverpool, with a Chinese father. Yip played the rough-cut loner Det. Sgt. Johnny Ho, too short to be accepted by the Metropolitan Police, fighting racism, and trying to clear the tainted reputation of his father. Det. Chief Inspector Berwick teamed him with Detective Sergeant Donald Chegwyn, hoping that Johnny would clean up his scruffy act. This was a long way more evolved than Charlie Chan, in realism and hard-boiled action. Creator: Ian Kennedy Martin (The Sweeney); Producer: Terrence Williams; Starring: DAVID YIP as Det. Sgt. Johnny Ho; DEREK MARTIN as Det. Chief Inspector Berwick; ARTHUR KELLY as Det. Sgt. Donald Chegwyn. CHiPS 15 Sep 1977-17 July 1983 (NBC/MGM); 138 60-minute episodes; "CHiPS" is an acronym for the California Highway Patrol, suddenly thrust into national prominence by the star-value of Larry Wilcox and Erik Estrada (who were not friends at all, off-screen), the gorgeous women and male-model handsome men, and the huge teenage audience looking for attractive role models. I've been ticketed by real CHiPS, and could not help but notice that the officer who stopped me was similarly handsome in a clean-scrubbed Aryan beach-blond sunglass-and-pressed-suit way. This show was startlingly dumb, but startlingly successful, as television (and American politics) depends more and more on looks, and less and less on brains. I asked a California Highway Patrol officer what he thought of the show. He sighed, and said "I've seen it. It is entertaining. At least it was accurate in never showing an officer use a gun. On the other hand, it never showed anyone spending as much time on paperwork as I do!" Creator: Rick Rosnor; Producers: Cy Chermak, Rick Rosnor, Ric Randall; Music: Mike Post; Theme: John Parker; Starring: LARRY WILCOX as Officer John Baker; ERIK ESTRADA as Officer Frank "Ponch" Poncherello; ROBERT PINE as Sgt. Joe Getraer; BRIANNE LEARY as Officer Sindy Cahill; LOU WAGNER as Harlan; RANDI OAKES as Officer Bonnie Clark; TOM REILLY as Officer Bobby Nelson; BRUCE PENHALL as Cadet Bruce Nelson; Olympic Decathlon champion BRUCE JENNER as Officer Steve LcLeish (autumn 1981). Chopper One 17 Jan 1974-11 July 1974 (ABC)/Aaron Spelling); 13 30-minute episodes; Executive Producer: Aaron Spelling; Producers: Ronald Austin, James Buchanan; Music: Dominic Frontiere; Starring: JIM McMULLAN as Officer Don Burdick; DIRK BENEDICT as Officer Gil Foley; TED HARTLEY as Captain McKeegan; LOU FRIZZEL as Mitch. Christine Cromwell 11 Nov 1989-? (ABC/Wolf Films/Universal); 4 120-minute episodes; rotated with B.L. Stryker, Kojak, and New Columbo as ABC's new Mystery Movie series. The Christine Cromwell character was a graduate of Harvard Law School, a big stretch for Jaclyn Smith after her role on Charlie's Angels. Christine is a partner at the swank San Francisco management firm of Blain and Knapp, whose barrier to entry for new clients is $15,000,000 net worth. For some reason, every such rich client is entangled in a murder case, which seems to promote an odd anti-Capitalist message. The strength of the series was in its poweerful supporting cast and guest stars. Why, then, did the show fail? Have Americans soured on the "light English country-house style mystery", or do they merely thirst for more graphic violence? I've had the honor of Celeste Holm having me as a guest in her New York apartment, and her even cooking dinner for me. Celeste Holm has specialized in film and television roles as independent, intelligent women -- and she is both. Creator: Dick Wolf; Executive Producer: Dick Wolf; Starring: JACLYN SMITH as Christine Cromwell; CELESTE HOLM as Samantha Cromwell; RALPH BELLAMY as Cyrus Blain; Guest Stars include: Dennis Franz (Norm Buntz on Hill Street Blues); Mel Ferrer; Bradford Dillman. Christine Carmichael: Physics Detective 14 Feb 1985-24 Jan 1989 (Syndicated); This appealing but little-known series starred a gorgeous blonde actress with a Scottish/Australian accent. Christine Carmichael was a former schoolteacher turned Ph.D. in Physics, who toured exotic destinations on contracts with NASA, the Pentagon, and various high-tech firms. Whether at an international Magnetism conference in Kyoto, challenging the tradition of women walking several paces behind the men; or explaining the properties of Dysprosium in Woolongong, or deep in the Strategic Defense Initiative technology, she always solved crimes by applying scientific methodology coupled with keen analytical knowledge and folksy common sense. For example, she figured out that stolen diamonds were actually intended to be used as sensor windows in a spacecraft, from their optical properties; or she recognized the lines in a victim's fingernails as a sign of Arenic poisoning, which she confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Creator: Wilson Murray; Producers: Marion Todd, Cindy Todd; Music: Mike Post Starring: CHRISSIE FETTES as Christine Carmichael; PAT SAVOT JOHNSON as Vincent "Braniac" Vos; ANDREW WILLIAM as PR Director Philly; NIK CHARLES as Mike MacIntosh; JULIA HART as QA Engineer; JOSHUA STUART as Jock "Mailman" Navy; MARENGO NORTH as Catalina. City Detective 1953-1955 (Syndicated/Universal/MCA); 65 30-minute episodes; black and white; Rod Cameron was the top American sydicated television actor of the entire decade of the 1950s, in shows including (first) City Detective, then State Trooper, and Coronado 9. Other actors had secure network series, but Cameron earned over $200,000 per year (in 1950 dollars) from the residuals of overseas sales. At clever yet tough Bart Grant, a crime-fighting cop who roved the country, he had a knack for finding a romantic interest in every episode. Producer: Richard Irving; Writer/Associate Producer: Blake Edwards (the Pink Panther films); Starring: ROD CAMERON as Det. Lt. Bart Grant. City of Angels 3 Feb 1976-10 Aug 1976 (NBC/Universal/Public Arts); 1 Sep 1981-6 Oct 1981 (UK: ITV); 20 July 1982-31 Aug 1982 (UK: Thames). 13 60-minute episodes; Seemingly derived from the wonderfully noir movie Chinatown, City of Angels probed the corrupt underbelly of 1930s Los Angeles, where (in real life) the police operated the offshore gambling and prostitution boats. The show was serious Mystery/Detective themes, with humor from Wayne Rogers and his goofy secretary Marsha, who simultanously operated a switchboard for call girls. The show should have worked -- it had all the know-how of Stephen J. Cannell behind it, plus fine period settings, but the productions were said to be always behind schedule, sometimes with scripts literally being written between takes. Creators: Roy Huggins, Stephen J. Cannell; Executive Producers: Producer: Jo Swerling, Jr.; Music: Nelson Riddle, Hal Mooney; Starring: WAYNE ROGERS (Trapper John of M*A*S*H) as Jake Axminster; CLIFTON JAMES as Lt.Quint; ELAINE JOYCE as Marsha; PHILIP STERLING as Michael Brimm. Claxon 1990 (Portugal); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Cluedo 25 July 1990-5 June 1991 (UK: ITV/Granada/Waddingtons/Action Time); 12 30-minute episodes; one 45-minute episode; Explicitly based on the best-selling Mystery/Detective board game Clue, this unusual celebrity quiz show featured a short teleplay, followed by the celebrities questioning the 6 suspects, to solve the crime. Creator: "Clue" was created by Anthony Pratt, solicitor's clerk, 1944. Executive Producer: Dianne Nelmes Producer: Stephen Leahy (season 1), Brian Park (season 2); Director: John Kaye Cooper; Starring: KATE O'MARA as Mrs. Peacock (season 1); RULA LENSKA as Mrs. Peacock (season 2); JUNE WHITFIELD as Mrs. White (season 1); MOLLIE SUGDEN as Mrs. White (season 2); TRACY-LOUISE WARD as Mrs. Scarlett (season 1); KOO STARK as Mrs. Scarlett (season 2); ROBIN ELLIS as Colonel Mustard (season 1); MICHAEL JAYSTON as Colonel Mustard (season 2); ROBIN NEDWELL as Rev.Green (season 1);RICHARD WILSON as Rev.Green (season 2); KRISTOPHER TABORI as Professor Plum (season 1); DAVID McCALLUM (Ilya Kuryakin on The Man from U.N.C.L.E.) as Professor Plum (season 2); JAMES BELLINI as Host (season 1); CHRIS TARRANT as Host (season 2). Cluff 3 Aug 1964-7 Sep 1964 (UK: BBC1); 19 50-minute episodes; black and white; Detective Sergeant Caleb Cluff, tweed-suited, brown-booted, chestnut walking-stick in hand, pipe clenched between his teeth, broad-brimmed tweed hat on head, spent his life in the fictional Yorkshire town of Gunnarshaw, living alone with his dog Clive, visited daily by Annie Croft to clean and cook, and moved at a slower pace than his boss Inspector Mole would like. The character spun off from an episode of Detective, and starred Leslie Sands, who had previously played Superintendant Miller in Z Cars. Creator: Gil North; Producer: Terence Dudley; Director: Terence Dudley; Music: Harry Dexter; Starring: LESLIE SANDS as Detective Sergeant Caleb Cluff; ERIC BARKER as Insp. Mole (season 1); MICHAEL BATES as Insp. Mole (season 2); JOHN ROLFE as Dt. Con. Barker; JOHN McKELVEY as PC Harry Bullock; OLIVE MILBOURNE as Annie Croft. Code Three 1957 (Syndicated); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; 1950s Mystery/Detective/Caper series based on genuine files of Los Angeles County Assistant Sheriff Barrett. "Code Three" meant murder, robbery, or kidnapping. There was a guest appearance by the actual Los Angeles County Sheriff, Eugene W. Bissculuce. Executive Producer: Hal Roach; Starring: RICHARD TRAVIS as Assistant Sheriff Barrett; FRED WYNN as Lt. Bill Hollis; DENVER PYLE as Sgt. Murchison. Colonel March of Scotland Yard 22 Feb 1956-11 Apr 1957 (UK: ITV/Sapphire Films); 1957 (USA: Syndicated); 26 30-minute episodes; black and white; This was the British X-Files of the 1950s. Boris Karloff played the Chief Investigator for "Scotland Yard's Department of Queer Complaints." That included the Missing Link and the Abominable Snowman. Karloff gave this a sense of potential Horror, without seriously deviating from the Mystery/Detective genre. Producer: Hannah Weinstein; Starring: BORIS KARLOFF as Colonel March; EWAN WILLIAMS as Insp. Ames. Columbo 15 Sep 1971-4 Sep 1977 (NBC/Universal); 14 Oct 1972-10 June 1979 (UK: ITV); 27 90-minute episodes; plus 18 120-minute episodes; One-eyed scruffy raincoated Philip Columbo (his first name was used only in the play (Prescription: Murder) from which the TV series was spun-off) is a cigar-chomping loner on the LAPD Homicide; yet was actually based on Porfiry Petrovich, the police inspector in Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevski. For TV, they first cast Bing Crosby, but he turned down the part -- preferring to play golf! The series rotated in NBC's Sunday Mystery Movie, with McMillan and Wife and McCloud. Each episode begins with a murder, so we know right away whodunnit. The fun is in watching Peter Falk grimace, scratch, stare at the ceiling, and wear down the culprits with apparently obvious questioning, usually turning on his way out the door with one zinger question, and then nailing the suspect cold with implacable logic. He is always underestimated. He became arguably the greatest detective of the television universe. Creators: Richard Levinson, William Link; Executive Producers: Roland Kibbee (1971-1977), Dean Hargrove (1971-77) Richard Alan Simmons (1989); Producers: Edward K. Dodds (1971-1977), Everett Chambers (1971-1977), Richard Alan Simmons (1971-1977), Stanley Kallis (1989); Director: Steven Spielberg (episode 1); New Columbo: 27 Feb 1989-? (ABC); 23 Feb 1991-16 Mar 1991 (UK: ITV); 18 120-minute episodes; Starring: PETER FALK as Lt.Columbo. Cool and Lam early 1950's (CBS); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Cool Million 25 Oct 1972-11 July 1973 (NBC/Universal); 6 Feb 1973-13 July 1976 (UK: ITV); 4 90-minute episodes; Based in the home of his friend Elena, in Lincoln, Nebraska, ex-CIA agent Jefferson Keyes charged $1,000,000 per case as a Private Eye -- in advance -- and refunded the cool million if he failed to solve the case. He flew his own executive jet, and flew to meet the client when they phone "30-30100" and Elena relayed the message to him. Unfortunately, money can't buy you ratings. Executive Producer: Roy Huggins; Producers: Jo Swerling, Jr., Gene Levitt; Starring: JAMES FARENTINO as Jefferson Keyes; ADELE MARA as Elena. The Cop and the Kid 4 Dec 1975-4 Mar 1976 (NBC/Playboy/ Paramount); 6 30-minute episodes; Saccharine Mystery/Detective Sit-com series, about asthmatic aging cop nabbing an African-American orphan, who blackmails the cop (whose medical condition could end his career) into making the cop the legal guardian of the kid. Creator: Jerry Davis; Executive Producer: Jerry Davis; Music: Jerry Fielding Starring: CHARLES DURNING as Officer Frank Murphy; TIERRE TURNER as Lucas Adams; PATSY KELLY as Mrs. Brigid Murphy. Cop Rock 1 Sep 1990-26 Dec 1990 (ABC/Steven Bochco/ Twentieth Century Fox); 30 Sep 1991-? (UK: BBC1); 11 60-minute episodes; America's only singing, dancing Mystery/Detective police procedural series; perhaps the USA answer to UK's Dennis Potter's The Singing Detective. I liked it. Of course, I also like Heaven's Gate. Creators: Steven Bochco, William M. Finkelstein; Executive Producer: Steven Bochco Producer: Gregory Holblit; Theme Song: "Under the Gun", by Randy Newman; Starring: DAVID GIANOPOULOS as Officer Andy Campo; ANNE BOBBY as Officer Vicki Quinn; RONNY COX as Chief Roger Kendrik; LARRY JOSHUA as Capt. John Hollander; RON McLARTY as as Ralph Ruskin; MICK MURRAY as Det. Josph Gaines; BARBARA BOSSON as Mayor Louise Plank. Coppers End 19 Feb 1971-14 May 1971 (UK: ITV/ATV Network); 13 30-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Police Sit-com series. The most laid-back police station in Great Britain, where squad cars were hired out for car races, funerals, weddings, and driving lessons. Not funny enough. Creator: Ted Willis (Dixon of Dock Green); Producer: Shaun O'Riordan; Starring: BILL OWEN as Sgt. Sam Short; RICHARD WATTIS as PC Eddie Edwards; JOSEPHINE TEWSON as WPC Penny Pringle; GEORGE MOON as PC Chipper Collins; ROYCE MILLS as PC Dinckie Dinkworth; KEVIN BRENNAN as Chief Superintendant Ripper. Coronado 9 1959-1960 (Syndicated/Revue Productions/ Universal Television); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; Ex-Naval Intelligence agent becomes Private Eye, and works from the Coronado peninsula near San Diego, California, where the telephone exchange is "Coronado 9." My wife and I once contracted for a condominium on Coronado, but cancelled it during the 3-day waiting period. Nice neighborhood, but pricey. Producer: Richard Irving; Starring: ROD CAMERON (City Detective; State Trooper) as Dan Adams. The Corridor People 26 Aug 1966-16 Sep 1966 (UK: ITV/Granada); 4 60-minute episodes; black and white; Surrealistic Mystery/Detective/Thriller series, somewhere between The Avengers and The Prisoner. Bogart-obsessed PI Scrotty and Krock of CID sought the millionnaire owner of a giant cosmetics corporation, whose new product struck people senseless for 24 hours. Vixen-Villainess Syrie Van Epp kidnapped that owner, to get his secret formula and rule the world. Rule the world? Why, the paperwork alone would kill you... Creator: Edward Boyd; Producer: Richard Everitt; Director: David Boisseau; Starring: GARY COCKRELL as Phil Scrotty; JOHN SHARP as Krock; ALAN CURTIS as Inspector Blood; WILLIAM MAXWELL as Sgt. Hound; [get it? Blood-Hound]; ELIZABETH SHEPHERD as Syrie Van Epp. The Cosby Mysteries 1994 (CBS); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The Court of Last Resort 4 Oct 1957-17 Feb 1960 (NBC/Paisano); 26 30-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective series based in the early 1950s creation of Erle Stanley Gardner (Perry Mason), who put together an actual committee of American crime experts, called "The Court of Last Resort," to investgate cases where the convicted and imprisoned man or woman might actually be innocent. Producers: Elliott Lewis, Jules Goldstone; Starring: LYLE BETTGER as Sam Larson; PAUL BIRCH as Erle Stanley Gardner. Craig Kennedy, Criminologist 1952 (Syndicated); 26 30-minute episodes; Based on the scientific detective from Arthur B. Reeve's novel The Silent Bullet (1912). The series of novels became hits, finishing with The Stars Scream Murder (1936). Craig Kennedy was considered "The American Sherlock Holmes), and was featured in 6 movies (1915-1936), finally being adapted for television, as a Columbia University criminologist, fighting New York organized crime. This was the first TV series ever shown in overseas U.S. Army Hospitals, where it promoted healing by sympathetic magic, or something like that. Producer: Adrian Weiss; Starring: DONALD WOODS as Craig Kennedy. Crawford Mystery Theatre: see Public Prosecutor Crazy Like a Fox 16 Dec 1984-3 May 1986 (CBS/Columbia); 19 Jan 1986-9 Mar 1986 (UK: ITV/Thames); 35 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Caper series, about father-and-son PI team in San Francisco. Creators: Roger Shulman, John Baskin, George Schenck, Frank Cardena; Executive Producers: George Schenck, Frank Cardena; Producers: Starring: JACK WARDEN as Harry Fox; JOHN RUBENSTEIN (son of concert pianist Arthur Rubestein) as Harrison K. Fox; PENNY PEYSER as Cindy; ROBBY KIGER as Josh. Cribb 13 Apr 1980-10 May 1981 (UK: ITV/Granada); 6 May 1980-10 Feb 1983 (USA: WGBH "Mystery"); 1 90-minute episode; 13 60-minute episodes; Creator: Peter Lovesey, in the 1960s, won a publisher's contest and won 1,000 Pounds for the best submitted first crime novel. It appeared as Wobble to Death, and starred Sergeant Cribb. Set in Victorian London, near the start of the CID (Criminal Investigation Department), this was the era of Jack the Ripper. The gas-lit times were marvellously captured by both novels and television series. Executive Producer: Peter Eckersley; Producer: John Wyndham Davies; Starring: ALAN DOBIE as Sergeant Cribb; WILLIAM SIMONS as Constable Thackeray (Cribb's sidekick); DAVID WALLER as Inspector Jowett of Scotland Yard. Crime Photographer 19 Apr 1951-5 June 1952 (CBS); 40 30-minute episodes; black and white; Adapted from George Harmon Coxe's novels about Casey, Crime Photographer, this lived next as a 1940s radio series, and later migrated to television. Set in New York City, the live television series centered on Casey of the fictional newspaper: The Morning Express. He hung out at the Blue Note Cafe, listening to jazz, and recounting his adventures to the barkeep, Ethelbert. He had a girlfriend, Ann Williams, and had his exploits penned by cub reporter Jack Lipman. Announcer: Ken Roberts; Producers: Charles Russell, Martin Manulis; Director: Sidney Lumet (now a hugely successful film-maker); Music: Morton Gould, and The Tony Mottola Trio playing the Blue Note Cafe musicians; Starring: RICHARD CARLYLE as Casey (Apr 1951-June 1951); DARREN McGAVIN as Casey (June 1951-June 1952); JOHN GIBSON as Ethelbert (Apr 1951-June 1951); CLIFF HALL as Ethelbert (June 1951-June 1952); JAN MINER as Ann Williams; DONALD McCLELLAND as Captain Bill Logan; ARCHIE SMITH as Jack Lipman. Crime Sheet 8 Apr 1959-9 Sep 1959 (UK: ITV/Associated Rediffusion Network Productions); 17 30-minute episodes; black and white; This was the 2nd of the 3 fine British Mystery/Detective/Police series starring Raymond Francis as Tom Lockhart (the first was Murder Bag; the last was No Hiding Place). Creator: Glyn Davies; Producer: Barry Baker; Starring: RAYMOND FRANCIS as Chief Det. Supt. Tom Lockhart. Crime Story 18 Sep 1986-23 Apr 1988 (NBC); 4 May 1989-20 Sep 1989 (UK: ITV/Anglia); 48 60-minute episodes; Cult series set in Chicago, and then Las Vegas, about straight cops versus a murderous gangster with charisma, Ray Luca. Sort of The Untouchables set to early Rock and Roll, it included moral grays, such as when attorney David Abrams switches from the side of the cops to the side of Luca (in season 2). Creators: Chuck Adamson (17 years with Chicago PD), Gustave Reininger; Producer: Michael Mann (later to produce Miami Vice); Theme Song: "Runaway" (Del Shannon); Starring: DENNIS FARINA (actual ex-cop in the real Torello's unit) as Lt. Michael Torello; ANTHONY DENISON (ex-pro gambler) as Ray Luca; JOHN SANTUCI as Paul Taglia; STEPHEN LANG as David Abrams. Crime Syndicated 18 Sep 1951-23 June 1953 (CBS); 45 (?) 30-minute episodes; black and white; Live dramatizations of actual cases from the FBI, the Senate Crime Investigating Committee, and various police departments. Producer: Jerry Danzig; Narrator/Host: Rudolph Halley (ex-Chief Counsel to Senate Crime Investigating Committee, then appointed President of the New York City Council), thereafter alternating with Herbert R. O'Connor (ex-chairman of Senate Crime Investigating Committee). Crime With Father 31 Aug 1951-18 Jan 1952 (ABC); 16 30-minute episodes; black and white; Dad-and-daughter detective team. Producer: Wilbur Stark; Starring: RUSTY LANE as Capt. Jim Riland; PEGGY LOBBIN as Chris Riland. D: Mystery/Detective Television Series The D.A.'s Man 3 Jan 1959-29 Aug 1959 (NBC/Universal); 26 30-minute episodes; black and white; Ex-Private Eye Shannon is hired by the New York City District Attorney to work undercover. He succesfully penetrated the Mob, obtaining key evidence about drug-pushing and prostitution, and kept in contact with the D.A.'s office through First Assistant D.A. Al Bonacorsi. Executive Producer: Jack Webb; Music: Frank Comstock; Starring: JOHN COMPTON as Shannon; RALPH MANZA as Al Bonacorsi. Dan August 23 Sep 1970-8 Apr 1971 (ABC/Quinn Martin); 9 June 1976-13 June 1978 (UK: ITV); 26 60-minute episodes; Detective Lieutenant Dan August protects his home turf of mythical Santa Luisa, California. He knows everybody in town, and so can "home town" a suspect to the point of confession. This show first aired as a pilot, The House on Greenapple Road, where Dan August was played by Christopher George. Not long after the show was yanked from the air for poor ratings, Burt Reynolds became a bigger star than ever, and ABC ran re-runs, which had higher ratings than the original show. Executive Producer: Quinn Martin; Producer: Adrian Samish; Music: Dave Grusin; starring BURT REYNOLDS as Detective Lieutenant Dan August; NORMAN FELL as Sgt. Charles Wilentz; NED ROMERO as Sgt. Joe Rivera; RICHARD ANDERSON as Chief George Untermeyer; ENA HARTMANN as Katy Grant. Dan Raven 23 Sep 1960-6 Jan 1961 (NBC/Columbia); 13 60-minute episodes; Dan Raven and his sidekick, Sergeant Burke, patrolled the Sunset Strip for the West Hollywood Division of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs. Same place, same era as 77 Sunset Strip. Cops always look out-of-place in beatnik coffee houses and strip clubs, but very much in-place were guest appearances by the likes of Paul Anka and Bobby Darin. Their nemesis was ubiquitous magazine paparazzi Perry Levitt, who was often more than than photographically involved. Starring: SKIP HOMEIER as Dan Raven; DAN BARTON as Sergeant Burke; QUINN REDEKER as Perry Levitt. David Cassidy, Man Undercover 2 Nov 1978-2 Aug 1979 (NBC/Columbia); 4 60-minute episodes; Spun-off from an episode of Police Story, this show was a pathetic attempt to cash in on a teenybopper poster boy. He was miscast as part of an undercover team in Los Angeles run by Sergeant Abrams, ludicrously infiltrating student groups, teenage bank-robbery gangs, or anything else that allowed for hordes of well-scrubbed teenager. Of course, Shay was allegedly almost 30 years old, and was married and a parent, but not even his fans could accept the absurd premises and shoddy acting. Creator: Richard Fielder; Executive Producer: David Gerber; Producers: Mark Rogers, Mel Swope; Starring: DAVID CASSIDY as Officer Dan Shay; WENDY RASTATTER as Joanne Shay; ELIZABETH REDDIN as Cindy Shay; SIMON OAKLAND as Sgt. Abrams. Deadline 2000 {to be done} Newspaper reporter confronts crime scenes and editors... Dear Detective 28 Mar 1979-18 Apr 1979 (CBS/Viacom); 4 60-minute episodes; Adapted from the French Thriller/Comedy Tendre Poulet (British title: Dear Inspector), the focus was on LAPD Detective Sergeant Kate Hudson. On top of her police duties, she was a divorced mother of daughter Lisa, in a problematic romance with English Literature Professor Richard Weyland, who disliked her hours and the very nature of her employment. Well-done, in terms of making a complex life accessible, but kept falling off the tightrope between drama and comedy. Executive Producers: Dean Hargrove, Roland Kibbee; Music: Dick de Benedictis, Dean de Benedictis; Starring: BRENDA VACCARO as Detective Sergeant Kate Hudson; ARLEN DEAN SNYDER as Professor Richard Weyland; MICHAEL McRAE as Det. Brock; RON SILVER as Det. Schwartz; JET YARDUM as Lisa. Decoy 1957 (Syndicated/Official Films/Pyramid); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; also known as Police Woman Decoy; Casey Jones was an undercover NYPD officer in a violent New York City. Producer: David Alexander; Starring: BEVERLY GARLAND as Casey Jones; ED ASNER (later played Lou Grant). Delvecchio 9 Sep 1976-17 July 1977 (NBC/Universal); 20 60-minute episodes; Sergeant Dominick Delvecchio graduated law school and then, against the advice of his Italian barber shop owner dad Tomaso, became a police detective. He and his partner Paul Shonski, under Lieutenant Macavan, patrolled LAPD's Washington Heights division. It is inexplicable that a show so well-written, created by Steven Bochco, and starring actors who were later stars in other police roles, did not last longer on the air. Creators: Sam Rolfe, Joseph Polizzi, Steven Bochco (Hill Street Blues); Executive Producers: William Sackheim, Lane Slate; Producers: Michael Rhodes; Music: Billy Goldenberg, Richard Clements; Starring: JUDD HIRSCH (later star of Taxi) as Sgt. Dominick Delvecchio; CHARLES HAID (later a star of Hill Street Blues) as Sgt. Paul Shonski; MICHAEL CONRAD (later a star of Hill Street Blues) as Lt. Macavan; MARIO GALLO as Tomaso Delvecchio; GEORGE WYNER (later a star of Hill Street Blues) as Assistant D.A. Dorfman. Dellaventura 1997 (CBS); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Dempsey and Makepeace 11 Jan 1985-1 Nov 1986 (UK: ITV/Golden Eagle Films/London Weekend Television); 1 105-minute episode; 29 60-minute episodes; Actor Michael Brandon had been a real-life gang member in Brooklyn, New York, and so brought an authenticity to a role in an otherwise painfully inauthentic series. The character he played, Lieutenant James Dempsey, was a cop from the corrupt 9th Precinct of Manhattan who was reassigned to Great Britain after fatally shooting his partner. Now in an imaginary undercover unit called SI 10 (for Special Intelligence), was teamed with an upper-crust Detective Sergeant Harriet Makepeace. In real life, actor and actress had a steamy affair. But the chemistry was lacking onscreen, where they were supposed to go from a mutual dislike to grudging professional acknowledgment to -- who knows what? Whenever the goofy plots or inadequate relationship hit a slow point, SI 10's boss, Chief Superintendant Gordon Spikings, would yell at someone. Creator: Tony Wharmby; Executive Producer: Nick Elliott; Producer: Tony Wharmby; Music:Alan Parker; Starring: MICHAEL BRANDON as Lt. James Dempsey; GLYNIS BARBER as Det. Sgt. Harriet Makepeace; RAY SMITH as Ch. Supt. Gordon Spikings; TONY OSOBA as Det. Sgt. Chas Jarvis. Department S 9 Mar 1969-4 Mar 1970 (UK: ITV/ITC); 1971 (USA: Syndicated); 28 60-minute episodes; The hippie X-Files, this show featured mustachioed Peter Wyngard dressed in full flower-power/Beatles/head-shop regalia, globetrotting to location shots in Beirut, Naples, Paris, and the like for the imaginary "Department S" -- a high-tech Interpol department. Peter played Jason King, a best-selling Mystery/Detective writer, and senior investigator for "Department S." His less flamboyant partner was Stewart Sullivan, who was perpetually sceptical of Jason's far-out theories as to why, for example, an aircraft had flown without a pilot, or a car crash had a tailor's dummy as apparent driver. The stories were inherently outre and interesting, making the X-Files parallel plausible. Annabelle Hurst was the technologically sophisticated analyst, a scientific role similar to that of Christine Carmichael: Physics Detective. Starring: PETER WYNGARDE as Jason King; JOEL FABIANI as Stewart Sullivan; ROSEMARY NICOLS as Annabelle Hurst; _______ as Department Head Sir Curtis Seretse. Guest stars included: ALEXANDRA BASTEDO, ANTHONY HOPKINS, STRATFORD JOHNS, SUE LLOYD, KATE O'MARA. Derrick 15 Jan 1987-? 1991 (UK: ITV/Yorkshire TV/ZDF); 140 60-minute episodes; Chief Inspector Derrick is a 50-something German detective who prowls Europe solving cases of murder, terrorism, armed robbery, and the like. He is parallel in several ways to Van der Valk, and has top ratings in Holland and Italy. Creator: Herbert Reinecker; Starring: HORST TAPPERT as Chief Inspector Derrick. Detective 30 Mar 1964-9 Nov 1969 (UK: BBC1); The most comprehensive and excellent anthology series in British Mystery/Detective television history. {to be done} The Detective 10 May 1985-7 June 1985 (UK: BBC1); 5 50-minute episodes; Commander Ken Crocker of the Special Intelligence Branch of Scotland Yard mercilessly sought out and crushed corruption in various police departments, exacting a high price for his politically inopportune shake-ups. Writer: Ted Whitehead, apatation from the novel by Paul Ferris; Director: Don Leaver; Producer: Sally Head; Starring: TOM BELL as Ken Crocker; MARK EDEN as Supt. Wilf Penfold; VIVIENNE RITCHIE as Det. Insp. Vera Harris. Detective in the House 15 Mar 1985-26 Apr 1985 (CBS/Lorimar); 7 50-minute episodes; Judd Hirsch was the often-divorced engineer who switched tracks to private detective. Daily Variety said: "a mix of Father Knows Best and the private eye genre. It offers the worst elements of each." Creators: Judy Merl, Paul Eric Myers; Executive Producers: Gary Adelson, Gil Grant; Producer: William L. Young Starring: JUDD HIRSCH (Taxi); CASSIE YATES; CONNIE STEVENS. Detective School 31 July 1979-24 Nov 1979 (ABC); 10 30-minute episodes; Nick Hannigan's night-school students, including an old man named Robert Redford (not the actor of the same name), applied their lessons outside the classroom, and almost always got in over their heads, needing Nick to wrap things up. Sometimes it was Nick being bailed out by his students. Executive Producers: Bernie Kukoff, Jeff Harris, Caryn Sneider; Producer: Hank Bradford; Music: Peter Matz; Starring: JAMES GREGORY as Nick Hannigan; RANDOLPH MANTOOTH as Eddie Dawkins; LAWANDA PAGE as Charlene Jenkins; DOUGLAS V. FOWLEY as Robert Redford; PAT PROFT as Leo Frick; TAYLOR NEGRON as Silvio Galindez. Detective's Diary 1957-60 (NBC); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Detective's Wife 7 July 1950-29 Sep 1950 (CBS); 13 30-minute episodes; black and white; Adam Conway was a private detective on low-profile domestic cases, until thrust into the limelight when he solved a homicide. After that, he was in constant demand for murder investigations, and his wife Connie often got involved as well. This was a live show, appearing as the summer replacement for Man Against Crime. Starring: DONALD CURTIS as Adam Conway; LYNN BARI as Connie Conway. The Detectives 16 Oct 1959-18 May 1962 (ABC/Hastings/ Four Star); 3rd season (NBC); 11 Aug 1964-16 Feb 1965 (UK: ITV/Anglia), 67 30-minute episodes; 30 60-minute episodes; black and white; Moral widower cop Capt. Matt Holbrook had three plainclothes detectives reporting to him: Lt. Otto Lindstrom was expert in catching con men; Lt. John Russo chomped on cigars while nabbing burglers; playboy Lt. James Conway had talent in solving murders. In the 3rd (final) season, the show moved to NBC, and was retitled: Robert Taylor's Detectives. Music: Herschel Burke Gilbert; Starring: ROBERT TAYLOR as Capt. Matt Holbrook; RUSSELL THORSON as Lt. Otto Lindstrom; TIGE ANDREWS as Lt. John Russo; LEE FARR as Lt. James Conway; ADAM WEST (later star of Batman) as Sgt. Steve Nelson; MARK GODDARD as Sgt. Chris Ballard; URSULA THIESS (Mrs. Robert Taylor) as Lisa Bonay. The Devlin Connection 1982 (NBC); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Dial 999 8 June 1958-13 June 1959 (ITV/Towers of London/ Ziv Productions); 1959 (USA: Syndicated); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; Canadian Mountie Mike Maguire was studying the police procedures of Great Britain at Scotland Yard. Assigned the acting rank of Detective Inspector, he was placed in a team with Detective Inspector Winter and Detective Sergeant West. This on-location, highly realistic Mystery/Detective series was an American co-production, with format and target audience similar to Highway Patrol, including each episode climaxing with a chase scene. It had difficult stunts, and avoided humor. Producer: Harry Alan Towers; British Police Consultant: Tom Fallon (ex-Superintendent of Scotland Yard) Music: Sidney Torch; Starring: ROBERT BEATTY as Mike Maguire; DUNCAN LAMONT as Det. Insp. Winter; JOHN WITTY as Det. Sgt. West. Diagnosis: Murder 1998?-present {to be done} __ 60-minute episodes; Starring: DICK VAN DYKE... The Diamond Brothers 26 Mar 1991-30 Apr 1991 (UK: ITV/ Red Rooster/TVS); 6 30-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Thriller/Comedy series. Characteristic of Thrillers, a rather ordinary man is thrust into a paranoid world of murder, secret agents, pursuing police, and hair-raising tension. In this case, Camden Town's lowest-ranking detective, Tim Diamond, overheard the last words of dying secret agent "Jake McGuffin": "South by South East." Sounds like a spoof of Alfred Hitchock, with film North by Northwest and his theory of the McGuffin. Tim Diamond was aided by, and endangered, the even more innocent younger brother Nick Diamond. They were chased by shadowy Snape and Boyle. Creator: Anthony Horowitz; Adapted from: Anthony Horowitz' novel South by South East, and film Just Ask for Diamond. Executive Producers: J. Nigel Pickard; Linda James; Stephen Bayly; Producer: Richard Turner; Director: Anthony Horowitz; Starring: DURSLEY McLINDEN as Tim Diamond; COLIN DALE as Nick Diamond; MICHAEL FEAST as Snape; GORDON WINTER as Boyle. Dick and the Duchess 21 May 1959-8 July 1960 (UK: ITV/ Sheldon Reynolds); 28 Sep 1957-16 May 1958 (USA: NBC); 26 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective/Comedy/Adventure series. Insurance investigator Dick Starrett was an American, residing in London with his wife Jane. Jane was the daughter of an Earl, so Dick called her "Duchess." Dick had to get adjusted to the aristocratic in-laws. Jane had to get adjusted to not interfering with Dick's work, though her instinct tended in the opposite direction. Dick had to get adjusted to the procedures of his some-time boss Peter Jamison, whose methods differed from those of Inspector Stark of Scotland Yard. Executive Producer: Nicole Milinair; Starring: PATRICK O'NEAL as Dick Starrett; HAZEL COURT as Jane Starrett; RICHARD WATTIS as Peter Jamison; MICHAEL SHEPLEY as Inspector Stark. Dick Barton - Special Agent 6 Jan 1979-8 Apr 1979 (UK: ITV/Southern Television Network Productions); 26 15-minute episodes; Adapted from: 1946-1951 British radio drama series; Executive Producers: Terence Baker, Lewis Rudd; Producer: John Scoffield; Starring: TONY VOGEL as Dick Barton; ANTHONY HEATON as Snowey White; JAMES COSMO as Jock Anderson. Dick Tracy 11 Sep 1950-12 Feb 1951 (ABC); 23 30-minute episodes; black and white; 1961 (USA: Syndicated/UPA); 30 June 1980-30 July 1982 (UK: ITV/Thames); 130 50-minute episodes; color; Creators: Chester Gould created the comic-strip Dick Tracy (1931), RALPH BYRD starred in 15 black and white film episodes of the Dick Tracy serial for Republic Pictures (1937-1941), Ralph Byrd starred in the live TV series (1950-51), and would surely have gone to more seasons had he not died in 1952. There was also an animated series in which Dick Tracy is assisted by "Hemlock Holmes" and "The Retouchables Squad." Producers: Dick Moore, Keith Kalmer; Starring: RALPH BYRD as Dick Tracy; JOE DEVLIN as Sam Catchem; DICK ELLIOTT as Police Chief Murphy. Die Kinder 1990 (UK: BBC/ USA:PBS); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Dixon of Dock Green 9 July 1955-1 May 1976 (UK: BBC1); 367 25-minute and 45-minute episodes; Jack Warner was the brother of Elsie and Doris Waters, music-hall stars. Jack Warner was the second to play PC George Dixon. First, Dirk Bogarde murdered him in the film The Blue Lamp (1950). Resurrected by Ted Willis for television, PC George Dixon became the longest-running TV cop in history: lasting 21 years and an amazing 367 episodes, becoming a British institution. The series (and film) were based on an actual officer, whose beat was Leman Street in London's East End. He was a Constable who was promoted (with much celebration) to Sergeant on 19 Sep 1964. In the series, as he aged, the action shifted to son-in-law Andy Crawford, head of CID. Andy's wife was George's daughter Mary, and they had twins. The show was rather non-violent, in clear contrast to the later Z Cars and The Sweeney, for example. PC George Dixon retired in 1976. Jack Warner died in 1981, age 85. His funeral coffin was carried by officers from Paddington Green, site of Ted Willis' original research. There was a special tribute at Scotland Yard. Creator: Ted Willis; Writer: Ted Willis; Producers: Douglas Moodie, Ronald Marsh, Philip Barker, Joe Waters; Theme Song: "An Ordinary Copper"; Starring: JACK WARNER as PC George Dixon; PETER BYRNE as Det. Sgt. Andy Crawford; BILLIE WHITELAW as Mary Crawford (1955); JEANETTE HUTCHINSON as Mary Crawford (1956-1976); GEOFFREY ADAMS as PC "Laudy" Lauderdale; ARTHUR RIGBY as Desk Sgt. Flint; NICHOLAS DONNELLY as PC Willis; NEIL WILSON as PC Tubb Barrell; MOIRA MANNION as Sgt. Grace Millard; DAVID WEBSTER as Cadet Jamie MacPherson; ANTHONY PARKER as PC Bob Penney; JOCELYNE RHODES as WPC Kay Shaw. Dog and Cat 5 Mar 1977-14 May 1977 (ABC/Paramount); 10 60-minute episodes; "Dog and Cat" was the slang term for "men and women's police teams." This lightweight Mystery/Detective/Police drama series starred Kim Bassinger, before she became a hot movie star, as gorgeous, hip, Officer J.Z. Kane, graduate of an unspecified college in the South. Plainclothes vet Jack Ramsey was the "dog." This odd couple patrolled LAPD's 42nd Division. Creator: Walter Hill; Executive Producer: Lawrence Gordon; Producer: Robert Singer; Music: Barry De Vorzon; Starring: LOU ANTONIO as Det. Sgt. Jack Ramsey; KIM BASINGER as Officer J.Z. Kane; MATT CLARK as Lt. Arthur Kipling. Dog City 1992-93 (Fox); Animated; {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Dorothy L. Sayers Mystery 25 Mar 1987-27 May 1987 (UK: BBC2); 1 Oct 1987-3 Dec 1987 (USA: WGBH Boston "Mystery"); 10 55-minute episodes; 15 years earlier, Ian Carmichael had starred in Lord Peter Wimsey. Novelist Dorothy L. Sayers' character was resurrected for further very faithful adaptations. Dramatizations: Philip Broadley; Producer: Michael Chapman; Director: Michael Simpson; Music: Joseph Horowitz; Starring: EDWARD PETHER BRIDGE as Lord Peter Death Bredon Wimsey, second son of the Duke of Denver; RICHARD MORANT as Bunter; HARRIET WALTER as Harriet Vane. Dragnet 16 Dec 1951-24 Mar 1959 (NBC/MCA); 263 30-minute black and white episodes; 12 Jan 1967-16 Apr 1970 (NBC/MCA); 15 Sep 1961-23 Aug 1968 (UK: ITV); 98 30-minute color episodes; Syndicated release ran under title Badge 714. The color revival was titled Dragnet 67. Just the facts, Ma'am: As Sergeant Joe Friday said in voice-over each episode: "This is the city. Los Angeles, California. I work here. I carry a badge." Cue the theme music. Then cue the announcer: "Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to see is true. Only the names have been changed, to protect the innocent." This most famous and successful of all American television Mystery/Detective/Police series began as a pseudo-documentary He Walked by Night (1948), in which Jack Webb appeared as a lab technician. Then, it spawned a radio series (1949), which achieved #1 ratings, and so the TV version began in December 1951 on a show called Chesterfield Sound Off Time, with Sgt.Friday's partner Sergeant Ben Romero played by Barton Yarborough. But Barton died (heart attack) after only 3 episodes had been filmed, so the role was played by various actors subsequently. Creators: Jack Webb, Richard Breen; Producer: Jack Webb; Narrator: Jack Webb; Director (of most episodes): Jack Webb; Technical Advisor: Marty Wynn, LAPD Sergeant; Theme Music: (dum de dum dum, daaaah!) Walter Schumann (a record of this was a hit, as was the later parody album by Stan Freberg); Starring: JACK WEBB as Sergeant Joe Friday; BARTON YARBOROUGH as Sergeant Ben Romero; BARNEY PHILLIPS as Sgt. Ed Jacobs; HERB ELLIS as Officer Frank Smith (1952); BEN ALEXANDER as Officer Frank Smith (1953-1959); HARRY MORGAN as Officer Bill Gannon (1967-1970); GEORGE FENNEMAN and HAL GIBNEY as Announcer. Then there was the loving parody film (1987) starring DAN AYKROYD. And then there was the new TV series, with younger characters: 4 Oct 1989-? (Syndicated/Arthur Company/WWOR-TV); 78 30-minute color episodes; Executive Producer: Arthur L. Annecarico; Co-Executive Producers: Burton Amos, Craig Kellem Starring: JEFFREY OSTERHAGE as Sgt. Vic Daniels; BERNARD WHITE as Det. Carl Molina; DON STROUD as Capt. Lussen; THALMUS RASSULALA as Capt. Bolz. The Duke 5 Apr 1979-18 May 1979 (NBC/ Stephen J. Cannell/Universal); 1 120-minute episode; 3 60-minute episodes; Oscar "Duke" Ramsey was a pugilist who quit as he grew old and tired, hoping to quietly operate the Chicago bar "Duke and Benny's Corner." But Benny was murdered, and Duke became a private detective to find his would-be partner's murderer. All his boxing buddies would pitch in to help. The could not help enough to keep this in the ring more than 4 rounds. Executive Producer: Stephen J. Cannell; Producers: Alex Beaton, Don Carlos Dunaway; Music: Mike Post, Pete Carpenter; Starring: ROBERT CONRAD as Oscar "Duke" Ramsey; LARRY MANETTI as Joe Cadillac; RED WEST as Sgt. Mick O'Brien; PATRICIA CONWELL as Dedra Smith. E: Mystery/Detective Television Series Echo Four-Two 24 Aug 1961-25 Oct 1961 (UK: ITV/ Associated Rediffusion); 10 50-minute episodes; The show No Hiding Place, featuring Detective Sergeant Harry Baxter, was so popular with the ladies, that ITV spun-off a show of his own. Promoted to Detective Inspector, Harry Baxter commanded the E Division squad of undercover "Q-cars" in London. His assistant, Detective Sergeant York, and he policed the center of London. Problem outside their control, production was cut short by an actors' strike after 10 of the originally planned 13 episodes were shot. ITV executives sighed, and sent Harry Baxter back to No Hiding Place. Producer: Richard Matthews; Music: Laurie Johnson; Starring: ERIC LANDER as Detective Inspector Harry Baxter; GEOFFREY RUSSELL as Detective Sergeant York; GEOFFREY CHATER as Acting Superintendent Dean The Eddie Capra Mysteries 8 Sep 1978-7 Sep 1979 (NBC/ Universal Television); 8 Feb 1980-30 Apr 1980 (UK: BBC1); 11 60-minute episodes; 2 120-minute episodes; Eddie Capra was both lawyer and detective. At the powerful, but imaginary, law firm Devlin, Linkman and O'Brien, he was the junior partner who wrestled with the who-done-it that (each hour) began with our seeing a murder, and proceeded with him methodically assembling the clues. Harvey Winchell was his enthusiastic legman, and romantic interest Lacey Brown was his secretary. Lacey had a too-smart-for-her- own-good daughter Jennie. He also had a not-as-smart-as-he-thinks senior partner to contend with: J.J. Devlin. Creator: Peter S. Fischer; Executive Producer: Peter S. Fischer; Producer: James McAdams; Starring: VINCENT BAGGETTA as Eddie Capra; WENDY PHILIPS as Lacey Brown; KEN SWOFFORD as J.J. Devlin; MICHAEL HORTON as Harvey Winchell; SEVEN ANN McDONALD as Jennie Brown. Edge of Darkness 4 Nov 1985-9Dec 1985 (UK: BBC2); 6 55-minute episodes; Ronald Craven's daughter Jennie was murdered in Yorkshire. As he investigated, he stepped deeper and deeper into political Thriller territory, with involvement by CIA, NASA, and NATO. The star drew on his real-life brother, a Yorkshire policeman. Darius Jedburgh was a rogue CIA agent, played by an American actor who was paid more than the Brits, but helped land American investors for the series. Bad PR stemmed from the fact that the imaginary terrorist group GAIA shared the name of the actual ecological publisher with principal investor Prince Philip. MI5 reportedly bristled at actual security codes being exposed. Could these be why the series died young? Or are there more covert political reasons, heh heh heh? Creator: Troy Kennedy Martin; Producer: Michael Wearing; Director: Martin Campbell; Music: Eric Clapton, Michael Kamen; Starring: BOB PECK as Det. Ronald Craven; JOE DON BAKER as Darius Jedburgh; JOANNE WHALLEY as Emma Craven; JOHN WOODVINE as Det. Chief Supt. Ross 87th Precinct 25 Sep 1961-10 Sep 1962 (NBC/Hubbell Robinson/MCA TV); 5 Jan 1962-30 Aug 1962 (UK: ITV/Anglia); 30 60-minute episodes; black and white; Detective Steve Carella's beat was the inner-city 87th Precinct of Manhattan. He was backed by gung-ho youngster Bert Kling and two seasoned professionals: sarcastic Meyer Meyer, and stolid Roger Havilland. Many a scene was stolen by Norman fell as Meyer Meyer, and many more by Gena Rowlands as Teddy, the deaf-mute wife of introspective Steve Carella. I particularly liked the scenes between Mr. and Mrs. Carella, and not just because of my own brother Nicky being profoundly deaf. This was just plain good acting, based on a superlatively good series of Ed McBain novels. Creator: Ed McBain [pseudonym of Evan Hunter], from his novels; Music: Morton Stevens; Starring: ROBERT LANSING as Detective Steve Carella; NORMAN FELL as Detective Meyer Meyer; RON HARPER as Detective Bert Kling; GREGORY WALCOTT as Detective Roger Havilland; GENE ROWLANDS as Teddy Carella. Eischied 21 Sep 1979-29 Aug 1980 (NBC/Gerber Productions/Columbia Pictures TV); 17 Jan 1980-10 Apr 1980 (UK: ITV) under the British title Chief of Detectives; 13 60-minute episodes; Tough southerner Earl Eischied is strict NYPD Chief of Detectives. He clashed with Deputy Commissioner Kimbrough, who had a political agenda. Earl Eischied's friend Chief Inspector Ed Parks kept the conflict from boiling over. Earl Eischied, a bachelor with a cat "P.C." who commuted to work with his master, ran a special squad. The characters were spun-off from the powerful miniseries To Kill a Cop, and deserved to do better in the ratings... Executive Producer: David Gerber; Producers: Matthew Rapf, Jay Daniel; Starring: JOE DON BAKER as Chief of Detectives Earl Eischied; EDDIE EGAN (in real life, he;d been NYPD Detective First Grade) as Chief Inspector Ed Parks; ALAN OPPENHEIMER as Capt. Finnerty; ALAN FUDGE as Deputy Commissioner Kimbrough; SUZANNE LEDERER as Carol Wright; VINCENT BUFANO as Rick Alessi. El C.I.D. 7 Feb 1990-12 Feb 1991 (UK: ITV/Granada) 13 60-minute episodes; Bromley and Blake, in this Mystery/Detective/Drama/Comedy series, retire to Spain from Scotland Yard. Blake was the man of action, often hospitalized; Bromley was cerebral. With their boat, named "El C.I.D.", they sail for Costa del Sol, only to discover it a high-crime district. They team with Delgado and his daughter Mercedes, both private eyes. Metcalf is a pretentious owner of a marina; Frank owns a restaurant; both are fellow British ex-patriates. Creators: Chris Kelly, Iain Roy; Executive Producer: Sally Head; Producer: Matthew Head Director: Music: Starring: ALFRED MOLINA as Bernard Blake; JOHN BIRD as Douglas Bromley; TONY HAYGARTH as Frank; DONALD CHURCHILL as Metcalf; SIMON ANDREU as Delgado; VIVIANE VIVES as Mercedes; ROBERT REYNOLDS as Stevie (season 2). Ellery Queen {to be done} 6 50-minute episodes; Ellery Queen is the first writer/detective character, a concept copied as Fletcher in Murder She Wrote, and Max Beckett in Over My Dead Body. Creators: The character 'Ellery Queen" was created in a novel (1929) by Frederic Dannay and Manfred Bennington Lee (see "Authors Q"). He was in 9 movies, a CBS Radio series (1939-?), and has been 5 times on television series: (1) RICHARD HART, The Adventures of Ellery Queen 14 Oct 1950-Dec 1952 (DuMont/ABC); 50(?) 30-minute episodes; black and white; Producers:Norman Pincus, Irving Pincus; (2) LEE BOWMAN replaced Hart when Hart died of a heart attack; (3) HUGH MARLOWE (who'd played the part on radio) in a syndicated (Norvin/Arrow) series (1954), also called The Adventures of Ellery Queen, then re-released as Mystery is My Business; also Starring FLORENZ AMES as NYPD Inspector Richard Queen; 32 30-minute episodes; black and white; (4) GEORGE NADER as Ellery Queen, and LES TEMAYNE as his father, NYPD Inspector Richard Queen, initially with title The Further Adventures of Ellery Queen (1958), then retitled Ellery Queen. When production moved to New York, from Hollywood, both Nader and Tremayne quit, so LEE PHILIPS starred as Ellery Queen, and the father was written out of the script; 26 60-minute episodes; black and white; 26 Sep 1958-5 June 1959 (NBC); Producer: Albert McCleery; (5) JIM HUTTON, Ellery Queen, 11 Sep 1975-4 Apr 1976 (NBC/ Fairmont-Foxcroft/Universal); 6 Jan 1976-23 Aug 1976 (UK: BBC1); 1 120-minute episode; 22 60-minute episodes; set in 1940s New York; Creators: Richard Levinson, William Link; Executive Producers: Richard Levinson, William Link; Producers: Peter S. Fischer, Michael Rhodes; Music: Elmer Bernstein; Also Starring: DAVID WAYNE as NYPD Inspector Richard Queen; TOM REESE as Sgt. Velie; JOHN HILLERMAN as Simon Brimmer; KEN SWOFFORD as Frank Flannigan. The Enigma Files 15 Apr 1980-22 July 1980 (UK: BBC2); 15 50-minute episodes; Detective Chief Inspector Nick Lewis is essentially demoted to Prisoners Property Office, but keeps finding clues to unsolved cases there, to the annoyance of executive officer Kate Burton. He is backed by Phil Strong, a lab technician played by a stand-up comic. Creator: Derek Ingrey; Producer: Joe Waters; Music: Anthony Isaac; Starring: TOM ADAMS (previously starred as heartthrob doctor on soap General Hospital) as Detective Chief Inspector Nick Lewis; SHARON MAUGHAN as Kate Burton; DUGGIE BROWN as Phil Strong. Enos 5 Nov 1980-19 Sep 1981 (CBS/Warner Bros.); 17 60-minute episodes; Spin-off from Dukes of Hazzard. Bumbling hick cop Enos Strate accidently captures two big-name criminals, and LAPD teams him with hip African-American Turk Adams in the Metro Squad's new Special Branch. The frame story is that each episode is a letter that Enos writes to his girl back home, Daisy Duke. Inexplicably -- this is comedy, after all -- the dumb redneck always triumphs in the big city. Creator: Gy Waldron; Executive Producer: Gy Waldron; Starring: SONNY SHROYER as Officer Enos Strate; SAMUEL E. WRIGHT as Officer Turk Adams; JOHN DEHNER as Lt. Jacob Broggi. The Equalizer 11 Sep 1985-24 Aug 1989 (CBS/Universal); 29 Oct 1986-? (UK: ITV); 88 60-minute episodes; Super-tough, super-skeptical ex-FBI offers (in classified ad in newspaper) to "equalize" the situation for people opposed by overwhelming opposition. He typically used his gun as the equalizer, in a hail of vigilante bullets against low-life creeps. The violence produced storms of protest in America and Great Britain alike, but Woodward explained: "McCall is hard and ruthless, but he's also very gentle, soft-hearted, and compassionate. And I think that's what makes him an interesting character--he's full on contradictions. And I cut an awful lot of violence out if I think it's gratuitous." Creators: Michael Sloan; Executive Producer: James McAdams; Producer: Alan Barnette; Music: Stewart Copeland; Starring: EDWARD WOODWARD as Robert McCall; ROBERT LANSING as Control. Eurocops 8 Nov 1988-5 Mar 1991 (UK: Channel 4); 19 60-minute episodes; Rotates between 7 countries, each in its native language; Producers: Austria: ORF; France: Antenne 2; Germany: ZDF; Italy: RAI; Spain: RTVE; Switzerland: SRG Zurich; United Kingdom: Picture Palace Productions/Channel 4; Starring: Austria: BERND JESCHEK as as Inspector Peter Brucker; France: BERTRAND LACY as Luc; PATRICK RAYNAL as Nicholas; Germany: HEINER LAUTERBACH as Inspector Dorn; Italy: DIEGO ABATANTUONO as Commissioner Corso; Spain: ALBERTO CLOSAS as Inspector Crespo; Switzerland: WOLFRAM BERGER as Inspector Peter Brodbeck; United Kingdom: JOHN BENFIELD as Det. Con. George Jackson. The Expert 5 July 1968-28 Mar 1971 (UK: BBC2); 52 50-minute episodes; In real life, Glasgow University's Professor of Forensic Medicine John Glaister inspired his nephew Gerard Glaister, a BBC drama producer known for the Charlesworth series, and later for Howard's Way. He invented the very authentic Warwickshire pathologist Dr. John Hardy, whose wife Jo Hardy was also a doctor. They were friends with Detective Chief Inspector Fleming, and often helped him solve cases by realistic application of Forensic Medicine. Too bad that Quincy, M.E. replaced the carefully-researched image of the pathologist with blathering, blustering Jack Klugman. Creators: Gerard Glaister, N. J. Crisp; Producer: Gerard Glaister; Starring: MARIUS GORING as Dr. John Hardy; ANN MORRISH as Jo Hardy; VICTOR WINDING as Detective Chief Inspector Fleming; SALLY NESBITT as Jane Carter. Eye to Eye 21 Mar 1984-25 Apr 1984 (ABC/Skorpios/Warner Bros.); 6 60-minute episodes; Oscar Poole had effectively retired from the private eye bsuiness to a barstool at O'Malley's. Then ex-partner's spunky daughter Tracy Doyle dragged him into investigating the death of her father. Again and again, after that, the old beer-belly PI and the young blonde stumbled into, and solved, other cases. Creators: Rick Eustis, Michael Elias; Producer: Steven A. Vail; Starring: CHARLES DURNING as Oscar Poole; STEPHANIE FARACY as Tracy Doyle F: Mystery/Detective Television Series Fabian of the Yard 13 Nov 1954-26 Sep 1956 (UK: BBC); 1956 (USA: Syndicated) under title Patrol Car; 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; There was a real Robert Fabian of Scotland Yard, and his cases are fictionalized in this popular series. The real Robert Fabian became the first ex-Scotland Yard celebrity on TV, ironically as Custodian of Questions on quiz show The $64,000 Question. Starring: BRUCE SETON as Detective Inspector Robert Fabian. Falcon see: Adventures of The Falcon Fallen Angels 1993-95 (Showtime); Animated; {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Faraday and Company 26 Sep 1973-13 Aug 1974 (NBC/Universal); 4 90-minute episodes; This was the first starring role for Sharon Gless (Cagney and Lacey). Frank Faraday was a private detective who had been falsely imprisoned in South America for 25 years. Once out, he sought the real criminals who should have been in jail instead. Meanwhile, he'd had a son Steve by his secretary, Lou Carson. Steve had continued the family tradition as a private detective, so father and son combined their efforts in a Los Angeles security investigation agency. The series temporarily was slotted into the Wednesday Mystery Movie series on NBC. Creators: Leonard B. Stern, Ken Pettus, Burt Prelutsky; Executive Producer: Leonard B. Stern Producers: Tony Barrett, Stanley Kallis; Music: Jerry Fielding; Starring: DAN DAILEY as Frank Faraday; JAMES NAUGHTON as Steve Faraday; SHARON GLESS as Holly Barrett; GERLADINE BROOKS as Lou Carson. Father Brown 26 Sep 1974-5 Dec 1974 (UK: ITV/ATV Network); 2 Nov 1982-23 Nov 1982 (USA: WGBH Boston "Mystery")' 11 60-minute episodes; "Have Bible... Will Travel" -- Father Brown is a priest/detective. He was played by Kenneth More, but only after the head of ATV Network productions, Lew Grade, twisted his arm. Father Brown solved his cases, not by force or science, but by his professional expertise in the intricacies of the human mind and soul. Creator: Adapted from stories by G.K. Chesterton (see Authors "C"); Producer: Ian Fordyce; Music: Jack Parnell; Starring: KENNETH MORE as Father Brown; DENNIS BURGESS as Flambeau. Father Dowling Investigates 1 Apr 1990-? (NBC/ABC/Viacom); In the USA the title is: The Father Dowling Mysteries 28 Dec 1990-14 July 1991 (UK: ITV/LWT); Father Frank Dowling is a compassionate middle-aged priest of St.Michael's in inner city Chicago. He fights crime with the help of his (sometimes undercover) nun sidekick Sister Steve, a card-shark pool-shooting, lock-picking, fast-car-driving wonder. Father Dowling's house keeper Marie puts up with this, the police appreciate the help, but the Bishop is horrified, and keeps threatening to re-assign Father Dowling to Alaska. 30+ 105-minute episodes; Series summary: {to be done} Creator: Ralph McInerny, from the novels of Ralph McInerny; Developed for TV by: Dean Hargrove, Joel Steiger; Executive Producers: Fred Silverman, Dean Hargrove; Producer: Barry Steinberg; Theme Music: Dick DeBenedictis; Starring: TOM BOSLEY (Happy Days) as Father Frank Dowling; TRACY NELSON as Sister Steve; MARY WICKES as Marie. The F.B.I. 19 Sep 1965-28 Apr 1974 (ABC/Quinn Martin/Warner Bros.); 3 Oct 1965-? (UK: ITV); 238 60-minute episodes; Approved by actual F.B.I. Director J. Edgar Hoover, who provided some actual cases and sometimes allowed filming at FBI HQ in Washington DC. Sometimes photos and descriptions were broadcast of genuine Most Wanted criminals, asking for viewers to phone in information. "Arthur Ward" was an assistant to the FBI Director. Executive Producer: Quinn Martin Producer: Charles Lawton; Sponsor: Ford Motor Company (so the FBI agents always drive Fords);: Theme Music: Bronislau Kaper; Music: Richard Markowitz, John Elizade; Starring: EFREM ZIMBALIST, JR. (77 Sunset Strip) as Inspector Lew Erskine; PHILIP ABBOTT as Arthur Ward; LYNN LORING as Barbara Erskine; STEPHEN BROOKS as Special Agent Jim Rhodes; WILLIAM REYNOLDS as Special Agent Tom Colby; SHELLY NOVACK as Agent Chris Daniels; MARVIN MILLER as Narrator. Fearless Fosdick Puppet Show 13 July 1952-28 Sep 1952 (NBC); 12 30-minute episodes; black and white; Parody of Dick Tracy, started on Sunday afternoons, for children, but appreciated by adults as well, so moved to evenings. Creator: Based on a character from the Li'l Abner comic strip by Al Capp. Producer: Charles Buggenheim. Puppets: The Mary Chase Marionettes. The Feather and Father Gang 7 Mar 1977-6 Aug 1977 (ABC/Columbia); 13 60-minute episodes; Huffaker, Danton and Binkwell was the imaginary Los Angeles law firm; "Feather" was the gorgeous but smart young attorney, whose father, Harry, was a con man gone straight. Father and daughter cracked crimes, usually in disguise. But you can't disguise a bad script. Creator: Bill Driskill; Executive Producer: Larry White; Producers: Robert Mintz; Bill Driskill; Music: George Romanis; Starring: STEPHANIE POWERS as Toni "Feather" Danton; HAROLD GOULD as Harry Danton; FRANK DELFINO as Enzo; JOAN SHAWLEE as Margo; MONTE LANDIS as Michael; LEWIS CHARLES as Lou. The Fellows 19 May 1967-11 Aug 1967 (UK: ITV/Granada); 12 60-minute episodes; black and white; Oldenshaw and Dimmock were the feisty criminologists in this spin-off from The Man in Room 17. They'd quit their government jobs, and been appinted by the Home Office to the Peel Research Fellowships of All Saints College, Cambridge University. Their research topic: "To investigate the general proposition that, in a period of rapid social change, the nature of crime (and therefore criminals) would change." They never quite proved the thesis, but inevitably outwitted criminals, however the bad guys tried to evolve new tricks. Creator: Robin Chapman; Executive Producers: Producers: Robin Chapman, Peter Plummer; Starring: RICHARD VERNON as Oldenshaw; MICHAEL ALDRIDGE as Dimmock. The Felony Squad 12 Sep 1966-31 Jan 1969 (ABC/TCF); 4 July 1967-9 May 1969 (UK: ITV); 73 30-minute episodes; Los Angeles was the setting in this Mystery/Detective/Police drama, which revolved around 3 generations of cops. Producer: Walter Grauman; Theme Music: Pete Rugolo; Starring: HOWARD DUFF as Det. Sgt. Sam Stone; DENNIS COLE as Det. Jim Briggs; BEN ALEXANDER as Desk Sgt. Dan Briggs; FRANK MAXWELL as Captain Nye; BARNEY PHILLIPS as Captain Franks. The Files of Jeffrey Jones 1953 (Syndicated); 26 30-minute episodes; black and white; Jeffrey Jones is a detective who is obsessed with sports. Producer: Lindsley Parsons (The Cases of Eddie Drake); Starring: DON HAGGERTY (The Cases of Eddie Drake) as Jeffrey Jones. Finder of Lost Loves 22 Sep 1984-24 Aug 1985 (ABC/Aaron Spelling/Warner Bros.); 37 60-minute episodes; The computer, Oscar, was the star so far as I was concerned. It helped millionnaire Cary Maxwell, trying to recover from his wife's death, bring broken couples back together. Stylish Daisy Lloyd assisted, as did young intern Brian Fletcher, and disciplined office manager Rita Hargrove. Of course, since Aaron Spelling was in charge, this was a Mystery/Detective amalgam of Fantasy Island and Love Boat, with nothing but sappy, happy endings. Creators: Jill Baer, Christopher Vane, Bill LaMond, Jo LaMond; Executive Producer: Aaron Spelling; Starring: TONY FRANCIOSA as Cary Maxwell; DEBORAH ADAIR as Daisy Lloyd; ANNE JEFFREYS as Rita Hargrove; RICHARD KANTOR as Brian Fletcher. For the People 31 Jan 1965-9 May 1965 (CBS); 15 60-minute episodes; black and white; New York District Attorney David Koster was always clashing with Anthony Celese, Bureau Chief. David's wife, Phyllis Koster, played viola. Frank Malloy was the detective sidekick. Executive Producer: Herbert Brodkin; Starring: WILLIAM SHATNER (the next year: Star Trek) as David Koster; HOWARD DA SILVER as Anthony Celese; LONNY CHAPMAN as Frank Malloy; JESSICA WALTER as Phyllis Koster. Foul Play 26 Jan 1981-23 Aug 1981 (ABC/Paramount/ Miller/Milkis/Boyett); 6 60-minute episodes; A wacky spin-off of the Chevy Chase/Goldie Hawn film Foul Play(1978). Gloria Munday, hostess of a TV chat show, and cop/concert violinist Tucker Pendleton are San Francisco sleuths. Tucker reports to Captain Lombardi; Ben and Beau were twin Little People. The movie was rather funny; the TV series was not. Creator: Hal Sitowitz; Starring: DEBORAH RAFFIN as Gloria Munday; BARRY BOSTWICK as Detective Tucker Pendleton; RICHARD ROMANIS as Captain Lombardi; GREG RICE as Ben; JOHN RICE as Beau. The Four Just Men 1957 (USA: Syndicated); 17 Sep 1959-22 June 1960 (UK: ITV/Sapphire Films/ATV); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; According to A Victoriana Page : "The Four Just Men were introduced in Edgar Wallace's The Four Just Men (1905), and appeared in five sequels over the next 23 years. Wallace (1875-1932) was an immensely popular and prolific author of detective and thriller fiction, turning out 173 books and 17 plays in his lifetime, few of which are particularly good, but almost all of which sold quite well for him. The Four Just Men was Wallace's first mystery and the only one on which he lost money; he staged a contest offering a �500 reward for the reader who could solve the final mystery of the novel, which was not exceptionally difficult to solve and led to huge losses for both Wallace and his publisher. "The Four Just Men is actually mislabelled; there are only three 'Just Men,' the fourth having died before the novel begins and his replacement turning out to be a venal man lacking nerve and backbone. The premise is that the three Just Men pursue and punish, with death, those bad men who will not be touched by the authorities. As one of them says, '...we kill for justice, which lifts us out of the ruck of professional slayers. When we see an unjust man oppressing his fellows; when we see an evil thing done against the good God... and against man--and know that by the laws of man this evil-doer may escape punishment--we punish. "Their previous history includes the killings of thieves, embezzlers, grafters, murderers, regicides, a poet-philosopher (for 'corrupting the youth of the world with his reasoning'), a rapist priest, corrupt Presidents of South American republics, and those who are 'notorious evil livers.' In The Four Just Men they are aligned against Sir Philip Ramon, the British Foreign Secretary. Sir Ramon is poised to push through Parliament the Aliens Political Offences Bill, which if passed into law will force a Spanish resistance leader to leave England, and thus rob him of the safety which Britain's laws bring him. The Four, with their keen sense of justice, cannot allow that to happen, and so they send notes to Sir Ramon calmly threatening him with death if the Bill is passed. Sir Ramon is coldly resolute, seeing his duty to England as being more important than his life, and so he ignores the death threats. He receives several of them predicting when the Just Men will kill him, the London police do their best to protect Sir Ramon, and yet he is killed just when the Just Men said he would die. The novel ends with the three Just Men (the fourth, not being worthy of the other Just Men and having attempted to betray them, is killed) leaving London, satisfied with their work. "The Four Just Men are Leon Gonsalez, George Manfred, and Poiccart. Their backgrounds are unknown to the police. Gonsalez has light blue eyes and 'restless hands;' he is the more intellectual and analytic of the three. Poiccart is grave, 'heavy, saturnine, and suspicious.' Manfred has a 'grey shot beard' and a monocle and is the more passionate of the trio; he is 'cynical, smiling, and sarcastic.' They are all well-educated men of leisure, with expensive tastes in food, drink, cigars and other luxuries and with bank accounts to finance their lifestyle. They are laconic, sardonically amused, and witty when not on the job; when involved in planning the deaths of an 'unjust man' they become cold...." "As was the case with Guy Boothby and Dr. Nikola, Wallace was unable to let his antiheroes remain on the wrong side of the law, and in the sequels he reformed them, so that in the final novel, Against the Just Men (1928), they concentrate on catching criminals and are respectable enough to qualify for the protection of Scotland Yard. Which is why those adventures, while having some interest to the reader (Wallace, even on his worst day, knew how to tell an interesting story, construct an intriguing puzzle, and build up the suspense), aren't nearly as much fun as the self-righteous and violent do-gooding of The Four Just Men. Executive Producer: Hannah Weinstein; Producers: Sidney Cole, Jud Kinberg; Starring: JACK HAWKINS as Ben Manfred; DAN DAILEY as Tim Collier; RICHARD CONTE as Jeff Ryder; VITTORIO DE SICA as Ricco Poccari; HONOR BLACKMAN as Nicole; LISA GASTONI as Guilia; JUNE THORBURN as Vicky Francis Storm Investigates 8 Mar 1960-5 Apr 1960 (UK: ITV/ATV/ Associated Rediffusion); 5 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective/Children's Drama series, about private eye Francis Storm and his friend Robin. Creator: Peter Elliott Hayes; Director: Grahame Turner; Music: Starring: BRIAN WORTH as Francis Storm; WILLIAM SIMMONS (Cribb) as Robin; ROBIN WENTWORTH as Sgt. Pilcher. Fraud Squad 20 May 1969-12 Dec 1970 (UK: ITV/ATV); 26 60-minute episodes; At last, a woman starring on TV as a Scotland Yard officer.... The Fraudulent Crimes Sqaud smashed con men, embezzlers, forgers, and the like in an inventive and always enjoyable series. Creator: Ivor Jay; Producer: Nicholas Palmer; Starring: PATRICK O'CONNELL as Detective Inspector Gamble; JOANNA VAN GYSEGHEM as Det. Sgt. Vicky Hicks. Guest Stars included: RUPERT (Maigret) DAVIES; MICHAEL GAMBON; MARTIN SHAW; COLIN WELLAND. Freebie and the Bean 6 Dec 1980-17 Jan 1981 (CBS/Warner Bros.); 27 July 1981-1 Sep 1981 (UK: BBC1); 6 60-minute episodes; Spun-off from the racier 1974 hit film of the same name, which starred James Caan and Alan Arkin as two plainclothes officers on special duty for Dan Francisco D.A. Walter W. Cruikshank. Freebie was an agressisvely pragmatic bachelor, and The Bean was a by-the-book family man. Extrovert Freebie and Introvert Bean were an Odd Couple who damaged a lot of police equipment, and bent the law and their boss out of shape. Unlike the movie, the blend of drama and slapstick failed on TV. Creator: Dick Nelson; Producer: Philip Saltzman; Starring: TOM MASON as Detective Sergeant Tim Walker (Freebie); HECTOR ELIZONDO as Detective Sergeant Dan Delgado (the Bean); WILLIAM DANIELS as D.A. Walter W. Cruikshank. Front Page Detective 6 July 1951-13 Nov 1953 (DuMont); 30 30-minute episodes; black and white; Announcer: "Presenting an unusual story of love and mystery on Front Page Detective, starring Mr. Edmund Lowe as the famed newspaper columnist and amateur detective, David Chase. And now for another thrilling adventure as we accompany David Chase and watch him match wits with those who would take the law into their own hands." Edmund Lowe was a dashing 1920s and 1930a film star, so this series was filmed, syndicated and shown locally, and then only briefly on network television. Producers: Riley Jackson, Jerry Fairbanks; Starring: EDMUND LOWE as David Chase; FRANK JENKS as The Homicide Detective; PAULA DREW as David's girlfriend. The Fugitive 17 Sep 1963-29 Aug 1967 (ABC/Quinn Martin); 90 60-minute black and white episodes; 30 60-minute color episodes; 1965 Emmy for Outstanding Dramatic Series. A Mystery/Detective classic. Remade as a feature Film in 1998 {hotlink to be done}. Creator: Roy Huggins; Executive Producer: Quinn Martin; Producer: Wilton Schiller; Director: Music: Peter Rugolo; Starring: DAVID JANSSEN as Dr. Richard Kimble; BARRY MORSE as Lt. Philip Gerard; BILL RAISCH as Fred Johnson (the One-Armed Man); WILLIAM CONRAD as Narrator. Future Cop 5 Mar 1977-6 Aug 1977 (ABC/Paramount); 6 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Science Fiction comedy/drama series. Conventional Officer Joe Cleaver is saddled with an Android partner, John Haven. Bill Bundy was kept in the dark about this rookie perfect cop. The series lacked either the good writing of Harlan Ellison and Ben Bova's "Brillo" (i.e., "Metal Fuzz"), or the satiric bite and dark dystopia of the Robocop films. Executive Producers: Anthony Wilson, Gary Damsker; Producer: Everett Chambers; Starring: ERNEST BORGNINE as Officer Joe Cleaver; JOHN AMOS as Officer Bill Bundy; MICHAEL SHANNON as Officer John Haven; HERBERT NELSON as Captain Skaggs. The Fuzz 8 Sep 1977-20 Oct 1977 (UK: ITV/Thames Television Network); 7 30-minute episodes; Police comedy series. Creator: Willis Hall; Producer: Stuart Allen; Director: Stuart Allen; Starring: MICHAEL ROBBINS as Detective Sergeant Marble; NIGEL LAMBERT as PC Cordwainer; MIKE SAVAGE as PC Dickinson; LYNDA BELLINGHAM as WPC Purvis; COLIN JEAVONS as Supt. Allardyce. G: Mystery/Detective Television Series Gabriel's Fire 1990-1993 (ABC); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The Gallery of Mme Lui-Tsong 3 Sep 1951-21 Nov 1951 (DuMont); 13 30-minute episodes; black and white; This was the first television series in the world about a female detective. Chinese-American actress Anna May Wong's actual name was Wong Lui-Tsong. Her character owned a global chain of art gallaries, and did detection in her spare time. There was art world insight, international thriller falvor, and unfulfilled promise. Was the world ready for this ahead-of-its-time series on 3 September 1951? Apparently not. Starring: ANNA MAY WONG as Mme Lui-Tsong. Gangbusters 20 March 1952-25 Dec 1952 (NBC); 21 30-minute episodes; black and white; Spun-off from a hit radio series of the same name that ran from 1936 to 1957, this series was drawn from real police and FBI files, and ended each episode with a real "Most Wanted" plug that led to many arrests. On TV, it alternated with Dragnet. Creator: Phillips H. Lord; Producer: Phillips H. Lord; Narrator: Phillips H. Lord. The Gentle Touch 11 Apr 1980-24 Nov 1984 (UK: ITV/LWT); 56 60-minute episodes; The was the first British Mystery/Detective television series to star a woman detective. Maggie Forbes works her way up from cadet in the Metroplitan Police. In Episode 1, her husband, a cop named Ray, is gunned down by robber brothers, leaving Maggie as a single mother to problematic teenager Steve. Her beat is Seven Dials, near Soho, where she reports to irritable Detective Chief Inspector Russell. Her partners include Detective Inspector Bob Croft, a Scotsman with a dim view of women on the force, generous Jake Barratt, youngster Jimmy Fenton, and another recruit, Peter Philips. Star Jill Gascoine's contract specified that in each episode, someone had to say how good-looking she was. Executive Producers: Tony Wharmby (seasons 1-4), Nick Elliott (season 5); Producers: Kim Mills, Jack Williams (seasons 1-2), Michael Verney-Elliott (seasons 2-5); Music: Roger Webb Starring: JILL GASCOINE (C.A.T.S. Eyes) as Detective Inspector Maggie Forbes; WILLIAM MARLOWE as Detective Chief Inspector Russell; PAUL MORIARTY as Det. Sgt. Jake Barratt; DEREK THOMPSON as Det. Sgt. Jimmy Fenton; BRIAN GWASPARI as Detective Inspector Bob Croft; KEVIN O'SHEA as Det. Sgt. Peter Philips (seasons 4-5); NIGEL RATHBONE as Steve Forbes; BERNARD HOLLEY as Mike Turnbull. Get Christie Love 11 Sep 1974-18 July 1975 (ABC/Universal); 22 60-minute episodes; LAPD's Special Investigations Division gets hip, sexy, African-American undercover officer Christie Love. She reports to no-nonsense Lt. Matt Reardon, and later to Captain Arthur P. Ryan. Her crime-fighting partner was Sergeant Pete Gallagher. Executive Producer: David L. Wolper; Producer: Paul Mason; Technical Advisor: NYPD Detective Olga Ford; Starring: TERESA GRAVES (Laugh-In) as Detective Christie Love; CHARLES CIOFFI as Lt. Matt Reardon; JACK KELLY as Captain Arthur P. Ryan; MICHAEL PATAKI as Sergeant Pete Gallagher. Ghost Squad retitled in season 3: GS5; 9 Sep 1961-27 June 1964 (UK: ITV/ATV/Rank); 1960 (10 episodes from season 1 syndicated in USA); 52 60-minute episodes; black and white Adapted from the book The Ghost Squad by ex-police detective John Gosling, this British classic Mystery/Detective television series portrays the genuine undercover unit of Scotland Yard. At the end of season 2, their leader, the American Nick Craig, is assassinated. Producers: Connerry Chappell (season 1), Anthony Kearey (season 2), Dennis Vance (season 3); Music: Philip Green; Starring: MICHAEL QUINN as Nick Craig; SIR DONALD WOLFIT as Sir Andrew Wilson; NEIL HALLETT as Tony Miller; ANGELA BROWNE as Helen Winters; ANTHONY MARLOWE as Geoffrey Stock; CLAIRE NIELSON as Jean Carter; RAY BARRETT as Peter Clarke. Gideon Oliver 20 Feb 1989-??? 1989 (ABC/Universal); 5 120-minute episodes; Kickboxing 40-something Anthropology professor Gideon Oliver is divorced in this cross between The Paper Chase and Indiana Jones. He is a great teacher, whose life revolves around his 20-year personal assistant/secretary Catherine Fraker and his Clinical Psych grad student daughter Zina. His keen mind and extensive knowledge of world culture draw him into investigations in exotic locations. Executive Producers: William Sackheim, Dick Wolf; Producer: Kevin Donnelly; Starring: LOUIS GOSSETT, Jr. as Gideon Oliver; SHARI HEADLEY as Zina Oliver. Gideon's Way 18 Mar 1965-10 May 1966 (UK: ITV/ATV); 26 60-minute episodes; Adapted from stories of John Creasey (see Authors "C"). Mid-1960s Scotland Yard Commander Gideon and partner Chief Inspector Keen engaged in violent confrontations with felons. Producers: Robert S. Baker, Monty Norman; Music: Edward Astley; Starring: JOHN GREGSON as Commander Gideon; ALEXANDER DAVION as Chief Inspector Keen; Guest Stars included: MICHAEL CASHMAN (the gay Colin of EastEnders); DERREN NESBITT (Special Branch); JOHN HURT. Glynis 25 Sep 1963-18 Dec 1963 (CBS/Desilu); 11 June 1964-8 Oct 1964 (UK: BBC1); black and white; 13 30-minute episodes; This Mystery/Detective Sitcom showcased comedienne Glynis Johns, who played an off-the-wall Mystery writer wife of big-shot attorney Keith Granville. As amateur detectives, they made every possible mistake, but, in sitcom style, everything turned out right by the end of each episode. Producers: Jess Oppenheimer, Edward H. Feldman Starring: GLYNIS JOHNS as Glynis Granville; KEITH ANDES as Keith Granville; CHICK ROGERS as George Mathews. The Gold Robbers 6 June 1969-29 Aug 1969 (UK: ITV/LWT); 13 60-minute episodes; "The Crime of the century" was the theft of five and half million pounds (British currency, not weight) of gold bullion. Craddock leads the chase of the gang of robbers, in an action-packed series. Creators: John Hawkesworth, Glyn Jones; Producer: John Hawkesworth; Music: Max Harris; Starring: PETER VAUGHAN as Detective Chief Superintendent Craddock; MICHAEL WYNNE as Inspector Tomkins; ARTRO MORRIS as Detective Sergeant Toms; Guest Stars included: JOSS ACKLAND, PETER BOWLES, GEORGE COLE, IAN HENDRY. Grand Slam 1990 (?); __ 50-minute episodes; Al Ramirez is a private eye {to be done}. Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Director: Music: Joseph Conlan; Sound Editor: Michael Payne; First Assistant Cameraman: Luc G. Nicknair; Starring: ABEL FRANCO as Al Ramirez; LARRY GELMAN as Irv Schlosser; LUPE ONTIVEROS as Grandman Gomez; PAUL RODRIGUEZ as Pedro Gomez; JOHN SCHNEIDER as Dennis "Hardball" Bakelenekoff. added thanks to title listed in cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The Green Hornet 9 Sep 1966-14 July 1967 (ABC/TCF); 26 30-minute episodes; Comics and radio (1936) origin, created by George W. Trendle. It had the same production team as TV's Batman. Few fans knew that George W. Trendle's first hit, The Lone Ranger actually introduced Britt Reid (The Green Hornet) as the son of Dan Reid, who in turn was the nephew of the Lone Ranger. Today, this show is a cult-favorite of Bruce Lee fans. VAN WILLIAMS as Britt Reid/The Green Hornet; BRUCE LEE as Kato; WENDE WAGNER as Lenore "Casey" Case; LLOYD GOUGH as Mike Axford; WALTER BROOKE as District Attorney F. P. Scanlon; GARY OWENS as Announcer; Theme -- "Flight of the Bumblebee" by Rimsky-Korsakov arranged and played by Al Hirt Music: Billy May; Producer: William Dozier; The Green Hornet @ fxnetworks The Green Hornet @ uvm Griff 29 Sep 1973-5 Jan 1974 (ABC/Universal); 27 Aug 1974-18 Mar 1976 (UK: ITV/LWT); 12 60-minute episodes; Wade Griffin had been with LAPD for 30 years, mostly as Captain, until he retired over a matter of principle, and started to run his own private agency: Wade Griffin Investigations, in the Westwood area of Los Angeles (near UCLA). He was assisted by vigorous legman Mike Murdoch, clever secretary Gracie Newcombe, and his inside contact at LAPD: Captain Barney Marcus. The series did a good job of showing the interactions between the grizzled veteran and youngsters. It lost a ratings war with the similar, yet stronger, Barnaby Jones. Creator: Larry Cohen; Executive Producer: David Victor; Producer: Steven Bochco; Directors: Edward M. Abroms, Lou Antonio, Allen Baron, Arnold Laven, Boris Sagal; Music: Elliott Kaplan, Mike Post, Pete Carpenter; Distributor: Studios USA Television; Starring: LORNE GREENE (Bonanza) as Wade Griffin; BEN MURPHY (Alias Smith and Jones) as Mike Murdoch; PATRICIA STICH as Gracie Newcombe; VIC TAYBACK as Captain Barney Marcus. The Growing Pains of PC Penrose 2 Sep 1975-14 Oct 1975 (UK: BBC1); "Michael 'Rosie' Penrose (Paul Greenwood) is a probationary police constable stationed in the small Yorkshire town of Slagcaster. Sergeant Flagg (Bryan Pringle) has the job of turning the naive young Rosie into a competent policeman." according to: TC Comedy Database Magic Dragon Multimedia adds: the protagonist spun-off from this BBC comedy to the series Rosie (5 Jan 1977-19 July 1979), in which PC Penrose was reassigned to his home town on compassionate leave, as his mother was an invalid. 7 30-minute episodes; Creator: Roy Clarke (Last of the Summer Wine; Open All Hours); Producer: Douglas Argent; Music: Peter Skellern; Starring: PAUL GREENWOOD as Michael 'Rosie' Penrose; BRIAN PRINGLE as Sergeant Flagg; DAVID PINNER as PC Buttress; ALAN FOSS as PC Toombs; CATHERINE CHASE as WPC Dean; CHRISTOPHER BURGESS as Inspector Fox. GS5 see Ghost Squad. H: Mystery/Detective Television Series Hagen 29 Sep 1973-5 Jan 1974 (ABC/TCF); 9 60-minute episodes; Paul Hagen was a canny hunter/trapper and all-around outdoorsman who left the wilds of Idaho (near Ernest Hemingway's ranch) to the big city: San Francisco. There he assisted big-shot criminal attorney Carl Palmer, who had a secretary (Jody) and a housekeeper (Mrs.Chavez). Creators: Charles Larson, Frank Glicksman; Writers: Charles Larson, Jack B. Sowards, Shimon Wincelberg; Executive Producer: Frank Glicksman; Producer: Jack B. Sowards; Directors: Michael Caffey, Alex March, Joseph Pevney, Seymore Robbie, Vincent Sherman, Paul Wendkos; Assistant Director: Robert Sonntag; Music: George Romanis; Music Supervisor: Lionel Newman; Starring: CHAD EVERETT as Paul Hagen; ARTHUR HILL as Carl Palmer; ALDINE KING as Jody; CARMEN ZAPATA as Mrs.Chavez. Half Nelson 24 Mar 1985-10 May 1985 (NBC/Glen Larson/TCF); 1 120-minute episode; 6 50-minute episodes (only 2 aired); Mystery/Detective/Gangster/Comedy series. Joe Pesci plays a New York cop who goes to Hollywood to film his own life story. Hollywood considers him too short to play himself, so he turns into a private eye. Creators: Glen Larson, Lou Shaw; Executive Producer: Glen Larson; Producer: Harker Wade; Director: Music: Starring: JOE PESCI as Rocky Nelson; VICTORIA JACKSON (Saturday Night Live) as Annie O'Hara. Hamish Macbeth 1995 (__); Hamish Macbeth and his supporting characters were adapted from the mystery novels of M. C. Beaton. Hamish Macbeth was a police constable in Lochdubh, a small town in Scotland. He is more than willing to step outside the established procedure to help the eccentric people of his town. __ 50-minute episodes; Creators: Writer: Danny Boyle (credited as "Daniel Boyle"); Executive Producers: Andrea Calderwood, Trevor Davies, Scott Meek; Producer: Deirdre Keir; Directors: Patrick Lau, Nicholas Renton, Sid Roberson; Cinematographer: Peter Jackson; Film Editor: Kevin Lester; Production Designer: Maurice Cain; Costume Design: Leigh Bellis; Music: John Lunn; Production Coordinator: Gail Samuelson; Gaffer: John White; Starring: ROBERT CARLYLE as Hamish Macbeth; BRIAN ALEXANDER as Jubel; DAVID ASHTON as Major Roddy Maclean; MONICA BRUCE as Edie; ROHAN BERRY CRICKMAR as Poacher; STUART DAVIDS as Lachnie, Junior; DUNCAN DUFF as Doc Brown; VALERIE GOGAN as Alex; SHIRLEY HENDERSON as Isobel Sutherland; MORAG HOOD as Delores Balfour; ANNE KRISTEN as Miss Meikeljohn; ANNE LACEY as Esme Murray; STUART McGUGAN as Barney; CAMPBELL MORRISON as Harry Balfour; BRIAN PETTIFER as Rory Campbell; BARBARA RAFFERTY as Agnes; RALPH RIACH as TV John; BILLY RIDDOCH as Lachnie Senior (seasons 2-3); JIMMY YUILL as Lachnie Senior (season 1). Harbour Command 1956-1957 (United Artists/Syndicated); 8 Aug 1958-13 May 1960 (UK: ITV/ATV); 39 30-minute episodes; Captain Ralph Baxter was the plainclothes head of Harbour Command, in an unnamed American city. He battled water-borne criminals. starring WENDELL COREY as Captain Ralph Baxter. Harbormaster 26 Sep 1957-?? (CBS/United Artists); 5 Jan 1958-29 June 1958 retitled Adventure at Scott Island (ABC); 26 30-minute episodes; black and white; Harbormaster David Scott of Scott Island, New England, was aided by youngster Jeff Kittridge in dock management and boat repair. But, aboard his Blue Chip II, he was a one-man police force... Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Jon Epstein, Leon Benson, Eddie Davis, Henry Kessler; Director: Music: Starring: BARRY SULLIVAN as harbourmaster David Scott; PAUL BURKE as Jeff Kittridge; NINA WILCOX; MICHAEL KEENS; EVAN ELLIOTT. according to: Ruby Bond on TV Hardball 28 Sep 1989-29 June 1990 (NBC/Columbia); 10 Jan 1991-30 May 1991 (UK: ITV/Thames); 1 90-minute episode; 17 60-minute episodes; "Charlie" Battles was the grizzled veteran of the police force, a conservative baseball fan who went his own way -- and not by the book. His unlikely pal was Harley Davidson-riding long-haired hippie undercover cop. They went up against their own management, run-of-the-mill felons, and the KGB (once). Creator: Robert Palm; Executive Producers: Frank Lupo, John Ashley; Producer: Bruce Golin (Associate Producer); Directors: Rob Bowman, James Darren, Francis Delia, David Hemmings, Bruce Kessler, Guy Magar, Larry Shaw, Virgil W. Vogel; Underwater Cinematographer: Michael Mileham; First Assistant Camera: Michael S. Endler; Special Effects Coordinator: Bruno Van Zeebroeck; Assistant Editor: Warren Bowman; Music: Sylvester Levay; Music Editor: Michael Dittrick; Starring: JARRETT LENNON as Billy Villanova; JOHN ASHTON as Charles "Charlie" Battles; RICHARD TYSON as Joe "Kaz" Kaczierowski. Hardcastle and McCormick 1983-1986 {to be done} 65 60-minute episodes; Retired Judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court, Milton C. "Hardcase" Hardcastle, 65 years old after 30 years as a judge, a former police officer, broods about "the ones that got away): 200 defendants who walked free from his courtroom due to loopholes and technicalities. He has ex-con ex-racing car driver Mark "Skid" McCormick (whom Hardcastle had paroled for Grand Theft Auto) track them down in the interests of extrajudicial justice. As Hardcastle puts it: "You gotta uphold the law: if you bend it a little bit, you look the other way once, you got the beginnings of anarchy." The team worked from a luxurious Malibu estate, Gull's Way, formerly belonging to Hardcastle's wife (now deceased). Chase scenes involved "Coyote X" -- an experimental car given to Mark McCormick. The judge had a cynical housekeeper, Sarah. Emotionally, this show hinged on Hardcastle being the replacement for Mark McCormick's rarely seen father, and Mark McCormick being the replacement for the son that Hardcastle had lost. The retired judge had plenty of friends still on the bench, with whom he weekly played poker. He'd worn tennis shorts and Hawaiian shirts under his robes. Now he wore T-shirts with slogans such as "Find 'Em and Hang 'Em." His red sports car had license plate: "DE JUDGE." Your Humble Webmaster has been in Los Angeles Superior Court several times as Plaintiff: it's the largest judicial district in the world, in terms of the number of judges and courtrooms. And I've always won, because there are judges who uphold the law! Best website: The Cannell Files by Howard T. Konig; Creators: Patrick Hasburgh, Stephen J. Cannell; Executive Producers: Stephen J. Cannell, Patrick Hasburgh; Co-Executive Producers: Jo Swerling, Jr., Lawrence Hertzog; Supervising Producer: Les Sheldon; Producers: Director: Music: Mike Post, Pete Carpenter; Theme Music: "Drive / Back to Back" by Mike Post and Stephen Geyer; Theme Music "Drive" Performed By: David Morgan; Theme Music "Back to Back" Performed By: Joey Scarbury; Starring: BRIAN KEITH as Judge Milton C. "Hardcase" Hardcastle; DANIEL HUGH-KELLY as Mark "Skid" McCormick; JOHN HANCOCK as Lieutenant Mike Delaney (1984-1985); JOE SANTOS (police contact Dennis Becker on Rockford Files) as Lieutenant Frank Harper; SARAH WICKS as Mary Jackson. The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries 30 Jan 1977-3 Dec 1978 (ABC/Universal); 25 Apr 1981-8 Jan 1982 (UK: BBC1, daily); 46 60-minute episodes; Adapted from the novels of the pseudonymous "Franklin W. Dixon" -- an early 1900s juvenile fiction assembly line run by Edward Stratmeyer and his daughter, Harriet Adams, who wrote or supervised each story. "Carolyn Keene" was the pseudonym used for the Nancy Drew Mysteries. Bonita Granville had starred in a Nancy Drew movie series in the late 1930s. Creator: Glen A. Larson; Executive Producer: Glen A. Larson; Producers: Joyce Brotman, B.W. Sandefur; Director: Music: "Da Do Ron Ron" was sung in one episode by Shaun Cassidy (younger brother of David) and it became an overnight hit; Starring: SHAUN CASSIDY as Joe Hardy; PARKER STEVENSON as Frank Hardy; EDMUND GILBERT as Fenton Hardy; LISA EILBACHER as Callie Shaw; EDITH ATWATER as Aunt Gertrude; LOUISE JOHNSON as Nancy Drew. Harry O 12 Sep 1974-29 Apr 1976 (ABC/Warner Bros.); 2 120-minute episodes; 43 60-minute episodes; Spun-off from 11 March 1973 60-minute pilot: Such Stuff as Dreams are Made Of. 3 Feb 1974 120-minute pilot starring 12-year-old Jodie Foster: Smile, Jenny, You're Dead. Extremely well-written, well-acted series, arguably television's best depiction of the Raymond Chandler, Macdonald, Micky Spillane style of hardboiled Mystery/Detective drama. Downbeat pormer police officer Harry "Harry O" Orwell has a bullet near his spine, draws a disability pension, has an old Austin MG that's usually in the auto shop with transmission problems, and is forced to work as a private dick to pay the bills, even though he is often in pain. Whisky is his main medicine. He's mostly out of touch with his ex-wife, and lives alone in a beach house near San Diego, where's he's rebuilding his boat, "The Answer" -- in his yard, but never completes it. World-weary Harry O most often pursues his investigations by bus, on foot, or occasionally by taxi. He does poetic voice-over narratives, which sometimes have nothing to do with plot and everything to do with atmosphere and philosophy. Season 1 opener "Gertrude" (12 Sep 1974) was nominated for an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America. When he moved to Santa Monica, mid-season 1, he acquired several movie-star neighbors. Creator: Howard Rodman; Writers: Robert C. Dennis, Herman Groves, Stephen Kandel, Howard Rodman, Michael Sloan, Norman Strum, Gene Thompson; Executive Producer: Jerry Thorpe; Producers: Robert E. Thompson, Robert Dozier, Buck Houghton, Alex Beaton; Directors: Richard Lang, Jerry London, Joe Manduke, Russ Mayberry, Jerry Thorpe; Theeme Music: Billy Goldenberg; Starring: DAVID JANSSEN (The Fugitive) as Harry "Harry O" Orwell; ANTHONY ZERBE as Lieutenant K.C. Trench; HENRY DARROW as San Diego PD Lieutenant Manny Quinlan (season 1); LES LANNOM as amateur criminologist Lester Hodges; FARRAH FAWCETT-MAJORS as Sue Ingram; PAUL TULLEY as Sergeant Don Roberts; TOM ATKINS as Sergeant Frank Cole; HAL WILLIAMS as Clarence; KEYE LUKE as amateur criminologist Dr.Fong; LINDA EVANS as neighbor ______. Hart of the Yard 26 June 1980-28 Aug 1980 (NBC/Universal); USA title: Nobody's Perfect; 3 Sep 1980-5 Jan 1981 (UK: ITV); 10 30-minute episodes; Non-funny Situation Comedy about bumbling Scotland Yard detective in San Francisco. Creators: Arne Sultan, Chris Hayward; Executive Producers: Producer: Lew Gallo Director: Music: Tom Scott; Starring: RON MOODY as Detective Inspector Roger Hart; CASSIE YATES as Detective Jennifer Dempsey; MICHAEL DURRELL as Lieutenant Vince de Gennaro. Hart to Hart 29 Sep 1979-24 May 1984 (ABC/Aaron Spelling/ RONA II/Columbia Pictures); Pilot 25 Aug 1979 (ABC); 3 Feb 1980-14 Apr 1985 (UK: ITV/LTV); 110 60-minute episodes; Perhaps the most romantic long-running Mystery/Detective television series. Jennifer and Jonathan Hart have money, style, a dog named Freeway, a Major Domo/Chauffeur named Max, and a mansion in Beverly Hills. That makes the series sound extremely similar to The Thin Man, and yet it had its original scripts and verve. Jonathan made his fortune as head of the vast conglomerate known as Hart Industries. Jennifer is a famous freelance journalist. The rekindle their love by taking adventurous trips to exotic places around the world, where they always end up acting as private detectives, sometimes for jet-set friends, sometimes for someone dispossessed. Typical website: DigiGuide Library: Hart to Hart � Creator: Sidney Sheldon (best-selling novelist); Executive Producers: Aaron Spelling, Leonard Goldberg; Producer: Mart Crowley, David Levinson; Executive Creative Consultant: Tom Mankiewicz; Starring: ROBERT WAGNER (It Takes a Thief; Switch) as Jonathan Hart; STEFANIE POWERS (The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.; Feather and Father) as Jennifer Hart; LIONEL STANDER as Major Domo Max; STELLA STEVENS AS ______; ROBERT VAUGHAN as ________. Have Gun-Will Travel 14 Sep 1957-1963 (CBS) ; {to be done} Mystery/Detective/Western drama series; black and white; according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series A good website is: The Man in Black Starring RICHARD BOONE as Paladin; Hawaii Five-O 26 Sep 1968-5 Apr 1980 (CBS/Leonard Freeman); 19 July 1970-29 Aug 1982 (UK: ITV/Anglia); The longest continuously-running American television Police series; best website: The Hawaii Five-O Home Page 268 60-minute episodes; The evil Wo Fat was "a Red Chinese agent in charge of the entire Pacific Asiatic theatre", and Steve McGarrett headed the team that opposed him, an elite 4-man Hawaii State police unit cracking down on "organized crime, murder, assassination attempts, foreign agents, felonies of every type." In the final season, Wo Fat was convicted. Almost always filmed on location -- with the gorgeous scenery practically a character, as was the unforgettable theme music -- the smart writing, interesting characters, brilliant acting, and taught direction made this a television classic. Creator: Leonard Freeman; Executive Producer: Leonard Freeman; Producers: Bill Finnegan, Bob Sweeney, Richard Newton, Philip Leacock; Director: Music: Starring: JACK LORD as Steve McGarrett; KHIGH DIEGH as Wo Fat; JAMES McARTHUR as Danny "Danno" Williams; KAM FONG as Detective Chin Ho Kelly; ZULU as Detective Kono; AL HARRINGTON; HERMAN WEDEMEYER as Duke Lukela; RICHARD DENNING as Governor Philip Grey; HARRY ENDO as Coroner Che Fong; AL EBAN as Doc; MAGGI PARKER as May; PEGGY RYAN as Jenny; WILLIAM SMITH as James "Kimo" Carew; MOE KEALE as Truck Kealoha; SHARON FARRELL as Lori Wilson; Guest Stars who spun off into other TV series included: THOMAS FUJIWARA; KWAN HI LIM; Guest Stars included: HUME CRONYN; HELEN HAYES; HERBERT LOM; RICARDO MONTALBAN; LESLIE NIELSEN; Hawaiian Eye 7 Oct 1959-2 Apr 1963 (ABC/Warner Bros.); 31 Dec 1960-29 Mar 1963 (UK: ITV/Anglia); 133 60-minute episodes; black and white; A clone of the hit 77 Sunset Strip, but set in Hawaii. Two good-looking detectives, Tom Lopaka and Tracy Stele, worked from an office overlooking a swimming pool at the Hawaiian Village Hotel. They were assisted by Cricket Blake, a photographer/singer, and ukelele-strumming taxi-driver Kazuo Kim (who always wore straw hats). Executive Producer: William T. Orr; Producers: Charles Hoffman, Stanley Niss, Ed Jurist; Music: Mack David, Jerry Livingston; Starring: BOB CONRAD as Tom Lopaka; ANTHONY EISLEY as Tracy Stele; CONNIE STEVENS as Cricket Blake (this show kicked off her singing career); PONCIE PONCE as Kazuo Kim; GRANT WILLIAMS as Greg MacKenzie (season 2); TROY DONAHUE as Philip Barton (season 4); MEL PRESTIDGE as Honolulu Police Officer Quon (season 2). Hawaiian Heat 14 Sep 1984-7 Dec 1984 (ABC/MCA); 1 120-minute episode; 10 60-minute episodes; Chicago policemen Andy Senkowski and Mac Riley get away from the big city grind, and the frigid winters, by working undercover for the Honolulu Police. They are looked down on as mere "mainland snowbirds" until they make a big drug bust. They are now accepted by Harker, a 40-something local cop; and his boss, the head of the Detective Division, Major Oshira. Hot-headed Mac and introspective Andy rent a beach house, which is inexplicably filled with models in swimsuits, the most intriguing of whom is helicopter pilot Irene Gorley, who has a pert parrot named Pakalolo. Executive Producer: James D. Parriott; Producers: Dan Nochols, Dean Zanetos; Starring: JEFF McCRACKEN as Andy Senkowski; ROBERT GINTY as Mac Riley; TRACY SCOGGINS as Irene Gorley; TARO MAKO as Major Oshira; BRANSCOMBE RICHMOND as Harker. Hawk 8 Sep 1966-29 Dec 1966 (ABC/Columbia); 18 Jan 1973-?? (UK: ITV/Granada); 17 60-minute episodes; Iriqouis Indian John Hawk was played by Burt Reynolds, who is actually part Native American. Hawk worked at night for the New York City District Attorney's office. Filmed at night in New York, the Mysery/Detective drama series depended on Hawk's tracking skills. A decade later, when Burt Reynolds had become a big star, NBC aired the series in re-run. The same thing happened with Burt Reynolds's other series, Dan August, which started on ABC but later became reruns on CBS. Creator: Allan Sloane; Executive Producer: Hubbell Robinson; Producer: Paul Bogart; Starring: BURT REYONLDS as Lt. John Hawk; WAYNE GRICE as Detective Dan Carter; BRICE GLOVER as Assistant District Attorney Murray Slaken; LEON JANNEY as Assistant District Attorney Ed Gorton. Hawkins 2 Oct 1973-3 Sep 1974 (CBS/MGM); 7 90-minute episodes; Billy Jim Hawkins resigned his Deputy District Attorney position for a peaceful private law practice in the West Virginia country, specializing in murder investigations. He was assisted by his cousin R.J.; the pair handled clients from all over the country. I still don't understand why film superstar James Stewart did not click with the TV audience. Executive Producer: Norman Felton; Producer: Jud Taylor; Starring: JAMES STEWART as Billy Jim Hawkins; STROTHER MARTIN as R. J. Hawkins. Hazell 16 Jan 1978-30 Jan 1980 (UK: ITV/Thames); 22 60-minute episodes; Cockny P.I. James Hazell is a divorced 33-year-old with a bad ankle that costs him his police job. He hits the bottle, and soon his marriage cracks up. So he starts a private detective agency in the roughest neighborhood of London, assisted by Tel, his cousin. He carries a .44 Magnum, but secretly hopes he won't need to fire it. He clashes with "Choc" Minty, a sceptical Scottish CID officer, but succeeds in nabbing bad guys until BBC purts a series of Robert Redford films in his time slot, stealing away his audience. Creators: Terry Venables (Manager of Soccer team Tottenham Hotspur) and Gordon Williams; together they wrote the Hazell novels under the pseudonym P. B. Yuill; Producers: June Roberts (season 1), Tim Aspinall (season 2); Story Editor: Richard Harris; Starring: NICHOLAS BALL as James Hazell; RODDY McMILLAN as "Choc" Minty; DESMOND McNAMARA as Cousin Tal; JAMES FAULKNER as Gordon Gregory; CELIA GREGORY as Vinne Rae; MAGGIE RILERY as Maureen; BARBARA YOUNG as Dot Wilmington. Heart of the City 27 Sep 1986-2 July 1987 (ABC/Michael Zinberg/ American Flyer Television Ltd./20th Century Fox); 16 Jan 1989-9 May 1989 (UK: ITV/LWT); Los Angeles cop Wes Kennedy, who patrolled the L.A. streets with partner Rik Arno, was a single father. He raised his two teenagers, Robin and Kevin, after his wife died. This was a quality series: it won Woody Omens the 1988 ASC Award from the American Society of Cinematographers for Outstanding Achievement in a Regular Series. It also won Christina Applegate the 1987 Young Artist Award for Exceptional Performance by a Young Actress in a New Television, Comedy, or Drama Series; had Jonathan Ward nominated for a Young Artist Award; and won the overall Young Artist Award for Best New Family Television, Comedy, or Drama Series, Fall Season. Fox Net later aired reruns. 1 90-minute episode; 13 60-minute episodes; Creators: Michael Zinberg, E. Arthur Kean; Executive Producer: Michael Zinberg; Producer: David M. Balkan; Cinematographer: Woody Omens; Music: Patrick Williams; Starring: ROBERT DESIDERIO as Wes Kennedy; KARIO SALEM as Rik Arno; CHRISTINA APPLEGATE as Robin Kennedy; JONATHAN WARD as Kevin Kennedy; ROBERT ALAN BROWNE as Detective Stanley Bumford; BRANSCOMBE RICHMOND as Dergeant Luke Halui; DICK ANTHONY WILLIAMS as Ed Van Duzer. Hec Ramsey 8 Oct 1972-25 Aug 1974 (NBC/Universal); 10 Mar 1973-19 May 1974 (UK: ITV); 7 120-minute episodes; 3 90-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Western drama series spun-off from a pilot: The Century Turns. When Hec Ramsey decided to retire as a gunfighter, he put roots down in New Prospect, Oklahoma. He became a deputy to Sheriff Oliver B. Stamp. Since Hec Ramsey was disenchanted with using guns to settle disputes, he delved deeply into the new technologies of Criminology, including ballistics, fingerprints, and the like. He had a buddy, Amos Coogan, a barber; and had a crush on the lovely Norma. Executive Producer: Jack Webb; Producers: William Finnegan, Douglas Benton, Harold Jack Bloom; Directors: Douglas benton, Nicholas Colasanto, Herschel Daugherty, Alex March, George Marshall, Andrew V. McLaglen, Harry Morgan, Daniel Petrie, Richard Quine; Writers: Douglas Benton, Harold Jack Bloom, Joseph Calvelli, William R. Cox, Richard Fielder, John Meston, Brad Radnitz, Mann Rubin, Harold Swanton, Shimon Wincelberg; Music: Fred Steiner, Lee Holdridge, Laurence Rosenthal; Starring: RICHARD BOONE as Hec Ramsey; RICHARD LENZ as Sheriff Oliver B. Stamp; HARRY MORGAN as DOC COOGAN; ___ AS Amos Coogan; ___ as Norma. The Hidden Truth 24 Sep 1964-13 Oct 1964 (UK: ITV/Rediffusion Network); 4 60-minute episodes; black and white; Ancestor of The Expert, this Mystery/Detective drama series followed a team of four pathologists in their investigations of arson, insurance fraud, and murder. Their leader was Professor Robert Lazard, whose motto was: "Stay clear of involvement." So he, and his assistants, including Dr. Hamavid de Silva (from Ceylon, now Sri Lanka) never discussed any of the cases on which they were working. Creators: John Whitney, Geoffrey Bellman; Producer: Stella Richman; Starring: ALEXANDER KNOX as Professor Robert Lazard; JAMES MAXWELL as Dr. Henry Fox; ELIZABETH WEAVER as Sr. Ruth Colton; ZIA MOHYEDDIN as Dr. Hamavid de Silva. Highway Patrol __ Sep 1955-?? 1959 (Ziv/Syndicated); early 1956 (UK: the London area of ITV); 20 Nov 1960-14 Sep 1962 (UK: ITV); 156 30-minute episodes; black and white; "Whenever the laws of any state are broken, a duly authorized organization swings into action. It may be called the State Police, State Troopers, militia, the Rangers, or the Highway Patrol. These are the stories of the men whose training, skill, and courage have enforced and preserved our state laws." That's what the Announcer declaimed at the start of each episode. This was the 1950s' premier syndicated hit, spreading the American low-budget vision, and the radio phrase "Ten-Four" to countries around the globe. Tough craggy Broderick Crawford, who had previously played gangsters in cinema, was didactic about highway driving safety -- but in real life had two citations for dangerous driving. Executive Producer: Vernon E. Clark; Assistant Producer: Joe Wonder; Director: Music: Richard Llewellyn; Starring: BRODERICK CRAWFORD as Chief Dan Mathews; WILLIAM BOYETT as Sergeant Williams.. Hill Street Blues 15 Jan 1981-19 May 1987 (NBC/MTM); 22 Jan 1981-25 Oct 1984 (UK: ITV); 3 Nov 1984-4 Apr 1989 (UK: Channel Four); 145 60-minute episodes; Arguably the best Mystery/Detective/Police drama ever aired on television, Hill Street Blues alterered the very look and feel of American television. With its vast talented ensemble cast, the multiple simultaneous interwoven plot lines, the roving camera following one actor after another in rapid series, the multi-layered sound-track, it set new standards. It also spun-off Beverly Hills Buntz. Steven Bochco left to start the hit L.A. Law, and was quickly heralded as the greatest modern genius on television production. Creators: Steven Bochco, Michael Kozoll; Executive Producers: Steven Bochco (1981-1985), Gregory Hoblit; Music: Mike Post; Starring: DANIEL J. TRAVANTI as Captrain Frank Furillo; MICHAEL CONRAD as Sergeant Phil Esterhaus; VERONICA HAMEL as Joyce Davenport; MICHAEL WARREN as Officer Bobby Hill; CHARLES HAID as Officer Any Renko; BRUCE WEITZ as Detective Mick Belker; RENE ENRIQUEZ as Lieutenant Ray Calletano; KIEL MARTIN as Detective Johnny "JD" LaRue; TAUREAN BLACQUE as Detective Neal Washington; JAMES B. SIKKING as Lieutenant Howarde Hunter; JOE SPANO as Sergeant/Lieutenant Henry Goldblume; BETTY THOMAS as Officer/Sergeant Lucy Bates; BARBARA BABCOCK as Grace Gardner; BARBARA BOSSON as Fay Furillo; GERRY BLACK as Detective/Lieutenant Alf Chesley; ROBERT HIRSCHFIELD as Officer leo Schitz; ED MARINARO as Officer Joe Coffey; JON CYPHER as Chief Fletcher P. Daniels; LISA SUTTON as Officer Robin Tatglia; GEORGE WYNER as Assistant D.A. Irwin Bernstein; ROBERT PROSKY as Sergeant Stanislaus Jablonski; DENNIS FRANZ as Sergeant Norman Buntz; KEN OLIN as Detective Garibaldi; MIMI KUZYK as Detective Patricia Mayo; TRINIDADA SILVA as Jesus Martinez. Hollywood Beat 21 Sep 1985-2 Nov 1985 (ABC/Aaron Spelling/ Warner Bros.); 7 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Action/Comedy series about two undercover cops in Hollywood, who liked changing costumes and disguises. They plumbed deep into the underground, and made many busts. The Los Angeles Times, however, declared the series: "repulsive." Creator: Henry Rosenbaum; Executive Producer: Aaron Spelling; Producer: Henry Rosenbaum; Starring: JACK SCALIA as Detective Nick McCarren; JAY ACOVONE as Detective Jack Rado; JOHN MATUSZAK as George Grinsky; EDWARD WINTER as Captain Wes Biddle. Hollywood Off Beat is the British title; 1952-1953 USA Title: Steve Randall; 6 50-minute episodes; Steve Randall was a lawyer who got disbarred. He becomes a private detective, hoping to earn his way back to being a lawyer again. He specializes in investigating blackmail and murder. In the final episode, he is once again admitted to the bar as a practicing attorney. Of course, that killed the show, as TV was oversaturated with courtroom series. Creators: Executive Producers: Producer: Marion Parsonnet; Starring: MELVYN DOUGLAS as Steve Randall Holmes and Yoyo 25 Sep 1976-11 Dec 1976 (ABC/Universal); 29 Oct 1976-9 Feb 1977 (UK: BBC1); 13 or possibly 16 30-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Science Fiction Sitcom. Alexander Holmes, a hapless cop, gets a new partner, Yoyo: a robot. This is supposed to be kept a secret. The Science Fiction aspects depended on Yoyo's features: built-in power supply, removable head, literally photographic memory. It is unlikely that Officer Maxine Moon could have consummated her crush on Yoyo. Creators: Jack Sher, Lee Hewitt; Executive Producer: Leonard B. Stern; Producer: Arne Sultan; Writers: Jack Sher, Lee Hewitt; Director: Music: Starring: RICHARD B. SCHULL as Detective Sergeant Alexander Holmes; JOHN SCHUCK as Detective Sergeant Gregory "Yoyo" Yoyonovich; BRUCE KIRBY as Captain Harry Sedford; ANDREA HOWARD as Officer Maxine Moon; Australian Tribute Site for Holmes and Yoyo Homicide 20 Oct 1964-?? 1977 (Australia: Channel 7/ Crawfords); 1967 (USA: Syndicated for 78 episodes); 376 60-minute black and white episodes; 133 60-minute color episodes; One of the three most successful Australian television exports, along with Neighbors and Home and Away. Its 509 episodes were based on American television style, but set in the Homicide Squad of the Victoria Police, in the beautiful city of Melbourne. Creators: Executive Producers: Dorothy Crawford, Hector Crawford, Henry Crawford, Ian Crawford; Producers: Igor Auzins, Don Battye, Ian Crawford; Technical Advisor: the Victoria Police; Music: Starring: JACK FEGAN as Inspector Connolly; LEONARD TEALE as Detective Sergeant Mackay; GEORGE MALLABY as Detective Peter Barnes; TERYY McDERMOTT as Detective Sergeant Bronson; CHARLES TINGWELL (surgeon Alan Dawson on British series Emergency Ward 10) as Inspector Lawson; DON BARKER as Detective Harry White. Homicide: A Life on the Streets 1991-1999 (NBC); according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series 6 50-minute episodes; Adapted from the non-fiction book by David Simon: "Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets." Homicide investigation unit in Baltimore battles violent crimes. Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Directors: Jace Alexander, Brad Anderson; Music: Starring: DANIEL BALDWIN as Detective Beauregard "Beau" Felton (1993-1995); NED BEATTY as Detective Stanley "Stan" Bolander (1993-1995); RICHARD BELZER as Detective John Munch ABDRE BRAUGHER as Detective Francis Xavier "Frank" Pembleton (1993-1998); CLARK JOHNSON as Detective Meldrick Lewis; YAPHET KOTO as Lt. Al "Gee" Giardello; Honey West 17 Sep 1965-2 Sep 1966 (ABC/Four Star) {to be done} 30 30-minute episodes; black and white; Adapted from the 1957 novel This Girl for Hire, by Gloria Fickling and Forest Fickling writing as G.G. Fickling; which had 10 sequel novels (1958-1971). Appeared in a 1965 episode of Burke's Law. Spun-off to a show of her own. Honey inherited the family detective agency, including her partner Sam Bolt, from her deceased father. Martial arts expert with almost as many high-tech devices as Inspector Gadget, she captured criminals but eluded the romantic attentions of her partner. The love of her life was her pet ocelot, Bruce. Creators: Gloria Fickling and Forest Fickling; Developed for Television by: Gwen Bagni; Executive Producer: Aaron Spelling; Writers: Gwen Bagni, Paul Dubov; Story Editor: Bud Kay; Producer: Richard Newton; Associate Producer: Don Ingalls; Directors: Thomas Carr, Bill Colleran, John Florea, Murray Golden, James Goldstone, Walter Grauman, Jerry Hopper, Ida Lupino, Sidney Miller, John Peyser, Seymour Robbie, Virgil W. Vogel, Paul Wendkos; Music: Joseph Mullendore; Starring: ANN FRANCIS as Honey West; Bruce as Bruce, her pet ocelot; JOHN ERICSON as Sam Bolt; IRENE HERVEY as Aunt Meg; Honey West Episode Guide: Honey West Hong Kong 1960-1961 (ABC); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series 6 50-minute episodes; Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Director: Music: Starring: Hong Kong Phooey 7 Sep 1974-4 Sep 1976 (ABC/Hanna-Barbera); 16 25-minute episodes; airs now as rerun on cartoon Network; "Mild-mannered" Shih-tzu janitor Penrood "Penry" Pooch works at a police station, and is secretly a super-hero. Penry overhears about crimes from either the Srage or from the operator Rosemary. He climbs into a file cabinet, and emerges as super-hero Hong Kong Phooey. His sidekick the cat Spot, has the voice of legendary Don Messick (Scooby Doo, Astro, etc.). They drive in the PhooeyMobile, which (when Hong Kong Phooey hits a gong) turns into any other form of transportation imaginable. Creators: Executive Producers: Joseph Barbera, William Hanna; Producer: Iwao Takamoto; Director: Charles A. Nichols; Music: Hoyt S. Curtin; "Hong Kong Phooey, number one super guy. Hong Kong Phooey, quicker than the human eye. He's got a style, a groovy style, and a car that just won't stop. When the going gets rough, he's super-tough, with a Hong Kong Phooey chop (Hee-Yaaaaah!). Hong Kong Phooey, number one super guy. Hong Kong Phooey, quicker than the human eye. Hong Kong Phooey, he's fan-riffic (*gong!*)" Vocal Stars: SCATMAN CROTHERS as Penrood "Penry" Pooch/Hong Kong Phooey; DON MESSICK as Spot/Narrator; KATHY GORI as Rosemary; JEAN VANDER PYL as Rosemary; JOE ROSS as Sarge (Sergeant Flint); Hong Kong Phooey by Eric Staufer; 80sNostalgia.Com: Hong Kong Phooey Hooperman 23 Sep 1987-6 Sep 1989 (ABC/Adam/20th Century Fox); 42 30-minute episodes; originally aired Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m.; Harry Hooperman was an Inspector in the San Francisco Police. When at home, he managed the dilapidated apartment he'd inherited, alonmg with a virulent dog, Bijoux and a horde of irritated and irritable tenants. Star John Ritter was the real-life son of Country-Western superstar Tex Ritter. In this series, he was the most patient cop alive, and tolerating his ball-busting boss "C.Z." Stern, his tenants. More dangerous to him than any criminal was his love/hate relationship with downstairs plumber/tenant Susan Smith. Creators: Steven Bochco (Hill Street Blues), Terry Louise Fisher; Executive Producers: Robert Myman, Leon Tokatyan, Rick Kellard; Producers: Director: Music: Mike Post; Starring: JOHN RITTER (Three's Company) as Inspector Harry Hooperman; BARBARA BOSSON as Captain Celeste "C.Z." Stern; DEBRAH FARENTINO as Susan Smith (1987-1988); FELTON PERRY as Inspector Clarence McNeil; CLARENCE FELDER as Officer Boris "Bobo" Pritzger; SIDNEY WALSH as Officer Maureen "Mo" DeMott; JOSEPH GIAN as Officer Rick Silardi; ALIX ELIAS as Betty Bushkin; ROD GIST as Rudy (1988-1989); PAUL LINKE as T.J. (1988-1989); DAN LAURIA (The Wonder Years) as Lou Stern; Best Episode Guide: Screen Source: Hooperman The Hound of the Baskervilles 3 Oct 1982-24 Oct 1982 (UK: BBC1); 4 30-minute episodes; Dramatization: Alexander Baron; Executive Producers: Producer: Barry Letts; Director: Peter Duguid; Music: Starring: TOM BAKER (Dr. Who) as Sherlock Holmes; TERENCE RIGBY (K-9 cop Henry Snow on Softly, Softly) as Dr. Watson; NICOLAS WODESON as Sir Henry Baskerville; CHRISTOPHER RAVENSCROFT Burden, sidekick to Reg Wexford, in the Ruth Rendell Mysteries) as Stapleton. See also: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes; The Return of Sherlock Holmes; The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes. The Human Target 1992 (ABC); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series 6 50-minute episodes; Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Director: Music: Starring: Hunter __ 1977-?? (NBC/??)); __ 60-minute episodes; James Hunter and Marty Shaw are Special Agents of the U.S. government. They run counterespionage actions, while James runs his cover job as owner/operator of a book store in Santa Monica, and she has a cover job as a model. Creator: William Blinn; Executive Producers: Philip Caprice, Lee Rich; Producer: Christopher Morgan; Directors: Bruce Bilson, Barry Crane, Harry Harris, Gerald Mayer, Gary Nelson; Second Unit Director: Lynn Guthrie; Music: Richard Shores; Production Manager: Lynn Guthrie; Aircraft Pilot: Lynn Guthrie; Art Director: Philip Barber; Starring: JAMES FRANCISCUS as James Hunter; LINDA EVANS as Marty Shaw; RALPH BELLAMY as Harold Baker. Hunter 18 Sep 1984-?? (NBC/Lorimar/Stephen J. Cannell); __ 60-minute episodes; Detective Rick Hunter investigates homicides for LAPD, assisted by his partner Sergeant Dee Dee McCall. They often work undercover, and often rely on tips from "Sporty" James. Creators: Executive Producers: Stephen J. Cannell, Frank Lupo, Roy Huggins; Producer: Chuck Bowman Director: Music: Starring: Hunter __ 1966-__ 1969 (Australia); 65 60-minute episodes; Creators: Executive Producers: Dorothy Crawford, Hector Crawford, Henry Crawford, Ian Crawford; Producer: Chuck Bowman Director: Music: Starring: TONY WARD as John Hunter (epsiodes 1-57); ROD MULLINAR as Gil Martin (epsiodes 56-65); Hunter's Walk 4 Jun 1973-3 Sep 1973 (UK: ITV/ATV); 39 60-minute episodes; Filmed in Rushden, Northants, which represented the imaginary town of Broadstone, this show was realistic at the expense of excitement. Creator: Ted Willis (Dixon of Dock Green); Executive Producers: Producer: John Cooper; Director: Music: Derek Scott; Starring: EWAN HOOPER as CID Detective Sergeant "Smithy" Smith; DAVYD HARRIES as Sergeant Ken Ridgeway; DAVID SIMEON as Detective Constable "Mickey" Finn; DUNCAN PRESTON as PC Fred Pooley; CHARLES REA as PC Harry Coombes; RUTH MADOC (later star of Hi de Hi) as Betty Smith; MIKE PRATT [Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)] as _____. I: Mystery/Detective Television Series I Had Three Wives15 Mar 1983-12 Apr 1983 (CBS/Brownstone/Warner); 6 50-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Romance drama series. Jackson Beaudine investigated cases with the help of his three glamorous ex-wives. Mary Beaudine Parker was now a lawyer, with Jackson's 10-yearold son Andrew. Samantha Collins was an actress/black belt/race driver/scuba expert. "Liz" Bailey Beaudine was a super-competitive journalist. David Faustino (later to star in Third Rock from the Sun) was nominated in 1986 for the Young Artist Award for his role in this show, in the category "Exceptional performance by a young actor in a television special or mini-series." Creator: Donald A. Baer; Executive Producer: Donald A. Baer; Producers: Director: Music: Still Photographer/Props: Michael Douglas Midleton; Starring: LUIS AVALOS as Lieutenant Gomez; MAGGIE COOPER as Mary Beaudine Parker; TERI COPLEY as Samantha Collins; DAVID FAUSTINO as Andrew Beaudine; VICTOR GARBER as Jackson Beaudine; SHANNA REED as Elizabth "Liz" Bailey Beaudine. I'm the Law 1953 (Syndicated/Cosman/TCA); 10 July 1964-18 July 1955 (UK: BBC); 26 30-minute episodes; black and white; Star George Raft was a real-life buddy of Pat Costello from when the two were in vaudeville. Once Lou Costello made it big and started his own production company, he roped in George Raft. George Raft was a movie star, who had usually played gangsters. But here he was a tough-as-nails New York City police officer. This was a tough, gritty series, ahead of its times in many ways. Executive Producers: Lou Costello (Abbott and Costello), Pat Costello (Lou's brother); Starring: GEORGE RAFT as Police Lieutenant George Kirby, and Narrator. Inch High, Private Eye 8 Sep 1973-31 Aug 1974 (NBC/Hanna-Barbera); 13 30-minute episodes; animated; World's shortest detective, assisted/harassed by his niece Laurie, the disguide-master Gator, and his scaredy-cat dog Braveheart, he fights crime for the Finkerton Organization, and drives around in the Hugemobile. Weirdly combines animation of the little guy and live-action by normal-sized teenagers. Executive Producers: Joseph Barbera, William Hann; Associate Producer: Art Scott; Creative Producer: Iwao Takamoto; Music: Hoyt S. Curtin; Starring: KATHY GORI as Laurie; BOB LUTELL as the voice of Gator; DON MESSICK (Scooby Doo, Astro, Spot/Narrator in Hong Kong Phooey, etc.) as voice of Braveheart; JOHN STEPHENSON as voice of Mr.Finkerton; JEAN VANDER PYL as the vopice of Mrs.Finkerson; LENNIE WEINRIB as the voice of Inch High. Inspector Gadget 1983-1985 (Syndicated/DiC/LBS); 25 Aug 1984-??? (UK: ITV); 65 30-minute episodes; animated; Now spun-off into a live-action film {hotlink to be done}, this hit series featured a hapless android/robot detective in constant battle with the evil Dr.Claw and the underworld organization M.A.D., which stood for "Mean and Dirty." He was packed top-to-bottom with high-tech gadets, which sometimes worked well, and sometimes backfired amusingly. His was backed by Penny, his niece, and by his dippy dog Brain. Don Adams actually quit partly through the series, and later episodes have an anonymous imitator of his voice. I have a bit of a grudge against DiC, for coercing me into doing a script on spec on the basis of my expertise in the real space program, and then not even sending me a rejection letter. Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Jean Chalopin, Andy Heyward; Director: Music: Shuki Levy, Haim Saban; Music Editor: Tom Villano; Casting: Lori Crawford; Starring: DON ADAMS (Get Smart) as the voice of Inspector Gadget; FRANK WELKER as the voices of Brain, Dr.Claw, and Mad Cat; HOLLY BERGER (1985) as the voice of Penny; CREE SUMMER (1983-1985) as the voice of Penny; MAURICE LaMARCHE as the voice of Chief Quimby; TOWNSEND COLEMAN as the voice of Capeman; Other voices included: MELLENY BROWN, JERI CRADDEN, GREG DUFFELL, DON FRANCKS, DAN HENNESSEY, HADLEY KAY. Inspector Morse 6 Jan 1987-27 Mar 1991 (UK: ITV/Zenith/Central Independent Television); 4 Feb 1988-20 June 1991 (US: WGBH Boston "Mystery") 20 120-minute episodes; Huge world-wide hit, deservedly. It was based on Colin Dexter's novels, starting with "Last Bus to Woodstock" (1975). Inspector Morse is a refreshingly intellectual character, a free-spririt literate bachelor, based on Colin Dexter's eccentric but brilliant friends at Oxford University. Creator: Colin Dexter; Executive Producer: Ted Childs; Producers: Kenny McBain (seasons 1-2), Chris Burt (Season 3), David Lascelles (seasons 4-5); Director: varies between episodes; Music: Barrington Pheloung; Starring: JOHN THAW as Chief Inspector Morse; KEVIN WHATELY as Detective Sergeant Lewis; PETER WOODTHORPE as Max; AMANDA HILWOOD as Dr. Grayling Russell; NORMAN JONES as Chief Superintendent Bell; JAMES GROUT as Chief Superintendent Strange. International Detective 1959 (USA: Syndicated/Delfry/ABC); 26 Dec 1959-4 June 1961 (UK: ITV); Narrator: "Though these stories are based on real cases from the secret files of the W.J.B. Detective Agency, the names of clients and locations have been changed to protect their privacy." 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; Producer: Gordon L. T. Scott; Director: Theme Music: Le Roy Holmes; Music: Edwin Astley, Harry Booth; Starring: ARTHUR FLEMING as Ken Franklin. Interpol Calling 14 Sep 1959-20 June 1960 (UK: ATV/Rank/Wrather); 1961 (USA: Syndicated); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; Exciting series about European criminals pursued as far afield as Africa. Executive Producer: F. Sherwin Green; Producers: Anthony Perry, Connery Chappell; Director: Music: Starring: CHARLES KORVIN as Inspector Paul Duval; EDWIN RICHFIELD as Inspector Mornay. In the Heat of the Night 6 Mar 1988-??? (NBC/MGM); 19 July 1988-19 Dec 1990 (UK: ITV); __ 60-minute episodes; Spun off from the ROD STEIGER/SIDNEY POITIER hit film of the same name. Creator: James Lee Barrett; Executive Producers: Fred Silverman, Juanita Bartlett, David Moessinger, Jeri Taylor, Carroll O'Connor Producers: Hugh Benson, Ed Ledding; Director: Music: Starring: Carroll O'Connor (All in the Family) as Chief Bill Gillespie; HOWARD ROLLINS as Detective Virgil Tibbs; ALAN AUTRY as Sergeant Bubba Skinner; ANNE-MARIE JOHNSON as Althea Tibbs; DAVID HART as Detective Parker Williams; GEOFFREY THORNE as Detective Wilson Sweet. The Investigator 3 June 1958-2 Sep 1958 (NBC); 13 30-minute episodes; black and white; Father (Jeff) and Son (Lloyd) team of detectives, although the Dad had started as a newspaper reporter in the 1920s. Starring: LONNY CHAPMAN as Jeff Prior; HOWARD ST.JOHN as Lloyd Prior. The Investigators 5 Oct 1961-28 Dec 1961 (CBS/Revue); 13 60-minute episodes; black and white; Investigators, Inc., of New York City ran insurance investigations from a palatial office complex on the Upper East Side. Starring: JAMES FRANCISCUS (Longstreet) as Russ Andrews; JAMES PHILBROOK as Steve Banks; AL AUSTIN as Bill Davis; MARY MURPHY as Maggie Peters. Ironside see A Man Named Ironisde {to be done} 16 60-minute episodes; Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Director: Music: Starring: It's Dark Outside 1964-1965 16 60-minute episodes; Spin-off from The Odd Men. About the cases of Detective Inspector Charles Rose. Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Director: Music: Starring: WILLIAM MERVYN as Detective Inspector Charles Rose; KEITH BARRON as Detective Sergeant Swift (1964); JOHN CARSON as Anthony Brand (1964); JUNE TOBIN as Alice Brand (1964); ANTHONY AINLEY as Detective Sergeant Hunter; VERONICA STRONG as Claire; OLIVER REED as Sebastian. It's Murder -- But Is It Art? 23 Mar 1972-27 April 1972 (UK: BBC1/Grenada); 6 30-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Comedy series. Amateur detective Phineas Drake investigates a young woman's murder. Creators: Producer: Graeme Muir; Writers: David Pursall, Jack Seddon; Starring: ARTHUR LOWE as Phineas Drake; DUDLEY FOSTER as Inspector Hook; ARTHUR HOWARD as Sillitoe; RICHARD HURNDALL as Brigadier Austin Binghop; AMBROSINE PHILLPOTTS as Lady Skerrington-Mallett; ANTHONY SAGER as Detective Sergeant Watson; SHEILA KEITH as Mrs. MacPherson. K: Mystery/Detective Television Series Katts and Dog USA Title: Rin Tin Tin: K-9 Cop 16 Sep 1988-??? 1991 (Canada: CBS/Pearson Lamb/Bert Leonard Films/ Comweb Productions/Dover Beach Productions, Inc.); 20 Jan 1990-5 May 1990 (UK: ITV); __ 30-minute episodes; Spun off 30 later from the American TV series Rin Tin Tin, this traces Canine Officer Hank Catts as he graduates Police Academy, meets his partner Rinty, and also follows Hank's nephew Steve who is adpoted by Katts after Steve's mother dies. Co-Executive Producers: James Ackerman, Terry Botwick, Thomas Halleen, Peck Prior; Associate Producer: John Gundy; Producers: Barry Pearson, Herbert B. Leonard; Directors: Clay Borris, Don McCutcheon, Peter Rowe (1991); Executive Story Editors: Avrum Jacobson, Roy Sallows; Story Editor: Jean-Vincent Fornier; Cinematography: Gilles Corbeil, Matt Tundo; Film Editors: Mike Lee, Ken Peterson; Casting: Ross Clydesdale; Art Director: Bill Layton; Set Decorator: Tony Duggan-Smith; Costume Designer: Lou Decampo; Music: Paul Zaza; Starring: JESSIE COLLINS as Hank Catts; CALI TIMMINS as Maggie; ANDREW BEDNARSKI as Steve (Stevie); KEN POGUE as Captain Murdoch; RIN TIN TIN III as Rinty; SHARON ACKER as Alice Davenport; DENNIS AKAYAMA as Ron Nakamura; KATIE GRIFFEN as _____; PHILLIP JARRETT as Sergeant O.C. Phillips (1991-1993); BRIAN KAULBACK as Officer Dennis Brian (1988-1992); CORRINE KOSLO as Officer Connie Boothe; PETER MacNEILL as Sergeant Callahan; DAN MARTIN as Lou Adams (1988-1991); KEN P0GUE as Captain Cullen Murdoch; JACKIE RICHARDSON as Mrs. Chan; NANCY ANNE SAKOVICH as Officer Laeh McCray; CHUCK SHAMATA as Al Logan; DENISE VIRIEUX as Officer Renee Daumier (1989-1992). Kaz 10 Sep 1978-19 Aug 1979 (CBS/Lorimar); 20 Nov 1980-11 Dec 1980 (UK: ITV); 26 Jan 1982-13 July 1982 (UK: Thames); 22 60-minute episodes (only 13 ran on ITV); Executive Producers: Lee Rich, Marc Merson; Producers: Peter Katz, Sam Rolfe; Film Editor: Howard Terrill; Music: Fred Karlin; Starring: RON LEIBMAN as Martin "Kaz" Kazinsky; PATRICK O'NEAL as Samuel Bennett; LINDA CARLSON as Katie McKenna; GLORIA LE ROY as Mary Parnell; GEORGE WYNER as D.A. Frank Revko; EDITH ATWATER as Ilsa Fogel; DICK O'NEILL as Malloy; MARK WITHERS as Peter Colcourt. Khan 7 Feb 1975-28 Feb 1975 (CBS); 4 60-minute episodes; P.I. Khan was the Charlie Chan of modern San Francisco Chinatown. He was assisted by his number-one son, Kim; and by his student daughter Kim. Good setting, good acting, poor teleplays. Confucius say: "Number One Son ratings not same as Neilsen Ratings." Charlie Chan itself has a fascinating history, as explained in a Ph.D. dissertation by William Wu. Creator: Chet Gould; Producers: Laurence Heath, Joseph Henry; Music: Bruce Broughton, Morton Stevens; Starring: KHIGH DHIEGH (Hawaii Five-O) as Khan; YAH-LING SUN as Anna Khan; EVAN KIM as Kim Khan; VIC TAYBACK as Lieutenant Gubbins. King of Diamonds 1961-1962 (Syndicated/Ziv/United Artists); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; John King is Chief of Security for the diamond industry and, with the assistance of Al Casey, he battles the Illegal Diamond Buyer's Syndicate. Starring: Broderick Crawford (Highway Patrol) as John "Johnny" King (1961); RAY HAMILTON as Al Casey. Kodiak 13 Sep 1974-1 Oct 1974 (ABC/Warner Bros./Kodiak); 13 30-minute episodes; Cal "Kodiak" McKay worked for the Alaska State Patrol. His beat was 50,000 square miles of wilderness, which he covered on snowshoes, skiis, and the like. Filmed gorgeously on location, Cal was assisted by his Eskimo buddy Abraham Lincoln Imhook. The show rarely dealt with crime as such, but usually with peaceful negotiation to resolve disputes about mining or fishing, or to rescue victims of avalanches. Creators: Stan Shpetner, Anthony Laurence; Producer: Stan Shpetner Music: Morton Stevens; Starring: CLINT WALKER (Cheyenne) as Cal "Kodiak" McKay; ABNER BIBERMAN as Abraham Lincoln Imhook (1974); MARGARET BLYE as Mandy. Kojak 24 Oct 1973-18 Mar 1978 (CBS/Universal); 1 180-minute episode; 3 120-minute episodes; 112 60-minute episodes; Creator: Abby Mann; Executive Producer: Matthew Rapf; Producers: James MacAdams, Jack Laird; Associate Producers: Jack Laird, Michael Scheff; Directors: Edward Abroms, Jim Benson, Noel Black, Robert Day, Richard Donner, Charles S. Dubin, others {to be done}; Writers: Burton Armus, George Bacos, others {to be done}; Theme Music: Billy Goldenberg; Starring: TELLY SAVALAS as Lieutenant Theo Kojak; DAN FRAZIER as Captain Frank McNeill; KEVIN DOBSON as Lieutenant (Sergeant) Bobby Crocker; GEORGE SAVALAS as Detective Stavros; MARK RUSSELL as Detective Saperstein (1974-1977); VICE CONTI as Detective Rizzo (1974-1977); Kolchak: the Night Stalker 13 Sep 1974-30 Aug 1975 (ABC/Francy/Universal); 15 Oct 1983-10 Dec 1983 (UK: ITV); 14 Nov 1984-4 Mar 1985 (UK: Central); 20 60-minute episodes; Story summary: {to be done} {see Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror}; Creator: Jeff Rice; Executive Producer: Darren McGavin; Producers: Paul Playdon, Cy Chermak; Director: Music: Gil Melle; Starring: DARREN McGAVIN as Carl Kolchak; SIMON OAKLAND as Tony Vincenzo. L: Mystery/Detective Television Series Lady Blue 14 Apr 1985-25 Jan 1986 (ABC/MGM); 1 120-minute episode; 12 60-minute episodes; Detective Katy Mahoney was a violent cop in the violent underground of Chicago. Her ready use of her pistol put her at odds with her superiors, as well as her personal relationships. Creator: Robert Vincent O'Neill; Executive Producer: David Gerber; Producer: Mark Rogers; Starring: JAMIE ROSE as Detective Katy Mahoney; DANNY AIELLO as Chief Detective Terry McNichols; RON DEAN as Sergeant Gina Ginelli; RALPH FOODY as Captain Flynn. Land's End 20 Sep 1995-18 May 1996 (Syndicated/ Fred Dryer Productions and Skyvision Partners in association with Buena Vista Television); 20 60-minute episodes; 1 120-minute episode; Mike Land retired from L.A.P.D. detectives after his wife was murdered, and soon moved to the Mexican resort town of Cabo San Lucas. He takes on cases that come his way, while serving as head of security for the Westin Regina resort. Driving his vintage 1968 Pontiac GTO convertible, Mike is frequently assisted by his eccentric but talented friend, Vietnam veteran Willis P. Dunlevy. Creators: Fred Dryer & Victor A. Schiro and Peter Gethers & David Handler; Adapted from: the novel by Joe Gores; Writers: Peter Gethers, David Handler, Peter Koper, Geoffrey Lewis, Alfonso H. Moreno, Lincoln Kibbee, Norman & L.Lee Lapidus, John Clarkson, James Bruce, Fred Dryer and Victor A. Schiro, Gene Miller & Karen Kevner, Elliot Stern; Executive Producers: Fred Dryer, ??; Producers: ?? Directors: James Bruce, Geoffrey Lewis, John Huneck, Jefferson Kibbee, Martin Pasetta, Jr., Christian Faber, Paul Abascal; Filmed on location in: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Starring: FRED DRYER (Hunter) as Mike Land; GEOFFREY LEWIS as Willis Dunlevy; TIM THOMERSON as Dave Bronson; PAMERLA BOWEN as Courtney Saunders WILLIAM MARQUEZ as Chief of Police Guest stars: Mary-Margaret Humes, Melissa Clayton, Tony Carozzola, Sergio Calderon, Lana Clarkson, Frank Converse, Gregory Scott Cummins, Bobbie Eakes, Kevin West; Episodes: "Land's End" (20 September 1995; 120 minute episode) "Night Eyes" (30 September 1995) "Parentnapping" (8 October 1995) "A Line in the Sand" (14 October 14, 1995) "Day of the Dead" (21 October 1995) "El Perico" (28 October 1995) "Bounty Hunter" (4 November 1995) "Willie Gets Lucky" (11 November 1995) "What Are Friends For " (18 November 1995) "The Curse of Willis" (25 November 1995) "What Ever Happened to Maria Rosa?" (2 December 1995) "Windfall" (23 December 1995) "The Long Arm of the Law" (3 February 1996) "Fool's Gold" (10 February 1996) "Dr. Amore" (17 February 1996) "Red Cadillac" (24 February 1996) "Pieces of 8 Is Enough" (2 March 1996) "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" (27 April 1996) "Who's Killing Cole Porter?" (4 May 1996) "Mothers Behind Bars" (11 May 1996) "Jenny" (18 May 1996) see also: cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Lanigan's Rabbi 30 Jan 1977-3 July 1977 (NBC/Universal); 16 Feb 1978-16 Nov 1979 (UK: ITV); 4 90-minute episodes; Mythical Cameron, California, Police Chief Paul Lanigan socialized with and depended on assistance from his friend, criminologist Rabbi David Small. Lanigan's daughter, local newspaper reporter Bobbie Whittaker added plot complications. Rabbi David Small's wife Miriam and Lanigan's wife Kate appreciated their evenings together, but were politely irritated by the constant shop talk. NBC Sunday Mystery Movie rotated this mystery/detective drama series with Columbo, McCloud, and McMillan and Wife. Creator: Adapted from the novels by Harry Kemelman, starting with Friday the Rabbi Slept Late; Executive Producer: Leonard B. Stern; Producers: David J. Connell, Gordon Cotler, Don Mankiewicz; Music: Don Costa; Starring: ART CARNEY as Chief Paul Lanigan; BRUCE SOLOMON as Rabbi David Small; JANIS PAIGE as Kate Lanigan; JANET MARGOLIN as Miriam Small; BARBARA CARNEY (daughter of Art Carney) as Bobbie Whittaker; ROBERT DOYLE as Lieutenant Osgood. The Law and Harry McGraw 27 Sep 1987-10 Feb 1988 (CBS/Universal); 1 July 1990-4 Dec 1990 (UK: ITV/TVS); 1 120-minute episode; 15 60-minute episodes; The Odd Couple of Boston law enforcement: upper-crust widow criminal attorney Ellie Maginnis and lower-class Private Investigator Harry McGraw. That they worked together -- their offices were across the hall from each other -- offended Ellie Maginnis's nephew, tax attorny Steve Lacey, who had romantic inentions for Harry's secretary Emma Jean Brunson, who was also Harry's niece. This is the armature of the sculpted Mystery/Detective/Comedy/ Drama television series. There was an episode that combined Harry with Jessica Fletcher of Creator Peter S. Fischer's other series: Murder, She Wrote. Creator: Peter S. Fischer (Murder, She Wrote); Executive Producer: Peter S. Fischer; Producer: Robert F. O'Neill; Starring: JERRY ORBACH as Harry McGraw; BARBARA BABCOCK as Ellie Maginnis; JULI DONALD as Emma Jean Brunson; SHEA FARRELL as Steve Lacey; PETER HASKELL as Tyler Chase. Law and Order [first series] 6 Apr 1978-27 Apr 1978 (UK: BBC2); 4 75-minute episodes; A quartet of hyper-realistic teleplays from the viewpoints, respectively, of a criminal, a detective hunting criminals, a lawyer defending criminals, and a prison officer incarcerating criminals. It was very dark and cynical, filled with corrupt cops, bribes, and a pseudo-documentary style that enraged police organizations, who feared that the public would not realize that these shows were fiction. Producer: Tony Garnett; Director: Leslie Blair; Writer: G. F. Newman; Starring: {to be done} Law and Order [second series] Sep 1990-present (NBC/Wolf/Universal); 8 Apr 1991-23 Sep 1991 (UK: BBC1); __ 60-minute episodes; A modernized version of the old Arrest and Trial. Creator: ???, based on homicide-intense NYPD 34th Precinct, on Manhattan's 184th Street. Executive Producer: Dick Wolf; Producers: Robert Palm; Starring: MICHAEL MORIARTY as Assistant District Attorney Ben Stone; GEORGE DZUNDZA as Detective Sergeant Max Greevy; CRISTOPHER NOTH as Detective Mike Logan; RICHARD BROOKS as Assistant District Attorney Paul Robinette. Lawbreaker 1963 (Syndicated/Latimer/United Artists); 32 30-minute episodes; black and white; Executive Producer: Maurice Unger; Starring: LEE MARVIN as Host; unfortunately, criminals and cops played themselves, badly. The Lawless Years 16 Apr 1959-22 Sep 1961 (NBC); 27 Sep 1987-24 Apr 1988 (UK: ITV/LWT); 47 30-minute episodes; black and white; The place: New York City. The time: the Roaring 20s. Barney Ruditsky was a real cop, who did battle organized crime. He retired in 1941 (in real life) to run a Los Angeles detective agency. A friend of Danny Arnold, that proucer named Barney Miller after Barney Ruditsky. The show was realistic, hard-hitting, and enjoyable. Sad to say, it lost the ratings war with the extremely similar The Untouchables on ABC, which was set at the same time, but in Chicago. Executive Producer: Jack Chertok; Starring: JAMES GREGORY as Barney Ruditsky; ROBERT KARNES as Max. Lazarus and Dingwall 1 Feb 1991-8 Mar 1991 (UK: BBC2); 27 Sep 1987-24 Apr 1988 (UK: ITV/LWT); 6 30-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Police/Comedy television series. The "Really Serious Crime Squad" was a parody along the lines of Dempsey and Makepeace. Creators: Kim Fuller, Vicky Pile; Producer: Geoff Posner; Director: Bob Spiers; Starring: STEPHEN FROST as Steve "Laz" Lazarus; MARK ARDEN as Mark "Ding" Dingwall; PETER BLAND as Chief; RACE DAVIES as Beverly Armitage; JIM FINDLEY as Clinton; SIMON GODLEY as Detective One; NEILL MULLARKEY as Detective Two. Legmen 20 Jan 1984-16 Mar 1984 (NBC/Universal); 21 Aug 1984-4 Dec 1984 (UK: ITV/Thames); 8 60-minute episodes; Jack Gage and his buddy David Taylor pay their college bills by hiring out to a shifty PI, Oscar Armismendi. They do his dirty work, dodge his bullets, and get the pretty girls. When do they have time to study for exams? I saw Claude Akins dining at Burger Continental, in Pasadena, California. I was with my wife and Science Fiction author Dr. Jerry Pournelle. Jerry went over and praised Claude Akins's work, and Claude Akins was friendly, professional, and polite. Executive Producers: Richard Chapman, Bill Dial, Andrew Mirisch; Producers: April Kelly, Alex Baton; Starring: BRUCE GREENWOOD as Jack Gage; J.T. TERISKY as David Taylor; DON CALFA as Oscar Armismendi; CLAUDE AKINS (Lobo) as Tom Bannon. Leg Work 3 Oct 1987-5 Dec 1987 (CBS/Frank Abatemarco/ Treasure Island/20th century Fox); 15 Apr 1988-20 May 1988 (UK: ITV/LWT); 10 60-minute episodes; Creator: Frank Abatemarco; Executive Producer: Frank Abatemarco Producer: John Starke; Starring: MARGARET COLIN as Claire McCarron; FRANCES McDORMAND as Willie Pipal; PATRICK JAMES CLARKE as Fred McCarron. Lime Street 21 Sep 1985-26 Oct 1985 (ABC/R.J./Mozark/Columbia); 1 90-minute episode; 7 60-minute episodes; James Grayson Culver is an international insurance investigator based in an office on Lime Street, London. He flits between jet-set resorts and his family on a vast ranch in Virginia. Creator: Linda Bloodworth Thomason; Executive Producers: Robert Wagner, Harry Thomason, Linda Bloodworth Thomason; Producer: E. Jack Kaplan; Starring: ROBERT WAGNER (It Takes a Thief) as James Grayson Culver; JOHN STANDING as Edward Wingate; SAMANTHA SMITH as Elizabeth Culver; MAIA BREWTON as Margaret Ann Culver; LEW AYRES as Henry Wade Culver; PATRICK MACNEE as Sir Geoffrey Rimbatten. The Lineup see: San Francisco Beat {to be done} 16 60-minute episodes; Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Director: Music: Starring: Lobo 18 Sep 1979-25 Aug 1981 (NBC/Universal); 38 60-minute episodes; Spin-off of B.J. and the Bear; originally titled: The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo, the feeble premise was that the Governor of Georgia (or was it the Mayor of Atlanta?) had reassigned Sheriff Elroy P. Lobo and his bumbling brother-in-law Deputy Perkins to a special city task force, hoping to bring Atlanta's crime down to the zero-level apparently achieved in Lobo's home district of Orly. But the Orly numbers were an artifact of Lobo's forgetting to mail in his actual crime statistics. Can the country boys solve crimes in the big city? In predictable comedy fashion, every bungle and bumble works out for the best. The very talented character actor Claude Akins is always watchable, but essentially wasted here. Executive Producers: Glen A. Larson, William P. D'Angelo; Music: "The Ballad of Sheriff Lobo" sung by Frankie Laine; Starring: CLAUDE AKINS as Sheriff Elroy P. Lobo; MILLS WATSON as Deputy Perkins; BRIAN KERWIN as Deputy Birdwell "Birdie" Hawkins. The Lone Wolf 1954 (Syndicated as Streets of Danger); Based on characters created by Louis Joseph Vance (1879-1933); Starring Louis Hayward as THE LONE WOLF; Similar to Jack Boyle's Boston Blackie, Louis Joseph Vance's Michael Lanyard, better known as THE LONE WOLF, didn't start out as a Private Investigator, but as a criminal. However, as with Blackie, thanks to his numerous re-creations in film, radio and television, The Lone Wolf is now best remembered, incorrectly, as a Private Eye. All of Louis Joseph Vance's novels feature Lanyard as a charming roguish European jewel thief with a soft spot for damsels in distress, trained in the criminal arts by the mysterious Irishman, Bourke. It's said that The Lone Wolf was the inspiration for Leslie Chartis' The Saint. He certainly proved to be popular, be he thief, reformed thief, spy or private eye. He first appeared in film in 1917, just three years after the first novel appeared. He remained a criminal right into the talkies, but by the third effort with sound, 1939's The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt, he was a reformed gentleman thief on the side of the good guys, and by the The Lone Wolf Meets a Lady (1940), he had acquired a valet, Jamison, whose chief job, it seemed, was to provide comic relief, and to become hopelessly entangled in the plots. In 1948, after appearing in fourteen talkies, and perhaps as many as half a dozen silent films, The Lone Wolf moved to radio, and began a new career, with the cultured European jewel thief now an American private eye, even if the cops still didn't trust him. The radio series also proved successful enough to eventually spawn a television series, in 1954. The TV show had a rather schizophrenic hero, with actor Louis Hayward playing the character as a retired French gentleman by day, and the shadowy, wall-crawling Lone Wolf by night. LONE WOLF NOVELS: * The Lone Wolf (1914) * The False Faces (1918) * Alias The Lone Wolf (1921) * Red Maquerade (1921) * The Lone Wolf Returns (1923) * The Lone Wolf's Son (1931) * Encore The Lone Wolf (1933) * The Lone Wolf's Last Prowl (1934) LONE WOLF FILMS: * THE LONE WOLF (1917, Columbia) Silent, Starring Bert Lytell as THE LONE WOLF; * FALSE FACES (1930, Columbia) Silent, Starring Henry B. Walthall as THE LONE WOLF; * LAST OF THE LONE WOLF (1930, Columbia) Silent, Directed by Richard Boleslawsky, Starring Bert Lytell as THE LONE WOLF; * THE LONE WOLF RETURNS (1935, Columbia) First Lone Wolf talkie, 69 minutes, Directed by Roy William Neill, Starring Melvyn Douglas as THE LONE WOLF, Also starring Gail Patrick, Tala Birell, Arthur Hohl, Thurston Hall; * THE LONE WOLF IN PARIS (1938, Columbia) 66 minutes Directed by Albert S. Rogell, Starring Francis Lederer as THE LONE WOLF, Also starring Frances Drake, Walter Kingsford, Leona Maricle, Olaf Hytten, Albert Van Dekker; * THE LONE WOLF SPY HUNT (1939, Columbia) 67 minutes Screenplay by Jonathan Latimer, Directed by Peter Godrey, Starring Warren William as THE LONE WOLF, Also starring Ida Lupino, Rita Hayworth, Virginia Weidler, Ralph Morgan, Don Beddoe, Tom Dugan; * THE LONE WOLF MEETS A LADY (1940, Columbia) 71 minutes Directed by Sydney Salkow, Starring Warren William as THE LONE WOLF, with Eric Blore as Jamison; Also starring Jean Muir, Warren Hull, Thurston Hall, Victor Jory, Roger Pryor; * THE LONE WOLF STRIKES (1940, Columbia) 57 minutes, Directed by Sydney Salkow, Starring Warren William as THE LONE WOLF, with Eric Blore as Jamison, Also starring Joan Perry, Alan Baxter, Astrid Allwyn, Montagu Love, Robert Wilcox; * THE LONE WOLF KEEPS A DATE (1941, Columbia) 65 minutes, Directed by Sydney Salkow, Starring Warren William as THE LONE WOLF, with Eric Blore as Jamison, Also starring Frances Robinson, Bruce Bennett, Thurston Hall, Jed Prouty; * THE LONE WOLF TAKES A CHANCE (1941, Columbia) 76 minutes Starring Warren William as THE LONE WOLF, with Eric Blore as Jamison, Also starring June Storey, Henry Wilcoxon, Thurston Hall, Don Beddoe, Evalyn Knapp; * PASSPORT TO SUEZ (1943, Columbia) 76 minutes Directed by Andre De Toth, Starring Warren William as THE LONE WOLF, with Eric Blore as Jamison, Also starring Ann Savage, Robert Stanford, Sheldon Leonard, Lloyd Bridges, Gavin Muir; * THE LONE WOLF IN MEXICO (1947) 69 minutes Directed by Ross Lederman, Starring Gerald Mohr as THE LONE WOLF, with Eric Blore as Jamison, Also starring Sheila Ryan, Jacqueline de Wit, Nestor Paiva, John Gallaudet; * THE LONE WOLF IN LONDON (1947) 68 minutes, Directed by Leslie Goodwins, Starring Gerald Mohr as THE LONE WOLF, with Eric Blore as Jamison, Also starring Nancy Saunders, Evelyn Ankers; * THE LONE WOLF AND HIS LADY (1949) 71 minutes Directed by John Hoffman, Starring Ron Randell as THE LONE WOLF; Also starring June Vincent, Alan Mowbray, William Frawley RADIO: * THE LONE WOLF (1948, Mutual) Starring Walter Coy as THE LONE WOLF, Later replaced by Gerald Mohr; see also:cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Longstreet 9 Sep 1971-10 August 1972; {to be done} 16? 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective Drama television series; Mike Longstreet was a New Orleans insurance company investigator. He was based at 835 Charters Street, New Orleans. While on a case, his wife was killed and his eyesight taken away from him by people who were determined to make sure that he did NOT solve the case. Despite his handicap, Mike refused to quit the business. With the help of an electronic cane that judged the distance of objects and his German Shepherd (Alsatian?) guide dog Pax, Longstreet remained a successful investigator. For him, blindness actually sharpened his other senses and analytical skills. Mike's Girl Friday, Nikki, was his biggest supporter. His insurance company friend Duke Paige worked with him on several cases. Kung Fu expert Bruce Lee appeared in this series as Longstreets' self-defense instructor. Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Director: Music: Starring: JAMES FRNACISCUS as Mike Longstreet; MARLYN MASON as Nikki Bell; PETER MARK RICHMAN as Duke Paige; ANN DORAN as Mrs. Kingston; BRUCE LEE as Longstreets' self-defense instructor. Look Photocrime, see: Photocrime Lord Peter Wimsey 5 Apr 1972-13 Aug 1975 (UK: BBC1); 1972-? (USA: Masterpiece Theatre); Radio: 11 serials were made on radio, but only 9 of these appear to be currently held within the BBC archive, and two of these were recently re-released by the BBC Radio Collection (although there have been at least another 4 previously available). Television: 5 45-minute episodes ("Clouds of Witness") 5 Apr 1972-3 May 1972; 4 45-minute episodes ("The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club") 1 Feb 1973-22 Feb 1973; 4 50-minute episodes ("Murder Must Advertise") 30 Nov 1973-21 Dec 1973; 4 55-minute episodes ("The Nine Tailors") 22 Apr 1974-13 May 1974; 4 50-minute episodes ("Five Red Herrings") 23 July 1975-13 Aug 1975; Creator: Dorothy L. Sayers; Adapted from novels by: Dorothy L. Sayers; Executive Producers: Producers: Directors: Hugh David, Ronald Wilson, Rodney Bennett, Raymond Menmuir; Music: Starring: IAN CARMICHAEL as Lord Peter Wimsey; GLYN HOUSTON as Bunter; MARL EDEN as Detective Inspector Parker. M: Mystery/Detective Television Series MacGruder and Loud 20 Jan 1985-3 (10?) Sep 1985 (ABC); 8 Apr 1988 (UK: ITV/LWT) 120-minute episode only; 1 120-minute episodes; 12 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Police Drama; two police officers are married to each other, against regulations. They start by trying to solve the death of MacGruder's former partner. Executive Producers: Aaron Spelling, Douglas S. Cramer; Producer: Jerry London; Director: Music: Starring: JOHN GETZ as Detective Malcolm MacGruder; KATHRYN HARROLD as Detective Jenny Loud MacGruder; FRANK McCARTHY as Sergeant Myhrum; TED ROSS as Detective Sergeant Debbin; GAIL GRATE as Naomi; CHARLES BOSWELL as Zacharias; LEE deBROUX as Sergeant Hanson RICK ROSSOVICH as Geller. Madigan 20 Sep 1972-22 Aug 1973 (NBC/Universal/Oden Prod.); 17 Feb 1973-? (UK: ITV); 6 90-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Police series. Cases of a NYPD travelling homicide cop. Based on the 1968 film of the same name, also starring Richard Widmark. Creators: Executive Producers: Dean Hargrove, Frank Rosenberg; Producer: Roland Kibbe; Director: Music: Starring:RICHARD WIDMARK as Sergeant Dan Madigan. The Magician 1973-1974 (NBC/Paramount); 1 75-minute episode; 24 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Fantasy drama series. Magician Anthony Blake uses his skills to help those in need. Blake was named Anthony Dorian in the feature length pilot. Creator: Bruce Lansbury; Executive Producers: Producer: Laurence Heath; Director: Theme Music: Patrick Williams; Starring: BILL BIXBY as Anthony Blake; KEENE CURTIS as Max Pomeroy; TODD CRESPI as Dennis Pomeroy. Magnum, P.I. 11 Dec 1980-2 May 1988 (CBS/Universal); 23 May 1981-14 Sep 1987 (UK: ITV/Thames); 150 60-minute episodes; 6 120-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series. Ex-Vietnam Vet Thomas Magnum is a private eye in Hawaii who also looked after the luxury estate of the never-seen Robin. Magnum worked with Master's fastidious British butler Higgins. War buddy "TC" Calvin managed a helicopter company. Orville "Rick" Wright ran a Casablanca-style noghtclub in Honolulu, but sold it to start the King Kamehameha Beach Club in partnership with the mysterious Robin Masters. The show's success hinged on Tom Selleck's appeal to female viewers, who scribbled some 10,000 weekly fan letters. Ruggedly sexy Tom Selleck had appeared in this genre before, in two episodes of The Rockford Files, playing overconfident private eye Lance White. His strong blend of dramatic and comedic acting led to this new show being built around him, where it replaced Hawaii Five-O both in the schedule and in the use of Hawaii locations. In fact, Tom Selleck, as Thomas Higgins, sometimes mentioned Hawaii Five-O's Steve McGarrett by name. After 8 successful seasons, Tom Selleck left for full-time film acting, where Three Men and a Baby consolidated his box office appeal. Creators: Donald P. Bellisario, Glen A. Larson; Executive Producers: Donald P. Bellisario, Glen A. Larson; Starring: TOM SELLECK as Thomas Higgins; JOHN HILLERMAN as Jonathan Quayle Higgins III; ROGER E. MOSLEY as Theodore "TC" Calvin; LARRY MANETTI as Orville "Rick" Wright; ORSON WELLES as Voice of Robin Masters; FRANK SINATRA guest-starred as NYPD Officer _________. Maigret 31 Oct 1960-23 Jan 1961 (UK: BBC); 52 50-minute episodes; black and white; Creator: Georges Simenon; Adapted: from the novels of Georges Simenon; Producer: Andrew Osborn; Director: Music: Starring: RUPERT DAVIES as Chief Inspector Maigret; EWEN SOLON as Lucas; HELEN SHINGLER as Madamoiselle Maigret; NEVILLE JASON as Serfeant Lapointe; HENRY OSCAR as Inspector Lognon. Man Against Crime 1949-1954 (CBS/NBC/DuMont); 1956 (NBC) (1949-56, CBS, NBC, Dumont) 82 30-minute episodes; black and white; Sponsor: Camel cigarettes (which all the good guys smoked); Producers: Edward J. Montagne, Paul Nickell; Director: Music: Starring: RALPH BELLAMY as Mike Barnett (1949-1954); ROBERT PRESTON as Mike Barnett (1951); FRANK LOVEJOY as Mike Barnett (1956); The Man Behind the Badge 11 Oct 1953-3 Oct 1954 (Buckeye); 38 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective anthology series of stories from the police files. Live semi-documentary series about cops, parole officers, park rangers, lawyers, and judges. Producers: Jerry Robertson, Bernard Proctor; Starring: NORMAN ROSE as Host/Narrator; JACK WARDEN as ______________; LESLIE NIELSEN as _________________; CHARLES BICKFORD as Host (syndicated film version). A Man Called X 1955 (Syndicated/United Artists); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective drama series. Starring: BARRY SULLIVAN. A Man Called Hawk 1989 (ABC); Original Music: Stanley Clarke; Starring: AVERY BROOKS as Hawk; MOSES GUNN as Old Man; see also cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series A Man Called Ironside this was the British title for what was known in the USA as Ironside. Mancuso FBI 1990-1991 (NBC/Steve Sohner Productions); (UK: ITV); 19 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series. Veteran FBI agent Nick Mancuso has repeated battles with his new forward-thinking younger boss over Mancuso's way of doing things solo. Creator: Steve Sohner; Executive Producers: Steve Sohner, Jeff Bleckner; Music: Dennis McCarthy; Starring: ROBERT LOGGIA as Nick Mancuso; FREDERIC LEHNE as Eddie McMasters; RANDI BRAZEN as Jean St John; LINDSAY FROST as Kristen Carter; CHARLES SIEBERT as Dr.Paul Summers. The Man from Blackhawk 1959-1960 (ABC/Columbia/Stuart-Oliver); 37 30-minute episodes; black and white; Western/Mystery/Detective drama series. Cases of an insurance investigator in the 1800s. Starring: ROBERT ROCKWELL. see also: cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The Man from Interpol 1960 (UK: Syndicated/Danziger Brothers); 30 Jan 1960-22 Oct 1960 (CBS); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; Low-budget series about Interpol agent Commander Anthony Smith on assignment to Scotland Yard. Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Director: Music: Tony Crombie; Starring: RICHARD WYLER as Commander Anthony Smith; LOHN LOGDEN as Detective Inpector Mercer. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. ______ 1964-____1967 (NBC/MGM/Arena); 105 60-minute episodes; Creators: Norman Felton, Ian Fleming, Sam Rolfe; Theme Music: Jerry Goldsmith; Producers: Sam Rolfe, David Victor, Anthony Spinner; Executive Producer: Norman Felton; Mystery/Detective/Spy/Sci-Fi drama series. The cases of an exceptional pair of secret agents, Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin, working for U.N.C.L.E (United Network Command for Law Enforcement) against the might of international criminal agency THRUSH. See also The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. Starring: ROBERT VAUGHAN as Napoleon Solo; DAVID McCALLUM as Ilya Kuryakin; LEO G. CARROLL as Mr Alexander Waverly. Manhunt 1959-1960 (Syndicated/Screen Gems/Columbia); 78 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective drama series. Cases of the San Diego Police Department and Ben Andrews of the San Diego Chronicle. The show seemed to be a series of screen tests for Screen Gems actors. Producer: Jerry Briskin Starring: VICTOR JORY as Detective Lieutenant Howard Finucane; PATRICK McVEY as Ben Andrews; CHARLES BATEMAN as Detective George Peters (episodes 1-13); RIAN GARRICK as Detective Bruce Hanna (episodes 14-23); CHUCK HENDERSON as Detective Dan Kramer (episodes 24-39); MICHAEL STEFFANY as Detective Paul Kirk (episodes 40-52); ROBERT CRAWFORD as Detective Phil Burns (episodes 53-65); TODD ARMSTRONG as Detective Carl Spencer (episodes 66-78);. The Manhunter 11 Sep 1974-9 Apr 1975 (CBS/Quinn Martin); 24 60-minute episodes; Ex-Marine Dave Barrett owned and ran an Idaho farm during the Great Depression. His best friend was murdered by bank robbers, so he became a private eye, wandering America to fight for justice. His remaining best friend was his dog Beau. As a matter of fact, the 1930s did have the highest murder rate of any decade in America's 20th Century. Creators: Executive Producer: Quinn Martin; Producer: Sam Rolfe; Director: Music: Duane Tatro; Starring: KEN HOWARD as Dave Barrett; ROBERT HOGAN as Sheriff Paul Tate; HILARY THOMPSON as Lizabeth Barrett. Manimal 30 Sep 1983-31 Dec 1983 (NBC/Glen Larson); 4 June 1984-23 July 1984 (UK: BBC1); 1 90-minute episode; 7 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Fantasy drama series. Criminology Professor Jonathan Chase could metamorphose into any animal species he wanted to, in order to solve crimes. The assistants who kept his secret were sexy Police Detective Brooke McKenzie and African-American sidekick Ty Earle. Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Director: Music: Starring: SIMON MacCORKINDALE as Professor Jonathan Chase; MEOLDY ANDERSON as Police Detective Brooke McKenzie; MICHAEL D. ROBERTS as Ty Earle; RENI SANTONI as Lieutenant Rivera. The Man in Room 17 11 June 1965-1 July 1966 (UK: ITV/Granada); 26 60-minute episodes; black and white; Retired barrister Oldenshaw created "Room 17" -- a government department meant to plumb the depths of the criminal mind. In season 1, he was assisted by Dimmock, a student at the Institue for Crimonology at Ohio University. In season 2, he was assisted by Imlac Defraits. Crimes were solved by sheer logic. There was a spin-ff series: The Fellows. Creator: Robert Chapman; Executive Producers: Producer: Richard Everitt; Director: Music: Starring: RICHARD VERNON as Oldenshaw; MICHAEL ALDRIDGE as Dimmock; DENHOLM ELLIOTT as Imlac Defraits; WILLOUGHBY GODDARD as Sir Geoffrey Norton. Man in a Suitcase 27 Sep 1967-17 Apr 1968 (UK: ITV/ITC); 3 May 1968-20 Sep 1968 (USA: ABC); 30 60-minute episodes; Bounty hunter McGill covered Europe, his cover being that of a travelling salesman. He'd been unjustly fired from the CIA for allegedly allowing an American scientist from defecting to the USSR, and even accused of treason. As a Private Eye, he earned $500/day plus expenses, operated under the pseudonym "The Man in a Suitcase." As a pursued solo sleuth, he parallel's but was overshadowed by his contemporary -- The Fugitive. Creators: Richard Harris, Dennis Spooner; Executive Producers: Producer: Sidney Cole; Director: Theme Music: Ron Grainer; Starring: RICHARD BRADFORD as McGill; Guest Stars included: DONALD SUTHERLAND, EDWARD FOX. Mannix 16 Sep 1967-13 Apr 1975 (CBS/Paramount); 13 Feb 1971 (UK: ATV); 14 Nov 1980-19 Oct 1983 (UK:ITV/LWT); 191 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series. Joe Mannix leaves upmarket detective agency Intertact to solo as a Private Eye. This show's violence made it a hit in the USA, but thwarted its appeal in Great Britain. Creators: Richard Levinson, William Link; Music: Lalo Schifrin; Producers: Ivan Goff, Ben Roberts; Executive Producer: Bruce Geller; Starring: MIKE CONNORS as Joe Mannix; GAIL FISHER as Peggy Fair; JOSEPH CAMPANELLA as Lou Wickersham; ROBERT REED (The Defenders) as Lieutenant Adam Tobias; WARD WOOD as Lieutenant Arthur Malcolm; LARRY LINVILLE (Major Frank Burns in M*A*S*H) as Lieutenant George Kramer; JACK GING as Lieutenant Daniel Ives. Man Who Never Was 1966 (ABC/TCF); 18 30-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Espionage drama series. An American agent is the exact double of a senior German; a plot is hatched for the agent to replace him. Creators: John Newland, Teddi Sherman, Judith & Julian Plowden; Producer: John Newland; Starring: ROBERT LANSING as ______; DANA WYNTER as ________. Man with a Camera 10 Oct 1958-8 Feb 1960 (ANC/MCW/Lewis and Sharpe); 29 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective drama series. Cases of a mystery-solving ex-war- photographer who now worked freelance, somtimes with the assistance of his father, Anton. Producers: Warren Lewis, Don Sharpe; Starring: CHARLES BRONSON as Mike Kovac; LUDWIG STOSSEL as Anton Kovac; JAMES FLAVIN as Lieutenant Donovan. M.A.N.T.I.S. 1994 (Fox); 1 100-minute episodes; __ 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Sci-fi drama series. Secret agent Miles Hawkins develops an "exoskeleton" suit which, once put on, gives him special strength and other powers which he uses to fight crime. Creators: James McAdams, Bryce Zabel; Starring: CARL LUMBLY as Miles Hawkins; ROGER REES as John Stonebrake. Mandrake the Magician 1954 (____); ___ 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective/Fantasy drama series. Exploits of a crime-fighting magician, adapted from the long-running comic strip. Starring: COE NORTON as Mandrake; WOODY STRODE as ______. Markham 2 May 1959-22 Sep 1960 (CBS/Markham/Universal); 60 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective/Lawyer drama series about an international crime fighter. Rich attorney Roy Markham, seeking excitement, travelled from his New York office to wherever an interesting case could be found. He mostly operated solo, but was sometimes assisted by legman John Riggs. Producers: Joe Sistiam, Warren Duff; Starring: RAY MILLAND as Roy Markham/Narrator; SIMON SCOTT as John Riggs. Mark Saber of London 13 Oct 1957-15 May 1960 (NBC); 12 Aug 1959-30 Aug 1961 (UK: ITV); 83 30-minute episodes; black and white; Creators: Producers: Edward Danziger, Harry Lee Danziger; Director: Music: Starring: DONALD GRAY as Mark Saber; NEIL McCALLUM as Peter Paulson; ROBERT ARDEN as Bob Page; JERRY THORNE as Eddie Wells; COLIN TAPLEY as Inspector Parker. Inspector Mark Saber - Homicide Squad 5 Oct 1951-? June 1954 (ABC); 78 30-minute episodes; black and white; Creators: Producers: J. Donlad Wilson, Roland Reed; Director: Eugene Forde; Music: Starring: TOM CONWAY as Mark Saber; JAMES BURKE as Sergeant Tim Maloney. Mark Saber [USA title The Vise] Dec 1955-June 1957 (ABC); 18 Sep 1957-22 June 1959 (UK: ITV); 52 30-minute episodes; black and white; Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Edward Danziger, Harry Lee Danziger; Director: Music: Starring: Marlowe - Private Eye 27 Apr 1984-25 May 1984 (UK: ITV/David Wickes/LWT); 27 Apr 1986-25 May 1986 (USA: Syndicated); 5 60-minute episodes; a further 6 60-minute episodes were shot in 1986 in Toronto, Canada and broadcast 16 Mar 1991-? 1991 (UK: Granada); Creator: based on fiction by Raymond Chandler; Executive Producers: Producer: David Wickes; Director: Music: John Cameron; Starring: POWERS BOOTH as Philip Marlowe; WILLIAM KEARNS as Lieutenant Magee; LEIGH SCOTT as Annie Riordan. Martial Law 1998-present (CBS/Carlton Cuse/ Ruddy Morgan/TCF); ___ 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series. A beefy Shanghai cop heads West to become a member ofthe Los Angeles Police Department. He often finds himself called upon to use his Karate expertise. Creator: Carlton Cuse; Executive Producers: Carlton Cuse, Andre Morgan, Stanley Tong; Martial Arts Choreographer: Stanley Tong; Starring: SAMMO HUNG as Sammo Law; ARSENIO HALL as Terrell Parker; KELLY HU as Grace Chen; GRETCHEN EGOLF as Amy Dylon; TAMMY LAUREN as _____; TOM WRIGHT as _____; LOUIS MANDYLOR as _____. Martin Kane, Private Eye 1 Sep 1949-17 June 1954 (NBC); 120 (?) 30-minute episodes; black and white; Creators: Executive Producer: J. Walter Thompson advertising agency, which had an actual executive named Martin Kane; Producers: Director: Music: Starring: Martin Kane, Private Investigator {to be done} Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Frank Burns, Ed Sutherland, Edward C. Kahan; Director: Music: Starring: FRED UTTAL as Announcer; {to be done} The Mask 1954 (ABC); 14 60-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective/Lawyer drama series. Cases of a pair of defense attorneys who happen to be brothers. Starring: GARY MERRILL as _____; WILLIAM PRINCE as _____. Matlock 1986-1995 (NBC/Strathmore/ Viacom); 195 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Lawyer drama series. Cases of Atlanta-based attorney Benjamin L. Matlock. Creator: Dean Hargrove; Music: Dick De Benedictus; Executive Producers: Dean Hargrove, Fred Silverman; Producer: Rich Collins Starring: ANDY GRIFFITH as Benjamin L. Matlock; KENE HOLLIDAY as Tyler Hudson; LINDA PURL as Charlene Matlock; NANCY STAFFORD as Michelle Thomas; KARI LIZER as Cassie Phillips; CLARENCE GILYARD, Jr. as Conrad McMaster. Matt Helm 1975-1976 (ABC/Columbia); 1 90-minute episodes; 13 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Espionage drama series. Cases of Los Angeles private eye and ex-CIA agent Matt Helm. Based on the series on 1960's Dean Martin comedy spy capers. Creator: Sam Rolfe; Music: Morton Stevens; Producers: Charles FitzSimons, Ken Pettus; Starring: TONY FRANCIOSA as Matt Helm. Matt Houston 1982-1985 (ABC/Warner/Spelling); 50 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series. Texan oil millionaire Matlock "Matt" Houston begins a second career as a private detective. Creator: Lawrence Gordon; Executive Producer: Aaron Spelling; Producer: Michael Fisher; Starring: LEE HORSLEY as Matt Houston; PAMELA HENSLEY as C.J. Parsons; PAUL BRINEGAR as Lamar; DENNIS FIMPEL as Bo; JOHN APREA as Lieutenant Vince Novelli; BUDDY EBSEN as Roy Houston. Max Monroe: Loose Cannon 5 Jan 1990-19 Apr 1990 (CBS/Viacom); 1 120-minute episode; 6 60-minute episodes; 1 June 1991-? (UK: ITV); Idiosyncratic Max Monroe, star of "American Top 40", a fictional #1 radio show, is teamed with crusty veteran police officer Charlie Ivers of the LAPD. A quirky but fun show about the eccentric DJ/Cop and chess grandmaster with long blond hair. Creators: Fred Silverman, Dean Hargrove; Executive Producers: Fred Silverman, Dean Hargrove; Writers: Brian Clemens (The Avengers, The Professionals), others; Special Effects Foreman: Ken Estes; Second Assistant Camera (uncredited): Tom Jensen; Starring: SHADOE STEVENS as Max Monroe; BRUCE A. YOUNG as Charlie Ivers. Maximum Bob 4 Aug 1998-15 Sep 1998 (ABC); 7 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Comedy/Drama series. The cases of increasingly peculiar Judge "Maximum" Bob Gibbs of small-town Deep Water, Florida. Gibbs got his nickname because of his habit of giving out big sentences. Creator: Alex Gansa; Starring: BEAU BRIDGES as Judge Bob Gibbs; LIZ VASSEY as Kathy Baker; KEIRSTEN WARREN as Leanne Gibbs; SAM ROBARDS as Gaby Hammond; RAE'VEN LARRYMORE-KELLY as Wanda Grace. McClain's Law 20 Nov 1981-24 Aug 1982 (NBC/MGM); 19 Feb 1982-11 June 1982 (UK: BBC1); 13 60-minute episodes; Recreated from film Big Jim McClain (Warner Bros., 1952) starring John Wayne. Jim McClain retired at age 39, with medical disability due to an injured leg, from the San Pedro Police Department. San Pedro is an actual port city at the southwest corner of Los Angeles county. McLain was now a fisherman, but he forced his way back onto the police department to track down his murdered fishing partner. Now 52 years old, with a bad leg, he succeeded because of his drive and experience. He often hung out at a dockside cafe run by Vangie Cruise. Creator: Eric Bercovici Directors: Corey Allen, Kerry Feltham, Vincent McEveety, Michael O'Herlihy; Producers: Eric Bercovici, Robert H. Justman, George Watters, (Geoff Tibbals claims Mark Rafters as well); Production Manager: Robert J. Koster; Assistant Directors: Maximilian Bing, Thomas Foulkes, Carl Olsen; Assistant Editor: Maureen O'Connell; Writer: Allison Hock; Music: James Di Pasquale; Starring: JAMES ARNESS (Gunsmoke) as Detective Jim McClain; MARSHALL COLT as Detective Harry Gates; GEORGE DiCENZO as Lieutenant Edward DeNisco CONCHATA FERRELL as Vangie Cruise; CARL FRANKLIN as Detective Jerry Cross. McCloud 16 Sep 1970-28 Aug 1977 (NBC/Universal); 16 Sep 1972-9 Oct 1976 (UK: ITV); 6 60-minute episodes; 19 90-minute episodes; 21 120-minute episodes; Purportedly imitating Clint Eastwood in the film Coogan's Bluff (1968), Dennis Weaver starred as Sam McCloud, a horse-riding rural Western Marshall from Taos, New Mexico, assigned to the 27th Precinct of Manhattan's NYPD. Despite the best efforts of Chief Peter B. Clifford and his staff, McCloud resolutely suck by his guns, refusing to adopt the methodology of the urban cops. Sometimes assisted by Sergeant Joe Broadhurst, and sometimes by his girlfriend Chris Coughlin, McCloud rode the car-packed streets on horseback, in a sheepskin jacket and cowboy hat, spoke his Southwestern phraseology, and his eternal line "there you go!" Dennis Weaver earned some $200,000 per episode, achieved hit status, and was seen on NBC's Mystery Movie, in rotation with Columbo and McMillan and Wife. Creator: Glen A. Larson; Executive Producer: Glen A. Larson; Producer: Herbert Wright; Director: Noel Black; Writer: Lonne Elder III; Theme Music: Glen A. Larson, David Shire; Cinematographers: Ronald W. Browne, Ben Colman, Sol Negrin; Film Editors: Michael Berman, Jean Jacques Berthelot, Bob Kagey, Robert L. Kimble, Chuck McClelland, Gene Ranney, Anthony Redman; Art Directors: Alexander A. Mayer, William H. Tuntke; Set Decorator: Claire P. Brown; Assistant Directors: Phil Cook, David Dowell, William Holbrook, Ronald Martinez, Mark Sandrich Jr., Robert Saunders; Starring: DENNIS WEAVER (Chester in Gunsmoke) as Sam McCloud; J.D. CANNON as Chief Peter B. Clifford; TERRY CARTER as Sergeant Joe Broadhurst; DIANA MULDAUR as Chris Coughlin; KEN LYNCH as Sergeant Grover; Guest Stars included: JOHN DENVER (acting debut); FARRAH FAWCETT (as a prostitute). The pilot episode which brought McCloud to New York City, was titled Who Killed Miss U.S.A.; in Great Britain it was titled Who Killed Merri-Ann; McCloud: Who Killed Miss U.S.A.? (1970) Producer: Leslie Stevens; Associate Producer: John Strong;(associate) Original Music: David Shire; Theme Song: "Another Way"; Theme Song Lyrics: Richard Maltby, Jr.; Cinematographer: Ben Colman; Film Editors: Edwin H. Bryant, Bob Kagey, Robert L. Kimble; Art Director: Henry Bumstead; Assistant Directors: Edward K. Dodds, Steve Marshall; Director: Richard A. Colla; Writers: Richard Levinson, William Link, Stanford Whitmore Story: Stanford Whitmore; Starring: DENNIS WEAVER as Marshall Sam McCloud; CRAIG STEVENS as Whitman; PETER MARK RICHMAN as Peter B. Clifford; DIANA MULDAUR as Chris Coughlin; TERRY CARTER as Sergeant Joe Broadhurst; MARIO ALCADE as Peralta; RAUL JULIA as Father Nieves; SHELLY NOVACK as James Waldron; JULIE NEWMAR as Adrienne Redman; MICHAEL BOW as Billy; NEFTI MILLET as Ramos; KATHY STRITCH as Merri Ann Coleman; ALBERT POPWELL as Guard; IRA COOK as Second Reporter; GREGORY SIERRA as First Deputy; TONY DANTE as Second Deputy; VICTOR BOZEMAN as Black Reporter; BILL BALDWIN, SR. as First Reporter; RON HENRIQUEZ as Vejar; LEE PULFORD as Receptionist; ROBERTO VARGAS as Chico. McMillan and Wife 29 Sep 1971-21 Aug 1977 (NBC/Universal); 10 Apr 1972-18 Apr 1979 (UK: ITV); 24 90-minute episodes; 16 120-minute episodes; Similar in concept to The Thin Man and to Hart to Hart, we have a married team of sleuths. San Francisco Police Commissioner Stewart "Mac" McMillan is teamed with his goofy wife Sally McMillan, who had a knack for wandering into major crime scenes before the police knew the crime had been committed. Again and again, this put her in danger, as a percipient winess being threatened by the miscreants, and her husband always arrived in the nick of time. Susan Sant James was discovered for the role when she had a bit part in a McCloud episode. She quit in a fight over her contract, related to the fact that Rock Hudson was earning roughly $350,000 per episode. Her character was killed in a plane crash. Nancy Walker, who excelled as the cynical maid to the McMillans, left to star in her own spin-off series. John Schuck's character was promoted to Lieutenant, but he'd become so popular that there were rumbles that he might quit. After Sally McMillan was gone, the show was retitled McMillan. Mildred's sister Agatha was the new maid; and the show added a new cop, Sergeant DiMaggio, and a new secretary, Maggie. The pilot was titled Once Upon a Dead Man. Creator: Leonard B. Stern; Executive Producer: Leonard B. Stern; Producer: Jon Epstein; Theme Music: Jerry Fielding; Original Music: Jerry Fielding; Film Editor: John Elias; Casting: Joe Scully; Production Unit Manager: Joseph C. Cavalier; Assistant Directors: Wendell Franklin, Robert Saunders; Starring: ROCK HUDSON as Police Commissioner Stewart "Mac" McMillan; SUSAN SAINT JAMES as Sally McMillan (1971-1976); JOHN SCHUCK as Sergeant Charles "Charlie" Enright; NANCY WALKER as Mildred (1971-1976); MARTHA RAYE as Agatha (1976-1977); RICHARD GILLILAND as Sergeant DiMaggio (1976-1977); GLORIA STROOCK as Maggie (1976-1977); JOHN ASTIN as Sykes; BILL QUINN as Chief Paulson (1976-1977). Me and Mom 1984-1985 (ABC/Viacom); 1 90-minute episodes; 6 60-minute episodes; Feeble Mystery/Detective/Comedy/Drama about mother-daughter team of private eyes. The hunky Olympian Bruce Jenner played an ex-football star office boy, and the brilliant James Earl Jones was utterly wasted as an ex-cop sleuth in the girls' PI team. Creator: Marsha Miller; Producer: Hal Sitowitz; Starring: LISA EILBACHER as Kate Morgan; HOLLAND TAYLOR as Zena Hunnicutt; BRUCE JENNER (Olympic gold-medals) as Vince Caladori; JAMES EARL JONES as Lou Garfield. Meet McGraw 2 July 1957-1 Apr 1958 (NBC/MM/Sharpe-Lewis); 39 (or maybe 33) 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective drama series. Cases of a tough private investigator. He works solo in the roughest and riskiest cases. Six months into the show, the title was changed to The Adventures of McGraw. Producers: Warren Lewis, Don Sharpe; Starring: FRANK LOVEJOY as McGraw. The Men 1972-1973 (ABC); __ 60-minute episodes; An umbrella title for three Mystery/Detective series: Assignment Vienna; The Delphi Bureau; Jigsaw. Each of these is summarized above individually. Theme Music: Isaac Hayes Men At Law ___ 1971-___ 1971 (CBS/Leonard Freeman); 10 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Lawyer daram series. Cases of lawyers working for a big city firm. Also known as Storefront Lawyers. Starring: GERALD S. O'LOUGHLIN as _______; ROBERT FOXWORTH as _______; DAVID ARKIN as _______; SHEILA LARKIN as _______. Miami Undercover 1961 (Syndicated/Schenk-Koch/United Artists); 38 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective drama series. Cases of an undercover cop based in Miami. Private Eye Jeff Thompson was on contract to the Miami Hotel Owners' Assoiation to keep crime low, thus maintaining big tourist business. Jeff dressed to the nines, and both he and his assistant Rocky acted as playboys, managing to mix business with pleasure. Executive Producers: Aubrey Schenck, Howard W. Koch; Starring: LEE BOWMAN as Jeff Thompson; ROCKY GRAZIANO (boxing champion) as Rocky. Miami Vice 1984-1989 (NBC/Universal); 108 60-minute episodes; 3 120-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series. Stylish presentation of cases of two ultra cool and slick drug squad officers, James "Sonny" Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs, in Miami. Creators : Anthony Yerkovich, Michael Mann; Executive Producers: Anthony Yerkovich, Michael Mann; Theme Music: Jan Hammer; Starring: DON JOHNSON as Detective James "Sonny" Crockett; PHILIP MICHAEL THOMAS as Detective Ricardo Tubbs; EDWARD JAMES OLMOS as Lieutenant Martin Castillo; SAUNDRA SANTIAGO as Detective Gina Navarro Calabrese; OLIVIA BROWN as Detective Trudy Joplin; MICHAEL TALBOTT as Detective Stan Switek; JOHN DIEHL as Detective Larry Zito; MARTIN FERRERO as Izzy Moreno; SHEENA EASTON as Caitlin Davies. Michael Hayes 1997-present (NBC); __ 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Lawyer drama series. Cases of tough lawyer Michael Hayes. Starring: DAVID CARUSO as Michael Hayes; REUBEN SANTIAGO-HUDSON as Eddie Ruiz; PETER OUTERBRIDGE as John Henry Manning; REBECCA RIGG as Lindsay Strauss; HILLARY DANNER as Jenny Nevins; DAVID CUBITT as Danny Hayes. Michael Shayne 1960-1961 (ABC/Four Star); 32 60-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective drama series. Cases of the private detective of the title from a character created by Brett Halliday. Starring: RICHARD DENNING (Mr. and Mrs.North) as Michael Shayne. Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer 1984-1986 (CBS/Columbia); {to be done} 1 120-minute episodes; 46 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series. Cases of tough New York City-based Private Detective Mike Hammer, former Vietnam Veteran. The series was killed immediately after Stacy Keach was busted and jailed in Great Britain for drug-related charges. Executive Producer: Jay Bernstein; Music: Earle Hagen; Adapted from the Novels: of Mickey Spillane; Producer: Lew Gallo; Starring: STACY KEACH as Mike Hammer; LINDSAY BLOOM as Velda; DON STROUD as Captain Pat Chambers; DANNY GOLDMAN as Ozzie the Answer; KENT WILLIAMS as Assistant D.A. Lawrence Barrington. Mike Hammer 1957-1960 (Syndicated/MCA/Revue); 78 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective drama series. Cases of tough private detective Mike Hammer. Adapted from the Novels: of Mickey Spillane; Starring: DARREN McGAVIN as Mike Hammer. Mike Hammer, Private Eye 1997; Director: Rex Piano (8 episodes); Supervising Producer: Cary Glieberman; Cinematographer: Nicholas Josef von Sternberg; Casting: Linda Berger; Unit Production Manager: Bob Perkis; First Assistant Director: Brian Hennessy (2 episodes); Construction Coordinator: Eduardo H. Esparza; Lead Man: Joe Monaco; Dialogue Editor: Stephen M. Galvin (23 episodes); Stunts: Hugh A. O'Brien, Mary Torres; Starring: STACY KEACH as Mike Hammer; SHANE CONRAD as Nick Farrell; SHANNON WHIRRY as Velda; KENT WILLAIMS as Deputy Mayor Barrington; PETER JASON as Captain Skip Gleason; MALGOSIA TOMASSI as _________. Midnight Caller 28 Jan 1989-1 Apr 1989, 30 Dec 1989-24 Mar 1990, 5 Jan 1991-23 Feb 1991 (UK: BBC1); Oct 1988-1993 (USA: Syndicated/December 3/Lorimar); 60+ 60-minute episodes; Radio DJ Jack Killian, KJCM 98.3 FM, talks to callers in San Francisco about their problems. He goes as "The Nighthawk" on the air. Then he turns amateur sleuth and hunts down the people who are causing the problems for his callers. This makes him the US equivalent of Great Britain's Eddie Shoestring. Hip, cool, with a buried past (he quit the police after accidently shooting his partner dead), he is assisted by SFPD Lieutenant Carl Zymak and newspaper reporter Deacon Bridges. His moddiness and oddities puzzle gorgeous station manager Devon King. The only other staffer we ever see at KJCM is Billy Po, the engineer/producer, whose lines are nearly limited to "call for you, Jack." Creator: Richard Di Lello; Executive Producer: Robert Singer; Producer: John F. Perry; Writer: Teddi Siddall; Theme Music: Brad Fiedal; Starring: GARY COLE (turned down role as Sonny Crockett in Miami Vice) as Jack Killian; WENDY KILBOURNE as Devon King; DENNIS DUN as Billy Po; LINDY ROSS as Billy Po (replacement); ARTHUR TAXIER as Lieutenant Carl Zymak; MYKEL T. WILLIAMSON as Deacon Bridges. Mike Hammer-Private Eye 1997 (syndicated); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Millennium 1997-1999 (Fox/Ten Thirteen); __ 60-minute episodes; Creator: Chris Carter (X-Files); Executive Producer: Chris Carter; Music: Mark Snow Mystery/Detective/Fantasy drama series. FBI agent Frank Black seems to be able to read the minds of the killers he is tracking down; he is one of a series of agents with paranormal abilities. His own family is at risk as supernatural evil is confronted. Starring: LANCE HENRIKSEN as Frank Black; MEGAN GALLAGHER as Catherine Black; BRITTANY TIPLADY as Jordan Black; KIRSTEN CLOKE as Lara Means. The Mind of Mr J G Reeder 23 Apr 1969-7 June 1971 (UK: ITV/Thames); 16 60-minute episodes; Adapted from the stories of Edgar Wallce, wimpy eyeglassed clerk J.G. Reeder in the Department of Public Prosecutions is an unexpectedly brilliant crimefighter in the 1920s. Executive Producer: Lloyd Shirley; Producers: Kim Mills (season 1 = 1969), Robert Love (season 2 = 1971); Directors: Jonathan Alwyn, Reginald Collin, Peter Duguid, Kim Mills, Robert Tronson, Dennis Vance, Guy Verney, Voytek; Story Editors: Monica Menell (1969), Maggie Allen (1971); Starring: HUGH BURDEN as J.G. Reeder; MONA BRUCE as Mrs. Houchin (season 1); WILLOUGHBY GODDARD as Department Head Sir Jason Toovey; GILLIAN LEWIS as Miss Belman (season 2). Miss Adventure 5 July 1964-13 Oct 1964 (UK: ITV/ABC Weekend Network); 13 45-minute episodes; black and white; Flimsy Mystery/Detective/Drama series which wasted comedy actress Hattie Jacques as a confidential investigator for the seedy Stanton Detective Agency. Her mundane assignments always turned unexpectedly exciting, but viewers didn't feel caught up in that feeling. Creators: Peter Yeldham and Marjorie Yeldham; Producer: Ernest Maxim; Director: Jonathan Alwyn; Starring: HATTIE JACQUES as Stacey Smith; JAMISON CLARK as Harry Stanton. Miss Marple {to be done} I don't have much data on the first time the BBC produced and aired Miss Marple in 1949. It is said that the scenery fell down, and a corpse (in mid-broadcast) stood up and walked off set. Agatha Christie's character of Miss Marple has been played on film in 1930 (Murder at the Vicarage) and by Angela Lansbury (The Mirror Crack'd (1992; British title: Miss Marple: The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side), and in the derivative Murder She Wrote), as well as Margaret Rutherford who was, in real life, friend of and godmother to the son of Joan Hickson. [1st TV series: 1984] The Body in the Library Director: Silvio Narizzano; Writer: T.R. Bowen; Adapted: from the novel by Agatha Christie; Producer: Guy Slater; Original Music: Alan Blaikley, Ken Howard; Cinematographer: John Walker; Film Editor: Bernard Ashby; Costume Designer: Jan Wright Starring: JOAN HICKSON as Miss Jane Marple (every episode); Gwen Watford as Mrs. Dolly Bantry; Moray Watson as Colonel Arthur Bantry; Valentine Dyall as Lorrimer; Karin Foley as Mary; Frederick Jaeger as Chief Constable Colonel Melchett; Raymond Francis as Sir Henry Clithering; DAVID HOROVITCH as Detective Inspector Slack (every episode); Ian Brimble as Detective Constable Lake; Sarah Whitlock as W.P.C.; Andrew Cruickshank as Conway Jefferson; John Moffatt as Edwards; Ciaran Madden as Adelaide Jefferson; Keith Drinkel as Mark Gaskell; Jess Conrad as Raymond Starr; Trudie Styler as Josie Turner; Hugh Walters as Mr. Prescott; Sally Jane Jackson as Ruby Keene; Martyn Read as Hugo McLean; Kathleen Breck as Bridget; Arthur Bostrom as George Bartlett; Andrew Downer as Peter Carmody; Anthony Smee as Basil Blake; Debbie Arnold as Dinah Lee; Colin Higgins as Malcolm; John Bardon as PC Palk; Sydney Livingstone as Mr. Brogan; Stephen Churchett as Major Reeve; Astra Sheridan as Pamela Reeve; Karen Seacombe as Florrie Small. Mission Impossible 1966-1973/1988-1990 (CBS/Paramount); 203 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Espionage/Sci-Fi/Action adventure series. Cases of the members of the IMF (Impossible Missions Force). Each week, leader Jim Phelps would be given a tape recorded message that self destructed after five seconds. The message detailed the mission in question. Each member of the team had skills (technology, disguise, strength) that they could apply. Go to Ultimate Science Fiction Web Guide, click on "Television" for another view of this series Two movies so far have been spun-off {hotlinks to be done}. Creator: Bruce Geller; Executive Producer: Bruce Geller; Theme Music: Lalo Schifrin; Starring: STEVEN HILL as Daniel Briggs; PETER GRAVES as Jim Phelps; BARBARA BAIN as Cinnamon Carter; MARTIN LANDAU as Rollin Hand; PETER LUPUS as Wilie Armitage; GREG MORRIS as Barney Collier; BOB JOHNSON as Voice on Tape; LEONARD NIMOY (Star Trek) as Paris; LESLEY ANN WARREN as Dana Lambert; SAM ELLIOT as Doug; BARBARA ANDERSON as Mimi Davis; LYNDA DAY GEORGE as Lisa Casey. Mr. and Mrs. North 1953-1954 (NBC/Bernard L. Schubert); 57 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective/Fantasy drama series about newlyweds who find themselves caught up in murder. Starring: BARBARA BRITTON as Mrs.North; RICHARD DENNING (Michael Shayne) as Mr.North Mr. District Attorney 1954-1955 (Syndicated/United Artists); 78 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective drama series. Cases of a intensely motivated and incorruptible District Attorney. Starring: DAVID BRIAN as D.A. ____________. Mr. Lucky 1959-60 (CBS); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Mr. Rose 1967; Producers: Philip Mackie (1967), Margaret Morris (1968); Directors: Michael Cox, David Cunliffe, Barry Davis, Ian Fordyce, June Howson; Starring: William Mervyn as Mr. Rose; Donald Webster as John Halifax; Gillian Lewis as Drusilla Lamb (1967); Jennifer Clulow as Jessica Dalton (1968); Eric Woolfe as Robert Trent (1968). Mrs. Columbo 1979 (NBC); __ 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series. Spin-off from Columbo. Cases of the wife of the tattered-raincoat-wearing sleuth Columbo. In the Columbo show, his wife was often mentioned but never seen. Kate worked as a journalist for the Valley Advocate newspaper, and was drawn into solving assorted crimes. After a hiatus, the series returned under a new title: Kate the Detective and then again retirled as Kate Loves a Mystery. This final change somehow had Kate unrelated to Columbo, and she was given the new surname of Callahan. Why? It's a mystery... Starring: KATE MULGREW as Kate Columbo/Callahan; LILI HAYDN as Jenny Columbo/Callahan; HENRY TONES as Josh Alden; DON STROUD as Sergeant Mike Varrick. The Mod Squad 1968-1972 (ABC/Thomas/Spelling); 124 30-minute episodes; Unintentionally campy Mystery/Detective drama series. The Los Angeles Police Department recruits a motley crew of ex-hippies to work amongst the youth of Southern California. Creators: Aaron Spelling, Buddy Ruskin, Sammy Hess; Producers: Harve Bennett, Tony Barrett; Starring: PEGGY LIPTON as Julie Barnes; MICHAEL COLE as Pete Cochran; CLARENCE WILLIAMS III as Linc Hayes; TIGE ANDREWS as Captain Adam Greer. Mom P.I. 1990-1992 (Canada: CBC); Producers: Jonathan Goodwill, Chris Haddock; Directors: Peter D. Marshall, Paul Shapiro; Original Music: Tom Szeczseniak; Cinematographer: Andreas Poulsson; Film Editor: Rick Martin; Story Editor: Jeffrey Cohen; Production Designer: Graeme Murray; Construction Coordinator: Jim Geddes (pilot episode); Sound Effects Editor: Craig Berkey; Production Coordinator: Lynn Barr; Starring: Rosemary Dunsmore as Sally Sullivan; Stuart Margolin as Bernard Fox; Shane Meier as Ray Sullivan; Emily Perkins as Marie Sullivan; Freda Perry as Blu Mankuma; see also cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Monty Nash 1971 (Four Star/Almada) 14 30-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series about a State investigator. Starring: HARRY GUARDINO as Monty Nash. Moon Over Miami 1993 (ABC); Executive Producer: Allan Arkush, Harley Peyton; Co-Executive Producers: Henry Bromell; Co-Producers: Janice Cooke-Leonard, Mark R. Schilz; Supervising Producer: Mark B. Perry; Producer: Gareth Davies; Directors: Allan Arkush, Harley Peyton; Cinematographer: Michael Gershman (as Michael E. Gershman); Film Editor: Joanne D'Antonio; Casting: Renee Rousselot; Production Designer: Hilda Stark; Art Department Buyer: Karen Virgin; Creative Consultants: Ellen Herman, Art Monterastelli; Assistant Costume Designer: Leslie Herman; Starring: Bill Campbell as Walter Tatum; Ally Walker as Gwen Cross; Agustin Rodriguez as Tito; Marlo Marron as Billie; see also cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Moonlighting 1985-1989 (ABC/Picturemaker); 1 120-minute episodes; 66 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series. Former model Maddie Hayes is left nearly broke by her financial advisors, however one of the assets she she discovers that she still has is a failing private detective agency, which she decides to manage with her new partner, David Addison. Creator: Glenn Gordon Caron; Executive Producer: Glenn Gordon Caron; Producer: Jay Daniel; Music: Lee Holdridge, Al Jarreau; Theme sung by Al Jarreau / Starring: CYBIL SHEPHERD as Maddie Hayes; BRUCE WILLIS as David Addison; ALLYCE BEASLEY as Agnes Dipesto; CURTIS ARMSTRONG as Herbert Viola; EVA MARIE SAINT as Virginia Hayes; ROBERT WEBBER as Alex Hayes; JACK BLESSING as MacGilicuddy. The Most Deadly Game 1970 (ABC/Aaron Spelling); 12 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series about a team who specialised in solving apparently impossible crimes. Creators: David Fine, Mort Friedkin; Producer: Joan Harrison; Staring: RALPH BELLAMY as _______; YVETTE MIMIEUX as _______; GEORGE MAHARIS as _______. Most Wanted 1976-1977 (Syndicated/Quinn Martin); 1 90-minute episodes; 22 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series about a special force of police out to get society's most wanted criminals. Executive Producer: Quinn Martin; Starring: ROBERT STACK as _______; SHEREE NORTH as _______. M Squad 1957-1959 (NBC/MCA/Latimer/Universal); 117 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective drama series. Stories of a Chicago undercover squad. Executive Producer: Richard Lewis; Producer: John Larkin; Theme Music: Count Basie; Starring: LEE MARVIN as Lieutenant Frank Ballinger; PAUL NEWLAN as Captain Grey. Murder Bag 16 Sep 1957-1 Apr 1959 (UK: ITV/Associated-Rediffusion); 55 30-minute episodes; The opening titles were filmed, where a detective at Scotland Yard looked through the contents of a bag of 80 pieces of equipment in a briefcase which police took to each murder scene. But each episode was broadcast live. Gritty and authentic, the series was a hit. It spun off Raymond Francis as Superintendent Tom Lockhart in Crime Sheet and in No Hiding Place. Creator: Glyn Davies; Producer: Barry Baker; Starring: RAYMOND FRANCIS as Superintendent Tom Lockhart. Murder One 1995-1996 (ABC/TCF/Steven Bochco Productions); __ 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Lawyer drama series. A single homicide case is followed in each of the two seasons from nabbing of the suspect to the final court verdict, with many well-acted and unexpected twists along the way. In fact, the actors did nopt know what was going to happen next. Creators: Steven Bochco, Charles J. Elgee; Executive Producers: Steven Bochco, Charles J. Elgee; Music: Mike Post; Starring: DANIEL BENZALI as Theodore Hoffman; MARY McCORMACK as Justine Appleton; MICHAEL HAYDEN as Chris Docknovich; GRACE PHILLIPS as Lisa Gillespie; J.C. MACKENZIE as Arnold Spivak; ANTHONY LA PAGLIA as James Wyler; BARBARA BOSSON as Miriam Grassno. Murder She Wrote 1984-1996 (CBS/Universal); 264 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series. Mystery/Detective novelist Jessica Fletcher is dragged into murder investigations wherever she goes. Jessica lived in the seemingly innocuous yet statistically crime dense town Cabot Cove. She travelled regularly to promote her books. Creators: Peter S. Fischer, Richard Levinson, William Link; Executive Producer: Peter S. Fischer; Starring: ANGELA LANSBURY as Jessica Fletcher; TOM BOSLEY as Sheriff Amos Tupper; WILLIAM WINDOM as Dr. Seth Hazlitt; RON MASAK as Sheriff Mort Metzger; MICHAEL HORTON as Grady Fletcher. Murphy's Law 22 Nov 1988-8 Mar 1989 (ABC/New World); 13 60-minute episodes; Reformed alcoholic Daedelous Murphy was, at age 42, a private eye for First Fidelity insurance company, sleuthing fraudulent claims. A lazy, distracted anti-hero, bedevilled by ex-wife's custody litigation and his romantic stirrings for youthful oriental roommate Kimi Fanucci, he zigzagged from one disaster to another, wryly quoting poetry. Creator: Lee Zlotoff; Executive Producers: Zev Braun, Michael Gleason; Producer: Lynn Raynor; Starring: GEORGE SEGAL as Daedelous Murphy; MAGGIE HAN as Kimi Fanucci. My Friend Tony 5 Jan 1969-31 Sep 1969 (NBC/Sheldon Leonard); 16 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series about a professor of Criminology who uses a young Italian immigrant to assist him on his cases. The Italian had, during World War II, tried to steal the professor's wallet. Now he was the playboy legman... Executive Producer: Sheldon B. Leonard; Starring: JAMES WHITMORE as Professor John Woodruff; ENZO CERUSICO as Tony Novello. My Partner the Ghost 1969-1970 (ITC); American title of the British Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased). see also cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Mysteries of Chinatown 4 Dec 1949-23 Oct 1950 (ABC); 35 (?) 30-minute episodes; black and white; Dr. Yat Fu ran a curio and herbal medicine shop in San Francisco's Chinatown. In this live television series, he also was an amateur sleuth, assisted by his niece, Ah Toy. Starring: MARVIN MILLER as Dr. Yat Fu; GLORIA SAUNDERS as Ah Toy; BILL EYTHE as Lieutenant Hargrove; CY KENDALL was a Regular Player (1949-1950) . Mystery Movie (NBC/Universal); An umbrella title for the long-running Mystery/Detective drama series. The shows rotated through this were: Columbo, McMillan and Wife, McCloud, Banacek, Madigan, Faraday and Company, The Snoop Sisters, Tenafly, Hec Ramsay, McCoy, Cool Million. N: Mystery/Detective Television Series Naked City 1958-1962 (ABC/Shelle/Screen Gems); 39 30-minute episodes; 99 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series. Stories of tough detectives working in New York City, based on the film of the same name (1948). Creators: Mark Hellinger, Sterling Silliphant; Executive Producer: Herbert P. Leonard; Theme Music: Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Milton Raskin; Starring: JOHN McINTIRE as Detective Lieutenant Dan Muldoon; JAMES FRANCISCUS as Detective Jim Halloran; SUZANNE STORRS as Janet Halloran; HORACE McMAHON Lieutenant Mike Parker; PAUL BURKE as Detective Adam Flint; NANCY MALONE as Libby; HARRY BELLAVER as Patrolman/Sergeant Frank Arcara. Nakia _____ 1974-_____ 1974 (ABC/Columbia/David Gerber); 15 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective drama series. Cases of the Native American deputy of a town in New Mexico. Producer: Charles Larson Starring: ROBERT FORSTER as ______; ARTHUR KENNEDY as ______; GLORIA DE HAVEN as ______; TAYLOR LACHER as ______. The Nancy Drew Mysteries 1956 (Syndicated 39 episodes); 16 60-minute episodes; See: The Hardy Boys Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Director: Music: Starring: Nashville 99 1 Apr 1977-22 Apr 1977 (CBS/TCF/Frankel Productions); 4 60-minute episodes; "Nashville 99" was the badge number of Police Lieutenant Stonewall Jackson "Stoney" Huff in the Country Music capital, where the road to success is a mystery, and the fall from grace of talented musicians a tragedy. Executive Producer: Ernie Frankel; Producer: Richard Newton; Music: Nasville performers such as Chet Atkins played themselves; Starring: CLAUDE AKINS as Police Lieutenant Stonewall Jackson "Stoney" Huff; LUCILLE BENSON as Birdie Huff; JERRY REED (Country music star) as Detective Trace Mayne. Nero Wolfe 16 Jan 1981-25 Aug 1981 (NBC/Paramount/ Emmet G. Lavery Jr. Productions, Inc.); 22 May 1983-? (UK: ITV/LWT); 13 60-minute episodes; Rex Stout, when alive, never sold TV rights to his novels, which sold over 200,000,000 copies. The novels featured orchard-growing, obese Nero Wolfe, who never left his house. His assistants, Archie Goodwin and Saul Panzer did all the legwork for the millionaire eccentric detective. Also assisting the recluse were horticulturist Theodore Horstmann and gourmet chef Fritz Brenner. After Rex Stout died, the television series was legally licensed. Rex Todhunter Stout (1886-1975) was born in a Quaker family in Noblesville, Indiana; was Kansas State Spelling Champion at age 13; left high school to join the Navy, where he worked aboard Theodore Roosevelt's yacht (1906-1908). His first writings were "pulp", including science fiction, romance, adventure, lost race fantasy, and marginal detective stories. His first Nero Wolfe novel was Fer-de-lance (1934). After 1938 he wrote almost exclusively in the Mystery/Detective genre. Executive Producers: Ivan Goff, Ben Roberts; Director: Frank D. Gilroy; Adapted: from novels by Rex Stout; Writer: Frank D. Gilroy; Starring: WILLIAM CONRAD as Nero Wolfe; LEE HORSLEY as Archie Goodwin; GEORGE WYNER as Saul Panzer; ROBERT COOTE as Theodore Horstmann; GEORGE VOSKOVEC as Fritz Brenner; ALLAN MILLER as Inspector Cramer; Pilot/Opening episode: A publisher publishes a book about the FBI in which puts them in an unflattering light. They harass her. She turns to Nero Wolfe, private eye, to get them to leave her alone. Opening episode adapted from the novel The Doorbell Rang. Starring: Thayer David as Nero Wolfe; Tom Mason as Archie Goodwin; Brooke Adams as Sarah Dacos; Biff McGuire as Inspector Cramer; John Randolph as Lon Cohen; Anne Baxter as Mrs. Rachael Bruner; David Hurst as Fritz Brenner; John O'Leary as Theodore Horstmann; Sarah Cunningham as Mrs. Althaus; Lewis Charles as Saul Panzer; Frank Campanella as Durkin; John Gerstad as Dr. Vollmer; John Hoyt as Hewitt; Ivor Francis as Evers; Allen Case as Rugby; Rod Browning as 2nd FBI Man; Katharine Charles as Marian Hinckley; Joe George as O'Dell; Richard Ford Grayling as 1st FBI Man; David Lewis as Mr. Althaus; Robert Phalen as Yarmack; Sam Weisman as Quayle; Executive Producer: Emmet G. Lavery Jr.; Producer: Everett Chambers; Original Music: Leonard Rosenman; Cinematographer: Ric Waite; Film Editor: Harry Keller; Casting: Pat Harris, Marsha Kleinman; Art Director: John Beckman; Set Decorator: John H. Anderson (as John Anderson); Hair Stylist: Bren Plaistowe; Makeup Artist: Ron Snyder; Unit Production Manager: Leonard S. Smith, Jr.; Assistant Director: Gary Daigler; Second Assistant Director: Michele Futrell; Sound Effects Editor: Howard Beals; Sound Mixer: Jerry Smith; Music Editor: Chips Swanson; Assistant to Producer: Tony Gilroy; Men's Wardrobe: George Harrington; Script Supervisor: Hannah Scheel; Women's Wardrobe: G. Fern Weber; Orchids provided by Arthur Freed Orchids. Nestor Burma 1991-1995 (France); __ 85-minute episodes; Directors: Jacob Berger, Joyce Bunuel, others; Adapted: from the novel by Leo Malet; Starring: Guy Marchand as Nestor Burma; Pierre Tornade as Commissaire Faroux; Michel Fortin as Zavatter; Patrick Guillemin as Inspecteur Fabre; Geraldine Cotte as Helene (1994-????); Natacha Lindinger as Helene (1991-1993) There was an earlier film: Nestor Burma, detective de choc (1981): Director: Jean-Luc Miesch; Original Music: Alain Bashung; Starring: Michel Serrault as Nestor Burma Jane Birkin as ???; Alain Bashung as ???; Corinne Marchand as ???; Anne-Marie Pisani as ???; see also cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The New Adventures of Charlie Chan 28 Sep 1957-?? 1961 (UK: ITC) 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; The famous fictional character Charlie Chan was based on the historical Honolulu Police Detective Chang Apana. In media, this man has been usually played by occidentals (Movies: Warner Oland, Sidney Toler, Roland Winters; Radio: Walter Connolly, Ed Begley, Santos Ortega). See also The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan. Adapted: from Earl Derr Bigger's character [6 stories in 1920s]; Executive Producer: Leon Fromkess; Producers: Sidney Marshall, Rudolph Flothow; Director: Music: Starring: J. Carrol Naish as Charlie Chan; James Hong as Barry Chan; Rupert Davies [Maigret] as Inspector Duff; High Williams as Inspector Marlowe. The New Adventures of Martin Kane 1957-58 (ITV/syndicated); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The New Adventures of Perry Mason 16 Sep 1973-27 Jan 1974 (CBS/TCF) 15 60-minute episodes; Without Raymond Burr, this series had no chance. I rest my case. Creator: Earle Stanley Gardner; Executive Producer: Cornwall Jackson; Producers: Ernie Frankel, Art Seid; Director: Music: Earle Hagen; Starring: Monte Markham as Perry Mason; Sharon Acker as Della Street; Albert Stratton as Paul Drake; Dane Clark as Lieutenant Arthur Tragg; Harry Guardino as Hamilton Burger; Brett Somers as Gertrude Lade. The New Breed 3 Oct 1961-25 Sep 1962 (ABC); 1 Apr 1963-10 Dec 1963 (UK: ITV/Anglia); 36 60-minute episodes; black and white; L.A.P.D.'s elite Metropolitan Squad used advanced electronic gizmos; and sometimes was inadvertantly as funny as Leslie Nielsen's later Police Squad cop-show parodies. Creators: Executive Producer: Quinn Martin; Producers: Director: Music: Starring: Leslie Nielsen [Police Squad] as Lieutenant Price Adams; John Beradino as Sergeant Vince Cavelli; John Clarke as Patrolman Joe Huddlestone; Greg Roman as Patrolman Pete Garcia; Byron Morrow as Captain Keith Gregory; Guest Stars: Charles Bronson, Peter Falk, Peter Fonda, Telly Savalas. The New Mike Hammer 1986-1987 (CBS); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series New Scotland Yard 22 Apr 1972-25 May 1974 (UK: ITV); 45 60-minute episodes; Deadly serious, very realistic, sometimes plodding, well acted. Creators: Executive Producer: Rex Firkin; Producer: Jack Williams; Director: Music: Starring: John Woodvine as Detective Chief Superintendant Kingdom; John Carlisle as Detective Sergeant Ward; Michael Turner as Detective Chief Superintendant Clay; Clive Francis (son of Raymond Francis of No Hiding Place) as Detective Sergeant Dexter; Guest Stars Included: Bob Hoskins. Night Heat 7 Feb 1985-?? 1989 (Canada: CBS); 4 Aug 1987-25 Aug 1987 (USA: CBS); 5 Sep 1986-??? (UK: London Weekend Television); 70 60-minute episodes; Realistic Canadian production, loosely based on actual cops Sonny Grosso and Eddie Egan, who became overnight celebrities when they busted a $32,000,000 heroin ring smuggling with a New York limosine carrying a French TV star. This actual event was the basis for the hit movie The French Connection [1971] with Gene Hackman as "Popeye Doyle" modelled on Eddie Egan. Maybe this should be considered Canada's equivalent of Hill Street Blues. Creators: Executive Producers: Sonny Grosso, Larry Jacobson; Producers: Sonny Grosso, Eddie Egan; Director: Music: Location: filmed on location in Toronto; Starring: Scott Hylands as O'Brien; Jeff Wincott as Gambone; Sean McCann as Lieutenant Hogan. N.O.P.D. 1950s (Syndicated/Minot Films); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; New Orleans Police Department drama, featuring detective Beaujac. Not jazzy enough. Episodes include: * "The Case of the Missing Cigar Box" * "Revenge" according to Caseguy's Website � Creators: Producer: Frank Phares; Director: Music: Starring: Stacy Harris as Beaujac; Lou Sirgo as Detective Conroy. Spinoff: New Orleans After Dark [movie made of a compilation of episodes]. No Hiding Place 16 Sep 1959-22 June 1967 (UK: ITV); 236 60-minute episodes; black and white; The 3rd of the shows starring Raymond Francis as snuff-snorting Tom Lockhart (a kind of sequel to Murder Bag and Crime Sheet). Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Ray Dicks, Richard Matthews, Johnny Goodman, Peter Willes, Geoffrey Nugus, Michael Currer-Briggs; Director: Music: Starring: Raymond Francis as Chief Detective Superintendent Tom Lockhart; Eric Lander as Detective Sergeant/Inspector Baxter; Johnny Briggs as Detective Sergeant Russell; Sean Caffrey as Detective Sergeant Gregg. Not For Hire 1959 (Syndicated/NBC); 27 Mar 1963-1 May 1963 (UK: ITV/Anglia); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; Unusually rough stuff for 1959. Episode 1 had a man-hating trigger-happy policewoman whose pathology stemmed from a teenaged gang-rape. Protagonist Steve Dekker was a Seregant in Honolulu working for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division. Most episides dealt with military crimes: sabotage, desertion, and the like. Episodes included: * THE FICKLE FINGERS by John Hawkins * THE FRAME by Richard M. Powell * GUNS FOR REVOLUTION by Lee Karson * MAIN EVENT by R.Donovan & Waldman; Creators: Executive Producers: Producers: Director: Music: Starring: Ralph Mekker as Sergeant Steve Dekker; Lizabeth Rush as Sonica Zametoo; Ken Drake as Corporal Zimmerman. The Department of Defense kept a dossier on this show, according to Special Library Collections: Georgetown N.Y.P.D. 5 Sep 1967-25 Mar 1969 (ABC/Talent Associates); 5 Apr 1968-27 Dec 1968 (UK: ITV/Anglia) 49 30-minute episodes; The real NYPD cooperated with this production, and Mayor John Lindsay (who just died at the end of 2000 AD) appreciated it so much that he let them film in the actual City Hall. Gritty drama in the 27th Precinct, featuring 18-year veteran cop Mike Haines, African American officer Jeff Ward, and rookie Johnny Corso. Creators: David Susskind, Arnold Perl; Executive Producers: Danny Melnick, Bob Markell; Producer: Robert Butler; Director: Music: Starring: Jack Warden as Detective Lieutenant Mike Haines; Robert Hooks as Detective Jeff Ward; Franck Converse as Detective Johnny Corso. N.Y.P.D. Blue {to be done} O: Mystery/Detective Television Series The Odd Man 11 May 1962-29 June 1962 (UK: ITV/Granada); 24 60-minute episodes; black and white; Chief Inspector Rose is introduced in the 2nd season of this series, and was later seen in It's Dark Outside and Mr.Rose. In this, his first series, Rose was a dark and unsettling figure, who mellowed considerably in his spin-offs. This series became a cult success in Great Britain, with the bulk of the fan mail going to Edwin Richfield as the theatrical agent and amateur sleuth "Steve Gardiner." Richfield had first auditioned for a minor role, and then boldly told the director that he should have the lead role -- and the director agreed! Wife Judy Gardiner was murdered by shadowy mute killer South, in the premier season, but Granada Television was deluged by angry letters, and quasi-resurrected her, with the same actress playing Judy's twin sister. The success of the show depended in part on bizarre but compelling cases, attention to nuances of style, and off-beat characterization. Creator: Edward Boyd; Producer: Stuart Latham; Adapted: from Edward Boyd's radio series on the husband-wife detectives; Director: Derek Bennett; Music: guest artists included James Bolam as a pop star, and Donald Sutherland as a junkie drummer; Starring: EDWIN RICHFIELD as Steve Gardiner; SARAH LAWSON as Judy Gardiner; WILLIAM MERVYN as Chief Inspector Rose; MOULTRIE KELSALL as Chief Inspector Gordon; KEITH BARRON as Detective Sergeant Swift; CHRISTOPHER QUINEE as South. Official Detective 1957 (Syndicated/Desilu/NTA); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; Authentic, carefully researched dramatizations, detail on forensics and other technical aspects. Interesting data was in the "Official Detective TV program promotion kit (1957)" according to Dewey's Collectables "Two years before unleashing The Untouchables on a bloodthirsty public, Desilu geared up for video mayhem with '39 Big, Blazing Half-Hours of Thrill-Packed Episodes from Official Detective magazine.' To drum up sponsors for the syndicated crimefest, local TV station managers were urged to give copies of Parker Brothers' 'Clue' game to potential advertisers. Adapted: from the radio series of the same name, itself adapted from stories in Official Detective magazine; Producer: Mort Briskin; Starring: EVERETT SLOANE as Host/Narrator; Partial Synopsis Guide: * "Beauty in the Bag" A murder victim is found in a laundry bag, and police are unable to identify her. . .The case appears headed for the open file when one of the detectives hits upon a scheme to have her identified. A sculptor is assigned to make a life-size statue of the murdered girl. The likeness is then dressed in the victim's clothes and placed in the window of a large department store. * "The Brunette" The unusual odor of gasoline in the interior of a blazing automobile which contains the remains of a charred body leads to the capture of a killer. * "Deserted House" A corpse stripped of all identification found in an abandoned house proves a baffling case for Minneapolis Police. Detectives assigned to the case observe scar tissue on the dead man's fingers and believe that the victim was destroying his fingerprints with acid. Concluding that he was a member of the underworld, detectives canvass the slum-area bars with a picture of the victim... * "Body in the Trunk" A woman's body seen in the trunk of a car sets police off on a chase for her killer--and the body--in "Body in the Trunk" ...Under suspicion are the slain woman's niece and a middle-aged stockbroker. The niece is heir to the woman's fortune and the stock-broker has been mishandling her financial affairs. Police then discover that the broker has secretly married the woman in hopes of getting his hands on her entire fortune. Then it is learned that the niece, not knowing her aunt had married, hired a killer to do away with the old woman. O'Hara, US Treasury 17 Sep 1971-8 Sep 1972 (CBS/Mark VII Ltd.); 18 Sep 1971-28 Mar 1973 (UK: ITV/ATV); 52 60-minute episodes; U.S. Treasury Agent Jim O'Hara, in this series approved by the real Treasury Department, rotated through enforcement for five different Treasury agencies: Bureau of Customs; Internal Revenue Service Intelligence Division; Internal Revenue Service Inspection Division; Internal Revenue Service Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Division; and Secret Service. Creators: Jack Webb, James E. Moser; Executive Producer: Jack Webb; Producer: Leonard B. Kaufman; Music: Ray Heindorf; Starring: DAVID JANSSEN [The Fugitive] as Jim O'Hara; Guest Stars Included: George Takei [Star Trek] in "Big Store" (pilot). The Oldest Rookie 16 Sep 1987-6 Jan 1988 (CBS/Touchstone/Disney); 14 July 1989-8 Dec 1989 (UK: ITV/Anglia); 14 60-minute episodes; Mystery/Detective/Police Comedy/Drama series about a major city police department's Head of Public Affairs who got tired of being cozy with politicians and the press, and so, when his Police Academy buddy was murdered, he became an active police officer: The Oldest Rookie. The physical training was hard enough, after years of cushy desk jobs, but the world had also changed in those years. His street-smart partner Tony Jonas had a basketball court in his house and was a rabid Bruce Springsteen fan. Lieutenant Marco Zaga, their boss, kept giving them lowly assignments, which comedically turned out exciting. Creators: Gil Grant, Richard Chapman; Executive Producer: Richard Chapman; Producers: Director: Music: Starring: PAUL SORVINO as Ike Porter; D.W. MOFFETT as Tony Jonas; RAYMOND J. BARRY as Lieutenant Marco Zaga. The Outsider [UK] 1956 (UK: ABC Weekend Television); Also Known As: Armchair Theatre: The Outsider Black and White; Starring: David Kossoff as David Ross; Adrienne Corri. The Outsider 18 Sep 1968-3 Sep 1969 (NBC/Public Arts/Universal); 1 120-minute episode; 26 60-minute episodes; Los Angeles loner Private Eye David Ross was truly an outsider, as a high-school-dropout orphan who'd been framed for murder and spent six years in jail before being pardoned. Hard-boiled, driving a battered old car, working from an abandoned L.A. apartment building where he kept his phone in the refrigerator, he kept a wry sense of humor and was motivated to help his clients and other unfortunates. In some ways, a predecessor of The Rockford Files and Harry-O. Creator: Roy Huggins; Adapted: from the novel The Double Take [1949]; Executive Producer: Roy Huggins; Producer: Gene Levitt; Director: Music: Starring: Darin McGavin (TV's first Mike Hammer) as David Ross; Spinoff: The 48 Hour Mile is a "feature film" concatenated from two hour-long episodes from The Outsider. Darren McGavin stars as private eye David Ross, and William Windom plays a millionaire with romance problems. Carrie Snodgress co-stars in a stronmg performance as a neurotic young woman who hires David Ross to find her missing twin sister. Over My Dead Body 26 Oct 1990-21 Dec 1990 (CBS/Universal); 4 Jan 1991-20 Mar 1991 (UK: BBC1); 1 120-minute episode; 7 60-minute episodes; Ex-Scotland Yard inspector (Edward Woodward as Max Beckett) now lives in Los Angeles, and is a nearly burnt-out Mystery writer; when he is goaded by a fan (Jessica Lundy as Nikki Page) who works as an obituary writer for the San Francisco Union, to investigate a call girl's murder she insists has happened, but that the police dismissed for lack of evidence of the crime. Max Beckett is something of a con man. He had actually worked at Scotland Yard, but as a clerk, not the hero of a hundred murder investigations. He left the job, not (as he claims) by London mobster's death threats, but because he twisted his knee on a staircase. This show was more clever and fun than critics gave it credit. Creators: William Link [Murder, She Wrote], David Chisholm; Executive Producers: William Link, David Chisholm; Writers: William Link, David Chisholm; Producer: Director: Bradford May; Cinematographer: Eric Van Haren Noman; Original Music: Lee Holdridge; Location Manager: Ellen Lent (credited as Ellen Winchell); Aerial Coordinator: Robert "Bobby Z" Zajonc; Starring: Edward Woodward (The Equalizer) as Maxwell Beckett; Jessica Lundy as Nikki Page; Gregory Itzin as Cosby; Jill Tracy as Wendy; Edward Winter as Chief Shirer; Dan Ferro as Tony Rialdo; Brenda Thomson as Lacey; Ivory Ocean as Brainard; Mike Genovese as Page; Vernee Watson-Johnson; Frank Ryan; Mary Jo Catlett; P: Mystery/Detective Television Series Palace Guard 1991 (CBS); Directors: James A. Contner, Frank E. Johnson; Writer: Stephen J. Cannell; Starring: D.W. Moffett as Tommy Logan; Marcy Walker as Christy Cooper; Tony Lo Bianco as Arturo Taft; {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Paris 29 Sep 1979-15 Jan 1980 (CBS/MTM); 21 Oct 1980-15 Dec 1981 (UK: ITV/Thames); 13 60-minute episodes; A strong show loved by critics, that just didn't click with viewers. Captain Woody Paris led the Metro Squad, taught Criminology in college at night, cracked the most difficult cases, mentored a quartet of eager young cops, and got along well with both boss and wife. Creator: Steven Bochco; Executive Producer: Steven Bochco; Producers: Grgory Hoblit, Edward De Blasio; Director: Music: Starring: JAMES EARL JONES as Captain Woody Paris; LEE CHAMBERLAIN as Barbara Paris; HANK GARRETT as Deputy Chief Jerome Bench; CECILIA HART as Stacey Erickson; JAKE MITCHELL as Charlie Bogart; FRANK RAMIREZ as Ernie Vilas; MIKE WARREN as Willie Miller; Guest Stars who later starred in Hill Street Blues included: KIEL MARTIN; JOE SPANO; TAUREAN BLACQUE; JAMES B. SIKKING; MICHAEL CONRAD. Paris Precinct 3 Apr 1953-18 Dec 1955 (ABC/Etoile); 26 30-minute episodes; French-produced, in the style of U.S. cop shows, this was syndicated in the USA under the title World Crime Hunt. It featured a pair of predecessors to Maigret: Inspectors for Surete. Starring: LOUIS JOURDAN as Inspector Beaumont; CLAUDE DAUPHIN as Inspector Bolbec. Parkin's Patch 19 Sep 1969 (UK: ITV/Yorkshire); 26 30-minute episodes; color; Low-key cozy Yorkshire police drama; Creator: Elwyn Jones [Softly, Softly]; Producer: Terence Williams; Starring: JOHN FLANAGAN as PC Moss Parkin; GARETH THOMAS as CID Detective Constable Ron Radley; HEATHER PAGE as Beth Parkin. The Partners 18 Sep 1971-8 Sep 1972 (NBC/Universal) 9 Mar 1972-? (UK: ITV); 20 30-minute episodes; color; White Detective Lennie Crooke and his African-American partner Detective George Robinson consistently snatch victory from the jaws of chaos, to the perpetual annoyance of by-the-book Captain Andrews and smarmy Sergeant Higgenbottom. The one comedy note that worked well was Freddie Butler, who obsessive-compulsively confessed to every crime in history. Creator: Don Adams [Get Smart]; Executive Producer: Don Lee; Producers: ; Director: Music: Lalo Schifrin; Starring: DON ADAMS as Detective Lennie Crooke; RUPERT CROSSE as Detective George Robinson; JOHN DOUCETTE Captain Andrews; DICK VAN PATTEN as Sergeant Higgenbottom; ROBERT KARVELAS as Freddie Butler. Partners in Crime [UK] 8 Oct 1983-14 Jan 1984 (UK: ITV/LWT) 29 Nov 1984-29 Jan 1987 (USA: WGBH Boston "Mystery"); 1 120-minute episodes; 10 60-minute episodes; Adapted: from Agatha Christie's novels on Tommy and Tuppence Beresford; Producer: Jack Williams; Director: Music: Joseph Horowitz; Starring: FRANCESCA ANNIS as Tuppence Beresford; JAMES WARWICK as Tommy Beresford; ARTHUR COX as Inspector Marriott. Episodes: * The Secret Adversary * The Affair of the Pink Pearl * The House of Lurking Death * The Sunningdale Mystery * The Clergyman's Daughter * Finessing the King * The Ambassador's Boots * The Man in the Mist * The Unbreakable Alibi * The Case of the Missing Lady * The Crackler Partners in Crime [USA] 22 Sep 1985-5 Jan 1986 (NBC/Carson/Columbia); 25 Mar 1986-10 June 1986 (UK: ITV); Glamour photographer Carole Stanwyck and pickpocket/jazz bassist Sydney Kovak are both ex-wives of oddball San Francisco private detective Raymond Caulfield. When Raymond is murdered, the two inherit his agency, and start by solving his murder. Their mutual mother-in-law Jeanine (Raymond Caulfield's mother) runs a Mystery bookstore named "Partners in Crime", and is an amateur sleuth herself, who can't keep out of the loop. Creators: Bill Driskill, Robert Van Scoyk; Producer: Bill Driskill; Starring: LYNDA CARTER [Wonder Woman] as Carole Stanwyck; LONI ANDERSON as Sydney Kovak; LEO ROSSI as SFPD Lieutenant Ed Vronsky; WALTER OLKWICZ as harmon Shain; EILEEN HECKART as Jeanine. Paul Temple 23 Nov1969-1 Sep 1971 (UK: BBC1); 52 50-minute episodes; Urbane and elegant sleuth Paul Temple lived in a cool pad in Chelsea with his gorgeous wife Steve. Paul drove a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, and was rich enough from his writing to only need to write one book per year. (*sigh*). This was one of the BBC's first color TV series, brought up top date from 1930s-1940s to the 1960s, and costing over 630,000 Pounds (over double the cost of the black-and-white Forsyte Saga). The sleuthing couple travelled abroad, which gave the BBC a chance to do location shooting in the best areas of the best European cities. Creator: Francis Durbridge; Adapted: from British radio show that started in 1942, in which six different actors played the lead role over the years; Francis Durbridge was the main author of serial thrillers for BBC radio in the 1950s and 1960s, including "The World of Tim Frazer", "Bat Out of Hell", and "The Doll." Producers: Alan Bromly, Peter Bryant, Derrick Sherwin; Director: ?; Music: Ron Grainer; Starring: FRANCIS MATTHEWS as Paul Temple; ROS DRINKWATER as Steve Temple; 13 episodes in Season 1 (23 Nov 1969-15 Feb 1970); 13 episodes in Season 2 (5 Apr 1970-26 July 1970); 13 episodes in Season 3 (10 Jan 1971-11 Apr 1971); 13 episodes in Season 4 (9 Jun 1971-1 Sep 1971); Perry Mason 1957-1966 (Paisano Productions/CBS); 271 60-minute episodes (all black-and-white except the final show); Creator: Erle Stanley Gardner; Executive Producers: Gail Patrick Jackson, Arthur Marks; Producers: Art Seid, Sam White, Ben Brady; Directors: ?; Music: Richard Shores, Fred Steiner; Starring: RAYMOND BURR as Perry Mason; BARBARA HALE as Della Street; WILLIAM HOPPER as Paul Drake; WILLIAM TALMAN as Hamilton Burger; RAY COLLINS as Lt. Arthur Tragg; Later: for the 2-hour 1986 TV movies, since William Hopper died in 1970, Barnara Hale's real-life son William Katt appeared as Paul Drake Junior; and Perry Mason's opposition in court was played by David Ogden Stiers (Charles Emerson Winchester of M*A*S*H) as prosecutor Michael Reston. Trivia: Perry Mason only lost 3 of the many cases on TV. The Persuaders Great Britain: ITV, 17 Sep 1971-25 Feb 1972; USA: ABC, 18 Sep 1971-14 June 1972; 24 60-minute episodes; color; Production Company: A Tribune Production (UK); Creator: Robert S. Baker; Executive Producer: ; Producer: Robert S. Baker; Director: Music: Ken Thorne; Music (Theme): John Barry; Starring: TONY CURTIS as Danny Wilde; ROGER MOORE as Lord Brett Sinclair; LAURENCE NAISMITH as Judge Fulton; Peter Gunn 22 Sep 1958-26 June1961 (NBC/ABC); 110 30-minue episodes; black and white; Production Company: A Spartan Production; Creator: Blake Edwards; Producer: Blake Edwards; Theme Music: Henry Mancini; Starring: CRAIG STEVENS as Peter Gunn; LOLA ALBRIGHT as Edie Hart; HERSCHEL BERNARDI as Lt. jacoby; HOPE EMERSON as "Mother" (season 1); MINERVA URCAL as "Mother" (seasn 2); Petrocelli 11 Sep 1974-3 Mar 1976 (NBC); 21 Apr 1978-2 Nov 1979 (UK: BBC1); 41 60-minute episodes; Adapted: from Barry Newman's portrayal of Tony Petrocelli, an Italian-American lawyer, in the feature film The Lawyer (1970). Set in fictional cattle-country town San Remo, somewhere in the American Southwest, the city-slicker Tony handles cases for local clients regardless of their ability to pay. This noble attitude consigned him and his wife, Maggie, to live in a trailer. He hires a local cowboy, Pete Ritter, as his investigator. On their own time, Petrocelli is budies with San Remo police Lieutenant Ponce, but they usually represented opposite sides in court. I haven't paid my lawyer more than $5,000 in the past few months -- if he wants more, he has to collect from the crooked Hollywood producers we beat in Supreme Court. Hey, that's an idea for a TV show... but I digress. Production Company: Paramount Television; Creators: Sidney J. Furie, Harold Buchman, E. Jack Newman; Producers: Thomas L. Miller, Edward J. Milkis; Starring: BARRY NEWMAN as Tony Petrocelli; SUSAN HOWARD as Maggie Petrocelli; ALBERT SALMI as Pete Ritter; DAVID HUDDLESTON as Lt.Ponce; 22 Episodes in Season 1 (11 Sep 1974-2 Apr 1975 in USA); 19 Episodes in Season 2 (10 Sep 1975-3 Marr 1976 in USA) Philip Marlowe 6 Oct 1959-1960 (ABC); 25 Jan 1960-12 Sep 1960 (UK: BBC); 26 30-minute episodes; black and white; "Down these mean streets a man must go, who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid. He is the hero, he is everything. A complete man, and a common man and yet an unusual man. He is a very lonely man and his pride is that you will treat him as a proud man or be very sorry you ever saw him. He talks as the man of his age talks -- that is, with rude wit, a lively sense of the grotesque, a disgust for sham and a contempt for pettiness. If there were enough like him, the world would be a very safe place to live, without becoming too dull to be worth living in." [Raymond Chandler] This TV series was a watered down portryal of the great Raymond Chandler character; too polite, in too little damger. Starring: PHILIP CAREY as Phillip Marlowe. Philip Marlowe, Private Eye 1984 (UK: London Weekend Television); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Photocrime 21 Sep 1949-14 Dec 1949 (ABC); 13 30-minute episodes; black and white; also known as Look Photocrime (because it was produced by ABC in association with Look Magazine). Starring: CHUCK WEBSTER as Inspector Hannibal Cobb. Pilgrim Street 4 June 1952-9 July 1952 (UK: BBC); 6 30-minute episodes; black and white; The imaginary old-fashioned Pilgrim Street police station in London, with minor crimes in most episodes. Creator: Jan Read [writer of feature film The Blue Lamp, which introduced the character George Dixon, who appeared in later TV series]; Producer: Robert Barr [later a main writer for Maigret, Z Cars, and Softly, Softly]; Production: in cooperation with The Met (London's Metropolitan Police district); Starring: no regular cast. The Pink Panther Show animated, 6 Sep 1969-??? (NBC); 12 Sep 1970-??? (UK: BBC1); ??? 30-minute episodes; Adapted: from the wonderful title sequence in the feature film The Pink Panther (1963) which starred David Niven and Peter Sellers (as bumbling Inspector Clouseau); Producers: David De Patie, Fritz Freleng; Music: Henry Mancini. The Plainclothesman 12 Oct 1949-19 Sep 1954 (DuMont); ??? 30-minute episodes; black and white; Producers: John L. Clark, John Clarol; We only once, in five years, see the nameless Lieutenant, and then only in a flashback. Otherwise, we only see his sidekick Sergeant Brady and other characters through the eyes of the Lieutenant. If he ducked under a car to escape bullets, we see up from street level. When he blinked, the screen went briefly dark. Hypermodern look at homicide investigations in the big bad city. Starring: KEN LYNCH as The Lieutenant; JACK ORRISON as Sgt.Brady. Police Rescue 30 May 1991-17 July 1991 (Australia ABC); (UK: BBC1); Gritty but unevenly acted drama set in a Sydney Australia police rescue unit, which cost the BBC over 3,000,000 Pounds to co-produce (their costliest overseas venture). It was a hit in Australia, and made Gary Sweet a big star in that country. Production Companies: Southern Star Xanadu; Australia Broadcasting Company; BBC; Executive Producers: Kim Williams, Penny Chapman; Producers: Sandra Levy, John Edwards; Music: Martin Armiger; Starring: GARY SWEET as Sgt. "Mickey" McClintock; STEVE BASTONI as Angel; SONIA TODD as First Class Constable Georgia Rattray; PETER BROWNE as Sootie. Police Squad 4 Mar 1982-2 Sep 1982 (ABC); 5 Oct 1985-2 Nov 1985 (UK: London Weekend Television); 6 30-minute episodes; Possibly the funniest police spoof of all time. Creators: Jerry Zucker, David Zucker, Jim Abrahams; Producer: Bob Weiss; Production Company: Zucker/Zucker/Abrahams [Airplane!] production for Paramount Television; Starring: LESLIE NIELSEN as Detective Frank Drebin; ALAN NORTH as Captain Ed Hocken; ED WILLIAMS as Ted Olson; WILLIAM DUELL as Johnny the Snitch Police Story [first series] 25 Sep 1973-2 Apr 1980 (NBC); UK: 11 Sep 1974-7 July 1980 (ITV); 86 60-minute episodes; Incredibly realistic portrayal of normal policework, emphasizing the mental and emotional stress rather than the physical action. Production Company: Columbia Pictures Tlelevision; Creator: Joseph Wambaugh (still with LAPD when he wrote it, already had published two bestsellers "The New Centurions" and "The Blue Knight", the latter of which was adapted to the TV series THE BLUE KNIGHT); Executive Producers: David Gerber, Stanley Kallis; Producers: Christopher Morgan, Liam O'Brien; Starring: (anthology series, a few recurring roles): TONY LO BIANCO as Detective Tony Calabrese; DON MEREDITH as Detective Bert Jameson; Guest Stars included: ED ASNER, ROBERT CULP, JAMES FARENTINO. Police Story [second series] {to be done} Police Surgeon [UK] 10 Sep 1960-3 Dec 1960 (UK: ITV); 12 30-minute episodes; black and white; Novice police surgeon Dr. Geoffrey Brent couldn't keep to his job definition at batwater police division, London. No, he had to keep acting like a detective, which somehow never got him in trouble. Producers: Julian Bond, Leonard White; Starring: MICHAEL CRAWFORD as a youthful thief in Episode 1 "Easy Money"; IAN HENRY [later Dr. David Keel in The Avengers] as Brent. JOHN WARWICK as Inspector Landon. Police Surgeon [Canada] 1971-1974 (Syndicated in USA as Dr. Simon Locke; 22 Feb 1978-10 Oct 1981 (UK: London Weekend Television); 52 30-minute episodes; Low Budget forced shift from Hollywood to Toronto, about a country doctor who kept being drawn into solving murders in a small town. In Season 2, they moved to the big city and centered on a police emegency unit. Jack Albertson, in particular, nearly quit over pathetic production values and not being able to see rushes (daily rough cuts). Production Company: CIV; Executive Producer: Murray Chercover; Producers: Wilton Schiller, Chester Krunholz; Starring: SAM GROOM as Dr. Simon Locke; JACK ALBERTSON as Dr. Sellers; LEN BIRMAN as Detective Lieutenant Dan Plamer; LARRY D. MANN as Lieutenant Jack Gordon; Guest Starring: WILLIAM SHATNER (final season); LESLIE NIELSEN (final season). Police Woman 13 Sep 1974-30 Mar 1978 (NBC); 25 July 1975-4 Aug 1979 (UK: ITV); 91 60-minute episodes; Production Company: Columbia Pictures Television; Spun-off: from episode "The Gamble" in Joseph Wambaugh's Police Story. Creator: Robert Collins; Executive Producer: David Gerber; Producer: Douglas Benton; Starring: ANGIE DICKENSON as Sergeant "Pepper" Anderson; EARL HOLLIMAN as Lt. Bill Crowley; ED BERNARD as Det. Joe Styles; CHARLES DIERKOP as Det. Pete Royster; NICHOLE KALLIS as Cheryl Private Eye 1949 (NBC); {to be done} Private Eye 13 Sep 1987-8 Jan 1988 (NBC); 1 120-minute episode plus 11 60-minute episodes; Los Angeles in 1956, weird, gritty, and beginning to rock. Jack Cleary's been kicked off the LAPD on trumped-up charges. His brother, a private detective, has been murdered. What is he to do? He takes over his brother's detective agency, which includes his brother's friend Johnny Betts. He stays in touch with his former LAPD partner Charlie Fontana. Jack and his secretary Dottie Dworski, always chewing gum and longing to become a Hollywood star, clear Jack of false charges. The keep on investigating. All the time, Southern California pulses to the beat of 1950s rock and roll... Production Company: Universal Television; Creator: Anthony Yerkovitch [Miami Vice]; Executive Producer: Anthony Yerkovitch; Starring: MICHAEL WOODS as Jack Cleary; JOSH BROLIN as Johnny Betts; BILL SADLER as Charlie Fontana; LISA JANE PERSKY as Dottie Dworski. Private Investigator 4 Dec 1958-17 Dec 1959 (UK: BBC); 9 45-minute episodes; black and white; Subtle show based on legitimate premise: private investigators are quiet, forgettable in appearance, and never do anything to draw attention. So series creator Arthur Swinson consulted with "the Q-Men" (an association of ex-Scotland Yard detectives) and went for low-key realism. Intentionally unmemorable John Unthank maneuvered with his four assistants, Bill, James, Peter, and Mrs.Layton, plus his Scottish accent, through realistic episodes about French currency scams and a doggie-rights organization. Creator: Arthur Swinson; Other Credits: {to be done}; Starring: CAMPBELL SINGER as John Unthank; DOUGLAS MUIR as Bill Jessel; ALLAN McCLELLAND as James Wilson; URSULA CAMM as Mrs.Layton; IAN WHITE as Peter Clarke. The Professionals 30 Dec 1977-6 Feb 1983, UK: ITV; 57 60-minute episodes; Former SAS soldier William Bodie joins former CID investigator Ray Doyle under the leadership of George Cowley, formerly with the imaginary CI5 (Criminal Intelligence 5). Filled with action, gunplay, explosions, and the like, the series was not at all unrelaistic, except to Libyans who protested outside the British embassy in Tripoli who chanted "down with CI5!) [anecdote from Geoff Tibbals]. Creator: Brian Clemens; Production Company: Avengers Mark 1, for London Weekend Television; Executive Producers: Albert Fennell [The Avengers], Brian Clemens [The Avengers]; Producers: Sidney Hayers, Raymond Menmuir Music: Laurie Johnson; Starring: GORDON JACKSON [Hudson in Upstairs, Downstairs] as George Cowley; LEWIS COLLINS as William Bodie; MARTIN SHAW as Ray Doyle. Pros and Cons 1991 (ABC) ; {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The Protectors [UK] 29 Sep 1972-15 Mar 1974 (ITV); USA: Syndicated, 1972; 52 30-minute episodes; Successful but unrealistic, violent, stylish series about three wealthy private detectives in swinging London. Well, maybe Harry Rule was supposed to be a detective, but Lady Caroline Ogilvie, a.k.a. Contessa Di Contini was a specialist detective expert in antiques and art, and Paul Buchet seemed more interested in after-work romance. Production Company: Group Three, for ITC [ITV?] Producers: Gerry Anderson [Thunderbirds], Reg Hill; Music: John Cameron; Theme Song: "In the Avenues and Alleyways", sung by Tony Christie; Starring: ROBERT VAUGHAN [Man from U.N.C.L.E.] as Harry Rule; NYREE DAWN PORTER as Contessa Di Contini; TONY ANHOLT as Paul Buchet. The Protectors [USA] 28 Sep 1969-6 Sep 1970 (NBC); 6 60-minute episodes; Production Company: Universal Television; Creators: Roland Wolpert, William Sackheim; Executive Producer: Jack Laird; Producer: Jerrold Freedman; One of three series that rotated through The Bold Ones in 1969-1970, along with The Lawyers and The New Doctors. Sam Danforth, the Deputy Police Chief of a big city, plus African-American District Attorney William Washburn, were a great team, although they clashed on style: Sam was a slick, progressive politically manipulative modernist, while William wanted to do things by the book. This had a believable feel to it. Starring: LESLIE NIELSEN [Detective Frank Drebin on Police Squad] as Sam Danforth; HARI RHODES as William Washburn. Public Eye 23 Jan 1965-7 Apr 1975 (US: ABC/UK:ITV); 28 60-minute episodes; black and white; plus 59 60-minute episodes; color; Friendless, gunless, impovershed, but exhauistively persistent private eye Frank Marker was framed for a jewelry theft and jailed. His real-life British fans deluged the network and press with letters and calls demanding tha he be released, so the show was rewritten to allow him released on parole. Played fascinatingly as a middle-aged loner by Alfred Burke, this series was mysteriously successful. Eventually, the loner hooked up with a policeman (Firbank) and another PI (Ron Gash). The series proved that clever writing and compelling acting matters more than gunshots, car chases, and explosions. Production Companies: ABC Weekend Network [USA] (seasons 1-3); Thames Television [UK] (seasons 4-7); Creators: Roger Marshall, Anthony Marriott; Producers: Don Leaver and John Bryce (season 1); Richard Bates (season 2); Michael Chapman (seasons 3 and 7); Kim Mills (seasons 4 and 5); Robert Love (season 6); Theme Music: Robert Earley; Starring: ALFRED BURKE as Frank Marker; RAY SMITH as Detective Inspector Firbank; PETER CHILDS as Ron Gash. Public Prosecutor 6 Sep 1951-27 Sep 1951 (DuMont); 4 30-minute episodes on network, ??? later locally; black and white; Also known as Crawford Mystery Theatre (when network broadcast); then changed to Public Prosecutor when it was rropped by DuMont but continued in local airing in New York City. Cross-over between the Mystery genre and the Quiz Show. Mystery/ Detective authors and photogenic guests tried, on camera, to figure out short mysteries they are shown on film. Sponsor: Crawford Clothes; BOB SHEPARD as Announcer; JOHN HOWARD as Host (episodes 1 and 2), then as an actor in some shorts; WARREN HULL as Host (episodes 3-???). The Pursuers 1 Apr 1961-21 Apr 1962 (UK: ITV); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; British cross-over between police drama and Lassie/Rin Tin Tin. Big black Alsatian police dog outacted Scotland Yard Detective Inspector Bollinger and Detective Sergeant Wall. Production Company: Crestview, for ABC TV; Executive Producer: Donald Hyde; Starring: LOUIS HAYWARD as Detective Inspector Bollinger; GAYLORD CAVALLARO as Detective Sergeant Wall. Q: Mystery/Detective Television Series Quincy, M.E. Pilot 3 Oct 1976; 4 Feb 1977-11 May 1983 (NBC/Universal); UK: 24 Feb 1977 (pilot, ITV), 8 Sep 1977-28 May 1985 (series, ITV); 5 120-minute episodes; 143 60-minute episodes; First 5 episodes were part of NBC Sunday Mystery Movie, but starting episode 6 it was a regular weekly series, aired Fridays. Quincy (who had no first name) was the loud, intense, strong- principled Medical Examiner for the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office almost always saw murder when the cops saw "natural causes." He again and again acted as his own detective, which drove the cops nuts. Tough on everybody else, he was kind to his youtful assistant, Sam Fujiyama. He tended to hit the streets sleuthing just when his boss Dr. Robert Astin was under pressure from the Press. Quincy lived on a boat, had friends who accepted his bullishness, and a girlfriend, Lee Potter. He spent time with his friends, usually at the end of an episode, at marina-located Danny's Place, for food and beer. In the final season, he married a psychiatrist, Dr. Emily Hanover. She domesticated him. He started being reasonable towards his boss, who began to defend him. The show was no groundbreaker, but Jack Klugman's acting was gripping. A more tortured and yet more intellectual colleague of Quincy is the marvelous Dr. Kay Scarpetta in the best-selling series of novels by Patricia Cornwell. Creators: Glenn A. Larson, Lou Shaw; Executive Producer: Glenn A. Larson; Producers: Lou Shaw, Robert O'Neill, Michael Star; Music: Glenn A. Larson, Stu Phillips; Production Company: Universal Television; Starring: JACK KLUGMAN as Quincy; ROBERT ITO as Sam Fujiyama; GARRY WALBERG as Lt. Frank Monahan; JOHN S RAGIN as Dr. Robert Astin; VAL BISOGLIO as Danny Tovo; LYNETTE METTEY as Lee Potter (season 1); ANITA GILLETTE as Dr. Emily Hanover (season 7). {more cast: to be done} R: Mystery/Detective Television Series The Racing Game 21 Nov 1979-9 Jan 1980 (UK: ITV); 8 Apr 1980-22 Apr 1980 (US: WGBH Boston Mystery; 6 60-minute epsidoes; Eagerly awaited adaptations slumped quickly after a fast start out of the gate. Former jockey Sid Halley, injured, becomes a Private Eye mostly for major stables. He and his buddy Chico Barnes tracked suspecious bets, missing horses, and the like. It's not clear why the tension and drama of the books failed to make it to the small screen. Adapted: from best-selling novels by Dick Francis; Production Company: Yorkshire Television Network; Executive Producer: David Cunliffe; Producer: Jacky Stoller; Music: Mike Moran; Starring: MIKE GWILYM as Sid Halley; MICK FORD as Chico Barnes. Racket Squad 7 June 1951-28 Sep 1953 (CBS); 98 30-minute episodes; black and white; Previously syndicated, 1950; "I'm closing this case now, but there'll be others, because that's the way the world is built. Remember, there are people who can slap your back with one hand and pick your pocket with the other; and it could happen to you." -- [Narration at end of each episode] Series explained standard con-games and rackets, with the star playing the head of some big city racket squad. Episodes were based on genuine police case records. Producers: Hal Roach, Jr., Carroll Chase; Director: Frank McDonald; Starring: REED HADLEY as Narrator/Captain John Braddock; Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) 26 Sep 1969-31 July 1970 (UK: ITC); USA: Syndicated, 1973; In USA under title My Partner the Ghost; 26 60-minute epsiodes; color; The Private Eye firm of Randall and Hopkirk was doing well, until Marty Hopkirk was smashed by a car while he was walking across the street to his apartment. As it turned out, that was an assassination aimed at his partner, Jeff Randall. When Jeff went to the grave-side funeral, the ghost of Marty came to him, and the two set out to crack the case. Marty failed to get back to the grave by daybreak, so was forced to stay on Earth as a ghost for 100 years. The teamwork continued. It was successful both as drama and comedy, an inexplicably bombed in the USA. A fan club is still active. Creator: Dennis Spooner; Producer: Monty Berman; Music: Edwin Astley; Starring: MIKE PRATT as Jeff Randall; KENNETH COPE as Marty Hopkirk; ANNETTE ANDRE as Jean Hopkirk. Redcap 17 Oct 1964-25 June 1966 (UK: ITV); 26 60-minute episodes; black and white; Military cop, in the Special Investigation Bureau of the Royal Military Police. He was tough, he was tough on those British troops he investigated all over the world, and the rank-and-file troops hated him and his unit. As a result, he had no friends in the service. Production Company: ABC Weekend Network; Creator: Jack Bell; Producer: John Bryce; Starring: JOHN THAW [later Inspector Morse] as Sergeant John Mann. Remington Steele 1 Oct 1982-9 Mar 1987 (NBC); UK: 3 Sep 1983-18 Apr 1984 (BBC1); 29 July 1986-20 Jan 1987 Channel 4; 72 60-minute episodes; Laura Holt ran her own detective agency, but invented the fictitious Remington Steele as a partner for those clients who felt more comfortable with a male-run business. Those clients wanted to meet the imaginary partner, so when a handsome English man appeared, she hired him to pretend to be the partner. he almost at once began to actually help her solve high-society crimes, where his impeccable dress and manners helped. He had a huge ego, and kept trying to do things as in the old movies he loved. There was a continuous sexual undertone to the relationship. The first season secretary Bernice Foxe eloped with a saxophonist, and was replaced with with former British Internal Revenue agent Mildred Krebs, who'd been fired for letting Steele escape charges of tax evasion. The first legman, Murphy Michaels, quir after Steel took over, allegedly to start his own agency. A stylish, if often unintentionally silly show. Production Company: MTM (Mary Tyler Moore); Creators: Michael Gleason, Robert Butler; Executive Producer: Michael Gleason; Producers: Glenn Caron, Gareth Davies, Lee Zlotoff; Starring: STEPHANIE ZIMBALIST as Laura Holt; PIERCE BROSNAN as Remington Steele; DORIS ROBERTS as Mildred Krebs; JANET DeMAY as Bernice Foxe; JAMES READ as Murphy Michaels. Renegades {to be done} The Return of Sherlock Holmes {to be done} The Return of the Saint {to be done} Richard Diamond, Private Detective 1957-1960 (CBS); {to be done} Richie Brockelman, Private Eye 1978 (NBC); {to be done} Richmond Hill15 Mar1983-12 Apr 1983 (CBS); 7 Apr 1984-? (UK: ITV Yorkshire TV), starring Tim Conway as Ace Crawford Riker {to be done} Riptide 1984-1986 (NBC); {to be done} The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes {to be done} Riviara Police {to be done} The Rockford Files 1974-1980 (NBC); {to be done} Rockliffe's Babies {to be done} Rockliffe's Folly {to be done} Rocky King, Inside Detective {to be done} The Rookies {to be done} Rosie {to be done} Royal Canadian Mounted Police {to be done} The Runaways 1979 (NBC) ; {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The Ruth Rendell Mysteries {to be done} Saber of London 1957-1960 (ITV); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Sable 1987-1988 (ABC); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The Saint15 Mar 1983-12 Apr 1983 (CBS); 7 Apr 1984-? (UK: ITV Yorkshire TV), starring Tim Conway as Ace Crawford {more cast: to be done} Sam 21 Sep 1968-20 May 1975 (NBC); starring Martin Milner as Officer Pete Malloy San Berdoo 1980 (ABC); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series San Francisco Beat 1956 (Syndicated 39 episodes); starring Glen Gordon as Fu Manchu Sapphire and Steel 24 Apr 1984-5 June 1984 (UK: ITV); 25 Aug 1985-29 Sep 1985 (season 2, UK: ITV); 14 Mar 1985-25 Apr 1985 (US: WGBH Boston "Mystery"); 6 Feb 1986-13 Mar 1986 (season 2, US: WGBH Boston "Mystery") starring Jeremy Brett as {more cast: to be done} Sarge {to be done} Scene of the Crime {to be done} Schimanski {to be done} Seaway 15 Apr 1958-6 Feb 1959 (UK: ITV); 1957 (US: Syndicated), starring John Bentley as Inspector Derek Sergeant Cork 15 Mar 1983-12 Apr 1983 (CBS); 7 Apr 1984-? (UK: ITV Yorkshire TV), starring David Suchet as Hercule Sergeant Preston of the Yukon15 Mar1983-12 Apr 1983 (CBS); 7 Apr 1984-? (UK: ITV Yorkshire TV), starring Tim Conway as Ace Crawford Serpico {to be done} 77 Sunset Strip {to be done} Sexton Blake {to be done} Shadow Squad 1957-1959 (ITV); {to be done} Shaft 1973-1974 (CBS); {to be done} Shannon [first series] {to be done} Shannon [second series] {to be done} Sharman 1996 (ITV) ; {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The Sheriff of Cochise {to be done} Sherlock Holmes [first series] {to be done} Sherlock Holmes [second series] {to be done} Sherlock Holmes [third series] {to be done} see also: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes; The Return of Sherlock Holmes; The Hound of the Baskervilles; The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes; Young Sherlock Shoestring 1979-1980 (UK: BBC1); {to be done} Shotgun Slade 1959-1961 (Syndicated); {to be done} The Silent Force {to be done} Simon and Simon 1981-1988 (CBS); {to be done} The Singing Detective {to be done} Sins of the City 1998 (USA Network); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Sledge Hammer {to be done} Small and Frye 1983 (CBS); {to be done} The Smith Family {to be done} Snoken 1993-1997 (Sweden: SVT 1); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The Snoop Sisters {to be done} Snooper and Blabber 1959-1962 (syndicated); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Snoops 1999 (ABC); {to be done} Softly, Softly {to be done} Sonny Spoon 1988 (NBC); {to be done} Sons of Thunder 1999 (CBS); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series South of Sunset 1993 (CBS); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series South of the Border 1988 (UK: BBC1); {to be done} Special Branch {to be done} Special Squad {to be done} Specials {to be done} Spenser: For Hire {to be done} Spooner's Patch {to be done} Staccato see Johnny Staccato Stand By For Crime {to be done} Star Cops {to be done} Starsky and Hutch 1975-1979 (ABC); {to be done} State Trooper {to be done} Stone {to be done} The Strange Report {to be done} The Stranger {to be done} Strangers {to be done} The Street {to be done} Street Hawk {to be done} The Streets of San Francisco {to be done} Strike Force {to be done} The Strip 1999-2000 (UPN); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Surfside 6 1960-1962 (ABC); {to be done} Sutherland's Law {to be done} S.W.A.T. {to be done} Sweating Bullets 1991-1992 (Mexico/Canada Syndicated); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The Sweeney {to be done} Switch 1975-1978 (CBS); {to be done} Sydney 1990 (CBS); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Taggart15 Mar 1983-12 Apr 1983 (CBS); 7 Apr 1984-? (UK: ITV Yorkshire TV), starring Tim Conway as Ace Crawford {more cast: to be done} Take a Pair of Private Eyes 1966 (BBC); {to be done} Taking the Falls 1995-1996 (CTV); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Tallahassee 7000 1959 (Columbia); 26 30-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective drama series about a Florida sheriff. Starring: WALTER MATTHAU. Target 1951 (United Artists); 38 30-minute episodes; black and white; Anthology series of Suspense and Mystery/Detective stories. Target: The Conspirators 1961 (Four Star/Velie- Burrows-Ackerman) 34 60-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective drama series about a crusading investigative journalist. Starring: STEPHEN McNALLY; ROBERT HARLAND. Target: The Corruptors {to be done} TECX 1990 (ITV); {to be done} TekWar 1994 (CTV/Syndicated); Science Fiction/Mystery/Detective William Shatner; {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The Telltale Clue {to be done} Tenafly 1973-74 (NBC/Universal); 5 90-minute episodes; Executive Producers: Richard Levinson, William Link; Producer: Jon Epstein; Mystery/Detective drama series. African-American family man, Los Angeles private detective Harry Tenafly. Part of the NBC "Mystery Movie" series. Starring: JAMES McEACHIN as Harry Tenafly; LILLIAN LEHMAN as Ruth Tenafly; PAUL JACKSON as Herb Tenafly; ROSANNA HUFFMAN as Lorrie; DAVID HUDDLESTON as Lt. Sam Church. Tenspeed and Brownshoe 1980 (ABC/Paramount); 1 96-minute episode; 10 60-minute episodes; Creator: Stephen J. Cannell; Music: Mike Post, Pete Carpenter; Producers: Stephen J. Cannell, Alex Beaton, Chuck Bowman, Juanita Bartlett; Mystery/Detective drama series about Los Angeles stockbroker Lionel "Brown Shoe" Whitney starting a detective agency with con-man E.L. "Tenspeed" Turner. Starring: BEN VEREEN as E.L. "Tenspeed" Turner; JEFF GOLDBLUM as Lionel "Brown Shoe" Whitney. T.H.E. Cat 1966 (NBC); 26 30-minute episodes; Producer: Boris Sagal; Mystery/Detective/Action-adventure series about a bodyguard who keeps being drawn into fighting crime. The Thin Man 1957-58 (NBC/MGM); 78 30-minute episodes; black and white; Producers: Samuel Marx, Edmund Beloin; Mystery/Detective drama serial. Husband and wife private detective team Nick and Nora Charles. Adapted from the successful film series starring William Powell and Myrna Loy, which in turn were based on characters created by Dasheill Hammett. Starring: PETER LAWFORD as Nick Charles, PHYLLIS KIRK as Nora Charles. The Third Man {to be done} This Man Dawson 1959 (United Artists); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; Action-adventure/Mystery/Detective series about an undercover government agent. Starring: KEITH ANDES Thriller 1960-61 (MCA/Revue/Hubbell Robinson); 67 60-minute episodes; black and white; Producer: William Frye; Anthology series of Mystery/Detective, Suspense, and Horror stories; Hosted by Boris Karloff (who also appeared in some episodes). Tightrope 1957 (Columbia); 37 30-minute episodes; black and white; Creators: Russel Rouse, Clarence Greene; Mystery/Detective drama series about a cop going undercover to bring gangsters to justice. Starring: MICHAEL CONNORS. T.J. Hooker 1982-87 (ABC/CBS/Spelling-Goldberg/Columbia) 78 60-minute episodes; Creator: Rick Husky; Executive Producers: Aaron Spelling, Leonard Goldberg; Mystery/Detective drama series. Veteran cop Seregant T.J. Hooker's assignment to help L.A.P.D.'s Rookie cops. Starring: WILLIAM SHATNER as Sgt T.J. Hooker; HEATHER LOCKLEAR as Officer Stacey Sheridan; JAMES DARREN as Officer Jim Corrigan; ADRIAN ZMED as Officer Vince Romano; RICHARD HERD as Captain Sheridan. Today's F.B.I. {to be done} Toma 1973-74 (ABC/Roy Huggins/Public Arts/Universal) 1 90-minute episode; plus 22 60-minute episodes; Creator: Edward Hume; Producer: Stephen J. Cannell; Executive Producers: Roy Huggins, Jo Swerling, Jr.; True-Crime drama series. Undercover cop Dave Toma (the real Dave Toma appeared in each episode). In season 2, lead Tony Musante left, so ABC continued on but renamed the show Baretta. Starring: TONY MUSANTE as Detective Dave Toma; SIMON OAKLAND as Inspector Spooner; SUSAN STRASBERG as Patty Toma. Total Security 1997 (ABC) ; {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series Toucan Tecs {to be done} Travelling Man {to be done} Treasury Men In Action {to be done} The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald 1978 (Charles Fries); 2 120-minute episodes; Writer: Robert E. Thompson; adaptation of a Play by Amram Ducovny, Leon Friedman; Music:Fred Karlin; Producer: Richard Freed; Political Thriller/Mystery/Detective drama. What might have happened if Lee Harvey Oswald hadn't been shot by Jack Ruby, so had to stand trial for the murder of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Starring: BEN GAZZARA; LORNE GREENE; FRANCES LEE MCcAIN; LAWRENCE PRESSMAN; JOHN PLESHETTE; MARISA PAVAN; MO MALONE. The Trials of O'Brien 1965 (Filmways) 20 60-minute episodes; black and white; Mystery/Detective drama series from viewpoint of a defense lawyer. Producer: Richard Alan Simmons; Starring: PETER FALK. Tucker's Wish (Witch?) 1982-1983 (CBS); {to be done} 21 Beacon Street 1959-1960 (NBC/ABC); {to be done} 21 Jump Street {to be done} Twin Peaks 1990-91 (ABC/Lynch-Frost/Spelling); 2 120-minute episodes; 28 60-minute episodes; Creators/Executive Producers: David Lynch, Mark Frost; Mystery/Detective/Fantasy/Surrealism. FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper investigates the murder of Laura Palmer in the town of Twin Peaks. Little is what it seems. Starring: KYLE MacLACHLAN as Agent Dale Cooper; MICHAEL ONTKEAN as Sheriff Harry S. Truman; RAY WISE as Leland Palmer; SHERILYNN FENN as Audrey Horne; JAMES MARSHALL as James Hurley; JOAN CHEN as Jocelyn 'Josie' Packard; SHERYL LEE as Laura Palmer/ Madelaine Ferguson; LARA FLYNN BOYLE as Donna Hayward; PIPER LAURIE as Catherine Martell; JACK NANCE as Pete Martell; EVERETT McGILL as Big Ed Hurley; WENDY ROBIE as Nadine Hurley; RICHARD BEYMER as Benjamin Horne; MADCHEN AMICK as Shelly Johnson; ERIC DA RE as Leo Johnson; RUSS TAMBLYN as Dr. Lawrence Jacoby; HARRY GOAZ as Deputy Andy Brennan; PEGGY LIPTON as Norma Jennings; CHRIS MULKEY as Hank Jennings; KIMMY ROBERTSON as Lucy Moran; DAVID LYNCH as Gordon Cole; CATHERINE E. COULSON as Margaret, the Log Lady; MICHAEL HORSE as Deputy Tommy "The Hawk" Hill. Two of Diamonds 1987-88 (Global); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series U: Mystery/Detective Television Series Uncovered 1954 Syndication title; 1955-57 (ABC); also known as The Vise [TV-Series: 1954-1955 (UK)]; Saber of London (1955, UK); 120 30-minute episodes; Black and White; The British production featured little-known actors in filmed teleplays becoming caught in "the vise" of fate created ironically by their own actions. Directors: Harry Lee Danziger, Splinters Deason; Starring: Donald Gray as Mark Saber (1955-1960); Ron Randell as Host; Robert Arden as Bob Page (1959-1960); Michael Balfour as Barney O'Keefe (1955-1956); Diana Decker as Stephanie Ames (1956-1957); Frank Hawkins as Inspector Chester (1956); Patrick Holt as Inspector Brady (1955); Jennifer Jayne as Ann Somers (1959-1960); Neil McCallum as Pete Paulson (1957-1958); Gordon Tanner as Larry Nelson (1958); Colin Tapley as Inspector Parker (1957-1960); Gary Thorne as Eddy Welles (1960); Teresa Thorne as Judy (1956); see also cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series An Unsuitable Job For a Woman 1997-1999 (ITV/PBS); 3 60-minute episodes (USA); 2 105-minute episodes (Belgium); Protagonist Cordelia Grey is the reluctant new owner of a run-down investigation agency ... Directors: Ben Bolt, John Strickland; Adapted: from the novel by P.D. James; Executive Producer (WGBH Boston): Rebecca Eaton; Executive Producer (HTV): Stephen Matthews; Executive Producer: Douglas Rae; Line Producer: Ian Strachan; Associate Producer: Robert Bernstein; Producer: Colin Ludlow; Original Music: Colin Towns; Cinematographer: Dick Dodd; Film Editors: Jerry Leon, Liz Webber; Casting: Kate Rhodes James; Production Designer: Vic Symonds (credited as Vic Simonds) ; Art Director: Neil Pollard; Set Decorator: Amanda Ackland-Snow; Costume Designers: Amanda Ackland-Snow, Sheena Napier; Makeup Artists: Penny Bell, Carol Cooper; Makeup Designer: Sally Harrison; Production Coordinator: Pat Bryan; Unit Manager: Annabel Cannings Knight; First Assistant Directors: Dominic Fysh, Jon Older; Second Assistant Director: Vaughan Watkins (as Vaughn Watkins) Third Assistant Directors: John McKeown, Jim Wilkinson; Property Master: Mike Killman; AssistantArt Director: Simon Rogers; Boom Operator: Simon Brown; Sound Recordist: Alistair Crocker Dubbing Editors: John Downer, Laura Lovejoy, Rupert Scrivener; Dubbing Mixer: Rupert Scrivener; Stunt Coordinators: Terry Forestal (as Terry Forrestal), Nick Powell (as Nicholas Powell); Stunts: Richard Hammatt, Derek Lea, Joanna McLaren, Greg Powell, Anna Stacey; Assistant Costume Designer: Flora Avery; Steadicam Operator: Dion M. Casey; Location Managers: Lisa Cravelle (Lisa Gravelle?), Jane Soans; Script Supervisors: Carol Gardner, Emma Thomas; Focus Pullers: Tom Harting, Donald Russell; Costume Supervisor: Abigail Hicks; Clapper Loader: Janie Hicks (Jamie Ricks?); Camera Operator: Jeremy Hiles, Mike Miller; Production Accountants: Alan John, Nan John; Gaffer: Steve Philps; Grip: Darren Quinn; Production Secretary: Jane Templeton; Starring: HELEN BAXENDALE as Cordelia Gray; Annette Crosbie as Edith Sparshott; Ian McDiarmid as Ronald Callender; Phyllis Logan as Elizabeth Leaming; Rosemary Leach as Miss Markland; Georgine Anderson as Mrs. Goddard; Bob Barrett as Patrick Smith; Joel Beckett as Lunn; Ken Bones as Ted Futton; Clare Bullus as Sophie; Andrew Clover as Hugo; Nadio Fortune as Gianni; Mark Heap as DS Maskell; Gemma Jones as Julia Hampson; Pat Keen as Mrs. Gladwin ; Leigh Lawson as Andrew Hampson; Helena McCarthy as Neighbour; Frank Middlemass as Mr. Markland; Oliver Montgomery as Edward Horsfall; Saskia Mulder as Isabelle; Jeff Nuttall as Bernie Pryde; Phillipa Price as Erica Goodwin; Julian Rhind-Tutt as Philip Hampson; Struan Rodger as DCS Ferguson; Allan Surtees as Benskin; Dickon Tolson as Young Policeman; Rick Warden as Davie Matilda Ziegler as Hilary Hampson see also cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series The Untouchables 1959-63 (ABC-Desilu- Quinn Martin Langford); 117 60-minute episodes; black and white; Executive Producer: Jerry Thorpe, Leonard Freeman; Music: Walter Hatch, Nelson Riddle; Mystery/Detective drama series. Eliot Ness and his agents versus gangsters in 1920s Chicago. See also The New Untouchables. Starring: ROBERT STACK as Eliot Ness; JERRY PARIS as Agent Martin Flaherty; ABEL FERNANDEZ as Agent William Longfellow; NICK GEORGIADE as Agent Enrico Rossi; ANTHONY GEORGE as Agent Cam Allison; PAUL PICERNI as Agent Lee Hobson; STEVE LONDON as Agent Rossman; BRUCE GORDON as Frank Nitti; WALTER WINCHELL as Narrator. V: Mystery/Detective Television Series Van Der Valk 13 Sep 1972-6 Feb 1991 (UK: ITV/Thames/Euston/ Elmgate); 25 60-minute episode; plus 4 120-minute episodes; Piet Van Der Valk is a Dutch detective with the Amsterdam CID Division. He is climbing the adminstrative ladder to Commisaris. He is a moody, preemptive, non-diplomatic, sometimes tactless maverick. In the first 60-minute series, great scripts and colorful background scenery (bridges, canals, pimps, pushers, junkies) compensated for underacting. The 1991 120-minute episodes were weaker, in writing. Piet Van Der Valk is 59 years old, with salt-and-pepper curly hair, and an adult son Wim, also a policeman. In Nicholas Freeling's novels, prior to the TV series, Van Der Valk has been killed by a sniper, and wife Arlette is hunting for the killer. Creator: Nicholas Freeling; Adapted: from novels by Nicholas Freeling; Executive Producers: Lloyd Shirley (seasons 1-4), George Taylor (season 3), Brian Walcroft (season 4); Producers: Michael Chapman (season 1), Robert Love (season 2), Geoffrey Gilbert (season 3), Chris Burt (season 4); Theme Song: "Eye Level" by Jan Stoeckhart; Theme Song Recorded: by the Simon Park Orchestra (4 weeks at the top of the UK charts in 1973) Theme Music: Jack Trombey (pseudonym of Jan Stoeckhart); Starring: BARRY FOSTER as Piet Van Der Valk; SUSAN TRAVERS as Arlette (seasons 1-2); JOHANNA DUNHAM as Arlette (season 3); MEG DAVIES as Arlette (season 4); NIGEL STOCK as Hoof Commisaris Samson (seasons 1-3); RONALD HINES as Hoof Commisaris Samson (season 4); RICHARD HUW as Wim; see also West German film with full title: Van der Valk und die Reichen; Director: Wolfgang Petersen; Starring: Frank Finlay; Marte Harell; Helmut Kautner; Francoise Prevost; Judy Winter. Vega$ 21 Sep 1968-20 May 1975 (ABC); (ABC/Spelling-Cramer according to TV Chronicles, which also says 1978-81); 1 75-minute episode; plus 67 60-minute episodes; Creator: Michael Mann; Music:Dominic Frontiere; Producers: Alan Godfrey, E. Duke Vincent; Executive Producers: Aaron Spelling, Douglas S. Cramer; Mystery/Detective drama series about Las Vegas-based private detective Dan Tanna. Starring: ROBERT URICH as Dan Tanna; PHYLLIS DAVIS as Beatrice Travis; JUDY LANDERS as Angie Turner; BART BRAVERMAN as Bobby Borso "Binzer"; WILL SAMPSON as Eli Two Leaf; GREG MORRIS as Lt. David Nelson; TONY CURTIS as Philip Roth. Vendetta15 Mar1983-12 Apr 1983 (CBS); 7 Apr 1984-? (UK: ITV Yorkshire TV), starring Tim Conway as Ace Crawford Vengeance Unlimited 1998 (ABC); {to be done} according to cached copy of TV Eyes-The Series W: Mystery/Detective Television Series Walking Tall15 Mar 1983-12 Apr 1983 (CBS); 7 Apr 1984-? (UK: ITV Yorkshire TV), starring Tim Conway as Ace Crawford {more cast: to be done} Waterfront Beat 24 Apr 1984-5 June 1984 (UK: ITV); 25 Aug 1985-29 Sep 1985 (season 2, UK: ITV); 14 Mar 1985-25 Apr 1985 (US: WGBH Boston "Mystery"); 6 Feb 1986-13 Mar 1986 (season 2, US: WGBH Boston "Mystery") starring Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes {more cast: to be done} The Web 1956 (Columbia/Goodson-Todman); 13 30-minute episodes; black and white; Thriller/Mystery/Detective anthology series: people caught in a web of conflicting evidence. Whispering Smith 1958 (Whispering Smith Co.); 25 30-minute episodes; black and white; Western/Mystery/Detective drama series. Private detective in the Old West. starring: AUDIE MURPHY; GUY MITCHELL. The Whistler 1954 (Columbia); 39 30-minute episodes; black and white; Anthology series, sometimes Mystery/Detective drama of stories, usually with a twist ending. Whiz Kids {to be done} Who-Dun-It {to be done} Whodunnit 15 Apr 1958-6 Feb 1959 (UK: ITV); 1957 (US: Syndicated), starring John Bentley as Inspector Derek Wilde Alliance 15 Mar 1983-12 Apr 1983 (CBS); 7 Apr 1984-? (UK: ITV Yorkshire TV), starring David Suchet as Hercule Wiseguy15 Mar1983-12 Apr 1983 (CBS); 7 Apr 1984-? (UK: ITV Yorkshire TV), starring Tim Conway as Ace Crawford Wolf 1989-1990 (CBS); {to be done} World Crime Hunt 3 Apr 1953-18 Dec 1955 (ABC/Etoile); 26 30-minute episodes; French-produced, in the style of U.S. cop shows, this was syndicated in Great Britain under the title Paris Precinct. It featured a pair of predecessors to Maigret: Inspectors for Surete. Starring: LOUIS JOURDAN as Inspector Beaumont; CLAUDE DAUPHIN as Inspector Bolbec. XYZ: Mystery/Detective Television Series X-Files 1993-present (Fox - Ten Thirteen); __ 60-minute episodes; Science Fiction/Mystery/Detective drama series. Two FBI agents, True Believer Fox Mulder and sceptical Dana Scully, explore the unexplained while try to prove the existence of extraterrestrials on Earth. Very fine film has been spun-off. Creator/Executive Producer: Chris Carter; Music: Mark Snow; MANY hotlinks {to be done} {see also Magic Dragon Multimedia's Ultimate Science Fiction Web Guide}; Starring DAVID DUCHOVNY as Special Agent Fox Mulder; GILLIAN ANDERSON as Special Agent Dana Scully; MITCH PILEGGI as Assistant FBI Director Walter Skinner; WILLIAM B. DAVIS as Cigarette Smoking Man; JERRY HARDIN as Deep Throat. Yellowthread Street13 Jan 1990-7 Apr 19890 (UK: ITV); 13 60-minute episodes; Set in, and lavishly filmed on location in Hong Kong, with a cast of international stars, this was an adaptation of the novel by William Marshall. Marshall was a Hong Kong-based journalist, and accurately portrayed a team of 7 detectives in the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, stationed in the Yellowthread Street precinct. They dealt with tongs, triads, syndicates, and domestic chaos in Hong Kong and the New Territories, from the lowest squalor to the super-rich. Inward-looking Chief Inspector Alex Vale was supported by hebrephrenic Detective C.J. Brady, cool yet sexy Detective Kelly Lang, wisecracking Detective Nick Eden, former Vietnamese refugee Eddie Pak, cocksure Australian, Detective Peter Marenta, and the conflicted Detective Jackie Wu. Marshall's asccuracy was undercut by overblown and even silly plots, and even the addition of American stars Bill McKinney and Kaz Garas could not rescue a big-budget show that could have been so much more. Executive Producer: Keith Richardson; Producer: Ranald Graham; Music: Roger Bellon; Starring: RAY LONNEN as Chief Inspector Alex Vale; MARK McGANN as Detective C.J. Brady; CATHERINE NELSON as Detective Kelly Lang; BRUCE PAYNE as Detective Nick Eden; TZI MA as Eddie Pak; DOREEN CHAN as Detective Jackie Wu. {more cast: to be done} Young Sherlock 31 Oct 1982-19 Dec 1982 (UK: ITV); 1 60-minute episode; 7 30-minute episodes; Sherlock Holmes as a schoolboy: cleverly written, well-acted, and properly not including a young Watson. Writer: Gerald Frow; Executive Producer: Michael Cox; Producer: Pieter Rogers; Starring: GUY HENRY as Sherlock Holmes. You're Under Arrest (Japan) (Animated) Japanese Production Staff: Planning: Miyahara Teruo, Mogi Takashi, Yamamoto Katsuhisa (3) & Kimura Tsunesuke (4); Character Designs & Chief Animation Director: Nakajima Atsuko; Mechanical Designs: Murata Toshiharu; Art: Katoo Hiroshi; Color Coordinator: Ishii Kenichi; Director of Photography: Yoshida Mitsunobu; Editor: Morita Seiji; Music: Ootani Kou; Sound Composer: Asari Naoko (3), Tsuruoka Yoota (4); Producers: Mizuo Yoshimasa, Sei Naoki, Watanabe Shigeru & Hasegawa Hiroshi (STUDIO DEEN); Director: Furuhashi Kazuhiro; Supervisor: Fujishima Kousuke; Screenplay: Yokote Michiko; Animation Directors: Matsutake Tokuyuki (3), Yamada Makoto (4); Storyboards & Technical Direction: Furuhashi Kazuhiro; Animation Production: Studio DEEN Key Animation: Saitoo Tetsuhito, Matsumoto Norio, Suzuki Hirofumi, Tanaka Yuuichi (3), Yamada Makoto (3), Suzuki Takeyuki (3), Uchida Shinya (3), Hashimoto Yoshimi (3), Ishikawa Yooichi (3), Utsugi Isamu (3), Ojiri Shinya, Hiramatsu Sadafumi, Matsubara Hidenori (3), Furuse Noboru (3), Matsutake Tokuyuki (4), Mizumura Yoshio (4), Murata Toshiharu (4), Watabe Keisuke (4), Yamanaka Eiji (4), Sakai Keishi (4), Masahiko Kubo (4), Yamamoto Takashi (4), Yoshimoto Takuji (4), Inoue Akira (4), Yabushita Shoji (4), Fumie Muroi (4) & Akitoshi Maeda (4); US Production Staff (Subtitling) Executive Producer: Robert J. Woodhead; Producers: Janice Hindle & Peter R. Haswell; Production Coordinator: Ueki Natsumi; Translators: Shin Kurokawa & Michael House; Dialogue Editor: Roe R. Adams III, KTJ; Vehicular Research: Kawai Yasushi; Subtitling Director: Michael House; US Production Staff (Dubbing) Executive Producer: Robert J. Woodhead; Producers: Janice Hindle, Peter R. Haswell; Production Coordinator: Ueki Natsumi; Translators: Shin Kurokawa; Dialogue Editor: Roe R. Adams III, KTJ; Vehicular Research: Kawai Yasushi; Subtitling Director: Robert Woodhead; Coastal Carolina Staff Voice Director: Scott Houle; Script Supervisor: William Bailey ; Audio Engineer: Nick Stuteville; Dialouge Mixer: Ron Abfalter; SFX Designer: Skip Bowerman; M&E Editor: Kevin Turner; Communications: Billie Houle; Duplications: B.J. Toney; You're Under Arrest (Production Staff) Z Cars 2 Jan 1962-20 Sep 1978 (UK: BBC2); 667 25-minute and 50-minute episodes; Controversial breakthrough series wiped away all the cobwebs from the traditional portrayal of British police. IDirectly and indirectly influenced all British police daramas afterwards. See Softly, Softly; Barlow; Barlow at Large. Creator: Troy Kennedy Martin; Producers: David Rose, Richard Benyon, Ronald Travers, Ron Craddock; Starring: STRATFORD JOHNS as Det.Insp.Charlie Barlow; FRANK WNDSOR as Det.Sgt. John Watt; JOSEPH BRADY as PC Jock Weir; BRIAN BLESSED as PC "Fancy" Smith; JAMES ELLIS as PC Bert Lynch; JEREMY KEMP as PC Bob Steele; COLIN WELLAND as PC David Graham; TERENCE EDMOND as PC Sweet; LEONARD WILLIAMS as Desk Sgt. Twentyman; ROBERT KEEGAN as Desk Sgt. Blackitt; LESLIE SANDS as Det. Sup. Miller; JOHN SLATER as Det. Sgt. Stone; DEREK WARING as Det. Insp. Gross; LEONARD ROSSITER as Det. Insp. Bamber; GEOFFREY HAYES as Det. Con. Scatliff; BERNARD HOLLEY as PC Newcombe; DOUGLAS FIELDING as PC Quilley; IAN CULLEN as Det. Con. Skinner; JOHN WOODVINE as Det. Insp. Witty; JOHN BARRIE as Det. Insp. Hudson; JOSS ACKLAND as Det. Insp. Todd. Zero One 3 Oct 1962-16 Dec 1964 (UK: BBC3/MGM); 1964 (USA: Syndicated); 39 25-minute episodes; black and white; "Zero One" is the codeword for the International Air Secrity Board, for this show concentrating on crashes, bomb scares, and hijackings at major airports worldwide. American sponsors were afraid to back this show, but General Motors happily promoted it in Canada, where the subliminal message was "cars are safer than airplanes!"; Producer: Lawrence P. Bachman; Starring NIGEL PATRICK as Alan Garnett; KATYA DOUGLAS as Maya; BILL SMITH as Jimmy Delaney; Guest stars included Margaret Rutherford.
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In which country is the HQ of clothing retailer H&M?
Understandin Television | Syed Awais Hassan Gillani - Academia.edu S. Gillani STUDIES IN CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION General Editor: John Fiske UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION IN THE SAME SERIES Introduction to Communication Studies John Fiske Understanding News John Hartley Advertising as Communication Gillian Dyer Case Studies and Projects in Communication Neil McKeown Key Concepts in Communication and Cultural Studies Tim O’Sullivan, John Hartley, Danny Saunders, Martin Montgomery and John Fiske An Introduction to Language and Society Martin Montgomery Popular Culture: The metropolitan experience Iain Chambers Understanding Radio Andrew Crisell Television Drama: Agency, audience and myth John Tulloch On Video Roy Armes Film as Social Practice Graeme Turner A Primer For Daily Life Susan Willis The Ideological Octopus: An exploration of television and its audience Justin Lewis Textual Poachers: Televison fans and participatory culture Henry Jenkins Communications and the ‘Third World’ Geoffrey Reeves UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION Edited by Andrew Goodwin and Garry Whannel ROUTLEDGE • LONDON AND NEW YORK First published 1990 by Routledge 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2005. “To purchase your own copy of this or any of Taylor & Francis or Routledge’s collection of thousands of eBooks please go to www.eBookstore.tandf.co.uk.” Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada by Routledge 29 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001 © 1990 Andrew Goodwin and Garry Whannel All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilized in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Library of Congress Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the Library of Congress ISBN 0-203-97625-8 Master e-book ISBN ISBN 0-415-01672-X (Print Edition) CONTENTS List of contributors General editor’s preface Introduction Andrew Goodwin and Garry Whannel 1 Public service broadcasting: the history of a concept Paddy Scannell A suitable schedule for the family Richard Paterson TV news: striking the right balance? Andrew Goodwin Points of view Rosalind Brunt F For Fake? Friction over faction Paul Kerr Box pop: popular television and hegemony Michael O’Shaughnessy Winner takes all: competition Garry Whannel Gendered fictions Verina Glaessner Only when I laugh Mick Bowes Television and black Britons John Tulloch Are you receiving me? Justin Lewis vii viii 1 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 30 42 60 75 90 105 118 131 144 157 vi 12 Today’s television, tomorrow’s world Patrick Hughes Index 170 188 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS Mick Bowes is Vice Principal of Chelmsford Adult Education Institute and is actively involved in a number of community media projects. Rosalind Brunt teaches Mass Communication and Women’s Studies at Sheffield City Polytechnic. She is also the Director of the Centre for Popular Culture, based at the Polytechnic, and is on the editorial board of Marxism Today. Verina Glaessner is a freelance journalist and critic. Andrew Goodwin is a lecturer in the Department of Broadcast Communication Arts, San Francisco State University. Patrick Hughes teaches Communications and Journalism at Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education in Australia. Paul Kerr is a producer on Channel Four’s weekly series The Media Show. Justin Lewis teaches at the Department of Communications at the University of Massachussets. Michael O’Shaughnessy is a lecturer in Film and TV Studies at Leicester Polytechnic. Richard Paterson is the Head of the Television Unit at the British Film Institute. Paddy Scannell is a senior lecturer at the Polytechnic of Central London and an editor of the journal Media, Culture and Society. John Tulloch is Principal Lecturer in Journalism in the Faculty of Communication, Polytechnic of Central London. Garry Whannel is a writer and researcher specializing in television and sport. GENERAL EDITOR’S PREFACE This series of books on different aspects of communication is designed to meet the needs of the growing number of students coming to study this subject for the first time. The authors are experienced teachers or lecturers who are committed to bridging the gap between the huge body of research available to the more advanced student, and what the new student actually needs to get him started on his studies. Probably the most characteristic feature of communication is its diversity: it ranges from the mass media and popular culture, through language to individual and social behaviour. But it identifies links and a coherence within this diversity. The series will reflect the structure of its subject. Some books will be general, basic works that seek to establish theories and methods of study applicable to a wide range of material; others will apply these theories and methods to the study of one particular topic. But even these topic-centred books will relate to each other, as well as to the more general ones. One particular topic, such as advertising or news or language, can only be understood as an example of communication when it is related to, and differentiated from, all the other topics that go to make up this diverse subject. The series, then, has two main aims, both closely connected. The first is to introduce readers to the most important results of contemporary research into communication together with the theories that seek to explain it. The second is to equip them with appropriate methods of study and investigation which they will be able to apply directly to their everyday experience of communication. If readers can write better essays, produce better projects and pass more exams as a result of reading these books I shall be very satisfied; but if they gain a new insight into how communication shapes and informs our social life, how it articulates and creates our experience of industrial society, then I shall be delighted. Communication is too often taken for granted when it should be taken to pieces. John Fiske ix INTRODUCTION Andrew Goodwin and Garry Whannel The study of television in our society takes place at poles that are almost comic in their extremes. In our daily lives, television is constantly ‘studied’—in the popular press, on buses and trains, in our kitchens and living rooms, on the radio, and in every sphere of our lives where conversation occurs. This study of television is usually anecdotal, sometimes self-conscious, and nearly always atheoretical. At the other extreme there has grown up over the last two decades a body of academic theories and concepts that can be applied to television. Dozens of books and journals now publish analyses of television deriving from sociology, Marxism, semiotics, structuralism, feminism, linguistics, psychoanalysis, and postmodern theory. In the yawning gap between these two kinds of study, TV criticism in newspapers and magazines is the only routinely published analysis of television. Yet that work remains little more than gossip in five syllables, or, in the case of the tabloids, monosyllabic gossip. TV criticism offers little help in understanding television as long as it is primarily a forum for writers to air personal opinions, unhindered by any need to grasp twentieth-century cultural theory. Meanwhile, teachers and students pick up the threads of these analyses (from ‘did you hear what Sheila said to Rick last night?’ to ‘is Brookside a realist text?’) and attempt to cope with the fact that there is so little published material about television that is accessible to students who are relative strangers in the world of theory and the practice of analysing popular culture. It is for those students and teachers that this book is written. It arose from the experience that all the contributors share, of teaching about television at introductory levels, in adult education and to undergraduates. Many of the authors taught on the University of London’s Certificate in Television Studies, started by the Department of Extra-Mural Studies in 1978. Those of us who taught (and still teach) these classes were struck by the absence 2 INTRODUCTION of any single text that could be used to introduce new students to the history, social context, and textual interpretation of television. This book attempts to fulfil that role, by gathering together short, accessible essays that encapsulate the main issues at stake in contemporary British television. In doing this, the authors all draw on a large body of theory and empirical work developed over the last twenty years. The study of television has its genesis in a number of disciplines (see Cook and Hillier 1976). As early as the 1940s sociologists had begun to ponder the effects of the new medium—this was especially so in the United States, where the analysis of new media was less hindered than in Europe by assumptions about the aesthetic superiority of older cultural forms. Sociology has continued to study television, lodging a particular stake in the analysis of its audience, through ‘effects’ studies, the ‘uses and gratifications’ school of research, and later attempts to refine these approaches and perhaps even combine them with ideas from other text-based kinds of work. The other early input into television study was literary and cultural criticism. By the 1950s a diverse body of work had grown up that is often collected under the rubric ‘cultural pessimism’, due to the largely negative interpretations produced in most of its studies, which tended to see mass culture (including television) as a problem. In the USA this school united Marxists aligned with the Frankfurt School with neo-conservatives like Dwight MacDonald and Daniel Bell. (It lives on in the work of contemporary critics of television, such as Neil Postman and Jerry Mander.) In Britain cultural pessimism was mainly associated with the work of literary critic F.R.Leavis, and the Leavisites, who expended a lot of energy in the pursuit of ‘discrimination’—that is, the ability to sort the wheat from chaff, to make cultural judgements informed by the ‘correct’ aesthetic and moral criteria. In Britain in the 1970s the study of television underwent some dramatic changes, and it is this shift that forms the conceptual underpinning of this book. Drawing on a vast body of cultural theory (much of it imported from the Continent), television studies (like film studies) began to engage with concepts which subsumed the questions of personal taste discussed in TV criticism and which went beyond the cultivation of ‘discrimination’. The study of the social context of television institutions was developed more fully in some early sociological (Burns 1977), historical (Williams 1974; Briggs 1979), and political economic (Murdock and Golding 1977; Garnham 1978) work on the medium. This analysis was framed by new, broader questions about ideology, economic UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 3 power, and social legitimation. The study of the television audience was wrenched from an obsession with ‘effects’ and became more concerned with the altogether more complex question of how audiences make meanings out of TV ‘texts’ (Fiske and Hartley 1979; Hall 1980). The use of the word ‘text’, along with terms like ‘code’ and ‘mode of address’, derived from the introduction of a new field of study— semiotics, the science of signs. If semiotics didn’t magically ‘solve’ the problem of interpretation by offering a complete science of meaning, it certainly did bring with it tools for the analysis of culture that were considerably more refined and relevant than those of literary criticism or sociology. This development of media theory and cultural analysis produced new interpretations of cinema, pop music, youth subcultures, fashion, advertising, and sport. And it transformed the study of television. Many of the new concepts in television studies derived from or owed something to the theoretical work done in film studies. And so it was no surprise to find that the British Film Institute played an important role in the development of the study of television, through conferences, publications, and involvement in teaching. The Society for Education in Film and Television (SEFT) was another focus for the cross-fertilization of cinema and TV, and their journals Screen and Screen Education published much of the important work that constituted the ‘new’ analysis of TV. A number of institutions of higher education also contributed to this new approach. Birmingham University’s Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies (under the directorship of Richard Hoggart, and then Stuart Hall) played a pioneering role in introducing theoretical approaches from France, Italy, and Germany to British audiences. Its journal Working Papers in Cultural Studies published some important contributions to TV theory, including Umberto Eco’s seminal attempt to begin the semiotic study of TV, ‘Towards a semiotic inquiry into the television message’. Other institutions (such as the School of Communication at the Polytechnic of Central London and Leicester University’s Centre for Mass Communication Research) taught about television from these new critical perspectives. Thereafter the study of television and the media developed largely in higher education, and in many cases only at postgraduate level. In this rarefied atmosphere the attempt to offer popular or accessible analysis was usually of secondary concern. The difficult business of making this material more accessible was often left to hard-pressed teachers who boned up on the latest 4 INTRODUCTION theories in Screen, or on a BFI weekend school, and then attempted to translate them back into language that could be understood by the uninitiated. Media theory was hard to tackle, both because its terms could often seem obfuscating, and because it was genuinely and necessarily complex. Its meaning could not be understood in relation to theories of ideology without engaging some extremely complicated debates. Its texts could not be unpacked without the resort to some difficult new methodologies. New terms entered the lexicon of the scholar of television: genre, mode of address, metaphor, metonymy, realism, naturalism, ideology, hegemony, code, convention, polysemy…and so on. (One task of this book is to explain some of these terms to students new to this field.) There is no doubt that the task of making this body of work accessible is a difficult one. This has been a special problem for those of us teaching in adult education. But if academics are correct to complain that most TV critics are less interested in television than they are in their own writing careers, it must also be said that the academy could do a little more to popularize itself. Outside the United Kingdom it isn’t so unusual for theorists to publish TV and cultural criticism in newspapers and popular publications. In Britain, the gulf between the theoretical and the accessible is especially wide. Apart from occasional contributions to the pages of the Listener, New Socialist, Marxism Today, and the New Statesman and Society (where a number of our contributors write from time to time), most TV studies analysis has gone on in relatively obscure journals. Despite the efforts of the BFI and others (the Comedia publishing house, for instance—see Root 1986) to make accessible texts and new teaching materials available, this book is one of the first introductory texts about television that offers a broad view of institutions, texts, and audiences (see also Masterman 1985; Clarke 1987; Alvarado, Gutch, and Wollen 1987). One problem that might explain the delay in ‘cashing in’ the advances of the 1970s is that those developments remain extremely uneven. They range from relatively prosaic efforts to undertake sociological studies of television through to wordy engagements with the outer conceptual reaches of psychoanalytic theory. And many of these theoretical advances remain as yet unconsolidated. One perhaps necessary side-effect of the explosion of cultural theory in the 1970s was a tendency for media analysis to latch onto new ideas in an almost ephemeral fashion that resembled television more closely than scholarship. Students of television grappled with the implications of, say, the UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 5 structuralist analysis of Louis Althusser…only to discover that the academy went ‘poststructuralist’ that very same week. New theories of ideology and culture often seemed to be uncovered, developed, critiqued, and abandoned within a matter of months. (One explanation for this lies in the poverty of British theory, which often latched onto developments abroad very late, only to discover that they were already out of date.) We exaggerate this 1970s trend in order to make a serious point: that one effect of this emphasis on new theory was the premature abandonment of many potentially fruitful concepts and paradigms. One only has to think of the way in which the ideas of the German Marxists of the Frankfurt School were first rediscovered, then parodied and critiqued (as parody), and finally discarded. In the process, a number of important insights were lost, and any attempt to re-engage with them could quickly be dismissed as thoroughly passé in the fast-moving world of 1970s media theory. A great deal of 1970s analysis of television and the media has yet to be fully worked through. There is the question not only of those paradigms that might usefully be re-evaluated, but also the problem of inadequate theoretical projects which remain abandoned by the analytical roadside, like clapped-out old cars. Their breakdown has yet to be fully understood. The debate about ‘realism’ is one such abandoned rust-bucket. In the 1970s the theoretical air crackled with concepts that derived from Marxism, feminism, psychoanalysis, and cinematic and literary theory, and academic journals like Screen and Framework published numerous articles analysing television in these terms. Eventually this work collapsed under the weight of its own theoreticism and the debate about realism and modernism was simply abandoned in favour of a new (and apparently unrelated) discussion about ‘postmodernism’, which takes place as though the early 1970s positions never existed. One problem for 1970s work was an understandable infatuation with theory at the expense of empirical analysts, and a related tendency (clearly determined by the politics of academia) to fetishize ‘originality’. An original theory was often more exciting and prestigious than an explanatory one. It is generally agreed that one problem in evaluating competing theories developed in the 1970s was the lack of concrete analysis involved in merely applying theories to texts and thus producing dozens of (sometimes contradictory) ‘readings’. In the 1980s there was a tendency to move back towards the empirical; towards testing out critical debates through an 6 INTRODUCTION engagement with the site of production (Feuer, Kerr, and Vahimagi 1984; Ellis 1982); towards a testing out of critical theories via closer readings of the text (see Newcomb 1987; Masterman 1985); and towards a testing out of textual readings through a study of actual audiences (see Hobson 1982; Ang 1985; Lewis 1985; and Motley 1986). There has also been a related interest and commitment to the popular. That is to say, where theory in the 1970s often looked at popular television to discover whether or not it measured up to certain pre-given theoretical and political criteria, the 1980s have seen a shift towards taking the popular on its own terms, and beginning with actual public taste cultures (in order to understand them better), rather than abstract theories (Bennett et al. 1981; Dyer 1981 and 1985). This period has thus seen a shift from a focus on ‘serious’ television (drama, documentary, news, current affairs) to popular entertainment forms (soap opera, situation comedy, pop music video, sport, game show and so on). This approach has its advantages (and does, after all, derive from a theory—a paradigm built on the writings of Antonio Gramsci), but is also has its detractors (see Gardner and Shepherd 1984; Williamson, 1986). A further and more difficult shift in 1980s approaches emerged out of a perceived change in television itself. This was the debate about postmodernism. This term is notoriously difficult to pin down, but can be summarized in this context as a concern with a number of ways in which contemporary television is seen to defy the old modes of analysis deriving from literary and cinematic theory. Critics point to programmes like Miami Vice, Late Night With David Letterman, The Singing Detective, and Max Headroom, and to new forms and services like music video and MTV, as examples of television that is qualitatively different from the texts of the 1970s (see Gitlin 1987; Grossberg 1987). While these critics certainly can’t be said to agree among themselves, the common themes in such analyses are a concern for television’s recent incorporation of avant-gardel modernist devices, its ‘flatness’ and emphasis on surface style, its abandonment of traditional narrative; and its tendency to be self-reflexive and about itself (rather than a mediation between itself and an extrinsic ‘reality’). Many critics now argue that this postmodern aesthetic requires new ways of ‘reading’ and understanding television. Clearly a further important trend (and perhaps a related one) in the 1980s concerns not the text-reader relation addressed by postmodern critics, but the text-institution relation that is radically altered by the growing deregulation of television, on both sides of the Atlantic. The 1986 Peacock Report on broadcasting UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 7 offered a challenge to British assumptions about the organization of television as a public service. In the context of British television this has meant a radical questioning of the assumptions that analysts once took for granted. It has also meant an engagement with the proliferation of sites of distribution, as television becomes available not as a text transmitted by a national duopoly, but as a product available through a multiplicity of marketplace sources— home video and cable and satellite TV now supplement the public service institutions of television. In attempting to address these debates, this book is designed to provide readers with a basis for working forward into the 1980s reformulations. That is to say, it doesn’t assume that the theoretical work of the 1970s can be abandoned in favour of the empirical, the popular, or the postmodern. It assumes that the new emphases can only be understood through an engagement with concepts such as ideology, hegemony, and bias, and through an understanding of how television mediates the social relations of gender, race, and class. Because this is primarily an introductory text, we have stressed accessibility over complexity, in an effort to provide an overview that readers can build upon and develop at greater levels of sophistication in their own study, reading, and analysis. Each chapter thus surveys a debate or genre as widely and clearly as possible, providing a suggested follow-up reading list of three or four key texts, in addition to other references. There is of course no attempt to unify the contributions into a seamless position— there are distinctly different approaches underlying some of the contributions. Nor is there any attempt to suggest that these introductory essays constitute a theoretically integrated approach to television analysis. The essays here present very different histories—of institutions and policies, of audience research and programming. Paddy Scannell’s account of the development of public service broadcasting is in marked contrast, for instance, to John Tulloch’s historical engagement with race and British broadcasting. Patrick Hughes offers a different perspective again on the post-broadcasting technologies, as does Richard Paterson in his discussion of the TV schedule—although either of them might easily be integrated with Scannell’s defence of public service. Andrew Goodwin’s account of TV news raises questions of audience consumption that are taken up more fully by Justin Lewis in his account of the audience. Similarly, the different approaches to texts present sometimes complementary and sometimes widely divergent analyses. Goodwin’s essay on TV news raises questions about ideology and 8 INTRODUCTION television from within a paradigm that has generally been dominated by sociological content analysis. Rosalind Brunt’s chapter, on the other hand, is intended to introduce other techniques of text analysis developed over the last fifteen years or so. And these ideas are then taken up by a number of our contributors in a debate that is still framed (in our view) by the political questions opened up in Michael O’Shaughnessy’s piece on the concept of hegemony. Paul Kerr’s analysis of the dramadocumentary debate, Verina Glaessner’s discussion of soap opera, Garry Whannel’s analysis of sports and quizzes, and Mick Bowes’ essay on situation comedy each consider different aspects of the politics of popular television programming. We haven’t made the common division between historical, institutional, and textual analysis in our ordering of the essays, since many of our contributors specifically refuse such separations. (Both Kerr and Whannel, for instance, have as much to say about institutions as they do about programming.) Neither have we considered the notion of genre in the abstract—although the attempt to understand the rules and conventions that govern our understanding of the different parts of the TV schedule is certainly written in to many of the essays. Perhaps most interesting of all the questions raised in that debate is the issue of informational versus entertainment programming, and how each makes its own very different truth claims. Reading through the pieces that follow, we hope that our readers will notice both the clashes and connections between television’s factual and fictional discourses: in its efforts to mediate political conflict in news (Goodwin), drama-documentary (Kerr), and sitcom (Bowes), for instances; or in the role of both factual and fictional ‘personalities’ discussed by Brunt, O’Shaughnessy, and Whannel. Making these connections involves an engagement with the politics of television that will, we hope, take you beyond the remit of this book. As this introduction has tried to indicate, the task of understanding television in the 1990s is to tackle the awkward relationship between the new emphases of empirical, populist, and postmodern studies in the 1980s and the discovery of theory that occurred in the preceding decade. References Alvarado, M., Gutch, R., and Wollen, T., Learning the Media, London: Macmillan, 1987. Ang, I., Watching Dallas, London: Methuen, 1985. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 9 Bennett, T. et al. (eds), Popular Television and Film, London: British Film Institute, 1981. Briggs, A., The History of Broadcasting in the United Kingdom, vol. 4: Sound and Vision, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1979. Burns, T., The BBC: Public Institution and Private World, London: Macmillan, 1977. Clarke, M., Teaching Popular Television, London: Heinemann, 1987. Cook, J. and Hillier, J., The Growth of film and Television Studies, 1960– 75, London: British Film Institute, 1976. Dyer, R. (ed.), Coronation Street, London: British Film Institute, 1981. Dyer, R., ‘Taking popular television seriously’, in D.Lusted and P.Drummond (eds), TV and Schooling, London: British Film Institute, 1985. Eco, U., ‘Towards a semiotic inquiry into the television message’, Working Papers in Cultural Studies, no. 3, Birmingham: Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies, University of Birmingham, 1972. Ellis, J., Visible Fictions, London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1982. Feuer, J., Kerr, P., and Vahimagi, T., MTM: ‘Quality Television’, London: British Film Institute, 1984. Fiske, J. and Hartley, J., Reading Television, London: Methuen, 1979. Gardner, C. and Shepherd, J., ‘Transforming television—part one, the limits of Left policy’, Screen, vol. 25, no. 2 (1984). Garnham, N., Structures of Television, London: British Film Institute, 1978. Gitlin, T., ‘Car commercials and Miami Vice: we build excitement’, in Gitlin (ed.), Watching Television, New York: Pantheon, 1987. Grossberg, L., ‘The in-difference of television’, Screen, vol. 28, no. 2 (1987). Hall, S., ‘Encoding and decoding in television discourse’, in S.Hall, D.Hobson, A.Lowe and P.Willis (eds), Culture, Media, Language, London: Hutchinson, 1980. Hobson, D., Crossroads: Drama of a Soap Opera, London: Methuen, 1982. Lewis, J., ‘Decoding TV news’, in P.Drummond and R.Paterson (eds), Television in Transition, London: British Film Institute, 1985. Masterman, L. (ed.), Television Mythologies: Stars, Shows and Signs, London: Comedia, 1985. Morley, D., Family Television: Cultural Power and Domestic Leisure, London: Comedia, 1986. Murdock, G. and Golding, P., ‘Capitalism, communications and class relations’, in J.Curran, M.Gurevitch, and J.Woollacott (eds), Mass Communication and Society, London: Edward Arnold, 1977. Newcomb, H. (ed.), Television: The Critical View, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987. Root, J., Open The Box: About Television, London: Comedia, 1986. Williams, R., Television: Technology and Cultural Form, London: Fontana, 1974. 10 INTRODUCTION Williamson, J., ‘The problems with being popular’ in New Socialist, no. 41 (September 1986). For a guide to further reading see the Television Studies Bibliography, compiled by Andrew Goodwin, available from BFI Education, 21 Stephen Street, London W1P 1PL. 1 PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING: THE HISTORY OF A CONCEPT Paddy Scannell It is well known that broadcasting in Britain is based on the principle of public service, though what exactly that means, on close inspection, can prove elusive. The last parliamentary committee to report on broadcasting —the 1986 Peacock Committee—noted that it had experienced some difficulty in obtaining a definition of the principle from the broadcasters themselves. A quarter of a century earlier, the members of the Pilkington Committee on broadcasting were told by the chairman of the BBC’s Board of Governors that it was no use trying to define good broadcasting —one recognized it. Maybe. Yet for the sake of reasonable discussion of the relevance or otherwise of public service broadcasting today it is worth trying to pin down the characteristics that define the British system. A useful starting point is to distinguish between public service as a responsibility delegated to broadcasting authorities by the state, and the manner in which the broadcasting authorities have interpreted that responsibility and tried to discharge it. Government intervention to regulate broadcasting has been, in many cases, the outcome of wavelength scarcity and problems of financing. The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum suitable for broadcasting is limited and governments have had to assume responsibility for negotiating international agreements about wavelength allocations to particular countries as well as deciding how to parcel out the wavelengths available in their own country amongst the competing claims of broadcasting and those of the armed forces, merchant shipping, emergency services, telecommunications, and so on. The problem of financing arises because it is not immediately obvious how people are to be made to pay for a broadcast service. Most forms of culture and entertainment are funded by the box-office mechanism— people pay to enter a special place to enjoy a play, concert, film, or whatever. But radio and television are enjoyed in people’s homes and appear as natural resources available, at the turn of a switch, 12 PUBLIC SERVICE BORADCASTING: THE HISITORY OF A CONCEPT like gas, water, or electricity. The two means of financing broadcasting in universal use, until recently, have been either a form of annual taxation on the owners of receiving sets (the licence fee), or advertising. The British solution, back in the early 1920s, was the creation of a single company, the British Broadcasting Company, licensed to broadcast by the Post Office and financed by an annual licence fee charged on all households with a wireless. How the concept of public service came to be grafted onto what were originally a set of ad hoc, practical arrangements and the shifting terms of debate about what it has meant, can best be traced through the various committees on broadcasting set up by successive governments from the beginning through to the present. These committees, usually known by the name of their chairmen, have been given the task of reporting to Parliament on the conduct of the broadcasters, the general nature of the service provided, and its possible future development. They have been the means whereby Parliament has kept an eye on the activities of those to whom it has delegated responsibility for providing broadcast services in this country. The very first broadcasting committee, set up by the Post Office in 1923 under the chairmanship of Major-General Sir Frederick Sykes, was asked to consider broadcasting in all its aspects and the future uses to which it might be put. In the minuted proceedings of this committee and its report we find the earliest attempts to formulate what the general purposes of broadcasting should be. A crucial move was the definition of broadcasting as ‘a public utility’ whose future should be discussed as such. The wavebands available in any country must be regarded as a valuable form of public property; and the right to use them for any purpose should be given after full and careful consideration. Those which are assigned to any particular interest should be subject to the safeguards necessary to protect the public interest in the future. (Sykes 1923:11) Bearing in mind the cheapness and convenience of radio, and its social and political possibilities (‘as great as any technical attainment of our generation’), the committee judged that ‘the control of such a potential power over public opinion and the life of the nation ought to remain with the state’ (Sykes 1923:15). The operation of so important a national service ought not to be allowed to become an unrestricted commercial monopoly. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 13 The report rejected direct government control of broadcasting. Instead, it argued, indirect control should be operated through the licence which by law must be obtained from the Post Office for the establishment of any broadcasting station. The terms of the licence would specify the general responsibilities of the broadcasters and hold them answerable for the conduct of the service to that state department. Thus the definition of broadcasting as a public utility, and the mandate to develop it as a national service in the public interest, came from the state. The interpretation of that definition, the effort to realize its meaning in the development of a broadcasting service guided by considerations of a national service and the public interest, came from the broadcasters and above all from John Reith, the managing director of the British Broadcasting Company from 1923 to 1926, and the first Director-General of the British Broadcasting Corporation from 1927 to 1938. The Sykes Committee had made only short-term recommendations about the development of a broadcasting service and the BBC had been granted a licence to broadcast for only two more years. The Crawford Committee was set up in 1925 to establish guidelines for the future of broadcasting on a more long-term basis. Reith was invited by the committee to present it with a statement of his views about the scope and conduct of broadcasting and he did so in a memorandum which he wrote as an impartial statement, presented in the interests of broadcasting not the British Broadcasting Company, and intended to show the desirability of the conduct of broadcasting as a public service. In Reith’s brief and trenchant manifesto for a public service broadcasting system there was an overriding concern for the maintenance of high standards and a unified policy towards the whole of the service supplied. The service must not be used for entertainment purposes alone. Broadcasting had a responsibility to bring into the greatest possible number of homes in the fullest degree all that was best in every department of human knowledge, endeavour, and achievement. The preservation of a high moral tone—the avoidance of the vulgar and the hurtful—was of paramount importance. Broadcasting should give a lead to public taste rather than pander to it: ‘He who prides himself on giving what he thinks the public wants is often creating a fictitious demand for lower standards which he himself will then satisfy’ (Reith 1925:3). Broadcasting had an educative role and the broadcasters had developed contacts with the great educational movements and institutions of the day in order to develop the use of the medium of radio to foster the spread of knowledge. 14 PUBLIC SERVICE BORADCASTING: THE HISITORY OF A CONCEPT Here we find a cogent advocacy of public service as a cultural, moral, and educative force for the improvement of knowledge, taste, and manners, and this has become one of the main ways in which the concept is understood. But radio, as Reith was well aware, had a social and political function too. As a national service, broadcasting might bring together all classes of the population. It could prove to be a powerful means of promoting social unity particularly through the live relay of those national ceremonies and functions—Reith cited the speech by George V when opening the British Empire Exhibition: the first time the king had been heard on radio—which had the effect, as he put it, of ‘making the nation as one man’ (Reith 1925:4). By providing a common access for all to a wide range of public events and ceremonies—a royal wedding, the FA Cup Final, the last night of the Proms, for example— broadcasting would act as a kind of social cement binding people together in the shared idioms of a public, corporate, national life. But, more than this, broadcasting had an immense potential for helping in the creation of an informed and enlightened democracy. It enabled men and women to take an interest in many things from which they had previously been excluded. On any great public issue of the day radio could provide both the facts of the matter and the arguments for and against. Reith had a vision of the emergence of ‘a new and mighty weight of public opinion’ with people now enabled by radio to make up their own minds where previously they had to accept ‘the dictated and partial versions of others’ (Reith 1925:4). The restrictive attitude of the Post Office which, at the time, had forbidden the BBC to deal with any matters of public controversy, was severely restricting the development of this side of broadcasting, and Reith bitterly denounced the shackles imposed on radio’s treatment of news and politics. Only when freed from such chains would broadcasting be able to realize one of its chief functions. The concept of public service, in Reith’s mind, had, as a core element, an ideal of broadcasting’s role in the formation of an informed and reasoned public opinion as an essential part of the political process in a mass democratic society. Finally, Reith argued strongly for continued ‘unity of control’ in broadcasting—that is, for the maintenance of the BBC’s monopoly of broadcasting in the United Kingdom. The monopoly granted to the BBC in 1922 was merely for the administrative convenience of the Post Office— it found it easier to deal with one licensed broadcasting service than several. At first there had been a considerable outcry (particularly from the popular press) against UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 15 this ‘trade monopoly’ as a restrictive practice which inhibited the development of a range of competing programme services for listeners to choose from. But Reith defended what he later called the ‘brute force of monopoly’ as the essential means of guaranteeing the BBC’s ability to develop as a public service in the national interest. The monopoly was, Reith argued, the best means of sorting out a technically efficient and economical system of broadcasting for the whole population—and universal availability was the cornerstone of the creation of a truly national service in the public interest. Second, unity of control was essential ethically in order that ‘one general policy may be maintained throughout the country and definite standards promulgated’ (Reith 1925: 10). Reith favoured changing the status of the BBC from a company in the private sector, set up originally in the interests of the British radio industry, to a corporation in the public sector under the authority of the state, because he believed it would give broadcasting a greater degree of freedom and independence in the pursuit of the ideals of public service. On the one hand it was necessary to be freed from commercial pressures. If radio continued to be part of a profit-oriented industry then the programme service would be influenced by commercial considerations and the need to appeal to popular demand. Entertainment, a legitimate aim of broadcasting, would become a paramount consideration to the detriment of other kinds of programming with a more educative or culturally improving aim. On the other hand, broadcasting needed to be free of interference and pressure from the state in order to develop its political role as a public service. Reith’s advocacy of a public service role for broadcasting in 1925 had the support of Post Office officials. Public opinion too had come round in favour of continuing broadcasting as a monopoly in the custody of the BBC, and there was no opposition to its transformation into a corporation at the end of the following year. Thereafter, for nearly thirty years, secure in its monopoly, the BBC was uniquely empowered to develop a service along the lines envisaged by its first Director-General. There were two crucial decisions made by Reith and a handful of senior BBC staff about how to organize and deliver the programme service. The mandate of national service was interpreted most basically as meaning that anyone living anywhere in the United Kingdom was entitled to good quality reception of the BBC’s programmes. They should be universally available to all. To achieve this a small number of twin 16 PUBLIC SERVICE BORADCASTING: THE HISITORY OF A CONCEPT transmitters were set up in strategically chosen locations to deliver two programmes to listeners: a regional programme produced from a handful of provincial centres, and a national programme produced from London. Wherever they lived listeners had the choice either of the national or their own regional programme. Second, the policy of mixed programming offered listeners on either channel a wide and varied range of programmes over the course of each day and week. Typically it included news, drama, sport, religion, music (light to classical), variety, and light entertainment. Not only did this mix cater for different needs (education, information, entertainment), but for different sectional interests within the listening public (children, women, farmers, businessmen, and so on). These decisions had farreaching consequences. In the first place they brought into being a radically new kind of public—one commensurate with the whole of society. On behalf of this public the broadcasters asserted a right of access to a wide range of political, cultural, sporting, religious, ceremonial, and entertainment resources which, perforce, had hitherto been accessible only to small, self-selecting, and more or less privileged publics. Particular publics were replaced by the general public constituted in and by the general nature of the mixed programme service and its general, unrestricted availability. The fundamentally democratic thrust of broadcasting—of which Reith was well aware—lay in the new kind of access to virtually the whole spectrum of public life that radio made available to everyone. It equalized public life through the common access it established for all members of society—and it is worth noting that initially in nearly every case the broadcasters had a hard fight to assert that right on behalf of their audiences. In one particular case—the access of TV cameras to the House of Commons—the principle has only just been won. In the long run these structural arrangements for the distribution of the service and the range of programmes on offer were far more important than the actual style and content of particular programmes at the time. The BBC soon succeeded in winning a reputation for itself as a purveyor of moral and cultural ‘uplift’ in the well established tradition of improvement for the masses. It was far less successful in establishing its news and political programmes. The monopoly, a source of strength in some areas of programming such as music, was a source of weakness in relation to parties, governments, and state departments. Throughout the era of its monopoly the BBC’s independence of UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 17 government was frail and it was widely regarded (especially overseas) as government’s semi-official mouthpiece. In the decade after the Second World War the monopoly came under increasing pressure, and the first postwar committee of inquiry into broadcasting—the 1950 Beveridge Committee—made the question of the monopoly its central concern. The BBC produced a classic defence of its position in its written submission to the committee. To introduce competition for audiences into broadcasting by establishing other programme services would inevitably lead to a lowering of programme standards. By that the BBC meant ‘the purpose, taste, cultural aims, range and general sense of responsibility of the broadcasting service as a whole’. Under any system of competitive broadcasting all these things would be at the mercy of Gresham’s Law. For, at the present stage of the nation’s educational progress, it operates as remorselessly in broadcasting as ever it did in currency. The good, in the long run, will inevitably be driven out by the bad. It is inevitable that any national educational pyramid shall have a base immeasurably broader than its upper levels. The truth of this can be seen by comparing those national newspapers which have circulations of over four millions with those whose circulations are counted in hundred-thousands. And because competition in broadcasting must in the long run descend to a fight for the greatest number of listeners, it would be the lower forms of mass appetite which would more and more be catered for in programmes. (Beveridge 1950: para. 163) In the event, the Beveridge Committee endorsed the BBC’s monopoly, but its days were numbered. Within a couple of years a general election returned a Conservative government that rejected the recommendations of Beveridge and opted to establish commercial television, funded by advertising, in competition with the BBC’s television service. The British system is sometimes presented as a mixture of public service and commercial broadcasting as represented respectively by the BBC and ITV, but this is misleading. The terms under which commercial broadcasting was established by government made it part of the public service system from the beginning. A public corporation, the Independent Television Authority, was created by Act of Parliament with general responsibilities to establish a commercial television service that would inform, educate, and entertain. This service, known as 18 PUBLIC SERVICE BORADCASTING: THE HISITORY OF A CONCEPT Independent Television (ITV), was subject to state regulation and control by an authority charged with maintaining high standards of programme quality. It was an extension of public service broadcasting, not an alternative. Even so, when the next committee on broadcasting, chaired by Sir Harry Pilkington, set about examining the impact of commercial television in I960 and comparing its programme service with that of the BBC it found much to complain of in the doings of ITV. If the main concern of Beveridge had been with the monopoly, Pilkington was concerned with programme standards and the ominous threat of ‘triviality’. Pilkington defined the concept of public service broadcasting as always to provide ‘a service comprehensive in character; the duty of the public corporations has been, and remains, to bring to public awareness the whole range of worthwhile, significant activity and experience’ (Pilkington 1960:9). Against this criterion the committee noted the widespread public anxiety about television which had, in the last few years, taken over from radio as the dominant broadcasting medium. The commonest objection was that television programmes were too often designed to get the largest possible audience, and that to achieve this they appealed to a low level of public taste (Gresham’s Law again). There was a lack of variety and originality, an adherence to what was safe, and an unwillingness to try challenging, demanding, and, still more, uncomfortable subject matter. The committee had no hesitation in identifying commercial television as the culprit. The BBC was praised for its responsible attitude to the power of the medium of television. In the review of the BBC’s performance there was a short paragraph on triviality —‘The BBC are aware of the liability of TV to fall into triviality, but have not always been successful in preventing this happening’ (Pilkington 1960:42)—but a whole page and a half were devoted to the problem of triviality in commercial television. The ITA was scolded for equating quality with box-office success, and was scathingly condemned for its inability to ‘understand the nature of quality or of triviality, nor the need to maintain one and counter the other’ (Pilkington 1960:65). In short, commercial television was regarded as failing to live up to its responsibilities as a public service. It was not fit, in its present form, to extend its activities, and the plum that the committee had on offer—a third television channel —was unhesitatingly awarded to the BBC. By the mid-1970s the terms in which the role of broadcasting in society was discussed had changed again, and the representations made to the committee on the future of broadcasting chaired by UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 19 Lord Annan raised issues that would have seemed astonishing fifteen years earlier. The Annan Report, published in 1977, noted a marked shift in the social, political, and cultural climate in Britain since the deliberations of its predecessor. For years British broadcasting had been able successfully to create, without alienating Government or the public, interesting and exciting popular network programmes from the world of reality as well as the world of fantasy— programmes on the arts and sciences, international reportage, political controversy, social enquiry, local investigation. These now began to stir up resentment and hostility, and protests against their political and social overtones. Hitherto it had been assumed—apart from the occasional flurry over a programme—that Britain had ‘solved’ the problem of the political relations of broadcasting to Government, Parliament and the public. Now people of all political persuasions began to object that many programmes were biased or obnoxious. But some, with equal fervour, maintained that broadcasters were not challenging enough and were cowed by Government and vested interests to produce programmes which bolstered up the status quo and concealed how a better society could evolve. (Annan 1977:15) Pilkington had praised the BBC and blamed ITV. Annan found both wanting—and the BBC rather more than ITV. The old monopoly had given way to a cosy ‘duopoly’ between the BBC and ITV who had both come to terms with competition by providing a broadly similar programme service with a roughly equal share of the audience. A significant spectrum of opinion, both among politicians and among the general public, was now calling a plague on both broadcasting houses. Broadcasting had become ‘an overmighty subject’ answerable neither to its political masters nor the general public. It was no longer representative of the increasingly diverse tastes, interests, and needs of an increasingly diverse society. Perhaps the only way to deal with the problem was to break up the existing broadcasting institutions. The committee’s response to the barrage of conflicting opinion it encountered was to opt for ‘pluralism’—‘Pluralism has been the leitmotiv of all of us in this Report’ it noted (Annan 1977:108). It wanted to create a wider range of programmes that spoke not to the mass audience addressed by the existing duopoly but to those minorities and social groups whose needs and interests were not 20 PUBLIC SERVICE BORADCASTING: THE HISITORY OF A CONCEPT adequately served under the existing arrangments. It therefore recommended that the available fourth television channel should go to neither of the existing authorities but should be given to an independent Open Broadcasting Authority charged with the responsibility to develop a service that catered for all those interests presently underrepresented or excluded in the output of the BBC and ITV. The new authority would not produce any of its own programmes but, like a publishing house, would commission its programmes from a wide range of sources, including independent programme makers. The essential basis of what, in 1980, became Channel 4 was contained in Annan’s concept of the Open Broadcasting Authority. If hitherto public service broadcasting had been widely accepted in a largely unquestioning way, from Annan onwards old certainties crumbled. The defence of the original monopoly had been linked to a claim to a unified policy for programming that rested on a presumed social, cultural, and political consensus whose values were widely shared. But when that consensus collapsed what case could there be for a monopoly or a duopoly, or even the modest pluralism advocated by Annan? In the last decade there have been striking technological developments in broadcasting and telecommunications which, coupled with a sharp change in the political climate, have undermined all the old arguments in favour of public service broadcasting. Today the key topic in debates about broadcasting is deregulation. Should the state cease to control and regulate broadcasting, and let market forces shape its future development? State regulation, the argument goes, was necessary from the beginning through to the end of the 1970s because in that period the scarcity of suitable wavelengths for broadcasting necessitated the intervention of the state to regulate their allocation and use. In this country there are at present only four national television channels, regulated by two authorities, broadcasting to the whole population, but change is only just around the corner. As the Peacock Report puts it: We are now in an unusually rapid technological advance in broadcasting. People can buy video recorders and watch films whenever they choose. Cable networks are beginning to develop in various parts of the country. There is already some broadcasting by satellite and, although it is impossible to predict its future precisely, it seems certain that its effects will be very large…. There is no reason why a large— indeed an indefinitely large—number of channels should not be UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 21 brought into use. In the case of cable television fibre optic communication techniques allow for two way communication and make pay TV a live possibility. (Peacock 1986:2) What will soon be available, at a price it is argued, is multichannel access to a wide range of different video services and television programmes supported either by advertising, or by a fixed monthly charge or on a pay as you view basis. Whatever the precise mix of ways in which these services are financed and paid for it will not be by the licence fee method which has always been the means of financing the BBC. In this context why should people go on paying for the BBC as they do at present? It will become, after all, only one service out of many. It was this question that the Peacock Committee was asked by the government to consider in 1985 and its report was published the following year. Other committees had considered broadcasting in social, cultural, and political terms. Peacock, set up to consider alternatives to the licence fee as a means of financing the BBC, applied a stringent economic approach and in so doing completely shifted the grounds of discussion. For Peacock, broadcasting was a commodity—a marketable good like any other—provided for consumers, and the establishment of consumer sovereignty in broadcasting through a sophisticated market system was the aim of the report. It defined a satisfactory broadcasting market as offering ‘full freedom of entry for programme makers, a transmission system capable of carrying an indefinitely large number of programmes, facilities for pay-per-programme or payper-channel and differentiated charges for units of time’ (Peacock 1986:134). Consumer sovereignty meant the greatest freedom of choice for individuals via the widest provision of alternative broadcast goods. Neither the state nor delegated broadcasting authorities should continue to determine the nature and scope of the available broadcasting services. In future consumers should be the best judges of their own welfare. Peacock envisaged a three-stage transition to a free market in broadcasting. In the crucial second stage (some time in the 1990s) it recommended that the BBC should be financed by subscription. Eventually, in the next century, a full market for broadcasting, with a very wide range of services via geo-stationary satellites and fibre-optic cable systems as well as traditional terrestrial broadcast services, would be based wholly on direct payment either for particular channels or programmes. 22 PUBLIC SERVICE BORADCASTING: THE HISITORY OF A CONCEPT The committee recognized that these proposals might well lead to the erosion of public service broadcasting, and it was concerned to identify how the essential elements of public service broadcasting—which it defined as the production of a wide range of high quality programmes— might be retained. It wanted to protect those programmes of merit which, it acknowledged, would not survive in a market where audience ratings were the sole concern. To this end it suggested—though only in general terms— the establishment of a Public Service Broadcasting Council to secure the funding of public service programmes on any channel from stage two onwards. In spite of this gesture the whole tenor of the Peacock Report reversed the thinking of all previous parliamentary committees on broadcasting. Hitherto commercial considerations had taken second place to a public service commitment. Peacock, however, placed public service a long way second to commercial considerations and consumer choice. Public service broadcasting would no longer be the definitive feature of the British system. Raymond Williams has identified the idea of service as one of the great achievements of the Victorian middle class, and one that deeply influenced later generations (Williams 1961:313–17). It was certainly a crucial component of the ideal of public service as grafted onto broadcasting in its formative period from the 1920s to the 1950s. The Victorian reforming ideal of service was animated by a sense of moral purpose and of social duty on behalf of the community, aimed particularly at those most in need of reform— the lower classes. It was institutionalized in the bureaucratic practices of the newly emerging professional classes—especially in the reformed civil service of the late nineteenth century whose members saw themselves as public servants. At its best this passion for improving the lot of those below was part of a genuinely humane concern to alleviate the harsh consequences of a newly industrialized society. But it did nothing to change the balance of power in society, and maintained the dominance of the middle classes over the lower ranks. One strand in this general concern for the conditions of the poor focused on their educational and cultural needs. A key figure in this development was Matthew Arnold (an inspector of schools for most of his working life) who believed that everyone was entitled to the enjoyment of those cultural treasures which, in his day, were available only to the educated classes. Arnold defined culture as ‘the best that has been thought and written in the world’ (quoted in Williams 1961:124), a definition echoed by Reith in his advocacy of public service broadcasting. The radical element in UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 23 Arnold’s thinking was this claim that the state should use its authority to establish a fully national education system with a curriculum that included the study of the arts and humanities. Culture, for Arnold, was a means of alleviating the strain and hostility between classes in a deeply divided society, and the task of ‘civilizing’ the masses had a prudent political basis. It was a means of incorporating the working classes within the existing social and political order, and thus preventing the threat of revolt from below. Arnold’s best known essay, Culture and Anarchy, expressed that fear in its very title. The idea that the state should intervene in the terrain of culture and education, so daring in Arnold’s time, had won a much wider acceptance some fifty years later at the time that broadcasting was established. Indeed, government intervention to control and regulate broadcasting and to define its general purposes is an early and classic instance of state intervention to regulate the field of culture. Victorian ideals of service laced with Arnoldian notions of culture suffused all aspects of the BBC’s programme service in the thirty years of its monopoly. Such attitudes, in broadcasting as elsewhere, did not outlast the 1950s—or at least not with the degree of unself-critical certainty that they had hitherto possessed. ‘The ideals of middle class culture’, as the Annan Report put it, ‘so felicitously expressed by Matthew Arnold a century ago…found it ever more difficult to accommodate the new expressions of life in the sixties’ (Annan 1977:14). Even so, it noted that at some levels the ‘old Arnoldian belief in spreading “sweetness and light” still inspired the BBC’ (Annan 1977:80). Underlying Arnoldian ideals of sweetness and light was a concern for social unity mingled with national pride. In the epoch of the BBC’s monopoly both concerns were central to its role as a public service in the national interest. The linking of culture with nationalism—the idea of a national culture—was given new expression in broadcasting through those kinds of programme that had the effect of, in Reith’s words, ‘making the nation as one man’. From the 1920s through to today the BBC has continued this work of promoting national unity through such programmes. Sir Michael Swann, chairman of the BBC’s Board of Governors, told the Annan Committee that ‘an enormous amount of the BBC’s work was in fact social cement of one sort or another. Royal occasions, religious services, sports coverage, and police series, all reinforced the sense of belonging to our country, being involved in its celebrations, and accepting what it stands for’ (Annan 1977: 263). The report described the BBC as ‘arguably the most important single cultural institution in the nation’, and 24 PUBLIC SERVICE BORADCASTING: THE HISITORY OF A CONCEPT recommended preserving it as ‘the natural interpreter of [great national occasions] to the nation as a whole’ (Annan 1977:79, 114). Such occasions—exemplified by, say, the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer—may indeed be moments of national unity in which all sections of society participate. But what of moments of crisis? The question then arises as to whose interests, in the last resort, broadcasting is there to serve—those of the state or the people? Governments claim the right to define the national interest and expect the broadcasters, particularly in a crisis, to uphold their definition of it. To defend the public interest may mean challenging the government of the day—a risky thing for institutions who derive their authority to broadcast from the government. This politicized concept of the public interest has a very different history to that of public service, for the former relates to the news function of modern media and was elaborated in struggles for press freedom from the late eighteenth to the midnineteenth century. Against the power of the state, radical publics —bourgeois and proletarian— emerged to claim universal political and civil rights; the right to vote, to free speech and free assembly. A new kind of ‘public sphere’ was formed, independent of church and state, claiming the right to criticize both and committed to the establishment of public life, grounded in rational discussion, in which all members of society might participate (for a discussion of this concept in relation to broadcasting see Garnham 1986). The struggle to establish an independent press, both as a source of information about the activities of the state and as a forum for the formation and expression of public opinion, was part of this process, and an important aspect of the long battle for a fully democratic representative system of government. The establishment of broadcasting coincided with the moment that the vote was finally conceded to all adult men and women, and the development of mass democracy is closely connected with broadcasting’s role in that process. Reith was well aware of the importance of radio as a new organ of public opinion and as an instrument of democratic enlightenment, and was keen to move it in those directions. If the BBC was slow to develop a robust independence from the state it was not, as some have argued, the fault of its first Director-General. Nevertheless it is true to say that the political independence of broadcasting goes back no further than the mid-1950s. The introduction of strictly limited competition for audiences between the BBC and ITV gave the BBC something else to worry about other than its political masters. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 25 Competition in the sphere of news and current affairs had the effect of detaching the BBC from the apron strings of the state. Deference to political authority was replaced by a more populist, democratic stance as the broadcasters asserted the public’s right to know by making politicians answerable and accountable to the electorate for their conduct of the nation’s affairs. In news interviews, studio discussions and debates, current affairs magazine programmes, documentaries, and documentary dramas a whole clutch of political and social issues came onto the agenda through the medium of television—became part of the public domain, matters of common knowledge and concern. In this way broadcasting came to fulfil—never without difficulty, always under pressure—its role as an independent ‘public sphere’ and a forum for open public discussion of matters of general concern. The extent of ‘openness’ is, however, something that varies according to the social, economic, and political climate. The thresholds of tolerance are not fixed. It is arguable, for instance, that television was more ‘open’ in the mid-1960s than the late 1970s. It is notable, however, that a Conservative government enhanced the ‘public sphere’ role of broadcasting at the beginning of the 1980s by authorizing Channel 4 to give special attention to the interests of minority groups and to commission a significant amount of its programmes from independent programme makers. The establishment of Channel 4 must be seen as the expression of a continuing political commitment to regulating broadcasting as a public good and in the public interest. The pursuit of these aims has to date been underpinned by a disregard for commercial considerations as either the only or the primary objective of the broadcast services. This has manifested itself in two ways that are crucial to the realization of public service objectives: a policy of mixed programming on national channels available to all. Where commercial motives are primary broadcasters will go only for the most profitable markets—which lie in densely populated urban areas that can deliver large audiences without difficulty. The markets for cabled services are likely to prove even more selective: the affluent districts of major towns and cities will be wired up, while the poorer areas will be neglected. More sparsely populated, remoter areas will be ignored entirely. The long-term commitment of the BBC and IBA to make their services available to all has meant an investment out of all proportion to the returns in order to reach those regions that strictly economic considerations would simply neglect. The BBC set up sixty-five new transmitting stations in order to extend its 26 PUBLIC SERVICE BORADCASTING: THE HISITORY OF A CONCEPT service from 99 per cent of the population to the 99.1 per cent it reaches at present. The alternative to mixed programming is generic programming— a channel that provides a service in which all or most of the programmes are of the same kind. Typically this has—on radio— meant particular kinds of music channel: classical, top forty, country and western, reggae or whatever. More recently, in the United States, generic TV channels have been established in cable services—Home Box Office (mainly movies), MTV (music videos), CNN (Cable News Network), as well as pay-per-view channels that offer mainly sporting fixtures. Generic programming fragments the general viewing public as still constituted, for instance, in the mixed programme service offered on the four national UK television channels. In so doing it destroys the principle of equality of access for all to entertainment and informational and cultural resources in a common public domain. Tht hard-won ‘public sphere’ created over the last thirty years on national television may shatter into splinters under the impact of deregulated multichannel video services. The Peacock Report has redefined broadcasting as a private commodity rather than a public good. Individual consumers, in the media universe of the next century as envisaged by Peacock, will choose what they want and pay for what they get. But consumers are not all equal in their purchasing power. The privatization of informational and cultural resources may well create a two-tiered society of those who are rich and poor in such resources. Such a development would undercut the fundamentally democratic principles upon which public service broadcasting rests. In the political climate of today, public service broadcasting may seem a concept that has outlived its relevance. I do not think so. The history of its development in Britain has undoubtedly been coloured by the patrician values of a middle-class intelligentsia, and a defence of public service broadcasting in terms of quality and standards tied to prescriptive and elitist conceptions of education and culture is no longer feasible. But that has proved to be a contingent historical feature in the development of the BBC. Far more crucial has been the political will, until very recently, to maintain, against the grain of economic considerations, a commitment to properly public, social values and concerns in the system as a whole, that is, in the services provided by both the BBC and IBA. In my view equal access for all to a wide and varied range of common informational, entertainment, and cultural programmes carried on channels that can be received throughout UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 27 the country must be thought of as an important citizenship right in mass democratic societies. It is a crucial means, perhaps the only means at present, whereby a common culture, common knowledge, and a shared public life are maintained as a social good equally available to the whole population. That was the basis of public service broadcasting as envisaged by John Reith, the much misunderstood first Director-General of the BBC. It is the basis of the present system. It should continue to be so in the future. References Annan Committee, Report of the Committee on the Future of Broadcasting (Annan Report), Cmnd. 6753, London: HMSO, 1977. Beveridge Committee, Report of the Broadcasting Committee (Beveridge Report), Cmnd. 8116, London: HMSO, 1951. Crawford Committee, Report of the Broadcasting Committee (Crawford Report), Cmnd. 2599, London: HMSO, 1925. Garnham, N., ‘The media and the public sphere’, in P.Golding, G.Murdock, and P.Schlesinger (eds), Communicating Politics, Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1986. Peacock Committee, Report of the Committee on Financing the BBC (Peacock Report), Cmnd. 9284, London. HMSO, 1986. Pilkington Committee, Report of the Broadcasting Committee (Pilkington Report), Cmnd. 1753, London: HMSO, 1960. Reith, J., Memorandum of Information on the Scope and Conduct of the Broadcasting Service, Caversham, Reading: BBC Written Archive, 1925. Sykes Committee, Broadcasting Committee Report (Sykes Report), Cmnd. 1951, London: HMSO, 1923. Williams, R., Culture and Society, Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1961. Further reading Home Office, Broadcasting in the ’90s: Competition, Choice and Quality. London: HMSO, 1988. MacCabe, Colin and Stewart, Olivia (eds), The BBC and Public Service Broadcasting, Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1986. Peacock Committee, The Report of the Broadcasting Committee, Cmnd. 8116, London: HMSO, 1986, especially chapter 12. Scannell, Paddy and Cardiff, David, Serving the Nation: Public Service Broadcasting Before the War, Milton Keynes: Open University Press, 1982. 28 PUBLIC SERVICE BORADCASTING: THE HISITORY OF A CONCEPT For a fuller discussion of the wider implications of this chapter, see Paddy Scannell, ‘Public service broadcasting and modern public life’, Media, Culture and Society, vol. 11, no. 2 (April 1989). Postscript Andrew Goodwin and Garry Whannel Since this chapter was written the government White Paper Broadcasting in the ’90s has been published. Among its main recommendations are: • The present ITV system to be replaced by a regionally based third channel, which would have to include quality news and current affairs. • The IBA and the Cable Authority to be replaced by a new Independent Television Commission, which would provide ‘lighter touch’ regulation. • Channel 4’s remit to be preserved but its advertising sold separately from ITV. • The establishment of a fifth channel, starting in 1993, to be followed by a sixth if technically feasible. • Franchises for Channel 3 and Channel 5 will run for 10 years and will be auctioned to the highest bidder. • The BBC will be encouraged to progress towards the introduction of subscription-based services. As this book goes to press there is clearly still much to be decided. Three things are already clear. The preservation of Channel 4’s remit is a significant victory for public service broadcasting, but the changes in the conditions by which it receives revenue could be a crucial blow that will make following the remit very difficult. The new ITV system will inevitably be far more concerned with costs and far less concerned with programme quality. The BBC comes out relatively well—there has been no move as yet to dismantle its structure by statute, only a nudge, not a hefty shove. Indeed one likely result of the expansion of broadcasting due to satellite and the reorganization of ITV will be the short-term strengthening of the BBC. The BBC currently makes fairly expensive programmes that for the most part are watched by large audiences. The cost per hour of the new satellite channels is much lower, and they could end up locked in a struggle with the new ITV companies for half of the audience, while the BBC remains fairly secure with its own 50 per cent. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 29 But the more long-term outlook may be grimmer. In order to create the conditions for satellite and other new channels to thrive it may eventually be necessary to attack the present structure of the BBC. In particular the licence fee might be abolished to force the BBC to adopt a subscription system. The underlying basis for current broadcasting policy stems, of course, from the shift, evident in the Peacock Report, away from a consideration of broadcasting as a social and cultural service for the community to broadcasting as the production of commodities, with viewers seen as consumers making choices in the market place. There is little evidence so far that more will mean better. Everything suggests that the cost per hour of broadcasting as a whole will inevitably decrease considerably. Underlying the policy initiative is a desire to weaken the power of the broadcasting unions and increase casualization, both of which help to reduce the unit costs of independent production. While it would be naive to adopt a simple cost=quality formula, there can be little doubt that the two have a close relation. Quality television can be made for £100,000 per hour or £25,000 per hour, and one can also spend £100,000 and make rubbish. However, it is very hard to make television of any quality at an average cost of less than £10,000 per hour. The irony of this new economistic approach to broadcasting is that by supposedly opening up the market to free consumer choice, it will precisely destroy the ability of the broadcasting industry to offer the range of choice currently available. 2 A SUITABLE SCHEDULE FOR THE FAMILY Richard Paterson The importance of television scheduling for the success of a channel has received increased recognition in recent years because of the BBC’s achievements in regaining a dominant position in the competition for audiences against ITV. Some of this success is attributed to the ‘art’ of the scheduler. Exploiting the weaknesses of the opposition schedule by using strong programmes in particular time slots and deploying less popular material in less exposed positions are obvious strategies, but there are many other factors which must be considered. In Britain the degree of change in a schedule from year to year tends to be quite restricted, dependent more upon new versions of old genres than on innovation in programme ideas. The uniqueness of the exceptional circumstances at the BBC in the mid-1980s, with its audience share set firmly on a downward path, did allow a renovation of the BBC schedule. However, this renovation was dependent on commissioned programmes: scheduling and commissioning are the related ‘arts’ necessary for success. What must be emphasized, then, is that the norm for a schedule is a set of fixed, virtually immutable points—and that continuities are as important as changes, except at times of crisis, as a history of scheduling shows. A process of change has occurred over the years, responding both to different perceptions of suitable programming by the programme makers and, as important, to the changing institutional context, particularly with regard to economic and social-moral forces. In America, unbridled competition between the major networks has produced so called ‘jugular’ scheduling in which each network seeks to win as large an audience as possible. In Britain such competition has, until now, been circumscribed in a number of ways. First, our concept of public service broadcasting, requiring the broadcasters to educate, inform, and entertain, results in a commitment to a mixture of programme forms with—in the case of ITV—a range of mandatory requirements imposed on the UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 31 schedule. Second, the diverse range of sources of finance modifies competition. ITV, funded by advertising revenue, needs to try and maximize audiences for its most popular programmes. BBC, funded by annual licence fees, is more concerned with maintaining an average audience share of at least 45 per cent. Channel 4 has been funded by an annual payment from the ITV companies, who in turn have had the right to sell advertising on the channel. Consequently Channel 4 has not been in direct competition with ITV, and with its statutory requirement to be innovatory it is currently surviving well on 5–10 per cent of the available TV audience. Third, there have been a series of informal agreements between BBC and ITV, such as the alternation of football coverage. At its most basic, a schedule is the ordering of programmes across a day, week by week. It forms a framework with which the viewer becomes familiar, so that s/he returns to watch a programme at a known time every week. One factor for the scheduler is the matching of the available audience at different times of day to programme provision—constructing the audience, or responding to its needs, depending on your point of view. The scheduler’s lexicon Channel loyalty: It used to be felt that many viewers tend to watch one channel predominantly, would turn to it automatically, and then tend to stay with it. Consequently great emphasis was laid on the need to win viewers at the start of an evening. The expansion in the range of choice with the introduction of BBC 2 in 1964 and Channel 4 in 1982, and the spread of domestic video in the 1980s, are all felt to have eroded channel loyalty. Inheritance factor: If a programme gets a large audience the following programme can reasonably expect to inherit a proportion of that audience. The 8 p.m. slot following Coronation Street has often been used to introduce new programmes to the audience. Pre-echo: People will often tune in early to watch a favourite programme. They will often see the last few minutes of the preceding programme, and may then decide to watch all of it the following week. Hammocking: A less popular programme can be hammocked by placing it between two popular ones, so that it benefits from inheritance at the start and pre-echo towards the end. For many years World in Action was placed after an 8 p.m. sitcom and before a crime series such as The Sweeney. 32 A SUITABLE SECHEDULE FOR THE FAMILY Common junction points: Where two programmes start at the same time on BBC 1 and BBC 2, or on ITV and Channel 4, the opportunity is available for cross-trailing. BBC make use of this, with the familiar phrase, ‘And now a choice of viewing on BBC…. Demographics: A term used in the advertising industry for describing the composition of the audience in age, class, and gender terms. Target audiences: Can be used by television producers to describe the audience a programme is aimed at or by the advertising industry to describe the audience that a particular product is aimed at. The aim of advertising agencies is to find programmes whose audience profile matches their own target audience, although ultimately the cost of particular advertising slots is usually the overriding consideration. These terms have largely been inherited from American television. However, even in the British context, the practices which they indicate can to a limited extent be seen to operate and to affect programme placement. But the high percentage of homes with domestic video and second sets has eroded the power of schedulers to determine our range of choice, and the prospect of further change is great, with the launch of satellite channels, available to all viewers with small satellite dishes. A major problem for schedulers is how to place a programe which is perceived to have little attraction for a mass audience. The response varies across the different channels. The minority channels (BBC2 and Channel 4) to a certain extent concede much of prime time to their larger partners and fulfil their remit to be ‘different’ in these slots. The two main channels also carry some ‘minority’ programming (usually current affairs and documentary) in prime time—for the BBC an inheritance of the Reithian notion of stretching the audience, for ITV an imposition by the IBA. Such programmes, as well as any which are not guaranteed success, are hammocked between stronger programmes, in the expectation that they will inherit much of the audience which watches the programme preceding it, and may want to stay to watch the programme that follows it. With the growth of cross-trailing at common junction points, the power of the inheritance factor has been somewhat diminished. Television institutions invariably consider their key task to be that of satisfying, in some way, the needs of an audience. Viewers are seldom thought of as a homogenous mass, but more as an overlapping series of groups with various interests. In the current duopolistic system, competition has been tempered by other obligations and these include, for the commercial system UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 33 regulated by the IBA, a family viewing policy (in existence since the early 1960s); mandated network programmes at specified times (The News, current affairs, The South Bank Show,); and restrictions on the amount of certain types of programmes, such as game shows. The value of game show prizes is also limited by the IBA. The limited-term contracts also allow the IBA informally to impose conditions which the contractors have sought to meet in order to ensure renewal. This led to the production of culturally prestigious and expensive programmes, although often (as with Brideshead Revisited) shrewd groundwork was done on promoting overseas sales. But the changes in the company structure and programme policies of LWT at the start of the 1970s and of TV-AM in the early 1980s demonstrated that the power of the IBA could be limited in practice. However, a central notion in any understanding of the structures of television programming, in its aesthetic, economic, or cultural modes, is that it is addressed to viewers in the home. It is a domestic medium and the space of domestic life, the family household, invokes a set of understandings which inform scheduling and consequently the commissioning of programmes. A family viewing policy is in operation on all four British channels, under which particular sorts of programme or scenes portraying violence and sexuality cannot be screened before 9 p.m., when children are assumed to be watching in greater numbers, possibly without adult supervision. The policy is rooted in normative assumptions about the family. In the early evening, domestic life is assumed to be devoted to meals and the audience is understood to be unable to concentrate for long spells. Television is in the control of the child audience with parents available intermittently until about 7.30 p.m. From this time the mother is thought to control the television, which functions for the next 90 minutes as a focus of the family. After 9 p.m., when the rules on content are less strict, children’s viewing is seen as the responsibility of the parent. Control of the television set is shared between the adults with the father assumed to take a much more central role in determining programme choice. Clearly such circumstances apply to only a minority of homes and it has often been pointed out that less than one-third of all households contain a family with children (see, for example, Family Expenditure Survey, London: HMSO, 1984). However, such is the power of commonsense discourses, backed by research, that these models of the audience have a big influence on programme planning. The understood patterns of domestic life 34 A SUITABLE SECHEDULE FOR THE FAMILY (with, for ITV companies, regional variations to consider) helps to determine the structure of programmes commissioned for particular slots. For example, early evening programmes, from Tonight through Crossroads to Wogan, are characteristically fragmented and episodic, and can be followed without demanding complete and continuous attention from an audience. It should be noted, too, that the importance of television in the economic domain is a factor in overdetermining this structure. Television in Britain, certainly since the mid-1950s, has become, as in many other societies, an instrument of modernization and consumerism. The demographic profile of an audience is allimportant to an advertising-supported channel which sells audiences to advertisers, and gets those audiences according to its success in programming. Audience measurement, by Broadcasters’ Audience Research Bureau, is produced each week from figures derived from meters in a representative sample of about 2,000, which record the time a set is switched on and off, and the channel it is tuned to. The figures are broken down into class, age, gender, and regional groups. Generally the most popular programmes are also those most popular with each individual group and traditionally television advertisers have tended to be more interested in the sheer size of an audience rather than its composition. However some programmes do have skewed audiences in terms of class, age, or gender, and these allow the advertising agency buyers to spread their advertising spots across the schedule to pick up sufficient members of any particular target group. The problem for ITV has been that its schedule appeals to an audience skewed towards the older and lower-class groups in British society, not the groups of most interest to advertisers. The value of Channel 4 has been its ability to attract higher-class profiles for its audiences and an ability to retain younger audiences. The target audiences have changed over the years. At one time it was housewives who were sought, and endless advertisements for household goods were delivered in programmes they were found to watch. The range of products advertised has changed over the years so that in 1986 and 1987 financial advertising, including that for corporations being privatized and for general corporate prestige, dominated advertising time for long periods of the year. It is not evident that this has had clear effects on the schedule, although coverage of financial matters has increased. The fragmentation of audiences in the wake of the establishment of Channel 4 and the use of the video recorder both for time-shifting and for viewing hired tapes has slightly UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 35 undermined the certainties of the 1970s and has introduced a more sophisticated notion of target audiences, but the main thrust of current scheduling remains that of attracting particular groups perceived to have spending power. The BBC is not beset by the problem of audience profile quite as directly as the commercial system. Its schedule is freed of such pressures and is more able to experiment to a limited degree. However, the duopolistic system has inevitably created similarities between the services. For example, for many years BBC and ITV found it best to schedule their current affairs coverage at the same time. So Panorama and World in Action occupied the same slot, until Michael Grade moved Panorama to 9.25 p.m. with surprising success. The key to television schedules is still repetition and continuity, and it is only over long periods, or occasionally in the short sharp example of popular ‘innovation’ (for instance with The Singing Detective), that changes in television’s forms and its address to the nation can be discerned. There have undoubtedly been major changes in the mores of the nation in the past twenty years and this has been reflected in programming, but there is much unchanged. Coronation Street has been on air since 1960, World in Action since 1963, Emmerdale Farm since 1972, The South Bank Show since 1978, News at Ten since 1967. Goodhardt, Ehrenberg, and Collins have shown that the audience for any one episode of a serial or series is not the same as for the next in its composition. Repeat viewing is more a function of social habits (i.e. people’s availability) than of programme loyalty. Only 55% of the viewers of one episode of a series watch the following episode. However, television schedules depend upon audiences knowing where to find the programmes. One of the great difficulties for the single programme, not thematically connected to any series, is to get an audience to find it and sample it. Similar problems face broadcasting organizations when a new series is about to start. In the USA series are often cancelled mid-season if they are failing to get a good enough rating. Such a fate seldom comes to British programmes—some (such as Studio) are moved to less damaging points in the schedule if they are faltering, and a failed soap opera (such as Albion Market) is quietly ditched. The important role of the presentation departments of television in trailing new programmes has been little studied. Similarly the central role of coverage in newspapers and in programme journals has to be acknowledged in creating audiences, or at least in encouraging audiences to sample new programmes. 36 A SUITABLE SECHEDULE FOR THE FAMILY The continuity and promotion function between the programmes in a way that mirrors the practices of the scheduler in the quest for audiences, and practices vary across the industry. The key function of trailers is to maximize the audience for a channel’s programmes. In the federal ITV system there are great differences in the practice of the companies; each have different priorities and interests in what to trail, reflecting amongst other things their view of the region’s audience. This is a significant detail which tends to be forgotten when broad generalizations about the duopoly are being made, and has effects, too, on the basic ITV schedule which allows room for regional variation in many respects. Cross-promotion of Channel 4 and ITV is now common; however, the two BBC channels only note what is on the other channel at programme junctions with little attempt to trail alternatives ahead of time. At the BBC, promotion, decided by the channel controller, usually features one programme or series quite heavily each week. One of the most significantly successful campaigns was that for EastEnders in 1985. It featured fifty-nine completely separate trailers before the serial went on air—each shown only once. For the BBC, the space between programmes—trailers, presentation announcements, and station identity logo—is an important factor in carrying the image of the BBC’s diverse programming and in ensuring a continuity of audience from one programme to the next. On ITV, in contrast, such material has to jostle for space and attention alongside advertising. Both the BBC and ITV, then, use trailing first and foremost to create attention for new programming. Sometimes it may be used in an attempt to boost programmes which are under-performing; an interesting example was the attempt, ultimately not achieved, to keep alive Albion Market, the Granada twice-weekly serial which failed to gain an audience in its Friday/Sunday slots. Clearly, the key question for the broadcasters is the placement of the trailers in the pre-existing schedule where viewers likely to sample the programme on offer might be found. The ‘watershed’ content rules of the family-viewing policy continue to operate for trailers, complicating trailer placement further. For most broadcasters the selection of spots seems to depend in the main on intuition, with notions of contiguity of interest and similarity of audience the main factors. In some organizations the broadcasters adopt a strategy similar to that of the advertising-space buyer, looking at ratings and demographics to maximize trailer impact. One function of trailers is to fill out time, when a programme, particularly an ‘American hour’ series episode, underruns the slot UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 37 time. American series run for 46 minutes, rather than the 52 minutes for British commercial programmes. IBA regulations allow a maximum of 7½ minutes of advertising for each hour, so the remainder has to be filled with presentations and trailers. One of the weapons used by the BBC in the attempt to regain its audience share was the aggressive undermining of these weak spots in the ITV schedule, so that programmes were started at their announced starting time to draw in audiences who were offered endless trailers as alternative viewing. One result of the continuing sequence of programmes, trailers, station identification, programme announcements, and, on commercial television, advertisements, is that the experience of watching television can be seen as one of consuming not discrete items but a continuous flow of material. Raymond Williams1 analyses television precisely as a flow, characterized by a lack of explicit connection between elements, and organized around the values of speed, variety and miscellany. The greater the competition for viewers in order to increase revenue directly the more marked the flow character of television becomes. This is because the flow helps to disguise the breaks in programmes and mask potential channel-switching moments.2 In fact, on close analysis it makes more sense to understand television not so much as a flow but rather as sets of relatively short segments, often grouped within programmes.3 Indeed some argue that, with greater access to video, with its facility to play, freeze, speed up, and slow down, the growth in channels, and the increased tendency to zap between channels, the viewer now has an ability to recompose television. Evidence about this form of viewer behaviour is still sparse, however, and the power of the scheduler is still a major element in the system of television. Complementary to on-air trailers are the promotion of programmes through the Radio Times and TV Times, and equally important, although out of the direct control of the broadcasters, daily and weekly newspaper coverage. Each programme journal is promoted on-air each week and there is close liaison with the ITV companies and the BBC channel controllers on the choice of front cover image. The importance of the TV Times and Radio Times can be gauged from their circulation figures and by the high price for display advertising in each journal. Interestingly they are important vehicles for advertisers to address the family audience so central to the whole ideology of television programming. Each enters homes across the nation and is read by a diverse audience from all classes, ages, and groups who use it to map their television 38 A SUITABLE SECHEDULE FOR THE FAMILY watching on to their own lived schedule. Both programme journals thus have an important relationship to the architecture of the schedule—on the one hand mapping it for the potential viewer, on the other promoting particular programmes. The central feature of all these elements is the perception that it is the family audience which is being addressed, first and foremost, although not exclusively. It is this notion which underpins and informs the construction of the schedule. In parallel with the television regime’s working practice which defines repetition as a fundamental structuring principle of most of its programming—on the basis that viewers more easily watch that with which they are familiar—the schedule is determined by notions of family life. Repetition inevitably has an inertial effect on the possibility of change and innovation. The set weekly pattern of programmes— Coronation Street invariably at 7.30 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, News at Ten virtually unmovable on weekday evenings, for example—has a large number of virtues for the broadcaster, and for the viewer. It allows a predictability of resource deployment within television organizations, and it makes particular schedule points easy to remember for audiences. The series and serial have come to dominate television to such an extent that even the single documentary is now usually anthologized under an umbrella series title, be it First Tuesday, Forty Minutes or Viewpoint. The key drawback to these practices is the increased difficulty faced by the one-off or quirky programme, which not only is hard to fit into the schedules, unless there is an overwhelming reason for its inclusion, but also necessitates a high degree of exposure and trailing, which will only pay off for a one-schedule slot. Hence, mini-series are preferable to one-off plays, and anthology titles begin to predominate; but the series or serial are the most cost-effective form. The fact that it is the concept of family viewing which dominates the construction of the schedule has been little studied. Even the recent work of David Morley, Peter Collett, and Michael Svennevig tends towards a realist account of TV watching by families.4 Peter Collett’s research used video cameras hidden over a television to observe viewing behaviour.5 This, and interviewing family members, offers interesting descriptions of actions, which are, however, not explained. An explanation of activity has to come to terms with the intentions of those organizing the time, as well as the various factors which affect both these actors and the changing formation of the family. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 39 Of course the advertising industry has long valued a knowledge of family consumption behaviour, and broadcasters have deployed versions of a family viewing policy over many years, even back to the early days of radio broadcasting. In the concerted campaign to attain a family viewing policy in the late 1950s there were overlapping concerns to control what should be shown when: those worried about the damaging effect of certain television programmes, particularly on children (a consistent preoccupation in many quarters), allied with the advertising industry’s desire for knowledge of, and a certain predictability about, the audience for their clients’ products at different times of the day. Every week the Broadcasters’ Audience Research Bureau (BARB) carries out various types of audience research, particularly about audience size and composition. It classifies the population by region (because of the federal/regional nature of the ITV system) in the following demographic categories: Males and Females by age (0–15, 16–24, 25–34, 45–54, 55–64, and 65+) and by class (AB, C1, C2, D, and E). It also subclassifies men as working/not working, and women/housewives (not always synonymous categories) as ‘working’ or ‘not working’. This demographic breakdown allows advertisers to target particular audiences for specific products. The patterns of TV programming reinforce preconceived ideas of family life, and the placement of advertisements overlays these programmes, but also determines in a circular way what sorts of programme are commissioned for particular slots. Advertising-space buyers organize spots across the schedule to achieve a particular audience profile with clear effects inside the commercial TV companies. Each company maintains an advertising sales force and develops a ‘marketing profile’ of its region, with detailed breakdowns of consumption habits, lifestyle, retail outlets, and population, aimed to induce new clients to advertise. The commercial channels are only half of the 1980s map of British broadcasting but their influence on the BBC has been crucial in determining the architecture of the schedule there, too. The introduction of the Tonight current affairs programme into the toddlers truce in 1957— the period between 6.00 and 7.00 had previously had no TV programmes on the assumption that parents needed this time to put their children to bed—was determined by the competitive environment. So too was the extended use of daytime, and the BBC’s decision to compete at breakfast time. This competitive environment is itself constrained by informal rules of public service standards, defined by an evolved web of 40 A SUITABLE SECHEDULE FOR THE FAMILY practices which have responded to pressures from different quarters over the years. The most fundamental changes in the broadcast schedule have occurred at times of flux. Many of the key dispositions were made soon after the introduction of commercial television during a period of fundamental reformulation of ground rules, political, social, and moral, in British society. Since then the fluidity of certain arrangements has to be attributed to the important interaction of broadcasting, the most important contemporary cultural medium, and the dominant political forces at any time. However, alongside fundamental changes there have been many continuities. What is now in question is how far the rules of scheduling informed by family-viewing principles remain appropriate to new regimes of broadcasting, particularly now that multiple satellitedelivered channels are available to households. With the increasing number of multi-set households the audience can be fragmented at any time of day. This leads to a possible economic viability for thematic and minority channels and forces broadcasting provision further into the market. Scheduling for the family may well become a historical curiosity if satellite uptake is significant. The Peacock Report in 1986 sought deregulation in broadcasting with the consumer deemed sovereign in his or her choice of programmes, for which payment would be made. The closing of the public service era of television will be determined by technological, political and economic considerations, and will be taking place at the same time as the reworking of social and political agendas. The notion of broadcasting as a public good, whereby each additional consumer adds nothing to production costs, and of public service as the key principle in programme provision for all segments of the population have been fundamentally questioned. However, the contradictions of a desire to deregulate alongside a wish to ensure the reduction in violent and sexual content have yet to be worked through. What is certain is that conceptions of the family and family life will be invoked when any regulations are created. A quick glance at the campaign against the video nasties in the early 1980s shows the effectiveness and power of such concerns. A suitable schedule for the family will certainly be uppermost in the minds of the legislators as they tackle the multichannel future. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 41 Notes 1 R.Williams, Television: Technology and Cultural Form, London: Fontana, 1974. 2 R.Altman, ‘Television sound’, in T.Modleski (ed.), Studies in Entertainment: Critical Approaches to Mass Culture, Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 1986. 3 J.Ellis, Visible Fictions, London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1982. 4 D.Morley, Family Television: Cultural Power and Domestic Leisure, London: Comedia, 1986. See also D.Morley, The ‘Nationwide’ Audience, London: British Film Institute, 1980; M.Svennevig, ‘The viewer viewed’, paper to the Second International Television Studies Conference, July 1986, University of London; B.Gunter and M.Svennevig, Behind and in Front of the Screen: Television’s Involvement with Family Life, London: Libbey, 1987. 5 P.Collett, ‘Watching the TV audience’, paper to the Second International Television Studies Conference, July 1986, University of London. Further reading Goodhardt, G.J., Ehrenberg, A.S.C., and Collins, M.A., The Television Audience: Patterns of Viewing, Farnborough: Saxon House, 1975, 2nd edn 1987. Gray, A., ‘Behind closed doors: video recorders in the home’, in Helen Baehr and Gillian Dyer (eds), Boxed In: Women and Television, London: Pandora, 1987. Lull, J., World Families Watch Television; London: Sage, 1988. Paterson, R., ‘Planning the family; the “art” of scheduling’, Screen Education, no. 35 (Summer 1980). Pilsworth, M. ‘An imperfect art—TV scheduling in Britain’, Sight and Sound, vol. 49, no. 4 (Autumn 1980). 3 TV NEWS: STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE? Andrew Goodwin What the BBC and ITN present as news is not news at all: it is pure, unadulterated bias. (Arthur Scargill) I would like to be able to read a newspaper or magazine, or watch the news on television, without having to make constant translations and adjustments for exaggerations and bias. (Princess Anne) For most people in Britain, television news remains the most pervasive and most trusted source of information about the world. Television news is generally given greater credence by the public than either newspapers or radio; probably because it is perceived to be less partisan than the press, and because it offers the ‘evidence’ of pictures that isn’t available on radio. News broadcasts are also some of television’s most popular sources of programming: the evening news programmes from the BBC and ITN regularly feature in the high spots of the ratings. Unsurprisingly, discussion of television news has been controversial and contentious. Much of it has centred on accusations of ‘bias’, and that debate will be the subject of this chapter. From radiovision to Birtism In the development of television news over the last forty years, three trends are clearly evident. First there has been a great expansion in the amount of news broadcast. Many new developments in British television have been built upon or around news programmes—breakfast television, the central role of ITN’s Channel 4 News in the fourth channel’s schedule, various proposals for all-news cable services like the USA’s Cable News Network. Secondly, the presentation of news has become increasingly popular in its tone. A great deal of television news UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 43 today is closer in style to the ‘popular’ press than the so-called ‘quality’ newspapers. Thirdly, news has become increasingly controversial, just like the events it represents. As the social and political consensus has broken down in postwar Britain, so television has encountered more and more problems in knowing how to represent that world. As a consequence, television news has found itself embroiled in numerous controversies about its handling of contentious stories: in the last ten years there have been major arguments about its coverage of Irish politics, the socalled ‘winter of discontent’ in 1979, the South Atlantic war of 1982, the 1984/5 miner’s strike, the US bombing of Libya in 1985, and its coverage throughout this period of Mrs Thatcher’s Conservative Party. The early days of British television have been described, by Asa Briggs, as the ‘era of Radiovision’.1 Television was seen as a service that provided radio, but with pictures. And so it was with news, where this notion informed the production of news bulletins as late as the mid-1950s. In the prewar period (1936–9), the BBC agreed with MGM and Gaumont to screen two of their film newsreels each week. When that arrangement broke down after the war, the BBC began to produce its own newsreel, starting in January 1948. The history of television news is full of surprises, and the first of these occurred now: television news was not produced by the News Division of the BBC, but by its Film Department. Until 1954 the News Division output was restricted to a 10-minute bulletin—in sound only! The script was read over a caption. When the News Division was finally allowed to produce its own programmes, with pictures, it continued to flout one of the golden rules of journalism, the drive for an ‘exclusive’—the BBC never had an ‘exclusive’ story because it would not run an item unless at least one news agency had confirmed it. Futhermore, although the new format (under the name News and Newsreel) employed pictures, its news values did not reflect the visual nature of the medium. The BBC’s news at this time was gathered, selected, and presented using news values derived from radio —‘picture value’ was not a consideration. These strange tales are significant, for two reasons. First, they point to a lack of a journalistic tradition in the BBC, which to this day rarely ‘breaks’ a story. TV news has been marked by a consistent lack of interest in ‘investigative’ journalism. This is relevant to the discussion of ‘bias’, as we shall see, for one mechanism that might generate bias in television news is the tendency for television to respond to a news agenda established by the press. 44 TV NEWS: STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE? Secondly, these remarks demonstrate a pervasive fear of the visual in British television. In news production this often meant that editors and producers were concerned that if picture value began to dictate news selection then more sophisticated (that is, literary) news values would suffer. The pioneering BBC producer Grace Wyndham Goldie puts it like this: If, in the opinion of an experienced news editor, a news story merited only twenty seconds, but there was some specially shot film of it which could not really make its point in less than half a minute, what should he do? Abandon news values and show the film even if this meant cutting the length of another and more important news story of which there was only meagre film illustration? But that would be an abandonment of BBC news standards.2 It is interesting to note that this comment from a television producer has found an echo among many critics of television, who are wont to bemoan the ‘trivialization’ involved in the predominance of visual imagery. The bestselling book Amusing Ourselves to Death, by US critic Neil Postman, makes exactly the same point—that television’s picture values are inherently inferior to those of print.3 It is also interesting to note that implicit in this fear of the visual is an acknowledgement that television is not in fact a ‘window on the world’, as is so often claimed by television professionals. News standards are derived from the broadcasters, not the world they seek to represent. And when television offers a photographic ‘reflection’ of it, the whole truth and nothing but the truth may not be the result. Eventually the BBC’s standards had to shift. The arrival of commercial television in 1955 led to the development of a very different kind of news broadcast. The commercial network set up a separate organization, Independent Television News (ITN), to produce a nightly bulletin very different in tone from the BBC’s. It had ‘newscasters’ (a term derived from television in the USA), including Robin (now Sir Robin) Day, who recalls: As one of ITN’s original newscasters, my job was to break with the BBC tradition of announcer-read national news. The ITN newscaster was to use his own knowledge and personal style. He was also to be a reporter going out to gather news with the camera crews.4 UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 45 ITN turned the news into a programme in its own right, adding entertainment values and developing the now familiar ‘tailpiece’ which wraps up each broadcast on a humorous or eccentric note. According to Day, ITN followed ‘a middle road between the BBC and the popular press’. The BBC maintained a more serious approach (it is impossible even now to imagine Reggie Bosanquet reading the BBC news), but made a number of concessions to the new style. It acquired personality newscasters and began to emulate ITN in both the selection and presentation of news. By the 1980s entertainment values had become so important for the popularity of news programmes that the BBC could lead off its main evening bulletin with an item about an incident concerning a fictional character— the shooting of J.R. on Dallas. In the 1980s three related trends have taken root. First, it should be noted that the rise of Thatcherism in British politics left the old liberal values of public service broadcasting somewhat high and dry. As British politics moved significantly to the right the degree of ‘fit’ between the political values of politicians and broadcasters was disturbed. The result was a barrage of complaints from the Conservative Party and other rightwing organizations that broadcasting was too ‘leftwing’. A second trend is the associated deregulation of the media and the related decentralization of television news. This is occurring mainly outside the existing broadcast networks (for instance, in cable and satellite television), but broadcast television has also decentralized some of its news output—for instance, London Weekend Television’s decision to ‘buy in’ a news service instead of producing it in-house.5 Thirdly, there is the phenomenon of ‘Birtism’. In 1975 The Times ran a series of articles by television producer John Birt and presenter Peter Jay which argued that television news harboured a ‘bias against understanding’. They complained that news was too superficial and made proposals designed to provide more analysis in the presentation of stories. John Birt went on to put his ideas into practice as producer of LWT’s Weekend World—a 60minute current affairs programme often entirely devoted to the analysis of one story. In 1987 Birt became Deputy DirectorGeneral at the BBC and began instituting some of his ideas. Whether this will redress the trend towards entertainment values in television news remains to be seen, but what it doesn’t address is the abiding accusation of ‘bias’ levelled at the broadcasters. 46 TV NEWS: STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE? Getting the balance right Because broadcasting was established as a monopoly (and thereafter as a duopoly) it was decided that, unlike the press, it should not be permitted to broadcast editorial opinion, as newspapers do in their ‘editorial’ pages (and, increasingly, in their news output also). From the very outset the broadcasters have been required to observe the strictures of impartiality. The Licence and Agreement which alongside the Royal Charter of 1926 established the BBC requires it to ‘refrain from…expressing the opinion of the Corporation on current affairs or matters of public policy’. Those principles still apply today. And similar passages were written into the various Acts of Parliament that established commercial broadcasting, obliging it to ‘observe due impartiality… as respects matters of political or industrial controversy or relating to current public policy’. The broadcasters have often substituted the term ‘balance’ for ‘objectivity’. This term wisely implies that while objectivity might not be possible, at least the range of possible interpretations is fairly represented. According to the strictures of balance, both or all sides of a conflict deserve a fair hearing in news coverage. Yet despite the ideology of balance, and the fact that television news seems to be so widely trusted, many critics have charged that ‘bias’ and not ‘balance’ is the word that most accurately describes it. Charges of bias have emanated from a wide range of sources, as the quotes that head this chapter suggest. But by far the most comprehensive objections come from the Left and the trade union movement. The most ambitious and controversial criticism of television news have come from the Glasgow University Media Group, whose work now spans more than ten years of research and has been very influential in the British labour movement. In Really Bad News, members of the Glasgow Media Group state: Our conclusion was that television is biased to the extent that it violates its formal obligations to give a balanced account. Our research also led us to discover that the broadcast institutions are extremely hierarchical, that close links exist between them and a range of ‘official’ and ‘accepted’ sources. The result of this is that the news gives preferential treatment to some ways of seeing the world. The Glasgow Group’s best-known studies emerged from their first research project, which looked at television news on all channels UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 47 in the first half of 1975. (This study was first written up in the book Bad News and is summarized, along with most of the group’s work, in Really Bad News.6) During this period they tested their hypothesis that television news systematically favoured socially dominant groups by investigating its coverage of a whole series of different stories, including the topic of inflation and its causes (a major story at that time). In this study they found that television news tended to offer one explanation for inflation (high wages) far more often than other competing explanations (rising prices, the energy crisis, economic recession, the nature of the capitalist economic system). The group found that during the first four months of 1975 there were 287 occasions when views supportive of the government’s policy of wage restraint were aired, while opposing positions were broadcast only seventeen times. These kinds of statistics are representative of many they cite, and give an insight into their method, which is generally that of conducting an analysis of news coverage of a particular theme and then comparing it to interpretations that have been offered outside the media. Invariably the group find that television’s explanations draw from a narrow range of views that tend to favour the rich and the powerful. Importantly, the group do not suggest that these are random, occasional errors. They seek to show that television routinely engages in a form of tunnel vision that favours one area of the political spectrum and one side of industry. It is no use, in the face of this, for broadcasters to object (as they sometimes have) that all reporting involves some degree of error. That is not in dispute. Of course it does not substantiate the bias argument to discover inaccuracies or mistakes in news coverage. It has to be shown that the errors are routine and— most importantly—that they systematically work to favour one side of the story. The Glasgow Group claim to have discovered this. They argue that industrial coverage tends to emphasize disputes at the expense of many other kinds of stories, and systematically excludes the work trade unions undertake when they are not involved in strikes. Union activity is represented almost entirely in terms of strikes and is portrayed as irrational and unmotivated. Furthermore the language used by reporters and presenters is far from impartial. References to the ‘car workers’ strike’ or the ‘railman’s dispute” imply that the workers are the cause of the strike, not management or the government. And whereas terms such as ‘reject’, ‘demand’, and ‘threaten’ are used when referring to unions and workers, the group note that more positive terms 48 TV NEWS: STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE? such as ‘offer’ or ‘promise’ are used where employers are concerned. The Glasgow Group’s criticisms do not stop there, however. They charge that the selection of interviewees on television reflects further bias, and in their study of a strike involving Glasgow dustcart workers in 1975 they note that not one striker was interviewed. The location of interviews is also important. When workers are shown on streets and picket lines, this gives them less credibility than managers and government spokespersons who are shown with all the authority of large desks and book-lined rooms. And while the broadcasters claim that the often hostile line and tone of questioning is simply a case of the interviewer playing ‘Devil’s advocate’, the Glasgow Group give examples where a much softer line is adopted for employers and government representatives. It is also central to their case that when opposing views are presented, in an effort to maintain balance, they rarely act to structure the overall framework of debate: Information which contradicts the dominant view, if it appears at all, exists as fragments and is never explored by news personnel as a rational alternative explanation. It is not used by them as a way of organising what they cover, or selecting what they film, or structuring their interviews. In other words, oppositional views appear, but only within a framework set out by their opponents. This is the phenomenon of ‘agenda setting’, where the media do not only distort the world that is represented, but help to structure public perception of it by omission as well as inclusion. The media might not tell us what to think, but perhaps they tell us what to think about. Certain questions are taken for granted in television coverage of news: it is assumed that ‘we’ all want what is best for ‘Britain’, that ‘we’ want the strike to end, that ‘we’ are opposed to ‘extremism’ and that ‘moderation’ is always desirable. Whether or not we do in fact agree with these assumptions, the point is that these beliefs are usually implied, and work to structure the whole framework of debate, regardless of examples of distortion in reporting. If it seems outrageous to suggest that television news omits questions such as the positive effects of strikes on worker solidarity and the possible advantages to be gained from ‘damaging’ Britain’s economy (weakening British capitalism, for instance) that is merely evidence of how powerfully it has set the agenda for coverage of industrial disputes. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 49 It is important to understand that the Glasgow Group are not proposing a conspiracy thesis, in which broadcasters and the powerful plot to brainwash the public. They regard much of this bias to be the result of the unconscious professional practices and class background of television journalists, editors, and producers. In an earlier draft of this chapter, I wrote the phrase ‘the miner’s strike’ at one point, without thinking of its implications, because (like many journalists) I am habituated to hearing such formulations. The ‘bias’ was far from deliberate or conscious…and it was not the result of a conspiracy! Another side of the story Of the many critics of the Glasgow Media Group, the broadcasters themselves have been the most public and the least sophisticated. They have accused the group of political bias and cast doubt on their methods, but in such a defensive manner that anyone considering their response is bound to conclude that the Glasgow Group must have hit a very sensitive nerve.7 The most telling response has been the broadcasters’ suggestion that television news is inevitably limited in its explanatory power and that the full story is to be found in current affairs programmes. But of course the audience for news broadcasts is often ten times bigger than the audience for current affairs, so this would hardly outweigh any bias. In any case, current affairs programming is supposed to be designed to offer greater depth of coverage, not to act as an antidote to political partiality. That is why Birtism is not a counterweight to political bias. A marginally more advanced complaint has come from Professor Alastair Hetherington (ex-Guardian editor and former Controller of BBC Scotland). Professor Hetherington’s own content analyses of industrial relations have been rather slight, but he has used them to suggest that the bias critique is entirely wrong. During the 1984–5 coal dispute he attempted to disavow the critics of television news by demonstrating that its coverage devoted more airtime to the striking miners than than to their employers, the National Coal Board.8 However, critics of the media have never disputed the repeated finding that workers tend to receive more airtime than employers. Indeed, it is the invisibility of key economic and investment decision-makers that is part of television’s bias; the Left have for years bemoaned the lack of coverage of ‘investment strikes’, for instance. It is of course the quality not the quantity that must be the yardstick in this kind of 50 TV NEWS: STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE? research. A large amount of negative coverage is hardly something that anyone will have cause to celebrate. The broadcasters did succeed in opening up the bias debate when ITN granted researcher Martin Harrison access to transcripts of the same news bulletins analysed in the early Glasgow Media Group studies. In his book TV News: Whose Bias? Harrison presents a series of criticisms of the group’s methods and conclusions that focus on three areas of complaint. The first of these is the group’s belief that there is a ‘dominant’ view of society that is slavishly reproduced by the media. This might be termed the dominant ‘ideology’—a set of ideas that are seen as natural and obvious, but which in fact serve to legitimate the status quo. Harrison not only rejects the view that the media do this, he refutes the whole notion of a dominant ideology. In this, I believe that he is wrong and the Glasgow Group are right. But in establishing his argument he makes the important point that the views and opinions attributed to the dominant group also seem to be rather widespread among other social groups, including workers and trade unionists. For instance, the charge that the language of demand/offer and threaten/promise is biased seems rather weak when we consider that this is often just how trade unionists themselves talk. It may be that many views held by workers and trade unionists that are a part of the dominant ideology are widespread because of media influence. But that doesn’t address the issue, since critics of news bias hold that the media distort the views of the public, regardless of where they came from in the first place. Secondly, Harrison questions the group’s conclusion that television news transmits a one-sided view of social conflict. He notes that their methodology is often rather impressionistic, relying on the presentation of argument with illustration as opposed to more scientific forms of content analysis. The problem here, of course, is that it is always possible to select those examples which best suit your argument, ignoring counter-evidence. But Harrison also argues that the group misinterpret some of their data. He quotes from More Bad News thus: In the phrase ‘the strikers are demanding a pay rise of £10 per week’ the strikers are alien to mankind in general— strikers are not you or me, they are somebody else. Thus when it is our strike, we are cut out of the message. Harrison comments: UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 51 The words ‘alien to mankind in general’, which might have been expected to confirm or illustrate the assertion do not in fact do so: instead they say something different and weaker…. Is it suggested that any use of the third person in news reporting treats those concerned as ‘alien to mankind in general’, or that third person accounts of any event in which we are involved…‘cut us out of the message’—or are these facts in some mysterious way peculiar to strikers? Harrison concludes of the group’s method: ‘What they present is their preferred reading, without any demonstration that this was actually preferred by either the broadcasters or the audience.’ This points towards a third area that Harrison finds problematic —the question of audience interpretation. If academics like Harrison and the Glasgow Group can disagree on the meaning of television news, who can say how the television audience reacts? There is a paradox at the heart of the bias argument. For while it insists that television news is transmitting a ‘dominant’ view, it is always based on a quite different reading of the news from the one attributed to the audience! We know from audience research that people can react quite differently to the same message, depending on their predispositions. Therefore, any analysis of the media that bases itself on the assumption that television news has only one meaning is bound to be faced with limitations. An example is the question of interview settings. Why do the bias critics assume that everyone gives credence to someone sitting at a desk in a booklined room? Many of us are immediately sceptical of anyone appearing in this setting! We might be more inclined to believe a worker outside a factory gate, on the grounds that s/he has experience of the issues s/he is talking about. This brings us to another problem in the bias approach. Apparently groups throughout society believe that television and the media are biased against them. Fascists and neo-Nazis see a liberal/communist conspiracy against their ideas. Moralists and upholders of Victorian virtues such as Mary Whitehouse and her National Viewers and Listeners Association also see a permissive liberal bias. The Social Democratic Party (before it merged with the Liberals) also complained about bias, and on one occasion took the broadcasters to court to obtain more airtime for their party political broadcasts. And the most notable convert to the bias school of research with regard to television news is the Conservative Party, which launched a monitoring unit to detect anti-Tory bias in 1986. Tory Director of Communications Harvey Thomas even took time at the 1985 party conference to adopt 52 TV NEWS: STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE? some of the jargon of academic media research, accusing the media of anti-Conservative ‘agenda setting’. TV news: striking the right balance? Colin Sparks claims to perceive ‘a new wave of “revisionist” writing about TV news’ which attempts to let the broadcasters off the hook. Citing the research of Hetherington and Harrison alongside a report published by the Broadcasting Research Unit entitled Television and the Miners’ Strike, Sparks initiated an important debate in the pages of Media, Culture and Society.9 The BRU’s paper combines a year-long content analysis of TV news during the 1984–5 coal dispute with audience surveys designed to investigate public perception of the coverage. Their conclusions amount to a significant critique of the bias paradigm, since they believe that ‘the content analysis and the public opinion surveys support the notion that “balance” was usually achieved’ and that ‘concerns that the media set the agenda for public perceptions of issues are not supported by our data’.10 These findings are especially important given the ‘test case’ nature of the coal dispute. If bias is not present here, in one of the most bitter industrial disputes in British history, then surely it must be an invention of the Left? However, it is worth noting that Television and the Miners’ Strike makes two points that sustain the bias argument. First, it argues that there was a tendency for coverage to privilege social effects over causes. Second, it states that ‘balance of ideas (such as the right to work—versus the right to strike) was less evident’. Television and the Miner’s Strike has itself been subject to a number of scathing critiques. Sparks suggests that this research is itself politically biased, and that the detailed findings of the work contradict the report’s conclusions. This is also my view, and is buttressed by the fact that in the subsequent debate the authors do not, in my opinion, adequately meet the criticisms that are made of their work. You can assess the debate yourself by reading the report and the arguments that followed. Perhaps the most serious and savage criticism that can be made of the bias argument is that it is mounted as a smoke screen designed to cover up other problems. ‘Blaming the media’, as Ian Connell calls it in an essay on media bias, can become an excuse for not addressing the real causes of unpopularity or indifference from union members or the general public. Television bias can thus be both a self-fulfilling prophesy (if you believe that the news is inevitably against you, what’s the point in bothering with news UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 53 management?) and a form of (self-)deception. There is a sense in which the perception of bias is actually comforting to some people, since it confirms their view of a media conspiracy (if the media hate us, we must be right!) and offers a painless explanation for political unpopularity. It is also a propaganda tool that can be used to divert attention away from the failings of politicians. These arguments against the bias paradigm come, surprisingly perhaps, from the Left, where the most sophisticated and challenging criticisms of the bias critique are usually to be found. The most damning review of the Glagow Group’s work has come not from the broadcasters, but in a review of More Bad News written by Ian Connell and published in the Communist Party journal Marxism Today. Like Harrison, Connell first and most fundamentally takes issue with the view that conservative ideas are transmitted from the top to the bottom of society. In his review of More Bad News, he notes that the notion of wages-led inflation was widely held throughout the British labour movement: ‘The basic economic ideology spoken of in More Bad News was not dominant simply because it was advanced by the politically powerful. It was dominant…because it framed the economic issues for…subordinate groups also.’10 The Glasgow Group argue that the broadcasters have failed to achieve balance, in that alternative and oppositional political and economic philosophies are largely absent from their agenda. Connell argues, on the other hand, that the broadcasters are only required to take account of the weight of public opinion holding these philosophies. So, for instance, while there may be a minority of citizens in the criminal fraternity who believe that it is right and proper to make a living by robbing banks, their views are not considered a suitable component in the balance of financial news. Perhaps it should be so, but this is not how balance has been understood. There are of course many political groups who hold competing explanations of the social and economic world who receive little or no sympathetic coverage on television news broadcasts— terrorists, fascists, anarchists, and revolutionary socialists are generally excluded by virtue of their lack of public support and/or their rejection of the rules of the game of political life in a parliamentary democracy. Given that the broadcasters could not conceivably aim to reflect every viewpont in society, however unpopular, there is a sense in which they are legitimately biased. A former Director-General of the BBC, Sir Charles Curran, said as much when he commented: 54 TV NEWS: STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE? One of my senior editors said recently, in a phrase which I treasure: ‘Yes, we are biased—biased in favour of parliamentary democracy.’ And I agree with him. It is our business to contribute to the debate by making available to the widest general public the opinions of those who are directly engaged in it.11 Some will object that this does in fact reveal bias, towards those ideas which are viewed as ‘legitimate’ as opposed to those ideas that are not. I happen to agree with them. But that does not remove the central problem raised here in the clash between Connell and the Glasgow Group— namely, that ‘impartiality’ cannot possibly mean that all competing accounts of political, social, and economic events should receive equal and equitable coverage in television news, no matter how slight their popular currency. Connell’s objection to the Glasgow Group on this score is that they misread the terms of the broadcasters’ right to broadcast, where obligations to observe ‘due impartiality’ include a requirement to consider the numbers of people who give support or credence to the competing frameworks of explanation available in any given set of events. Therefore it becomes pointless to complain about ‘bias’ in coverage of inflation, when a large degree of parliamentary consensus did in fact exist on the question of the role of wages, extending into the trade union and labour movement itself. It is futile to bemoan ‘bias’ in coverage of Ireland, because bi-partisan policies adopted by government and opposition are adequately represented in television news. It becomes absurd to complain about bias in coverage of the Labour Left, when the parliamentary leadership of the Labour Party is itself orchestrating the anti-Left propaganda. In other words, this argument states that television news does offer a balanced view, but it is one based on the limits of Parliamentary consensus. Bias and beyond We need to be clear about the nature of these complaints. ‘Bias’ is not the opposite of ‘truth’. All news reporting implies a point of view —in the selection of stories, the placement of cameras, the choice of locations, the selection of interviewees, and the content and tone of the language used by reporters and presenters. The real issue is whether the range of biases represented is fair. In other UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 55 words, does it adequately reveal the range of points of view held by the public? The debate between the Glasgow Media Group and its critics has been posed here as a very polarized one; indeed, this is often how it has been conducted. There is, however, some middle ground. As Richard Collins has suggested, it is feasible to accept the criticisms of the Glasgow Group’s methodology, without rejecting all their findings. Collins is hostile to the Glasgow Group’s methods, but he is still able to show that even Harrison’s rather mild critique of ITN turns up evidence of bias, and that some of this is neglected in Harrison’s analysis of his own data—the ITN transcripts. Harrison fails to note that, in a series of items about a SOGAT strike at Mirror Group Newspapers in 1975, ITN twice placed responsibility for the dispute with the union, not the employer who had sacked 1,750 members of its workforce. Collins concludes: It is an extraordinary omission that would demand at least qualification if not revision of his vindication of ITN…. The majority of the items [in the ITN transcripts] attribute responsibility for the dispute to workers, not employers. Harrison’s account is no less open to criticism of selective attention to data than are those of the Glasgow Group.12 More fundamentally, while Connell may well be correct to suggest that television news adequately reflects the balance of parliamentary forces, that does not rule out bias, given that Parliament is in many ways an extremely unrepresentative institution, which reproduces imbalances of class, race, and gender that are evident throughout British society. It is one thing to say that broadcasting upholds the ideals of parliamentary democracy (as Sir Charles Curran states), but quite another to suggest that the broadcasters therefore take their political agenda solely from the existing balance of forces in a particular Parliament, or from the leadership of the mainstream political parties (Connell’s argument). It could be argued, following Connell’s lead, that television news attempts to reflect the balance of opinion in public debate. But that would not rule out bias, partly because ‘public opinion’ is often understood in relation to a generally rightwing press (which frequently funds the opinion polls) and partly because we know that some groups debate their problems more openly than others. Even if television does ‘reflect’ the form these debates take in parliamentary democracy it is in the nature of these institutions 56 TV NEWS: STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE? that the resulting coverage can still suffer from bias. Journalists will find it easier to obtain stories on more open organizations, where on-going debate can be parleyed into the dramatic action on which they need to hang stories (the Labour Party, trade unions, the Liberal Democrats) than organizations that control access and information more tightly (the Conservative Party, the police and armed forces, private companies). Conservative politicians in the liberal democracies of the west have repeatedly made exactly this point about media coverage of European and North American nations vis-à-vis the Soviet Union and eastern bloc countries. There is another area where the Harrison and Connell critiques do not quite meet the point of the bias argument. This concerns the language used on television news. Connell and Harrison object that the Glasgow Group’s charge of bias on the grounds of the imbalanced use of terms like ‘offer/demand’ and ‘promise/reject’ (and in the use of phrases such as ‘the miner’s strike’) is phony— because this is how workers and trade unionists actually speak about such disputes. But this does not meet the point. Television news is nowhere charged with a responsibility to reproduce the actual language used by the protagonists in political and industrial affairs. (Journalists spend much of their professional lives improving upon the language used by elite figures in public affairs, after all, when they write up interviews. And television usually censors obscene or racist language.) So while Harrison and Connell are correct to alert our attention to the presence of ‘biased’ linguistic formulations outside television, that doesn’t let the broadcasters off the hook at all. Furthermore, while the arguments about differing audience interpretations should lead to scepticism about any ‘scientific’ analysis of television texts (be it sociological or semiological), this does not totally invalidate those critics who see bias. It may well be that the Glasgow Group are picking up one set of readings. My experience of teaching trade unionists about news tells me that the Glasgow work certainly resonates very strongly amongst committed labour movement activists and is often greeted with a great degree of recognition amongst working-class students generally, regardless of activism. Even if it is true that the bias critique is only one way of reading of the news, it is sufficiently widespread to give cause for concern. Critics of the bias argument will say that if bias is perceived, then it doesn’t matter, since it can have no effect. The answer to this is two-pronged. First, those activists who have access to other frameworks of meaning that override news bias are also surely entitled to news from their point of view, just like middle-of-the-road uncommitted viewers. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 57 At present, there is no news for viewers committed to the trade union movement, and/or those to the left of centre. That, surely, is what the Glasgow Group’s work is actually saying, and it is a perfectly legitimate complaint. Secondly, we have no idea what the effect of news bias is upon viewers who do not have access to frameworks of meaning other than those provided by television news. It does not imply any commitment to simplistic ‘hypodermic needle’ theories of media effects, or prestructuralist analysis of ‘monosemic’ texts (where texts are assumed to have only one essential meaning, for everyone), to suggest that there are probably some effects for some viewers. It has become fashionable to regard the bias paradigm as outdated on two grounds, each of which is bogus. First it is suggested that all bias critiques are based on some form of conspiracy theory. This is not so. It is quite possible to argue for non-conspiratorial explanations of news bias. Indeed, it is possible to argue that autonomy from social leverage is an explanation for bias, since journalists come from class backgrounds that don’t lend themselves to an understanding of working-class culture, and are usually imbued with a fairly vague political liberalism which is hostile both to socialist and Thatcherite ideals. Left to its own devices, television news would be more than capable of all kinds of biases. One area of unconscious bias obviously derives from news values themselves. One of the classic values employed in selecting news is ‘negativity’, and when this is combined with ‘frequency’ (news has to be as ‘new’ as the publication or broadcast presenting it) the effect is often of a barrage of bad things happening in the world which seem to have no rhyme or reason. One of the Conservative Party’s complaints has been that when they close a hospital ward, that is news; but when they build a new hospital, that isn’t news. Hence broadcasting creates an image of a heartless, uncaring Conservative government, through the bias of news selection. This is exactly the argument that trade unionists have been making for years about strikes. When we go to work, they say, that isn’t news. When we go on strike, that is news. Hence broadcasting creates an image of a lazy workforce willing to strike at the drop of a shop steward’s hat. Here, bias in news values themselves creates the problem. A second area of philosophical objection to the term ‘bias’ arises when it is argued that all media language is ‘constructed’ and that therefore any methodology basing itself on the complaint of ‘distortion’ is innocently mimetic. Media representations are not ‘reflections’, say these critics, (this is true), and so the complaint 58 TV NEWS: STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE? that the reflection is imperfect must be misplaced (which is not necessarily true). It is quite plausible to believe that all media images are constructed and still maintain that some constructions are more truthful than others. Surely there are competing explanations of social reality, and surely all factual statements are also statements of value. But none of this means that there are not real events in the actual world that do take place and unreal events in the minds of policemen, politicians, and Coal Board officials that do not take place. These arguments should not prevent us from noticing that some explanations receive more attention and validation than others. The accusation of ‘bias’ does not have to be epistemologically naive or methodologically unsound, and some critics of these charges may well be accused in their turn of oversimplifying the case made for it. It is certainly true that left-leaning seekers of bias have not always been as rigorous as they might, and that some arguments made against television news are quite invalid. It is also true that if there is a rightwing or middle-of-the-road case against television news, it has yet to show itself in any body of scholarly works. For the time being, the broadcasters seem content to note that they are often shot by both sides, with Thatcherites and socialists complaining about bias. They sometimes take solace in this, since they seem to believe that when each side complains, they must be getting it ‘right’. The broadcasters prefer not to hear that this very assumption, based as it is on the notion that the ‘truth’ exists somewhere in the middle of every debate, is itself a forceful political bias. Moderation remains the ‘extremist’ political dogma of television news. Notes My thanks to John Field for his comments on an earlier version of this article. 1 Asa Briggs, The History of Broadcasting in the United Kingdom, vol. 4: Sound and Vision, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1979. 2 Grace Wyndham Goldie, Facing the Nation: Television and Politics, 1936–75, London: Bodley Head, 1977. 3 Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business, London: Penguin, 1985. 4 Quoted in Philip Schlesinger, op. cit. in Further reading. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 59 5 See the arguments of television news producer David Cox, ‘A new life for TV news: revitalisation can only come from outside’, Listener, 31 December 1987. 6 In addition to Really Bad News (see Further reading), the Glasgow University Media Group’s books are: Bad News (London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1976), More Bad News (London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1980), and War and Peace News (Milton Keynes: Open University Press, 1985). 7 See the review of press coverage in Gillian Skirrow, ‘More Bad news —a review of the reviews’. Screen, vol. 21, no. 2 (Summer 1980). 8 See Hetherington’s contribution to a debate at the 1984 Edinburgh International Television Conference, reprinted in ‘Scargill takes on the telly men’, New Socialist, October 1984. 9 See Colin Sparks, ‘Striking results’ and John Brown, Robin McGregor, and Guy Cumberbatch, ‘Tilting at windmills: an attempted murder by misrepresentation’, Media, Culture and Society, vol. 9, no. 3 (1987); Martin Barker, ‘News bias and the miners’ strike: the debate continues…’, and Guy Cumberbatch et al., ‘Arresting knowledge: a response to the debate about TV and the Miners’ Strike’, Media, Culture and Society, vol. 10, no. 1 (1988); Greg Philo, ‘Television and the Miners’ Strike—a note on method’, Media, Culture and Society, vol. 10, no. 4 (1988). 10 Guy Cumberbatch, Robin McGregor, and John Brown, with David Morrison, Television and the Miners’ Strike, London: Broadcasting Research Unit, 1986, p. 135. 11 Ian Connell, review of More Bad News, Marxism Today, August 1980. 12 Quoted in Stuart Hall, Ian Connell, and Lidia Curti, ‘The “Unity” of Current Affairs Television’, Working Papers in Cultural Studies no. 9, Birmingham: Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies, University of Birmingham, 1976. 13 Richard Collins, ‘Bad News and bad faith: the story of a political controversy’, Journal of Communication, Autumn 1980. Further reading Connell, Ian, ‘Blaming the media’, in Len Masterman (ed.), TV Mythologies, London: Comedia, 1985. Glasgow University Media Group, Really Bad News, London: Writers and Readers Co-operative, 1982. Harrison, Martin, TV News: Whose Bias?, London: Policy Journals, 1985. Schlesinger, Philip, Putting Reality Together: BBC News, London: Constable, 1978. 4 POINTS OF VIEW Rosalind Brunt I want in this chapter to indicate what’s involved in ‘asking the right questions’ about the television text. In particular, I’ll be drawing on studies that have adopted contemporary Marxist, linguistic, and cultural theories to provide a new vocabulary for media research. I cannot explore much of the intellectual ‘underpinnings’ of these theories, so I’ve indicated some of their sources in the notes.1 My starting point will be to mobilize some of these new terms and then take the breakfast television programme, Good Morning Britain, as a concrete example of the sort of questions we might usefully ask about ‘pictures of the world’. Texts and ideologies The new research paradigm has been characterized by Stuart Hall as a concern with ‘the ideological effect’ of television:2 how ideologies work in and through television. It is based on a recognition that television communicates meanings, values, and beliefs. These communications are not just individual ‘matters of opinion”, purely personal points of view, but messages that are socially produced in particular circumstances and made culturally available as shared explanations of how the world works. In other words, they are ‘ideologies’, explanatory systems of belief. I think a researcher needs to approach them by asking three preliminary questions. First, how do ideologies work as ‘configurations’ of meaning: how do they hang together and crystallize as particular systems of belief? Secondly, who believes them? How are they interpreted as ‘collective representations’ of particular social groups? Finally, how are they located? What are the historical circumstances that gave rise to these sets of ideas or ‘world views’, and what are the continuing material conditions, the political, economic, and institutional orders that support their existence? UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 61 Having a general notion of ‘ideology’ that alerts the researcher to these three aspects of configuration, collective representation, and context requires a methodological approach based on an ‘interpretative explanation’ of the television message. Because the ‘ideological effect’ is about the giving and taking of meanings and how both producers and receivers of messages ‘make sense of what is culturally on offer, the task of the researcher is to interpret the ‘value-orientation’ of the messages and render their ideological configurations intelligible and explicit. How this has typically been done is by the method of ‘textual reading’, concentrating on individual television messages—say, one programme in a series. This is then treated as a ‘text’ to be ‘read’/ interpreted in terms of its wider ideological significance.3 The choice of taking just one programme as a ‘text’ is not only a recognition of the sheer amount of time it takes to make any detailed reading. It is also an acknowledgement that, whilst each programme is unique and unrepeatable, it is, nevertheless, precisely to the extent that it is communicating, composed of recognizable and understandable provinces of meaning. In just the same way that all ‘news’ is in some sense also ‘olds’, any television message can be seen as having some ‘typical’ characteristic or representative significance. The question of ‘point of view’ is crucial here. For a ‘reading’ requires both that the ‘angle’ of the research is made clear—just what is being highlighted as ‘significant’?—and that the ‘text’ is explained in terms of the particular perspectives that make it meaningful to its audiences. Using the one example of Good Morning Britain, I want to demonstrate how such a reading might work. What follows then is not itself a detailed textual interpretation; it’s rather a sort of checklist, or notes for guidance for examining television in terms of ideological effect. Institutional context Good Morning Britain is a programme transmitted every weekday between 7.00 and 9.00 a.m. by TV-AM, an Independent Television company granted a franchise in 1983. It is a ‘magazine’ programme, hosted by two presenters, interspersed with halfhourly news and weather bulletins and containing a mix of news, commentary, and entertainment features. In my view, an adequate textual analysis of any television programme should first be related to some account of its political economy: that is, a study of the economic context of production that draws out the political consequences of ownership and 62 POINTS OF VIEWS control. In the case of Good Morning Britain, this means addressing issues like: the commercial history of the television station (for example, TV-AM’s drastic changes of management and ownership; its conflict with the unions over new working practices); the relationship with the regulatory body of ITV, the Independent Broadcasting Authority (the IBA’s continued attempts to insert more ‘hard news’ content and maintain broadcast standards against the station’s commercial pull to be more ‘entertainment-led’); the role of advertising (the need for high audience ratings to maximize the advertising revenue which is ITV’s main income, combined with the ‘market-penetration’ of specific ‘target’ audiences like schoolchildren and parents of babies and toddlers); the publicity context (the programme as feature of other media via tabloid and women’s magazine journalism, particularly the ‘star’ treatment of presenters and the packaging of Anne Diamond— ‘I think of myself as a commodity’— and her status as ‘Britain’s most famous unmarried mum’). Such elements of a political economy serve as important indicators of how a programme works as a commodity. Good Morning Britain is a product which, in classic Marxist terms, has both a ‘use value’ (it offers its audiences, according to the standard British broadcasting formula, ‘information, entertainment and education’), and also an ‘exchange value’ (it is a product offered on the marketplace for money). The inherent problem of commodity production is that the moneymaking exchange value may predominate over the programme-making use value. Indeed, that, in summary, is the whole ‘troubled history’ of TV-AM. At the same time, the programme content of Good Morning Britain cannot just be ‘read off’ in any simple way by reference to the overriding concern of its station managers to make money by cost-cutting and audience-maximization strategies. Political economy militates against an ‘innocent’ reading of the television text by pointing to what sets its limits: the key institutional parameters within which the message is produced. But a researcher has to be careful to avoid any ‘vulgar’ economic determinism in making this connexion; that is, to beware of seeing content as straightforwardly and overwhelmingly determined by its production context. Analysing the text Let’s assume that a researcher approaches a textual analysis of Good Morning Britain already sensitively attuned to the likely implications of its commodity function. The next task would be UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 63 some ‘gross reckoning’ of programme items to get an overall sense of the programme’s agenda. This would involve watching a run of individual programmes for comparative purposes and doing some preliminary categorization and quantification of content. It would then require giving some evidence of this, as a demonstration of accuracy, before moving to the third stage, the interpretation of a single programme. In my case, any illustration of this second task of basic content analysis will have to be taken on trust! The Good Morning Britain that I’ve chosen as ‘typical’ was transmitted on 27 October 1987. In addition to its regular informational bulletins, the day’s programmes can be roughly categorized as a mixture of ‘serious’, news-related items and ‘lighthearted’ personality/showbiz items, as follows: ‘serious’ discussion of a forthcoming parliamentary bill to restrict abortion; a conference on the electronic ‘tagging’ of prisoners; the 25-year sentence passed on ‘an IRA bombmaker’ the previous day; ‘lighthearted’ interviews with an actor on a current children’s programme (Jon Pertwee), and with a Cockney boxer-turned-filmcelebrity (‘Nosher’ Powell); plus regular features like the Popeye cartoon and ‘access’ slots like Popshots (photographs of viewers combined with a current hit song) and Post Host (viewers’ letters compiled by a celebrity presenter). There were two additional items that combined the elements of both these categories in terms of ‘soft news’: speculation about the marriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and an examination of a new portrait of the current members of the House of Commons. Now to ask what in the world any of this list of contents might actually ‘mean’, the programme has to be approached as if it’s a most peculiar phenomenon indeed. For interpretative work is not the same as ordinary viewing which is likely to be casual and routine and take place in an environment full of distractions. Textual analysis requires some degree of critical distance or ‘making strange’ in order to ‘deconstruct’ a programme, unpack its constituent elements and work out exactly what is going on. This is because all television programmes inhabit deeply familiar terrains—which is what makes them so effective as mass communications—and as viewers we usually ‘know where we are with them’. As interpreters of programmes, we both have to draw on our own familiarity with the culture and the knowledge gained from routine television watching, whilst at the same time ‘defamiliarizing’ a specific text by recognizing, highlighting, and spelling out precisely those elements it takes for granted, which are presumed to be so obvious to all viewers that they almost ‘go without saying’. 64 POINTS OF VIEWS To get at any programme’s underlying assumptions, a productive starting point is the question of mode of address: how is the programme speaking to its viewers? who is the programme appealing to? what ‘tone of voice’ or ‘accent’ does it adopt towards its assumed audience? A first consideration might be the programme’s title. Unusually for British television, Good Morning Britain takes the form of a direct address to viewers. Its bold claim is that the audience is not merely a large number of British people but an entire national formation: their interests are, by definition alone, the national interest. GMB’s title addresses its audience as ‘you’, but its presenters use ‘you’ and ‘we’ pronouns interchangeably in a way that brings the unseen audience ‘out there’ into the programme’s ambit ‘in here’, the television studio. How personal pronouns are used is crucial to establishing a common identity between presenter and audience. The use of ‘we’ means both that ‘we’ the presenters are just like ‘you’ the ordinary viewer, really, but also that we=you=Britain in the sense of ‘we in this country would all agree, wouldn’t we?’ The way a programme implicates its views in its address is reinforced by its forms of presentation—time slot, format, continuity, studio setting, camera conventions, etc. To take one example, the basic studio setting of GMB is large sofas, table for coffee-serving, picture window ‘view’, monitor for beaming in news inserts and filmed extracts. What this ‘says’ is informality and relaxation before the start of a ‘working’ day. But little of visual interest happens on the set apart from guests and presenters changing places on the sofas. The main element is verbal: the programme is held together by talk. The talk repertoire is primarily conversational, as instanced in bantering between guests and presenters, repeated first-naming, effusive thanks, informal comments, anecdotes, and references to media gossip. The programme’s predominant tone of voice is one of chatty informality as presenters manage a constant interplay between studio conversation across the sofas and appeals to the viewer via the convention of direct address to camera. It is most evident in the continuity links and handovers: 7.58 a.m. (Fade out Popshots; fade in ‘The Weathergirl’ dancing to Popshots hit in front of smiley-type weather chart). Trish Williams: (to camera) One of my favourite bands! Well, let’s see if that’ll get into the Top Ten. Well, the weather. Although the temperatures are certainly getting up there…. The weather is UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 65 moving up, actually, from the Mediterranean. They’re having incredible temperatures there…. Now back to Richard. Richard Keys: Trish, thank you very much indeed. (To camera) This is Good Morning Britain. It’s exactly 8.00 a.m. Time for us to say a very good morning to Gordon Honeycombe (turns to monitor behind sofa; fade-in GH). Gordon Honeycombe: (turns to RK) Morning Richard. (To camera) First the headlines on Wednesday 27 October…That’s the news. It’s 9 minutes past 8. Here’s Anne. Anne Diamond: (to GH fading-out) Thank you. (To camera) And as you heard Gordon say, the IRA’s top bombmaker, Gilbert McNamee, starts a 25year jail sentence today…. Through the conversational interchanges of ‘you’ and ‘me’ and ‘us’ and the other forms of address and presentation, what is happening here is that points of identification are being established with viewers in ways which help to secure consent for the views expressed in the programme. Again, care needs to be taken in approaching identification. It is all too easy to make the workings of ideology appear like the processes of propaganda. But the conversational strategies in play here are no exercise in deliberate manipulation. It is rather that they are, in all senses, ‘inviting’ and ‘engaging’ the viewer to go along with the values of the programme. So what might these values and perspectives be? Having examined how various mechanisms of viewer identification operate, a textual analysis might then proceed to the specifics of naming some ideological configurations operating in particular programme items. I will briefly take three examples from GMB to indicate the sort of issues that arise in attempting to ‘read for ideology’. First, I will take the discussion of ‘the IRA’s top bombmaker’, because it constituted the ‘hardest’ of the news-related features. It was placed second in the preceding news bulletin and Anne Diamond then opened discussion of it by referring to the headlines of the daily newspaper in front of her, interspersed with her own comments: Anne Diamond: …This morning’s front pages reflect [the story]. Times: ‘IRA graduate who became a bombmaker.’ He was, of course, a science graduate. It would appear he was killing people while he was 66 POINTS OF VIEWS studying…. The Daily Mail called him ‘The Student of Death’…. The Daily Express: ‘IRA bomber may have killed 80’, but the Sun says he’s responsible for 90 deaths and Today there: ‘90 Victims of IRA Assassin.’ McNamee’s bombs are said to be also responsible for up to 90 other deaths in mainland Britain and Northern Ireland, as these papers reflect. But does his arrest mean the IRA have lost their ability to repeat such outrages? Well, we’re joined this morning by Chris Ryder, who’s Northern Ireland correspondent of The Sunday Times. Good morning. Chris Ryder: Good morning. AD: What seems insidious, I think, to a lot of people who have heard the story yesterday or watched it unfold in court, was that this man was devising people’s deaths while he was studying at university. CR: Well, there has, unfortunately, been a terrorist cell operating for some time in Queen’s University, Belfast…. AD: So, in Northern Ireland the university campus is still a hotbed of— CR: (intervening) The university campus has been the hotbed ever since the civil rights movement…. And, unfortunately, in a divided society, students are very interested in politics and the future of the country. And that’s reflected in the activities of the university— apart from the normal, academic, er, pursuits. AD: McNamee is clearly, what they would call in the business, a very big fish to catch. He’s going to be a very difficult man to keep behind bars, isn’t he? The interview concludes with speculation that the IRA already have trained replacement bombmakers: AD: So we should, in a way, take no comfort from these headlines? CR: Oh no. The IRA is a sleeping dog that will be barking again. AD: And Christmas is coming— CR: Yes, Christmas. The security forces won’t be complacent at all. But the IRA is always probing for a pinpoint that’ll allow them to cause some atrocity. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 67 AD: Chris Ryder, we’ll leave it there. Thank you very much. (To camera) We’ll take a short break and afterwards we’ll be looking again at the Prince and Princess of Wales and particularly how other countries reflect our news about them. We’ll be having a look at that lovely frock she was wearing last night. We’ll be back in a minute. (Caption: 8.15. Coming Up: Royal Marriage.) Any investigation of point of view starts with a basic question about the legitimation of the message: says who? In the bombmaker item a number of claims are made; how are they legitimated? That is, who is making the claims? with what authority and on whose behalf? In this case, an ideological reading would note, for example, the extent to which television’s agenda is set by the press. GMB offers both verbal and visual reinforcement of the newspaper angle because both the preceding news item and Anne Diamond’s display of the tabloid press featured the same picture of McNamee in graduate gown and cap. The story was thus framed in terms of ‘The Student of Death’ approach, recalling a still familiar 1970s image of students as political deviants. This was linked to the extreme deviancy of the IRA and made ultra-devious by apparent respectability (the degreeday picture implying conformism but, of course, fooling everybody). Further, when Anne Diamond refers to public opinion she automatically identifies it with the perspective of the press: no other evidence is offered of what the British public’s attitude might be. But central to broadcasting’s ideology is the convention that, unlike the press, broadcasters remain impartial and do not express their own opinions. If Anne Diamond can’t take sides, the only position she can legitimately adopt is that of speaking for ‘all’ or ‘most’ of ‘us’, the viewers, the British public (‘what seems insidious…to a lot of people’), but because she has no independent means of knowledge, she must offer a qualification, speculatively phrased (the insertion of ‘I think’). She is, however, only asking the questions. It is the interviewee who is the expert. His qualification to speak derives from his knowledge of the field—actually ‘being there’—and the prestige of his paper. And although he is allowed to be partisan in the press, it is assumed that on television he will obey the code of professionalism and appear as both dispassionate witness and informed commentator. What is striking about the ensuing interview is the extent to which both interviewer and interviewee share the same framework 68 POINTS OF VIEWS of assumptions. Although Anne Diamond adopts an interrogative and speculative tone on behalf of viewers, she never actually questions any of what the expert says. From within this shared perspective, the interview is conducted primarily at the level of pragmatic and technical detail: it is ‘about’ ways in which national security can best be maintained. The ideological ‘effect’ is that viewers are invited to ‘take’ the IRA from the state’s point of view, as primarily a matter of ‘law and order’. To make such an interpretation is not, however, the same thing as accusing television of ‘bias’. On the contrary, an ideological reading imputes a degree of complexity to the message. The identification of viewers’ with state’s interests is not automatic, nor necessarily easily achieved. It depends on what Stuart Hall calls considerable ‘ideological labour’, whereby a number of perspectives are aligned, viz: viewers’ interests=tabloid press=public opinion=the presenter=the expert =codes of professionalism=national interest=interests of state (security). However, there is no guarantee that all the points of view in a text will always align that neatly. There are likely to be problematic ‘gaps’ in the account, disjunctives, and possible contradictions. So in this interview there are several areas which are hardly legitimate, despite legitimation. For instance, the use of the passive voice where agency is deleted (‘bombs are said’—by whom?); the appearance of the anonymous ‘they’ and assertions open to challenge on the evidence (‘a terrorist cell’—why not investigated?) Above all, from what perspective is interest in the future of your country and in politics ‘unfortunate’? These unasked and unanswered questions leave the interview ‘open’ for audiences to form some alternative interpretations. It is by no means stitched up for the status quo. But neither is it so open that it will admit of any variety of equivalent interpretations, as the liberal notion of broadcasting based on the model of pluralism and balance of views maintains. Rather, as Hall suggests, ideological labour creates preferred meanings. Certain themes will be ‘preferred’ and proffered by the programme to the audience as an explanatory cluster, a repertoire of opinion that will have ‘the overall tendency of making things “mean” within the sphere of the dominant ideology’. What Hall is identifying here is an active process, a continual construction and reconstruction of particular views of the world which tend towards the reproduction of the status quo. And the ‘labour’ involved is not the clever political manipulation of ‘bias’ but the constant engagement and ‘negotiation’ with an audience in ways which effectively win their consent. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 69 From this standpoint, it is irrelevant what views a presenter like Anne Diamond actually holds or whether her interview is overtly or covertly partisan. Rather, ideological effectiveness is achieved precisely to the degree that the interview maintains its professionalism and in the smoothest, friendliest manner is then able to make an apparently effortless transition (‘we’ll take a short break’) to other items of assumed equivalent interest to the viewer (‘we’ll be looking again at the Prince and Princess of Wales’). All television programmes impute a degree of cultural familiarity to their viewers and ideological readings need to be alert to what common stocks of knowledge4 are assumed to be available to ‘all’ viewers. For GMB it is taken for granted that the audience will be familiar with current tabloid press speculation about royalty and that they will therefore fully comprehend a caption that says only ‘Coming Up: Royal Marriage’. I take this item as my second example because, while a royal marriage has no real material bearing on anybody else’s lives and can in no way be designated ‘hard news’, it nevertheless features in the media as the type of story which has the important symbolic function of expressing something about ‘the state of the nation’. In particular, it plays a crucial part in the media’s construction of national ideologies, of ‘Britishness’. In GMB’s royal marriage item, ‘Britishness’ is denned in relation to what we can ‘all’ be assumed to know about other countries and what they think of ‘our’ Royal Family. The feature is conducted as a discussion between the two presenters and British correspondents of Australian and American television companies, concerning how they are covering the current speculation. Much of the discussion functions as journalistic insider talk, conducted in professional jargon, about ‘the natural position of the story’, ‘heads’, ‘leads’, and ‘station bosses’—to which we, as ‘ordinary viewers’, are given ‘privileged’ access, as if we’re eavesdropping on the conversation. At the same time, the feature is also telling the national audience that we’re already privileged because we’re British rather than American or Australian. These are two of the initial questions from the presenters: Richard Keys: Um, are Americ—of course, it’s almost a naive question —is America, are Americans, interested in the Royals? Of course they are, aren’t they?… Anne Diamond: Do you think American people are fond of speculation? I mean, they always like talking about the Royal Family very much, but do you think they like this sort of speculation or find it 70 POINTS OF VIEWS distasteful? Some people in this country are beginning to turn against the press. The item ends by recalling the earlier news item: RK: Well, the Princess, as we mentioned, was out at the gala ball last night. On her own. Dressed beautifully, I have to say. We can have a look at her now (repeated news film). What are you going to make of last night’s appearance? Australian broadcaster: Well, in Australia, every Australian woman watches what she wears. The way she wears her hair, her make-up, they copy Princess Di. And I’d say by tomorrow morning half the women in Australia will have their hair swept up like that…. AD: What about Americans: Do they follow Diana very carefully? American broadcaster: Not like that, no. There’s not a daily report of fashions and hairstyles. AD: More sceptical, are they, the Americans, than the Australians? American: It’s just that we don’t have as much time, I guess, for some of the less important news. AD: You’ve got bigger problems!? (laughter) American: I guess we do! (all laugh; end of item). The tone here is ‘thank goodness we’re British!’ It works in a way that both acknowledges Britain’s inferior world status (vis-à-vis America, for instance) but ultimately decides in favour of Britishness, as if to say: at least we’ve got the (always interesting and culturally superior) Royal Family! This message is effective to the extent of what is not said. For instance, the purpose and function of a royal family in a modern state forms no part of the discussion. The omissions and silences of a message may be as significant in constructing a ‘preferred meaning’ as its overt content. In this feature, the insistence on the obvious and taken-for-granted (‘of course’), as well as the absence of any reference to the existence of the Royal Family as in any way problematic, contributes to a point of view of ‘us the British’ as both complacent and deferential to the existing institutional order. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 71 Who is addressed? The issue of how the viewer is ‘constructed’ by the programme leads to my third example and final question. I think that it should always be asked: ‘Who does this programme think the viewers) is/are?’ This involves picking up the initial questions of modes of address, presentation and identification, but it is also a reference to subject position: how are viewers ideologically ‘placed’ in the programme and according to what procedures? The notion of ‘positioning’ involves a theory of ideology as working in a double movement, as indicated in the two contradictory meanings of ‘subject’.5 The programme invites us as ‘subjects’ who are free agents in control of our actions to ‘subject ourselves’ to a given view of the world and our (subordinate) place in it. How this double and contradictory process works is indicated in the final item on GMB. This is a regular feature, Post Host, where a celebrity presenter (Gyles Brandreth, a regular host and guest of broadcast panel shows) suggests a topic for viewers’ letters and reads out a selected response, together with comments from himself, the presenters, and any remaining guests on the sofa. The current topic is ‘philosophical sayings’: Gyles Brandreth: (To camera) After yesterday’s amiable antics, you find us in much quieter, and, er, a more philosophical mood. In recent weeks, you’ve been sending us sage sayings, nuggets of gold, pearls of wisdom, and they come in all shapes and sizes…. This from (?) of Markfield Leicestershire: ‘This saying graced my office wall for many years and confounded some of the most intelligent: “A wise monkey is a monkey who doesn’t monkey with another’s monkey.”’ Isn’t that lovely? Presenters and guests: Very good! Um, it’s deep too! GB: (?)from Horsham offers another profound and rather more provocative thought for the day: ‘In order to live freely and happily you must sacrifice boredom. It is not always an easy sacrifice’…. Nick Robertson of Kenilworth, Warwickshire, has found philosophy in the cricket field: ‘I think it was Lord Mancroft who said, “Cricket is a game which the British, not being a 72 POINTS OF VIEWS spiritual people, had to invent, in order to have some concept of eternity.”’ Presenters and guests: Marvellous! Rather droll, isn’t it? The sequence contains thirteen sayings from viewers and concludes: GB: But the last word has to go to Postbag’s Personal Padre, the Reverend (?) of Gwent, whose contribution is a little verse entitled Don’t Quit: ‘Success is failure turned inside out/The silver tint of the clouds of doubt/And you never can tell how close you are/It may be near when it seems afar/So, stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit./It’s when things go wrong that you mustn’t quit.’ (To camera) But it’s you, the viewer (arms out-stretched to camera) who always have the last word, so do write to us here. You know the address don’t you? What GMB tells its viewers is that this is your programme because you participate in it and have a controlling voice (‘the last word’). Viewers are invited to join in the programme, but the agenda is already set. ‘Having your say’ amounts to being free to say anything, so long as it’s wise sayings, a repetition of the already familiar and obvious categories of common sense: a bit jokey, a bit ‘deep’, but nothing that’s going to stop the show. GMB’s invitation to viewers, its address to them as an audience of British people, does not arise from the terrain of the new, the difficult or the challenging. For ‘you’ are hardly going to change the world; the point is to know your place within it. Television’s subject positioning is about literally putting viewers in their place by assigning them a role in the world for which their consent is secured. So a programme that says, ‘Good morning Britain’, speaks to a nation composed of ordinary, homely folk who aren’t causing any bother and who, indeed, are flattered to be noticed in the first place. It is an appeal to subordination that uses ‘our’ language, ‘our’ tone of voice, in the nicest, jolliest way to include us, at the very moment that it actually excludes us from power. In Richard Hoggart’s phrase, it disenfranchises by ‘unbending the springs of action’.6 In this brief outline, I’ve been offering a vocabulary of terms and some questions to indicate how various components of a textual, interpretative analysis can work to unpack the ways in which an ideological configuration, a point of view, is constructed. As Weber remarked, ‘all knowledge of cultural reality is always knowledge UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 73 from a particular point of view’.7 For this reason, he said, researchers must be explicit about where they’re coming from, what questions they’re asking, and why, in order to make accessible their criteria for selecting certain configurations and not others, and to provide adequate documentary evidence for their choice. Weber stressed that this was all the more important precisely because the object of study, cultural reality, was itself already and always implicated in meanings and values, crisscrossed with points of view. Only by spelling out their own angle, their own interpretation of existing interpretations, could researchers avoid the charge of sloppy subjectivism, the ultimate put-down of, ‘well, of course, that’s only your point of view’. More orthodox social science has always accused interpretative analysis of subjectivism and consequently dismissed the whole terrain of ideological meanings as just too messy to be capable of any rigorous analysis in the first place. Hence, the constant temptation to retreat to the securities of behavioural models and the conventional notion of media ‘effects’. But in my view, this is not the time for any theoretical backsliding. Notes 1 Among texts that have been particularly influential for the new model of media research are, e.g., L.Althusser, ‘Ideology and the state’, in Lenin and Philosophy and Other Essays, London: New Left Books, 1971; R.Barthes, Mythologies, London: Cape, 1972; A.Gramsci, Selections from Prison Notebooks, London: Lawrence & Wishart, 1971; V.N.Volosinov, Marxism and the Philosophy of Language, New York: Seminar Press, 1973. 2 Hall, op. cit. in Further reading. Also S.Hall, ‘Encoding and decoding’, in Hall et al. (eds), Culture, Media, Language, London: Hutchinson, 1980; and ‘The rediscovery of “ideology”: return of the repressed in the media studies’, in M.Gurevitch et al. (eds), Culture, Society and the Media, London: Methuen, 1982. 3 ‘Interpretative explanation’ and ‘value-orientation’ derive from Verstehen sociology developed in the early twentieth century by Max Weber (Verstehen= ‘understanding’). The method of ‘interpretative explanation’ is elaborated in his influential essays, ‘Objectivity in the social sciences and social policy’ and ‘The logic of the cultural sciences’, in M.Weber, Methodology of the Social Sciences, New York: Free Press, 1949. 4 The notion of ‘stocks of knowledge’ is one first developed by the phenomenologist, Alfred Schutz, and elaborated by P.Berger and T. 74 POINTS OF VIEWS Luckmann in The Social Construction of Reality, Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1971. See especially their chapter, ‘Legitimation’. 5 See Althusser, op. cit., for a theoretical approach to the notion of ‘subject’. 6 See the chapter, ‘Unbending the springs of action’, in R.Hoggart, The Uses of Literacy, London: Penguin, 1958. 7 Weber, op. cit., p. 81. Further reading Eco, Umberto, ‘Towards a semiotic inquiry into the television message’, Working Papers in Cultural Studies, no. 3, Birmingham: Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies, University of Birmingham, 1972. Hall, Stuart, ‘Culture, media and “the ideological effect”’, in James Curran et al. (eds), Mass Communication and Society, London: Edward Arnold, 1977. Masterman, Len (ed.), TV Mythologies, London: Comedia, 1985. 5 F FOR FAKE? FRICTION OVER FACTION Paul Kerr Drama documentary, documentary drama, dramatized documentary, docudrama, dramadoc, faction, reconstruction… call it what you will— and it has been called more names than any other television form in its time—programmes which blend the devices of factual and fictional TV are often in the headlines and have even led, on occasion, to questions in the House of Commons. From Fleet Street to Downing Street, from the Home Office to the Foreign Office, programmes like Cathy Come Home and The War Game in the 1960s, Law and Order and Days of Hope in the 1970s, and Death of a Princess and The Monocled Mutineer in the 1980s have been a perennial problem for British broadcasting. And they have been treated accordingly: The War Game was banned for twenty years; Scum was suppressed, remade for the cinema, and subsequently (but unsuccessfully) prosecuted when screened by Channel 4; Death of a Princess was held responsible for a full-blown diplomatic incident, the screening of The Monocled Mutineer led to another bout of BBCbashing by Norman Tebbit, and most recently Tumbledown also caused public controversy. But such programmes are not always so explosive—and that fact is far too easily forgotten in the wake of whatever is the latest ‘controversy’. This essay, however, is less concerned with either parliamentary or press fulminations about drama documentary (henceforth DD for reasons other than mere brevity, as we shall see) than with the form’s function in and for television itself. For in order to begin to understand DD it is necessary to stand back from backbench and tabloid shock horror about the latest examples of the form and to look at it in its historical and institutional context. Indeed, only by analysing it as an integral—rather than in some sense exceptional —part of the history of British broadcasting can we hope to account for its continuing existence and occasionally controversial status. That status marks DD out as the most institutionally potent but at the same time problematic of the small screen’s 76 F FOR FAKE? FRICTION OVER FACTION programme categories—the television equivalent of what, in film studies, are called genres (whose characteristics are usually as clear to consumers as they are to producers). In fact, so problematic is the designation DD that one needs to ask whether it is a programme category at all or simply a label attached to the most controversial programmes’. The politicians themselves, however, seem to be in no doubt about the form’s identity as an easily distinguished species (which is ironic when one considers that one of the most familiar criticisms of DD is that viewers are unable to distinguish between it and documentary ‘proper’). In 1980, when Death of a Princess was accused of igniting the worst international incident since Suez (the real 1956 event not the 1979 DD of the same name), Lord Carrington remarked that ‘The new formula of mixing fact with fiction, dramatisation masquerading as documentary, can be dangerous and misleading.’ Sir Ian Gilmour went further still by suggesting that ‘the whole genre is something the IBA and BBC should give considerable attention to…. I think the so-called dramatisation or fictionalising of alleged facts or history is extremely dangerous and misleading.’ Lord Carrington’s description of DD as a ‘new formula’ is a useful place for this essay to start. After asking whether DD is, in fact, either a formula or new I will sketch out a skeletal history of the form in British television, follow it with an account of some of the definitions of and debates about it, and try finally and very briefly to relate it to the dominance of the realist aesthetic (and ideology) in British culture in general and the audio-visual media in particular. A new formula Today television programme departments are so specialized that one could be forgiven for assuming that drama departments produce dramas, documentary departments produce documentaries, and so on. A truism, perhaps, but one that implies that in the absence of drama and documentary departments, and thus of co-productions between them, the hybrid of DD would never have been conceived. In fact, however, individual episodes of science programmes like Horizon, current affairs series like This Week and Panorama, arts strands like Monitor and The South Bank Show, and one-off drama slots like The Wednesday Play (not to mention entire crime series like Z Cars and soap operas like Emergency Ward Ten) have all been confidently categorized as DD in their time. Furthermore, they have been so categorized not simply by critics or programme UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 77 makers but by the very broadcasting authorities which Gilmour urges to consider the form. This is not to suggest that only an official institutional christening can legitimate the inclusion of any particular programme in the category. Rather, as the rest of this chapter will argue, many of the arguments about and allegations against DD have been mobilized very selectively and often very crudely against programmes with a clear-cut and avowedly oppositional politics. In this crucial sense DD is not a universal or ahistorical programme category, but a historically specific controversy about such categories; not so much a distinct genre as a debate about genre distinctions. That the gentlemen’s agreement about keeping the boundaries between fact and fiction on the small screen free from trespass is frequently broken can be no surprise to any regular viewer of reconstructions on the News or Crimewatch or of the latest costume drama. What may be more of a revelation to the ordinary viewer is that Lord Carrington’s conviction that the formula is ‘new’ couldn’t be further from the truth. DD is as old as television itself—the very definitions themselves were already in use long before the mid-1960s when the form first hit the headlines. DD is one of the oldest, if not the very oldest, narrative mode in British television. The Times, for instance, published a piece entitled ‘Birth of the dramatized documentary’ as early as 1961, but earlier still work was well under way. In 1956 Caryl Doncaster contributed an essay on ‘The story documentary’ to a book about television in which she remarked that ‘The dramatized story documentary is one of the few art forms pioneered by television’.1 And in his history of the BBC’s TV script unit Roger Wade noted that ‘in 1950…the main interest among producers was the development of documentary drama which well fulfilled the BBC’s three part charter for information, education and entertainment’.2 (I shall return to the relationship between British television’s historic public service obligations and the evolution of the DD towards the end of this chapter.) In fact Robert Barr, for one, was writing and producing so-called ‘story documentaries’ from 1946. If the genre has been with us for some four decades why do so many politicians, programme makers and professional critics continue to talk as if it is ‘new’? There are several possible answers to this question. Of course it is far easier to discredit something as aberrant if one can call it exceptional, literally unprecedented. And in the context of recent British politics—in which a postwar British consensus has apparently and irresolvably broken down—such aberrance has very rapidly become almost unforgivable. But a more general answer to the 78 F FOR FAKE? FRICTION OVER FACTION question is perhaps the simplest one of all: there is a widespread ignorance about television history in this country which those who make their living from the medium are often as guilty of as anyone. Developments in drama documentary Before television, of course, the documentary reconstruction had a long and respectable pedigree in the cinema going back to Melies through figures as distinct as Eisenstein and Griffith and movements as diverse as neorealism and cinéma-vérité. And some historians of the form are tempted to trace its precursors back to Shakespeare’s history plays and beyond. The British documentary film movement of the 1930s associated with John Grierson is perhaps the most important precedent here. It was Grierson who had first used the word documentary in 1936 in describing Robert Flaherty’s film Moana. Grierson later defined documentary as ‘the creative interpretation of reality’. One of Grierson’s colleagues from documentary cinema, Paul Rotha, became the first head of the BBC’s Television Documentary Department when it was set up in 1953. In 1946 the BBC’s postwar resumption of television transmissions had been marked, among other things, by the formation of a new unit, the Dramatized Documentary Group. Developing out of the BBC’s obligation to document the new postwar Britain, the group was an outgrowth of the Illustrated Talks Department and was soon responsible for a large number of what the Radio Times described as ‘story documentaries’ with scripts, sets, and actors reconstructing (and thus ‘documenting’) an inaccessible world beyond the studio walls. The explanation for this was simple—in the era of live transmission the technology of television was simply too unwieldy to allow even the most rudimentary kind of documentary other than the outside broadcast of a ‘major’ national event. (An outside broadcast”, or OB, tended to be restricted to pageants, sporting occasions, and so on.) Not until the advent of prerecording techniques in the form of videotape in the late 1950s or the introduction of more flexible, lightweight film equipment in the early 1960s could ‘documentaries’ (except the most expensive and prestigious ones) be other than ‘dramatized’. Until then the making of a documentary on location meant extraordinarily cumbersome 35 mm cameras, huge cables, and heavy lighting equipment, all of which would have automatically precluded the kind of fluid and flexible observational style which would have been the only reason UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 79 for leaving the studio in the first place. Take an example. If, in the second half of the 1940s a producer wanted to ‘inform’ her/his audience about career prospects in a particular industry, or, alternatively, about the social problems ordinary people encountered in specific areas of British life, there were only two alternatives. The first and most conventional was the illustrated talk: a doctor, lawyer, printer, or social worker would be invited to the studio to explain her/his work. The second way of representing this subject would be to ‘recreate’ it in the studio. Instead of bringing someone out of their natural/professional habitat to talk about it, some programme makers felt it was preferable to observe them at work (to do the research on location as it were) and then to try and recreate that experience in the studio. The BBC, after all, was keen to grasp the Griersonian nettle of ‘explaining society to society’ and so, week by week, dramatized documentaries on the courts, marriage, old age, delinquency, prostitution, industrial relations, and immigration were transmitted from the BBC studios. Robert Barr, who was responsible for the first programmes in this strand, started out by simply dramatizing ‘How to’ guides to the professions with titles like I Want To Be An Actor (1946) and I Want To Be A Doctor, but storylines soon became increasingly complex. The narrativizadon of public service—the placing of educational or informational content into entertaining form—was the origin of the so-called ‘story documentary’. In 1956 the BBC acquired Ealing Film Studios, partly in response to the documentary films already being made by the ITV companies (which, like ITN, had been able to equip themselves with newer, lighter cameras when they were set up in 1955) and partly in order to compete with the American film drama series which ITV was so successfully introducing to British screens. That year ITV also launched its anthology drama slot, Armchair Theatre, which was to prove so influential a forerunner of the BBC’s own ‘kitchen sink’ school, and which shared many characteristics with the contemporary British cinema’s new wave of films like Saturday Night and Sunday Morning. But as film recording became technically (and financially) more feasible for the nascent television documentary the live story documentary became increasingly anachronistic. In 1960 only two BBC drama documentaries were transmitted and in 1961 there was only one. But just as the imperative to dramatize technically inaccessible documentary subjects disappeared another category emerged, that of the original television drama deploying the devices and/or researches of the documentary to distinguish itself from 80 F FOR FAKE? FRICTION OVER FACTION adaptations of stage and page which had dominated television drama until then. Formed in 1961, the Documentary Drama Group was as prolific as its predecessor and as avowedly populist. One of its first productions was a four-part series about crime called Jacks and Knaves, written by Colin Morris and directed by Gilchrist Calder. Calder and Morris were interviewed in The Times in 1961 in honour of ‘The birth of the dramatised documentary’, and Jacks and Knaves proved such a success that it functioned as a sort of pilot for the launch, early the next year, of Z Cars. The latter is an excellent example of the shifting ‘form’ as well as ‘content’ of television drama at the time. It was mostly shot on film with studio inserts and made much use of authentic locations like streets, pubs, factories, and so forth in stark contrast to the studio halls and corridors of live drama. And in terms of content it was also a departure— albeit one which with 25 years’ hindsight looks rather formulaic. For it featured not an avuncular London bobby like Dixon in a cosy almost entirely uncriminal community, but four young policemen in a northern newtown precinct patrolling in the new panda cars (Z Victor One and Z Victor Two)— a Scotsman, a Welshman, an Englishman, and an Irishman. In every sense this precinct was a long way from Dock Green and the protagonists had both personal and professional problems of their own. This, as the critics noted at the time, was a new television realism. Realism, of course, being a relative term. Meanwhile ITV was itself responsible for a group of series and serials which were being hailed as major in the area of DD: from Emergency Ward Ten and Coronation Street (both of which would be classified today as soap operas) to Police Surgeon and Probation Officer (which were closer to slightly off-beat crime series—the former was actually the prequel to The Avengers). It is crucial not to perceive this classification as some kind of anachronism or aberration. There are in fact several very good reasons why 1960s critics and audiences—as well as the broadcasting authorities themselves—should thus identify such programmes. For one thing they were regional dramas in ways which the bulk of previous series, serials, and single plays were not. ITV’s federal structure and the ITA guidelines obliged the companies to document and dramatize the lives of those in their own localities regularly, and such programmes attempted to do just that. Furthermore, serials like Coronation Street seemed to be ushering onto the screen a social class (and a region and accent) hitherto all but unseen on the small screen.3 UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 81 In 1962 as the BBC’s Documentary Drama Group launched Z Cars another BBC department was celebrating the 100th edition of its prestigious arts anthology, Monitor. Monitor had not entirely outgrown its origins in the illustrated talk, often relying exclusively on the testimony of an actual artist who came into the studio to be interviewed about her/his work; alternatively a critic would be employed to guide the viewer through the work of a dead or otherwise unavailable painter or poet. But Ken Russell’s dramatized documentary film about Edward Elgar in 1962 was to signal an entirely new departure in arts programming. The constraints of ‘good television’ (and good taste) and the conventions of arts programmes were such that Russell was refused permission to include dialogue scenes for the actors he had cast as Elgar and his wife, and a voiceover narration was added chronicling the composer’s life in the conventional arts profile manner, but nevertheless the damage was done; a new subgenre, the arts feature dramatization, was born. Russell went on to experiment further with the forms and the results included The Debussy Film, Song of Summer, and The Dance of the Seven Veils— all for the BBC. Today something like LWT’s The South Bank Show still retains the interview/profile of the artist format, whilst occasionally ‘dramatizing’ sequences from the interviewee’s ‘work’ or ‘life’. In 1964 another breakthrough occurred. A young film maker working in the BBC’s Talks Division documentary section made a film called Culloden about the 1745 Jacobite uprising of that name. But instead of treating this subject in the conventional manner with a barrage of maps and an exhibition of period relics on display in the studio to be disinterred by a presenter/historian, Culloden’s director Peter Watkins reconstructed the battle itself with an amateur cast and then filmed it in newsreel style with a lightweight 16 mm hand-held camera and an off-screen narrator/ reporter. (Where Russell had to fight to get actors into his Monitor profiles Watkins had cleverly circumvented the same constraint by employing amateurs; soon enough, however, he was having to do battle with Equity to keep professional actors out of his work.) The following year Watkins was to apply this same ‘documentary’ style to the dramatization of an equally inaccessible event, this time set not in the remote past but in an all too imminent future. The War Game wasn’t a reconstruction of an actual battle but a documentary-style prediction or ‘preconstruction’ of what the aftermath of a full scale nuclear attack would look like. The War Game was considered unshowable and was not transmitted until 1985. 82 F FOR FAKE? FRICTION OVER FACTION 1964 also saw the launch of the BBC’s new single drama slot, The Wednesday Play, which was to be regularly associated with naturalistic depictions of social problems, particularly in the work of the producer Tony Garnett and the director Ken Loach. Plays like Up the Junction in 1965, Cathy Come Home in 1966, and In Two Minds in 1967 (which dealt with abortion, homelessness, and schizophrenia respectively) had an extraordinary impact both on British life in general (Cathy Come Home has been credited with the successful launch of the charity Shelter) and on the rest of British television. They mixed the techniques of drama, interview, newsreel, nouvelle vague, and so on but, perhaps most important, got out of the studio and onto the streets. And this, of course, meant yet another departure: television programming was no longer live, nor was it necessary to be constrained by videotape (though an Equity agreement ensured that around 10 per cent of every drama was electronically recorded in the studio). In Two Minds, it seems, was the first single drama on British television to escape this constriction (though Loach had previously got around it by telerecording the video sequences on film and then editing them along with the rest of his material on celluloid in the cutting room). And the existence of 16 mm film meant quite simply that another alibi for the making of DD—the technical obstacles which prohibited the documenting of reality outside the studio (except on major occasions)—could no longer apply. From now on the trend towards naturalism or documentary drama was a result not of a constraining technology but of a flexible one. BBC crews, for the first time in TV drama, were able to get into working-class streets, onto factory floors, and into housing estates—into those very places, in fact, where, as The Wednesday Play’s Sydney Newman pointed out, the people who watched television mostly lived and worked. While Play for Today, which was launched in 1970 to replace The Wednesday Play, continued the DD tradition irregularly with titles like Scum, Rank and File, The Spongers, United Kingdom, and The Legion Hall Bombing, the early 1970s also saw the initiation of what critic John Caughie refers to as the drama documentary strand of the genre. Where what Caughie calls the BBC’s documentary drama derived from the single play, Granada’s dramatized documentaries or dramatized journalism emerged from non-fiction; they were a development of the work done by that company’s current affairs department. Granada, which had rejected Peter Watkins’ early film Forgotten Faces (about Hungary in 1956) had set up a weekly current affairs series called World in Action in 1963. The very first edition of that series had included a UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 83 ‘dramatized’ confrontation between actors playing Kennedy and Khruschev. Other ‘reconstructed’ sequences followed, but it was not until 1970 that the World in Action team produced an entire edition thus dramatized. This World in Action ‘special’ was entitled The Man Who Wouldn’t Keep Quiet. Leslie Woodhead, its producerdirector, has described it as the film which launched ‘a group of programmes…which have sought the aid of drama for a dramadocumentary purpose’.4 It was based on the diary of a Soviet dissident, Grigorenko, which had been smuggled out of the psychiatric prison where he was being held and, according to Woodhead, its contents were then scrupulously authenticated against such independent sources as were available. This film set the mould for future Granada drama documentaries in several ways. First of all it was shot at Broadstone House, a half-empty mill in Stockport that has since served as a set for Prague, Poland, and Peking. Indeed, all of Granada’s drama documentaries to date have been about either eastern Europe or revolutionary China, while all of the BBC Wednesday Plays and Plays for Today which could be called documentary dramas have been set in Britain. Where the imperative for ‘dramatization’ in the pioneer days of live television had been technological inaccessibility, the raison d’être for Granada’s output in the genre was a kind of ‘reporter’ inaccessibility—the ‘iron curtain’. (Similarly the single play strand of the genre could also claim a kind of inaccessibility clause in its defence here. Law and Order, for instance, was so critical of the legal institutions of this country that the Prison Officer’s Association banned the BBC from filming inside their establishments for twelve months after its transmission; had it been a straight documentary it might not have been granted access in the first place. As in the days of live ‘story documentaries’ in the studio, DD actually offered its makers greater freedom to comment than a straight observational documentary would have done.) In 1977 Granada institutionalized these productions by setting up its own drama documentary unit. More than ten years later the concern about ‘balance’ and its obverse ‘bias’ is being extended noisily by the political Right towards drama in the form both of ‘realist’ popular series like EastEnders and Casualty and of controversial/naturalistic single plays and serials like The Monocled Mutineer. The latter was attacked in 1986 for its alleged historical inaccuracy and defended by the BBC’s Bill Cotton as representing ‘the greater truth’ about the First World War. This exchange merely served to produce further confusion as to the relation between realism and truth. By 84 F FOR FAKE? FRICTION OVER FACTION the late 1980s the imperative toward dramatizing otherwise ‘inaccessible’ subjects was apparently being blocked by an increasingly abrasive political climate. If the 1970s saw the beginnings of a shift away from the ‘naturalistic’ ‘kitchen sink’ school which some critics had associated with The Wednesday Play and a simultaneous trend away from one-off drama and towards series and serials as the BBC’s belt was tightened, Granada (along with other dramatically inclined documentary makers) was actually being moved towards rather than away from DD by more or less the same economic imperatives. The explanation for this apparent contradiction is relatively simple. As soon as television drama was both all-film and made in colour it quite swiftly became much more of an economic commodity than it had ever been in the days of live transmission and film and tape hybrids. Furthermore, as the conservative political climate in general and the TV ratings battle in particular prompted documentaries to be more popular, there were trends towards serialization (away from one-offs) and the spread of biopics, costume drama, and sagas about royal and notso-royal ‘real’ historical families. Of course, the very process of ‘realist’ dramatization encourages the personalization of politics and the narrativization of history. The 1970s and 1980s also saw non-fiction series like Horizon and Panorama dipping their toes in the waters of DD. In 1980, in fact, a new drama documentary unit was set up inside the Science and Features Department at the BBC and this was soon busy producing serials like The Voyage of Charles Darwin and Oppenheimer (both of them, significantly, international coproductions, both of them with international subjects, both of them in a sense biopics). It is interesting to note that Peter Goodchild, who moved from Horizon to become producer of Oppenheimer, later became Head of Single Plays, directly responsible for Screen Two, the successor slot to Play for Today. Ironically, Goodchild’s opposite number at Channel 4 and the man responsible for the Film on Four strand is David Rose who started out as an assistant on story documentaries at the BBC in the 1950s followed by a stint on Z Cars and, later on Play for Today. Both Screen Two and Films on Four still have their share of naturalistic film fiction—as does British cinema itself. Definitions John Caughie’s distinction between ‘drama documentary’ and ‘documentary drama’ is a useful one. (The abbreviations UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 85 ‘dramadoc’ and ‘docudrama’ and the term ‘faction’, however, are essentially American usages and will not be employed here. On the other hand terms like ‘story documentary’ and ‘dramatized documentary’ are very much part of the tradition of British television.) Essentially Caughie’s distinction is that drama documentary (or dramatized documentary) borrows its ‘documentariness’ from its content, from its basis in the lives and situations of real people—and from the professional pedigree of the programme makers themselves, like those at Granada. Documentary drama, on the other hand, takes its ‘documentariness’ from its form or style, which is often associated with the visual rhetoric of cinéma-vérité or a concealed investigatory camera. In Documentary Drama, therefore, the camera often gives the impression of being ‘surprised’ by the action. Other examples of the documentary drama ‘style’ include improvisational acting, gritty, grainy, unglamorous lighting, and a rough, raw sound quality. Whatever our doubts about the rigorousness of these terms, though, they are hardly any more debatable than the broadcasters’ own classifications of such familiar forms as crime series or soap operas. Granada, for instance, still refuses to concede that Coronation Street is a soap opera and indeed the ITA (the Independent Television Authority which was the precursor of today’s IBA or Independent Broadcasting Authority) described the serial as a ‘documentary drama’ in its annual report in 1961. Similarly, when the BBC first began to produce crime series in the 1950s its Drama Department refused to have anything to do with them—Dixon of Dock Green, for instance, was made by the corporation’s Light Entertainment department, as was the BBC’s first soap opera, The Grove Family. Z Cars, on the other hand, was the first series to be made by the BBC’s brand new Documentary Drama Group. The Documentary Drama Group, set up in 1961, and the ITA’s acknowledgement of ITV’s own ‘documentary drama’ output that same year, were neither unique nor shortlived examples of the institutionalization of this controversial programme category. That neither the BBC nor the IBA would today classify either Z Cars or Coronation Street in the same way is not a sign of their past or present misunderstanding of the term but is rather evidence of the flexibility of the terms themselves. For the definition only applies when the reality status of any particular programme is open to question, not just aesthetically but also ethically or politically. And that, of course, is where the context of any programme comes in. One such context is obviously the political one in which 86 F FOR FAKE? FRICTION OVER FACTION programmes are made and shown and seen. But at least of equal importance is what might be called the television context of any such programme—not just its place in any night’s or week’s schedule but also its use or abuse of the conventions expected of it at the time of its transmission. This is what is meant by the reality status of any programme—a ‘reality’ relative to the programmes that have previously passed as ‘realistic’ in the same area. That television has conventions, an aesthetic if you like, and thus a history as a form as well as a forum, is easily and conveniently forgotten. And this relates to two factors: first its massive popularity and extremely low cultural status; and second its avowedly realist aesthetic. The cliché of clichés about television is that it is a window on the world (that phrase was once the subtitle of Panorama); the medium is seen as a mirror, as transparent, reflective, neutral. It is of course none of these things. But it is the unproblematic assent to this idea of transparency, not just as an inherent condition of the medium but also as an essential, an ideal one, that leads people like those at Granada to feel so strongly about the ethics of what they are doing. Leslie Woodhead, for instance, has even suggested that every programme should be prefaced by some sort of ‘indication of the kind of credibility [it] would claim’. For Woodhead, the absence of such signposting threatens ‘the implied contract between broadcasters and audience’ and, worse still, ‘risks prejudicing the credibility of other areas of factual programming’. This is an ingenious but disingenuous defence of his favoured variant of the genre. But elsewhere Woodhead has hinted that the hard and fast distinction between ‘fact’ and ‘fiction’, ‘drama’ and ‘documentary’, is itself a dubious one. In making any television programme, including documentary, the nature of the exercise is selectivity. What you have to work from is structureless and messy—you intervene in that and make something with shape. And of course it’s an artifice —just like The Nine O’Clock News or Tom and Jerry.5 If DD is likely ever to prejudice the credibility of other areas of television —particularly the most authoritative ones—it is a powderkeg indeed. The instrumental view of television—as no more than a window on the world—has for too long impelled television drama toward a realist aesthetic and contained documentary within an unreflective, unreflexive form. The critical consensus of the UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 87 reviewer and the politician shares this refusal to recognize the ‘structured’, ‘selective’, ‘artificial’ character of both drama and documentary, fiction and non-fiction. And yet this very same instrumental view, together with the ideology of public service in British broadcasting, has been perhaps the most powerful motive and motor for the quantity, quality, and centrality of drama documentary and documentary drama to British television. If this is the case then it is perhaps arguable that the most provocative and polemical programmes in this genre are those which deconstruct the programme-making process— and thus the instrumental ideology which underpins it. Let me give some examples. Ken Russell’s The Debussy Film, made for the BBC in 1965, counterpoints the by now familiar Russell technique of actors personifying the artists and their entourage with a framing story about the making of a television film about Debussy. Ten years later Thames Television’s weekly current affairs shows, This Week, transmitted an edition which did much the same job as Russell’s film—or indeed as Watkins’ Culloden. This Week: 1844 was an attempt to answer the question: Had television been invented in 1844 how would a current affairs programme have covered the long and bitter coal strike in Northumberland and County Durham that spring? Like Watkins’ use of Michael Aspel’s off-screen voice in The War Game, Thames’ on-the-spot reporter was the familiar This Week regular Michael Hargreaves—though in this case in nineteenth-century costume. Both The War Game and This Week: 1844, therefore, employed familiar presenters to authorize their fictions; but at the same time the use of that device could be said to reveal the role which the voiceover conventionally performs in masking the artifice of everyday news and current affairs. This Week: 1844 attempted to outrage viewers by its wilfully superficial—and anachronistic— treatment of the strike, a treatment which reflects attitudes (to strikes and to television) which are no longer consensual. It would be an interesting exercise to compare the treatments of strikes in the BBC’s story documentary Strike (1955), The Wednesday Play, The Big Flame (1969), This Week: 1844 (1976), and the Granada unit’s Strike about the birth of Solidarity (1981). This is not the place to discuss the relative success or failure of such programmes but it does belatedly raise the crucial question of the audience—that constantly referred to but never adequately addressed aspect of the whole debate. (One key programme, The Cheviot, The Stag and the Black, Black Oil, even included its own audience by mixing the recording of a stage performance with film 88 F FOR FAKE? FRICTION OVER FACTION sequences both dramatized and documentary.) The assumption that the form is somehow a misleading one has all kinds of patronizing implications, since the complaining critic is clearly not among those so misled and yet can somehow sense the dangers of the form and reveal them for the benefit of his or her more vulnerable fellow viewers. Ironically the foregoing sketch of the form and the accompanying analysis of attitudes to it (exemplified by the reactions of those conservative politicians quoted earlier) reveal that both, in different ways, owe their origins to the paternal characteristics of public service broadcasting in this country. Death of a Princess is also, in a sense, a deconstruction of the documentary form, and one which reveals the extent to which documentary film makers are themselves often veiled. Thus instead of simply reconstructing the story of the execution of a Saudi princess—the incident which inspired the film—director Antony Thomas’ protagonist is not the princess but the documentary director wishing to make a film about her. And what emerges is a portrait of documentary film-making as bound by custom and practice, by the ideologies of objectivity, professionalism, and balance—all of which are surrounded by an almost metaphysical mystique; by values which are at least as suspect as those which the naive protagonist at first thought he was discerning among the Saudis. In spite of the international incident that ensued, the power of Thomas’ film is less its image of the execution of a princess than its more subtle assassination of the idea of documentary itself, the very conviction that drama and documentary are in some sense ‘natural’, ‘neutral’, and mutually exclusive categories rather than constantly fought-out frontiers within the cultural institutions of broadcasting. Notes 1 Caryl Doncaster, ‘The story documentary’, in Paul Rotha (ed.), Television in the Making, London: Focal Press, 1956. 2 Roger Wade, Where the Difference Began, London: BBC Script Unit, 1975. 3 See Richard Dyer (ed.), Coronation Street, London: British Film Institute, 1981. 4 Leslie Woodhead, ‘A strike with a difference’, in Three Days in Szczecin, Manchester: Granada Television, 1976. Reprinted in Goodwin, Kerr, and Macdonald, op. cit. in Further reading, p. 25. 5 Leslie Woodhead interviewed by John Wyver in ‘Invasion’, Time Out, 15–21 August 1980. Reprinted in Goodwin, Kerr, and Macdonald, op. cit. in Further reading, p. 32. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 89 Further reading Caughie, John, ‘Progressive television and documentary drama’, Screen, vol. 21, no. 3 (1980). Goodwin, A., Kerr, P., and Macdonald, I. (eds), Drama-Documentary, BFI Dossier no. 19, London: British Film Institute, 1983. Kerr, P., ‘A response to Caughie’, Screen, vol. 22, no. 1 (1981). 6 BOX POP: POPULAR TELEVISION AND HEGEMONY Michael O’Shaughnessy After the tensions and anxieties of everyday life, people welcome the opportunity to sit down, relax and be made to smile and laugh. (IBA Handbook 1978) If your life is unsatisfactory, there’s always a new shampoo to try, a new Spielberg movie to see, the next instalment of a TV sit com, the chance of winning a lottery. (Robin Wood)1 In the last few years there has been much study of ‘popular culture’, an area in which television programmes are perceived as a central concern. I want to look at how popular culture has been conceived as a broad context for thinking about the ideological meaning and pleasures of popular television programmes. So, what is ‘popular culture’, how has it been understood and why did cultural theorists become interested in it? Popular culture is difficult to define because of its diversity; football, Christmas celebrations, Space Invaders, bingo, disco dancing, EastEnders, MacDonalds, and fish and chips might all be included. Yet there are common defining characteristics; first, for my purposes, popular culture refers to those activities and pastimes which take place outside the constraints of work as a part of leisure time, and which are perceived by consumers as providing forms of pleasure and entertainment. Second, ‘popular’ combines two meanings: originally ‘popular’ culture referred to the culture ‘of the people’, to folk and working-class cultural pursuits produced for the people and by the people. From some leftwing perspectives this has been seen as the only authentic and politically correct form of culture.2 With the developing technology of the twentieth century this culture has been disappearing fast, and the second meaning of ‘popular’ refers to those cultural forms which, through the rapid and easy dissemination of the mass media, are consumed by large numbers of people. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 91 This culture is produced for the people by small groups who own and control the communications apparatus of the mass media (it has often been disparagingly labelled ‘mass culture’). In our definition ‘popular culture’ includes both elements: it is produced through a combination and intersection of the mass-media technology controlled by socially dominant groups, and the interests and culture of the people who use and consume these. So, ‘popular cultural’ forms are produced by mass-production techniques yet at the same time are genuinely ‘of the people’ in their usage. Why have academics, critics, and cultural theorists become interested in ‘popular culture’? The interest first came from those who saw how much time, money, and energy went into ‘popular culture’s’ production and consumption and who felt that massmedia products were aesthetically inferior and morally harmful. Attention was paid to ‘popular culture’ in order to protect people from it through a form of ‘innoculation’ (see below). The second wave of interest has a socialist perspective based around the Marxist theories of ‘ideology’ and ‘hegemony’. Both these concepts are used as a way of understanding how the dominant groups of any society maintain and retain their power over subordinate groups (women, ethnic minorities, the working class, and so on). Whereas earlier Marxist theories stressed the economic and material conditions of life as crucial determining factors, these concepts stress the importance of the way people think and feel—their commonsense consciousness or ideology—for maintaining the power and hegemony of the dominant groups and for obtaining the consent of the people to their own subordination. This consciousness can be understood as the ways in which we ‘make sense’ of the world, giving some kind of coherence to the society around us. ‘Ideology’ is rather a functional term: it seems to suggest that a dominant ideology or way of ‘making sense’ of the world is produced by the dominant groups and then dispensed to the rest of the population who simply lap it up. ‘Hegemony’ recognizes the role of the subordinate groups in producing ways of ‘making sense’ of the world. It suggests that the ‘hegemony’ or power of the dominant groups can only be maintained through a struggle and tension between dominant and subordinate groups. Out of this struggle, ways of ‘making sense’ of the world are produced which both groups contribute to and can agree with. What this means is that although the interests of the two groups are fundamentally opposed they have found a way of living in harmony or consent because the subordinate groups have won enough concessions to 92 BOX POP: POPULAR TELEVISION AND HEGMONEY make them accept their domination while the dominant groups’ overall structural power base is maintained. As long as this is not challenged the subordinate groups can continue to win more and more concessions and have an effect on the constitution of the resulting state of hegemony. So, in the establishment and negotiations of the hegemony of the dominant groups there is a struggle between the contradictory desires of all groups which finds areas of consent and consensus. All this may seem a little complex but it provides a framework for thinking about ‘popular culture’, for helping us to understand such phenomena as popular involvement in the royal weddings, the World Cup, Live Aid, and the popularity of EastEnders, Madonna, Boy George, and That’s Life. For ‘popular culture’ has its own ways of ‘making sense’ of the world; it offers us ways of understanding our society and thus contributes to the consciousness we have of the world; the argument of the cultural critics is that because of its stress on pleasure and entertainment it addresses everyone across class, age, gender, and thus becomes one of the most crucial sites in which our ‘consciousness’ is constructed, through which ideologies are produced, and by which hegemony is established. The popular press, pop music, popular television, and all forms of popular entertainment are central agencies for this process. Once the concerns of ideology and hegemony are realized we can never again see ‘popular culture’ as ‘just entertainment’ and socially insignificant. In contributing to the establishment of hegemony ‘popular culture’ does contradictory things: it wins the support of the people while maintaining the power of the dominant groups and the oppression of the people. Herein lies the fascination and central contradiction of ‘popular culture’ and television in their ability to do both these things at once, gratifying the people yet contributing to their enslavement. The issues for us are to see how it does this and to ask if it always acts in this way or whether sometimes ‘popular culture’ can challenge the status quo of domination. I have in a way begun to answer my third question—how has ‘popular culture’ been understood? Crudely it has been seen in two contradictory lights which partly answer the above ideological questions. The negative view sees it as the new ‘opiate of the people’ which keeps the masses moronically content with their lot and their oppression. The positive, as a form of the people’s own cultural values, separate from and more authentic than the ‘high’ culture of the middle classes, and which can be a means of challenging the status quo. Historically we can see that at certain UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 93 moments one or other of these positions may be more in evidence; for example the positive view is manifest in the strong radical press of the mid-nineteenth century or the popular postwar reconstruction period, while the negative may be found in descriptions of the late-Victorian music hall, described as a ‘culture of consolation’,3 or the Hollywood escapist films of the 1930s Depression which caused Hollywood to be described as a dream factory. Obviously neither position offers the ‘correct’ answer, but the two provide a framework for the analysis of particular cases and point us towards my argument that popular culture in general and television in particular are contradictory sites. These contradictory trends of thought do not only come from a leftwing perspective; they are shared by other intellectual traditions. One of the reasons we might find it difficult to assess ‘popular culture’ is that these positions are so deeply rooted in our culture that they have become embedded in our commonsense and unconscious ways of thinking about the world. Ask yourself the question: ‘What do I think of Crossroads, The Price is Right, Blind Date or Minder?’ Try listening to any group of people discussing last night’s viewing. Many of us will dismiss such television in one breath as ‘trash’, ‘rubbish’, or ‘trivia’, and, in the next, rave about the latest episode of Auf Wiedersehn, Pet or ask intently what’s happened now to Den and Angie of EastEnders. Students in discussion will often deny that they ever even watch such programmes, preferring news, current affairs, and serious drama, but moments later admit to their intimate familiarity with Terry Wogan and Les Dawson. The more honest may admit to their enjoyment but preface this by saying: ‘I know I shouldn’t like these programmes…’. We should note this desire to deny the validity of our own pleasures in popular cultural forms. I want to trace some of the intellectual traditions from which these contradictory ‘gut’ feelings derive. Richard Dyer4 has shown how contradictory views about ‘entertainment’ go back in two traditions to the seventeenthcentury French philosophers Pascal and Montaigne. Both traditions see entertainment as easy, pleasurable, hedonistic and democratic as opposed to the serious, refined and cognitively difficult nature of an elitist ‘high’ culture; both see entertainment offering available pleasures in the face of the problems of life. The tradition following from Pascal sees this form of entertainment as an escape which is ultimately self-destructive since it is merely a way of reconciling us to the status quo, of making us accept the conditions of life as it is—so that, for example, the pleasures of 94 BOX POP: POPULAR TELEVISION AND HEGMONEY drinking, dancing, sport, TV, and sex carefully structured into our weekends become the fodder which sustains and reproduces us as workers so that we will carry on with our drudgery for another week. The tradition deriving from Montaigne suggests that the escape of entertainment does more than make us cope with life, it actually leads us to question and criticize the status quo by reference to an ideal world, while also filling us with positive vitality. The Utopia of entertainment is not an escapist illusion but an ideal to be strived and hoped for. In Dyer’s words, then, the field of entertainment can be seen as ‘a battleground’ between these opposing tendencies. The assertion, since the 1960s, of the second tradition, brought a breath of fresh air to cultural politics which tended to validate the possibilities of popular culture and entertainment, but there have also been two schools of thought in the twentieth century endorsing the negative view. The first sprang from a rightwing perspective, valuing the ‘difficult’ works of high culture, and from which popular culture was a problem on two levels. Morally, popular culture was a subversive form which threatened to corrupt people, particularly the young, and was dangerously anti-social: cheap thrills and pleasures could undermine the values of society. Since the war this view has had a particularly anti-American stance. Given the democratic nature of popular culture this fear is actually well-founded.5 The argument was reinforced by aesthetic judgements which saw popular culture as inferior. The approach of conservative educationalists once they realized the influence popular culture was beginning to have on teenagers was the ‘innoculation’ approach: by analysing a little popular culture you taught people to recognize and discriminate against its shoddiness and thus reject it. We might suspect that a contradiction was already in play for those teachers studying things they really enjoyed only to morally pat themselves on the back, saying that they now knew why these things were so ‘rotten’. Such views are found in a British cultural analytical tradition from Matthew Arnold to F.R.Leavis. The other school of thought endorsing the negative view of popular culture came from those socialist critics of the Frankfurt School, mostly German émigrés, who went to America in the 1930s to escape the Nazis. They attempted to understand the relation between culture and fascism and they made a distinction between high art and popular culture: popular culture was the opiate helping to maintain the status quo of a conservative society; high art was the realm in which it was possible to challenge UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 95 society. Indeed high art, if it was any good, was always critical of society. According to Marcuse, ‘Art is the Great Refusal—the protest against that which is’. The artist’s function was to provide a negative critique of society since ‘the higher culture was always in contradiction with social reality’.6 Popular mass art offered escapist wish-fulfilments, providing comfort or excitement which would ‘serve as instruments of social cohesion’. The media thus become instruments of manipulation and indoctrination. The Frankfurt School also recognized the socio-economic context of the production and consumption of cultural products; they coined the term ‘culture industry’. They argued that all cultural products within the capitalist market simply became commodities for consumption. As commodities they would all be reduced to the same value so that even ‘high’ oppositional art could now be marketed and contained, thus losing its challenging meanings. There are problems with the Frankfurt School’s approach: an elitism which devalues popular and working-class forms, denying their oppositional possibilities, a suspicion of pleasure, and an assumption of a passive audience which will simply soak up whatever is offered. But they did open up a serious ideological understanding of the role of popular culture. Today, many radicals take a different view; we believe that any serious and lasting social changes can only be carried through by changes in popular consciousness. Popular culture is more significant than high, elitist culture in producing consciousness, and therefore it is in this area that socialists must seek oppositional work. Popular culture needs to be re-evaluated ideologically and aesthetically. To accept its validity it is necessary to: (i) overcome a cultural snobbishness about the values of easy art forms; (ii) overcome a puritan heritage which wants to deny pleasure; (iii) recognize the potential positive elements for popular culture to challenge the status quo. However, we mustn’t go overboard. While recognizing this site as politically crucial, we must remember that at the moment much, if not most, popular culture ultimately continues to serve the interests of the dominant groups. Understanding this may lead to attempts to change the current forms of popular culture. Before turning to popular television there’s one further piece of theory which may prove useful for analysis; this is the concept of ‘incorporation’ or ‘containment’. The Frankfurt School saw the 96 BOX POP: POPULAR TELEVISION AND HEGMONEY process of incorporation (literally being taken into the body of) as the way in which any radical or critical elements could be swallowed up, neutralized, and made safe by the culture industry, so that they lost their critical meanings. We can see a similar process of containment in the way that hegemony works. Since hegemony is produced through the interests of both dominant and subordinate groups, we can say that some challenging elements will be included within the hegemonic consent. But since the overall power structure remains intact these challenges are incorporated. How do these general arguments look when applied to popular television? The opening of commercial television in 1955 saw the beginning of the BBC/ITV battle for audiences. The BBC had previously produced what it felt was ‘good’ for people. ITV, with a recipe of light entertainment, soap operas, and quiz shows like Double Your Money and Take Your Pick, changed all that. From now on audiences, through viewing choices, did have a say in what was produced, because TV had to win viewers. Yet television remained in the hands of a small, elite group of financiers, controllers, and programme makers whose broad interests were still those of the capitalist state. Here is generated the central contradiction of TV: the fact that it is ‘a discourse generated “from above” which must nevertheless win consent, gain credibility and acceptance “from below”.’7 In addition to this, some critics have noticed how the dominant groups’ ideological and economic needs do not necessarily always correspond.8 The ideological needs require TV programming which will help reproduce the existing relations of power; programmes function ideologically. Economic needs are just about profit: programmes are about winning audiences. What happens if popular programmes are ideologically unacceptable? It could be that commercial television, motivated by short-term economic needs, will be more radical in such situations than public service broadcasting, and economic power and needs would outweigh ideological ones. However, at present television for the most part seems to be holding together its twin aims of winning the support of a large audience while ideologically contributing to the maintenance of the dominant social groups’ power.9 How does it do these two things? Winning support Television must connect with people’s actual experiences, both in terms of our real lives and our fantasy lives; unless we can UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 97 recognize ourselves, our desires, and our dreams in television it will mean nothing to us. Television must be relevant and up to date; successful drama, based on conflict, is drawn to issues and problems of the moment. We can see how situation comedies and soap operas constantly work over issues about the family and sexuality, how police/crime series are always dealing with social problems, ‘deviancy’, and questions about ‘law’n’order’. Each new autumn series of programmes reflects the latest shift in the ground rules of everyday reality; for example, situation comedies which used to focus on the problems of the nuclear family are now dealing more and more with the problems of one-parent, divorced, unmarried, or ‘deviant’ families. The challenge to Coronation Street by EastEnders can also be seen as the triumph of a more up-todate image of the world. The appeal of non-realist programmes like Dallas and The Young Ones is through their connection with our current fantasy desires. Even game shows like Play Your Cards Right use questions which deal with current concerns around sexual equality: ‘We asked a hundred secretaries: “Could you do your boss’s job as well as he does?” How many secretaries said they could?’ The questions on this programme present a perfect example of hegemony in action as we see the referencing of socially accepted norms in the assumptions behind the questions —that the world is peopled by bosses and secretaries (male and female), but there is then a chance to show the inequality of this system since the secretaries reply that they see themselves as equally capable. The ‘correct’ and ‘popular’ answers to the questions are then negotiated in a struggle between Bruce Forsyth (the question master), the contestants, and the audience. But the initial questions already presuppose tensions and fractures in ‘normal’ social relations. So, to win support, programmes are drawn to difficult ideological areas which will then have to be negotiated. Programmes also win support through offering us pleasures. These may be the pleasures of, first, heightened emotion: laughter at comedies, suspense with crime shows and snooker, emotional involvement and tears with soap operas; secondly, aural and visual spectacle: the video-generated effects of Top of the Pops, the coverage of sports events, the sexual spectacle of Benny Hill’s Angels; thirdly, narrative: the weekly instalments in the serial, the culmination of the quiz show in the $64,000 question; fourthly, stars and identification figures: from Jimmy Hill to Ian McGaskill, from Terry Wogan to Wincey Willis; or, fifthly, familiarity: familiar faces and recurring theme tunes. 98 BOX POP: POPULAR TELEVISION AND HEGMONEY Ideological work The ideological/hegemonic operations of popular television are not simple, initially because many programmes, in the way they negotiate social issues, are themselves contradictory. They can include several different ‘discourses’; they are open to various audience readings; they have to be seen in a wider social context. It is possible to argue for positive and negative readings of almost all popular television genres. Some comedies can be read as socially disruptive, subversive, and anarchic —The Young Ones and Spitting Image—or as a social safety valve for letting off steam for a moment which certainly won’t change the world. (The first Spitting Image series was very close to being banned but by the third series having a Spitting Image puppet made of you was seen as a sign and confirmation of star status.) Game shows, like The Price is Right, can be celebrated as Utopian representations of community, abundance, energy and people’s participation or seen as sexist endorsement of capitalist consumerism and competitiveness in which contestants are totally manipulated. Are soap operas a setting for strong female characters, addressing female viewers with a feminine voice, or so rooted in the domestic trivia of life that any pertinent social comment is evacuated in the face of unrealistic and rosy representations of working-class communities? Programmes can include several sets of meanings. They contain several ‘discourses’ or points of view. When analysing Juliet Bravo are we concerned with the representations of law and order, of women, or of social problems? The series may be positive in showing how crime is caused by social problems like unemployment and bad housing, positive in showing a professionally capable woman, yet negative in showing the police as politically neutral and incorruptible. Which discourse are we concerned with? How do they combine? Which is most important? It may be that the positive elements win us as audience to accepting this view of the police. These are partly textual problems but they point us to questions about audiences and how they understand programmes (see chapter 4). Different audiences may make different and contradictory readings. These readings will also be affected by the contexts of programmes: an unusually provocative programme can be instantly incorporated by its positioning between adverts and Emmerdale Farm; its meaning is lost in the ‘flow’ of television which reduces it to a single element of the day’s familiar and forgettable menu; the popular press coverage of EastEnders may have boosted audiences but it tends UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 99 to favour a view of the programme as being about gossip and scandal rather than social criticism. While I’ve emphasized some of the contradictions in the programmes there are ways in which they clearly do support the dominant groups because they do not challenge these groups’ power. Ideology works by masking, displacing, and naturalizing social problems and contradictions. These processes can be seen in the form and content of television. Television constructs a view of the world but naturalizes that view, makes it normal, by hiding its own means of construction, its editing, selection, and camerawork. It claims to offer a ‘window on the world’ as though its mediating processes were not there at all. Realism, TV’s dominant dramatic form, operates in a similar fashion. Television assumes naturally given values in its ‘mode of address’, the way it speaks to us as viewers. Chapter 2 has referred to the way television constructs a ‘family audience’. TV also constructs us as naturally patriotic British subjects whenever it covers sports or royal occasions: ‘We’ll all be rooting for England tonight.’ ‘Good news today as we celebrate the Queen’s 60th birthday.’ Our inclusion is natural and unproblematic. Masking and displacement are more complex. They are the means by which social contradictions are hidden or diverted into other areas. Displacement occurs through omission; some problems and viewpoints are just not dealt with (for example, there is no coverage of many Irish issues). It also happens through the privileging of certain issues over others. Gender conflict is often foregrounded (in the Play Your Cards Right questions), but class and racial conflict are given less space. It occurs through ‘mode of address’: we are addressed as British families who are consumers interested in entertainment. This may be an accurate description but it’s not the whole story; we could be addressed as workers or members of different classes, gender, and races. By focusing on categories which bind us together in unity, TV ‘displaces’ or hides our differences and potential social antagonisms. The narrative forms of television and its use of genre can also mask social contradictions. Three aspects of narrative—the form itself, its stress on individuals, and the way it resolves problems— all contribute to this. First, we take pleasure in narrative from the form itself; the setting up of a mystery or problem which we know will be dramatically resolved. We can get more caught up in the process of narrative development than in what the story is actually about. Secondly, most narratives are about individuals we can identify or empathize with. The focus on individuals means 100 BOX POP: POPULAR TELEVISION AND HEGMONEY we may lose sight of people as representations of social groups and therefore pay less attention to society and its institutions. Thirdly, as Raymond Williams has remarked, there are ‘magical’ endings to some stories, whereby complex problems are suddenly solved by a twist of fate or coincidence which will provide a happy ending. TV uses similar ‘magical’ endings as a way of dealing with the complex social problems it may have set up. Narratives and their endings do not have to work like this. Edge of Darkness and Dead Head were much more uncompromising in their questionings, respectively, of the use of nuclear power and the controls of the state; they challenged some of the above conventions. But they can still be seen as incorporated in terms of form—‘Well that was an exciting story’—or TV flow—‘And next week sees the start of a brand new series.’ If narrative is limiting, what about genres? Popular television’s output is centred around several types of programme or genres: soap operas, sitcoms, quiz shows, and so forth. There are sound economic reasons for this: the ease and economy of production, using the same sets, actors, producers, and the guarantee of an audience who will return to what has already been established as popular. (You could argue that all television operates on the level of generic series—even The News and The Weather.) There is also the principle of repetition and variation both in terms of series within the whole genre and plots and characters within particular series. Minder works within the framework of a three-act, 55minute drama series concerned with crime in London (compare with The Sweeney, The Gentle Touch, and The Bill). Each week Arthur Daley and Terry appear; Arthur exploits Terry, Terry minds for Arthur; each week there is a new story with some new characters. Our pleasure is in the repetition of a known situation and its new developments. Who will the guest stars be? Will Terry get one up on Arthur this week? At the point when a particular generic series loses popularity a new brand will be introduced. (This is as true for game shows as fiction series.) Many radical TV writers recognize that generic series and serials are the medium to work in to win a popular audience and they believe that these forms have enormous progressive potential. But the dominance of genre programmes does present problems: (i) The popularity of genres marginalizes those programmes which do not fit into generic conventions, since audiences will not recognize them. (ii) As with narrative, generic form can predominate over content. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 101 (iii) Generic structures can be ideologically limiting. The crime series tends to focus on policemen as familiar characters, automatically putting us on their side. The form of sit-com is to maintain an original situation week after week. It is formally bound to maintain the status quo. This means that though an interesting problem might be set up, the question of infidelity in Butterflies for example, it can never actually be answered and allow any progression. There are some programmes which break with the conventions of the genre. Hill Street Blues crossed the crime/police genre with soap opera and sit-com; The Young Ones pushed the ‘realist’ situation of comedy to its limits. Programmes which break rules often build up cult audiences, offering us pleasures dependent on awareness of genre manipulation, but in a fairly short time even these programmes become conventionalized and normal. The progressive potentialities of genre may lie in introducing radical content in the way that Brookside has consciously attempted. These last points raise questions of pleasure and ideology. Criticism of TV in the 1970s aimed to expose its ideological operations, but neglected pleasure. This is central in winning audiences (see above). There is no doubt that existing television companies are well placed in terms of money, equipment, and professional expertise to produce pleasurable programmes, and questions of pleasure will often outweigh ideological concerns for an audience (myself included). Any radical TV will only succeed if it too provides pleasure. However, pleasures can be thought of ideologically. Much humour depends on a racist common sense, for example to ‘get’ Irish jokes. Enjoyment of TV spectacle often relies on treating women as objects of visual pleasure. Pleasure in narrative and generic forms can also be limiting (see above). Maybe we should think in terms of progressive and reactionary pleasures. Certainly Brecht believed in a form of popular enjoyment and ‘pleasurable learning’ where the pleasure was for exploited groups in understanding their oppression and how to challenge it. Brecht compared this with the reactionary pleasures of identification, excitement, and spectacle which he would see in much of today’s TV. However, even these forms can’t be totally condemned. As Dyer has argued, traditional forms of entertainment do offer radical possibilities in showing us Utopian and ideal visions which allow an escape from the present but also implicitly criticize the present. 102 BOX POP: POPULAR TELEVISION AND HEGMONEY Let us take one final example of a programme which wins popular support. That’s Life is a blend of light entertainment and serious ‘watchdog’ programme; it has run for more than ten years on BBC 1, mostly occupying a primetime Sunday evening viewing slot. That’s Life is interesting first because it is a programme which appears to offer the people their own voice. It is a form of access TV in which virtually all items derive from letters and calls from ‘you the public’, and in many of which the public actually appears. It can thus be seen as a programme ‘of the people’, though of course all items are framed and mediated by the professional TV team of Esther Rantzen and her colleagues. Secondly, the programme’s ‘watchdog’ elements point to the problems, contradictions, and exploitations of today’s capitalist, bureaucratic state. However, despite this, the programme’s dominant position is one which wins support to acceptance of the status quo. How does it do this? In dealing with the problems of daily British life, the programme constantly draws attention to the anomalies and exploitations within our system and state but it never questions the overall system itself. The ‘people’, generally positioned not in terms of class or work, but as consumers and/or family members, suffer at the hands of bureaucracy, small and big business, incompetence, bungling, and petty mindedness. Television is the impartial third estate, outside Parliament and the law, the instrument of free speech, the voice of the ordinary man and woman in the street. It focuses people’s complaints and criticisms of various powerful groups within our society, but at the same time it never actually challenges the ground rules of a capitalist consumerist society, and ultimately it calls on the state institutions of Parliament and the law to reform institutions or punish offenders. While part of the programme wins our support by attacking various power groups, another part shows the human and caring side of these same institutions. Regular features include various public bodies or private enterprise groups performing acts which put to rights earlier blunders. These are often framed as song and dance numbers or situation comedy sketches, within the discourse of light entertainment. For example, one local council group of civil servants respond to a letter from a couple about a tree that needs pruning. We see the various stages of bureaucracy needed to implement this action; the whole piece is put together in song to the tune of ‘There’ll Always Be An England’, and the final chorus unites all levels of management and workers involved. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 103 Class hierarchies are shown, but unity, not conflict, is produced under the patriotic national sign of the Union Jack. The state is shown to be unified, caring, and responsive. But furthermore it is talented. We are here brought back to the discourse of light entertainment. The Utopian pleasures of light entertainment are generally non-antagonistic, and the discourse offers us, in Richard Dyer’s words, abundance, energy, and community—TV presents us with a ‘wonderful world’. This world, opposed to the ‘real’ world of conflict, is the world of television and entertainment itself. It is a world which is increasingly dwelt on in the popular press; it is a world of rewards, through actual appearance, consumer goods, or simply pleasure; it is a self-referential world in which understanding and pleasure presuppose great television knowledge. That’s Life offers us, the public, the chance to enter this world; we can send in humorous and witty items or perhaps perform ourselves with our talented domestic pets or our own peculiar musical talents. The blending of ordinary people with the TV world is complete when the public perform with members of the That’s Life team. Members of the team themselves have nowadays to be talented light entertainers as well as good ‘watchdog’ reporters. The discourse of light entertainment (which also suffuses the serious reports where narratives are often played for laughs) becomes the dominant discourse of the whole programme. (The end of a series highlights programme features, mainly entertainment items.) This is a discourse which is ultimately optimistic and positive, confirming that life is alright. This position is finally achieved in the common sense of the programme’s title, That’s Life. This phrase connotes an understanding of the unfairness of the world, of the crazy humour of the world, and of the eternal never-changing nature of the world that is life. At one and the same time it criticizes and accepts our world. This is a common sense which embodies and is full of contradictions. If we start to examine what ‘life’ is, the contradictions are apparent and uncomfortable. But That’s Life is a phrase which cements things over; it is a final comment, one made to close things off in acceptance, rather than open them up. Yet this remains a programme which in its vox pop interviews allows the voice of an old black working-class woman to speak freely and for the audience to endorse Esther Rantzen’s suggestion that this woman be the next prime minister. Is this the challenge or incorporation of alternative voices? It is a programme which ‘makes sense’ of our world, winning our acceptance of it through the discourses of common sense and light entertainment; but it 104 BOX POP: POPULAR TELEVISION AND HEGMONEY also ‘makes sense’ by voicing, showing and trying to deal with our problems and contradictions. Notes Thanks to Susan Boyd-Bowman for her comments and suggestions on this article. 1 Robin Wood, From Hollywood to Vietnam, New York: Columbia University Press, 1986. 2 See, for example, Richard Hoggart, The Uses of Literacy, London: Penguin, 1958. 3 Gareth Stedman Jones, ‘Working-class culture and working-class politics in London 1870–1900: notes on the remaking of a working class’, in Bernard Waites, Tony Bennett, and Graham Martin (eds), Popular Culture: Past and Present, London: Croom Helm, 1982. 4 R.Dyer, ‘The social value of entertainment’, unpublished PhD thesis, University of Birmingham, Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies. See also his BFI Monograph Light Entertainment. 5 H.Marcuse, One Dimensional Man, London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1964. 6 ibid. 7 S.Hall, ‘Cultural Studies: two paradigms’ in Media, Culture and Society, vol. 2, no. 1, London: Academic Press, 1981. 8 R.Dyer T.Lovell, and J.McCrindle, ‘Soap opera and women’, Edinburgh TV Festival Programme, 1977. 9 During the 1960s and 1970s television was the most important of the mass media; it had replaced cinema as the major source of entertainment and information. However, it may be that in the 1980s we are witnessing another shift in which media technology as we have known it for the past 20 years is being challenged and altered by the appearance of a new channel, video, cable, satellite, and computers. TV may cease to win its mass support in the face of these rival entertainments unless it again transforms itself, as in the late 1950s, to ensure its continued popularity. Further reading Bennett, Tony, et al. (eds), Popular Television and Film, London: British Film Institute, 1981. Gurevitch, Michael, et al., Culture, Society and the Media, London: Methuen, 1982. Masterman, Len, Television Mythologies, London: Comedia, 1984. 7 WINNER TAKES ALL: COMPETITION Garry Whannel Television has always offered a wide range of competition, from cricket to Come Dancing, from Match of the Day to Mastermind, from tennis to Treasure Hunt, from boxing to Blankety Blank. Fiske and Hartley1 argue that, despite the obvious differences between these diverse forms of competition, they also have notable similarities. They all involve the ritualization and evaluation of social behaviour and all draw on the appeal of exploiting and resolving uncertainty. Characteristically, we are placed in the position of an evaluator or judge, able to sit back and assess performance. Clearly this range of competitive forms on television is only part of a broader cultural passion for competition, as the extraordinary success of Trivial Pursuits shows. Competition on television both provides a structure for diverse forms of entertainment, and acts as the bearer of an overarching ideology about the importance of winning. But here it is necessary to be much more specific, and to pinpoint differences as well as similarities within the world of competition. Winning is important, but how important? What is won, what skills are necessary, and what are the costs of defeat? There are clear distinctions to be made between quiz and game shows, and televised sport. Quiz and game shows depend on the display of knowledge or performance of skill, the acquisition of prizes, the display of celebrity and personality, all presented in terms of fun and games. Sport also depends on the performance of skill but, rather than fun and games, the emphasis lies on serious elite excellence. The spectacle and drama is intensified and the narrative question, ‘who will win?’, is foregrounded. But as television sought to transform sport into a suitable form for television entertainment one by-product was a whole range of programmes that could be termed quasi-sport, blending elements of sport and light entertainment. Superstars and Its a Knockout are both examples of this tendency. 106 WINNER TAKES ALL: COMPEITION Quiz and game shows With the exception of the intellectual quizzes (Mastermind, University Challenge, and so on) few televisual forms have as low a cultural status as quiz shows. They are regularly derided by middle-class opinion, criticized in government reports, and restricted both in quantity and value of prizes by the IBA. Yet they are consistently popular (Mastermind included) and have the great advantage, for television, of being cheap to produce. At first sight they would appear to be primarily about the display of knowledge, and the acquisition of prizes or status through the possession of and performance of particular sorts of knowledge. General knowledge questions have been a quiz show staple from Double Your Money and Take Your Pick to The Krypton Factor and Fifteen to One. The intellectual quizzes, Mastermind and University Challenge merely depend on a specialist variant of knowledge. But is is a very particular kind of knowledge, consisting of individual discrete facts. John Tulloch points out that quizzes feature isolated individuals under pressure, that they directly penalize thinking, give no room for interpretation, and celebrate knowledge as possession of facts, and argues that such a view of knowledge abolishes explanation.2 In effect, the skill most required and celebrated by this type of quiz is the ability to recall single discrete units of factual knowledge at high speed. It is somewhat ironic that we should, in a cultural form, celebrate the one function of the brain most easily performed, and performed far more efficiently, by computers. This form of quiz then mobilizes not the educated mentality, with its ability to understand and analyse, but the acquisitive instinct that accumulates and stores items of information, just as a squirrel stores nuts. Trivial Pursuits, in its title, acknowledges the ultimate worthlessness of this form of ‘knowledge’, yet the reverence accorded to people who ‘know things’ and a relative disinterest in analytic intellect are marked features of the English cultural tradition. Not all quiz shows draw upon this form of knowledge. The knowledge required in The Price is Right is a knowledge of the prices of relatively ordinary domestic luxury goods. Arguably the show validates a social skill not generally given a cultural value, and largely possessed by women rather than men, the skill of bargain hunting acquired by window shopping.3 Other shows draw on skills other than that of fact retrieval, such as the deduction required in 3–2–1 and Treasure Hunt, memory in The Generation Game, or the physical and manipulative skills required for parts of UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 107 The Krypton Factor. But what they have in common is that the skill or knowledge can be traded in for prizes. In Tulloch’s terms, what you know can be directly translated into ‘things’. However, in the 1980s this traditional form of knowledge was to a degree usurped by a radically different form of knowledge in the highly successful programmes Play Your Cards Right, Family Fortunes, and Blankety Blank. In these game shows, the type of knowledge used as currency is not ‘objective fact’ but ‘public opinion’, or knowledge of social discourse. Mills and Rice argue that it is an understanding of the rules of everyday common sense discourse rather than the world of objective and authenticated ‘facts’ that enables success.4 The right answers are not based on absolute fact but by reference to some form of pseudo opinion poll. In Family Fortunes a hundred people are asked to name a form of transport, for example, and contestants have to guess those most frequently named. In Play Your Cards Right, questions are put to specific groups (‘we asked one hundred policemen what they would do if…’). In Blankety Blank the ‘right’ answers are determined either by the responses of the panel of celebrities or by the studio audience. This indicates a marked shift in ideological basis from knowledge as absolute to knowledge as attitude. The knowledge is constructed out of public opinion, albeit of a particular kind, so it is not learning or information, but a grasp of popular common sense that becomes the prerequisite skill. Winners are those who can produce consensual answers, losers produce aberrant answers, so the programmes reward normality and penalize deviance. But they also serve to validate popular ‘common sense’ as against scientific knowledge. In this sense they dislodge the elitist dominance of ‘knowledge’ rooted in the class power of those who have been able to acquire a greater quantity of cultural capital. These new populist quizzes dislodge ‘expertise’ and validate ‘what everyone knows’. In these shows, personality and celebrity come further to the fore. Contestants have to perform themselves, to display their personalities, and indeed on The Price is Right are picked for their extrovert qualities. Presenters become celebrities, and other show business celebrities are introduced—as extra production value (3– 2–1), or as focal point (Punchlines, Celebrity Squares, Blankety Blank). Blankety Blank commences with contestants on one side of the set, and celebrities on the other Contestants do not walk on; the elaborate machinery of the set wheels them on, and if they lose it 108 WINNER TAKES ALL: COMPEITION wheels them off again. To win through the early stages is to win the right of movement— you get to stand up and be pushed into position by Les Dawson. In achieving final victory, as well as the self-consciously ‘cheap’ prizes, you win entry into the world of celebrities: the winner is taken over to meet the panel. Television constantly offers, in a variety of programme forms, images of the world of glamour and celebrity. Game shows show ordinary people who with luck can be transported briefly into this world. Quiz and game shows have featured a broad range of prizes. In Take Your Pick and 3–2–1 the prize you win has an element of chance— winning as a lottery. In Sale of the Century the prizes are presented in the form of vulgar display—winning as conspicuous consumption. In The Price is Right they acquire the appearance of the products of luxury shopping—winning as spending spree. Blind Date offers sexuality as a lottery—you win a partner, but one chosen ‘blind’, while Mr and Mrs rewards winners with public confirmation of their compatibility. In Mastermind, University Challenge, and The Krypton Factor the real prize is status. While the new game shows have prizes, in a sense they are actually not about winning prizes, but are about ordinary people being on television—the real prize is your 15 minutes of fame.5 A similar set of differences can be seen to underlie the role of the audience. In the intellectual quizzes the audiences are there primarily as reverent witnesses—the superior skill of the contestants doesn’t really admit any active participation. By contrast the more populist quizzes have always actively mobilized audience participation—from the cries of ‘take the money/open the box’ on Take Your Pick, to the shouts of ‘higher/lower’ on Play Your Cards Right, and the general freestyle yelling of The Price is Right. And on some of the new game shows the audience is actually the source of knowledge in that it has provided the answers. Clearly television quizzes and game shows also offer a place for an active domestic viewer in that it is possible to compete with the contestants. In this sense the text-viewer relation is significantly different from narrative, though research into audiences has yet to take sufficient account of such differences. Quizzes have been attacked for being merely a form of celebration of consumption, glorifying consumer goods. On British television, however, it is questionable that the prizes are a central focus. The BBC have never gone in for lavish prizes and indeed the prizes on Blankety Blank are a major element in the gentle self-reflexive parody of the whole game show form that is part of Blankety Blank’s appeal. The IBA limit prize levels on ITV game UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 109 shows, and the emphasis has generally been more on ‘fun and games’ than on massive material reward. Richard Dyer suggests that popular entertainment characteristically offers abundance, energy, and community, in contrast to the scarcity, exhaustion, and isolation more common to lived reality.6 He argues that entertainment is in this sense often rooted in a Utopian sensibility, offering an idealized world from which scarcity, tiredness, and loneliness have been eliminated. While it is in no sense Utopian, a show like The Price is Right could be seen in these terms, for it is nothing if not exuberant. Everything about the staging of the show is designed to produce the impression of energy and the audience are galvanized into a temporary frenetic community. But it cannot be denied that in the last analysis the experience is structured around the competition to win commodities. In order to win commodities it is necessary to produce answers and, as already stated, the nature of the answers required has been subject to change. There are distinct ideological shifts at work underlying the role of ‘knowledge’ in game shows. The traditional regime of knowledge was being disrupted by the end of the 1970s by the rise of the populist ‘we asked one hundred people…’ form of game show. There are interesting parallels here with broader political and ideological shifts. Many of the traditional assumptions and certainties of post-war Britain were being dismantled by the rise of Thatcherism. In its early populist phase, Thatcherism challenged established political knowledge by reference, mediated through the tabloid press, to the ‘commonsense’ of ordinary people. During the same period, game shows shifted from a dependence on the traditional empirical/factual model of knowledge, towards a celebration of the views of ordinary people as a source of understanding. But by the late 1980s, Thatcherism has consolidated its power, and having successfully dismantled the old Butskellite welfare state consensual politics, is in the midst of an active reconstruction of major social institutions. As the project of imposing a new educational orthodoxy gets under way there are signs of a regeneration of the knowledge-as-fact school of quiz. Can it be entirely without relevance that at least one new game show, Fifteen to One, seems rooted in that most competitive of models for education, the Victorian classroom. The presenter (teacher?) William G. Stewart fires a series of questions at his pupils until one by one they are eliminated by failure, leaving one victor. Stewart, in teacherly fashion, presides over this most competitive and hierarchical of educational forms, and it is ironic 110 WINNER TAKES ALL: COMPEITION that he was also responsible for producing The Price is Right, in which the cheerfully unruly audience are much more like children let out of school. It is certainly not the case that a programme like Fifteen to One was planned to buttress a return to Victorian values in education. But popular culture is a part of the climate of the times, and indeed does not just reflect it but helps to produce it. So this programme can both be a response to a reassertion of competition in education, but also part of the process by which such attitudes are reproduced. (This is part of the process of hegemony, discussed more fully in chapter 6 by Michael O’Shaughnessy.) Sport Sports presents us with a different set of problems because, unlike with quizzes, the events portrayed have an existence independent of the cameras. So while television is relaying the events to us, it is not creating them from scratch. However, as several accounts argue, it does more than simply reflect them to us. By its choice of camera positions and shots, cutting patterns, commentary styles, and by the addition of layers of preliminary discussion and post mortem it is in fact transforming the events, or constructing versions of them.7 However, the subject can be approached with some of the same questions with which we examined game shows—how is competition represented, what is invested in winning and losing, and what is to be won? Sport is heavily framed by its television coverage. Extensive airtime is devoted to building up major events—singling out the key stars to watch out for, soliciting the advice of ‘experts’ as to what will happen, and forging points of identification as a means of winning and holding an audience. One major appeal of sport is its uncertainty—we do not know what the outcome will be, yet we know there will be a result. So the question ‘who will win?’ is foregrounded in any sport coverage. Yet if all we needed was to know the result there would be no need to provide more than a result service—clearly there is considerable pleasure in seeing the process of arriving at a result. Sport has a structure not unlike a narrative, and in transforming it into televisual form, the narrative points are further brought out. We follow the story step by step in the progress towards a result. Stars play a major role in putting these stories into focus, and providing points of identification so the Moscow Olympics on British television were dominated by Coe v. Ovett8 and in the Los UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 111 Angeles Olympics the Decker v. Budd story provided a major focus. The notion of winning and losing is integral to sport. Television emphasizes the celebration of winners. Race winners are caught in close up and followed around laps of honour, goal scorers are highlighted and their goals repeated, sometimes ad nauseam. Medal ceremonies further serve to underline the cultural importance of victory, and post-mortem interviews aim to catch the victor in the very moment of triumph. Frequently, losers just disappear from the screen, never to be referred to again. If they are British they will have to go through the ordeal of interview (‘I did my best, it just wasn’t there…’) but only rarely, if there has been a major incident (as with Decker or Budd) will the winner be eclipsed for long. The whole language of commentary serves to underline the centrality of winning, of gaining, in Daley Thompson’s terms, ‘the Big G’. In international sport, success at sport has long been taken as a symbol of national wellbeing. The sporting failures of the 1950s were taken as a symbol of British world decline, with the famous home football 6–3 defeat by Hungary acquiring the status of a watershed. Similarly the 1966 World Cup victory became a high water mark of national sporting recovery and self-confidence. Patriotic identification with national teams became an easily mobilized force around which to build audience involvement. British competitors and their chances are foregrounded and we are addressed by television as patriotic supporters. But the peculiar amalgam of nations that the British state constitutes means that many Scottish, Welsh, and Irish viewers merely feel antagonized when invited to identify with the hopes of the English team. England always seems to stand for the whole British nation, whereas the Celtic nations only become ‘British’ when they are on the verge of success, as Scotland seemed to be before the 1978 World Cup. Television’s need to find some form of national identification for viewers is revealed in the famous remark in a swimming commentary, ‘in the absence of a British competitor, our hopes lie with the Australian…’. When no British interest is available it is vital to construct for the audience a surrogate-Brit to identify with. While quiz and game shows are at least partly about material reward, sport coverage is still marked by a contradiction between amateur and professional norms and values. The amateur model of sport stresses competition as an end in itself—it is not a means towards material reward or fame. Some sports—football, cricket, 112 WINNER TAKES ALL: COMPEITION golf, for example—have of course always been professional at their top levels. Others—tennis and athletics—have become professional. But all sports have been subject to a growing professionalization at their top levels. Television has been in part responsible for this—both in directly providing revenue in the form of payments to sport for television rights, and indirectly in triggering off the sponsorship boom. It has also had a significant effect on the nature of sport. One-day cricket and open tennis were in large part prompted by the needs of television. Yet ironically television still seems at times reluctant to acknowledge this professionalization and its consequences. British televisionsport commentators, particularly on the BBC, are far more coy about mentioning money and the amount winners get than their counterparts in the USA. More alarmingly they produce remarkably little reportage on the organization of sport, and this during a period when the whole structure of sport is being dramatically transformed. Success in sport is presented in terms of the acquisition not of money but of fame. Winners rapidly enter into the world of celebrities— appearing in after-match interviews and television advertisements, popping up as experts, appearing on game shows, and generally being ‘well known for being well known’. But whereas ordinary people are expected to be content with their 15 minutes of fame, sport stars are often keen to hold onto celebrity status. Of all figures in the public eye, sport stars have the shortest careers and consequently a need to acquire a celebrity status that will outlast their playing careers, as Henry Cooper and Jimmy Greaves have done so decisively. Such figures are crucial to television’s means for winning and holding audiences. Most of the viewers in a large television audience are not sport fans, and it is not by producing an expertoriented discourse addressing the cognoscenti that their attention can be won. It is vital that television sport successfully delivers entertainment value, and celebrities and personalities are part of the hard currency by which television entertainment values are measured. This in turn helps to account for the rather contradictory nature of the television evaluation of sport. In devoting a fair amount of time to previews and post mortems of sporting events, television is potentially adopting the role of critic and evaluator. To do so it has to turn to people —players, ex-players, managers, and coaches— who can clearly be offered as providing ‘expertise’. But in striving to offer entertainment value, television tends to gravitate towards those experts who are good entertainment value, those who are UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 113 personalities. So the panel of experts becomes the panel of entertainers and, while the original ITV pundits (Derek Dougan, Pat Crerand, and Brian Clough), became TV stars, the analysis of football seemed to diminish in quality as the stars became more conscious of the imperative to ‘perform’. The inheritors of this contradiction are ‘Saint and Greavesie’ who hover uneasily between an insiders’ view of football offered with genuine wit, and a clumsy self-conscious jokiness collapsing into self-parody. Quasi-sport …sporting people tend to gravitate to show business people and vice versa: basically we’re all in the same game. (Fred Perry, 1984) Just as sport and show business have always been closely related, so celebrity and competition have, on television, provided a meeting ground between the two worlds. The term quasi-sport requires a brief explanation.9 The main aim of this category is to reference that interface between sport as a source of iconography, a model for competitive narrative, and a generator of a star system, and the mainstream of popular peak-time television with its entertainment values, and pressures to win and hold a mass heterogeneous audience. The significance of this meeting of sport and entertainment on the ground of television can be borne out by the range and imagination of the types of programme I include here. – sports events which include celebrities (Pro Celebrity Snooker, Pro Celebrity Golf, Around With Alliss) – programmes with sport stars not playing their usual sport (Superstars and Superteams) – programmes involving celebrities and games (Star Games) – programmes drawing upon sport for iconography and information (Up for the Cup, A Question of Sport, We Are The Champions, The Record Breakers) – programmes involving the general public in games requiring a degree of physical skill (The Krypton Factor, It’s a Knockout, Jeux Sans Frontières, The Golden Shot, Bruce’s Big Night, The Generation Game, 3–2–1). It is noteworthy that television seems increasingly prepared to turn almost anything into the stuff of competition. Some examples 114 WINNER TAKES ALL: COMPEITION in recent years have been the World Latin Dance Championships, World Disco Dance Championship, Young Scientist of the Year, Young Musician of the Year, The Great Fishing Race, The Eurovision Song Contest, The Great Egg Race, The Great Double Bass Race. Also relevant here are the broadcasts of award ceremonies such as Sports Review of the Year, the Professional Footballers’ Award Dinner, and the similar non-sport occasions such as the BAFTA awards and the Academy Awards. The key factor all these things have in common is the combination of elements of sport and entertainment in a competitive structure. It’s a Knockout and Jeux Sans Frontières were successful in winning large audiences throughout the 1970s with Jeux Sans Frontières watched by a staggering 160 million across Europe, and 10 million in Britain. It quite explicitly aimed at non-serious competition: Slapstick humour with a hard competitive edge is what the people want. There’s too much realism in TV these days. You know the kind of thing: brittle drama series, gloom filled documentaries and sophisticated cynical humour. We’re offering people a circus atmosphere and just at the very moment when the atmosphere is tense and full of drama, someone throws a custard pie. (Barney Colehan, It’s a Knockout Annual 1967) Here the show is consciously cast in the escapist mould—as the antidote to hard reality—precisely the Utopian function of entertainment at work. It is worth noting that It’s a Knockout rose to the fore amidst a climate of cynical comment to the effect that money and politics were ruining sport. Precisely part of the appeal offered by It’s a Knockout lay in its difference from real sport: winning was not that important.10 It offered a magical recovery of the notion of sport as fun and as an end in itself. Superstars was for many years the most successful of the quasisports. It started in Britain in 1973, and was shown worldwide by the end of the decade. It began with an emphasis on fun and inadvertent slapstick, but athletes soon began training especially to win it, and a new form of professionalism began to creep in. Ultra-strenuous exercise contests were introduced and the whole event began to demand a particular kind of specialization. In the process some of the point of the event was eroded, as initially it was precisely the lack of ability of an Ian Botham riding a bike or a David Hemery playing football that constituted its appeal. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 115 Of the whole series of pro-celebrity sport events Yorkshire’s Pro Celebrity Snooker was one of the more successful, in part because of the pleasure of seeing the normal phlegmatic implacability of the professional snooker players threatened by the quips of the celebrities, who were often comics. The players were however quite clear about their responsibility to entertain, indeed concerned to mark that this ‘fun’ was very different from the serious competitiveness of real snooker: ‘Are you going to be able to cope with this?’ Doug Mountjoy: ‘I think so…. It’s like light entertainment.’ Ray Reardon: ‘I think it’s going to be a very interesting match, and certainly entertaining.’ But rather than simply a blend between sport and entertainment, the programme actually exploits the contradiction between the rather intense serious concentration and sedate reverent atmosphere of professional snooker, and the irreverent, wisecracking raucousness of the comedians, along with their lack of snooker ability. Other quasi-sport was far less well judged and often opportunistic. The genre perhaps reached its nadir in 1980 with the Love Doubles, a tennis match between John Lloyd and Chris Evert and Bjorn Borg and Marianna Simionescu. The programme used a heart design in the titles and the commentary introduced Bjorn Borg and his fiancée, and Mr and Mrs John Lloyd with the words ‘this marvellous event which has excited so much interest in the tennis world and indeed anyone who’s interested in romance as well’. It was all part of a gala evening with money going to Princess Anne’s charities, but provided neither authentic sport nor pleasurable entertainment. It showed clearly the way that dramatic narrative tension of real competition is an important element in the ability of television sport to hold an audience. Britain’s Strongest Man offers an extraordinary appropriation of comic-strip-style images of masculinity. There are extensive echoes of Desperate Dan in the programme: lifting cars, tearing telephone directories in half, bending iron bars on heads. As a counterpoint, Barbara Windsor has in the past been a compère, providing connotations of blonde barmaids with cockney cheek. The programme makes a fetish of physical strength, with sadomasochistic images of the body under stress. The strength and 116 WINNER TAKES ALL: COMPEITION stress required test the body literally to destruction. One man in a car-lifting game collapsed with a damaged back. Strength is reduced to an abstract system of equivalence, measured to two decimal places. Unlike the previous examples, Britain’s Strongest Man reinstates competition with a vengeance. Yet its representation of gender roles is so self-consciously stereotypical, particularly when set against the changing attitudes to gender set in process by the rise of the women’s movement during the 1970s, that it is hard to imagine it being understood by a 1980s audience as anything other than a comic-strip view of life. In recent years quasi-sport appears to have been in a decline, with the BBC dropping It’s a Knockout and Superstars. It may well be that as real sport is increasingly made to conform to the demands of entertainment the need for forms of quasi-sport has diminished. Similarly, quiz and game shows are not currently quite as popular as they were during the early 1980s, having been dislodged by the rise of soap opera to pre-eminence in the ratings. But competition in its various forms continues to be a resilient means by which narratives can be produced and audiences won. Notes 1 John Fiske and John Hartley, Reading Television, London: Methuen, 1978, ch. 10. 2 Tulloch, op. cit. in Further reading. 3 See John Fiske, ‘Quizzical pleasures’, Television Culture, London: Methuen, 1987, ch. 14. 4 Adam Mills and Phil Rice, ‘Quizzing the popular’, Screen Education, no. 41 (Winter/Spring 1982). 5 Jane Root, Open the Box, London: Comedia, 1986. 6 Richard Dyer, ‘Entertainment and Utopia’, Movie, no. 24 (1977). 7 Edward Buscombe (ed.), Football on Television, London: British Film Institute, 1975. 8 Garry Whannel, ‘Narrative and television sport: the Coe and Ovett story’, in Sporting Fictions, Birmingham: Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies, University of Birmingham, 1982. 9 As far as I know the term was first devised by Charles Barr in unpublished notes on television sport. 10 Garry Whannel, ‘It’s a Knockout: constructing communities’ Block, no. 6 (1982). UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 117 Further reading Clarke, Alan, and Clarke, John, ‘Highlights and action replays’, in Jennifer Hargreaves (ed.), Sport, Culture and Ideology, London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1982. Tulloch, John, ‘Gradgrind’s heirs: the quiz and presentation of “knowledge” by British television’, in Geoff Whitty and Michael F.D.Young (eds), Explorations in the Politics of School Knowledge, Driffield: Studies in Education, 1977. Whannel, Garry, ‘Fields in vision: sport and representation’, Screen, vol. 25, no. 3 (1984). 8 GENDERED FICTIONS Verina Glaessner Soap opera as a form is more popular than ever. At least five different programmes are regularly listed amongst the top ten audience ratings. The popular press both celebrates and exploits soap operas for their news value—witness the manner in which the personal lives of the stars become mixed almost inextricably with those of the characters they play. Yet serious critical opinion derides soaps, and their position within the institution of television has traditionally been equally low. Soaps rarely win BAFTA awards. Jean Alexander was nominated for best actress in 1988 after years in the role of Coronation Street’s Hilda Ogden, but didn’t win. EastEnders producer Julia Smith did get an award—but for her whole career in television, rather than for being a soap opera producer. Daytime soap operas in America and local ones like Coronation Street are television’s bread and butter, and their budgets, casting, and scheduling reflect this. They are regularly lambasted for the fact that both ‘nothing’ and ‘too much’ happens in them. It is typically assumed that their audience consists of those whose lives are so deprived as to need spurious enrichment. It is portrayed as an aesthetically naive audience, unable to tell fiction from reality. This critical disdain must be related to the structure of the audience which, especially in the case of the daytime and early-evening soap operas, is assumed by programme makers, advertisers, and those producing the attendant publicity material, to be a largely female one. Forms of popular culture consumed mainly by women, sucn as soap opera, romantic fiction, or bingo have rarely been accorded a high cultural status in the public domain. Over the past decade or so this low status has been challenged. The soaps have been claimed by some feminists as one of the few areas of television to open up a space for women characters and for an examination of the concerns of women and a representation of the texture of women’s lives. The soaps are seen to allow a focus UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 119 on the area of relationships outside of waged labour, the area that has conventionally been seen as woman’s sphere of activity. Within the genre it is possible to suggest a broad typology. British soap operas, such as ITV’s Coronation Street, Crossroads, the newer Brookside (Channel 4) and the BBC’s EastEnders, are broadly within the tradition of social realism, featuring everyday characters, plots, and language, often located within workingclass communities. At the other end of the scale is the romantic and melodramatic world of the United States’ exports: Dallas, with its offshoots Knots Landing and The Colbys, and Dynasty. In these the ‘social’ background disappears beneath the expressive excesses of nouveau riche wealth, thereby throwing the struggles for power, identity, and family control into relief. Some American commentators make a further distinction between these primetime programmes and the lower-budget daytime and early-evening soaps, whose titles suggest the world of romantic fiction—Guiding Light, All My Children, Search for Tomorrow.1 Their preoccupations are, again, with family and identity, rather than the representation of a certain particular social reality. History The daytime soap opera had its origins in American radio with serials during the 1930s often sponsored by major soap manufacturers. Both the serials themselves and the commercials that introduced and punctuated them were directed almost exclusively at a female audience, assumed to be housebound and engaged in domestic chores between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. These programmes concentrated on female characters, often shown within a professional setting, such as the medical and legal worlds, but with the emphasis on the emotional aspects of the narrative. The same applied in Australia through the late 1940s and 1950s. Many soaps, such as Dr Paul, and Portia Faces Life (featuring a female lawyer), were broadcast both in the USA and Australia. Other Australian soaps were produced by companies, such as Crawfords, who later went on to produce television series. Britain’s first long-running daily serial, Mrs Dale’s Diary, began transmission in 1948 and ran until 1969. Mrs Dale’s position as a doctor’s wife proved an uncontroversial way of ensuring a variety of storylines which could cut inoffensively across class boundaries. It was soon followed by the long-running The Archers, again with a rural background. In Britain it was not until the 1950s that soap 120 GENDERED FICTIONS opera transferred to television with The Groves, which ran from 1954 to 1957. Coronation Street appeared in 1960 and its consistently high ratings encouraged the development of a number of other soaps and serials, most notably the highly successful hospital series Emergency Ward Ten. Other attempts to emulate its success, the BBC’s Compact, United, and The Newcomers, were more shortlived. Crossroads, developed as a Midlands reply to Coronation Street’s northern working-class ambience, was first transmitted in 1964 in the ATV region and soon went national. Although Crossroads had a large and loyal audience the need to make four episodes weekly made for a hectic production schedule and it was never popular with the IBA, who criticized its quality and ordered in 1980 a reduction to three episodes weekly. Rivals appeared—Brookside in 1982 and EastEnders in 1986—and in 1987 it was decided to end Crossroads permanently. Its genesis and development are recounted by Dorothy Hobson.2 The American soap opera Dallas, first screened as a limited series in April 1976, rapidly gained international distribution. Its parent company also produces Falcon Crest and Knots Landing. Like ABC’s Dynasty, it is scheduled for peak viewing in America in the 9 p.m. weekday slot opposite sit-coms like Family Ties, or NBC’s Hill Street Blues. Despite its generally low status as a genre, soap opera is a valuable form for winning reliably high ratings. Almost by definition the genre commands strong audience loyalty. It is not necessary to watch every episode, but there is a strong incentive to watch regularly enough to stay in touch with the narrative. Quiz and game shows may well have high ratings but only occasionally does their format itself encourage this kind of ‘product loyalty’. The pleasures offered by the soap operas stem from the points of identification offered by their characters. We want to discover what happens to those specific characters locked into that specific network of relationships. This audience loyalty is sometimes sustained over a period of a decade or more. Low status necessitates small budgets (except for peak-time soap operas). The same sets are used repeatedly, and in the cases of the Australian soaps The Young Doctors, or Neighbours, or the British serial Crossroads, the sets have often been rudimentary. Directing and producing have been looked on as apprentice work and often paid accordingly. There are however, signs that the success of Dallas and its spawn and the current massive popularity of the genre has begun to change the commercial status of the genre. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 121 What is a soap opera? First of all a distinction can be made between series and serials. While series feature the same characters regularly, each individual programme has its own discrete storyline, generally resolved by the end of the programme. Serials, by contrast, may have stories resolved within one episode but have at least one storyline that continues from episode to episode. In limitedepisode serials, which may run for six, twelve, or more episodes, this narrative is resolved by the final episode. Soap opera, by contrast, is an indefinite serial that in theory can continue for ever. Commonly soap operas feature multiple and interlocking narratives, some of which may be shortlived, while others go on for months or even years. Ultimate narrative closure is indefinitely postponed—in this sense soap opera is open-ended as opposed to the characteristic closed narrative form of situation comedy. In the soap opera, as one set of problems is resolved another begins its gestation. In EastEnders from May to August 1986 the paternity of Michelle’s baby became an issue, there was the case of the poisoning of the dog Rowley, and the beginning of an affair. At the end of an episode certain problems may near resolution, while others develop. We may typically be left with a cliffhanger, a moment of revelation or suspense, or merely a thought-provoking image, but in all cases narrative questions are left open, and closure is postponed. The kind of answer we give to the ‘what next’ provoked by the soap opera hinges less on a simple schedule of events and more on questions formed around the effects certain actions will have on the characters. In a series like Minder the end of an episode leaves us with the narrative wound up and the relationship between the protagonists re-established. We can look forward to a new adventure with the same protagonists. In a situation comedy, like George and Mildred or Man About the House, the end of one episode and the beginning of the next find the central characters largely unchanged. They have not accumulated a history, nor do they generally acquire a memory of what has happened in previous episodes. By contrast, while soap characters may not change substantially, they do acquire an accretion of experience, shared and understood by the regular viewer, as well as recollections of events, which we may not have witnessed, but which are recalled for us. So just as soap characters have a continuing existence, with an uncertain future around which our identification with the narrative is forged, so they also have a past, a history, in which to 122 GENDERED FICTIONS a degree we have participated. This awareness of the history in a programme is a major source of pleasure, enabling viewers both to share and exchange information about the past and, on the basis of this knowledge, to anticipate the future: to ‘read ahead’ of the narrative. Pleasure and gender The pleasures of soap opera hinge on the particular relationship established between narrative and character. According to the expectations brought to an action series or an adventure serial, ‘nothing’ seems to happen in a soap like Coronation Street or Brookside because the satisfactions gained reside elsewhere than in a fast-flowing sequence of narrative events. The repercussions events will have on the lives of the characters are brought to the fore. This, is registered largely through talk—through gossip, confessions, speculations, and exchanges of confidence. Conventionally the world of gossip is seen as a woman’s world, existing as part of the realm of the domestic and personal. Within this context the world of work becomes another arena for exhibiting a concern for people and their problems—it is humanized. Typically work within realist soaps is within the service industries—pubs, shops, and launderettes (although see below with reference to Coronation Street), which produce naturalized settings for the exchange of gossip. Soaps also tend to focus on female characters not as the mysterious or peripheral figures of crime and action series but as everyday people coping with the problems of life. Christine Geraghty argues that they constitute the norm against which we test the behaviour of characters, and through whom we experience events.3 While audiences consist of both men and women, some writers have argued that the soap opera genre speaks specifically to women—the gender of the viewer is inscribed in the text.4 This is because they draw upon and speak to the specific skills attendant upon finding the mainspring of one’s existence within the world of the personal and private and within the knowledge of the conventions of personal life that this brings. Charlotte Brunsdon argues that it is in gossip, the repeated mulling over of actions and possibilities, that the moral and ideological frameworks adhere. Modes of behaviour are tested and explored through talk: will she marry or not? Will she tell or not? It is not a crime that is being investigated but possible modes of behaviour. Dorothy Hobson suggests that women characteristically use such UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 123 programmes to talk, indirectly, about their own lives and their own attitudes. While critics argue that nothing happens in the British social realist soaps, they frequently level the very opposite criticism at the more melodramatic American soaps, in which ‘too much happens’. In such programmes there is indeed typically an overplenitude, derived from the location of a multiplicity of narratives around a permanent family of characters. In Dallas, which some prefer to label a melodramatic serial,5 J.R.’s business deals are important, not in the way they might be within a dynastic chronicle or an exposé of capitalism, but as indices of his character—examples of his power and deviousness and expressions of his relationship with other characters. As the core of the genre is the private world, attendant rituals of family life, births, marriages, divorces, and romances come to the fore, and because of the nature of the genre these rituals become a source of uncertainty, worry, confusion, doubt, and threat rather than resolution, reassurance, or closure. If a classically sociallyoriented British soap opera like Coronation Street can be seen to be about the ‘settling of people in life’ a prime-time American soap like Dallas could be understood as being precisely about the unsettling of its characters, its realism coming not through documentation of ordinary life, but through scrutinizing the emotional urgency that underpins all family life. The pleasures available from any generic text depend in part upon one’s familiarity with its conventions—to what extent are they adhered to, stretched, or contravened? The pleasures available from the soap opera also by definition depend upon a certain amount of knowledge of that specific programme. To catch the full implications of certain scenes in EastEnders we have to know who the father of Michelle’s baby is. We must also have an interest as well as a competence in handling the conventions of personal life, and competence within this area belongs, it is argued, especially to women. Soap: audience and realism Coronation Street commenced broadcasting in 1960 and has been in continual production ever since. It is a key soap opera in the context of British television not only because of its popularity but also for the way it poses questions relating to the representation of the working class, and particularly of working-class women, within popular culture. 124 GENDERED FICTIONS As Richard Dyer points out in his introduction to the BFI monograph,6 Coronation Street is the product of the same historical moment as Richard Hoggart’s The Uses of Literacy.7 This book, together with other sociological works, novels, films, and plays of the late 1950s, was concerned to reveal and legitimize working-class culture. Hoggart both celebrated this culture and took a stand against the corruption of its traditional values. Hoggart’s book, based as it was on his own upbringing in the 1930s, was characterized by a degree of nostalgia. Similarly Coronation Street, while celebrating and validating aspects of working-class culture and everyday life, tended to locate its image of this world in somewhat nostalgic terms. As the programme’s image of community remained rather rooted in the period of the programme’s conception, it has appeared increasingly nostalgic for an (imaginary) past, and has had trouble incorporating and representing the processes of change of work within inner-city communities during the 1970s and 1980s. This magical recovery of an organic (and almost entirely white) working-class community is, it must be assumed, a significant element in its appeal. The image is of course partial—Hoggart’s account was one in which, as Dyer points out, work itself, labour, and industrial relations were largely omitted, and in the programme class has always appeared more as a matter of ‘lifestyle’ than as a set of social relations. As in Hoggart’s account the emphasis on home and the domestic gives a prominence to the everyday, to common sense, and to the lives of women. The programme played a major role in establishing the conventions by which social realism was articulated in the form of soap opera. Social realism demands the suggestion of unmediated access to the real world, the real world being understood as the terrain of the ordinary and the everyday. Marion Jordan examines the close fit achieved between social realism, with its emphasis on social problems explored through the personal, and the conventions of the soap opera: though…events are ostensibly about social problems, they should have as one of their central concerns the settling of people in life…the resolution of these events should always be in terms of the effects of personal interventions.8 Coronation Street can be seen to be definitively about the ‘settling of people in life’ as well as being a celebration of commonsensical working-class culture. This culture provides the fabric of the programme: the communal gathering in pub and café, and the UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 125 popping in and out of people’s houses. Industrial labour is largely absent, or present only vestigially in memory and history. The one site of industrial labour prominently featured is Mike Baldwin’s clothing factory. Based almost entirely on a labour force of women, it has provided a setting for boss-worker relations, including a running story around a strike and resolution, which is discussed in the BFI monograph. But class, in adherence to an older literary tradition, has been rendered in terms of ‘pithy’ characters like Ena Sharpies, Albert Tatlock, Hilda Ogden, and Bet Lynch, rather than in terms of class relations or antagonisms. One of the most striking characteristics of Coronation Street is its privileging of the social and communal over the familial. The archetypal nuclear family is absent and its absence forces attention onto the area of social interaction and exchange. The characters function within the community, however limited this community might be, rather than the home, within a semi-public sphere rather than within the fraught hothouse of family relationships. EastEnders shows a similar bias but at the same time makes a clear space for the discussion of family life, in particular around the traditional extended Fowler family of which Michelle is a part. Other characters are also placed within families as well as being part of the life of the square. The borders of the community in Coronation Street are staunchly parrolled and those who attempt to move beyond its circumscribed boundaries are not encouraged. Deirdre Langton is assaulted when she attempts to move beyond its limitations, Len Fairclough dies on his way back from a secret affair, and only Ken and Mike have voiced aspirations that would take them beyond its boundaries (and neither have been successful). The shelving of the family opens up the terrain of the social for exploration but it was only during the producership of Susi Hush (1974–6) that there was a move in the direction of the wider social and political world, signalled by the first brief introduction of a black character and the news of Bet Lunch’s hitherto unknown son’s death in Northern Ireland. While the introduction of tougher, more contemporary social themes was an interesting move, audience figures dropped, and after Bill Podmore’s appointment as producer, this shift has been reversed, with a decisive move towards a lighter, more humorous tone. As current producer John Temple put it, ‘we are in the business of entertaining, not offending’ (Broadcast, 20 December 1985). There are signs of attempts to update Coronation Street, partly in response to the arrival on the scene of EastEnders and Brookside, by introducing more young characters, although all have now 126 GENDERED FICTIONS been outstripped by Neighbours which has found great success by addressing the young audience. It has been argued, however, that the refusal to foreground the thematic of the family has given Coronation Street an unmatched opportunity to represent independent female characters existing as individuals within a community rather than as members of a family, as happens for instance in Brookside. They are also granted, Terry Lovell argues, a sexuality that is allowed to continue into middle age rather than becoming subsumed within family concerns.9 The tension between public acclaim and critical hostility was thrown into sharp relief by the demise of Crossroads. Dorothy Hobson draws attention to the contrast between the exceptionally high ratings of the programme and the critical attitude of both journalists and the IBA. She argues that broadcasters should not despise popular programmes or their audiences, and asserts that a soap opera which appeals to and connects with the experiences of 15 million people is ‘as valid and as valuable as a work of art or as a single play or documentary which may attract four million viewers’ (p. 171). This point of view constitutes a welcome attack on cultural elitism, but by this analysis gladiatorial combat, if popular, would also be endorsed. Hobson fails to distinguish between a programme’s sociological interest and its aesthetic merits, deriving her aesthetic judgements primarily from the place and function of the programme within the lives of its viewers. This does, however, raise questions as to the importance of the pleasures of viewing. She sees Crossroads as uniting character and viewer on the common ground of everyday experience and common sense, and as speaking to, and about, working-class and petit-bourgeois women within the terms of social realism and the ideology of common sense. The values posed are personal and domestic, far removed from heroism or adventure, and it is within the privileging of this realm in the particular ways open to the soap opera that the pleasures afforded by Crossroads were rooted. But common sense is precisely ideological—a partial understanding of the world. Brookside producer, Phil Redmond, signalled a more analytic intention when he declared that Brookside would ‘tell the truth and show society as it really is’, recalling realism to its social base in ‘issues’ and ‘problems’. Like Coronation Street, Brookside has a northern location, in a newly built housing estate on the fringes of Liverpool. The serial’s much discussed authenticity is there to underscore the veracity of its characters and the pointedness of its social critique, the UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 127 topicality of which Redmond sees as the peculiar province of the soap. Redundancy, union organization, the legal system, gambling, prostitution by housewives, infertility, the Church, have all fallen within the broad net of the serial’s scripts. But realism has also provided something of a stick with which to beat it. Brookside has been criticized for placing its characters in a situation of relative affluence when in reality Liverpool has some of the worst housing conditions in Europe. It ‘replaces Coronation Street’s outmoded working class characters with baseless stereotypes who exist in a political vacuum’ according to Kevin Sutcliffe (City Limits, 30 November 1984). Realism has always been seen as a ttap for its female characters. Christine Geraghty10 argues that the setting, the separate houses of the close, function to push the female characters out of the community and into the home. The women have then to be brought into contact with each other through the deliberate action of the narrative. She cites the independence of Emily Bishop and Elsie Tanner in Coronation Street and opposes them to Sheila Grant, especially in the early episodes of Brookside where she operates principally as the comforter of her husband. Geraghty also argues that the weight of dramatic interest in this serial is deflected from its female characters in a way that renders it akin to ‘drama proper’, which elbows aside the particular pleasures to be gained from the intricate plotting and charting of action and reaction that allows space for domestic concerns. EastEnders was also launched on the claim of greater realism. Julia Smith, the producer, in an interview in Television Weekly (30 November 1984) emphasized that EastEnders was to be about ‘today’, about ‘everyday life’, and that it was to be as topical and documentary as possible. It had to be, she argued, as real in today’s terms as Coronation Street was when it started. The initial episodes were bleakly shocking, offering a fairly relentlessly dark, lower-depths study of a post-industrial Britain of unremitting sourness. It struck chords familiar from the best days of the BBC’s Play for Today and certainly in its gritty realism went beyond anything-previously attempted for mass-market viewing. The similarities with Coronation Street are there but to an extent the tables have been turned. Young characters are given far greater prominence and are drawn with some vigour. They are also frequently given the role of recalling their elders to the path of conventional morality (a role familiar from melodrama). EastEnders has learnt from American soaps the value of family dramas, and questions of paternity, adoption, fidelity, and so on 128 GENDERED FICTIONS are played to the hilt. Through its attempts to mobilize the ‘real’ and the ‘topical’ alongside the drama of the family, it has a sharper edge, while still staying within the constraints of social realism.11 Soap as melodrama The byzantine relationships that are played out among the superelite of Dallas, The Colbys, or Dynasty would seem to have little in common with the familiar drabness of the everyday world of British soaps. You have to look hard to find traces of the geographical Dallas within the serial. These soaps, too, are about family relationships and it is no accident that two of the three choose titles that directly reference the family, used as the basis for epic melodrama. Dallas focuses on the oil-rich Ewing family and their rivalry with the Barnes family. There are a number of interpenetrations of the two families which, as Dave Kehr points out in Film Comment (15, no. 4 (July–August 1979), 66–8), poses a constant threat to their integrity. These conflicts are played out against a whole series of oppositions of country/city, industrial/rural, domestic/ commercial, with, in the background and in the titles, a sense of the vanished West and its codes. This already fissured environment serves as a means of magnifying the drama of family life. Ien Ang argues that Women in soap operas never rise above their problematic positions. On the contrary they completely identify with them. In spite of all their miseries they continue to believe in the ideals of patriarchal ideology…the patriarchal status quo is non-viable but remains intact.12 What melodrama and the melodramatic soaps explore is the struggle that takes place within them. It is a struggle to which the family is central. This is why it is no more relevant to complain that Dallas is only about the wealthy than it would be to grumble that King Lear is only about royalty. Jane Feuer traces the origin of prime-time soaps to film melodramas like Douglas Sirk’s Written on the Wind, which also uses what she calls a process of intensification by which the subject of the film becomes not the events themselves but the emotions these events arouse.13 These emotions are expressed through opulent sets and costumes and a rhetorical shooting style UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 129 which forces the characters constantly away from ‘ordinariness’ and the ‘everyday’ and towards an emblematic goodness or evil. Dynasty interestingly focuses on a female villain but lacks the intensity of writing and sense of multi-layered meanings that characterize Dallas. One notable feature of EastEnders, at least while Dirty Den and Angie provided the central focus, was the attempt to emulate the emotional flamboyance of Dallas while remaining true to its social realist roots. The emotions that, in this analysis, become the subject of the serial are grounded within the family. Identity becomes something fought for, and over, in relation to the constraints of family life, and motherhood, marriage, and sexuality become dangerous counters in the game rather than issues within a social setting. Discussion of the soap opera as a genre has come primarily from two different areas: that of film study which has tended towards a theoretical study of the text itself and the possibilities the genre might offer for a progressive reading, and that of television studies which has placed more emphasis on the institutional context. This latter frequently involves taking the empirical existence of a female audience as a starting point. A more theoretically oriented study could involve locating a position inscribed within the text itself, which would apply regardless of the gender of the particular viewer. The soap opera could be seen as embodying a distinctively ‘feminine’ way of seeing or being. A key statement in the debate around gender and pleasure in relation to visual texts is Laura Mulvey’s ‘Visual pleasure and narrative cinema’.14 This looks at the way in which a narrative positions the viewer, regardless of sexual identity, within a system of visual pleasure set up according to a particular masculine point of view. Mulvey is discussing mainstream Hollywood narrative cinema, but, in extending this direction of analysis, Tania Modleski argues that soaps are not only ‘made for’ women but that, through the closeness with which they reproduce the world of the private and the domestic, they construct a position for the viewer that accords with feminine rather than patriarchal desire.15 For the implications of a genre like soap opera, made for and watched by women, to be explored, it is necessary to look at the ways in which the conventions of social realism and melodrama are articulated. In Britain the form is currently more popular than ever and a full understanding of the ways in which it structures popular consciousness can reveal much about the relation between televisual representation and broader social processes. 130 GENDERED FICTIONS Notes 1 For a discussion of American daytime soaps, see Carol Lopate, ‘Daytime television: you’ll never want to leave home’, Radical America (January–February 1977), and Tania Modleski, ‘The search for tomorrow in today’s soap operas’, Film Quarterly, vol. 33, no. 1 (1979). 2 Dorothy Hobson, op. cit. in Further reading. 3 Christine Geraghty, in R.Dyer et al., op. cit. in Further reading. 4 Charlotte Brunsdon, ‘Crossroads: notes on a soap opera’, Screen, vol. 22, no. 4 (1981); Tania Modleski, Loving With a Vengeance, op. cit. in Further reading; Modleski, op. cit. 5 Ien Ang’s discussion of Dallas, in her book Watching Dallas, op. cit. in Further reading, discusses these terms fully. 6 The piece by Richard Dyer in Dyer et al., op. cit. 7 Richard Hoggart, The Uses of Literacy, London: Penguin, 1958. 8 Marion Jordan’s chapter in Dyer et al., op. cit. 9 Terry Lovell’s chapter in Dyer et al., op. cit. 10 Christine Geraghty, ‘Brookside—no common ground’, Screen, vol. 24, nos 4–5 (July–October 1983). 11 See David Buckingham, Public Secrets: EastEnders and its Audience, London: British Film Institute, 1987. 12 Ang, op. cit. 13 Jane Feuer, ‘Melodrama, serial form and television’, Screen, vol. 25, no. 1 (January–February 1984). 14 Laura Mulvey, ‘Visual pleasure and narrative cinema’, Screen, vol. 16, no. 3 (Autumn 1975). 15 Modleski, Loving With a Vengeance. Further reading Ang, Ien, Watching Dallas, London: Methuen, 1986. Dyer, Richard, et al., Coronation Street, London: BFI TV Monograph, 1981. Hobson, Dorothy, Crossroads: The Drama of a Soap Opera, London: Methuen, 1982. Modleski, Tania, Loving With a Vengeance: Mass Produced Fantasies for Women, London: Shoe String Press, 1982. 9 ONLY WHEN I LAUGH Mick Bowes In an episode from the second series of the BBC situation comedy The Young Ones we find references being made to the very nature of sit-com itself: Vyvyan (referring to The Good Life): ‘It’s so bloody nice…. Felicity treacle Kendal and Richard sugar-flavoured snot Briars…. They’re nothing but a couple of reactionary stereotypes confirming a myth that everyone in Britain is a loveable middle-class eccentric and I hate them.’1 It is of course unlikely that many viewers of sit-com would react in quite the same way as Vyvyan. What it does highlight, however, is the way in which a critical awareness of television programmes such as sit-coms is actually creeping into some of the programmes themselves! The Young Ones is of course not typical of situation comedy on television and the programme it refers to, The Good Life, is a more typical example of the situation comedy format. Unlike the anarchic parody of The Young Ones, which frequently breaks and plays with the conventions of the form, most situation comedy is realist in characters, settings, stories, and language. By looking at the ways in which sit-com presents us with ‘real’ people in ‘real’ situations we can begin to see how they fit into our picture of the society we live in. Television situation comedies usually last for half an hour, are on at the same time, on the same evening each week, and each series lasts for a fixed number of episodes (usually between six and thirteen). Programmes contain the same main characters and usually the same locations each week, and each episode is a selfcontained narrative which is resolved at the end of the programme. Because the episodes are meant to link together and are shown in a particular sequence they can refer to events or characters in previous episodes. This is very different from other forms of 132 ONLY WHEN I LAUGH comedy on television which are usually made up of a series of unrelated sketches or ‘turns’ by comedians. Sit-coms have always used established comic performers already well known to audiences but they now also often use ‘straight’ actors and actresses in the roles of the main characters. The ways in which characters represent, often in stereotypical fashion, recognizable social types, provide a base for both the humour and the underlying ideology of the form. The most characteristic feature of the ‘classic’ situation comedy is narrative closure. In other words, each story is resolved within the 30 minutes of the programme. In addition this closure is generally circular— it returns the characters to the positions they occupied at the start, thus allowing the next week’s programme to start afresh. This circular narrative closure allows little room for progression, making situation comedy radically distinct from soap opera as a form, and prompting some to label it a conservative form. It is certainly true that many sit-coms appear to be about entrapment— characters unable to escape the constraints of their class, their social position, their gender, their marital status, or simply themselves. Hancock can never transcend railway cuttings, Harold Steptoe can never escape from his father, Mildred’s upwardly mobile desires are forever frustrated by George’s dogged and defensive working-class manner, the housewife in Butterflies can never quite bring herself to have an affair with her prospective lover, the father in Home to Roost will never quite be able to throw his teenage son out. At the same time the history of situation comedy clearly shows that the genre is constantly having to handle areas of social unease. Many of the best sit-coms of the 1960s—Hancock, Steptoe and Son, The Likely Lads— were in part about class and social mobility or the lack of it. In the wake of the rise of the women’s movement in the 1970s, heightened debate about gender roles, and the supposed threat to traditional family structures, came the appearance of new sit-coms focusing on gender relations and the nature of the family—such as Butterflies, Solo, Agony. More recent foregrounding of the politics of race in the wake of heightened inner-city tensions is also echoed in programmes such as Empire Road and No Problem. This is not to say that any of these are either progressive or reactionary, but rather to suggest that, just as humour is often a way of handling unease, so sit-com is often a way in which social unease is re-presented—often in a less threatening manner. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 133 Situation comedy in Britain evolved from radio comedy which in turn had its roots in music hall and variety. American sit-com developed from radio ‘soap operas’, weekly drama series which were devised to attract audiences in order to sell products. The domestic setting predominated in both variations of the form. Many early American sit-coms were transferred from radio to television, but the most successful one was I Love Lucy, created in the 1950s especially for television. The first major success for British television sit-com came in the late 1950s when Hancock’s Half Hour was transferred from radio. When Hancock parted with his writers, Galton and Simpson, in the early 1960s the BBC offered them the chance to write six one-off situation comedies in a series, Comedy Playhouse. Out of this came another great success, Steptoe and Son, the first sit-com to use straight actors (Harry H. Corbett and Wilfred Brambell) rather than comic performers. This was to be the first of a series of successes, such as The Likely Lads and Till Death Us Do Part that enabled the BBC to dominate the early development of the form in Britain. Apart from a few early successes, such as The Army Game, it was not until the end of the 1960s that ITV began to compete more successfully.2 While the most common situation has continued to be a domestic one, many of the popular hits of the 1970s and 1980s, such as Are You Being Served?, Dad’s Army, Hi-De-Hi, and ’Allo ’Allo, were based around a work setting, allowing a greater range of regular character types. Struggling against the formal limitations of the genre, many writers began pushing towards the serial, introducing narrative lines that continued from one episode to the next, sometimes across a whole series. The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin, Butterflies, Agony, and the American soap opera parody, Soap, all had a degree of seriality in their form, and in this sense the question as to whether they really are situation comedies in the traditional sense has to be considered. Similarly, programmes in other genres sometimes introduce forms of comic exchange and characterization that clearly owe much to sit-com. The interplay between Terry and Arthur in Minder, Rita and Mavis in Coronation Street, and even Saint and Greavesie, because they play on our familiarity with regular characters and their habits, would appear to have elements derived from the sit-com. Situation comedy is classified by the television companies as a form of light entertainment, and as such it is something that they think need not be taken too seriously. This has led some writers of situation comedy to feel that their programmes are not given 134 ONLY WHEN I LAUGH the status they deserve considering how popular they are. This is partially to do with the history of sit-com and its development as a peculiar hybrid of popular drama and variety. Its classification by the television companies as light entertainment rather than drama is indicative of its status. Comic drama has a long tradition and carries with it the status of ‘great literature’, whereas situation comedy is very much a new form of entertainment and is therefore more difficult to categorize. The main function of TV sit-com according to the television companies is to make people laugh or offer a temporary escape from the worry of everyday life.3 In contrast, a report produced by the Department of Education and Science in 1983, Popular Television and Schoolchildren, concludes: It is important, particularly for teachers, to avoid falling into the ttap of conferring greater value per se on programmes which set out to educate and inform them on those whose primary aim is to entertain…. For a minority of children the products of television may be the main source of significant influence on the way in which their images of certain groups develop.4 In other words, entertainment such as sit-com cannot be discussed as mere escapism, as though its actual content were of no relevance. Although the television companies themselves do not seem to take sit com that seriously, it is valuable to them as a means of attracting large audiences. Because of their popularity, the television companies often show them in the early part of the evening in the hope that they will attract large numbers of viewers who will continue to watch the channel for the rest of the evening. This positioning of programmes in the television company’s schedule is important as the number of viewers is reflected in the weekly audience ratings, and the popularity of programmes is important in relation to funding (either from advertisers or justifying increases in the licence fee). Early evening tends to be a time when ‘families’ watch programmes together. This notion of the family as a socially cohesive unit is something that is used within the framework of many situation comedy programmes, whether showing the model couple, such as Terry and June, or more usually a family situation which is undergoing some form of disruption, such as Agony or No Problem. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 135 Very few sit-coms present us with the ‘perfect’ family, but there is often a clear underlying assumption that the perfect family model is a desirable one to aspire towards. Sit-coms usually present us with a ‘problematic’ family situation which is either resolved through the comedy or is used as a source of humour, with ‘normality’ seen as the ultimate goal. As sit-com is so popular it tends to be caught in a ttap of repeating previously pleasurable experiences rather than breaking out into something completely different: Because of the difficulties of sustaining a comedy series, most of the pressure for satisfying TVs insatiable appetite fells on a small group of experienced writers. Established formats, often based on familiar situations and using well known actors with which the viewers can identify, are among the most popular comedies.5 This safe approach to sit-com on the part of the television companies means that it is difficult to present a radically different sit-com. Occasionally, however, new writers are given a chance and programmes such as The Young Ones appear which break new ground. Realism and location Mick Eaton outlines three possible locations in which situation comedy can take place. The first is the home and is generally based around a family situation. The second is the workplace and the situations that occur as a result of interaction between characters in the work situation. The third area is less clearly definable, but ‘betrays structural elements of both the home and the work paradigms and usually concerns a group of diverse people somehow connected in a situation outside that of their workplace. It usually concerns the home but not the family except tangentially.’6 Eaton cites as examples Man About the House, Rising Damp, and Come Back Mrs Noah. The family and work have traditionally been seen as ‘normal’ in our society. Marriage, children, and living together as a ‘nuclear’ family are accepted social norms, which although challenged by many people are still the kinds of situations that the majority of people aspire towards. Sit-com sometimes presents us with a variety of ‘families’ which are deficient in some way and this lack of wholeness is used as a source of humour. In No Problem for example the children are left 136 ONLY WHEN I LAUGH to run the home after the parents return to the West Indies; Me and My Girl is about a single-parent father bringing up his daughter, and Relative Strangers is about a father who has just discovered he has a teenage son. Although they present alternatives to the ‘normal’ family, they do not really challenge it as an institution. Television has simply drawn upon the tensions inherent in the ‘abnormality’ of these situations as a source for comedy. The increasing appearance of sit-coms that deal with ‘non-typical’ family groups can, however, be seen as suggesting that social tensions around the concept of the nuclear family are being addressed, and handled in various ways, by sit-coms, from the upholding of a ‘single’ way of life in Solo, to the matriarchal attempts to hold a family together in Bread. Other sit-coms, such as Agony, present a whole range of ‘problems’ within one series. We might find humour in the situations because we identify with the liberal attitudes expressed in the programme, but we might also be opposed to them and find the characters laughable. Much sit-com works across the boundary between normality and deviance. Agony does so in a complex manner, by attempting to position the audience so that deviance becomes acceptable, and normality comic. The extent to which it succeeds in this has been the subject of some discussion.7 Work is also still considered as something that it is desirable to have, both socially and as a source of income. However, increasing levels of unemployment and changes in the kinds of jobs that need to be done are leading to shifts in attitudes towards work. Sitcoms which use the workplace as their location introduce all kinds of opportunities for exploring relationships between characters. The hierarchical structure of the work environment allow challenges to power, authority, and class position between workers and management and occasionally the customers (such as in Are You Being Served?). Although many of these sit-coms are about the reversal of power relationships and the notion of the underdog triumphing over authority, the locations are usually confined to small and often badly run organizations. Questions of power reversals in larger organizations such as multinational companies are rarely addressed. Of the sit-coms that centre around some form of workplace (Are You Being Served?, Dad’s Army, Hi-De-Hi. It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, ’Allo ’Allo, for instance) two points should be made. First many of them are the work of the writers David Croft and Jimmy Perry, and, second, they are almost all set in the past. The workplace location provides for a wider range of interactions between UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 137 characters while the use of the past addresses the audience through nostalgia and for the older members of the audience it also mobilizes popular memory. It could be argued that, viewed nostalgically, the world seems safe, funny, or even innocent. But, as always, we read the past through the assumptions of the present. The question then is whether we laugh at the way in which, for example, the workforce in Brass are exploited by the evil capitalist Bradley Hardacre only because we think social conditions have changed, or because we recognize a parody of worker—management relations of continuing relevance. There are several sit-coms which are set in the home but are not centred around a family. These usually involve people who through their circumstances are forced to share their living environment, such as the prisoners in Porridge or the students in The Young Ones. Here the comedy is often derived from the problems associated with communal living, and even when there is no traditional family structure certain characters may take on specific roles. In The Young Ones, for example, much of the humour revolves around domestic issues such as cooking and cleaning. Neil, the hippy, takes on the role of ‘mother’ in the house by taking responsibility for cooking and shopping, and in return he is not only taken for granted, but is often the focal point of abuse from the others. How realistic a sit-com can be depends very much on how we perceive the realism of the life it is attempting to portray. If the characters and locations are recognizable then it is easier to accept the situations as they develop. By using ‘real’ domestic or work situations, sit-coms can often lure us into an acceptance of some of the things contained within the narrative and the humour. If sit-coms stray from these accepted rules and conventions they begin to disturb their audiences. The Young Ones was an interesting example of a sit-com that deliberately set out to question a realistic form of narrative. It used the characters and locations from sit com, but disrupted the narrative flow through absurd or unusual divisions such as talking rats or bands playing in the living room. It could of course be argued that this is not really sit-com as it does not adhere strictly to the conventions of the genre. Characters, stereotypes, and politics Because television situation comedies are fairly short, the identities of characters need to be established as quickly as 138 ONLY WHEN I LAUGH possible. Although writers may argue that their characters are based on real people, it is often necessary for them to use stereotypes—that is, characters who conform to patterns of behaviour that are easily recognized and understood. The danger of using stereotypes is that they often present a onesided viewpoint (generally that of the dominant culture), which fails to challenge the way in which we perceive groups and individuals.8 We carry around in our heads images of types of people which have been formed by what we have seen and experienced. Some of these images may have been formed through direct first-hand experience, others may have been drawn from secondary sources such as television. Sit-com draws upon these images in order to present us with easily recognizable characters and also uses these character traits as a source of humour. It is therefore possible to find humour in groups as diverse as mothers-in-law, feminists, gays, and bank managers. The main difference is that although all of these groups may be seen in a negative way in sit-com, in real life some of them have more power than others. Stereotyping is therefore not quite as simple as it first appears. Some groups will always be presented in a negative way, others who portray more socially acceptable forms of behaviour will be seen in a more positive light. People do not necessarily have to conform to stereotypes, but it clearly helps an audience to relate to them quickly if they do. Some of the main characters may have individual characteristics, but other characters fall into more easily recognizable character types. In a form which attempts to establish character and narrative and produce humour all in a half-hour it is inevitable that characterization will tend towards the stereotypical. In many senses stereotypes are both simple and complex—they are simplified ways of conveying distinct cultural images. In many senses what is important is to examine the place of the stereotype in the structure of the programme—is the stereotype the target of humour or the producer of it? Are we laughing at the stereotyped group or with it? In this sense there is a considerable difference between the crude racist stereotypes of Asian characters in it Ain’t Half Hot Mum, who we are invited to laugh at, and the gay stereotypes of Agony who often function as a means of making the prejudices of ‘straight’ people seem odd and laughable. Clearly, images of men and women in television situation comedies are meant to present viewers with types of characters that they can easily recognize and relate to. What they also do however is to retain traditional images of men and women in UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 139 gender-related roles. Sit-com rarely challenges any of these traditions through the characters and situations it uses. Even more ‘progressive’ sit-coms such as Girls on Top, where all of the main characters are women, fail to present a challenge to traditional role models. The one character who presents a feminist viewpoint is inevitably seen as a ‘loony’ who no one wants to take seriously. Part of the problem may be that most writers of sit-com are men, and even when they aim to avoid sexism in their humour they still find it easier to write for male characters.9 Women rarely get strong roles in sit-coms compared to soaps where there are many powerful women characters. It could be argued that sit-com is not the right vehicle for challenging such representations and stereotyping. It could, however, also be argued that humour is used as an ‘excuse’ for perpetuating certain myths about the ways in which men and women are expected to behave in our society.10 Although we live in a society made up of different ethnic groups and different cultures, there is one particular group which tends to dominate television. This imbalance may have appeared to change over the years with the appearance of black newsreaders, presenters, and programmes aimed specifically at a black audience, but British television still finds it very difficult to present a realistic and sympathetic image of other cultures and other races. This is perhaps because audiences have been conditioned into accepting the view that we are one nation and one culture and that this culture is a western one. We therefore find it difficult to accept or understand cultures alien to our own. Sit-com tends to look at other races and cultures from the viewpoint of the dominant white culture. We therefore get characters such as Alf Garnett in Till Death Us Do Part expressing what we are told are the fears and worries of the majority of the population and at the same time being a racist bigot who we are meant to despise. The fact that these negative characteristics were understood as real fears, and he was treated sympathetically by many people who actually agreed with his views, shows how important a vehicle sit-com is for the re-presentation of attitudes and beliefs. Other programmes from the past which attempted to introduce issues around race, such as Love Thy Neighbour or Mixed Blessings, also saw these issues from the viewpoint of the dominant white culture. The closer the black families in these sitcoms came to fitting into that culture and society the less of a threat they appeared to present. 140 ONLY WHEN I LAUGH More recent sit-coms such as No Problem have attempted to present a black ‘family’ from a black viewpoint, using black writers and a black theatre group to construct the series. The series was aimed predominantly at a black audience, but commercial considerations made it necessary for it to have a broader appeal. It therefore never really managed to present a ‘real’ picture of black culture to either audience. Black audiences may have enjoyed it because they knew it was not a typical black family. White audiences however may have seen it as a typical black family, thereby confirming their already established ideas and prejudices. (If, for example, viewers of Russian television were to only see programmes such as Are You Being Served?, Hi-De-Hi, and The Young Ones they would get a very odd picture of British society and culture.) What we see as a spoof or joke based around a particular aspect of our culture may be seen by others as typical or normal.11 Narrative and humour It must be remembered that sit-coms are meant to be funny, and humour is the one thing that separates sit-com from other forms of drama on television, particularly soaps. Sit-com relies on a combination of verbal and visual humour. Verbal humour, being based around the use of language to create jokes or comic situations, allows writers to construct interesting dialogue between characters. Visual humour is particularly appropriate to television because it can select certain images and draw the viewer’s attention to them (they include events going on in the scene which the main characters may not see, or going in for a close up of a particular reaction to a joke or event). In order for sit-com or any other form of comedy to work there must be some kind of ‘common experience’ to draw upon. A joke about something really obscure would only make a small number of people laugh. In order to appeal to as wide an audience as possible, comedy must draw upon common areas of social and cultural experience which the majority of people are likely to recognize. By doing so it must also exclude large numbers of people whose experiences and perspectives differ from the social and cultural experiences and perspectives of the general majority. Such marginalized groups of people are used as a source of humour, and therefore they do not conform to the majority model. By asserting and assuming a common area of experience and perspective—that of the dominant culture—the diversity of individuals, groups, cultures, beliefs, and attitudes that make up UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 141 society is rendered invisible. In mirroring the dominance of its ideology in the world outside, sit-com affirms its supremacy and the irrelevance of the offence it may cause. It tends to derive its humour from either our own cultural habits or from those of minority groups. So on the one hand we can find our own eccentricities amusing and on the other we feel safe laughing at people and situations that we choose to define as outside our ‘common area of experience’. But what purpose is the humour actually serving? Clearly one purpose is to make us feel part of a cohesive social group, where we can ‘share’ a joke. We can also find ourselves laughing at jokes about minority groups whilst recognizing that the joke is actually demeaning to that group. This is partially due to our own social conditioning, and even if we are aware that a joke is racist or sexist we may still respond to it with laughter. The association of people, groups, and cultures with certain characteristics presents us with opinions and stereotypes that, although often false, have been established and absorbed into the consciousness of all cultures. Sit-coms are not just a collection of unrelated sketches, they follow a narrative structure which has a beginning, middle, and end which follow a logical temporal sequence. The ‘story’ usually involves some kind of problem or disruption which has to be resolved within the half-hour episode. Some sit-coms may be more fluid or open-ended, and themes may recur throughout the series. Programmes such as Porridge or Hi-De-Hi may have different incidents in each episode which are sources of humour in the narrative, but overall themes keep recurring. These usually involve the main characters in trying to beat or at least come to terms with the circumstances they find themselves in. We know however that the characters have a set of ‘rules’ that they follow and these set out certain limits which cannot be crossed. We know for example that Fletcher in Porridge and Ted Bovis in Hi-De-Hi are ‘shady characters’, but we also know that they are basically ‘good’. This means that they can be relied upon to use humour to assert themselves, but at the same time because they are ‘good’ we know that situations will eventually be resolved to everyone’s advantage. This link between the main characters and the way in which stories are resolved is very important in sit-com. Because audiences know the characters and the genre, they can predict certain outcomes. We know for example that programmes like Fawlty Towers are based around the hopelessness of Basil Fawlty trying to resolve an impossible situation, and a number of 142 ONLY WHEN I LAUGH episodes end in chaos with the situation not really being effectively resolved. The narrative structure of sit-com therefore follows a fairly predictable pattern which viewers can relate to and understand. This pattern conforms to certain acceptable definitions of ‘realism’ which have to be maintained. Sit-coms which step outside these boundaries run the risk of alienating their audience (or in some cases, such as The Young Ones, they may attract a particular ‘cult’ status). Conclusion In popular television drama it is possible to raise issues and explore them through the characters and the situations they find themselves in. However, because sit-com is seen by the television companies as a form of escapist entertainment it becomes more difficult to see the ways in which it may influence its audience. The notion of something that is pleasurable also being of any real importance or value is one that many people may find difficult to accept. If a programme is made purely to entertain without any kind of message for its audience then why shouldn’t we just get on and enjoy it? I would argue that if we are prepared to question things that television tells us about the world which are classified as information or news, then why shouldn’t we apply the same kind of questioning to entertainment? Television situation comedy, like many other forms of ‘popular’ television, is far more complex than it first appears, and like any other area of television it is worthy of analysis and critical evaluation. Note: One of the problems of writing about situation comedy is that many comedy series are only broadcast once and unless recorded are unavailable for further study. However, many of the ‘classic’ sit-coms are now available on video and it seems likely that more will follow. Selected episodes from a number of sit-coms are available for hire from the BFI library (see also note 2 below). Notes 1 The Young Ones, BBC television: director, Paul Jackson; writers, Ben Elton, Rik Mayall, and Lise Meyer. 2 Cook and North, op. cit. in Further reading. 3 E.Croston (ed.), Television and Radio 1979—A Guide to Independent Television and Local Radio, London: Independent Broadcasting Authority, 1978. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 143 4 Department of Education and Science, Popular TV and Schoolchildren London: HMSO, 1983. 5 E.Croston (ed.), Television and Radio 1982, London: Independent Broadcasting Authority, 1981. 6 Eaton, op. cit. in Further reading. 7 Andy Medhurst and Lucy Tuck, ‘The gender game’, in Cook, op. cit. in Further reading. (This is a collection of seven essays about various aspects of sit-com which developed from a BFI summer school on Television Fictions in 1981.) 8 Susan Boyd-Bowman, ‘Back to camp’, in ibid, and Cary Bazelgetce, Selling Pictures, London: British Film Institute, 1983. 9 Ben Elton interviewed on Open to Question, BBC 2, October 1987. 10 Medhurst and Tuck, op. cit. 11 Paul Gilroy, ‘C4—bridgehead or bantustan?’, Screen, vol. 24, nos. 4– 5 (July–October 1983). Further reading Cook, Jim (ed.), Television Situation Comedy , BFI Dossier no. 17, London: British Film Institute, 1982. Cook, Jim and North, Nicky (eds), Teaching TV Sitcom, BFI Education, London: British Film Institute, 1985. Eaton, Mick, ‘Television situation comedy’, Screen, vol. 19, no. 4 (Winter 1978–9). Nathan, David, The Laughtermakers, London: Peter Owen, 1971. 10 TELEVISION AND BLACK BRITONS John Tulloch Modern political crises normally have a media sub-plot. (Jeremy Tunstall)1 The debate about broadcasting, from the creation of the British Broadcasting Corporation in the 1920s, has been essentially a debate about the composition and development of the British nation-state. Grossly simplified, the debate has been between those who have seen broadcasting as a form of social engineering —either in the form of new building or maintenance—and those who have argued that broadcasting merely reflects society. For the former, the measure of the system’s health has been the degree to which it could meet explicit goals—the fostering of national unity or community spirit, the creation of an informed citizenry, the meeting of educational needs, and so on. For the latter, success has lain in meeting audience demands—expressed variously in the forms of audience figures, profitability, and export success. To a unique extent, therefore, broadcasting has been an arena for the contest between the major political and social groupings in British society. Broadcasting was born in the aftermath of a total war which accelerated the demise of market forces in the British economy. To survive, the British state was forced to embrace wholesale corporate solutions to the inadequacies of war production. Employers’ and workers’ organizations became part of an ‘extended state’ essential for running a war economy. Production targets and the efficient utilization of labour became more important than profitability. For most of the century, this extended state grew by variations on the corporate theme— delegating power to institutions and representative bodies which, although they possessed a varying degree of autonomy and selfmanagement, were in reality senior or junior partners in the running of the country. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 145 This corporate climate was profoundly hostile to the workings of a market economy. Nowhere was this more clearly to be seen than in broadcasting. The BBC was set up in response to the conflicting demands of the radio industry, the Post Office, the armed services, and the newspaper industry, as a monopoly susceptible to control by the state. Broadcasting was seen primarily as a threat, rather than an opportunity—a source of enormous, if unknown power which must be tightly controlled. The audience was seen as essentially passive and malleable. The BBC’s first Director-General, John Reith, gave single-minded utterance to this corporate view of consumers: ‘It is occasionally indicated to us that we are apparently setting out to give the public what we think they need—and not what they want—but few know what they want and very few what they need.’2 In the interwar period of unchallenged BBC monopoly, the Post Office and the corporation combined to exclude any competition from other services, fettering the development of cable and effectively forcing competition abroad; in the late 1930s, commercial radio stations like Radios Normandie or Luxembourg, operating from the continent, became increasingly popular with British working-class listeners, bored with the middle-class diet provided by the BBC. The climate of corporatism created among broadcasters a sense that they had been entrusted with a special mission to elevate their audience. They were the ‘new priesthood’. Typical of this cast of mind was the BBC’s Director-General, William Haley (1946–52) who wrote that broadcasting ‘should play its part in bringing about the reign of truth’ and that because society was composed of competing intolerant groups broadcasting could ‘only be left to those in charge of broadcasting’.3 The ‘Reithian’ ethos was of course much larger than the narrow vision of a Reith or a Haley. Tom Burns has written most perceptively of the character of ‘BBC culture’: The BBC was developed under Reith into a kind of domestic diplomatic service, representing the British—or what he saw as the best of the British—to the British. BBC culture, like BBC standard English, was not peculiar to itself but an intellectual ambience composed out of the values, ¨tandards and beliefs of the professional middle class, especially that part educated at Oxford and Cambridge. Sports, popular music and entertainment which appealed to the lower classes were included in large measure in the programmes, but the manner in which they were purveyed, the context and the 146 TELEVISION AND BLACK BRITONS presentation, remained indomitably upper middle class; and there was, too, the point that they were only there on the menu as ground bait.4 The corporate bias in the management of the state, which the BBC exemplified, succeeded for forty years in playing down class conflict and creating a broad political consensus in economic and social policy. This consensus began to dissolve in the 1960s. Commercial television destroyed the BBC’s monopoly and introduced new models of programming to the public, although it was itself established within a regulatory framework operated by the ITA that owed much to the corporate ideology of public service broadcasting. Competition forced the BBC into a high-risk strategy of dissent under the director-generalship of Sir Hugh Greene, who encouraged a vast expansion of broadcast journalism, ‘kitchen sink’ drama, and—most notoriously—political satire. Forced to remodel its services under the impact of commercial television, the BBC also faced the competition of ‘pirate radio’ in the early 1960s, with offshore stations developing large audiences of young working-class listeners. Although the government stepped in to ban it, the BBC was forced to remodel its radio services—creating Radios 1 and 2—and dust off plans for a nationwide system of ‘local’ radio stations. ‘Local’ radio, ‘community’ politics, ‘public participation’ in planning— in retrospect, broadcasting can be seen to reflect a general process of social tinkering in the 1960s that was the corporate response to the realities of relative economic decline and the increasingly intractable problems of a nation that could not foreseeably meet the basic needs—jobs, homes, reasonable security—of large social groups. This was the background to the emergence of ‘ethnic minorities’ and ‘race relations’ as a ‘problem’ not only for the state but for the broadcasters. What could corporatism do for black Britons? The black ‘problem’ I don’t think the authorities realised that the name Black Londoners would last, otherwise they might not have allowed it…. I would listen to them saying ‘If only Alex could find a different name for the programme.’ (Alex Pascal I, producer of BBC Radio London’s Black Londoners)5 UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 147 Before the black immigration of the 1950s and 1960s, broadcasting had mainly presented black people as ‘foreigners’. It is instructive to recall that ‘even after Britain had acquired a substantial domestic black population…the single most regular exposure of black’ people on the television screen was The Black and White Minstrel Show’.6 Subsequently the typical presentation of blacks was as ‘problems’, as the pressures created by unequal treatment in the field of employment, housing, and law and order led to communal friction and finally wholesale conflict on the streets. Governments in the 1960s attempted to contain these conflicts by a dual policy—enacting ever more stringent and racist immigration controls and preaching a consensus policy of good race relations at home. A series of measures starting with the passage of the first Commonwealth Immigration Bill in 1962 effectively institutionalized racism and set the agenda for media presentation of the issue. Press coverage both reflected this policy and helped to articulate popular racism, in a complex exchange best summarized by Gideon Ben-Tovim and John Gabriel: Perhaps it would be most accurate to see the popular articulation of racist exclusivism and the enactment of racist policies as a dialectical process, an interchange between politicians and people within structurally determinant but also very fluent conditions in which the media have played an important role as lightning-conductor of the most negative definitions and reactions from both sources.7 In a survey of every thirteenth copy of The Times, Guardian, Daily Mirror, and Daily Express from 1963 to 1970, Hartmann et al. found that certain key themes in the coverage were shared by all four newspapers, despite their political differences. These were: immigration control measures, the level of immigration itself, black/white relations, and the pronouncements and doings of Enoch Powell. They argue that the agenda for debate that was set was a simple one—‘Keeping the blacks out.’8 In contrast to the press, broadcasting maintained through the 1960s a more cautious attitude to the reporting of race issues. The first ‘ethnic minority’ programmes were launched in 1965 after conferences with West Indian and Asian organizations, and the new local radio system was given the task of providing a range of minority programmes. The BBC’s attitude on the reporting of racism was robust, with Sir Hugh Greene trenchantly stating: 148 TELEVISION AND BLACK BRITONS In talking about the BBC’s obligation to be impartial I ought to make it clear that we are not impartial about everything. There are, for instance, two very important exceptions. We are not impartial about crime…nor are we impartial about race hatred.9 The watershed for both press and broadcasting was Enoch Powell’s 1968 ‘river of blood’ speech in Birmingham, which shocked the political establishment by the groundswell of white, racist support that was evoked. So intense was the coverage that a Gallup poll found that knowledge of the speech had reached 96 per cent of the adult population a few days later. As Colin SeymourUre has commented: The effect of Powell’s speech was to convince those media controllers who required convincing that any special responsibility to avoid worsening or inflaming a delicate situation, which had often led them in the past to suspend or downgrade normal news values, was now clearly outweighed by the need to keep public confidence.10 Powell’s ‘earthquake’ had the effect of opening up the public debate about race and forcing corporate managers to register the reality of white racism and reluctantly introduce more active policies. But for the news media blackness became linked to internal conflict—a conflict that had to be contained. As British blacks began to establish community and self-help organizations in the face of white racism their pressure increased on the corporate managers of British broadcasting for programmes and coverage which reflected their own needs and experience—through demands for access to television and radio programming and for equal opportunities in broadcasting employment. One area of conflict was in the BBC’s local radio stations. The BBC’s local radio stations were launched in the late 1960s with the claim that they would produce a grassroots service which would complement the national pattern of network and regional radio. Local radio’s proponents envisaged the new services as having a community building function. But what community? The elastic, cosy concept of bringing people in a locality together was at odds with the real processes by which the aspirations of those outside the magic circle of the consensus with serious demands to make of the majority might be voiced. The whole previous framework of British broadcasting had been designed to contain UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 149 and control the ‘right to broadcast’ to recognized groups who posed no threat to the majority. In the case of Black Londoners—a test bed for ‘ethnic minority’ programming—the forging of a black audience had serious political implications and created problems for white managers. Although Black Londoners survived it remained underfunded— until October 1988 when Radio London was superseded by GLR— and reliant on the work of largely unpaid freelances. It faced the same contradictions experienced by community organizations. Working on Black Londoners or many of the ‘ethnic minority’ programmes that now exist has not led to representation on management structures or increased employment for black journalists in the newsroom or ‘mainstream’ production jobs. While ethnic minority broadcasting has provided a token that stations are ‘doing something’ about race they have tended to be employment ghettos for the young, often unpaid, blacks involved. ‘Invisible’ broadcasters Research on the role of ethnic minorities in broadcasting shares one overwhelming finding—there is broad agreement that, with a few exceptions, black people are simply absent as performers, journalists and production workers. Nailing down the real dimensions of this absence has proved difficult—broadcasting organizations have resisted an open process of ethnic monitoring because the fear that hard information would provide a basis for demands for quotas or targets of black employees. However, some research has been done on broadcast output by the Commission for Racial Equality, which has undertaken a number of monitoring studies in recent years. One study, which monitored television output for six weeks in 1978–9, found that, in drama, white UK and US actors accounted for an average of 78 per cent of appearances, West Indians for 5 per cent, and Asians for 1 per cent. The study concluded that the frequency of appearances by ethnic minority performers was generally low. Although West Indians appear more frequently, and in a greater variety of roles than other ethnic minorities, the same cannot be said for Indians, Pakistanis and other Asian minorities. Asian minorities appear most frequently in current affairs programmes, children’s programmes and light entertainment such as comedy series. However, the majority of such appearances are merely as background. As far as 150 TELEVISION AND BLACK BRITONS Asians and black African roles are concerned, there appears little evidence of any serious attempt to cover the range of occupations and activities involving these groups in society.11 Although a later CRE study monitoring output for 1983–4 found significant improvements, the overall figures for appearances still remained low. No similar monitoring study has been undertaken for news output but the impression that there are still few black journalists or producers working in broadcasting—while those that do are concentrated in ethnic minority programmes like the BBC’s Ebony or Channel 4’s The Bandung File—is borne out by other information. The National Union of Journalists estimates that only around 300 of its 34,000 members are black and has recently started to monitor all new members. A register of black media workers compiled a few years ago listed less than 300 people. Why are black people underrepresented in the broadcast media? The CRE links several factors. The black perception that the media is largely a white preserve discourages young blacks from seeking careers in journalism, acting, or production work. The Commission also points to a lack of education and training opportunities for young blacks, already disadvantaged by the school system. A third factor is the ignorance and/or racism of white employers. For example, the CRE study found that the main reason given by producers for the lack of black actors was that the type of programmes produced made it inappropriate to cast them. It was argued that black actors had little or no place in most costume or period drama—a staple of television production— ignoring the fact that England and Wales had a substantial black presence (up to 20,000 in London) concentrated in major ports by the mid-eighteenth century. But the study also found that one in five producers questioned also identified ‘quality of actors’ as a reason for not casting blacks. The CRE research sees a link between the lack of jobs available to black performers and their representation: The portrayal of ethnic minorities in Drama, Light Entertainment and other programme areas depends to a large extent on the employment opportunities open to ethnic minority artists. Any difficulties they face will have a two-fold effect: first on employment prospects, secondly on the ‘visibility’ and roles which television gives to those of ethnic minority origin.12 UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 151 Despite the advent of Channel 4 and more adventurous policies in commissioning drama (such as The Chinese Detective) by the BBC and some independent companies, the CRE’s research indicates that ‘the roles and situations in which [blacks] are presented serve to reinforce existing stereotypes’. These stereotypes operate in two ways—by confining black performers to obviously ‘black’ background roles such as singers, bus conductors, servants, and so on, and by linking black performers to obvious ‘conflict’ or ‘problem’ areas. As long ago as 1969 the actors’ union Equity adopted a policy of ‘integrated casting’—that is, the casting of performers on the basis of their ability as performers regardless of their colour. In 1983 Equity was still pushing for positive moves towards this goal but found that progress had—in the words of its President—been ‘appallingly slow’. Britain’s major soap operas—with the notable exception of the BBC’s EastEnders—are still reluctant to cast black characters in ‘normal’ situations. This problem was discussed in a 1983 Equity report: The first thing that was discussed in our [working] group was the introduction of a black family in Coronation Street. The group said, in view of the fact that one of the programme planners of Granada had said that this was impossible without a conflict situation arising in the plot, that approaches should be made to the Management, Directors and even the cast to see if they are of the same opinion…. If they really want to depict a street in Manchester, reality would require the inclusion of a black family.13 Two arguments are embedded here. One is that broadcasting, by its failure to employ blacks, does not adequately reflect the ‘reality’ of British society. But the second is that a ‘positive image’ will help to virtuously transform those realities—which include racism and mass black unemployment—by influencing the attitudes of the white audience to see blacks positively while enhancing black self-esteem. A similar set of arguments has been applied to the news media by the CRE and the broadcasting unions. The pressure here has been for the recruitment and training of more black journalists and producers to at least reflect the 4 per cent of blacks in the British population and the 15 per cent in areas like London. But the point is also made that black representation will increase the credibility of the news and current affairs output for the black 152 TELEVISION AND BLACK BRITONS audience: a similar argument to that made for the recruitment of black police. Colleges and employers have recently launched a number of initiatives to recruit and train more black journalists. Both the BBC and Channel 4 started training courses for black broadcasters in 1987, while BBC local radio has also recruited black applicants for news training in the last three years. A positive action course in broadcast journalism has been run successfully at the Polytechnic of Central London since 1983 and at least 60 per cent of graduates have found full-time jobs in broadcasting. Other colleges—notably Vauxhall College in London —have also set up positive action courses, while the NUJ started a special scholarship scheme to finance black trainees on journalism courses in 1987. But neither the BBC or Channel 4 schemes embody a continuing commitment to black training and they are limited to roughly eighteen recruits. The PCL intake is limited to twelve students and is dependent on year-on-year MSC finance. On the NUJ figures alone, current initiatives could take up to thirty years to make good the shortage of black broadcasters and journalists. Finding acceptable stereotypes? When we reflect society as it is—with all its prevailing class, sex and racial bigotry—we are accused of pandering to ignorance. But when we attempt to challenge stereotypes, we are accused of peddling fantasy, not reality.14 The objective of proponents of ‘integrated casting’ is for greater black representation in broadcast fiction and news programmes with a range, not of black characters, but characters who happen to be black. There is little doubt that some broadcasting executives now display much greater sensitivity to the issues of black representation and this has been reflected in a number of recent one-off plays and drama serials dealing with the relationships both within minority groups and between different groups. Recent examples are Channel 4’s multicultural situation comedy The Desmonds, BBC 2’s Shalom Salaam, a drama serial based on relationships between different ethnic groups, and several other instances. Channel 4 has also taken the lead in commissioning highly successful feature film treatments of such UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 153 themes, for example Sammy and Rosie Get Laid and My Beautiful Laundrette. However, there is still a distinct lack of what might be described as run-of-the-mill black characters. Producers can reasonably argue that, given the perceptible lack of black lawyers, senior police officers, and managers in British society itself, it is stretching audience credibility (and perhaps using the medium as a propaganda vehicle for an establishment committed to denying the facts of racial disadvantage) to populate the screen with black characters in elite roles and make no dramatic exploitation of their ethnicity. But there have been notable exceptions. Thames TV has cast a black police officer in its drama series The Bill, for example. While his ethnicity is an issue at times in the series it has figured less than the dramatic situations created by an inexperienced officer learning the job, fitting in with colleagues. A similar approach was taken in the recent drama series on the London Fire Brigade, London’s Burning. A number of characters in the BBC’s drama serial EastEnders are black, and although previous members of the cast have achieved coverage in the tabloid press on the ‘Why I am Leaving EastEnders’ theme there has been a consistent policy of using black characters in a variety of roles. However, black characters are most notably absent from that actor’s staple, television advertising. ‘British admen today tend to avoid any accusations of Caucasian-inspired racism by the simple device of excluding black faces from commercials wherever possible.’15 The limits of corporatism Corporatism breeds its own special temper of mind—that of the ‘platonic guardian’—and if it is expressed in more tentative tones nowadays than in the time of Reith, it remains a persistent feature of the corporate view of the world: The Chairman of the IBA, when innocently asked in 1982 by an eminent Canadian communication scholar, ‘How do you decide what is in the public interest?’ replied, ‘I have been appointed to this office because I know what the public interest is.16 In the corporate model the viewer or listener is essentially a passive and potentially vulnerable consumer. S/he must be protected as well as informed, educated, and entertained. S/he may even be led to higher things as in Sir William Haley’s classic 154 TELEVISION AND BLACK BRITONS formulation of the community receiving network radio as ‘a broadly based cultural pyramid slowly aspiring upwards’ from the Light Programme to the Home Service to the Third Programme.17 But what cannot be conceded is that control or accountability should move away from the ‘in-group’ of professionals. Although black community organizations and to some extent the CRE have been in a position to extract some concessions from the corporate system—in terms of ethnic minority programming and moves towards positive action in recruitment and training—the real gains, after twenty years of negotiation, have been small compared to the achievement of US blacks in wresting concessions on integrated casting and job recruitment. As David Milner notes: It is only within the last ten years that the [US] networks have taken at all seriously the demands for greater and better representation of minorities in programming. Before this time the medium was almost exclusively white, the tiny proportion of programmes which included black characters portraying them as happy-go-lucky, unreliable ‘coons’, maids and manservants, entertainers and athletes.18 The reason for the change lies partly in skilful political lobbying and the election of a wide range of black political representatives. But this has been founded on the emergence of a black audience with a numerically large middle-class elite able to exert real economic pressure on the US broadcasting system. Although British blacks are numerically a smaller proportion of the population and vastly less prosperous, the creation of minority programming and an ethnic press shows the beginnings of the emergence of a black audience. How can its demands be met? Peacock embraced a model of the consumer very different to that envisaged by corporatism. His consumer is no passive, vulnerable audience member but a robust individual able to make choices and exert preferences. The main finding of the Peacock Report was therefore that British broadcasting should move towards a sophisticated market system based on consumer sovereignty. This is a system which recognises that viewers and listeners are the best ultimate judges of their own interests, which they can best satisfy if they have the option of purchasing the broadcasting services they require from as many alternative sources of supply as possible.19 UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 155 The report laid out a three-stage plan for creating a broadcasting market with a requirement of freedom of entry for programme makers, a transmission system capable of carrying an indefinitely large range of programmes, and facilities for paying for programmes or particular services. But its interim proposal—a first stage towards the creation of a market—is of more immediate interest to British blacks. One way of introducing competition, even while the duopoly remains, is by enlarging the scope of independent programme makers to sell to existing authorities, as already occurs in the case of Channel 4. The three functions of making programmes, packaging them into channels, and delivering them to the viewer or listener are distinct; and it is mainly a historical accident that links them together. The report therefore recommended that the BBC and ITV should be required over a ten-year period to increase to not less than 40 per cent the proportion of programmes supplied by independent producers. While Peacock’s notion of the ‘sovereign’ consumer is difficult for corporate power-holders—and the Conservative government, ironically —to accept, it is one that holds out real prospects of new and radical change for the ‘outsiders’ in the present system. As the largest group of outsiders in British broadcasting, blacks have little to lose and much to gain from exerting substantial pressure for a presence in the new broadcasting market that is representative of their numbers. Notes 1 Jeremy Tunstall, The Media in Britain, London: Constable, 1983. 2 John Reith, Broadcast Over Britain, London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1924. 3 Quoted in Michael Tracey, A Variety of Lives: A Biography of Sir Hugh Greene, London: Bodley Head, 1983. 4 Tom Burns, The BBC: Public Institution and Private World, London: Macmillan, 1977. 5 Quoted in Phil Cohen, op. cit. in Further reading 6 David Milner, Children and Race Ten Years On, London: Ward Lock, 1983. 7 Gideon Ben-Tovim and John Gabriel, ‘The politics of race in Britain, 1962–1979’, in Charles Husband (ed.), Race In Britain, London: Hutchinson, 1982. 156 TELEVISION AND BLACK BRITONS 8 Paul Hartman et al., Race as News, Paris: UNESCO, 1974. 9 Sir Hugh Greene, quoted in Braham, op. cit. in Further reading. 10 Colin Seymore-Ure, The Political Impact of the Mass Media, London: Constable, 1974. 11 Muhammad Anwar and Anthony Shang, Television in a Multiracial Society, London: Commission for Racial Equality, 1982. 12 ibid. 13 Report on the Conference on Integrated Casting, London: British Actors Equity Association, 1983. 14 Virginia Matthews, ‘Race for money’, Listener, 23 February 1989. 15 ibid. 16 Quoted in Richard Collins, Nicholas Garnham, and Gareth Locksley, The Economics of Television: The UK Case, London: Sage, 1988. 17 Sir William Haley, ‘The Lewis Fry Memorial Lecture’, in Anthony Smith (ed.), British Broadcasting, Newton Abbot: David & Charles, 1974. 18 Milner, op. cit. 19 Peacock Committee, Report of the Committee on Financing the BBC (The Peacock Report), Cmnd. 9824, London: HMSO, 1986. Further reading Braham, Peter, ‘How the media report race’, in Michael Gurevitch et al. (eds), Culture, Society and the Media, London: Methuen, 1982. Cohen, Phil (ed.), It Ain’t Half Racist, Mum, London: Comedia, 1982. Gilroy, Paul, There Ain’t No Black in the Union Jack, London: Hutchinson, 1987. Husband, Charles, White Media and Black Britain, London: Hutchinson, 1975. 11 ARE YOU RECEIVING ME? Justin Lewis Television today represents one of the most important sources of information available to our society. Hours upon hours of words and images flood from the TV screen into most people’s homes every day. It has become part of our environment, as varied or repetitive as the jobs some of us do when we are not watching it. It teaches us, tells stories, makes us laugh, makes us angry—it guides us into a whole series of different worlds and asks us to position ourselves in relation to them. There is no shortage of research attempting to understand the nature and significance of this extraordinary cultural phenomenon. In spite of this, television has grown to an extent beyond our current ability to comprehend and analyse its power and influence. Social scientists have, since the popular use of the TV set, been preoccupied with particular questions about it. That is fair enough. What has been less fortunate is the preoccupation with certain ways of answering those questions. The effect of television The first identifiable set of questions about television failed to produce any decisive results. These questions came from within a body of research that has become known, for obvious reasons, as the ‘effects’ approach. This approach attempted to address a fundamental and very general question: what effect does television have on people? The scope for investigation opened up by such a question is clearly enormous, so it was not surprising that researchers limited themselves to specific kinds of ‘effect’ and used a specific set of investigative tools. The most popular fields of inquiry were the effects of (political) television on political attitudes and the question of whether violence on the screen precipitated violent behaviour. There is, of course, nothing wrong with these questions. The problems with the ‘effects’ approach are problems of method. 158 ARE YOU RECEIVING ME? If you want to measure the effect of hitting people on the head with a hammer, it is not going to be difficult to come up with a workable methodology for doing so. We can, on the basis of a vast body of accumulated evidence, anticipate a range of immediate responses: the person hit on the head is likely to howl with pain, fall over, or drop down dead. However, supposing we want to measure long-term effects (if the unfortunate subject of the research lives that long) we can both anticipate them (whether mental or physical) and devise ways of measuring them. This is because: (i) we can locate a clear difference between those who have recently been hit on the head and those who have not; (ii) we can look for a range of possible reactions; (iii) we can monitor a specific group of people to see whether these reactions occur; (iv) this group can easily be composed of people who have not been hit on the head; (v) intervening variables (like being hit on the head again) can be easily isolated, recorded, and assimilated into the monitoring process. Watching television may sometimes feel like being hit on the head, but its effects are much more difficult to measure. The ‘effects’ tradition of research failed fully to appreciate the subtleties of this. If we want to find out whether, say, TV makes people more violent or changes their politics, we are confronted by complications at almost every stage. 1 Watching television embraces a multitude of sins. We may chat, eat our tea, or do the ironing while watching. A programme may be interspersed with comments from members of the family, or it may be watched in total silence. Moreover, since we know that the TV world and the real world are not the same, we don’t necessarily perceive TV violence and real violence as having much to do with each other. 2 Because so many people are exposed to so much television, it is extremely difficult to isolate particular kinds of exposure. It is difficult, for example, to divide people into those who have watched a lot of violence on TV since the age of five and those who have not. 3 Even if we were able to make distinctions between people on the basis of which programmes they watch, this begs a number of questions. People who, for example, watch violent UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 159 TV programmes may do so for a number of specific reasons. These primary motivations may be far more important than the programmes they watch as a result. Any differences which then emerge between the people who watch violent programmes and people who don’t may, therefore, have nothing to do with viewing habits at all. Watching TV could be a product of the same influences that make people violent. So, even if we were able to isolate a group of people who watched a lot of violence on TV, and even if we were able to show that those people were more likely to behave violently, we could not prove that one caused the other. 4 The problem of isolating causes and effects raises the much bigger questions of ideology. Television is what Louis Althusser would call an ‘ideological apparatus’. In other words, it is a set of meaning systems that will influence the way we think about the world. It is, however, just one of many: the family, the school, the press—all these are ideological apparatuses that shape the way we think. These ideological influences intermingle throughout our daily lives, reacting with us as social beings. Any attempt to analyse social and ideological agencies has to take account of other agencies that may intervene. These problems are, of course, common to all types of audience research, not just the ‘effects’ approach. The ‘effects’ tradition was, on the whole, particularly unsuccessful at overcoming them precisely because television viewing was analysed as if it was a hammer hitting people on the head. The ubiquitous nature of TV viewing in a complex ideological world often made ‘effects’ studies either ambiguous or unsuccessful. So ‘effects’ research repeatedly, over the years, proved and disproved, for example, that violence on television makes people violent. The fact that ‘effects’ studies failed to yield positive results had more to do with the limits of the methodology than with television’s lack of power and influence. Carl Hovland, writing in 1959, pointed out that ‘effects’ research was frequently not capable of answering the questions it posed, because of the investigative methods used.1 Reviewing the media research of the period, he demonstrated that the conflicting results they produced could be traced back to the way the research was done. Briefly, those surveys which were able to measure controlled exposure to media (before and after exposure) yielded more positive results than those sample surveys that simply attempted to draw 160 ARE YOU RECEIVING ME? correlations between exposure and attitude where ‘before and after’ controls are difficult or impossible. Typical of the latter was Blumler and McQuail’s work on the 1959 British general election, which concluded that: ‘Within the frame of reference set up by our experiment, political change was neither related to the degree of exposure nor to any particular programme or argument put forward by the parties’.2 This conclusion is not all that surprising. The complex set of ideological forces that create or change a person’s political outlook are unlikely to be dislodged by a single medium in three weeks. Such a conclusion is, however, profoundly misleading. It suggests that television does not influence people’s political attitudes (a finding in line with preceding ‘effects’ studies of political attitudes). There are three specific problems here. First, the long-term influence of television is neglected. While television may be capable of inspiring fairly rapid changes in attitude, its more profound influence will be more subtle and gradual. As Gillian Dyer points out when writing about the influence of advertising: It is more than likely that an advertisement’s effects are diffuse and long term, and there is some evidence that advertising plays a part in defining ‘reality’ in a general or anthropological sense…for instance, the sex-role stereotyping common to many advertisements—the ‘little woman’ as household functionary thrilling to her new polished table or whiter-than-white sheets, or the masterful, adventurous male —act, many social scientists argue, as agents of socialisation and lead many people, young and old, to believe in traditional and discriminatory sex roles.3 Secondly, for television to have a measurable short-term effect, other media or ideological agencies will have to be silent. If TV viewers and non-TV viewers behave the same way during an election campaign, this may demonstrate that television is influencing attitudes but that it is working in the same way as other agencies (like the press). Studies that have isolated particular types of media effect have shown far more movement. Hartmann and Husband’s study of racist attitudes, for example, found that the media played a significant role in building up racist attitudes, images, and stereotypes in all-white areas.4 Quite simply the media was the only major source of information available to people on this subject. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 161 Thirdly, the ‘effect’ of television will not necessarily be unitary. A series of news broadcasts could have a profound influence on people without necessarily influencing them in the same way. Television programmes are complex collections of words and images. The meanings we construct from these words and images will depend on our positions in the world and the view we take of it. This final point suggests an approach that acknowledges the viewer as an active subject, selecting and interpreting what she or he watches. It is to just such an approach I now turn. Uses and gratifications The failure of most studies to demonstrate television’s effects unambiguously led social scientists to become disenchanted with the questions being asked, and to search for new questions within new frameworks. Thus began ‘the functional approach to the media, or the “uses and gratifications” approach. It is the program that asks the question not “what do the media do to people” but, “what do people do with the media?”’.5 This change in direction shifted power away from the television screen towards the viewer, who used television to gratify certain needs. As McQuail, Blumler, and Brown put it: ‘Our model of this process is that of an open system in which social experience gives rise to certain needs, some of which are directed to the mass media of communication for satisfaction’.6 The ‘uses and gratifications’ approach was extremely influential, in both Britain and the United States, from the 1950s to the 1970s. It liberated the viewer from a supposed role as the passive recipient of television messages, providing space for a more sophisticated analysis of the viewing process. In some ways, this was clearly a theoretical advance. The ‘uses and gratifications’ approach did, however, raise problems as well as solve them. There is a sense in which the baby had been thrown out with the bathwater. As I have already indicated, underlying the ‘effects’ approach were perfectly legitimate questions about the influence of television on the way we think and behave. The problem with the ‘effects’ research was its simplistic view of the whole process of TV viewing, which was placed inside an ideological vacuum. The ideological world that the viewer inhabited was too complex to be absorbed into the ‘hammer on the head’ approach of ‘effects’ research. The ‘uses and gratifications’ approach, in asserting the viewer’s power to select 162 ARE YOU RECEIVING ME? and interpret, abandoned not only the ‘effects’ methodology, but the questions that that methodology failed to answer. Television, in this perspective, becomes merely a source of ‘gratification’ for the viewer, whose power to select and interpret appears to reduce its ideological force almost to vanishing point. Television is the most dominant source of information in our society, occupying us for an average of 20 hours per week. To understand it as a purely functional entity is like equating sex and sexuality with the moment of orgasm. At the heart of the problems raised by ‘uses and gratifications’ is its introduction of a social world which it does not fully understand. The notion of ideology is introduced, only to be displaced by the idea of ‘use’ or motivation. This was succinctly revealed by Elihu Katz, when he wrote that: ‘The uses approach assumes that people’s values, their interests, their associations, their social roles, are preponderent and that people selectively “fashion” what they see and hear to those interests’.7 This brings in the idea that the viewer is a social being, a carrier of ideologies —‘values …interests…associations…social roles’—on the one hand, while reducing these ideas to a set of motivations on the other. The limitations of this approach were revealed in another election study by Blumler and McQuail. Having failed to find any positive results using the ‘effects’ approach in 1959, their next attempt incorporated ‘uses and gratifications’. This appeared to be more successful, demonstrating that certain groups of voters responded differently to party political broadcasts. Their use of the ‘uses and gratifications’ perspective led them to conclude that: the strongly motivated voters had responded in one direction and the less keen in another…whereas opinions of the strongly motivated voters were influenced by major party propaganda, the politically less keen electors responded favourably to the presentation of the Liberal case.8 Put in this way, the difference between the readings and responses of the ‘less keen’ and ‘strongly motivated’ are extremely difficult to explain. The problem here is the idea of motivation. Blumler and McQuail use the concept because it fits the ‘uses and gratifications’ model, but what does it actually mean? If we substitute ‘motivation’ with ‘ideology’, these differences become explicable. The ‘strongly motivated’ groups were defined as such because they thought within a certain ideological viewpoint. The ‘weakly motivated’ viewers, on the other hand, clearly did not UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 163 have the ideologies necessary to respond positively to the Conservative or Labour broadcasts. The Liberal broadcasts, however, did not require these ideologies (or required a different set of perspectives) for viewers to respond positively. It may be, for example, that the Labour and Conservative broadcasts worked within a framework of traditional parliamentary issues (like ‘balance of payments’). This approach would attract those people who were familiar with those political ideas and alienate those who were not. Where does that leave us? The limitations of ‘effects’ and ‘uses and gratifications’, once understood, provide the conditions for developing a more sophisticated approach. Such an approach must take into account the nature of television as an ideological apparatus and the fact that our view of the world is shaped by this and other apparatuses. Watching TV therefore becomes a complex interplay of ideologies. The meaning of television In Britain in the 1970s, approaches that had been developed in literary theory, psychoanalysis, and social theory began to be applied to media studies. These new approaches shifted the focus of media research not only away from ‘effects’ and ‘uses and gratifications’ but from audience studies generally. The emphasis moved towards the message of television, what it said and how it said it. On one level, the idea that television was socially or politically ‘neutral’ or ‘impartial’ was challenged—notably by the Glasgow University Media Group in their Bad News studies. On the other, the content of television was analysed as a socially conducted set of meanings. These meanings were broken down and scrutinized in journals like Screen and Screen Education, or related to social and ideological processes in studies like Policing the Crisis (Hall et al.). In many ways, this shift towards the TV programme or programmes was both important and useful. Sophisticated forms of analysis from semiology, cultural studies, textual analysis, and ideology were applied and developed in relation to television. These developments have significantly increased our understanding of various forms of television and how they work. One of the most important of these developments was the application of semiotics to television. Semiotics is the study of meaning—what meanings are attached to things, why those meanings are attached, and how they are attached. Here, at last, was a method for developing TV audience research. 164 ARE YOU RECEIVING ME? The first principle of semiotics is that there is no natural relation between a thing (whether that thing is a sound, an image, or the kitchen table) and the meaning of that thing (the concepts we use to understand it). Rather, this meaning is seen as the product of our relationship with the thing, of our position in the world, and the ideologies that enable us to understand it. So, for example, when we see a number of men on our screens dressed in white scattered around a comparatively empty but substantial green space, while simultaneously hearing a voice that does not appear to originate from anywhere on the picture, most of us would be able to say .that we were watching a game of cricket. This understanding comes from a whole series of ideologies—or, to be more specific, from various cultural codes. Some of these codes will have been learnt at home and at school —codes that allow us to understand what a ‘game’ or ‘sport’ is, for example. To a visitor from another planet who had no notion of games or sport, watching a cricket match or a baseball game would be like witnessing a weird and incomprehensible ritual. To most of the non-cricket-playing world on this planet, watching a cricket match would be comprehensible in terms of a general cultural code about sport, but only a very specific cultural code— the rules of cricket—would enable them to understand fully what was going on. Watching a cricket match on TV would only become fully clear, however, if the viewer had the complex cultural codes for understanding television. The mysterious voice from somewhere out of the picture we are able, as well-trained TV watchers, to understand as the voice of ‘a commentator’. The fact that the men in white appear and disappear quite suddenly, simultaneously growing or shrinking, does not contravene the laws of science. To the trained viewer, such abnormalities appear quite natural—we know that TV broadcasts can switch from one camera to another, from one lens to another, and we are used to seeing it that way. Watching TV, in short, requires learning and skill. We need to learn both the codes or rules of the world it communicates and the codes/rules of the way it communicates them. In semiotics, this process of constructing meaning is called signification. This is the process where the ‘thing’ or signifier (the picture of a cricket match, for example) we see, hear, or experience is interpreted. This interpretation is not natural but learnt—it involves attaching a concept— or signified—(like ‘cricket is a sport’) to that ‘thing’. The interpreted—or signified—‘thing’ is called a sign. In short: the signifier (thing)+the signified (concept) =the sign. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 165 Once we have come to terms with this new terminology, the process it describes seems perfectly obvious. What, then, have we gained simply by describing it with a new set of words? The answer lies in the assertion that, to stress it once more, the relation between signifier and signified is not natural but learnt. Objects, images, sounds, smells do not naturally mean anything. A picture of Prince Charles could signify any number of things: wealth, royalty, the ruling class, a white man, husband of Princess Diana, English imperialism, and so on and so on. A second picture of Prince Charles talking to a Rastafarian in Brixton may, depending on the first association and a whole range of new ones, signify class difference, racial conflict, racial harmony, cultural imperialism, or simply ‘what a nice man of the people Prince Charles is’. It is the ambiguity of the process of signification that makes it so important to define it and understand it as precisely as possible. It is in this sense that we can talk about ‘cultural codes’. The way we construct meanings will depend on the cultural codes we have learnt. This, in turn, will depend on our material circumstances— the kind of society we live in, our position in it, family, school—the whole range of our experience. To make sense of television’s multifarious and complex words and images is, effectively, to decode them. To study the influence or role of television on people is, therefore, to study a process of decoding. This clearly takes us a long way from ‘effects’ and ‘uses and gratifications’. In the 1970s, however, it was purely a theoretical advance. While knowledge of the process of decoding became more sophisticated, attempts to use this knowledge for decoding audience research were few and far between. The sheer complexity of the task created a gaping hole in our knowledge, described by John Hartley thus: The growing areas of semiotics and communication studies developed largely out of textual analysis of various kinds… and as a result, there is currently a gap in research into social discourses like the news. Most of what happens when the text is ‘realised’ as a ‘live’ discourse, when it is read by the consumer is a mystery. As Patrick Moore says about other mysteries of the cosmos, ‘we just don’t know’.9 It is this gap that we need to fill if we are to begin really to understand the possible effects of television. It is into this gap that this research falls, as an attempt to begin to solve the 166 ARE YOU RECEIVING ME? ‘mystery’ of ‘what happens when the text is…read by the consumer’, to investigate the precise relation between the message and the way that message is read. The television experience The trouble is, of course, that research into the meanings generated by TV viewing is extraordinarily difficult to carry out. We cannot sit inside people heads as they settle down to Dallas or The News at Ten. This, combined with dwindling budgets for research and the technological distractions of video, cable, and satellite, has limited the development of TV audience research. Despite this, the 1980s have seen some practical developments within a new, more sophisticated framework. These developments have attempted to avoid assumptions about what particular programmes might mean or the way we respond to them, using indepth, relatively unstructured interviews with people as a way of reconstructing the experience of watching TV. It is unusual to be able to pinpoint clearly the beginning of a research ‘tradition’ (a word it is still perhaps a little too early to use). In this instance, however, David Morley’s book The Nationwide Audience, published in 1980, represents just such a landmark. Set within the context of semiotics and cultural studies, Morley’s study involves a wide range of in-depth interviews with groups following the watching of a video recording of a (then) recent current affairs programme, Nationwide. Morley prompted the various groups to construct their own ‘decodings’ of the programme, before analysing why a group of, say, working-class young women should have come up with one set of meanings and a group of trainee lab technicians with another. The original intention was to see how people’s social class determined the meanings they gave to the programme. What the research in fact revealed was a much more specific set of influences, based on the ‘discourses’ available to people, be they a mainstream working class populism, trade union and labour party politics, or the influence of black youth cultures (Morley 1980:137). My own research on decoding The News at Ten attempted to develop this discovery (Lewis 1985). A detailed analysis of viewers’ reconstructions and interpretations of a particular News at Ten revealed a number of things: 1 We can assume very little about the meaning of a news item— a story that was intended to be about a politician’s relations with his own party was, for example, decoded as a variety of UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 167 quite different stories. News broadcasters, in fact, know remarkably little about what they are communicating to the outside world. 2 The ambiguity of the news is based on its narrative structure (or rather, lack of it). News ‘stories’ on TV are, most of the time, not stories at all. They are fragmented collections of information and images. Programmes with tight narrative structures—like EastEnders or, in a different way, Blind Date, will be far more successful at communicating an agreed set of meanings. 3 The images and words we select when we decode TV programmes will be based upon the meaning systems available in our heads. This, in turn, forces us to construct different stories. For example, the regular News at Ten item detailing where jobs have been lost and found, to one viewer, was all about the shift from manufacturing industry in the north to service industries in the south, while another decoded it as an indicator that, although unemployment was still a problem, things were getting a little better. This happened because the two had quite different sets of experiences attached to the idea of unemployment, which allowed one to select the geographical information in the item, while the other focused on the numerical information. This interplay between the viewer and the television we can call the process of decoding. This decoding process takes place within a whole social process. The meaning systems available to people are dependent upon social positions— whether in the family, at work or any other sets of social experiences. The meanings attached to ‘Dirty Den’ from EastEnders will depend upon our age, gender, experience of sexuality, experience of social class, experience of areas like the East End, experience of soap operas, experience of publicans, and so on. ‘Dirty Den’ will accordingly become hero, villain, sex symbol, small business entrepreneur, local boy made good, Jack the lad, or male chauvinist pig. This process has been described by David Morley as ‘the person actively producing meanings from the restricted range of cultural sources which his or her position has allowed them access to’ (Morley 1986). The conditions wherein this takes place have been the subject of Morley’s most recent TV audiences research. In Family Television, Morley has shifted his attention from what specific programmes mean, to people, to what he calls ‘the how of television watching’. In short, people do not watch TV in research conditions. They watch it with their family, with friends, while having a 168 ARE YOU RECEIVING ME? conversation or eating breakfast. Moreover, television does not necessarily kill conversation, it can facilitate it. Peter Collett, a researcher who filmed people in their homes watching TV, puts it like this: ‘Television is what people talk about, while it is on, as well as at work the next day. It buttresses social relationships in the sense that it gives people something to discuss. Often it provides a focus for people to talk about other things’.10 This leaves us with a television experience made up of four distinct but interactive components: (i) the TV programme, with its set of narrative structures and its interplay of words and images; (ii) the viewer, with her or his set of cultural codes/meaning systems; (iii) the viewing context—how we watch TV, who with, what we do when we’re watching it and what we do with those meanings afterwards; (iv) our social experience through which we evolve meaning systems —part of this social experience being, of course, the experience of watching TV. Research in the last decade has enabled us to understand this process. One of the next stages is to measure the effects of the television experience. Notes 1 Carl Hovland, ‘Reconciling results derived from experimental and survey studies of attitude change’, The American Psychologist, vol. 14 (1959). 2 Jay Blumler and Denis McQuail. ‘The audience for election television’, in Jeremy Tunstall (ed.), Media Sociology, London: Constable, 1970. 3 Gillian Dyer, Advertising as Communication, London: Methuen, 1982. 4 P.Hartman and C.Husband, ‘The mass media and racial conflict’, in Stan Cohen and Jock Young (eds), The Manufacture of News, London: Constable, 1983. 5 Elihu Katz, ‘Mass communications research and the study of popular culture’, Studies in Public Communication, vol. 2 (1959). 6 Denis McQuail, Jay Blumler, and Roger Brown, ‘The television audience: a revised perspective’, in Denis McQuail (ed.), The Sociology of Mass Communications, Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1972. 7 Katz, op. cit. 8 Blumler and McQuail, op. cit. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 169 9 John Hartley, Understanding News, London: Methuen, 1982. 10 Quoted in Jane Root, Open The Box, London: Comedia, 1986. Further reading Ang, Ien, Watching Dallas, London: Methuen, 1985. Lewis, Justin, ‘Decoding TV news’, in Philip Drummond and Richard Paterson (eds), Television in Transition, London: British Film Institute, 1985. Morley, David, The ‘Nationwide’ Audience, London: British Film Institute, 1980. Morley, David, Family Television: Cultural Power and Domestic Leisure, London: Comedia, 1986. 12 TODAY’S TELEVISION, TOMORROW’S WORLD Patrick Hughes Introduction It’s growing harder to distinguish between television sets and computer terminals: they look increasingly similar, and have an increasing number of functions in common. As those similarities increase, we need to think differently about today’s television, because it is outgrowing its original mission to ‘educate, entertain and inform’. Changes in television are part of broader changes in the communications industry as a whole. These broader changes include the integration of press, broadcasting, telecommunications, and computers within new corporate structures; a reduction in the number of people who own the media; alterations to the range of films and television programmes available internationally; and a dilution in the various forms of regulation within which the media have traditionally operated. Some people think that these broader changes are the direct and inevitable consequences of new technologies such as videodiscs, teletext, and satellites, and that changes occurring in society are determined by new technologies. ‘Technological determinism’, as this view is known, includes among its adherents those who assert that new cable systems and video machines will inevitably bring a greater variety of TV programmes. Other technological determinists—including the British government— say that the path out of recession requires comprehensive adoption of new communications technologies in factories and offices: the machines will save us! Technological determinism ignores the people, social institutions and political forces which are all part of innovation. It doesn’t mention the intricate web of scientific, social, political, and economic factors at national and international levels. Instead, new technologies are seen as random and inevitable results of a steamroller called ‘Progress’, and social UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 171 change is reduced to merely a list of dates on which particular machines came onto the market. This chapter argues that particular changes in communications technology aren’t random and inevitable, but are part of general changes in the ownership and control of major sections of the national and international economy. It also argues that these general changes are the result of particular choices made by national governments and by international corporations. New television technologies such as video and satellites are like any technological innovations: they have the potential to reinforce the current structure and operation of their industry and also to challenge it. This chapter explains why this ambiguity is currently being resolved in ways which reinforce and assist the concentration of ownership and power, and indicates the potential in new television technologies to oppose it. Many ‘new’ communications technologies merely enable international companies to do old jobs in new ways which help to concentrate and integrate the ownership and control of broadcasting—indeed of the whole of the cultural and communications industries—in a shrinking number of (corporate) hands. For instance, satellites enable television and film companies to do their old job of distributing programmes across the globe, but in new ways which undermine—for better or worse— national control over the availability of ideas. The real innovation associated with these technologies is the integration of the machinery and companies involved in television with those involved in apparently diverse areas such as computers, telephones, and homeworking. Video, satellite, and cable help companies such as Philips, Thorn-EMI, and Warners to reorganize the ways in which knowledge, ideas, and culture are produced and distributed. A decreasing number of people (mainly white men) are attaining increased power to decide how, and in whose benefit, those industries should develop, and this changes the ways in which many people work. Communications satellites integrate telephones and video, for example, enabling major corporations to distribute clerical and administrative tasks globally to home-based data-processing workers, undermining the influence of the trade unions. Many of these corporations also dominate the film and television sectors. Domestic video Domestic videocassette recorders (VCRs) are generally used to play prerecorded tapes which we buy or rent, and to ‘time shift’— 172 TODAY’S TELEVISION,TOMORROW’S WORLD record programmes as they are broadcast to watch later. Videodisc players (VDPs) are used to play prerecorded discs— rather like records. Indeed, the audio and video markets are related via the compact disc, a new type of audio disc which was developed from videodisc technology. The market for domestic video is the outcome of global battles for world dominance between competing companies and their competing video ‘systems’ or ‘formats’. After fifteen years, only two VCR ‘systems’ have survived: the ‘VHS’ system of the Japanese Victor Company (JVC), and the ‘Betamax’ system of the Sony company. The two competing videodisc ‘systems’—the ‘VHD’ system from JVC, and ‘Laservision’ from Philips, are survivors of another battle, the most recent victim of which was the US-based multinational RCA. In April 1984, RCA discontinued its own VDP system—‘CED’ or ‘Selectavision’—on the grounds that its sales were unlikely to recover its development cost of more than $130m. To the victors comes increased power to determine what sort of material is available on video. This hasn’t, however, created an alternative source of ‘programmes’ to that of the broadcasting and cinema companies. The prerecorded material which is widely available on cassette and/or disc for sale and/or rental in the major high street video shops is mostly feature films which will already have been shown in cinemas and/or broadcast on television. This is because of collaboration by the video machine-makers (JVC, Sony, and Philips, plus the companies which manufacture their products under licence, such as Thorn-EMI) with major film and music companies (such as Twentieth Century Fox, CBS, Polydor) to carry only their material on precorded tapes and discs. Further, the high street video shops are dominated by companies which are themselves subsidiaries of the machine-makers—Radio Rentals and Visionhire (the subsidiaries of Thorn-EMI and Philips respectively), for example. In summary: when ‘market forces’ cause the collapse of new media systems, the people who have bought them lose their money; the workers who manufacture them lose their jobs; and the winning companies increase their power over the market, which reduces the variety of views in the media and hinders attempts to expand it. Allegedly, anyone can produce and distribute videos, records, films, and so on, with consumers deciding which become successful. In the cultural and communications industries, this notion of the supremacy of market forces has recently been counterposed with increasing force to the long tradition of UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 173 ‘regulation’. The notion of regulation has often been based on technical considerations: the limited number of frequencies available for broadcasters has required careful allocation by the state; and the requirement for a unified, national telecommunications system has required a monopoly which is run, or at least supervised, by the state. Adherents of regulation have also argued that those industries have a social or moral duty, expressed through such ideas as fairness, balance, shared costs, and universal access, and summarized in the phrase ‘public service’. However, it has been left to state officials and to executives in broadcasting and telecommunications to decide just what ‘public service’ means. These executives aren’t directly accountable to the people who use the services, and national ownership of broadcasting and telecommunications systems hasn’t given the population effective control over their operations. Consequently, the paternalism inherent in regulation may be seen as malevolent, however benevolent its intention. When the replacement of regulation by the free market is presented as increasing the choice of video programmes, for example, it becomes a very attractive proposition, and undermines the whole notion of social control through democratic structures. However, the new video market is dominated by a handful of major companies, each accountable only to its shareholders—a majority of whom are companies and institutions like themselves. Do you think that a major distribution group such as ColumbiaEMI-Warner launching ‘Superman II’ on video has the same resources of production, promotion, distribution and administration as, say, a neighbourhood Housing Aid Centre wishing to launch a video about the sale of Council Houses? Ambiguities in domestic video The ability to ‘time-shift’ programmes means a video-user can construct her/his own schedule of viewing, choosing not just what to watch but when and in what order. However, time-shifting doesn’t affect the size of audiences—merely when we watch. More importantly, recording programmes for later viewing gives the video-user the oportunity to ‘fast-forward’ through the commercials. What price ‘prime-time’ television when a significant portion of the potential audience watches at a later date and avoids the commercials? VCR’s have also offered individuals and groups an opportunity to produce and distribute their own alternative material—either 174 TODAY’S TELEVISION,TOMORROW’S WORLD ‘formal’ programmes or ‘scratch’ videos. The Glasgow Media Group (a group of academics at Glasgow University) has used recordings of programmes to illustrate their analytical and critical points in a series of studies of television news and current affairs programmes. A set of videocassettes about the 1984 coal dispute as seen through the eyes of the National Union of Mineworkers (The Miners’ Campaign Videotapes, available from Trade Films, Sheffield) were distributed internationally as part of the union’s calls for support and solidarity. The ill-fated neighbourhood cable television stations of the 1970s used VCRs to provide alternative programmes to their audiences, and familiarized many nonbroadcasters with basic television broadcasting equipment. Programmes produced for transmission by broadcasting or cable can be recorded onto cassette/disc to be shown and discussed in public arenas after their original transmission. The opportunities to comment publicly on programmes, at present given only to an elite on programmes like the BBC’s Did You See?, could thus be given to a wider range of people in a diversity of contexts. Those opportunities to challenge the pattern of dominance aren’t always grasped in the most ‘progressive’ manner. For instance, pornographers have developed a new videocassette market, ‘free’ from the restrictions applied to the regulated and accountable broadcasters and, to a lesser extent, to the ‘mainstream’ feature film industry. Videotex and electronic publishing Videotex is a general term, referring to any electronic system which makes computer-based information available via computer terminals or via specially adapted television sets. There are two main types; broadcast videotex and wired videotex. Broadcast videotex, more commonly called teletext, transmits information via the airwaves alongside radio and television programmes. The user can only ‘read’ from a relatively limited number of ‘pages’ of information —s/he can’t feed information into the system. The BBC’s ‘Ceefax’, and the IBA’s ‘Oracle’ services are teletext systems and, while part of the overall output of the BBC and IBA, they represent a clear example of today’s television being used in a different way. Their growth has been recent and rapid: more than 1.5 million people in the UK use teletext’s news pages, television programme guides, weather forecasts, sports reports, and programme subtitles for deaf people. Wired videotex, more commonly called viewdata, transmits information via cable, such as a telephone line. Viewdata systems UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 175 are ‘interactive’ —users can send information to the system’s computer, as well as receive information from it. Viewdata is, therefore, a step further away from traditional uses of the television set. Readers in the UK may be familiar with the ‘Prestel’ viewdata system operated by British Telecom and transmitted via BT’s network of telephone lines. It contains hundreds of thousands of TV screen-sized ‘pages’ of information, which users can search and read with a control pad linked to their telephone and television set/computer terminal. Its interactive capability allows Prestel subscribers to book theatre tickets by credit card, for instance. Prestel is a public viewdata system—access to it is open to anyone willing to pay the running costs. There are also many private viewdata systems produced and sold by companies such as Rediffusion Computers and Philips Business Systems. Unlike Prestel, these systems are accessible only to specified (rich!) groups of users. Organizations using them include the Stock Exchange (financial information), travel agents such as Thomson Holidays (booking holidays), vehicle manufacturers such as British Ley land (running its dealer network and spares service), and chain stores such as Debenhams (communicating with its suppliers and its individual shops). More complex private viewdata systems are used in databases, which offer their subscribers access to large libraries of data and/or text. Some data/text will already have appeared in print, the rest may exist solely within the database. For convenience, we can call the combination of viewdata plus database systems electronic publishing. Ambiguities of videotext With videotex systems, media companies (newspapers, radio and television stations, news agencies, and so on) can do their old job of providing information in ‘new’ ways without changing the nature and sources of that information. Electronic publishing is but one more chapter in a tradition of providing information through organizations which are centralized, large, and bureaucratic, and which all tend to become owned and controlled by a small group of people. Indeed, many electronic publishing companies already dominate other forms of publishing. Pergamon Infoline, for example, is owned by Robert Maxwell—publisher of Mirror Group newspapers, and a major shareholder in commercial broadcasting and cable television. It could be argued that legislation might broaden the ownership and control of the major electronic publishing companies, increase 176 TODAY’S TELEVISION,TOMORROW’S WORLD accessibility, and ensure diversity in the material available. However, state restrictions on electronic publishing would be impossible to police, and the result would be ‘electronic prohibition’ in which only the rich would really be able to ‘speak easy’! Videotex technology itself could challenge the dominance of the major electronic publishing companies by decentralizing the production and distribution of knowledge and ideas. The growing interchangeability of televisions and microcomputers at home and at work, if combined with new public videotex systems, would make every potential ‘reader’ of videotex a potential publisher, too! The high-quality printers now becoming available extend that option to paper-based publishing, which would challenge the dominance of the press and broadcasters as ‘mediators’ of information. People can already electronically ‘publish’ information through ‘notice boards’ of viewdata and electronic mail systems, although few can afford to. Few organizations make available details of their activities and policies through videotex systems. Public electronic publishing would raise the competitive pressure on them to do so, and lower the financial barriers by spreading the costs of the system among a multitude of users. This would enable the public to question in detail the information provided by campaigning groups, public organizations, political parties, trade unions, research organizations, companies, and so on; to make criticisms or comments; or to add further material. The ‘mediation’ of ideas by pundits, commentators, and experts could—if wished, and to varying degrees—be circumvented. Finally, decentralized electronic publishing could help the individuals and organizations currently ignored or misrepresented by the ‘mainstream’ media, and seeking redress, through a right of reply. Complainants could electronically publish their ‘reply’ on videotex, and elicit public support for a change in the editorial and scheduling decisions of the broadcasting and publishing organizations. While leaving untouched the ‘public service’ traditions of the broadcasting organizations, decentralized public electronic publishing could offer a continuing means of judging their adequacy. Satellite broadcasting Satellites do one or both of two things: observation satellites (of which a particular form is the ‘spy’ satellite) observe events on earth, and report these to their controllers; communications satellites (of which a particular form is the telecommunications/ television satellite) relay signals from one point on earth to UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 177 another. Reception of satellite signals just requires a fixed dish aerial, and a ‘black box’ of electronics for decoding and amplifying the signals. Communications companies use satellites because a single satellite channel can carry much more communications traffic than can a terrestrial link such as a telephone cable. Television channels can therefore easily be distributed by satellite nationally or internationally to operators of local cable television systems via a large dish aerial. This use of a common or ‘master’ aerial by all the households subscribing to the cable system led to its description as Satellite Master Antenna Television (SMATV). The first television channel to be distributed by satellite to local cable operators was established in the USA in 1975 by Time Inc. By 1983, a survey by the US National Cable Television Association identified fifty-one such channels, including two sports channels, four religious channels, three movie channels, a health channel, and a Spanish-language channel, together with satellitedistributed ‘superstations’ such as WGN-Chicago or WTBSAtlanta, which specialize in entertainment and sports. Europe, too has several SMATV services using the Eutelsat 1 F-1 medium-powered satellite: – ‘Sky’: Murdoch’s channel of general entertainment, received by more than 7 million cabled households throughout Europe (100, 000 in the UK via Swindon Cable); – ‘TV-5’: French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ French-language channel distributes 8 hours per day of programmes to 4.5 million cabled households, principally in France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Switzerland; – ‘Teleclub’: Swiss subscription-financed film channel; – ‘Filmnet’: Netherlands-based subscription-financed film channel; – ‘RAI-1’: the Italian public service broadcasters’ channel. Satellites with greater transmitting power can distribute television signals directly to people’s homes via smaller (90 cm) dish aerials in a garden or on a roof—hence the term ‘direct broadcasting by satellite’ (DBS). Several DBS projects are now underway in Europe. Britain’s first DBS channel, Sky TV, owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News International, began broadcasting in 1989, offering four channels: – Sky Channel: general light entertainment; – Sky News: round-the-clock news; 178 TODAY’S TELEVISION,TOMORROW’S WORLD – Sky Movies: a film channel, which will become subscription based; – Eurosport: sports coverage. Eurosport is owned by a consortium of European broadcasting companies. Additional plans to launch a Disney channel fell through in May 1989. The Astra satellite, which broadcasts Sky, also carries four other channels —Screensport, Lifestyle, and The Children’s Channel, owned by W.H. Smith, and MTV, the music video channel, owned by the Maxwell Entertainment Group. In competition with Sky, British Satellite Broadcasting (BSB) is a consortium whose major shareholders include the Bond Corporation of Australia, the Granada Group, Pearson, and Reed International. In 1989 BSB planned to establish three channels: – The Movie Channel: a film channel funded by subscriptions; – Now: all day news, sport and current affairs; – Galaxy: general light entertainment; and as this book went to press they were also hoping to introduce Power (a music channel) and a separate sports channel. But financial and development problems led to the postponement of their launch until Spring 1990. In each case, consumers must add the cost of the dish to the cost of any subscription services they choose. This cost (around £200), along with early problems in distributing dishes to the high street, led Sky to revise its estimated viewing figures radically, early in 1989, just before its launch. Even this downward vision of 1.15 million households by January 1990 was considerably beyond Saatchi & Saatchi’s prediction that only 418,000 British households would have dishes by the end of 1989. Competition between Sky and BSB will be intense, and many commentators believe that the two services (which utilize incompatible broadcast technologies) cannot both survive. Ambiguities in satellite broadcasting The problems surrounding satellites tend to overwhelm their ambiguities. Those problems are due partly to the technology of satellite transmission itself, which was developed to overcome the barriers to communications erected by national governments; and partly to the classic conflict between ‘nationalism’ and ‘internationalism’. The ambiguities of satellite broadcasting, and the room for manoeuvre, lie in that conflict. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 179 Satellite broadcasting can bring enormous educational benefits. The example frequently given is India, where thousands of villages have been receiving agricultural and health education programmes delivered via satellites since 1975. However, satellite broadcasting could increase the threat of ‘cultural imperialism’— the undermining of cultural and political values of poor countries by those of richer and more powerful ones. This process has been happening for some years, based on the international distribution of relatively cheap cultural products such as films and television programmes, mainly produced in the USA and western Europe. These have been imported by existing (terrestrial) television services in many Third World countries, unable to afford the cost of producing many programmes which represent their national cultures and traditions. When they import such programmes, they also import their cultural and political values. Since those same programme-producing companies now also own and operate satellite services, there are fears that satellite broadcasting services could further damage and/or exploit the culture and politics of countries receiving them. A ‘nationalist’ response to those fears could be to erect national barriers to protect a nation’s culture, politics, and way of life from being undermined and/or exploited. For instance, some countries, such as Sweden, have decided to ban commercials on domestic and imported television programmes. However, ‘exporting’ television programmes by satellite undermines those national restrictions, since commercials need only be approved in the country of transmission. The satellite services received by Swedish viewers included commercials by overseas companies, which led Swedish companies to press for advertising on domestic (terrestrial) television to enable them, so they say, to compete effectively with those overseas companies. (The drive to spread television advertising relates to its cost. Two typical 30-second commercials on UK commercial television can cost approximately £120,000, and the greater audiences reached by satellite reduce the cost per viewer of producing commercials.) A nationalist view can, however, prevent the population of a particular country from understanding that the problems they face may well be due to forces beyond the control of one nation, and are indeed shared by people in other countries. The problems posed to individual national governments and cultures by satellite broadcasting are clearly international: the satellites themselves are owned and operated by international companies on an international scale. The problems posed by satellite broadcasting aren’t restricted to poor countries; concern has also been 180 TODAY’S TELEVISION,TOMORROW’S WORLD expressed in several industrialized countries at their cultural implications. French politicians were alarmed by proposals from RTE in Luxemburg to transmit programmes by satellite across Europe; other European governments have expressed horror at the thought of US-based corporations beaming ‘Coca-Cola culture’ by DBS into their nations’ homes. Many of those expressions of concern are, however, nationalistic. They denigrate the culture and politics of the country in which satellite services originate (usually the USA or western Europe) and compare them unfavourably with those of the country of reception, implying that certain cultures are inherently ‘better’ or ‘worse’ than others. An internationalist response would focus instead on how satellite television is owned and controlled. It would explain that threats to particular national cultures are due to the lack of democratic accountability in the ownership and operation of satellites, and in the allocation of their orbits. The problems aren’t other cultures, they are the international companies in the cultural and communications industries. Current use of satellites poses problems other than just ‘cultural’ ones, and these, too, illustrate the need for an internationalist perspective. Satellite communication makes it easier for companies to transfer clerical and administrative work to Third World countries. (They are following the example of manufacturing companies which use new technologies to simplify component manufacture, reducing the need for highly trained staff, and enabling them to shift their operations to the cheaper and lessorganized workforces of the Third World.) The leading firms of printers in the City of London are buying satellite links that enable them to produce financial documents simultaneously in London and New York; some ‘offshore’ typesetting and proofreading is sent from London to India and other countries via airlines. An increase in satellite communications, and a reduction in its cost, will mean that this sort of distributed office work will increase. A nationalist response would clearly be inadequate. Since satellite technology can integrate ‘culture’ (television) with ‘economics’ (distributed office work), an internationalist response must do the same. It must be more than some form of ‘snobbery’ confined to the concerns of an individual nation’s cultural elite. Its base must be broader than just particular workplaces. It must recognize that the broadly white, male, and metropolitan domination of satellite operations poses particular problems to people of different races, to women, and to non-industrial countries and cultures. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 181 People in many countries have challenged their national media’s dominant representations of working-class people and institutions, of women, of black people, and of the concerns of each of those groupings. Satellite television means that those challenges must become international, linking and integrating national campaigns. They must also be integrated with an increase in the international responses made by many workers in international companies through their trade unions to the employment and investment policies of these companies. Neither form of response would in itself be adequate; new multinational democratic organizations are needed to counter the policies of the international companies. An ‘internationalist’ approach to satellite broadcasting is, however, unlikely to be developed in the near future. Many Third World countries fear that by the time they can afford to launch their own satellites, all the prime orbits will have been allocated to satellites from the richer countries. Third World fears have been heightened by the refusal of those rich countries to contemplate any regulation of allocations, preferring instead to rely on the firstcome-first-served basis that enables them to exploit their technological lead over the Third World. Cable and home-working Cable systems were originally established to improve the quality of radio and television signals in areas where hills, tall buildings, and so on caused interference with domestic reception. From a tall mast aerial in a prominent position, the operator of a cable system directs a high-quality broadcast signal to a network of cables passing by a number of households (a form of MATV). Those living near a ttunk route in this network can usually be connected to it for a flat monthly fee. In the UK, cable companies have until recently been restricted to relaying broadcast television and radio channels. However, the introduction of very high frequency (VHF) broadcasting made it easier to receive high-quality BBC and IBA signals in virtually all of the UK’s populated areas. Subscriptions to cable systems dwindled; why pay a cable company when you can get everything it provides merely by sticking an aerial out of your home? Consequently, the cable companies have lobbied successive governments for permission to provide services other than just relayed broadcasts. In some other countries, cable subscribers can receive many more channels. Cable subscribers in the USA receive relayed broadcasts of television from the three networks 182 TODAY’S TELEVISION,TOMORROW’S WORLD (NBC, ABC, CBS) plus other services including locally originated programmes, public access channels, and special satellitedistributed services such as: – Cable News Network (CNN): a 24-hour news channel; – Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN); – Music Television (MTV): a 24-hour pop music video channel. (The providers of those special service channels raise revenue through a levy on the operator, or through selling advertising time on their channel, or both.) That whole package is called ‘basic cable’. Its cost is met by the operator of each local cable system through the subscription fee (around $15 a month) paid by each household receiving the cable service. As well as ‘basic cable’, cable operators in the USA usually offer a second tier of services, known as pay TV or subscription TV. The subscriber pays a further fee for each pay TV channel s/he chooses to receive, and each pay TV channel is ‘scrambled’ so that only those subscribers who pay the cable operator for a descrambling device can receive them. Two of the best-known pay TV channels are Showtime, and Time Inc.’s Home Box Office (HBO). Each shows feature films, with no commercial breaks, in contrast to network television. In 1982, the British government’s Information Technology Advisory Panel (ITAP), in its Report on Cable Systems, recommended that private companies should be encouraged to establish new, high-capacity local cable systems, Each would have monopoly control over a minimum of thirty different channels, including interactive videotex services such as home shopping and home banking. The ITAP proposals—like the 1983 Cable Act which they spawned— contained three weaknesses, which led the government’s cable policy to collapse. First, they are unlikely to provide the predicted plethora of ‘special interest’ channels. Commercially oriented cable systems seek to offer advertisers the maximum audiences for the maximum time. Consequently, any ‘specialist’ channel (such as cultural, ethnic, or access programming) must match the audiences—and thus the advertisers—of ‘mainstream’ channels, or close—as did CBS’s ‘culture’ cable channel in the USA. On the other hand, what is the attraction to potential subscribers of ‘mainstream’ programming/ video available elsewhere? Secondly, there is no free market in cable, and so any new market is likely to be dominated by already-existing major cable UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 183 companies. Establishing cable systems, and providing the services on them, requires enormous financial and organizational resources available only to corporations with large resources drawn from other activities including other sectors of the cultural and communications industries. Hence the dominance of companies such as Time Inc., owners of Home Box Office, and Warner-Amex (a joint venture between Warner Communications and American Express), owners (until its sale in 1985 to Viacom) of the Satellite Entertainment Company, which controlled The Movie Channel, MTV, and the Nickelodeon children’s service. The group also owns and operates a number of cable systems in the USA, drawing on Warner’s film library and production facilities. Thirdly, equating interactive services and new cable systems is misplaced. Many interactive services are already available, albeit in an uncoordinated fashion, without needing to subscribe to a new cable system. For instance, remote metering of electricity usage was launched by Thorn-EMI in 1982; Prestel and other viewdata services can provide home shopping; and various schemes are in operation to provide home banking services. Since they’re already available elsewhere, why pay to receive them via cable? Depite those weaknesses, the ITAP proposals became law for two reasons. First, the government wanted to open the hithertoprotected UK cable market to competition from communications corporations based overseas (mainly in the USA). Its 1983 Cable Act was meant to expose the stagnating UK cable companies to new competition in the provision of new cable technology and the new products and services to be available through it. The second, more compelling, reason may appear to have nothing to do with today’s television. Restructuring the UK cable industry matches the government’s long-term strategy of assisting private capital to weaken the distinction between home, work, and commerce, and move towards an ‘information society’. While today’s television isn’t the focus of that strategy to create an information society, it is certainly affected by it. As part of that strategy, the government has encouraged the growth of a strong domestic information technology industry (1982 was the government’s ‘Information Technology Year’). Its telecommunications legislation altered the UK telecommunications market: it reduced the traditional domination by BT and the handful of companies (such as Plessey and GEC) manufacturing its equipment by exposing it to ‘market forces’,—that is, foreignbased multinational companies. Meanwhile, private capital has altered the operations of UK telecommunications by establishing 184 TODAY’S TELEVISION,TOMORROW’S WORLD Mercury as a competitor to British Telecom (BT), and by privatizing BT itself. The role of the new cable systems in that information society would be to provide an ‘electronic grid’. It would connect with and complement British Telecom’s and Mercury’s national telecommunications networks, carry data and information cheaply and quickly around the country, and link with similar networks overseas. ITAP was aware that this particular government wouldn’t provide an ‘electronic grid” as a public service, in the way that previous governments had provided the roads, railways, gas, and electricity infrastructure. It proposed—and the government agreed through its 1983 Cable Act—that the grid’s spread across the country should be ‘market-led’ or ‘entertainment-led’: new cables should be laid by new private companies responding to demand for entertainment services from potential customers. The government was to minimize the constraints of broadcasting policy and technical requirements which might interfere with investment in this ‘free’ market. The creation of the legislative basis of an ‘information society’ has accompanied changes in multinational communications corporations, based on the integration of technologies—and thus operations— previously associated with different companies. Their domination of the cultural and communications industries has thus increased such that they can influence our lives at home and at work. An example is Philips, a multinational based in the Netherlands. Philips’ agreements with film companies concerning its ‘Laservision’ videodisc system influences our choice of viewing on this new form of television; its Business Systems division influences the nature, pace, and conditions of our work in new forms of ‘high tech’ office; and its UK cable systems (through its subsidiary Electronic Rentals Group) influence how we spend our money in new forms of banking and shopping from home. Another example is Robert Maxwell’s Pergamon Group, owners of the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror, and Sunday People. Its recent development has been similar to that of Philips. In 1984, Mirror Group Newspapers integrated Pergamon’s interests in paper-based publishing with its interests in cable, paying a bargain £11 million for Rediffusion’s entire interests in cable systems. These interests included: – a franchise to operate a new, high-capacity cable system in Guildford, to add to the Mirror Group’s existing interest in Clyde Cablevision’s new cable franchise in Glasgow; – an interest in The Entertainment Channel; UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 185 – a network of ‘old’, lower-capacity cable systems in thirty-six towns— the most extensive in the country. This meant that Pergamon could challenge the Sky satellite entertainment channel owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News International, the Mirror Group’s press rival. It enabled Pergamon to expand its electronic publishing interests, and thereby strengthen its involvement in data-processing and ‘high tech’ office work. Finally, it offered Pergamon an entry to home-based shopping (and, who knows, home-based teletex Bingo!). In broadcasting, market forces—in the form of increased use of advertising—are being used to weaken the principles of public accountability and public service. The government’s Peacock Committee recommended that part of the BBC’s revenue could come from advertising on Radio 1, Radio 2, and BBC local radio in whole or in part. Moreover, it suggested that commercial television could be sold off to the highest financial bidder, rather than awarded to companies judged to be proposing the highest-quality service. In the projected expansion of the cable industry, the public service tradition of broadcasting is to be abandoned in favour of competition between new, small businesses. However, the innovatory, alternative, pluralistic programming which such a scenario might be expected to produce is unlikely to arise. Major communications companies already dominate the shareholding structures of the first of the new cable companies. These include British Telecom (Merseyside Cablevision, Swindon Cable); Mirror Group Newspapers (Glasgow’s Clyde Cable-vision); and Thorn-EMI (shareholder in Coventry Cable). The major programme-providers are companies that already dominate other sectors of the culture and communications industries such as cinema, records, and the press. Their priorities and objectives are now dominating the cable sector. Since the 1983 Cable Act, the ‘old’ local cable systems need no longer relay broadcast signals. Consequently, many of them now transmit a service of four to six television channels providing mainly feature films from major distributors. The handful of ‘new’, higher-capacity cable systems established since that Act provide a basic package of the four broadcast television channels, accompanied by one or more of the following: – The Entertainment Channel: a film channel supported by Paramount, MGM/United Artists, Universal, Plessey and RankTrident; 186 TODAY’S TELEVISION,TOMORROW’S WORLD – Premiere: a film channel supported by Thorn-EMI, Goldcrest Films, Twentieth Century Fox, HBO, Showtime/The Movie Channel, Columbia, and Warner; – Sky Channel: ‘general entertainment’ delivered by the Sky satellite, owned by Satellite Television plc, a subsidiary of News International; – Music Box: a pop music channel led by Thorn-EMI and Virgin, and distributed throughout Europe by Sky satellite; – Lifestyle: led by W.H.Smith (backers of the Consumer Channel and owners of the ‘Our Price’ chain of record shops); – others, including Screensport, The Children’s Channel and The Arts Channel. Instead of a thriving source of innovation and diversity, the ‘new’ UK cable systems will be the province of multinational corporations, unfettered by anything other than residual state regulation. (The Cable Authority established under the 1983 Cable Act is tellingly referred to as an ‘oversight’ body!). The government’s Spring 1984 Budget accelerated those inbuilt tendencies towards monopoly, because it phased out tax allowances on capital expenditure—such as the construction of new cable systems. This increased the capital needs of new companies wishing to enter the cable market, already struggling to meet their capital targets, even when subsidized through tax allowances. Since 1982, most public debate has accepted the assumption that ‘cable’ means ‘cable TV’. Little attention has been paid to the implications of an electronic grid for the government’s goal of an ‘information society’, and in particular the opportunities it offers to employers to create a new generation of white-collar home workers. Administrative and clerical work can already be done at home with a computer terminal (or a modified television) and a British Telecom telephone line to employers’ premises. Companies such as ICL, Rank-Xerox, and F International have for some time operated such electronic white-collar homeworking. Electronics manufacturers such as Commodore and Rediffusion have produced computers (‘work stations’) which can be used at home and at work. However, the present high rents of telecommunications links make white-collar homeworking costeffective only to employers of highly-paid professional and managerial staff. A cheap ‘electronic grid’ would enable employers to shift large areas of information processing work—such as secretarial/text processing, data entry, order processing, and even process-control in manufacturing— from the office to the home. UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 187 Working at home saves time and money on travel, and gives more flexibility in how and when to do the day’s tasks. Hence its popularity with middle managers, and with women who have children but inadequate child-care facilities. However, it isolates workers thus reducing their ability to act collectively to protect their pay and conditions of work. It also means that individual workers, not the employer, pay the costs of lighting, heating, and maintaining their workplace. This may seem far removed from a discussion of today’s television and of the ‘cable revolution’, until we remember that alongside the development of such an electronic grid would be the continuing trend towards monopoly in the provision of news, entertainment, and information across the whole of the culture and communications industries. For many people, the ‘information society’ could mean a future in which a few corporations dominate their working lives and their leisure lives via a video screen. For those corporations, and for those white-collar homeworkers, today’s ‘television’ may well become tomorrow’s world. Further reading Particular changes in the structures, operations, and products of the companies in the culture and communications industries are reported as they happen in the general business and financial media such as The Financial Times, The Economist, Fortune, and Business Week. There are also the magazines and journals specializing in reporting and commenting on these industries, including Broadcast and New Media Markets in the UK, the US magazine Channels of Communication, and Electronics Today International in Australia. For a discussion of the prospects of satellite television, see Richard Collins, ‘The prognosis for satellite television in the UK’, Space Policy, February 1989. More substantial background reading would include the following: Forester, T. (ed.), The Information Technology Revolution, Oxford: Blackwell, 1985. Mattelart, A., Delcourt, X., and Mattelart, M., International Image Markets, London: Comedia, 1984. Murphy, B., The World Wired Up: Unscrambling the New Communications Puzzle, London: Comedia, 1983. Turney, J., (ed.), Sci-Tech Report, London: Pluto, 1984. INDEX ABC 181 address, mode of 63–4 70, 99 advertisements 11, 17, 61, 159, 179, 184; scheduling and 30–2, 33, 35–9 agenda setting 48, 51 Agony 131, 132, 133, 136, 138 Alexander, Jean 117 All My Children 118 ’Allo ’Allo 132, 136 Althusser, Louis 3, 158 Alvarado, Manuel 3 amateur sport 110–10 Amusing Ourselves to Death (Postman) 43 Ang, Ien 6, 127 Annan Committee/Report 18–19, 20, 23 Archers, The 113 Are You Being Served? 136, 139 Armchair Theatre 79 Army Game, The 132 Arnold, Matthew 22–3, 93 Around With Alliss 113 arts programmes 81 Aspel, Michael 87 Astra satellite 177 audiences: black 154–2; effect on 156–7; of game shows 107; interpretation 98; letters from 70–1; meaning of television 163–61; mode of address 63–4; news interpretation 51, 56; perception of bias 51–4; ratings 117, 119, 125; realism and 122–5; target 31, 32–5, 39, 61; television experience 165–4; text analysis and 70–2; uses and gratification 161–9; women 117–16, 121–20, 128 Avengers, The 80 award ceremonies 114, 117 Bad News 45, 163 balance 83, 87 Bandung File, The 150 Barr, Robert 76, 79 ‘basic cable’ 181 Bell, Daniel 1 Ben-Tovim, Gideon 146 Bennett, T. 6 Betamax system 172 Beveridge Committee 17, 18 bias 41, 43–5, 67–8, 83; Glasgow Media Group (studies) 45–9; Glasgow Media Group criticized 49–51; public perception 51–4; truth and imbalance 54–8 Big Flame, The 87 Bill, The 100, 152 Birmingham University 2 Birt, John 44; Birtism 44, 49 black Britons: black ‘problem’ 145–6; 188 UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 189 corporatism 143–3, limits of 153–2; invisible broadcasters 149–9; stereotypes 152–50 Black Londoners 145–4, 149 Black and White Minstrel Show. The 146 Blankety Blank 104, 106–7 Blind Date 107 Blumler, Jay 159, 161, 162 Bosanquet, Reginald 44 Brambell, Wilfred 132 Brandreth, Gyles 70–1 Brass 137 Bread 137 Brecht, Bertolt 101 Briggs, Asa 1, 42 Britain’s Strongest Man 115 British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) 25, 28; black Britons and 143–5, 150– 51; Board of Governors 10, 23; competition on 108, 115; corporatism 143–3; drama documentary 74, 76–87; duopoly 19, 32, 34; licence fee 11, 12, 21; monopoly 11–17, 18, 23; news coverage 42–5, 45; popular television 96 British Empire Exhibition 13 British Film Institute 2, 3 Britishness 69–70 British Satellite Broadcasting 177– 3 British Telecom 174–70, 183, 185, 186 Broadcast 125 broadcasters, invisible 149–9 Broadcasters’ Audience Research Bureau 33, 39 broadcasting, role of 12–13, 14, 18–20 Broadcasting in the ’90s (White Paper) 27–8 Broadcasting Research Unit 51–2 broadcast videotext 174 Brookside 101, 118, 119, 121, 125– 4 Brown, Roger 161 Bruce’s Big Night 113 Brunsdon, Charlotte 121 Burns, Tom 1, 144–3 Butskellism 108 Butterflies 100, 131, 132 Cable Act, 1983 182, 183, 185 Cable Authority 28, 185 ‘cable revolution’ 186 cable television 169; homeworking and 181–81 Calder, Gilchrist 79–9 Carrington, Lord 75, 76 casualization 29 Casualty 83 Cathy Come Home 74, 81 Caughie, John 82, 84 CBS 181, 182 ‘CED’ 172 CEEFAX 174 celebrities 106–6, 112 Celebrity Squares 106 Channel 3 28 Channel 4 20, 25, 28, 33, 34 Channel 5 28 channel loyalty 30 characters in sit-coms 137–7 Cheviot, The Stag and the Black, Black Oil, The 87 children 32–4, 39 Children’s Channel 177 Chinese Detective, The 150 City Limits 126 Clarke, Mike 3 CNN 181 Colbys, The 118, 127 Collett, Peter 37, 167 Collins, M.A. 34 Collins, Richard 54–5 Come Back Mrs Noah 135 Comedia publishing house 3 Comedy Playhouse 132 commercial television 17–18 190 INDEX Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) 149–7, 151, 153 common experience 140 common junction points 31 commonsense 106, 108, 125; consciousness 90, 91, 94 common stocks of knowledge 68 Commonwealth Immigration Bill, 1962 146 communications see technology community: of black Britons 147–61; of soaps 123–2, 125 Compact 119 competition 96–5; scheduling 29–1 competitive programmes 104; quasi-sport 113–14; quiz/game shows 105–8; sport 109–11 Connell, Ian 52–4, 55–6 conspiracy theory 48–9, 52, 56–7 consumerism 33 consumer sovereignty 21, 154–2 containment process 94–4 content analysis 63 contestants 105–6 continuity and promotion 34–8 Cook, Jim 1 Corbett, Harry H. 132 Coronation Street 80, 85, 97, 117– 17, 121–24, 132, 151 corporatism 143–3; limits of 153–2 cost-quality formula 29 Cotton, Bill 83 Crawford Committee 12 credibility of documentary dramas 86 crime series 75, 79–9, 100 Croft, David 136 Crossroads 118, 119, 125 cross-trailing 31, 35 Culloden 81 cultural codes 164–1, 167 cultural familiarity 68–70 cultural imperialism 178–5 cultural pessimism 1 cultural reality 72 cultural theory 1–2, 3–5 culture: consolation 92; industry 94, 96; state intervention 22–3; stereotypes in sit-coms 137–7 Culture and Anarchy (Arnold) 23 Curran, Sir Charles 53, 55 Dad’s Army 132, 136 Dallas 97, 118–18, 122, 127, 128 Dance of the Seven Veils. The 81 Day, Robin 43–5 Days of Hope 74 daytime soap opera 118 DBS 177, 179 Dead Head 99 Death of a Princess 74, 75, 87–7 Debussy Film. The 81, 86 decentralization of news 44 decoding process 165, 166, 167 democracy 13, 24, 26 demographics 31, 33, 39 deregulation 6, 20–2, 40, 44 Desmonds. The 152 Diamond, Anne 61, 65–7, 68, 69 Did You See? 174 direct broadcasting by satellite 177, 179 discourses 98, 103, 106, 166 discrimination 1 displacement process 98–7 Dixon of Dock Green 85 documentaries see drama documentary documentary drama 84–4 domestic video 170–9 dominant ideology 68, 90–91, 96, 98 dominant view 49–50, 51, 140 Doncaster, Caryl 76 Double Your Money 105 Dr Paul 118 drama documentary 74; definitions 84–7; developments 78–84; UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 191 ‘new formula’ 75–7; status of 74–5 Dyer, Gillian 159 Dyer, Richard 6, 92, 93, 101, 102, 108, 123 Dynasty 118, 119, 127, 128 Ealing Film Studios 79 EastEnders 83, 97–6, 117–18, 122, 125, 126–6, 151, 153 Eaton, Mick 135 Ebony 150 Eco, Umberto 2 Edge of Darkness 99 editorial opinion 45 education, role of in broadcasting 12–13, 17, 22–3 effects approach 1, 2, 156–7, 163, 165 Ehrenberg, A.S.C. 34 election study 159, 162 electronic grid 183, 186 electronic publishing 174–71 Elgar, Edward, film about 80–81 elitism 94, 96, 125, 180 Ellis, J. 5 Emergency Ward Ten 75, 80, 119 Emmerdale Farm 98 Empire Road 131 entertainment 89, 91–2, 101–103; see also competitive programmes Equity 81, 82, 151 escapism 92, 93, 94, 133, 141 ESPN 181 ethnic minorities see black Britons exchange value (programmes) 61 ‘exclusive’ news stories 42 experts in sport 109, 112–11 faction 84 Falcon Crest 119 Family Expenditure Survey 33 Family Fortunes 106 family life: in sit-coms 133–3, 137; in soaps 122, 125, 125, 126–5, 128 Family Television (Morley) 167 Family Ties 119 family viewing 99; policy 32–4, 35–9; scheduling and 29–40 Fawlty Towers 141 feminism 5 Feuer, Jane 5, 127 fictions, gendered see soap operas Fifteen to One 105, 108–8 Film Comment 127 ‘Filmnet’ 177 film newsreels 42 financing 10–11 Fiske, John 2, 104 Flaherty, Robert 78 Forgotten Faces 82 forms of presentation 64, 70 Framework 5 Frankfurt School 1, 5, 93–3 ‘frequency’ value (news) 57 functional approach (media) 161–9 Gabriel, John 146 Galton 132 game shows 96, 97, 98, 104, 105–8 Gardner, Carl 6 Garnett, Tony 81 Garnham, Nicholas 2, 24 gender: pleasure and 121–20; roles in sport 115 gendered fictions see soap operas Generation Game, The 106, 113 generic programming 25–6, 100 genre 7, 8; drama documentary 75, 76, 82, 83; programmes 99, 100–9 Gentle Touch, The 100 George VI 13 Geraghty, Christine 121, 126 Gilmour, Sir Ian 75, 76 Girls on Top 138 Gitlin, T. 6 192 INDEX Glasgow Media Group 45–8, 163, 173; criticisms of 49–51; middle ground 54–6; public perception 51–4 Golden Shot, The 113 Goldie, Grace Wyndham 43 Golding, Peter 2 Goodchild, Peter 84 Goodhardt, G.J. 34 Good Life, The 130 Good Morning Britain 59, 60–72 gossip 121 government intervention see ideals of service Gramsci, Antonio 6 Greene, Sir Hugh 145, 147 Gresham’s Law 17, 18 Grierson, John 78 Grigorenko diary 82 ‘gross reckoning’ 61–3 Grossberg, L. 6 Groves, The 85, 119 Guiding Light 118 Gutch, R. 3 Haley, William 144, 153 Hall, Stuart 2, 59, 67–8; Policing the Crisis 163 hammocking 30–2 Hancock 131, 132 Hargreaves, Michael 87 Harrison, Martin 49–51, 54–5 Hartley, John 2, 104, 165 Hartmann, P. 146, 159 hegemony 90–91, 96, 97, 109 Hetherington, Alastair 49, 51 Hi-De-Hi 132, 136, 139, 141 ‘high culture’ 92, 93–3 higher education 2–3 Hillier, J. 1 Hill Street Blues 100, 119 Hobson, Dorothy 6, 119, 122, 125 Hoggart, Richard 2, 71, 123 home banking 182 Home Box Office 182 Home to Roost 131 home shopping 182, 184 homeworking 181–81 Honeycombe, Gordon 65 Horizon 75, 84 House of Commons 15 Hovland, Carl 158 humour in sit-coms 140–8 Husband, Charles 159 Hush, Susi 125 ‘hypodermic needle’ theory 56 ideals of service 22–3 identification, points of 65, 70, 119 ideological: apparatus 158, 159, 162–9; labour 67, 68; work 90–91, 96–103 ideologies: national 69–70; text and 59–1, 65, 67, 68–9 ideology: of commonsense 125; dominant 68, 90–91, 96, 98; instrumental 86; theories of 3, 5 I Love Lucy 132 impartiality 53, 54 incorporation process 94–4, 103 Independent Broadcasting Authority 25, 26, 28, 31–3, 61; competition on 105, 108; soaps on 119, 125 Independent Television 17–19, 28, 31; drama documentaries 79–9, 82– 2, 85–6; popular television 96 Independent Television Authority 17 Independent Television Commission 28 Independent Television News 43–5, 54–5 industrial disputes 47–56 passim, 174 information society 183, 186 UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 193 Information Technology Advisory Panel 182, 183 Information Technology Year 183 inheritance factor 30, 31 innoculation approach 89, 93 institutional context 60–2 instrumental ideology 86 integrated casting 151, 152 intensification process 127 interactive services 182 internationalism 180–6 interview (text analysis) 66–9 In Two Minds 81, 82 investigative journalism 43 ‘investment strikes’ 49 ‘invisible’ broadcasters 149–9 It Ain’t Half Hot Mum 136, 138 It’s a Knockout 105, 113, 114, 115 Jacks and Knaves 79–9 Japanese Victor Company (JVC) 172 Jay, Peter 44 Jeux Sans Frontières 113, 114 Jordan, Marion 123 journalism 42–4; black 150, 151–9 ‘jugular’ scheduling 29–1 Juliet Bravo 98 Katz, Elihu 162 Kehr, Dave 127 Kerr, Paul 5 Keys, Richard 64–5, 69 ‘kitchen sink’ dramas 79, 83, 145 Knots Landing 118, 119 knowledge skills 105–5, 108 Krypton Factor, The 105, 106, 107, 113 language of news 55–6, 57 ‘Laservision’ 172, 184 Law and Order 74, 83 Leavis, F.R. 1, 94 Legion Hall Bombing, The 82 legitimation of the message 66–7, 68 leisure 89 Lewis, Justin 6, 166 Licence and Agreement 45 licence fee 11, 12, 21, 28, 30 Lifestyle 177 Likely Lads, The 131, 132 limited-term contracts 32 Listener 3 Loach, Ken 81–1 London’s Burning 153 London Weekend Television 32, 44 losers in sport 110, 112 Love Doubles 115 Lovell, Terry 125 Love Thy Neighbour 139 MacDonald, Dwight 1 McQuail, Denis 159, 161, 162 ‘magical’ endings 99 ‘making sense’ of the world 91, 103 Man About the House 120, 135 Mander, Jerry 1 Man Who Wouldn’t Keep Quiet, The 82 Marcuse, H. 94 market forces 172, 184 marketing profile 39 Marxism 1, 5, 90 Marxism Today 3, 53 masking process 98–7 mass media 90 Mastermind 104, 105, 107 Masterman, Len 3, 6 Match of the Day 104 MATV 181 Maxwell, Robert 175, 184 Me and My Girl 135 meaning systems 166–3, 168 meaning of television 163–61 Media, Culture and Society 51–2 media theory 1–3, 56 melodrama, soap operas as 127–6 Mercury 183 message of television 163–61 middle class 22, 23, 26, 92, 144, 145 194 INDEX Mills, Adam 106 Milner, David 153 Minder 100, 120, 132 miners’ strike 49, 51–2, 174 minority audiences 19–20, 25, 31 Mirror Group Newspapers 54–5, 184, 185 Mixed Blessings 139 mixed programming 15, 25–6 mode of address 63–4, 70, 99 modernism 6 Modleski, Tania 128 Monitor, 75, 80 Monocled Mutineer, The 74, 83 ‘monosemic’ texts 56 Montaigne, Michel de 92, 93 More Bad News 50, 52–3 Morley, David 6, 37, 166, 167 Morris, Colin 79–9 motivation 162 Mr and Mrs 107 Mrs Dale’s Diary 119 MTV 177, 181, 182 multi-set households 40 Mulvey, Laura 128 Murdoch, Rupert 177, 184 Murdock, Graham 2 My Beautiful Laundrette 152 narrative 99–8; in sit-coms 137, 138, 140–8; in soaps 120, 121, 122 narrative closure in sit-coms 131 narrative structure (programmes) 167 National Cable Television Association 177 National Coal Board 49 national identification in sport 110 national ideologies 69–70 national interest 23, 24 nationalism 23, 179, 180 National Union of Journalists 150, 152 National Union of Mineworkers 174 national unity 13, 23–4 National Viewers and Listeners Association 51 Nationwide 166 naturalism 81, 82, 83, 84 naturalizing process 98–7 NBC 181 ‘negativity’ value (news) 57 Neighbours 119, 125 Newcomb, H. 6 Newcomers, The 119 Newman, Sydney 82 news: balance 45–9; bias and beyond 54–8; development 41–5; Glasgow Media Group criticized 49–51; striking right balance 51–4; values 43, 57 News at Ten 166–3 newscasters 43–5 New Socialist 3 newspapers 41, 42 New Statesman 3 Nickelodeon 182 No Problem 131, 133, 135, 139 objectivity in news 45, 87 Open Broadcasting Authority 20 ‘openness’ 25 Oppenheimer 84 Oracle 174 outside broadcasts 78–8 ownership and control 170, 173 Panorama 75, 84 parliamentary democracy 53, 55 Pascal, Blaise 92 Pascall, Alex 146 patriotism in sport 110 pay television 181–7 Peacock Committee 10, 184 Peacock Report 6, 20–2, 26, 28, 40, 154 Pergamon 184 Pergamon Infoline 175 Perry, Jimmy 136 UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 195 Philips 170, 172, 184 Philips Business Systems 175, 184 picture value (news) 42, 43 Pilkington Committee 10, 18, 19 pirate radio 145 Play for Today 82, 83, 84 Play your Cards Right 97, 99, 106– 6 pleasure 89, 97, 101, 102; gender and (in soaps) 121–20 pluralism 19 Podmore, Bill 125 points of identification 65, 70, 119 points of view (text analysis) 59–72 Police Surgeon 80 political: bias 42, 44–7, 49, 51–5, 68; economy 60–2; satire 145 politics 24–5; in sit-coms 137–7 Polytechnic of Central London 151– 9 popular culture ix, 6, 89–96 popular television and hegemony: ideological work 97–103; popular culture 89–96; winning support 96–5, 101–102 Popular Television and Schoolchildren (DES) 133 Porridge 137, 141 Portia Faces Life 118 positioning (subject) 70 Post Office 11, 12, 13–14, 144 Postman, Neil 1, 43 postmodernism 5, 6 poststructuralism 5 Powell, Enoch 146, 147 pre-echo 30 preferred meanings 68, 70 presentation, forms of 64, 70 press freedom 24 Prestel 174–70, 182 Price is Right. The 98, 105, 107–8 Prison Officer’s Association 83 prizes 105, 107–7 Probation Officer 80 Pro Celebrity Golf 113 Pro Celebrity Snooker 113, 114–13 product loyalty 119 professionalism 67, 68, 87 programmes (television experience) 167 promotion, continuity and 34–8 psychoanalysis 3, 5 public, and public life 15 public interest 11, 12, 14, 24, 25 public opinion 13, 14, 24, 55, 106 public perception of bias 51–4 public service 173, 176, 184 public service broadcasting, history of: BBC monopoly 11–17; commercial television 17–18; deregulation 20–2; drama documentary and 76–8, 86; government intervention 10–11; mixed programming 25–6; national unity 23–4; public sphere 24–5; role of broadcasting 18–20; service ideals 22–3 Public Service Broadcasting Council 22 public sphere 24–5, 26 ‘public utility’ 11–12 publishing, electronic 174–71 Punchlines 106 quasi-sport 105, 113–14 Question of Sport, A 113 quiz shows 104, 105–8 race 159; in sit-coms 138, 139; see also black Britons radio comedy 132 Radio Rentals 172 radio stations 144, 145, 146, 147 Radio Times 36–8, 78 radiovision 41–5 ‘RAI-1’ 177 Rank and File 82 Rantzen, Esther 101, 103 196 INDEX RCA 172 realism 5, 6; audience and 122–5; drama documentary 74–88; location and 135–4; in popular television 96–5, 99 Really Bad News 45–7 reconstructions 76, 78, 81, 82 Record Breakers, The 113 Rediffusion 184 Rediffusion Computers 175 Redmond, Phil 125–4 regulation 172–8 Reith, John 12–15, 22, 24, 26, 144 Relative Strangers 135 relevance of popular television 96–5 Report on Cable Systems (ITAP) 182 Rice, Phil 106 Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin, The 132 Rising Damp 135 Root, Jane 3 Rose, David 84 Rotha, Paul 78 Royal Charter, 1926 45 royal family 68–70 RTE 179 Russell, Ken 80–81, 86 Ryder, Chris 65–6 Sale of the Century 107 Sammy and Rosie Get Laid 152 satellite broadcasting 170, 176–6 satellite channels 28, 31, 40 Satellite Entertainment Company 182 Satellite Master Antenna Television 177 scheduling: aims and policies 31–3; competition 29–1; continuity and promotion 34–8; family viewing policy 37–40; target audiences 32–5, 39; terms 30–2 Screen 2, 3, 5, 163 Screen Education 2, 163 Screensport 177 Screen Two 84 Scum 82 Search for Tomorrow 118 ‘Selectavision’ 172 semiotics 2, 163–61 series/serials 34, 37, 83–4, 100, 118–18 Seymour-Ure, Colin 147 Shalom Salaam 152 Shepherd, J. 6 Showtime 182 signification 164–1 Simpson 132 single drama 81–1, 83, 84 Sirk, Douglas 127 situation comedy: characters 137–7; conclusion 141–9; history of 131–30; narrative and humour 140–8; nature of 130–9; realism and location 135–4; status of 132–2 skills in quiz/game shows 105–5, 108 Sky 177, 178, 184 Smith, Julia 117, 126 Soap 132 soap operas: audience and realism 122–5; definition 120–19; history 118–18; as melodrama 127–6; pleasure and gender 121–20 social class 166 social conflict 50 social engineering 143 social experience 168 social issues and problems 81–1, 96–7 social reality 57, 118, 122–5 social unity 13 Society for Education in Film and Television 2 sociology 1–2, 3 SOGAT strike 54–5 UNDERSTANDING TELEVISION 197 Solo 131, 136 Song of Summer 81 Sony 172 South Bank Show, The 75, 81 Sparks, Colin 51–2 Spitting Image 19 Spongers, The 82 sport 104–4, 109–11 Star Games 113 Steptoe and Son 131, 132 stereotypes: black 150–8, 151–50; in sit-coms 137–7 Stewart, William G. 108–8 story documentary 76, 78, 79, 83, 84 Strike 87 structuralism 5 study of television ix–8 subject position 70, 71 subordinate groups 90–91, 96 subscription television 28, 181–7 Superstars 105, 113, 114, 115 Superteams 113 Sutcliffe, Kevin 126 Svennevig, Michael 37 Swann, Sir Michael 23 Sweeney. The 100 Sykes, Sir Frederick 11 Sykes Committee 11, 12 ‘tailpiece’ of news 44 Take Your Pick 105, 107 Tebbit, Norman 74 technological determinism 169 technology 78, 82, 90, 169; cable and homeworking 181–81; domestic video 170–9; satellite broadcasting 176–6; videotext and electronic publishing 174–71 ‘Teleclub’ 177 teletext 174 television: drama 79; effect of 156–7; experience 165–4; meaning of 163–61; scheduling 29–40; study of ix–8 Television and the Miners’ Strike 51– 2 Television Weekly 126 Temple, John 125 Terry and June 133 text analysis (points of view): audience 70–2; institutional context 60–2; texts and ideologies 59–1; textual analysis 61–70 text-institution relation 6 Thatcher government 42 Thatcherism 44, 108 That’s Life 101–103 theory of television ix–8 Third World countries 178, 180–6 This Week 75, 86–6 Thomas, Anthony 87–7 Thomas, Harvey 51 Thorn-EMI 170, 172, 182, 185 3–2–1 106, 107, 113 Till Death Us Do Part 132, 139 Time Inc. 177, 182 time shifting 170–7, 173 toddlers truce 39 trade unions 29, 45, 47, 50, 56 trailers 34–8 Treasure Hunt 104, 106 triviality 18, 43 Trivial Pursuits shows 104, 105 truth and bias 54–8 Tulloch, John 105 Tumbledown 74 TV-AM 32; Good Morning Britain 59, 60–72 ‘TV-5’ 177 TV Times 36–8 United 119 United Kingdom 82 ‘unity of control’ 13, 14 University Challenge 105, 107 University of London ix–1 Up for the Cup 113 198 INDEX Up the Junction 81 uses and gratifications 1, 161–9, 165 Uses of Literacy, The 123 use value (programme) 61 Vahimagi, Tise 5 Vauxhall College 151–9 verbal humour 141 VHD system 172 VHF broadcasting 181 VHS system 172 video 31, 34, 36; VCRs 170–9 videodisc players 172 videotext 174–71 viewdata 174–70, 182 viewer (television experience) 167 viewing context 168 violence on television 157–5 Visionhire 172 visual humour 140 Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema (Mulvey) 128 Voyage of Charles Darwin, The 84 Wade, Roger 76 War Game, The 74, 81, 87 Warner 170 Warner-Amex 182 ‘watchdog’ programmes 101–103 watching television 157–5, 164, 167 Watkins, Peter 81, 82 wavebands 11 wavelengths 10, 20 We Are The Champions 113 Weber, Max 72 Wednesday Play, The 75, 81, 82, 83, 87 WGN-Chicago 177 Whitehouse, Mary 51 Williams, R. 1, 22, 36, 99 Williams, Trish 64 Williamson, Judith 6 Windsor, Barbara 115 winners in sport 110, 112 wired videotext 174–70 Wollen, Tana 3 women: in sit-coms 138; in soaps 121, 126, 127; soaps and 117–16, 121–20, 128 Woodhead, Leslie 82, 86 working class 23, 56, 80, 82, 94, 98, 144; soaps 118, 122–1, 125 Working Papers in Cultural Studies 2 workplace, sit-coms in 135, 136–4 World in Action 82 Written on the Wind (Sirk) 127 WTBS-Atlanta 177 Young Doctors, The 119 Young Ones, The 97, 98, 100–9, 130, 135, 137, 139, 141 Z Cars 75, 80, 85 READ PAPER
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In which Cumbrian town was William Wordsworth born?
William Wordsworth in Cumbria – Visit Cumbria 1770 – 1779   William Wordsworth was born on 7 April 1770 in a fine Georgian house in Cockermouth , now called Wordsworth House . His father John was estate agent to Sir James Lowther, who owned the house.     William has an elder brother Richard, a younger sister Dorothy and two younger brothers John and Christopher.   His childhood was spent largely in Cockermouth and Penrith , his mother’s home town. William and Dorothy and his future wife Mary Hutchinson attended infant school in Penrith between 1776 and 1777. William’s mother died in Penrith when he was 8. His father died when he was 13, and is buried in the churchyard of All Saints Cockermouth. All Saints church rooms is on the site of the Cockermouth school that William attended as a boy.   Hawkshead – Ann Tyson’s Cottage 1779 – 1787   From 1779 until 1787 William attended the Grammar School in Hawkshead , lodging with Ann Tyson initially, then with his brothers.   At Hawkshead William thrived – receiving encouragement from the headmaster to read and write poetry.     During these years he made many visits to the countryside, gaining inspiration as the powers of nature exercised their influence.   He then went to St John’s College Cambridge, where he was not a notable student, but inevitably matured in thought and sophistication. In 1795 he received a bequest of £900 which gave him the means to pursue a literary career.   In 1795 the Wordsworths stayed in a cottage in Dorset, where they met Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey. In the years ahead a close relationship developed between William, Dorothy and Coleridge. William and Coleridge then undertook a tour of the Lake District, starting at Temple Sowerby, and finishing at Wasdale Head, via Grasmere. At Grasmere they saw Dove Cottage, then an empty Inn called the Dove and Olive Branch.   1799 – 1808   In December 1799 William and Dorothy moved into Dove Cottage , in Grasmere . Dorothy was William’s secretary, as William dictated his poetry. In 1802 William married his childhood companion Mary Hutchinson, and the first three of their five children were born.     Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey moved in to Greta Hall in Keswick . Southey, who was poet laureate from 1813 – 1843, lived there for forty years.   1813 – 1850   In 1813 they moved to Rydal Mount , where William and Mary stayed until their deaths in 1850 and 1859. While living here, William bought the Rash field, next to St Mary’s Church, originally to build a house. The house never materialised. It is now called Dora’s Field , and has a splendid display of daffodils.     Whilst at Rydal Mount William became Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland, and had an office in Church St, Ambleside . In 1820 he published his ‘Guide through the District of the Lakes’. In 1842 he became the Poet Laureate, and resigned his office as Stamp Distributor.   He helped to choose the site of St Mary’s Church , built just below Rydal Mount, and where he was church warden from 1833 to 1834.     The grave of William Wordsworth at Grasmere Church. In 1850 William caught a cold on a country walk, and he died on 23 April, St George’s day, 80 years after his birth.   He and Mary who died 9 years later have a simple tombstone in the churchyard of St Oswald’s Church in Grasmere, now one of the most visited literary shrines in the world.  
Cockermouth
Which artist painted The Red Vineyard, the only painting he sold during his lifetime, in 1888 and The Potato Eaters in 1885?
WordsWorthians: Biography of William Wordsworth Biography of William Wordsworth William Wordsworth was the second of five children born on April 7th, 1770. His father, Sir John Lowther, made fair money which enabled his family to have a higher-standard living style. Wordsworth and his family lived in Cockermouth, a west Cumbrian town. Possibly because of his fathers absence, young Wordsworth became off-put and estranged from other children and people (with the exception of one of his sisters.) His parents then sent him, at six years of age, to live with his grandparents in the northern Cumbrian town of Penrith. There he attended a local school. His grandparents were said to be mean authority figures, and they did not help the emotional development of Wordsworth at all. Soon after this, Wordsworth mother died in 1778. This affected Wordsworth, and his emotional status as well. He became even more off-put and preferred to be alone most of the time. Due to his mothers death, Sir John Lowther could not take care of the rest of the kids any longer, and sent them off to live with several other people. After the year of his mothers death, Wordswoth was sent to a grammar school in the town of Hawkshead, close to Windermere. Him and his brothers were boarded with a couple in their sixties, and Wordsworth sister was sent to live with foster parents, away from the rest of her family. Then, in 1783, Sir John Lowther died. This affected Wordsworth of course, and his emotional state was made even worse. With his father and mothers death, his sister (the only person he was close to) moved away, switched around from several house holds, it is no surprise that Wordsworth graduated from Cambridge University, in October 1787, with having no academic goals or an idea of what he wanted to do with his life. He was in emotional distress. This could lead to the sudden idea, for Wordsworth to take a walking tour of France and Switzerland, in the year, 1790. Wordsworth was greatly impressed and inspired by the scenery and the politics of the emerging French Republican cause, which he later writes about in sections of The Prelude. After returning back to London, to attend meetings to support the French Republican movement, he then went to France, where he stayed in Paris for a little while. There, he fell in love with a women by the name of, Annette Vallon. Her parents did not approve of Wordsworth, and tried to ban their daughter from seeing him. But, shortly after Wordsworth returned to England, Annette gave birth to their daughter, Caroline, on December 15th, 1792. Wordsworth lived on the coastal line of London, in hope to return to his newly born daughter and the love of his life. But, this journey was not possible, due to the war between the two countries. Two years later in 1794, Wordsworth was reunited with his sister. The decided to live together in a cottage called "Racedown", where they could pay through the proceeds, from th e small legacy left to William by Raisley Calvert (a sick friend of Wordsworth that he took care of until his friends death.) Samuel Coleridge became a regular visitor and a close friend to William Wordsworth. Here the two close friends wrote the famous, Lyrical Ballads. He later stayed with the Huthinson family, along with his sister and Coleridge. They lived on a farm near Stock-On-Tees. Wordsworth was overwhelmed by the beauty of the country side, and he knew he wanted to live in such a place as soon as possible. After his short stay as the farm, he rented a cottage again (Dove Cottage) with his sister. Mary Hutchinson became a big part of Wordsworth life, and before they got married, he decided to go to France and visit Annette and Caroline (in the summer of 1802.) Their visit was noted as friendly and they parted on good terms. After this, Mary and William got married. They had three children, and moved around several times. One of the house caused two of the youngest children to die. Their final home was Rydal Mount, where they moved in 1813. Wordsworth writings had gain some recognition, and he begun to make some money off of them. He continued his writings and popular poems came out such as; The Excursion, The White Doe of Rylstone, Peter Bell and Benjamin the Waggoner. His sister became seriously ill in 1829, not just physically but mentally as well. For the rest of her life she was required constant care and attention. His good friend Coleridge died in 1859, but the two had parted, in 1812, along with Mary years later, due to Wordsworth drug abuse and erratic behavior. In 1843 his beloved daughter Dora died. It was heard that Wordsworth spent that last years of his life wandering the countryside and taking care of his garden (which was named after his daughter, "Dora's Fields".) He died on April 23, 1850. Suffering from the common cold. Williams Wordsworth opened up a whole new era of poetry. His views on nature and the rural countryside made his writings unique and popular. He inspired poets and painters all over the world, and even still to this day. The two websites I used for this biography:
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In film making what name is given to the chief technician who builds and arranges the film set?
Crew Job Titles - Positions - Descriptions | Film in Colorado Job Descriptions MOVIE CREW JOB TITLES Curious to know the difference between a Best Boy and a Gaffer in the movie’s ending credits? Want to know what a boom operator actually does? Don’t be confused and browse through our film crew glossary below. Learn all about the different crew job positions that occur on a film set! Art Department photo by: Steve Van Ness Art Directors – The art director works with the production designer and is responsible for the design and construction of a movie set. They are essentially assistants to the production designer and help construct the “look” and “feel” of the movie. Prop Maker – Prop makers and sculptors construct unique and specialized set props that are too difficult to attain, or too expensive to buy. This person builds these needed props from scratch using various materials that may include styrofoam, plastics, electronics, metals, woods or glass types of materials. This person is usually skilled in a wide variety of machining, construction and sculpting techniques. Prop Master – The prop master acquires, organizes, maintains and accounts for all the various props needed for the production. A prop is basically any set decoration piece that can be moved readily easily. This includes many items like guns, knives, books, phones, dish-ware, food, musical instruments, pets or any other item that needs to be present to fulfill the story line. Scenic Artist / Painter – The scenic artist is in charge of designing and treating all of the set surfaces. This may include painting, plastering, coloring, texturing or applying any other sort of treatment to the set surfaces to create a look. Often times the scenic artist simulates stone, wood, lettering, metallic or brick on the various sets and scenery. photo by: Steve Van Ness Set Construction Coordinator / Builder – The construction coordinator supervises the fabrication and physical integrity of the various sets needed as directed by the production designer and art director. This person is also in charge of budgeting and ordering the needed materials for the set designs. The construction coordinator may also be responsible for hiring the carpenters. Set Decorator / Dresser – The set decorator makes the decisions on what furnishings and other decorations are going to be used on set. This person works closely with the art director and production designer to create the optimal visual environment for filming. This may include various items such as paintings, fabrics, and other non movable decorative set pieces. Storyboard Artist – The storyboard artist creates a series of illustrations and sketches based on the director’s vision during pre-production. Each sketch represents a different camera set-up. These drawings usually include camera angles, characters and set design. The illustrations are then used to assist the other head departments in understanding their tasks. Camera Department photo by: Bob Carmichael Camera Assistant (1st AC) – The 1st AC is the chief assistant to the camera operator. The 1st assistant camera person is in charge of measuring and pulling focus during filming. The 1st AC also threads the film through the camera when a new magazine is loaded. This person also helps setup and build the camera, as well as maintain and clean the camera and lenses. Camera Assistant (2nd AC) – The 2nd AC is also known as the loader. The 2nd assistant camera person is primarily responsible for loading and unloading the new rolls of film into the different magazines, as well as maintaining and filling out all the camera reports for the film lab. This person also runs the slate or clapper to maintain sync and the correct labeling for each and every shot. Camera Operator – The camera operator physically controls and operates the camera during filming, under the direction of the D.P. (Director of Photography). The camera operator works closely with both A.C.’s as well. The camera operator controls the shot’s framing, and the camera movements as instructed by the director of photography. Camera Operator (Aerial) – The aerial photographer or camera operator is qualified and equipped to film aboard aerial devices. This usually refers to small airplanes and helicopter filming, but more recently, the use of drone cameras are being widely used as well. Camera Operator (Jib Arm / Crane) – This person is responsible for setting up and operating the mechanical camera crane also known as the “jib arm”. The jib arm is primarily used for large establishing shots that require substantial elevation and smooth motion. photo by: Brooke Johnson Data Wrangling – This is a relatively new job position that has been created in response to the popular use of digital video formats. The data wrangler is usually responsible for organizing, labeling, downloading, duplicating and reformatting the digital storage disks for use on set and the editing room. Digital Imaging Technician – This is another new job position that was created in response to the popular use of high-end digital video formats. The digital imaging technician uses various image manipulation methods to achieve the highest possible image quality during the production. This person usually manages the transferring and storage of the image data as well. Director of Photography – The director of photography (D.P.) is in charge of the overall visual look of the film, as seen through the camera. They recommend which cameras and lenses to use for the production. They design the shot’s framing, and the camera movements in conjunction with the director. They are also in charge of the camera crew, lighting design and collaborating with the gaffer. Photographer / Production Stills – This person takes still photographs and essentially documents the behind-the-scenes making of the production. Often, this person photographs images used for marketing purposes such as movie posters and DVD box art. Steadicam Owner / Operator – The steadicam is a camera mounting device that utilizes a mechanical arm attached to a body harness to provide extremely smooth hand-held shots. The steadicam operator is responsible for setting up and operating the steadicam during production. Most steadicam operators are very physically fit due to the amount of strength and endurance needed to operate the steadicam. Videographer – This person creates the video that essentially documents the behind-the-scenes making of the movie. This video isn’t normally used in the final version of the film. It’s only used for the purposes of documentation. Food Department photo by: Justin Griesinger Assistant Food Stylist – The assistant food stylist assists the lead food stylist in the preparations and arrangements of the food. This person usually has an extensive background in cooking, recipe development, and the ability to assist in achieving creative solutions for making the food look the most attractive. Craft Service – Craft Services are the various snacks and beverages that are provided to the film crew throughout the day. This is separate from catering. The person in charge of craft service sets up and maintains a station near production that provides these snacks and beverages. The craft service person is given a budget prior to attaining all the refreshments. Food Stylist – The food stylist will prepare and arrange food in an appealing way to be used in photographs, commercials or movies. This person usually has an extensive background in cooking, recipe development, and the ability to achieve creative solutions for making the food look its most attractive. Lighting & Grip Department photo by: Steve Van Ness Best Boy – The best boy is the lead electrician on set and is in charge of all the other electricians, similar to how the key grip is in charge of all the grips. The best boy usually operates, adjusts and balances the electrical load on the generator where required. This person is also responsible for distributing the electrical cabling properly providing the required power to each of the lights. Electrician – The electricians (or juicers) essentially set up and operate all the lighting instruments and cabling as instructed by the best boy or gaffer. This is a physically demanding job due to the large number of heavy lights and cabling often required. Electricians must be knowledgeable of tungsten and HMI lighting as well as changing and installing bulbs properly. Gaffer – The gaffer is also known as the chief lighting technician. This person is primarily responsible for developing a lighting plan according to the desires of the Director of Photography. The gaffer informs the best boy and key grip on where and which lights are to be placed. The gaffer is in charge of creating the best possible lighting scenario according to the camera framing. Grip – Grips essentially “shape the light” that is provided by the electricians. This includes creating pattern and shadow effects, coloring light, diffusing light or blocking light. While electricians set up the lights and cabling, grips provide everything else that is built around the lights to create the quality of light that the gaffer desires. They also provide a variety of special rigging, securing and safety measures on set. Key Grip – The key grip is the lead grip on a film set and in charge of all the other grips. The key grip and best boy collaborate with the gaffer and D.P. to formulate the best tactic for accomplishing a given shot. The key grip oversees the proper camera rigging mechanisms as well as manages the light blocking and diffusing techniques. Locations Department photo by: Justin Griesinger Location Manager – This person is in charge of attaining all the legal permits and other clearances needed to gain proper permission for filming in a particular location. The location manager also takes care of attaining and processing any other location permit fees as well. On some smaller shoots, the location manager assists in coordinating the parking of vehicles. Location Scout – Quite often the location scout is one of the first crew members to be contacted on a production. The location scout assists in finding the various filming locations according to the producer and director’s desires. Location scouts often have a large database of location photographs to show before traveling to the actual location for filming. Makeup & Wardrobe Department photo by: Steve Van Ness Costume Designer – The costume designer makes decisions on which wardrobes and costumes actors will wear based on the script requirements and character portrayals. Costume designers create or choose various clothing patterns, designs, colors, sizes and accessories for each wardrobe used during production. On larger movies, the costume designer has several assistants helping to organize, disperse and maintain all the costumes used by the cast. Hair Stylist – This person is responsible for styling and maintaining the talent’s hair throughout filming. The hair stylist is usually equipped with all of the appropriate supplies needed for the hair styling process. The hair dresser works in conjunction with the make-up artist to attain the best possible look for the actors and actresses. Makeup Artist – The makeup artist’s main task is to apply and create a variety of looks on the actors and actresses skin surfaces with makeup, from current trends to classic or period pieces. The makeup artist creates a look according to the director’s desires, often inspired by the characterizations in a story. Special FX Makeup – The prosthetics or special effects makeup person uses a variety of techniques for applying and gluing different materials such as latex, gelatin and other colorations which are used on the face or skin of an actor. Gore and blood, burns, creatures and aging special effects are the more commonly used prosthetic makeup techniques. Wardrobe Stylist – The wardrobe stylist works closely with the costume designer, and assists with preparing everything related to the actors clothing, costumes and wardrobe. Common tasks of the wardrobe assistant are maintaining and styling for all the wardrobes worn by the various actors. They also assist in helping to organize, disperse and account for all the costumes used on set. Production Department photo by: Steve Van Ness Assistant Director / 1st AD – The 1st assistant director works with both the production manager and the director to make the shooting schedule efficient as possible. The 1st A.D. breaks the script down into a shooting schedule and also helps manage the scheduling of talent, crew and equipment needed for each shooting day. This person sometimes helps direct the background extras in a scene. Assistant Director / 2nd AD – The 2nd A.D. works directly with the 1st A.D. to accomplish their duties. The call sheets for each shooting day are created by the 2nd assistant director. The 2nd A.D. also helps manage the scheduling of talent, crew and equipment that is needed for each day. This person also assists in directing the background extras in a movie scene. Director – The director is the leading creative artist on a movie set. The director works directly with the actors on their performances and has final creative control on almost every aspect of the the film. The director plays a large role in casting, script revisions, shot composing and even editing. Usually, the director is hired by the producer of the film. Line Producer – The line producer supervises the entire budget of the movie. Expenses may include celebrity salaries as well as daily costs like location and equipment rentals. The production manager reports to the line producer the current expenses and needs of the production on an ongoing basis. Producer – The producer helps organize the entire production. This person helps develop the script into a workable project. They assist with the hiring of actors and key crew members, while keeping track of finances throughout the production. The producer oversees script progress and often assists in creating final distribution plans for the movie. photo by: Steve Van Ness Production Assistant – Many individuals start their careers in the film industry as a production assistant. A production assistant usually does any general duty or minor task that the production heads may need. Basic duties may include dispersing walkie-talkies, setting up pop-up tents and tables, running basic errands as needed or attaining any other last-minute item that the production might need. It is essential that the P.A. has their own transportation to perform these various errands. Production Coordinator – A production coordinator is responsible for coordinating the “behind the scenes” logistics, which can include renting equipment, hiring crew members, and coordinating talent. In addition, this crew member may handle the paperwork needed to organize the production. For this reason, the production coordinator is an important crew member in ensuring a production’s goals are on budget and on time. Production Designer – The production designer works with the director and is primarily responsible for the design and overall visual “look” and “feel” of a movie. This includes the use of costumes, landscapes, props and other visual scenery that could reflect the movie script. Production Manager – The production manager works closely with the production coordinator. This person helps supervise the organization and distribution of the production budget, crew & equipment scheduling, salaries, day rates, and other office related paperwork. This person reports budget needs to the line producer, while trying to keep the production under budget on a day to day basis. Production Secretary – The production secretary is the assistant to the production manager. This person assists with the paperwork for the crew & equipment scheduling, timecards & invoicing, crew deal memo’s and other related office materials. The production secretary usually helps complete most of the paperwork needed to properly finish the production. Script & VTR Department photo by: Bob Carmichael Script Supervisor / Continuity – The script supervisor works closely with the director by taking detailed notes concerning what has been shot, needs to be shot, and also notes any deviations from take to take. He/she also makes sure that the dialogue corresponds with the script. The script supervisor also takes logging notes that are essential in the post production editing process, such as locating shots and finding the best takes. Many times the script supervisor assumes the role of continuity, ensuring the consistency between scenes and shots. Teleprompter Operator – The teleprompter is a device that mounts to the front of the camera and contains a scrolling text for the actor to read while looking into the lens. This technique is also used by newscasters. The teleprompter operator helps set up the teleprompter on the camera as well as the computer that provides the scrolling text program. This person is usually given the script ahead of time so that they can enter it into their computer before arriving on set. Video Assist Operator – The video assist person operates the VTR (Video Tape Recorder) during production. Most film cameras include a video tap that allows the VTR to record and instantly playback what was just filmed. Since you can’t review 35mm film without it getting processed in the laboratory first, this can be an especially useful tool on set. Video assist is the term used to describe this record and playback process. Reviewing the footage instantly allows the director to confirm performances, camera focus, framing, choreography and other elements for accuracy. Sound Department photo by: Bob Carmichael Boom Operator / Utility – This person is responsible for properly positioning the microphone boom pole during the actual filming. The boom operator is the assistant to the sound mixer. Many times the boom operator is required to hold the boom pole for several minutes at a time, which can be physically demanding. The boom operator must also be able to follow the actors movements while staying clear of the camera and lights. This makes it a challenging job for achieving the best possible audio. Sound Mixer – The sound mixer for film is head of the sound department and is responsible for leveling, monitoring and recording of audio during production. The sound mixer decides which microphones to use as well as placements of the microphones. This person can also mix the various sound tracks and audio signals in real time. A film sound mixer supervises the boom operator and/or sound utility person. Stunts & FX Department Pyro Technician / Explosives – Sometimes also known as the armorer, this person is primarily responsible for the handling, maintenance and care of all firearms, weapons and pyrotechnics that are used during filming. This includes all live-action explosives and and battle scene pyro effects. Pyro technicians are usually trained and certified to handle these dangerous props and explosives. photo by: Bob Carmichael Special Effects Coordinator – The special effects coordinator designs and supervises the various effects needed for filming through the use of mechanical and/or optical illusion techniques. The special effects coordinator provides the visual elements needed such as recreating weather elements or assisting with props that break, shatter, collapse, burn, smoke or explode. They also provide the special mechanical rigging that allows you to fly an actor. Special Effects Technician – A special effects technician works under the special effects coordinator and assists in physically creating the visual elements needed like weather elements, or assisting with props that break, shatter, collapse, burn, smoke or explode. They also help build the special mechanical rigging that allows you to fly an actor. Stunt Coordinator – The stunt coordinator manages and coordinates all the dangerous action sequences in a movie that require a stuntman or stunt performer. The stunt coordinator always follows the appropriate safety regulations during filming to ensure the safety of every stunt performer. Types of stunts may include jumping, flipping, diving, free-falling, crashing cars, catching fire, underwater stunts and other dangerous action sequences where stunt doubles are needed. Transportation Department photo by: Brooke Johnson Captains / Gang Boss – The transportation coordinator, or gang boss, organizes and provides a variety of vehicles and transportation for all crew, equipment and actors to and from the filming locations. The transportation coordinator/captain deploys the appropriate vehicles and drivers at the proper times to keep the production on schedule and on budget. They also work closely with the locations manager in attaining the proper parking permits and parking locations for all vehicles. Transportation Driver – The transportation driver works under the supervision of the transportation captain. Transportation drivers physically drive and operate all provided production vehicles to and from the filming locations. This includes the transport of all crew, equipment and actors safely to and from the film set while staying on schedule. Types of production vehicles may include cube trucks, passenger vans, stake beds, flatbeds, limos, cars or any other needed production vehicle.  
Key grip
In which sport did South African Chad Le Clos win gold at the 2012 Olympic Games?
QuickFilmBudget.com | Film Glossary Chief Rigger: A person in the electrical department who connects wire and electrical devices. Clearance: A legal process to determine if names and titles are legally unrestricted to use. Comedy Genre: A genre of films where the story is filled with all kinds of humor and jokes. These films usually feature comedic stars, directors and writers. Company Representative: Someone sent by the production company to the production set to represent its interests. Composer: A musician whose music appears in a movie's score. Most movies have at least some original music written for the score, usually after the relevant parts of the movie have been filmed. Construction Coordinator: Through drawings, a construction coordinator is directed artistically by the Production Designer and Art Director to produce their "vision" in three dimensions. He is also responsible for the physical integrity of the structures built by the construction department. Cook-Driver: The person in charge of cooking and driving the cooking truck to set. Coordinator Van/Trailer: The vehicle used on location by the production staff. Copy of M&E: The music and effects sound deliverable. Copyright: The costs related to obtaining copyrights on the film. Costume Designer: The section of a production's crew concerned with costumes. CPU Rentals: The costs related to any computer or printer rental equipment. Craft Service Foreman: The person (or people) available to assist the other crafts which include camera, sound, electricians, grips, props, art director, set decorator, hair and makeup, service the other crafts during the actual shooting of a motion picture, with tasks including providing snacks and cleaning the set. Craft Service: The person (or people) available to assist the other crafts which include camera, sound, electricians, grips, props, art director, set decorator, hair and makeup, service the other crafts during the actual shooting of a motion picture, with tasks including providing snacks and cleaning the set. Cranes: Cranes usually carry both the camera and a camera operator, but some can be operated by remote control. A shot taken by a camera on a crane, often used to show the actors/action from above. Crew Cab Driver: The driver responsible for transporting crew members. Crew Maxi Van: The van used to transport crew members. Crew Workspace: An area on set designated for crew members to work. DAT Audio: Digital Audio Tape (DAT or R-DAT) is a signal recording and playback medium. Delivery Items: Items required by the distributor in the distribution agreement. DGA: The Directors Guild of America Director: The principal creative artist on a movie set. A director is usually (but not always) the driving artistic source behind the filming process, and communicates to actors the way that he/she would like a particular scene played. A director's duties might also include casting, script editing, shot selection, shot composition, and editing. Typically, a director has complete artistic control over all aspects of the movie, but it is not uncommon for the director to be bound by agreements with either a producer or a studio. In some large productions, a director will delegate less important scenes to a second unit. Director of Photography: A cinematographer who is ultimately responsible for the process of recording a scene in the manner desired by the director. The Director of Photography has a number of possible duties: selection of film stock, cameras, and lenses; designing and selecting lighting, directing the gaffer's placement of lighting; shot composition (in consultation with the director); film developing and film printing. DME: The sound deliverable of the Dialogue, Music, and Effects which is usually delivered on a hard drive. Dolby License: The license agreement that indicates the film’s recorded audio content has been encoded with Dolby technologies. Dolly Grip: A grip that moves a dolly. Drama Genre: A genre of films about serious stories with settings or life situations that portray realistic characters in conflict with either themselves, others, or forces of nature.  These films usually contain less special and visual effects than thrillers and action films. Draper Foreperson: The lead person who deals with cloth for the set. DVCam Avid Inputs: Digital Video Camera recorded from the film which is used to edit on editing computer systems. E&O Insurance: Insurance which gives coverage for claims of alleged professional errors and omissions which amount to negligence. Editing & Projection: Film editing is the process of selecting and joining together shots, connecting the resulting sequences, and ultimately creating a finished motion picture. Editing Room: The room where the editor and his staff piece together shots to create the film. Editor: A person who performs editing (in consultation with the director) on a movie. Special EFX Coordinator: The person in charge of coordinating those visual elements in movies and television such as fog, smoke, lightning, breaking furniture, snow, or the like, that are used to effect reality in the picture or videospace and that are either impossible or impractical to produce firsthand. Special EFX Foreman: The person responsible for bringing the material needed for special effects. Electrical: The department in charge of all electrical matters (primarily lighting) for productions. Electronic Press Kit: A press kit equivalent in electronic form that is used to promote the film for sales purposes and bonus dvd featurrette material. Executive Producer: A producer who is not involved in any technical aspects of the filmmaking process, but who is still responsible for the overall production. Typically an executive producer handles business and legal issues. Extra Casting Fee: The fee paid to the casting agent in charge of casting extras. Extra Talent: A person who appears in a movie where a non-specific, non-speaking character is required, usually as part of a crowd or in the background of a scene. Extras (Non-Union): A non-union person who appears in a movie where a non-specific, non-speaking character is required, usually as part of a crowd or in the background of a scene. Fades & Dissolves: An editing technique whereby the images of one shot is gradually replaced by the images of another. FICA: Federal Income Contributions Act tax. Film & Lab: The process of transferring images from a negative print to a print. First Aid Person: The set medic provides for the medical needs and emergency medical logistics of the entire cast and crew and is the safety liaison between production/construction and various agencies. This person may be an emergency medical technician, paramedic, nurse, or physician. Most often the set medic is involved in the production from the beginning of preproduction or construction through filming or production through striking the set or post-production. Fittings: The process where the costumers measure actors sizes for their wardrobe. FUI: Federal Unemployment Insurance Gaffer: The head of the electrical department, responsible for the design and execution of the lighting plan for a production. Gang Boss: The person in charge of construction labor. Gas & Oil: Fuel used for transportation. General Expenses: Expenses that do not go directly to any aspect of filming but are necessary in a film production. Generators & Gas: A mechanical engine which produces electricity from fuel (usually diesel). Frequently used for location shooting, either due to the unavailability or insufficient quantities of electricity locally available. Genie Operator: The person who operates the generator. Graphics: Anything that needs to be printed, including pictures and signs. Greens: Any vegetation that is procured, placed, and maintained on a set. Grip: A skilled person responsible for the set up, adjustment and maintenance of production equipment on the set. Their typical duties involve camera movement, lighting refinement, and mechanical rigging. Grip 10-Ton: A 10 ton truck used to transport grip equipment. Hair Stylist: An additional person hired that is responsible for maintaining actors' hairstyles during filming. Head Hair Stylist: The person responsible for maintaining actors' hairstyles during filming. Head Makeup Artist: The person in charge of the make up department. They actually design the make up for each actor/actress and assign individual make up artists to apply it. Honeywagon: A vehicle on set for principal actors. Horror Genre: A genre of films that strives to evoke the emotions of fear, horror, and terror from viewers.  These films usually feature more special and visual effects than comedies and dramas but less expensive actors than other genres. Hotel: Costs for renting a room at a hotel. Hotel & Living: The costs for hotel rooms and per diems. Insurance: The cost of an insurance policy. For Production Insurance, contact Movieinsure.com, Inc. . Internegative (IN): An internegative is motion picture film stock used to make release prints for distribution to movie theatres. Interpositive (IP): An orange-based motion picture film with a positive image made from the edited camera negative. The orange base provides special color characteristics that allow for more accurate color reproduction than if the IP had a clear base, as in print films. Key Assistant Location Manager: The person who assists the location manager.  The responsibilities include being on set to represent the film production to the location liaison. Key Grip: The key grip works closely with the director of photography and the gaffer to sculpt the desired look of a film by diffusing and cutting the light. The key grip is also in charge of camera movement whether on a dolly, camera crane or mounted on the hood or bumper of a vehicle. Key Set PA: The head set production assistant. Lab Processing: The process of developing exposed film. Laborer: Additional crew members in the set construction department. Lead Scenic: The person in charge of background art on set. Leadperson: The member of the art department who is in charge of swing gangs and/or set dressers and reports to the set decorator. Legal Fees: Charges paid to lawyers. For IP and legal services, contact Cohen IP Law Group, P.C. Lighting: Most productions use artificial lighting when filming for various technical and artistic reasons, both on location and on a set. Lighting is designed by the director of photography in consultation with the director, and is the responsibility of the electrical department. Lighting Technician: A member of the electrical department that is responsible for operating lights and lighting equipment on a set. Loader: The person who operates the clapboard at the beginning of a shot, also responsible for loading film stock into film magazines. The action of slapping the clapper was invented as a way of synchronizing the visual and audio components of a shot. Location: When filming off-stage, production will use a real location or site for filming. Location Fee: The cost to film in a location. Location Liason: A representative from the location who is supposed to answer technical and logistic questions about the site while watching over it for the location’s owner. Location Manager: A person who manages various aspects of filming a movie on location, such as arranging with authorities for permission to shoot in specific places. Location Site Rentals: The cost to rent a location. Location Site Restoration: The costs to repair and restore a location to its original conditions. Lodging: Hotel fees for above and below the line talent. Looping: The recording of an actor speaking lines in sync to "loops" of the image which were played over and over along with matching lengths of recording tape. Loss & Damage: An amount budgeted to pay for possible loss and damages to rented equipment. Low Contrast Print: Similar to an interpositive, a low contrast print is used for television/video tape transfers. These transfers often increase image contrast, and so are improved when they are mastered from a low-contrast print. These prints can be projected as well, but lack the color saturation and contrast of a standard release print. Main & End Design: The design for the main and end title sequences. Makeup & Hairdressing: The decorations placed directly on the skin or hair of an actor for cosmetic or artistic effect. Makeup Artist: The people who applies the make up to the actor. Make-Up Truck: The truck which carries the make-up and sometimes where the make-up is applied to actors. Medicare: A fringe tax that provides health insurance for workers. Mixer: The head of the sound department on the set. They are responsible for the process of recording all sync dialog and sync sound effects in a scene. The Production Sound Mixer has a number of duties, including selection and operation of the microphones, and recording equipment used on the set, directing the boom operator, combining the sound of multiple microphones used to capture dialog and effects on a set, recording sound ambiance and room tone for all scenes, and wild track that will aid the editor and sound mixer in matching the different sound takes in a scene for smooth sound transitions. MPAA Rating Administrative Fee: The fee charged by the MPAA to rate a film. Music Editor: The person who coordinates the work of the composer, the editor, and sound mixers. Alternately, a person who researches, obtains rights to, and supplies songs for a production. Music Editor Equipment: Equipment used by the music editor, including computers, ProTools and Digital Audio Workstation. Music Elements: The deliverable holding all of the music for a film. Musical: A movie whose dramatic story structure includes unrealistic episodes of musical performance and/or dancing.  Negative Cutting: A person who matches the negative of a movie and conforms (matches) it to the final version of the film as decided by the filmmakers. From this negative the prints are made. Office Furniture/Equipment Rental: Rentals fees to pay for office furniture and equipment. Office PA: Production Assistants who are based in the production office. Optical Effects: A laboratory or print procedure in which shots are modified by use of an optical printer. These are most commonly seen as fades and dissolves. Optical Sound Negative: A device used to store the sound on photographic film. Optical Transfers: The process where two images are projected onto a flat plane, such as photographic film. Outside Rentals: Equipment rentals by Set Operations, including condors, scissors and car mounts. Paint Decorator: The person in charge of painting the sets. Payroll: The disbursement of weekly salary payments to crew members usually through a payroll company. Permits: A legal permission for a particular film activity. Phone/Communication Equipment Rental: Costs of phones and communication equipment rented for the film. Photography: Pictures taken by the production designer. Picture Cars: A vehicle shown in a movie. Pix Vehicle/Animals: Cars used by principal actors on screen; Animals featured on screen. Police/Fire/Security: Police, fireman and security hired to protect the set. Post Production: Work performed on a movie after the end of principal photography. Usually involves editing and visual effects. Post Production Accounting: Accountants and accounting employed during post production. Post Production Office Rental: The costs for renting an office specifically for post production. Post Production Sound: The process during post production of mixing production sounds with new sounds to create sound deliverables. Post Supervisor: The person overseeing the entire post-production of a project. They report directly to the producer and/or the studio in charge of the feature. Working side by side with the director and editor, the supervisor has the responsibility of finishing the film on time and on budget while satisfying the wants of the director. Post-production supervisors have authority over post-production coordinator. Typical duties include: controlling all activities with vendors such as optical houses, sound facilities, inserts, ADR, re-shooting, CGI, score, delivery requirements to domestic and international distributors, legal clearances, preview screenings, color timing, video mastering and budgeting the movie through the completion and delivery. Premium, General Liability: Insurance costs to protect businessmen from a broad variety of liabilities. This could include accidents from the premises or operations of an insured. They could also include products sold and completed operations. Prep: Arrangements made before the start of filming. This can include script editing, set construction, location scouting, and casting. Preview Expenses: The costs of screening the film to an audience as a preview. Principal Cast: Actors that have lines and are paid at least SAG union rates. Prints & Reprints: A projectable version of a movie, usually consisting of one or more reels. Processing: The process of chemically treating exposed film to create a negative. Producer: The chief of staff of a movie production in all matters save the creative efforts of the director, who is head of the line. A producer is responsible for raising funding, hiring key personnel, and arranging for distributors. Production Accountant: The head accountant during production responsible for managing finances and maintaining financial records during film production. They work closely with the Producer and the production office to prepare schedules and budgets for film productions, as well as managing the day-to-day accounting office functions, and reporting the projects' financial progress against the budgets. Production Assistant (PA): A person responsible for various odd jobs, which could include such disseparate tasks as running errands, stopping traffic, acting as couriers, fetching items from craft service, etc. Tasks and levels of responsibility can vary greatly, depending on the film, the needs of the rest of the team, and the skills of the individuals PA themselves. Production Coordinator: The person responsible for assisting in all aspects of department scheduling, project time tracking and master file-keeping, and maintaining cast travel and contracts. Production Designer: An artist responsible for designing the overall visual appearance of a movie. Production Office Rent: Rent paid for production offices. Production Office Supplies: Costs for purchasing paper, staples, tape, etc. Production Sound: Sound recorded during production. Production Van: A vehicle used during production to transport actors and crew. Production Van Driver: The driver of the production van. Prop Master: The person responsible for buying, acquiring, and/or manufacturing any props needed for a production. The property master is responsible for all aspects of prop use on the set and, in conjunction with the script supervisor, for maintaining set continuity. Prop Person: Someone who assists the prop master in creating and tracking props used in the film. Property: Anything an actor touches or uses on the set; e.g. phones, guns, cutlery, etc. Movie animals and all food styling (food seen or eaten on set/screen) also fall into this domain. Propmaker: The creator of props. Propmaker Foreman: The leader of the construction crew. Props 5-Ton: A 5 ton truck used to transport props. Publicist: The person who conceives and oversees the publicity campaign that opens a movie. In many cases, this person never even appears on the set -- especially if the movie is a pickup and didn't have a releasing studio at the time it was produced. Publicity: The section of a production's crew responsible for promoting a movie. Individual positions within in this department include: unit publicist, publicity assistant, and stills photographer. Pumping Supplies: Supplies used to pump gas into vehicles. Rawstock: Unexposed filmstock Reel: A strip of film wound on a metal wheel. Typical reels hold 15-25 minutes of film. Rehearsals: A practice session in preparation for a performance. Release Print: A release print is the reel of film that is sent to a movie theater for exhibition. Repairs & Maintenance: The cost to repair or maintain equipment. Research: Costs from the writer, director and producer in their creative preparation of filming. Reversal Print: A type of photographic film that produces a positive image on a transparent base. Rigging Equipment: Equipment that set, hang and focus lighting instruments and constructing scaffolding used in making film sets. Safety: Costs associated with training and materials for ensuring the safety of the cast and crew. SAG: The Screen Actors Guild is an association with jurisdiction over some works that can be recorded by picture or by sound. SAG – General Extras: Extras that are members of SAG. Screening: An exhibition of a movie, typically at a cinema. Script Clearance: The legal process of researching the script’s title and content to ensure it is not owned by another entity. Script Supervisor: A person who tracks which parts have been filmed, how the filmed scenes deviated from the script; they also make continuity notes, creating a lined script. Second Unit: A small, subordinate crew responsible for filming shots of less importance, such as inserts, crowds, scenery, etc. Sedan Driver: Someone to drive the sedan vehicle. Semi/Honeywagon Driver: Someone to drive the semi/honeywagon. Set Decorator: A person who has total charge of decorating the set with all furnishings, drapery, interior plants, and anything seen on indoor or outdoor sets. The set decorator has authority over a leadman. Set Design: The translation of the production designer's vision of the movie's environment into a set which can be used for filming. Set Dressing: Elements such as curtains and paintings, and moves and resets on the set that decorate to accomodate camera, grip and lighting setups. Set Dressing 5-Ton: A 5 ton truck used to transport set dressing material and equipment. Set Labor & Material: Labor and materials used to construct the set. Set PA: The production assistant based on the set. SFX Truck: The truck used to transport special effects material and equipment. Shipping & Postage: Costs of stamps and shipping. Shoot: The filming of major or significant components of a movie which involve lead actors. Shop Setup: The costs of creating a shop to help construct the set. Signage: Signs used on the set. Song Purchases: Songs bought for use in the film. Sound Package: The cost of the post production sound equipment and crew. Sound Transfer: The process of transferring sound from PAL to NTSC or NTSC to Pal as well as different film formats including converting the mix session to the answer print. Special Effects: An artificial effect used to create an illusion in a movie. Refers to effects produced on the set, as opposed to those created in post-production. Special Operator: A member of the electrical group who specializes in operating lamps, and generators. Special Visual Effects: Alterations to a film's images during post-production. Sr. Set Designer: The person who handles all design and artwork, oversees production set-up drawings, and the release of drawings.  Stakebed: A Stakebed is a flatbed with some removable gates of various heights (40" most common) to carry taller cargo and have it remain on the bed. All Flatbeds and Stakebeds come with a standard square headboard to protect the cab from damage. Standby EFX:  Additional help to assist the Effects Coordinator and Effects Foreman. Stand-Ins: A person who has the same physical properties of a particular actor, and takes their place during the lengthy setup of a scene. This allows the actor to prepare for the filming itself. Star Costs: Any extra costs above the SAG minimum related to the lead actors, including their salary quote, plane tickets, cars, security, etc. Steadicam Operator: A camera operator who operates a Steadicam which is a camera attached to a camera operator via a mechanical harness which reduces or eliminates the unsteadiness of the operator's motion. Still Photographer: A person who photographs the action (often alongside the camera) to be used in publicizing the movie. Stock Footage: Film or video footage that is not custom shot for use in a specific film or television program. Story & Screenplay: All written work by the writers of the film. Storyboard: Graphic organizers such as a series of illustrations or images displayed in sequence for the purpose of pre-visualizing a motion picture, animation, motion graphic or interactive media sequence, including website interactivity. Strike: Disassembling of a film set and equipment. Stunt Coordinator: An experienced stunt performer who is hired by a TV, film or theatre director or production company to arrange the casting and performance of stunts for a film, television program or a live audience. In many cases, the stunt coordinator budgets, designs and choreographs the stunt sequence to suit the script and the director's vision. Stunt Players: A specialist actor who performs stunts. SUI: State Unemployment Insurance W/C Stunt Performers: Workers Compensation for Stunt Performers. Supporting Cast: Actors who play characters that that are speaking roles but not the principal characters. Survey Costs: The costs to travel and research locations. Swing Gang: The group within the art department that construct and take down a set. Tapes/Batteries: Tapes and batteries used in film, sound, electrical, and any other equipment. Teacher-Welfare: Teachers hired when minors are cast in the film. Telecine: The process of transferring moving images from film to a video signal, including frame rate and color corrections. Also the equipment or facility used to do it. Tests: Film and camera tests during pre-production. Textless Titles: A deliverable of the film without any text on screen. Thriller Genre: A genre of films often characterized by suspense, mystery, fast pacing, action and resourceful heroes who must foil the plans of more-powerful and better-equipped villains.  It also usually has less action and special effects than an action film. Title Search: A legal search done to determine if the title is already reserved. Titles: Opening and closing credits including their design. Trainee: A person who is part of the DGA training program that works under the supervision of DGA members - Second Assistant Directors, First Assistant Directors and Unit Production Managers until graduation. Transfer: Film transfer to telecine, DVCam tapes, DVDs, DAT audio and sound transfer. Transportation Coordinator: The person responsible for managing drivers and coordinating the transportation of a production's cast, crew, and equipment from the various locations and sets used for filming. Trash: Garbage produced during the film. Travel & Living: Hotel and airfare costs. Umbrella Liability: A type of liability insurance available to individuals and companies protecting them against claims above and beyond the amount covered by their primary policies or for claims not currently covered. Unit Production Manager: Reporting to the film's producer, this person supervises the budget, hires the crew, approves purchase orders & time cards, and generally makes sure all departments are doing their respective jobs within the parameters of the budget. Video Assist Equipment: A video camera that allows instant review of a scene to monitor framing, focus, and performance. Video Assist/Playback: The person who operates a video camera that allows instant review of a scene to monitor framing, focus, and performance. Video Master: The video master is used as a deliverable and must be available for Digi-beta down-convert and also for a possible film. W/C Production/All Other DGA: Workers compensation for all other below-the-line DGA. Walkie Talkies: Equipment used to facilitate communication between crew members while on set. Wardrobe: The section of a production's crew concerned with costumes. Wardrobe Truck: The truck that carries the costumes. Water Truck: A truck used for safety in the case of fires as well as washing other trucks. WGA: Writers Guild of America Workprint: A workprint is a rough version of a motion picture, used by the film editor(s) during the editing process. Such copies generally contain original recorded sound that will later be re-dubbed, stock footage as placeholders for missing shots or special effects, and animation tests for in-production animated shots or sequences. Wrap: The conclusion of filming for an actor, set of production. Writer: The person(s) paid for writing any draft or section of the script.  
i don't know
Which famous author lived at Golden Eye on Jamaica?
1000+ images about GoldenEye,Jamaica: The Birthplace of James Bond on Pinterest | Resorts, Villas and Chris blackwell Pinterest • The world’s catalog of ideas GoldenEye,Jamaica: The Birthplace of James Bond Discover GoldenEye in Oracabessa Jamaica, the former home of James Bond author Ian Fleming. Fleming, who moved to Jamaica in 1952, wrote all the Bond novels in Jamaica, from his home overlooking the beautiful coastline. Today GoldenEye is a boutique hotel and resort, and it continues to be the getaway of choice for the elite from around the world. 20 Pins2.32k Followers
Ian Fleming
What creature is the trademark of Terence Cuneo, appearing in many of his pictures?
Goldeneye: Where Bond was Born: Ian Fleming's Jamaica: Amazon.co.uk: Matthew Parker: 9780091954109: Books Product Description Review "Supremely enjoyable... Matthew Parker has created a completely new picture of Ian, Bond and the role of Jamaica in the making of the legend " (John Pearson, author of THE LIFE OF IAN FLEMING) "The book that James Bond obsessives have been waiting for – a beautiful, brilliant history of Ian Fleming at home at Goldeneye, all of sun-drenched, gin-soaked, bed-hopping colonial Jamaica outside the window and 007 at the moment of his creation. This is the big bang of Bond books." (Tony Parsons) "[Here are] the glowing sea, the teeming life beneath the waves, and the warm black nights, all of which made their way into the Bond novels... [But] Parker’s highly readable account of Fleming’s Jamaican life is less Thunderball and more Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea. Bond himself might have been a touch jealous." (Sinclair McKay Daily Telegraph) "A superb account of Fleming’s Jamaica… well-researched, excellently written… Without Jamaica, it is safe to say, there would have been no Agent 007." (Financial Times) "Matthew Parker's brilliant book Goldeneye is indispensable for anyone interested in the inner life of the enigmatic Ian Fleming and the whole James Bond phenomenon he created." (Nicholas Rankin author of Ian Fleming's Commandos) "As illuminating as it is intriguing... Written in a quick-fire, atmospheric, prose style that clearly owes something to Fleming’s own, it cracks along with all the urgency of a Bond novel." (Daily Mail) "Best read sitting somewhere hot, sipping something cool is Matthew Parker’s brilliant addition to the cannon of Jamaican travel writing and 007-ology" (GQ) "[this] account of the role Goldeneye played in the evolution of 007 is persuasive, well researched and entertaining" (Observer) "Jamaica offers the key to a fresh understanding of Fleming and our own relationship with Bond . . . an enjoyable, sun-soaked, alcohol-sodden addition to Bond literature." (The Times) "Parker's record of a key period in the life of the writer makes a fascinating read" (Independent) "Entertaining . . . Parker makes a convincing case that Jamaica is crucial to a proper understanding of the man and his work." (Spectator) "Completely fascinating, authoritative and intriguing" (William Boyd) Book Description 'Supremely enjoyable... Matthew Parker has created a completely new picture of Fleming, Bond and the role of Jamaica in the making of the legend’ John Pearson, author of The Life of Ian Fleming
i don't know
Ithica in New York State is the site of which university?
Ithaca Colleges & Universities | Visit Ithaca, NY Ithaca Colleges & Universities A Thriving Educational Community Ithaca, NY is carved by gorges and waterfalls , but it's shaped by its educational institutions, Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Tompkins County Community College (TC3). These schools fuel the city's rich cultural scene and foster its creative spirit. Combined, the schools bring over 30,000 students into the community each fall, and with them, PhDs in every field from astrophysics to zoology. The brainpower makes Ithaca a fun-loving, worldly, connected city, and turns the beautiful campuses on East Hill and South Hill into international destinations in their own right. Colleges & Universities
Cornell University
Which breed of terrier derives its name from a mining town in Northumberland and is often described as looking like “a lamb on a leash”?
12 Reasons Why Ithaca, New York Is The Best College Town In America - Business Insider 12 Reasons Why Ithaca, New York Is The Best College Town In America Nov. 27, 2013, 1:46 PM 770,237 Last week, the American Institute of Economic Research released its annual list of the best college towns in the country — naming Ithaca, New York as the best destination for students . Ithaca is home to both Cornell University and Ithaca College, and is truly a welcoming and comfortable setting for students. As a former four-year resident of the town, I could not agree more with the AIER's findings (I graduated from Cornell earlier this year). Based on my own experiences, Ithaca is the perfect mixture of giving students everything they would want in a college experience and offering seemingly endless opportunities to explore a unique local culture.
i don't know
Which is the largest island of the Philippines?
Top 10 Largest Islands of the Philippines Sunday, January 6, 2013 Top 10 Largest Islands of the Philippines Most Filipinos can easily tell that the Philippines is an archipelago consisting of 7,107 islands. Philippine islands come in all sizes and shapes. Some even disappear during high tide. In this blog post, let us share with you a brief introduction about the Philippines by showcasing our country's ten largest islands through photos. If you are ready, let the island hopping begin! Mayon Volcano #01 Island of Luzon -- With a land area of 104,688 km², Luzon is the largest island of the Philippines. It is located on the northern part of the archipelago and is the main island of the Luzon group of islands. Luzon is home to 30 of the provinces of the Philippines. The country's capital city of Manila is also located here. One of the most majestic icons of the island is the Mayon Volcano, located in the province of Albay , an active volcano renowned for its perfect cone shape. Other famous destinations in Luzon include two UNESCO World Hertitage Sites, the Hispanic Town of Vigan in the province of Ilocos Sur  and the Rice Terraces in Batad and Bangaan located in the province of Ifugao; as well as the Walled City of Intramuros in the capital Manila  and the town of Donsol in the province of Sorsogon, known as the best spot to experience swimming with the whale sharks. Maria Cristina Falls #02 Island of Mindanao -- The main island of Mindanao has a total land area of 97, 530 km² which makes it the second largest island of the Philippines. It is the main island of the Mindanao group of islands located on the southern area of the archipelago. 21 provinces of the Philippines are located on this island. Among the natural wonders of the island is the Maria Cristina Falls located in the province of Lanao del Norte . It powers a hydroelectric power plant that serves as the main supplier of electricity in Mindanao. Another popular destination in Mindanao, especially for mountain climbers, is Mount Apo. This is the highest mountain in the Philippines located between Davao City and the provinces of Davaol del Sur and Cotabato. Mindanao is also a major producer of world-class quality pineapples (in the provinces of Bukidnon and South Cotabato) and bananas (in the province of Davao del Norte). Marabut, Samar #03 Island of Samar -- We now take you to the Visayas group of islands starting off with Samar. It is the largest among the islands in the Visayas region, located on the eastern side of the Philippines. The land area of the island measures 12,849 km² making it the third largest island of the Philippines. In 1965, the island was separated into three provinces, Western Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar, with Western Samar subsequently renamed to Samar. In 1901, during the Philippine-American Way, the US Army took three church bells from the Balangiga Church (see photo below) as trophies of war. Up to the present time, those bells are still in the possession of the US Army despite efforts by the Philippine government to recover the bells and return them to their home in the town of Balangiga, in the province of Eastern Samar. The town of Marabut, Samar province is known for its natural rock formations. The province of Samar is also gaining popularity among caving enthusiasts from Europe, US and Canada. The Ruins #04 Island of Negros -- Another island located in the Visayas region, Negros ranks as the fourth largest island of the Phipines. This 12,706 km² island is divided into two provinces, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. The name of the island came from the Spanish word negros (the black ones) referring to the black natives who inhabited the island. The island is the main producer of sugar in the Philippines. A famous destination in Negros is the ruins of a mansion owned by a barón del azúcar (sugar baron) located in the province of Negros Occidental. Other notable spots in Negros is the City of Silay (in the province of Negros Occidental) where Spanish colonial era houses line the streets of the city, and the City of Bais (in the province of Negros Oriental) which offers the best dolphin watching experience in the country. Note: Several sources state that the land area of Negros is 13,328 km² which means that Negros may be larger than Samar. This is a highly debated issue and no official statement from the Philippine government can yet resolve this inconsistency. In the meantime, we will stick with what is popularly know among Filipinos. Puerto Princesa Underground River #05 Island of Palawan -- Between the West Philippine Sea and the Sulu Sea lies the elongated island of Palawan. It is the main island of the province of Palawan . The island has a land area of 12,189 km² which makes Palawan province the largest in the country, but only places the island as the fifth largest island of the Philippines. Palawan is the site of the world famous Puerto Princesa Underground River (see photo below), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and proclaimed as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012. On the northern end of the island is the town of El Nido famous for its white sand beaches, lagoons and marble and limestone cliffs. It is known as the Philippines' Last Frontier. Miag-ao Church #06 Island of Panay -- Right at the center of the Philippine archipelago lies a triangular shaped island called Panay. The 12,011 km² island of Panay is the sixth largest island of the Philippines. Four Philippine provinces share this island: Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo. In the town of Miao-ao in the province of Iloilo stands an 18th century Baroque church built by the Augustinian missionaries. Officially called Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva , it was included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites in 1993 as one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines. Roxas City, the capital of the province of Capiz , is a favorite destination for seafood lovers. The abundance of marine life earned the city its nickname Seafood Capital of the Philippines. White Beach of Puerto Galera #07 Island of Mindoro -- Located between the islands of Luzon and Palawan is the island of Mindoro, the seventh largest island of the Philippines. With a land area of 10,572 km², the island is divided into two provinces, Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro. White Beach, located in the town of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, is a favorite weekend destination to many Filipinos from Metro Manila due to its close proximity to Luzon. Mindoro is also know for the tamaraw, an endemic species of the island related to the water buffalo. It is now considered an endangered species. Leyte Landing Memorial #08 Island of Leyte -- Another island in the Visayas region located south-west of the island of Samar and north-east of the island of Mindanao is the island of Leyte. Two provinces, Leyte and Southern Leyte, share this 7,368 km² island which ranks it as the eighth largest island of the Philippines. Leyte played an important role in the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese forces in 1944 where General Douglas MacArthur of the US Army landed in the Philippines to fulfill his promise. Life-size statues of Gen. MacArthur and his fleet stand in the town of Palo, Leyte, marking the spot where they landed. Other famous destinations in Leyte are Lake Danao located in Ormoc City, Leyte and the tallest bridge in the Philippines, the Agas-Agas Bridge in the town of Sogod, Southern Leyte. Magellan's Cross Shrine #09 Island of Cebu -- It was on this island where the Spaniards established their first settlement in the Philippines that later made the entire archipelago part of the Spanish Empire. The island of Cebu, measuring 4,468 km² in area, is located in central Visayas and ranks as the ninth largest island of the Philippines. The island is where the province and the city of Cebu got their names. A shrine was built in Cebu City to house Magellan's Cross, the cross planted by Magellan on their arrival in Cebu in 1521. Another important Catholic religious image is to be found in Cebu, the image of Santo Niño de Cebú (the Holy Child of Cebu), said to be the oldest Catholic image in the Philippines. The wooden image was a baptism gift given by Ferdinand Magellan to the principal wife of the local rajah. Festivals are celebrated around the Philippines in honor of Santo Niño de Cebú. Chocolate Hills #10 Island of Bohol -- Located in the southern portion of the Visayas region, the island is the main island of the province of Bohol. The island of Bohol, with an area of 3,269 km², is the tenth largest island of the Philippines. The island is famous for its unique geological formation, the Chocolate Hills. Considered as a National Geological Monument, this natural wonder attracts tourists from within and outside the country. Another attraction in Bohol is the Philippine Tarsier, a tiny primate endemic to the Philippines. Milestone Following a weekend trip to Puerto Galera last January 5-6, 2013, Pinas Muna is proud to announce that it has finally visited the Top 10 Largest Islands of the Philippines. If you are planning to discover and learn more about the Philippines, why not start with these ten islands. What's Next Done with the top 10 largest islands? Then here are the next 10 islands for your itinerary: Top 11-20 Largest Islands of the Philippines 11. Masbate Island (3,268 km²) 12. Catanduanes Island (1,523 km²) 13. Basilan Island (1,265 km²) 14. Marinduque Island (920 km²) 15. Busuanga Island (890 km²) 16. Jolo Island (869 km²) 17. Dinagat Island (769 km²) 18. Polilio Island (629 km²) 19. Tawi-Tawi Island (581 km²) 20. Guimaras Island (560 km²) By
Luzon
Which American band leader who first formed a band in 1940 had the signature tune “Artistry in Rhythym” and died in 1979?
Largest Islands of the World A map of the Largest Islands Greenland - (840,004 sq. miles) (2,175,600 sq. km) New Guinea - (303,381 sq. miles) (785,753 sq. km) Borneo - (288,869 sq. miles) (748,168 sq. km) Madagascar - (226,917 sq. miles) (587,713 sq. km) Baffin - (194,574 sq. miles) (503,944 sq. km) Sumatra - (171,069 sq. miles) (443,066 sq. km) Honshu - (88,982 sq. miles) (225,800 sq. km) Great Britain - (88,787 sq. miles) (229,957 sq. km) Victoria - (85,154 sq. miles) (220,548 sq. km) Ellesmere - (71,029 sq. miles) (183,965 sq. km) NOTE: Australia is widely considered as a continental landmass, not an island. It certainly is the largest island, with a size of (2,941,517 sq miles) (7,618,493 sq km). LARGEST ISLAND COUNTRIES Indonesia - (735,358 sq miles) (1,904,569 sq km) Madagascar - (226,917 sq miles) (587,713 sq km) Papua New Guinea - (178,704 sq miles) (462,840 sq km) Japan - (143,939 sq miles) (372,801 sq km) Malaysia - (127,320 sq miles) (329,758 sq km) Philippines - (115,831 sq miles) (300,000 sq km) New Zealand - (103,883 sq miles) (269,057 sq km) Great Britain - (88,787 sq miles) (229,957 sq km) NOTE: Great Britain is an island that combines the countries of England, Scotland, and Wales, and is a part of the country of the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland," commonly referred to as the UK. Cuba - (42,804 sq miles) (110,861 sq km) Iceland - (39,769 sq miles) (103,000 sq km) HIGHEST ISLANDS New Guinea - (16,503 feet) (5,030 meters) Hawaii, USA - (13,796 feet) (4,205 meters) Borneo, Indonesia - (13,698 feet) (4,175 meters) Formosa, China - (13,114 feet) (3,997 meters) Sumatra, Indonesia - (12,484 feet) (3,805 meters) Ross, Antarctica - (12,448 feet) (3,794 meters) Honshu, Japan - (12,388 feet) (3,776 meters) South Island, NZ - (12,349 feet) (3,764 meters) Lombok, Indonesia - (12,224 feet) (3,726 meters) LARGEST VOLCANIC ISLANDS Sumatra, Indonesia - (171,069 sq miles) (443,066 sq km) Honshu, Japan - (87,182 sq miles) (225,800 sq km) Java, Indonesia - (53,589 sq miles) (138,794 sq km) North Island, NZ - (43,082 sq miles) (111,583 sq km) Luzon, Philippines - (42,458 sq miles) (109,965 sq km) Iceland - (39,769 sq miles) (103,000 sq km) Mindanao, Philippines - (37,657 sq miles) (97,530 sq km) Hokkaido, Japan - (30,395 sq miles) (78,719 sq km) New Britain, PNG - (13,569 sq miles) (35,145 sq km) Halmaherea, Indonesia - (6,965 sq miles) (18,040 sq km) LARGEST LAKE ISLANDS Manitoulin, Lake Huron - (1,068 sq miles) (2,766 sq km) Vozrozhdeniya, Aral Sea - (888 sq miles) (2,300 sq km) Rene-Lavasseur, Manicouagan Reservoir, Quebec, Canada - (780 sq miles) (2,000 sq km) Olkhon, Lake Baykal - (282 sq miles) (730 sq km) Samosir, Toba - (243 sq miles) (630 sq km) Isle Royal, Lake Superior - (209 sq miles) (541 sq km) Ukerewe, Lake Victoria - (205 sq miles) (530 sq km) St. Joseph, Lake Huron - (141 sq miles) (365 sq km) Drummond, Lake Huron - (134 sq miles) (347 sq km) Idjwi, Lake Kivu, DRC - (110 sq miles) (285 sq km) LARGEST ISLANDS in the USA Hawaii, Hawaii - (4,037 sq miles) (10,456 sq km) Kodiak, Alaska - (3,672 sq miles) (9,510 sq km) Prince of Wales, Alaska - (2,587 sq miles) (6,700 sq km) Chichagof, Alaska - (2,085 sq miles) (5,400 sq km) Saint Lawrence, Alaska - (1,710 sq miles) (4,430 sq km) Admiralty, Alaska - (1,649 sq miles) (4,270 sq km) Baranof, Alaska - (1,636 sq miles) (4,237 sq km) Nunivak, Alaska - (1,625 sq miles) (4,210 sq km) Unimak, Alaska - (1,606 sq miles) (4,160 sq km) Long Island, NY - (1,401 sq miles) (3,629 sq km) LARGEST ISLANDS in EUROPE Great Britain - (88,787 sq miles) (229,957 sq km) Iceland - (39,769 sq miles) (103,000 sq km) Ireland - (33,342 sq miles) (83,766 sq km) West Spitsbergen - (15,200 sq miles) (39,368 sq km) Sicily - (9,807 sq miles) (25,400 sq km) Sardinia - (9,189 sq miles) (23,800 sq km) North East Land - (5,792 sq miles) (15,000 sq km) Cyprus - (3,572 sq miles) (9,251 sq km) Corsica - (3,367 sq miles) (8,720 sq km) Crete - (3,189 sq miles) (8,260 sq km)
i don't know
By what name do we know the breed of dog , commonly referred to in the southern USA as the bird dog?
Hunters English Springer Spaniels Pheasant Hunting Dogs: English Springer Spaniel If I couldn’t have a Lab in the pheasant fields, I’d be tempted to take a German shorthair pointer – they’re great dogs with the stamina to cover ground all day long and the nose to point birds. But, because of the run-and-gun nature of pheasants (not to mention the tricks an experienced rooster can pull), and the fact that unlike quail you can’t shoot hens, I prefer a flushing dog over a pointing one. So, I’m going with the English springer spaniel. Springers can course an upland field – be it corn, CRP or cattails – and put birds up with the best of any breed (they also do a fine job in the waterfowl realm). Smaller in size than either a Lab or GSP, springers have no problem covering ground on the hunt thanks to their abundant energy level. Their retrieving instinct is stronger than pointing breeds – a boon when a winged rooster makes a run for it. With a good nose, an overall pleasant temperament and a biddable disposition, springers are loyal dogs that work hard and want to please their owners. Minnesota Setters Grouse Hunting Dogs: English Setter There isn’t a more regal-looking dog than an English setter and no more classic scene than the heavily feathered dog on point in the grouse woods. When it comes to good grouse dogs, a nose keen enough to scent the spooky birds without bumping them is the number-one requirement. Setters, with their propensity to work closer than an English pointer, will stay in sight, holding a point which allows the hunter to get into position and ready a shot. When shooting at near ghosts in the thick forests of the upper Midwest and Northeast, a second or two head start with an inkling of direction can make all the difference a in hit bird and a whirling flush that only scares the bejesus out of you. After that shot, finding a downed grouse can be a challenge, so make sure your setter enjoys retrieving and force fetch him to cement that command. Like many dogs who have seen their popularity rise, English setters have two distinct lines: conformation and field. For hunters, the smaller, more lightly feathered field line is the only way to go. An interesting setter fact: an English setter named Adonis was the first dog registered with the American Kennel Club. Red Branch Kennels Sea Duck Hunting Dogs: Chesapeake Bay Retriever The only retriever bred completely within the U.S., Chessies embody the American hunter: hard working and utilitarian. Used to ply the cold, rough waters of the Chesapeake Bay during the market-hunting days, Chessies picked up the hordes of waterfowl shot by hunters wielding punt guns. They were then tasked with protecting the guns, gear, and boat at the docks while the hunters caroused in waterfront saloons – a one-man dog trait retained to this day. Chesapeakes are more solidly built than Labs, and have a thick and oily coat to help repel cold seawater, as well as webbed feet for swimming. They love to swim and will repeatedly leap into icy water with eagerness to make retrieves. Their disposition – one of determination – makes them perfectly suited mentally for the tough task of sea-duck hunting. A slower-maturing dog, Chessies can be tricky to train; you can’t use the same tactics as you would with a Labrador. Trainers must be more highly attuned to their dog, and know when they’re being obstinate and when they’re refusing commands out of confusion – it’s a fine line. That said, Chessies will perform all the tasks required of a waterfowl-hunting retriever, and they’ll do it in the harshest conditions. They’re also one of the few retrievers that maintains its hunting heritage completely; the conformation ring hasn’t completely created a separate line of the breed and dual champions are still possible to this day. OL Quail Hunting Dogs: Pointer The epitome of all pointing breeds, the slick, speedy and bird-obsessed “English” pointer won’t stop in its endless pursuit of feathers. With a sky-high prey drive, pointers will work the harshest territory in search of a covey – from Texas, where everything pricks, sticks or bites, to the humidity of a Georgia pine plantation. Their thin coat allows them to stay cool in the heat and their endurance ensures there’s enough dog for any hunt. In this capacity, they’re perfectly suited for the quail-rich South, but fair just as well in northern locations. A wide range of lines exists for every hunter, from all-age field trial dogs that can perform for the horseback hunter to closer-working stock that might be desired by woodcock or grouse hunters. If you search them out, you can even find pointers (which are typically high energy dogs that only care about the hunt) that even make suitable family dogs. Pointers have dominated the field-trial circuit at the highest levels for decades. They work hard, fast and possess a style rivaled only by the pageantry of setters. A well-trained pointer holding staunchly, with tail and head held high, is a sight that any dog man can appreciate—and that ability to lock on and hold for as long as necessary while a covey dances just off its nose is a testament to both the breed’s drive and trainability. OL Rabbit Hunting Dogs: Beagle Embodying the excitement of a rabbit hunt, beagles, with their incessant barking and baying, while in pursuit of a rabbit are often a kid’s first introduction to hunting dogs. They’re also the best canine for chasing bunnies in circles to give hunters a shot. Diminutive and full of vigor and character, the tri-colored beagle has been used for small game hunting for nearly two hundred years. A scent hound, they possess one of the best noses in the canine world – the bloodhound is the indisputable leader of the pack when it comes to scenting abilities, with the basset hound and beagle following as close runner-ups. That supreme scenting ability, combined with speed and agility, make beagles the top choice for rabbits, and their propensity to bark ensures that you’ll never lose track of their whereabouts. While beagles stand out when coursing the briar patches for bunnies, their scenting abilities are so keen that they’re used as detection dogs as well. Their even disposition and friendly demeanor make them a popular family pet (they held the AKC’s top-registration spot from 1953-59, and still rank in the top five ), and because of their small size, beagles don’t need a large house or yard – giving even suburban-bound houndsmen a chance to get in on the chase . OL Turkey Hunting Dogs: Appalachian Turkey Dogs Humans have been selectively breeding canines to carry out specialized tasks for tens of thousands of years, and it doesn’t get much more specialized than breaking up flocks of fall turkeys. While setters are a popular choice for many turkey doggers, it’s hard to argue against the logic and breeding of Appalachian turkey dogs. An unofficial breeding not recognized by the AKC , turkey dogs are a combination of setter, pointer, and Plott hound. Each purebred foundation stock contributes attributes to the turkey dog, among them: setters – stylish looks, drive for feathers, biddability; pointers – stamina, speed, prey drive, range; Plotts – desire to chase, track, bark. A fall turkey dog needs to be a big runner that can track by air and ground scent or use its eyes to find flocks of birds. Once they do, they bust the flock and give chase while barking like a hound on scent, scattering birds in all directions so that the group is busted into singles. The dog then returns to the hunter and curls up and waits patiently; much like a waterfowl dog in the blind. While I’m typically a skeptic when it comes to mixed breeds in the field (there are plenty of mutts that can get it done, but if you’re betting time and money, I prefer to play the odds), selective breeding for specific tasks has brought us nearly every breed in existence today – and the Appalachian turkey dog fills a hunting niche requiring specific attributes derived from each of the purebreds making up its lineage. Red Bank Outfitters Hog Hunting Dogs: Dogo Argentino With feral pigs spreading across the country like the plague and committing as much as $1 billion in agriculture damage per year, every means of hunting the intelligent and fertile beast has been adopted – from recreational hunters sitting in a stand, to trapping, to using night vision and helicopters . To that end, man’s best friend has become an integral part of the hunting equation. Typically, chase dogs find and pursue hogs until they decide to turn and fight. That’s when catch dogs move in and engage the tusked beasts, latching on to ears or any other appendage they can sink their teeth into, and hold them until the hunters arrive. Pit bulls are a popular choice for catch dogs, but the dogo Argentino is even better. Larger and even more powerful and athletic than a pit bull, dogos were designed specifically for big-game hunting. Originating in South America, dogos were bred for hunting pumas and wild hogs. Imported into the U.S. in the 70s, they are perfectly suited for the hot climate and thick, rugged territory where hogs thrive – Texas, Georgia and California, in particular. Dogos have well-muscled bodies, a thin white coat and the stamina to go toe-to-toe with a surly boar. As intimidating as they look, and as fierce as they are on the hunt, dogo Argentinos are equally as friendly and loyal in the home; selective breeding for hunting, rather than the fighting ring, is what keeps this breed from displaying aggressiveness toward people or other dogs – the function of running with chase dogs and hunting as a cooperative pack was a primary driver in their development. OL Deer Hunting Dogs: American Foxhound Few dogs share such a rich American history as the foxhound. Bred here in the U.S. from English foxhounds and a smattering of other breeds, they were the dog of choice for George Washington – and he is often credited as the father of the breed. Developed in Maryland and Virginia (Washington’s stomping grounds) for fox hunting, the dogs are perhaps the best breed for running deer drives popular in the area to this day. To run deer successfully, you need a rangy, energetic dog with plenty of stamina, a good nose and a desire to sing his love of the hunt for all to hear – and that is the essence of the American foxhound. They pack well with other dogs and can put reluctant deer on their feet and keep them moving better than many other popular breeds, such as the shorter-leg beagle. Unlike some other scent hounds, foxhounds are “running” hounds, as opposed to “treeing” hounds, and they love the chase much more than the end result of the hunt. As veteran outdoor writer Doug Howlett, who participates in deer drives in his home state of Virginia, says: “American foxhounds will run through hell to get a deer, or a fox for that matter.” OL Coons Hunting Dogs: Treeing Walker Hound Perhaps the best all-around hound, Walkers are prized for their great nose, prey drive, speed, voice and ability to chase down everything from cougars, bears, and coyotes to raccoons, squirrels, and deer. The granddaddy of all hounding sports however, is coon hunting, and it’s tough to argue the abilities of a Walker when it comes to putting them up a tree. Walkers were bred in the U.S. and descend from foxhounds. They tend to be more “hot-nosed” than some other hounds, such as the bluetick coonhound, which makes them ideal for competition, as well as “quick” hunts; those that you don’t spend all night tracking a single animal across multiple counties. With their distinctive bawl and chop, tenacious stamina and hot nose, Walkers will keep houndsmen in the coon action all night. OL Bear Hunting Dogs: Plott Hound When you chase black bears in their own habitat, you need a dog that’s smart, tough, gritty, and able to find old scent and track it. The Plott hound is the perfect dog to do that; they’re muscular, athletic and tenacious – on both the track and after cornering a bear (or cougar or wild hog). Their short, choppy barks when in pursuit allow the hunter to follow their direction but without impacting their ability chase. Plotts can find old scent and track it over heavily wooded hill-and-dale that black bears call home. They’ll fight and tree a black bear in a pack or even by themselves (although it’s unadvisable to let them square-off alone). Descendents of German big-game dogs brought to the New World in 1750 and used for wild boar hunting, Plotts were developed in the U.S. – in North Carolina by the Plott family that still resides in the area and still breeds the dogs. Recognized by the United Kennel Club since 1946, Plotts only received recognition from the American Kennel Club in 2006 – despite their lengthy and well-documented ancestry. But for houndsmen and big-game hunters, recognition by a governing board is of less concern than performance in the field … as it should be. OL [See our bear hunting dog feature here] OL Mountain Lion Hunting Dogs: Bluetick Coonhound Perhaps the most elusive animal in North America, mountain lions, can live just about any place where there are enough deer to feed them. They prowl, almost invisibly, close to homes, towns, and near hunters, hikers, bikers, and campers. To track this big cat, you need a hound with a good nose and stamina. When cornered, the hound needs to have the tenacity to stand toe-to-toe with a powerful enemy capable of killing with ease. The bluetick coonhound, can pick up an old trail – key when cutting cougar tracks – and follow it with just enough speed and more than enough staying power to corner a cat in a tree or on a cliff’s edge. The bluetick’s ball and chop keeps the cat moving, or bayed when the time comes. Recognized by the AKC as a standalone breed in 1946 (they were originally categorized as foxhounds), blueticks are descended from the Bleu de Gascogne hound of southwest France, the English foxhound, the cur dog, the American foxhound, and the black and tan Virginia foxhound. Purposefully bred to be slower and colder-nosed than foxhounds, blueticks have enough athleticism to keep up with a cougar. biggamehoundsmen.com Squirrel Hunting Dogs: Mountain cur Bushytails. They’re often the first game a child is allowed to hunt, and they’re part of a rich hunting tradition – especially throughout the South and Midwest. You can hunt squirrels by spot and stalk – walking through the forest and sniping them; sitting and calling to the territorial rodents; or you can use dogs to locate and mark them and then take a shot. Almost every dog enjoys chasing squirrels, and nearly any could be trained to bark up bushytails, but the curs and feists are bred to do so – and they do it with enthusiasm. The mountain cur, brought from Europe by settlers of Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, historically hunted squirrels and raccoons. They’re an all-around dog that families used for hunting and protection. They’ve been a registered breed with the UKC since 1998. Mountain curs dominate the Squirrel Dog World Championship, with two making the finals this year and both taking the top-two spots . Sharing a mixed ancestry with hounds, which contribute a great nose and voice, terriers, which added tenacity, and even some shepherd, which allowed the dog to be used for herding purposes, curs are distinctively American; a mix of breeds to be used for all purposes in the frontier wilderness.
Pointer
Which post was held by Miss Merlyn Lowther from 1999 to 2003?
Hunters English Springer Spaniels Pheasant Hunting Dogs: English Springer Spaniel If I couldn’t have a Lab in the pheasant fields, I’d be tempted to take a German shorthair pointer – they’re great dogs with the stamina to cover ground all day long and the nose to point birds. But, because of the run-and-gun nature of pheasants (not to mention the tricks an experienced rooster can pull), and the fact that unlike quail you can’t shoot hens, I prefer a flushing dog over a pointing one. So, I’m going with the English springer spaniel. Springers can course an upland field – be it corn, CRP or cattails – and put birds up with the best of any breed (they also do a fine job in the waterfowl realm). Smaller in size than either a Lab or GSP, springers have no problem covering ground on the hunt thanks to their abundant energy level. Their retrieving instinct is stronger than pointing breeds – a boon when a winged rooster makes a run for it. With a good nose, an overall pleasant temperament and a biddable disposition, springers are loyal dogs that work hard and want to please their owners. Minnesota Setters Grouse Hunting Dogs: English Setter There isn’t a more regal-looking dog than an English setter and no more classic scene than the heavily feathered dog on point in the grouse woods. When it comes to good grouse dogs, a nose keen enough to scent the spooky birds without bumping them is the number-one requirement. Setters, with their propensity to work closer than an English pointer, will stay in sight, holding a point which allows the hunter to get into position and ready a shot. When shooting at near ghosts in the thick forests of the upper Midwest and Northeast, a second or two head start with an inkling of direction can make all the difference a in hit bird and a whirling flush that only scares the bejesus out of you. After that shot, finding a downed grouse can be a challenge, so make sure your setter enjoys retrieving and force fetch him to cement that command. Like many dogs who have seen their popularity rise, English setters have two distinct lines: conformation and field. For hunters, the smaller, more lightly feathered field line is the only way to go. An interesting setter fact: an English setter named Adonis was the first dog registered with the American Kennel Club. Red Branch Kennels Sea Duck Hunting Dogs: Chesapeake Bay Retriever The only retriever bred completely within the U.S., Chessies embody the American hunter: hard working and utilitarian. Used to ply the cold, rough waters of the Chesapeake Bay during the market-hunting days, Chessies picked up the hordes of waterfowl shot by hunters wielding punt guns. They were then tasked with protecting the guns, gear, and boat at the docks while the hunters caroused in waterfront saloons – a one-man dog trait retained to this day. Chesapeakes are more solidly built than Labs, and have a thick and oily coat to help repel cold seawater, as well as webbed feet for swimming. They love to swim and will repeatedly leap into icy water with eagerness to make retrieves. Their disposition – one of determination – makes them perfectly suited mentally for the tough task of sea-duck hunting. A slower-maturing dog, Chessies can be tricky to train; you can’t use the same tactics as you would with a Labrador. Trainers must be more highly attuned to their dog, and know when they’re being obstinate and when they’re refusing commands out of confusion – it’s a fine line. That said, Chessies will perform all the tasks required of a waterfowl-hunting retriever, and they’ll do it in the harshest conditions. They’re also one of the few retrievers that maintains its hunting heritage completely; the conformation ring hasn’t completely created a separate line of the breed and dual champions are still possible to this day. OL Quail Hunting Dogs: Pointer The epitome of all pointing breeds, the slick, speedy and bird-obsessed “English” pointer won’t stop in its endless pursuit of feathers. With a sky-high prey drive, pointers will work the harshest territory in search of a covey – from Texas, where everything pricks, sticks or bites, to the humidity of a Georgia pine plantation. Their thin coat allows them to stay cool in the heat and their endurance ensures there’s enough dog for any hunt. In this capacity, they’re perfectly suited for the quail-rich South, but fair just as well in northern locations. A wide range of lines exists for every hunter, from all-age field trial dogs that can perform for the horseback hunter to closer-working stock that might be desired by woodcock or grouse hunters. If you search them out, you can even find pointers (which are typically high energy dogs that only care about the hunt) that even make suitable family dogs. Pointers have dominated the field-trial circuit at the highest levels for decades. They work hard, fast and possess a style rivaled only by the pageantry of setters. A well-trained pointer holding staunchly, with tail and head held high, is a sight that any dog man can appreciate—and that ability to lock on and hold for as long as necessary while a covey dances just off its nose is a testament to both the breed’s drive and trainability. OL Rabbit Hunting Dogs: Beagle Embodying the excitement of a rabbit hunt, beagles, with their incessant barking and baying, while in pursuit of a rabbit are often a kid’s first introduction to hunting dogs. They’re also the best canine for chasing bunnies in circles to give hunters a shot. Diminutive and full of vigor and character, the tri-colored beagle has been used for small game hunting for nearly two hundred years. A scent hound, they possess one of the best noses in the canine world – the bloodhound is the indisputable leader of the pack when it comes to scenting abilities, with the basset hound and beagle following as close runner-ups. That supreme scenting ability, combined with speed and agility, make beagles the top choice for rabbits, and their propensity to bark ensures that you’ll never lose track of their whereabouts. While beagles stand out when coursing the briar patches for bunnies, their scenting abilities are so keen that they’re used as detection dogs as well. Their even disposition and friendly demeanor make them a popular family pet (they held the AKC’s top-registration spot from 1953-59, and still rank in the top five ), and because of their small size, beagles don’t need a large house or yard – giving even suburban-bound houndsmen a chance to get in on the chase . OL Turkey Hunting Dogs: Appalachian Turkey Dogs Humans have been selectively breeding canines to carry out specialized tasks for tens of thousands of years, and it doesn’t get much more specialized than breaking up flocks of fall turkeys. While setters are a popular choice for many turkey doggers, it’s hard to argue against the logic and breeding of Appalachian turkey dogs. An unofficial breeding not recognized by the AKC , turkey dogs are a combination of setter, pointer, and Plott hound. Each purebred foundation stock contributes attributes to the turkey dog, among them: setters – stylish looks, drive for feathers, biddability; pointers – stamina, speed, prey drive, range; Plotts – desire to chase, track, bark. A fall turkey dog needs to be a big runner that can track by air and ground scent or use its eyes to find flocks of birds. Once they do, they bust the flock and give chase while barking like a hound on scent, scattering birds in all directions so that the group is busted into singles. The dog then returns to the hunter and curls up and waits patiently; much like a waterfowl dog in the blind. While I’m typically a skeptic when it comes to mixed breeds in the field (there are plenty of mutts that can get it done, but if you’re betting time and money, I prefer to play the odds), selective breeding for specific tasks has brought us nearly every breed in existence today – and the Appalachian turkey dog fills a hunting niche requiring specific attributes derived from each of the purebreds making up its lineage. Red Bank Outfitters Hog Hunting Dogs: Dogo Argentino With feral pigs spreading across the country like the plague and committing as much as $1 billion in agriculture damage per year, every means of hunting the intelligent and fertile beast has been adopted – from recreational hunters sitting in a stand, to trapping, to using night vision and helicopters . To that end, man’s best friend has become an integral part of the hunting equation. Typically, chase dogs find and pursue hogs until they decide to turn and fight. That’s when catch dogs move in and engage the tusked beasts, latching on to ears or any other appendage they can sink their teeth into, and hold them until the hunters arrive. Pit bulls are a popular choice for catch dogs, but the dogo Argentino is even better. Larger and even more powerful and athletic than a pit bull, dogos were designed specifically for big-game hunting. Originating in South America, dogos were bred for hunting pumas and wild hogs. Imported into the U.S. in the 70s, they are perfectly suited for the hot climate and thick, rugged territory where hogs thrive – Texas, Georgia and California, in particular. Dogos have well-muscled bodies, a thin white coat and the stamina to go toe-to-toe with a surly boar. As intimidating as they look, and as fierce as they are on the hunt, dogo Argentinos are equally as friendly and loyal in the home; selective breeding for hunting, rather than the fighting ring, is what keeps this breed from displaying aggressiveness toward people or other dogs – the function of running with chase dogs and hunting as a cooperative pack was a primary driver in their development. OL Deer Hunting Dogs: American Foxhound Few dogs share such a rich American history as the foxhound. Bred here in the U.S. from English foxhounds and a smattering of other breeds, they were the dog of choice for George Washington – and he is often credited as the father of the breed. Developed in Maryland and Virginia (Washington’s stomping grounds) for fox hunting, the dogs are perhaps the best breed for running deer drives popular in the area to this day. To run deer successfully, you need a rangy, energetic dog with plenty of stamina, a good nose and a desire to sing his love of the hunt for all to hear – and that is the essence of the American foxhound. They pack well with other dogs and can put reluctant deer on their feet and keep them moving better than many other popular breeds, such as the shorter-leg beagle. Unlike some other scent hounds, foxhounds are “running” hounds, as opposed to “treeing” hounds, and they love the chase much more than the end result of the hunt. As veteran outdoor writer Doug Howlett, who participates in deer drives in his home state of Virginia, says: “American foxhounds will run through hell to get a deer, or a fox for that matter.” OL Coons Hunting Dogs: Treeing Walker Hound Perhaps the best all-around hound, Walkers are prized for their great nose, prey drive, speed, voice and ability to chase down everything from cougars, bears, and coyotes to raccoons, squirrels, and deer. The granddaddy of all hounding sports however, is coon hunting, and it’s tough to argue the abilities of a Walker when it comes to putting them up a tree. Walkers were bred in the U.S. and descend from foxhounds. They tend to be more “hot-nosed” than some other hounds, such as the bluetick coonhound, which makes them ideal for competition, as well as “quick” hunts; those that you don’t spend all night tracking a single animal across multiple counties. With their distinctive bawl and chop, tenacious stamina and hot nose, Walkers will keep houndsmen in the coon action all night. OL Bear Hunting Dogs: Plott Hound When you chase black bears in their own habitat, you need a dog that’s smart, tough, gritty, and able to find old scent and track it. The Plott hound is the perfect dog to do that; they’re muscular, athletic and tenacious – on both the track and after cornering a bear (or cougar or wild hog). Their short, choppy barks when in pursuit allow the hunter to follow their direction but without impacting their ability chase. Plotts can find old scent and track it over heavily wooded hill-and-dale that black bears call home. They’ll fight and tree a black bear in a pack or even by themselves (although it’s unadvisable to let them square-off alone). Descendents of German big-game dogs brought to the New World in 1750 and used for wild boar hunting, Plotts were developed in the U.S. – in North Carolina by the Plott family that still resides in the area and still breeds the dogs. Recognized by the United Kennel Club since 1946, Plotts only received recognition from the American Kennel Club in 2006 – despite their lengthy and well-documented ancestry. But for houndsmen and big-game hunters, recognition by a governing board is of less concern than performance in the field … as it should be. OL [See our bear hunting dog feature here] OL Mountain Lion Hunting Dogs: Bluetick Coonhound Perhaps the most elusive animal in North America, mountain lions, can live just about any place where there are enough deer to feed them. They prowl, almost invisibly, close to homes, towns, and near hunters, hikers, bikers, and campers. To track this big cat, you need a hound with a good nose and stamina. When cornered, the hound needs to have the tenacity to stand toe-to-toe with a powerful enemy capable of killing with ease. The bluetick coonhound, can pick up an old trail – key when cutting cougar tracks – and follow it with just enough speed and more than enough staying power to corner a cat in a tree or on a cliff’s edge. The bluetick’s ball and chop keeps the cat moving, or bayed when the time comes. Recognized by the AKC as a standalone breed in 1946 (they were originally categorized as foxhounds), blueticks are descended from the Bleu de Gascogne hound of southwest France, the English foxhound, the cur dog, the American foxhound, and the black and tan Virginia foxhound. Purposefully bred to be slower and colder-nosed than foxhounds, blueticks have enough athleticism to keep up with a cougar. biggamehoundsmen.com Squirrel Hunting Dogs: Mountain cur Bushytails. They’re often the first game a child is allowed to hunt, and they’re part of a rich hunting tradition – especially throughout the South and Midwest. You can hunt squirrels by spot and stalk – walking through the forest and sniping them; sitting and calling to the territorial rodents; or you can use dogs to locate and mark them and then take a shot. Almost every dog enjoys chasing squirrels, and nearly any could be trained to bark up bushytails, but the curs and feists are bred to do so – and they do it with enthusiasm. The mountain cur, brought from Europe by settlers of Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, historically hunted squirrels and raccoons. They’re an all-around dog that families used for hunting and protection. They’ve been a registered breed with the UKC since 1998. Mountain curs dominate the Squirrel Dog World Championship, with two making the finals this year and both taking the top-two spots . Sharing a mixed ancestry with hounds, which contribute a great nose and voice, terriers, which added tenacity, and even some shepherd, which allowed the dog to be used for herding purposes, curs are distinctively American; a mix of breeds to be used for all purposes in the frontier wilderness.
i don't know
Which is the largest peninsula in the world?
What is the world's largest peninsula? | Reference.com What is the world's largest peninsula? A: Quick Answer The world's largest peninsula is the Arabian Peninsula. The Arabian Peninsula is located in Southwest Asia and contains the countries of Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Full Answer The Arabian Peninsula has also been referred to as the Arabian subcontinent because the expansive area is situated on its own tectonic plate, the Arabian Plate. The Arabian Peninsula has a diverse geographic makeup. It has a central plateau called the Nejd as well as various deserts, mountain ranges and marshy coastal areas. The highest elevation of the Arabian Peninsula, over 12,000 feet, is in Yemen. The Arabian Peninsula does not have an abundance of lakes, rivers or other water sources, so much of the land is unsuitable for agriculture.
Arabian Peninsula
Which American band leader first formed a band in 1934, had the signature tune “Let’s Dance” and died in 1986?
Which Is the Largest Peninsula on Earth? Which Is the Largest Peninsula on Earth? 2008.12.30 2014.07.25 | Filed Under: The World A peninsula is a piece of land surrounded by water on three of its sides and connected with a larger landmass on its fourth side. In other words, a land area that “sticks out” into the water. Much of Florida is formed by a peninsula that is surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The largest of all the peninsulas on earth is the Arabian Peninsula in southwest Asia. This landmass is washed on the east by the Persian Gulf, on the west by the Red Sea, and on the south by the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. The total area of the peninsula is some 1.2 million square miles, more than twice the size of Alaska! Saudi Arabia is not the only nation on the Arabian Peninsula, although it is by far the largest. In the southern part of the peninsula lie the nations of North Yemen, Southern Yemen, and Oman, and in the east lie Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. Read More
i don't know
Who did Andy Murray beat to win the 2012 US Open?
US Open 2012: Andy Murray wins, beating Novak Djokovic | Daily Mail Online comments It was a celestial wind that blew Andy Murray to a magnificent victory in the US Open, perhaps blown from Fred Perry somewhere on high down on the country he ended up calling home. From some source - who knows what? - Murray found the momentum to take a dramatic deciding set with a monumental display of guts when it had looked like his legs were going to buckle. Just champion: Andy Murray has made history with victory in the US Open final over Novak Djokovic Epic: Murray sealed glory with a kiss after a match which fell a minute short of the longest ever US Open final       This time he was too tired to cry, he could barely walk. History will record it as a minor detail that the 25-year-old Scot, like Perry something of an outsider, just about handled the prevailing gusts better than his old rival Novak Djokovic to win his first Grand Slam title. Far more important is the fact that Perry’s ghost may have exhaled its last breath in its haunting of British tennis, with the 76-year wait to find his successor as a major winner finally at an end. That finally came to pass as New York was brought to its feet when Djokovic blasted a final return long, the two men embracing at the net. It concluded a wildly undulating, gripping 7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 victory that took four hours and 54 minutes. Disbelieving: Murray's reaction was one of wonder and amazement as he dropped to his haunches Welcome to the club, pal: Djokovic was gracious in defeat and hailed his old friend's achievement HOW THE FINAL UNFOLDED Set 1: Andy Murray got off to a perfect start in the opening game, breaking Novak Djokovic's serve. Although he was broken straight back, he edged 4-2 ahead only to be pegged back once again. A marathon tie-break ensued which the Scot won 12-10. Set 2: Murray was cruising at 4-0 up and the champagne was being readied, even at this early stage. But Djokovic was not going to let up and stormed back to level at 5-5 only for Murray to find another gear to win the set 7-5. Set 3: Anyone who thought Djokovic was down and out was quickly put in their place as he grabbed an early break. The Serbian did not let his advantage slip and a second break sealed the set 6-2. Set 4: It was Djokovic who made the early breakthrough again in this set as he took the match by the scruff of the net. Murray was always playing catchup and his great friend and rival came up with the big points when it mattered to win this session 6-3. Set 5: An incredible show of resilience from the Scot in the decider as he broke in the first game. A double break soon followed and although he gifted one back, a third break of serve proved to be enough as he finally, gloriously, tasted Grand Slam success. Murray said: ‘It was incredibly tough conditions. After the third and fourth set it was tough mentally. Novak is so strong, he fights until the end in every match. I don’t know how I came through in the end. ‘Ivan Lendl has been one of the greatest players that ever played, it has been great to have him helping me in the tense moments, not just him but everyone who has been here from the start .’ In front of Scottish knights Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Sean Connery, Murray met with the destiny that had been denied him four times before, and there will be those who believe the younger man now deserves the same prefix. The biggest set of Murray’s life, the fifth, began with the momentum in the defending champion’s favour, but Murray, who in sets three and four had drifted into the back court, showed new purpose and secured the break. The Djokovic fightback further had its sting drawn when Murray consolidated the break for 2-0, the athleticism of the two players belying the the four-and-a-quarter hours they had played. Suddenly the Serb started to miss again and, when a forehand was sent limply into the net, Murray was two breaks to the good. Stunning: Both players had to contest with high winds early on, but Flushing Meadows still looked beautiful Reaching for the top: At times Djokovic seemed out on his feet but he kept on fighting for each point Eyes on the prize: Murray, too, wobbled when seemingly comfortable, but regained his full focus But then that jaw-jutting, proud Djokovic pout returned, skidding around the court to pull back to 3-2 down. When the Scot easily held for 4-2 to deafening acclaim, we started to see the Serb crack physically, his legs going into cramp. Djokovic called the trainer on for a rub of his thighs while the crowd booed and Murray waited to serve. The legs went again, though, and Murray’s path to glory was cleared, serving it out superbly, courageously to 15. Anyone who saw the opening-set tiebreak would have been glad they did, not that the passages before it were shabby in view of the conditions. Famous faces: There was no shortage of interest from the usual, and not so usual, suspects With the wind cascading down the steep banks of the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Murray’s gale force win against Berdych was proving perfect preparation, but even when he wriggled ahead to 4-2 Djokovic kept snapping away. With risk management to the fore, one rally took a staggering 54 strokes to complete before Murray capitulated. By the time the tiebreak was forced it was the British player holding on, as he was obliged to do at 5-3 down in the shootout, with American umpire Jake Garner demanding the boisterous crowd calm down. Then came the first five set points, the loss of which would have been a spear to the heart. Three of them were spurned with nervous jabs either wide or, on the easiest first one, a backhand driven into the net. The two others were purely down to the Balkan warrior, with an ace taking it to 10-10. Tit for tat: There were occasions when both players seemed to let the occasion get to them But another groundstroke from the world No 2 went long and this time Murray, steadying himself as the breeze ruffled his shirt, pulled out a first serve which Djokovic sent beyond the baseline. Tellingly the Scot had stepped up the power and cut his margin for error in the last few points. Though he would never show it, old stoneface Lendl will have been doing cartwheels inside. The tiebreak’s duration would have taken you much of the way to half-time in a football match, the whole first set had taken 87 minutes and the points tally in it was 46-44. Tricky times: Murray and Djokovic had to find that little bit extra as they teetered on the brink of despair There was going be a psychological backdraft from it, and this time Murray was able drive on, as we have only seen him do in the Olympic final among the biggest matches of his career. With Djokovic starting to wear a rueful grin the first four games were won, and even after ceding a break it was 5-3. A horrible, error-strewn bid to close it down came to nothing and the Serb was believing again with the purpose that has seen him win five Grand Slams. Murray was now intermittently grabbing his thigh, signalling tension-induced cramp. With the two and half hour mark looming after less than two sets that was an ominous warning with the threat of an attritional war coming on. Court coverage: The athleticism of both men was awesome, with rallies lasting more than 30 shots Drama to the last: With one game to go, Djokovic, who had seized up, called for a medical time out But a difference between this year and last for Djokovic is his shifting focus and at 6-5 he pulled out a hideous wide smash, which was followed by a dragged forehand to give Murray the biggest break of his career. What he has not forgotten is how to fight and, cutting his error count to virtually nothing and serving better, came back ferociously to take the third and fourth sets,  before the strain of pulling level led to a sensational conclusion. WHY MURRAY'S WIN WAS NEVER IN DOUBT The omens were good. Fred Perry (below) was the last British man to win a major, the 1936 US Open, and three years earlier broke his  Grand Slam duck at the tournament...  on September 10. The only other British winner of the US Open was Laurence Doherty in 1903 - after winning Olympic gold at the 1900 Paris Games, just as Murray did in London.
Novak Djokovic
Jodie Foster won an Oscar for her performance in The Silence of the Lambs in 1992. For her performance in which other film was she awarded an Oscar in 1989?
Andy Murray beats Tomas Berdych to reach Australian Open final – as it happened | Sport | The Guardian Andy Murray beats Tomas Berdych to reach Australian Open final – as it happened Andy Murray reached the Australian Open final by beating Tomas Berdych 6-7, 6-0, 6-3, 7-5 Thursday 29 January 2015 07.22 EST First published on Thursday 29 January 2015 01.52 EST 07:22 So at the end of all that, Andy Murray has reached his first grand slam final since, well, you know when. His opponent on Sunday will be either Novak Djokovic or Stanislas Wawrinka, who play their semi-final tomorrow. Whoever wins, it should be a special occasion. But for now, savour an outstanding performance from Murray, who is getting back to his very best. Can he win his first Australian Open? We’ll find out on Sunday. Thanks for reading today. See you tomorrow for Djokovic v Wawrinka. Bye for now. For now, read Kevin Mitchell’s match report from Melbourne . Updated 07:13 “I probably can’t repeat it on TV,” Murray laughs when he’s asked what he was saying to himself at the end of the first set. “I was obviously disappointed to lose the first set. I had a couple of break points at 5-5. I was disappointed. But I was very aggressive at the start of the second set. I would say I changed tactics a little bit but I also got used to the conditions. I tried to play very aggressive on his service games and mine. I knew when I was dictating the points and getting the first strike in, I was winning the points. It was a little bit extra tension. It’s a big match. A lot was made of Dani working with him. Me and Dani have been friends since we were 15 years old and I thought that was a little bit unfair. This is sport. There are more important things. It created a bit of unnecessary tension. Then comes a question about his coach, Amelie Mauresmo. “A lot of people criticised me for working with her but I think we’ve seen so far this week that women can be very good coaches as well,” he says. “I see no reason why that can’t move forward like that in the future, so I’m very grateful to Amelie. It was a very brave choice of her to do it, so thanks to her.” You know, some people don’t like Andy Murray and those people are spectacular idiots. He’s brilliant. 07:04 Fourth set: Murray 6-7, 6-0, 6-3, 6-5 Berdych* (*denotes server): It’s worrying for Berdych when he loops a forehand wide to go down 0-15 and he’s positively shaking when he frames a simple overhead on the next point; he breathes a sigh of relief when Murray’s audacious lob lands a yard or two past the baseline. Then a stiff backhand from Berdych makes it 15-30, before a double-fault gives Murray two break points. Is this the moment? It’s what Murray has been waiting for throughout this set. A few beads of sweat drop from Berdych’s forehead and he bangs a backhand miles past the baseline! Murray breaks! He’ll serve for a place in the final! 06:45 Fourth set: Murray 6-7, 6-0, 6-3, 3-4 Berdych* (*denotes server): Murray was given a time warning in the previous game, so obviously he’s eyeballing the umpire as Berdych takes his time getting to the baseline at the start of this game. The first two points are shared; the third is a minor classic, Murray somehow reaching a couple of Berdych belters and then seizing the advantage with a rasping forehand from right to left to make it 15-30. Berdych responds brilliantly, however, an ace making it 30-all, a smash breaking through the Murray wall and making it 40-30. Another smash finishes the job, although Murray almost got to his backhand. Berdych walks to his chair and urgently gestures for a towel. He’s pumped. Don’t be surprised if this goes to a fifth. 06:08 Third set: Murray 6-7, 6-0, 5-3 Berdych* (*denotes server): “Andy, Andy, come on, come on.” The words of Andy Murray after missing a backhand to make it 15-0. Soon Berdych is 40-0 up. Which isn’t necessarily the comfortable position it should be, not after that previous service game. And would you believe it, he double-faults to make it 40-15. But Murray then lets him off the hook with an ill-advised drop-shot that sails into the net. Murray will serve for the third set. Carl Wrigley (@CWriggers) @JacobSteinberg from 40-0 to losing the game? If I were Andy I'd be saying "well done Thomas" now... 05:36 Third set: Murray* 6-7, 6-0, 1-0 Berdych (*denotes server): Look at the score when Murray beat Berdych in the US Open: 5-7 6-2 6-1 7-6. A tight first set, but Murray ran away with it in the second and third, before winning a fourth-set tie-break. Will this match follow a similar pattern? Berdych will have to show plenty of resolve to recover from his collapse in that second set; and there are some encouraging signs for him when he skips into a 15-30 lead, finding his range with his strong groundstrokes again. But he can’t quite sustain it and Murray holds with a cute volley. Barney Ronay (@barneyronay) "Good play Thomas". It's like the Sandman. Say it once and Andy Murray suddenly turns up and starts ripping you to bits 05:06 Second set: Murray 6-7, 2-0 Berdych* (*denotes server): Murray is fuming with himself when he goes down 30-0. But he uses that rage to win three consecutive points to earn a break point. A backhand from Berdych is called out. He challenges. Murray looks worried. But HawkEye is on his side. The ball was long. Murray breaks. “I do like Murray, and I hope he wins, but he is always entertaining when he starts shouting at himself,” says Matt Dony. “I’m not sure he’ll ever top the classic ‘I’m trying my tits off, here!’ from the French Open a few years ago, though.” a.g. (@aghease) @JacobSteinberg 1st set was 76m, on pace to shatter longest #ausopen match - 5h 53 m 2012 Nadal Djokovic Final pic.twitter.com/ows98by9SN
i don't know
New Haven in Connecticut is the site of which seat of learning?
ELS | English in New Haven, CT Kate Marusa Center Director Kate began her career in International Education at ELS as an Instructor in 2008 when the New Haven center first opened. In 2009, she took on the role of International Student Advisor managing ELS/New Haven's activity program, immigration services, and college counseling. Additionally, Kate was the Center Director of the ELS/Juilliard youth camp program in New York City from 2013-2015. Her passion for multicultural learning and international travel started while studying abroad with Boston University in Italy ten years ago. Kate is excited to lead the ELS New Haven team and to share her passion for International Education with her students and staff. Outside of the center, you might Kate and her dog, Boston, walking along the West Haven boardwalk or at home in the kitchen. She loves to attempt to cook international dishes shared by students! Danny Stone Academic Director Danny has been working at ELS New Haven since January 2014, first as a teacher and now as the Academic Director. His favorite classes to teach were SSP Fitzgerald, Masters LS, and Reading & Writing Ishiguro—the argument essay. Writing an opposing view paragraph is a great way to develop critical thinking skills; it’s fun to argue with yourself! Danny’s first job teaching English was in a small town in eastern France at an elementary school. After that, he got a Master’s in TESOL at the University of Buffalo. Then he taught English to refugees from Myanmar, Congo, Somalia, and Nepal. Danny speaks fluent French as well as some Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Outside of work, he loves reading good books, jogging in East Rock, writing fiction, going on hikes, and singing in the Greater New Haven Community Chorus. Sarah Manning International Student Advisor Sarah has been working at ELS since August 2013, but she has been teaching ESL since 1997. She has a BA in English from The University of New Hampshire and a Master of Education in TESOL. Her favorite part of teaching is meeting people from other countries and learning about their cultures. When she is not working, she spends time with her husband Kevin, and her three children. She enjoys photography, biking, and reading, but her favorite part of life is laughing! Larissa Study at ELS New Haven was one of the greatest experiences of my life! You can know people from all over the world, learn from the best teachers, conducts various activities, have fun and create many stories that you will carry for life. -Larissa,Brazil Renata January 2, 2016 I knew awesome students from very different countries. I was taught by nice and talented teachers. I had to study hard for the tests and homework, but I could count on Danny, Sarah and Kate the adorable people who helped the students anytime they needed. Of course, it was a great experience! The time flew by, so I must return to Brazil, but I am happier, smarter and very grateful for every single day I could spend at ELS. I will always remember everyone I met in New Haven. "Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; It simply means I will miss you until we meet again." Thank you! -Renata,Brazil Gabriel January 2, 2016 New Haven is a beautiful university city. I enjoyed the museum at Yale University, is undoubtedly fantastic. The more adventurous cannot miss East Rock Park, there you can see the whole city. ELS New Haven is excellent, very competent teachers and fun as well as the whole team. -Gabriel ,Brazil Ali January 8, 2015 ELS helped me improve my language and by giving me a chance to work with other students from Asia and South America. -Ali,Qatar Haydee January 8, 2015 This had been the best experience I've eve had. Not only did I improve my English but also I made a lot of friends from different parts of the world. -Haydee Garcia,Mexico Lorena January 8, 2015 ELS has a lot of nice teachers. It is an awesome place where you can improve your English. The center has a very friendly atmosphere. The staff organizes many activities where all students share experiences while they are learning. I made a lot of friends. I had such a great time there. Thank you ELS :) -Lorena Juarez,Mexico you can dream it you can do it" - Walt Disney. Believing in me and the support of my parents were my principle reasons for coming to learn English at ELS New Haven, USA apart from the academic reasons. What began as an adventure ended becoming in one of the best experiences of my life. IN ELS I found friends for all over the world with great personalities and diversity of cultures but, also I had the pleasure of meeting amazing teachers and the entire staff of ELS, people who I personally admire. Furthermore, living in homestay I found a second family away from home, who makes everyday my experience in USA remarkable. It is just unbelievable how ELS program is so effective. I started at level 102 just saying and understanding few words and right now I’m almost finishing level 112 and my English is much better as you can see haha! My goal right now is being able to be accepted in an American university to study International Business. Thanks to ELS I will continue making my dreams true. “It is not only language center but also cultural school” When I came to the United States, It was difficult to speak or connect with everyone because their culture was different than my culture as well as the language. When I started studying in the ELS I met very friendly and kind teachers and they were professional. I learned not only English, but also I learned the US culture. ELS taught us English and how to connect with people in their culture. The best thing I saw was the teachers were like my family. Their goal was to help students by all possible means to improve the language. Now, I don't find it difficult to study in the University because my language is improved because of ELS. Hashim Alhashimi Current University of New Haven -Hashim,Iraq Antonio Costa Sanchez, Mexico March 22, 2010 I am so excited and glad to study at ELS Language Centers. In my personal opinion, I think that ELS has given me the opportunity to improve and learn my English in a very interesting way. Furthermore, throughout these months that I have been studying at ELS, I have noticed that my English language is getting better everyday. On the other hand, I feel very grateful to the teachers because they have helped me to dominate and comprehend the English language in a very satisfactory way. I will feel sad when I have to leave ELS. Finally, I think that this a great experience for you if you want to study English in another country. Maipai Suriyaprasit March 18, 2010 I took a long time to find a good English school in the USA until I found ELS school on the internet. Many students on the internet said, "ELS is a good school." I immediately did not believe until I studied here, I realized ELS was not just good but this is the best school. I can improve my English skills in the short time. Never do I feel bored one day. The great teachers at ELS not only teach us the language but they are also familiar with students that make me fall for ELS. If you don't believe me, be a member of the ELS family. I promise you will feel like me. Minh Nguyen, Vietnam March 12, 2010 I am so happy that I could study at ELS. Teachers at ELS are very good and nice. They helped me improve my English and figure out many problems in my American life. I will be happy to introduce my Vietnamese friends to ELS to come here and study English. Thanks ELS for everything. - Minh Nguyen Mazen Alghamdi March 12, 2010 ELS has been one of the best experiencs of my life, teachers are always friendly with the students. Also, they try to help you out with your individual needs. Moreover, ELS is not just a school, it's a special experience about a great relationship between students and teachers. ELS helps me a lot since I have been in the US. The teachers know how to improve your English and they even do things with you together so you learn a lot about American culture and way of life. It's an experience that everybody should have. - Mazen Alghamdi Seung hwan Oh March 12, 2010 When I came to ELS, I was so nervous, but it was just an alarm. Now I have many friends. I'm really glad to meet them, because they are from another country and they're my teachers in US Of course, learning English isn't easy, but I never give up. If you do, you would not become your dreams. Yi-Chu Lu September 24, 2009 Earning English in ELS not is an experience about studying English correctly, but also is a special experience about a wonderful relationship between students and teachers. Even though your ability of English is so small at the beginning, your heart will be as big as your English which you will have learned after studying in ELS. And that is what I learned from them. Kongsin Kitprasan, Thailand September 24, 2009 When I have been studying here, I told myself that this is the correct school that I choose before going to the USA Teachers here are so nice and have very good teaching technique. I have improved a lot after three sessions. The words that can definitely describe ELS school are “this is the best for everyone who want to improve themselves. Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Qatar September 24, 2009 My name is Mihammed Al-Qahtani. I’m from Qatar. I came to ELS to learn English language then to join the University of New Haven. I have had a good time with my new friends who I have met at ELS. I am really happy with them. I have friends from different countries such as Korea, Japan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. In summary, when you want to learn English I recommend that you join us! Nasser Al-Akili, Saudi Arabia August 10, 2009 ELS gives me a great chance to meet wonderful friends who come from all over the world. It is not only an English teaching center – it’s a place that we can share dreams, ideas, cultures and information rather than just teaching materials. Maria Rossi Franchi, Italy August 10, 2009 I can say without doubt that being at ELS has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life. I came here for just one month and I couldn’t avoid coming back again – being here, in this little Babel where everyone can speak with people from different cultures and histories is great! All the teachers are always open-hearted and you feel comfortable asking them for help. My English is getting better every day. That’s thanks to all the people that I met at ELS, the teachers, the students, and every single person who works here. Jian Huei (James) Li May 15, 2009 I have been at ELS Language Centers in New Haven for a couple months. Here, I don’t need to worry or be embarrassed about my English because the teachers are always patient with the students. They are also enthusiastic! No matter how easy or difficult the question is, they will find out the answer for you. In addition, ELS will direct students who want to apply to a university for a college or masters degree and help the student choose the school which is suitable for him or her. I also like that there is a variety of students from other countries. It lets you forget about felling homesick or lonely and that is awesome! All in all, I found my niche at ELS New Haven. How about you? - Jian Huei Li Chih-Li (Jerry) Liu May 15, 2009 Three months ago, students like me still struggled to speak complete sentences to introduce themselves. Now we have the ability to stand in front of a class and explain our ideas on subjects like bio-fuel or green consumption. For me, ELS Language Centers is the place where people have a chance to face themselves honestly. Here they tailor the classes to your individual needs. The teachers here are like bright stars in the sky that will lead you to cross the grammar swamp, pass through the dark forest of listening, and climb up the mountain of vocabulary. Then you can tell other people, proud and loud, at ELS I’m not only studying English, I am speaking English. - Chih-Li Liu Yaser Al-Zahrani May 15, 2009 In the first day at ELS I was worried that I wouldn’t get comfortable, but day after day I discovered that ELS is not just a school. It is my other home. I found my new family and my new lovely friends.
Yale University
What nationality was U Thant, the third UN Secretary General?
ELS | English in New Haven, CT Kate Marusa Center Director Kate began her career in International Education at ELS as an Instructor in 2008 when the New Haven center first opened. In 2009, she took on the role of International Student Advisor managing ELS/New Haven's activity program, immigration services, and college counseling. Additionally, Kate was the Center Director of the ELS/Juilliard youth camp program in New York City from 2013-2015. Her passion for multicultural learning and international travel started while studying abroad with Boston University in Italy ten years ago. Kate is excited to lead the ELS New Haven team and to share her passion for International Education with her students and staff. Outside of the center, you might Kate and her dog, Boston, walking along the West Haven boardwalk or at home in the kitchen. She loves to attempt to cook international dishes shared by students! Danny Stone Academic Director Danny has been working at ELS New Haven since January 2014, first as a teacher and now as the Academic Director. His favorite classes to teach were SSP Fitzgerald, Masters LS, and Reading & Writing Ishiguro—the argument essay. Writing an opposing view paragraph is a great way to develop critical thinking skills; it’s fun to argue with yourself! Danny’s first job teaching English was in a small town in eastern France at an elementary school. After that, he got a Master’s in TESOL at the University of Buffalo. Then he taught English to refugees from Myanmar, Congo, Somalia, and Nepal. Danny speaks fluent French as well as some Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Outside of work, he loves reading good books, jogging in East Rock, writing fiction, going on hikes, and singing in the Greater New Haven Community Chorus. Sarah Manning International Student Advisor Sarah has been working at ELS since August 2013, but she has been teaching ESL since 1997. She has a BA in English from The University of New Hampshire and a Master of Education in TESOL. Her favorite part of teaching is meeting people from other countries and learning about their cultures. When she is not working, she spends time with her husband Kevin, and her three children. She enjoys photography, biking, and reading, but her favorite part of life is laughing! Larissa Study at ELS New Haven was one of the greatest experiences of my life! You can know people from all over the world, learn from the best teachers, conducts various activities, have fun and create many stories that you will carry for life. -Larissa,Brazil Renata January 2, 2016 I knew awesome students from very different countries. I was taught by nice and talented teachers. I had to study hard for the tests and homework, but I could count on Danny, Sarah and Kate the adorable people who helped the students anytime they needed. Of course, it was a great experience! The time flew by, so I must return to Brazil, but I am happier, smarter and very grateful for every single day I could spend at ELS. I will always remember everyone I met in New Haven. "Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; It simply means I will miss you until we meet again." Thank you! -Renata,Brazil Gabriel January 2, 2016 New Haven is a beautiful university city. I enjoyed the museum at Yale University, is undoubtedly fantastic. The more adventurous cannot miss East Rock Park, there you can see the whole city. ELS New Haven is excellent, very competent teachers and fun as well as the whole team. -Gabriel ,Brazil Ali January 8, 2015 ELS helped me improve my language and by giving me a chance to work with other students from Asia and South America. -Ali,Qatar Haydee January 8, 2015 This had been the best experience I've eve had. Not only did I improve my English but also I made a lot of friends from different parts of the world. -Haydee Garcia,Mexico Lorena January 8, 2015 ELS has a lot of nice teachers. It is an awesome place where you can improve your English. The center has a very friendly atmosphere. The staff organizes many activities where all students share experiences while they are learning. I made a lot of friends. I had such a great time there. Thank you ELS :) -Lorena Juarez,Mexico you can dream it you can do it" - Walt Disney. Believing in me and the support of my parents were my principle reasons for coming to learn English at ELS New Haven, USA apart from the academic reasons. What began as an adventure ended becoming in one of the best experiences of my life. IN ELS I found friends for all over the world with great personalities and diversity of cultures but, also I had the pleasure of meeting amazing teachers and the entire staff of ELS, people who I personally admire. Furthermore, living in homestay I found a second family away from home, who makes everyday my experience in USA remarkable. It is just unbelievable how ELS program is so effective. I started at level 102 just saying and understanding few words and right now I’m almost finishing level 112 and my English is much better as you can see haha! My goal right now is being able to be accepted in an American university to study International Business. Thanks to ELS I will continue making my dreams true. “It is not only language center but also cultural school” When I came to the United States, It was difficult to speak or connect with everyone because their culture was different than my culture as well as the language. When I started studying in the ELS I met very friendly and kind teachers and they were professional. I learned not only English, but also I learned the US culture. ELS taught us English and how to connect with people in their culture. The best thing I saw was the teachers were like my family. Their goal was to help students by all possible means to improve the language. Now, I don't find it difficult to study in the University because my language is improved because of ELS. Hashim Alhashimi Current University of New Haven -Hashim,Iraq Antonio Costa Sanchez, Mexico March 22, 2010 I am so excited and glad to study at ELS Language Centers. In my personal opinion, I think that ELS has given me the opportunity to improve and learn my English in a very interesting way. Furthermore, throughout these months that I have been studying at ELS, I have noticed that my English language is getting better everyday. On the other hand, I feel very grateful to the teachers because they have helped me to dominate and comprehend the English language in a very satisfactory way. I will feel sad when I have to leave ELS. Finally, I think that this a great experience for you if you want to study English in another country. Maipai Suriyaprasit March 18, 2010 I took a long time to find a good English school in the USA until I found ELS school on the internet. Many students on the internet said, "ELS is a good school." I immediately did not believe until I studied here, I realized ELS was not just good but this is the best school. I can improve my English skills in the short time. Never do I feel bored one day. The great teachers at ELS not only teach us the language but they are also familiar with students that make me fall for ELS. If you don't believe me, be a member of the ELS family. I promise you will feel like me. Minh Nguyen, Vietnam March 12, 2010 I am so happy that I could study at ELS. Teachers at ELS are very good and nice. They helped me improve my English and figure out many problems in my American life. I will be happy to introduce my Vietnamese friends to ELS to come here and study English. Thanks ELS for everything. - Minh Nguyen Mazen Alghamdi March 12, 2010 ELS has been one of the best experiencs of my life, teachers are always friendly with the students. Also, they try to help you out with your individual needs. Moreover, ELS is not just a school, it's a special experience about a great relationship between students and teachers. ELS helps me a lot since I have been in the US. The teachers know how to improve your English and they even do things with you together so you learn a lot about American culture and way of life. It's an experience that everybody should have. - Mazen Alghamdi Seung hwan Oh March 12, 2010 When I came to ELS, I was so nervous, but it was just an alarm. Now I have many friends. I'm really glad to meet them, because they are from another country and they're my teachers in US Of course, learning English isn't easy, but I never give up. If you do, you would not become your dreams. Yi-Chu Lu September 24, 2009 Earning English in ELS not is an experience about studying English correctly, but also is a special experience about a wonderful relationship between students and teachers. Even though your ability of English is so small at the beginning, your heart will be as big as your English which you will have learned after studying in ELS. And that is what I learned from them. Kongsin Kitprasan, Thailand September 24, 2009 When I have been studying here, I told myself that this is the correct school that I choose before going to the USA Teachers here are so nice and have very good teaching technique. I have improved a lot after three sessions. The words that can definitely describe ELS school are “this is the best for everyone who want to improve themselves. Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Qatar September 24, 2009 My name is Mihammed Al-Qahtani. I’m from Qatar. I came to ELS to learn English language then to join the University of New Haven. I have had a good time with my new friends who I have met at ELS. I am really happy with them. I have friends from different countries such as Korea, Japan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. In summary, when you want to learn English I recommend that you join us! Nasser Al-Akili, Saudi Arabia August 10, 2009 ELS gives me a great chance to meet wonderful friends who come from all over the world. It is not only an English teaching center – it’s a place that we can share dreams, ideas, cultures and information rather than just teaching materials. Maria Rossi Franchi, Italy August 10, 2009 I can say without doubt that being at ELS has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life. I came here for just one month and I couldn’t avoid coming back again – being here, in this little Babel where everyone can speak with people from different cultures and histories is great! All the teachers are always open-hearted and you feel comfortable asking them for help. My English is getting better every day. That’s thanks to all the people that I met at ELS, the teachers, the students, and every single person who works here. Jian Huei (James) Li May 15, 2009 I have been at ELS Language Centers in New Haven for a couple months. Here, I don’t need to worry or be embarrassed about my English because the teachers are always patient with the students. They are also enthusiastic! No matter how easy or difficult the question is, they will find out the answer for you. In addition, ELS will direct students who want to apply to a university for a college or masters degree and help the student choose the school which is suitable for him or her. I also like that there is a variety of students from other countries. It lets you forget about felling homesick or lonely and that is awesome! All in all, I found my niche at ELS New Haven. How about you? - Jian Huei Li Chih-Li (Jerry) Liu May 15, 2009 Three months ago, students like me still struggled to speak complete sentences to introduce themselves. Now we have the ability to stand in front of a class and explain our ideas on subjects like bio-fuel or green consumption. For me, ELS Language Centers is the place where people have a chance to face themselves honestly. Here they tailor the classes to your individual needs. The teachers here are like bright stars in the sky that will lead you to cross the grammar swamp, pass through the dark forest of listening, and climb up the mountain of vocabulary. Then you can tell other people, proud and loud, at ELS I’m not only studying English, I am speaking English. - Chih-Li Liu Yaser Al-Zahrani May 15, 2009 In the first day at ELS I was worried that I wouldn’t get comfortable, but day after day I discovered that ELS is not just a school. It is my other home. I found my new family and my new lovely friends.
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Who is the West Indies most capped cricketer with 153 test appearances?
Shiv now most capped West Indies Test player – Dominica News Online News Links DNO, your only source for news that is iit - Independent. Immediate. Trusted.          •          You could WIN a $10,000 supermarket sweepstake! Top with $10 or more or text SHOP to 7171 for your chance to WIN in the Digicel's Supermarket Sweep Game! $1/txt Shiv now most capped West Indies Test player WICB Press Release - Wednesday, July 6th, 2011 at 1:23 PM Chanderpaul Roseau, Dominica – Shivnarine Chanderpaul celebrated another special milestone in his outstanding career on Wednesday when he appeared in his 133rd Test match, to become the most capped West Indies Test cricketer. The 36-year-old left-hander is in the line-up for the Third Digicel Test match against India – the first ever Test at Windsor Park. Chanderpaul made his Test debut as a 19-year-old back in 1994 and has been a reliable member of the team since then. He surpassed fast bowling great Courtney Walsh, who made 132 Test appearances. Third on the West Indies all-time list is another legend Brian Lara, who played 131 Tests. Before the start of the match Chanderpaul was congratulated by the entire team at a brief ceremony in front the Billy Doctrove Pavilion and was also cheered by the spectators. Also, to mark the occasion, Chanderpaul presented first Test caps to debutants Kieran Powell and Kirk Edwards. Chanderpaul was delighted. “It feels good to reach this landmark. I just want to keep doing my best in every match.” West Indies Team Manager Richie Richardson and Batting Consultant Desmond Haynes were both members of the team when Chanderpaul played his first Test against England at Bourda in Guyana more than 17 years ago. “This is a tremendous milestone, he has done very well and to reach 133 Test matches is truly remarkable,”  Haynes said in paying tribute. Richardson added: “When Shiv first came into the team years back you could see the desire to play for a long time. He has worked hard over the years and it is great to see him reaching this landmark.” Chanderpaul has had an outstanding career, scoring 9228 runs at an average of 48.56 with 22 centuries before Wednesday. Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed. Related Articles
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Neil Tennant is the lead singer of The Pet Shop Boys, but who is the other member of the band?
West Indies cricketers who have played 100 or more Tests - Cricket Country West Indies cricketers who have played 100 or more Tests Chris Gayle will be the ninth West Indian to have played 100 Tests. By Abhijit Banare | Updated : June 8, 2014 12:36 PM IST Shivnarine Chanderpaul (bottom left) is the most capped Test player for West Indies with 153 Tests till date © Getty Images   Jun 8, 2014   West Indies opener Chris Gayle is all set to play in his 100th Test as West Indies take on New Zealand in the first Test at Jamaica on June 8, 2014. Gayle will be the ninth West Indian to reach the 100-Test milestone. Gayle’s participation though is not confirmed as he is recuperating from a back injury picked up during the ICC World T20. Gayle was felicitated with a special award by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) at the annual awards on June 6, 2014.   In the list of cricketers, Shivnarine Chanderpaul is at the top having played 153 Tests till date and looks all set for few more. He is followed by pacer Courtney Walsh (132), batting legend Brian Lara (131), Viv Richards (121), Desmond Haynes (116), Clive Lloyd (110), Gordon Greenidge (108) and Carl Hooper (108).   Below is a list of West indies cricketers to have played 100 or more Tests. Player
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In film making what name is given to the assistant chief lighting technician?
Crew Job Titles - Positions - Descriptions | Film in Colorado Job Descriptions MOVIE CREW JOB TITLES Curious to know the difference between a Best Boy and a Gaffer in the movie’s ending credits? Want to know what a boom operator actually does? Don’t be confused and browse through our film crew glossary below. Learn all about the different crew job positions that occur on a film set! Art Department photo by: Steve Van Ness Art Directors – The art director works with the production designer and is responsible for the design and construction of a movie set. They are essentially assistants to the production designer and help construct the “look” and “feel” of the movie. Prop Maker – Prop makers and sculptors construct unique and specialized set props that are too difficult to attain, or too expensive to buy. This person builds these needed props from scratch using various materials that may include styrofoam, plastics, electronics, metals, woods or glass types of materials. This person is usually skilled in a wide variety of machining, construction and sculpting techniques. Prop Master – The prop master acquires, organizes, maintains and accounts for all the various props needed for the production. A prop is basically any set decoration piece that can be moved readily easily. This includes many items like guns, knives, books, phones, dish-ware, food, musical instruments, pets or any other item that needs to be present to fulfill the story line. Scenic Artist / Painter – The scenic artist is in charge of designing and treating all of the set surfaces. This may include painting, plastering, coloring, texturing or applying any other sort of treatment to the set surfaces to create a look. Often times the scenic artist simulates stone, wood, lettering, metallic or brick on the various sets and scenery. photo by: Steve Van Ness Set Construction Coordinator / Builder – The construction coordinator supervises the fabrication and physical integrity of the various sets needed as directed by the production designer and art director. This person is also in charge of budgeting and ordering the needed materials for the set designs. The construction coordinator may also be responsible for hiring the carpenters. Set Decorator / Dresser – The set decorator makes the decisions on what furnishings and other decorations are going to be used on set. This person works closely with the art director and production designer to create the optimal visual environment for filming. This may include various items such as paintings, fabrics, and other non movable decorative set pieces. Storyboard Artist – The storyboard artist creates a series of illustrations and sketches based on the director’s vision during pre-production. Each sketch represents a different camera set-up. These drawings usually include camera angles, characters and set design. The illustrations are then used to assist the other head departments in understanding their tasks. Camera Department photo by: Bob Carmichael Camera Assistant (1st AC) – The 1st AC is the chief assistant to the camera operator. The 1st assistant camera person is in charge of measuring and pulling focus during filming. The 1st AC also threads the film through the camera when a new magazine is loaded. This person also helps setup and build the camera, as well as maintain and clean the camera and lenses. Camera Assistant (2nd AC) – The 2nd AC is also known as the loader. The 2nd assistant camera person is primarily responsible for loading and unloading the new rolls of film into the different magazines, as well as maintaining and filling out all the camera reports for the film lab. This person also runs the slate or clapper to maintain sync and the correct labeling for each and every shot. Camera Operator – The camera operator physically controls and operates the camera during filming, under the direction of the D.P. (Director of Photography). The camera operator works closely with both A.C.’s as well. The camera operator controls the shot’s framing, and the camera movements as instructed by the director of photography. Camera Operator (Aerial) – The aerial photographer or camera operator is qualified and equipped to film aboard aerial devices. This usually refers to small airplanes and helicopter filming, but more recently, the use of drone cameras are being widely used as well. Camera Operator (Jib Arm / Crane) – This person is responsible for setting up and operating the mechanical camera crane also known as the “jib arm”. The jib arm is primarily used for large establishing shots that require substantial elevation and smooth motion. photo by: Brooke Johnson Data Wrangling – This is a relatively new job position that has been created in response to the popular use of digital video formats. The data wrangler is usually responsible for organizing, labeling, downloading, duplicating and reformatting the digital storage disks for use on set and the editing room. Digital Imaging Technician – This is another new job position that was created in response to the popular use of high-end digital video formats. The digital imaging technician uses various image manipulation methods to achieve the highest possible image quality during the production. This person usually manages the transferring and storage of the image data as well. Director of Photography – The director of photography (D.P.) is in charge of the overall visual look of the film, as seen through the camera. They recommend which cameras and lenses to use for the production. They design the shot’s framing, and the camera movements in conjunction with the director. They are also in charge of the camera crew, lighting design and collaborating with the gaffer. Photographer / Production Stills – This person takes still photographs and essentially documents the behind-the-scenes making of the production. Often, this person photographs images used for marketing purposes such as movie posters and DVD box art. Steadicam Owner / Operator – The steadicam is a camera mounting device that utilizes a mechanical arm attached to a body harness to provide extremely smooth hand-held shots. The steadicam operator is responsible for setting up and operating the steadicam during production. Most steadicam operators are very physically fit due to the amount of strength and endurance needed to operate the steadicam. Videographer – This person creates the video that essentially documents the behind-the-scenes making of the movie. This video isn’t normally used in the final version of the film. It’s only used for the purposes of documentation. Food Department photo by: Justin Griesinger Assistant Food Stylist – The assistant food stylist assists the lead food stylist in the preparations and arrangements of the food. This person usually has an extensive background in cooking, recipe development, and the ability to assist in achieving creative solutions for making the food look the most attractive. Craft Service – Craft Services are the various snacks and beverages that are provided to the film crew throughout the day. This is separate from catering. The person in charge of craft service sets up and maintains a station near production that provides these snacks and beverages. The craft service person is given a budget prior to attaining all the refreshments. Food Stylist – The food stylist will prepare and arrange food in an appealing way to be used in photographs, commercials or movies. This person usually has an extensive background in cooking, recipe development, and the ability to achieve creative solutions for making the food look its most attractive. Lighting & Grip Department photo by: Steve Van Ness Best Boy – The best boy is the lead electrician on set and is in charge of all the other electricians, similar to how the key grip is in charge of all the grips. The best boy usually operates, adjusts and balances the electrical load on the generator where required. This person is also responsible for distributing the electrical cabling properly providing the required power to each of the lights. Electrician – The electricians (or juicers) essentially set up and operate all the lighting instruments and cabling as instructed by the best boy or gaffer. This is a physically demanding job due to the large number of heavy lights and cabling often required. Electricians must be knowledgeable of tungsten and HMI lighting as well as changing and installing bulbs properly. Gaffer – The gaffer is also known as the chief lighting technician. This person is primarily responsible for developing a lighting plan according to the desires of the Director of Photography. The gaffer informs the best boy and key grip on where and which lights are to be placed. The gaffer is in charge of creating the best possible lighting scenario according to the camera framing. Grip – Grips essentially “shape the light” that is provided by the electricians. This includes creating pattern and shadow effects, coloring light, diffusing light or blocking light. While electricians set up the lights and cabling, grips provide everything else that is built around the lights to create the quality of light that the gaffer desires. They also provide a variety of special rigging, securing and safety measures on set. Key Grip – The key grip is the lead grip on a film set and in charge of all the other grips. The key grip and best boy collaborate with the gaffer and D.P. to formulate the best tactic for accomplishing a given shot. The key grip oversees the proper camera rigging mechanisms as well as manages the light blocking and diffusing techniques. Locations Department photo by: Justin Griesinger Location Manager – This person is in charge of attaining all the legal permits and other clearances needed to gain proper permission for filming in a particular location. The location manager also takes care of attaining and processing any other location permit fees as well. On some smaller shoots, the location manager assists in coordinating the parking of vehicles. Location Scout – Quite often the location scout is one of the first crew members to be contacted on a production. The location scout assists in finding the various filming locations according to the producer and director’s desires. Location scouts often have a large database of location photographs to show before traveling to the actual location for filming. Makeup & Wardrobe Department photo by: Steve Van Ness Costume Designer – The costume designer makes decisions on which wardrobes and costumes actors will wear based on the script requirements and character portrayals. Costume designers create or choose various clothing patterns, designs, colors, sizes and accessories for each wardrobe used during production. On larger movies, the costume designer has several assistants helping to organize, disperse and maintain all the costumes used by the cast. Hair Stylist – This person is responsible for styling and maintaining the talent’s hair throughout filming. The hair stylist is usually equipped with all of the appropriate supplies needed for the hair styling process. The hair dresser works in conjunction with the make-up artist to attain the best possible look for the actors and actresses. Makeup Artist – The makeup artist’s main task is to apply and create a variety of looks on the actors and actresses skin surfaces with makeup, from current trends to classic or period pieces. The makeup artist creates a look according to the director’s desires, often inspired by the characterizations in a story. Special FX Makeup – The prosthetics or special effects makeup person uses a variety of techniques for applying and gluing different materials such as latex, gelatin and other colorations which are used on the face or skin of an actor. Gore and blood, burns, creatures and aging special effects are the more commonly used prosthetic makeup techniques. Wardrobe Stylist – The wardrobe stylist works closely with the costume designer, and assists with preparing everything related to the actors clothing, costumes and wardrobe. Common tasks of the wardrobe assistant are maintaining and styling for all the wardrobes worn by the various actors. They also assist in helping to organize, disperse and account for all the costumes used on set. Production Department photo by: Steve Van Ness Assistant Director / 1st AD – The 1st assistant director works with both the production manager and the director to make the shooting schedule efficient as possible. The 1st A.D. breaks the script down into a shooting schedule and also helps manage the scheduling of talent, crew and equipment needed for each shooting day. This person sometimes helps direct the background extras in a scene. Assistant Director / 2nd AD – The 2nd A.D. works directly with the 1st A.D. to accomplish their duties. The call sheets for each shooting day are created by the 2nd assistant director. The 2nd A.D. also helps manage the scheduling of talent, crew and equipment that is needed for each day. This person also assists in directing the background extras in a movie scene. Director – The director is the leading creative artist on a movie set. The director works directly with the actors on their performances and has final creative control on almost every aspect of the the film. The director plays a large role in casting, script revisions, shot composing and even editing. Usually, the director is hired by the producer of the film. Line Producer – The line producer supervises the entire budget of the movie. Expenses may include celebrity salaries as well as daily costs like location and equipment rentals. The production manager reports to the line producer the current expenses and needs of the production on an ongoing basis. Producer – The producer helps organize the entire production. This person helps develop the script into a workable project. They assist with the hiring of actors and key crew members, while keeping track of finances throughout the production. The producer oversees script progress and often assists in creating final distribution plans for the movie. photo by: Steve Van Ness Production Assistant – Many individuals start their careers in the film industry as a production assistant. A production assistant usually does any general duty or minor task that the production heads may need. Basic duties may include dispersing walkie-talkies, setting up pop-up tents and tables, running basic errands as needed or attaining any other last-minute item that the production might need. It is essential that the P.A. has their own transportation to perform these various errands. Production Coordinator – A production coordinator is responsible for coordinating the “behind the scenes” logistics, which can include renting equipment, hiring crew members, and coordinating talent. In addition, this crew member may handle the paperwork needed to organize the production. For this reason, the production coordinator is an important crew member in ensuring a production’s goals are on budget and on time. Production Designer – The production designer works with the director and is primarily responsible for the design and overall visual “look” and “feel” of a movie. This includes the use of costumes, landscapes, props and other visual scenery that could reflect the movie script. Production Manager – The production manager works closely with the production coordinator. This person helps supervise the organization and distribution of the production budget, crew & equipment scheduling, salaries, day rates, and other office related paperwork. This person reports budget needs to the line producer, while trying to keep the production under budget on a day to day basis. Production Secretary – The production secretary is the assistant to the production manager. This person assists with the paperwork for the crew & equipment scheduling, timecards & invoicing, crew deal memo’s and other related office materials. The production secretary usually helps complete most of the paperwork needed to properly finish the production. Script & VTR Department photo by: Bob Carmichael Script Supervisor / Continuity – The script supervisor works closely with the director by taking detailed notes concerning what has been shot, needs to be shot, and also notes any deviations from take to take. He/she also makes sure that the dialogue corresponds with the script. The script supervisor also takes logging notes that are essential in the post production editing process, such as locating shots and finding the best takes. Many times the script supervisor assumes the role of continuity, ensuring the consistency between scenes and shots. Teleprompter Operator – The teleprompter is a device that mounts to the front of the camera and contains a scrolling text for the actor to read while looking into the lens. This technique is also used by newscasters. The teleprompter operator helps set up the teleprompter on the camera as well as the computer that provides the scrolling text program. This person is usually given the script ahead of time so that they can enter it into their computer before arriving on set. Video Assist Operator – The video assist person operates the VTR (Video Tape Recorder) during production. Most film cameras include a video tap that allows the VTR to record and instantly playback what was just filmed. Since you can’t review 35mm film without it getting processed in the laboratory first, this can be an especially useful tool on set. Video assist is the term used to describe this record and playback process. Reviewing the footage instantly allows the director to confirm performances, camera focus, framing, choreography and other elements for accuracy. Sound Department photo by: Bob Carmichael Boom Operator / Utility – This person is responsible for properly positioning the microphone boom pole during the actual filming. The boom operator is the assistant to the sound mixer. Many times the boom operator is required to hold the boom pole for several minutes at a time, which can be physically demanding. The boom operator must also be able to follow the actors movements while staying clear of the camera and lights. This makes it a challenging job for achieving the best possible audio. Sound Mixer – The sound mixer for film is head of the sound department and is responsible for leveling, monitoring and recording of audio during production. The sound mixer decides which microphones to use as well as placements of the microphones. This person can also mix the various sound tracks and audio signals in real time. A film sound mixer supervises the boom operator and/or sound utility person. Stunts & FX Department Pyro Technician / Explosives – Sometimes also known as the armorer, this person is primarily responsible for the handling, maintenance and care of all firearms, weapons and pyrotechnics that are used during filming. This includes all live-action explosives and and battle scene pyro effects. Pyro technicians are usually trained and certified to handle these dangerous props and explosives. photo by: Bob Carmichael Special Effects Coordinator – The special effects coordinator designs and supervises the various effects needed for filming through the use of mechanical and/or optical illusion techniques. The special effects coordinator provides the visual elements needed such as recreating weather elements or assisting with props that break, shatter, collapse, burn, smoke or explode. They also provide the special mechanical rigging that allows you to fly an actor. Special Effects Technician – A special effects technician works under the special effects coordinator and assists in physically creating the visual elements needed like weather elements, or assisting with props that break, shatter, collapse, burn, smoke or explode. They also help build the special mechanical rigging that allows you to fly an actor. Stunt Coordinator – The stunt coordinator manages and coordinates all the dangerous action sequences in a movie that require a stuntman or stunt performer. The stunt coordinator always follows the appropriate safety regulations during filming to ensure the safety of every stunt performer. Types of stunts may include jumping, flipping, diving, free-falling, crashing cars, catching fire, underwater stunts and other dangerous action sequences where stunt doubles are needed. Transportation Department photo by: Brooke Johnson Captains / Gang Boss – The transportation coordinator, or gang boss, organizes and provides a variety of vehicles and transportation for all crew, equipment and actors to and from the filming locations. The transportation coordinator/captain deploys the appropriate vehicles and drivers at the proper times to keep the production on schedule and on budget. They also work closely with the locations manager in attaining the proper parking permits and parking locations for all vehicles. Transportation Driver – The transportation driver works under the supervision of the transportation captain. Transportation drivers physically drive and operate all provided production vehicles to and from the filming locations. This includes the transport of all crew, equipment and actors safely to and from the film set while staying on schedule. Types of production vehicles may include cube trucks, passenger vans, stake beds, flatbeds, limos, cars or any other needed production vehicle.  
Best boy
In which midlands city was Samuel Johnson born?
Hollywood Hard Hats Hollywood Hard Hats comments, called-out If you’re the kind of movie-goer who stays reading end credits until you’re playing footsie with the usher, you have probably wondered: “What does a ‘gaffer’ do?” or, “Who’s the ‘best boy’?” Don’t let their foppish names deceive you: Gaffers, best boys and dolly grips are plainspoken workers who don’t give a damn about rubbing shoulders with celebrities. They’re also seasoned professionals who may apprentice for years before making it to the set of a big-budget flick. Millions of dollars, and often the safety of the cast and crew, depend on the precision of their work. A bit of etymological background: The gaffer, who is the chief lighting technician, gets his title from the head worker on a sailing ship, who controlled poles called “gaffs.” The early film-set gaffer also used “gaffs,” which were the long poles used to control large cloth tents that filtered and blocked natural light in early films. The term “best boy,” a supervisor in a given group of on-set technicians, was also borrowed from sailing crews. It originates from the act of promoting the crew’s “best boy” (sorry, girls) to second in command. In filmmaking, this allows the rest of the crew to stay on set and carry out the cameraman’s lighting needs. What’s with the sailing connection? Early film crew members were often off-duty sailors or longshoremen, a large source of group labor in the U.S. at the turn of the 20th century. But before you try to figure out what seamen and dock workers were doing in Hollywood, know this: The earliest movies were made on the East Coast, according to Myrl Schreibman, a producer and University of California, Los Angeles film professor. In fact, the first film studio was in Fort Lee, N.J., Schreibman says. “They came out to California because the weather was better.” And while they may still swear like sailors, you can bet that today’s film crew members are more richly compensated than their seafaring predecessors. Thanks to unions such as the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the average gaffer makes between $30,000 and $70,000 per year, and electricians on big-budget films can make much more. “I can’t complain about the money,” says Peggy Archer, a Los Angeles-based electrical lighting technician who has worked on the set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, American Pie 2 and Memento. But she does get sore about the subject of offshore film production. “It’s really burning my britches right now,” Archer says of the increasingly popular practice of filming outside the U.S. for favorable exchange rates, tax incentives and a crew that will work for less. “The crew has the hardest job and biggest risk of injury.” Archer has seen a guy get knocked out from a blow to the head by a crane arm. She once visited the emergency room with a puncture wound from a nail in her foot. A friend of hers was traumatized after witnessing the accidental death of a crew member on the set of Spider-Man 2. “I’ve been strapped to a camera crane moving at 65 miles per hour, I’ve been floating in the middle of the ocean in a wet suit surrounded by dolphins,” adds Russell Senato, a Virginia Beach, Va.-based grip who has laid cables and hung lights on the sets of films such as Seabiscuit and Minority Report. There are, of course, the more mundane threats, like 20-hour work days and the annoyance of friends who gush over how exciting it must have been to work with Brad Pitt after you’ve staggered home bruised and filthy at 7 A.M. And the worst thing about film-crew work? “You never know when your next job is coming,” says Senato, who also runs a camera equipment rental company for a more dependable source of income. So what keeps the crew going, especially when all the accolades–and most of the money–go to the actors? “I love it because it’s something different each day,” says Archer, whose work has taken her everywhere from Beverly Hills mansions to private avocado orchards in the mountains. After all your effort, you might not even get credited at the end of a film, but for the average movie crew member, seeing your name on-screen isn’t much of an ego boost anyway. “I don’t care about being in the credits,” Archers scoffs. “If you get into crew because you think it’s glamorous, you won’t last long.” ** No acting talent, but can’t shake the film fever? There are many jobs in movie-making that don’t involve the risk of fashion flops or paparazzi run-ins. Check out the possibilities below, or pick up a copy of Fred and Jan Yager’s guide, Career Opportunities in the Film Industry. Salary ranges are all from this helpful guide. Production and Direction Line Producer Salary: $4,800 to $5,000 per week Job Description: The “day-to-day” producer of the film, handles on-set problems, reports to the executive producer. Unit Production Manager Salary: $3,500 to $4,800 per week Job Description: Manages all administrative, financial and technical elements of a film’s production. Production Assistant Salary: $0 to $500 per week Job Description: Entry-level position, responsible for various odd jobs, which could include such dissimilar tasks as running errands, stopping traffic and fetching coffee. First Assistant Director Salary: $3,300 to $4,600 per week Job Description: Assists the director before and during production, organizes and maintains order on the set, oversees crew and cast meetings, selects and manages extras. Second Assistant Director Salary: $2,000 to $3,000 per week Job Description: Assists the first assistant director, prepares and distributes paperwork. Gaffer Salary: $30,000 to $70,000+ Job Description: The chief lighting electrician, responsible for lighting the set according to direction from the cinematographer, who may request a feel of “late morning” or “twilight.” Best Boy Electric Salary: $50,000 to $75,000+ Job Description: Assists the gaffer, supervises the rest of the electricians. Can be a woman, but the title’s the same. Grips Lighting and rigging technicians who may work closely with the gaffer and cinematographer to create shadow and other lighting effects, and operate camera cranes, dollies and platforms. While the gaffer and his electricians work directly with the lighting, the grips handle all of the equipment not directly attached to the lights. They are also responsible for the safety of the cast and crew. Key Grip Job Description: the chief grip Best Boy Grip Job Description: Assists the key grip, supervises the rest of the grips. Dolly Grip Job Description: Places and moves the dolly track, then pushes and pulls the dolly along that track. The dolly is a cart that the camera and sometimes its crew sit on. It allows the camera to move smoothly from place to place during a shot. Sound Boom Operator Salary: $35 per hour Job Description: An assistant to the production sound mixer, responsible for microphone placement and movement during a take. Uses a boom: a special piece of equipment that allows precise control of the microphone at a distance away from the actors. Foley Artist Salary: up to $80,000 per year or $400 per day Job Description: Creates, recreates and records sound effects, such as raging storms or breaking bones. Named after famous sound editor Jack Foley. Other Negative Cutter Salary: $35 to $40+ per hour Job Description: Cuts and splices the negatives as directed by the film editor, provides the assembled negative reels to the lab in order for prints to be made. Color Timer Salary: $37,000 to $51,000 Job Description: Balances the film’s color, contrast and density in the processing lab for consistency of tone and mood throughout movie. Wrangler Salary: $150 to $200 per day. Spider wranglers may earn more. Job Description: Chooses, trains and takes care of horses and other livestock used in the making of the movie. While wranglers are most common in films that feature horses, such as Brokeback Mountain, they can be caretakers of all kinds of creatures, from Arachnophobia’s spiders to Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’s snakes.
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Who is New Zealand’s most capped Rugby Union player with 124 test appearences?
The Most Capped XV Currently in World Rugby | In The Loose Contact Us The Most Capped XV Currently in World Rugby With Brian O’Driscoll set to become the most capped player in World rugby next weekend as he runs out in Dublin for his 140th cap. Below are the 14 men who would run out alongside him if we were to name a most capped side still playing in world rugby. 15 – Mils Muliaina – 100 Caps (New Zealand) With 165 test points to his name Muliaina has been a key component in one of the most successful rugby teams of all time. Although he has now fallen down the pecking order for the All Blacks he is now running out for double Super Rugby champions the Chiefs. 14 – Mirco Bergamasco – 89 Caps (Italy) With his brother Mauro not even making this side despite his 98 caps for Italy, Mirco still has plenty of time to add to his current 89 caps for Italy. Despite not being the biggest of players in the current age of giants in rugby, Mirco Bergamasco has been a resilient servant for his national side. 13 – Brian O’Driscoll – 139 Caps (Ireland) O’Driscoll is set to become the most capped rugby player of all time next weekend when he steps out at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin for Ireland. The epitome of the modern centre, O’Driscoll has been a constant in the Ireland side over the last 15 years, and although he may have lost a yard of pace, he has more than compensated with other areas of his game. 12 – Jean de Villiers – 96 Caps (South Africa) The only back to captain a side currently in the top 7 of the IRB World Ranking’s, de Villiers has been the cornerstone of the current Springbok side as a raft of young players have been brought in around him. 11 – Bryan Habana – 95 Caps (South Africa) The Springbok flyer may now be plying his trade in France at club level but at just 30 years of age there is still plenty of time for Habana to reach and surpass a century of caps. The most capped winger of all time is David Campese with 101 so it’s easy to see Habana surpassing that number very soon. 10 – Dan Carter – 100 Caps (New Zealand) The model professional, Dan Carter has established himself at the premier fly-half in World Rugby. Although injuries have limited his appearances for both club and country in recent years, at just 31 he still has plenty of time to build his record of most test points. 9 – Peter Stringer – 98 Caps (Ireland) At 36 most players would be hanging up their boots and looking for a cushy job in the commentary box, not Peter Stringer though. He is still going incredibly well at Bath this year and looks like he could have years in him yet. 1 – Tony Woodcock – 107 Caps (New Zealand) The All Black has been a monster in the scrum for New Zealand over the last 12 years and still has plenty to offer. It’s not easy earning so many caps in a side constantly producin top quality talent so Woodcock has achieved something pretty special. 2 – Keven Mealamu – 110 Caps (New Zealand) The All Blacks hooker may have had to rotate with Andrew Hore in the number 2 jersey over the years but this has no doubt added to his durability. An impressive 60 test points for the All Blacks highlights just one area of his game. 3 – Martin Castrogiovanni – 104 Caps (Italy) Castro as he has become known has been the cornerstone of an impressive Italian scrum for the last 12 years and at just 32 potentially has plenty more test caps in him. Italy are going to really struggle to replace him after he finally decides to hang up his boots. 4 – Victor Matfield – 110 Caps (South Africa) Matfield was part of a second row combination that helped to develop the modern partnership that we see in most international sides today. Despite having previously retired he is now back playing for the Bulls and will no doubt be hoping for a return to the international scene. 5 – Donncha O’Callaghan – 94 Caps (Ireland) Despite regular competition in the Irish second row, O’Callaghan has continued to be a major presence in the Irish boiler room and no doubt will be hoping to add to his tally of 94 caps. 6 – George Smith – 110 Caps (Australia) George Smith may have spent some time in international exile whilst he played in Japan, but has still managed to amass 110 caps for the Wallabies. It’s just a huge shame that his international career ended with that infamous clash of heads with Richard Hibbard during the Lions tour. 7 – Richie McCaw – 124 Caps (New Zealand) McCaw really has set the benchmark for the modern flanker over the years. He is currently captain of one of the most successful sports teams ever and will lead his side into the 2015 World Cup confident of retaining the title they claimed in 2011. 8 – Sergio Parisse – 104 Caps (Italy) The Italian captain helped carry his side at international level for a number of years but is now being supported by a senior group within the squad. Very few players are able to stand out as Parisse does even when their side are playing poorly. In total this side has 1584 caps between them which averages out to a 105 caps per person. Although there are players who are currently playing and have more caps, we have tried to select players based on their regular international position rather than cramming them into shirts they may not be accustomed to. The nations contributing the most capped players are; New Zealand – 6
Richie McCaw
Which horserace, run at Doncaster, is the first major handicap race of rge British flat racing season?
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw to lead out most capped side in Rugby World Cup history | Rugby Union | Sport | Daily Express New Zealand captain Richie McCaw to lead out most capped side in Rugby World Cup history RICHIE MCCAW will lead out the most experienced side in Test history against Argentina at Wembley tomorrow. 00:02, Sat, Sep 19, 2015 | UPDATED: 00:31, Sat, Sep 19, 2015 New Zealand are able to call upon 1,013 caps in their starting line-up as they set out on their mission to become the first side to win back-to-back World Cups. McCaw, Test rugby's record holder for most appearances, promises he and the All Blacks will be just as sharp as ever. "It's pretty easy when you are playing in a World Cup," said McCaw. "Every year, you have different challenges but the great thing about sport is that just because you had a good game last week, that doesn't mean you don't have to front up and do it again. That's why you keep doing it. "Over the years, I've enjoyed being part of the All Blacks team. That's what keeps you motivated - playing alongside some of the best players around and wanting to be better. It's pretty easy to get excited." GETTY New Zealand captain Richie McCaw will lead out the most experienced Test in World Cup history There are few firsts when you have played 142 Tests and even the prospect of playing at Wembley is not a new one for McCaw, who played there in an 18-11 defeat for the Barbarians against Australia in 2008. "I've been lucky enough to play at Wembley once before and it's a great place to play a game of rugby. It's going to be a pretty good atmosphere which will bring out the best in people," said the 34-year-old. "We've seen a fair bit of Argentina in the last few years and, if you're not on your game, they can make it a tough old day. They've shown in the last couple of outings against the Springboks that they've got the ability. It makes for a bit of edge in the first game." Related articles
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In which castle on the Isle of Wight was Charles I imprisoned for 14 months prior to his execution?
Ubique: Charles I and the Isle of Wight Saturday, 16 July 2011 Charles I and the Isle of Wight My brother and myself recently returned from the sunny Isle of Wight. One of the main historical attractions there is Carisbrooke Castle. The most famous resident of the castle was, of course Charles I. The onsite museum contains Civil War armour and more interestingly several personal possessions of King Charles I.The majority of the notes below are taken verbatim from the information panels at the castle “Defeated in the English Civil War which had raged since 1642, King Charles I was under house arrest at Carisbrooke for 10 months in 1647-1648. At first he had the freedom of the island but early in 1648 John Burley of Newport tried to free him, failed and was hanged. Afterwards Charles was confined to the castle. Still he could walk and play bowels on a green made for him." View of Carisbrooke Castle from the gatehouse looking towards the motte. Charles’s bedroom was located in the central building behind the ten paneled window in the middle of the picture. The large glazed window replaced a much smaller one. The second attempt was from ruined buildings to the left Aided by his page, Henry Firebrace, the king tried to escape twice more. In the first attempt he climbed through a window in his bedchamber but he got stuck in the bars." King Charles slept here (although not in this bed) Medieval fireplace, King Charles I's bedroom “This room was the king’s bedroom during his first five months at the castle, from November 1647 to April 1648. At first he was treated as a quest, but in January he became a prisoner, and guards were place on his bedroom doors. Charles attempted to escape from a small window in this room on the night of 20th March1648, assisted by his loyal servant Henry Firebrace. There are many later additions here, but the king would have been familiar with the large medieval fireplace, and the medieval chapel window and squint (to the right of the bed). The bed and chests are reproductions in the style of the 17th century. They have been installed to suggest the style of furniture brought here from Hampton Court in 1647.” Ruined kitchen and bedroom block Brother acting as money grabbing guard under the escape window "The second attempt was made in this area, where kitchens and bedrooms had been built by George Carey 60years before. Charles tried to climb out of the window above... but he was betrayed by two guards. They had taken money to let him escape but then cruelly turned him in.” On 29th November 1648 Charles was transferred across the Solent to Hurst Castle and then on to London for his trial and eventual execution 30th January 1649. The isle wasn’t a happy place for the Stuart family. Parliament was anxious that the children of King Charles could not be used any Royalist plot to restore the Monarchy. Princess Elizabeth and Henry Duke of Gloucester were moved to the Isle of Wight when their brother Charles II arrived in Scotland. It was determined that the Royal children should be imprisoned in Carisbrooke Castle. They arrived at Cowes on 13th August 1650. Never blessed with strong health Elizabeth died, aged 14, on 8th September 1650 probably from pneumonia and was later buried in St. Thomas Church, Newport. The church fell into disrepair and the princess’s grave was forgotten until 1793 when it was rediscovered by accident. When Queen Victoria and Prince Albert made the Isle of Wight their family home they felt the final resting place of one of the forebears needed a decent memorial hence the sculptured monument that marks Princess Elizabeth’s final resting place. 18th Century nameplate
Carisbrooke
Which pre-decimal coin, never minted after decimalisation, was legal tender until 1980?
Carisbrooke Castle - Spooky Castle for Halloween ! - Review of Carisbrooke Castle, Newport, England - TripAdvisor “Carisbrooke Castle - Spooky Castle for Halloween !” Reviewed October 24, 2016 Carisbrooke Castle is an English Heritage property, which is definitely well worth a visit, with it's rich history possibly dating back to Roman times! In the 1100's the Castle was owned by Richard de Redvers' family, and remained in their possession for the next couple of hundred years...Moving through the centuries, to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the Castle was additonally fortified, for fear of invasion by the Spanish Armada. Charles I was imprisoned at the Castle for a period fo 14 months, before his execution in 1649. From 1896 - 1944, Princess Beatrice (i.e. Queen Victoria's youngest child) lived at the Castle, holding the position of Governor of the Isle of Wight... It was great fun to wander around the property, along the Castle walls, as well as take in the walled garden, the Museum + Great Hall, St Nicholas's Chapel, and we visited Jim Bob and Jack (2 of the 4 resident donkeys that work and live on the property). A good day out for both big and little kids - maybe more so for the little kids, given the various events that were held throughout the day, including Halloween-based activities, to keep the little ones further entertained and occupied... Visited October 2016 Reviewed October 22, 2016 via mobile As EH members we visited Carisbrooke with the children during half term. There were lots of 'spooky' things going on for the kids for Halloween. The castle has lots of history and even my 9 year old knew about Charles I so he was able to relate to that. We visited all parts of the castle and had a really enjoyable time although I would say it's probable not a 'whole' day out. We were done in 2.5 hours. There is a cafe (it was very busy so we didn't use it) and 2 shops. As EH members it was free so definitely worth the visit! Visited October 2016 “spooky tour” Reviewed October 22, 2016 visited the castle during half term, loads for the kids to do as well as tour the castle there is something for everyone. from the informative short film on the history of the castle, there is a fantastic garden. The views from the keep across the island are fantastic there are two well stocked gift shops and a tea room that had standing room only! the staff were very well versed on the castle and always ready to answer questions from the kids. The museum is run indipendantly and is worth a look round. a great place to visit will take 3-4 hours to have a good look round. Visited October 2016
i don't know
The five species of which mammal are the Black, White, Indian, Javan and Sumatran?
The Rhinoceros Family The Rhinoceros Family   photo M Noonan Easily recognized by their nose horns and thick armor-resembling skin, rhinoceroses are familiar to wildlife enthusiasts everywhere. Found throughout Africa and southern Asia, these massive animals are intimidating fauna of their local environments. Of the five species of rhinoceros, two inhabit Africa, the black rhino, and the white rhino. The other three species, the Javan rhino, Sumatran Rhino, and Indian rhino are found throughout southern Asia, with each species' range encompassing the geographic location of its name. The word rhinoceros literally means "nose horn", derived from the Greek rhis, meaning nose, and keros, meaning horn. All rhinos have horns, but two species, the Indian rhino and Javan rhino, have but one horn, while the black rhino, white rhino, and Sumatran rhino have two horns. Rhino "horns" are not true horns. True horns consist of a bony core, covered by a keratin sheath. Rhinoceros horns are composed of keratin, but lack a bony core. They are simply a group of highly compacted keratin fibers on a roughened area of the skull. Despite their horns and armored appearance, one may expect rhinos to share close ancestry with elephants. But rhinoceroses are actually related to horses and tapirs, in the Mammalian Order for odd-toed ungulates, Perissodactyla. Like the other perissodactyls, rhinos have mesaxonic feet, which means the center toe bears much of the weight. Rhinos have three toes, which are large and splayed out to support their bulky body. Also like horses, rhinos are hindgut fermenters, bearing the ability to eat less nutritious vegetation than ruminants because digestion is faster. All species of rhino are herbivorous, either grazing on grasses or browsing on shrubbery. Rhinos are primarily solitary, found together only to breed, with calf, or at a shared resource. Males are territorial, defending their territory aggressively. The two African rhino species joust with their horns, while the Asian rhino species battle with their lower inscisors, and in the case of the Sumatran rhino - its lower canines. Females travel throughout different territories, using resources as needed. Rhinoceros eyesight is very poor. A motionless person at 100ft (30m) is undetectable to a rhino. However, what rhinos lack in sight is accounted for in audition and olfaction. A rhino's hearing is extremely sensitive, capable of noticing the slightest of sounds. But a rhino's cardinal sense is smell. The volume of olfactory passages in the snout exceeds that of the brain! Unfortunately, not even the keenest sense of smell can save the rhino from human hunters. Poached for its magnificent horn, all species of rhino are in danger of extinction. Rhino populations are now increasing due to protection from national park systems and captive breeding programs in zoos throughout the world.  
Rhinoceros
In which country do the Hinter Rhine and Vorder Rhine unite to form the River Rhine?
Everything rhino! Fun Rhino Facts 1. There are five different species of rhinoceros Three are from southern Asia and two are from Africa. They are the Black Rhinoceros, White Rhinoceros, Indian Rhinoceros, Javan Rhinoceros and Sumatran Rhinoceros. 2. The name rhinoceros means ‘nose horn’ and is often shortened to rhino. It comes from the Greek words rhino (nose) and ceros (horn).   3. White rhinoceros are the second largest land mammal The white rhino is the largest rhino species and can weigh over 3500 kg (7700 lb) and is the largest land mammal after the elephant.  Elephants can grow to be 7,000 kg (15,000 lb) 4. Rhinos can grow to over 6 feet tall and more than 11 feet in length. 5. Three of the five rhinoceros species are listed as being critically endangered. The Black Rhinoceros, Javan Rhinoceros and Sumatran Rhinoceros are all Critically Endangered which means they have 50% chance of becoming extinct in three generations. 6. Rhinoceros have thick, sensitive skin. Rhino skin maybe thick but it can be quite sensitive to sunburns and insect bites which is why they like wallow so much – when the mud dries it acts as protection from the sunburns and insects.  7. Relative to their large body size, rhinoceros have small brains. But this doesn’t mean they are stupid 8. Rhinoceros horns are made from a protein called keratin, the same substance that fingernails and hair are made of. The rhino’s horn is not bone and is not attached to its skull; it is also not hollow like elephant tusks. It is actually a compacted mass of hairs that continues to grow throughout the animal’s lifetime, just like our own hair and nails. The longest known on a black rhino was 4 feet 9 inches long (they average about 20 inches in length on the black rhino). 9. Some rhinos use their teeth – not their horns – for defence. When a greater one-horned rhino is threatened it slashes and gouges with its long, sharp incisors and canine teeth of its lower jaw. 10. Rhinoceros are herbivores (plant eaters). They have to eat a lot to fill their large bodies 11. A group of rhinoceros is called a ‘herd’ or a ‘crash’. 12. Despite their name, White and Black Rhinoceros are actually gray. The white rhino’s name is taken from the Afrikaans word “weit,” which means “wide” and describes its mouth. Early English settlers in South Africa misinterpreted the "weit" for "white". Black rhinos probably got their name from the dark wet mud in their wallows that made them appear black in colour.  Both species are essentially gray in colour. 13. The closest living rhino “relatives” are tapirs, horses and zebras. They are part of a group of mammals called odd-toed ungulates. 14. Rhinos are speed machines They can run up to 30 – 40 miles per hour; the fastest human can run 15 miles an hour, so finding a tree to climb is a better strategy than trying to outrun a rhino!  15. Rhino pregnancies last forever Or at least it might fee like it, they are pregnant for 15-16 months!  Mother rhinos are very nurturing. The young stay with them until they are approximately 3 years old. 16. Rhinos have poor eyesight, but very well-developed senses of olfaction (smell) and hearing.  A rhino has difficulty detecting someone standing only a hundred feet away if the individual remains still.  However, if the person makes the faintest sound or the rhino is able to smell the person, it will easily detect him, even at much greater distances. The olfactory portion is the largest area of the rhino’s brain.     17. African rhinos are a good 'home' for oxpeckers The oxpecker eats ticks and other insects that it finds on the rhino, and creates a commotion when it senses danger. This helps alert the rhino. 18. Rhino's communicate by doing a poo!  Rhinos use piles of dung to leave “messages” for other rhinos. Each rhino’s smell is unique and identifies its owner. It can also tell a rhino if the other rhino is young/old/male or female. They also tell other rhinos that this is their territory.  19. Rhinos have been around for over 50 million years They haven't changed much since prehistoric times (though of course they tended to be a lot woollier back then!) Some of the first rhinos didn’t have horns and once roamed throughout North America and Europe. No rhino species have ever inhabited the South American or Australian continents.   20. The Sumatran rhino is the closest living relative of this ancient extinct woolly rhino. These rhinos had thick, shaggy coats and were hunted by early humans and are depicted in cave paintings dating back more than 30,000 years ago.  21. What you eat matters The black rhino has a hooked lip which allows it to feed on trees and shrubs. The white rhino has a long, flat upper lip perfect for grazing on grasses. The upper lips of the three Asian rhino species allow these animals to browse vegetation in tropical forest habitats. 22. The Javan rhino is the world’s rarest land mammal.  Less than 50 individuals survive in Indonesia’s Ujung Kulon National Park, this is the only population and none exist in zoos 23. Not all rhinos are solitary creatures.  White rhinos commonly live in extended family groups, particularly females and their calves, and can sometimes be seen in large numbers. The greatest concentrations or densities, however, appear to be those of greater one-horned rhinos in India’s Kaziranga National Park, where visitors can typically see more than a dozen individuals at one time and as many as 50 in a single day!   24. Rhino horn is used in traditional Asian medicine Powdered rhino horn is commonly used to reduce heat from the body for things like fever; it is wrongly believed to have detoxifying qualities. 25. Fighting rhinos Black rhinos fight each other and have the highest rate of death among mammals in fights among the same species. Fifty percent of males and 30% of females die from these intra-species fights.
i don't know
Who wrote “How to be a Domestic Goddess”?
The State of the Domestic Goddess - Eater feature The State of the Domestic Goddess Every era gets the domestic goddesses it deserves, and in 2016, we have Gwyneth Paltrow and Chrissy Teigen Share T he fantasy of the domestic goddess is as old as cave paintings, but its contemporary manifestations are located in the cookbook aisle. Bounteous, generous guardians of the hearth, these beaming women beckon us into the kitchen with the implicit promise that we, too, might be worshipped just for making dinner. The term, popularized by Nigella Lawson’s 2000 bestseller How to Be a Domestic Goddess, describes a constellation of interconnected demigoddesses and wannabes. Being a domestic goddess is not the same as being a woman cookbook author, and it is definitely not the same as being a woman chef. One can be the head of an empire devoted to perfecting domesticity in all its forms and still not—sorry, Martha—be a domestic goddess. A certain sloppiness or silliness is required; a non-professional, self-taught, this-is-just-what-works-for-me vibe. Glamour, also, is required—sorry, Rachael Ray—so a side gig as a model or movie star is ideal, but supra-civilian-level beauty will also do. Every era gets the domestic goddesses it deserves, and the strongest contenders for up-and-coming D.G.s of the food-Instagram era are the Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow and the model/funny Twitter person Chrissy Teigen. Both have new cookbooks for 2016: Paltrow’s latest is called It’s All Easy , and Teigen’s first is Cravings . It’s All Easy is Gwyneth Paltrow’s third cookbook, but it’s her first with GOOP Food Editor Thea Baumann, who replaces chef, author, and renowned cookbook-doctor Julia Turshen as Paltrow’s co-writer. It’s also the first release from the GOOP Press imprint at Grand Central—which is itself an offshoot of the eponymous weekly newsletter Paltrow has been publishing since 2008. (It’s worth noting that G.P.—as Baumann refers to her—pioneered the weekly newsletter + book-publishing-imprint strategy for celebrity media brand-building.) Though GOOP is routinely strafed online for its earnest, privileged tone-deafness and promotion of specious "wellness" cures and fads, you have to give G.P. credit: She has masterminded the production of nearly ten years’ worth of content, all built on a foundation of Vegenaise-smeared avocado toast. More recent comers have tried to follow in her footsteps and stumbled—no one mourns the loss of Preserve , Blake Lively’s lifestyle site. It’s All Easy’s thesis, and the source of the taunt in its title, is that its recipes are for "the super-busy home cook." Reader, I am that. I cook dinner for my family almost every night. Not because I really want to, but because I am way over my neighborhood’s paltry takeout options, and also because I avoid gluten—not occasionally and recreationally like G.P., but because I have celiac disease. I also have a one-year-old, which has zapped a lot of the joy I once got out of cooking. Preparing food for someone who throws most of the meal on the floor while also trying to keep yourself fed makes time spent in the kitchen much less like the dreamy, quasi-hobbyistic activity that cookbooks pretend it is and much more a matter of brute survival. At the end of the day, I’m looking for something that will be ready in half an hour—half an hour in this reality, not cookbook-fantasyland—that uses pantry staples, produces leftovers that can be cut into pieces and served as a toddler’s finger-food lunch, and that tastes good. Tasting good is the part of this equation that gets sacrificed the most often, with taking half an hour coming in second; one is almost always traded for the other. In my previous life as a full human who loved to cook and did so only when she wanted to, I was a sucker for the work of the Domestic Goddesses. Beginning in my early twenties, when I worked for the U.S. publisher of Nigella’s books, I loved the idea of cooking for an imaginary partner and kids, coming out of the kitchen in a cute apron bearing a platter of something delicious, serving it seductively with my fingers. As I continued to think and write about food into my thirties, I fell into the cult of Laurie Colwin, whose essays are full of warm evocations of family-culinary life. Without ever meaning to, I memorized her descriptions of revisiting the allure of plain, steamed vegetables when she could appreciate them through the lens of her baby’s developing palate, and of letting bread dough rise many times over as she wrote and took care of her daughter. When I was unmarried and childless, I cooked those recipes while happily imagining a phantom family sitting around my dinner table. Now I am a Busy Mom, and I (temporarily) (I hope) hate to cook. What used to be relaxing—the unhurried minutes spent assembling ingredients and comparing recipes before getting to work—is now a sprint, because everything is a sprint. I had hoped that Gwyneth, who is also a Busy Mom tasked with getting dinner on the table at the end of a long day (let’s just go along with it, okay?) might have some ideas that would help me revive some of the Domestic Goddess fantasy I treasured before entering the reality of being a Domestic Drudge. I had fun leafing through It’s All Easy, which is full of photos of G.P. in Eileen Fisher-y tunics and minimal makeup, looking pensively out of rain-streaked windows at European skylines and laughing jubilantly in quaint vegetable markets. I could will myself into this worldview, I thought. I tested four recipes from It’s All Easy, mostly from the section called "In A Pinch." "Cooking is one of the greatest pleasures in life, but sometimes, after a long day, it can feel like a chore," this chapter begins. G.P. was speaking my language! I set out first to cook a Shrimp Stir-Fry that G.P. suggests as an alternative to ordering Chinese food, because it’s "just as fast" and you will "avoid the sodium bloat." She also says to serve it with rice or Sesame Noodles (another recipe) because it "makes a lot of sauce." Every part of this headnote is, obviously, lunacy: The idea that anyone is sitting around debating whether to order Chinese food or use the pound of shrimp that just happens to be sitting in her fridge is the thought of someone who has not had to do her own food shopping for quite some time; sodium bloat is not a thing (is it???); tacking an optional second recipe on to a recipe that is supposed to be quick and easy is a no; and if someone promises me a "lot" of sauce, I am expecting enough to do more than merely dampen the surface of the rice, which is not what happened. I was impressed, though, that the recipe was so simple that I could keep the whole thing in my head while executing it, which is always a plus. And while I’d been suspicious of the instruction to cook the shrimp first, then keep it in the skillet/wok with the next addition—there’s nothing worse than turning twenty bucks’ worth of tender shrimp to rubber with an extra minute of heat—the rest of the cooking happened so fast that the shrimp remained tender. As an added bonus, the whole thing tasted totally okay. My husband was a big fan of the fact that we were eating shrimp. The sauce, what little there was of it, was a decently well-balanced blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, with just enough cornstarch to make it clingy without being … goopy. While I suspect that I would prefer a version of the recipe that called for white sugar (rather than brown rice syrup) and like four more tablespoons of oil, I could see myself incorporating it into my repertoire. The next G.P. meal was somewhat less successful. I was seduced by a beautiful photo of congee with a sexy orange-yolked egg under a sprinkling of herbs and furikake seasoning. G.P. explains that congee is typically a breakfast dish but that she makes it as a "lazy dinner." There is nothing lazy about a dinner that takes 30-40 minutes to simmer, during which you must stir it every five minutes to prevent sticking—while also making the eggs and the homemade furikake seasoning. I guess the non-homemade kind has some verboten ingredient? G.P.’s take contains coconut sugar, which is like sugar with less sweetness and more weird dirt aftertaste. The whole endeavor took me about an hour. I found it difficult to crumble the sheets of nori using my fingers, as directed, so there were these biggish flakes on the surface of the congee, the same size and shape as fish food, and it smelled like the hot bar of a co-op grocery store. I took my first bite. "Hmm." My husband, whose reaction to most food is to inhale it and then offer an uncritical, gracious thanks to me for cooking it, was also like, "Hmm." "Well, it’s not so bad,"I hazarded. "I could see making this again." "I couldn’t … see you making this again," he said. When pressed for a more detailed critique, he pointed out that it was ugly (it was) and that he feels that chicken soup should contain "pieces of chicken in it." It was also weirdly bland considering how much garlic and ginger I’d painstakingly chopped. Photographer Ditte Isager is very talented, though; she made a bowl of brown glop look appetizing. Oh well. On to dessert! While some of the other dishes in It’s All Easy contain wheat, dairy and eggs, the desserts are all vegan, gluten-free, and contain no refined sugar. G.P.’s daughter’s favorite dessert is key lime pie, and while G.P. likes the original recipe—and she ought to, it is a classic work of genius—she has come up with this improvement: Substitute a chilled paste made of almond meal, brown rice syrup, and coconut oil for the graham cracker crust, and whipped coconut cream for the condensed milk, eggs, and sugar in the filling. This raw … pastry? Or whatever you’d call it? came together quickly. No special techniques were required. The hardest part was resisting the temptation I felt, after whipping the coconut cream with coconut sugar, lime juice, and lime zest, to add rum and crushed ice and drink it with a tiny umbrella. But I persevered. The idea that anyone is sitting around debating whether to order Chinese food or use the pound of shrimp that just happens to be sitting in her fridge is the thought of someone who has not had to do her own food shopping for quite some time My main issue with the finished dessert—other than the structural instability of the nut-glop crust—is that, like many vegan desserts, it is a more calorie-dense gut bomb than the original version. True, it has less sugar, but eating coconut cream is basically like eating a stick of butter, and eating it atop a crust of almond meal mixed with coconut oil is like eating a stick of butter on top of a stick of butter. Vegans, stop kidding yourselves. This intermittent dedication to the tenets of "clean eating" is the real downfall of It’s All Easy. Overall, the recipes are fairly easy, as far as technique and process are concerned—once you have your pantry stocked with coconut sugar and almond butter and have learned how to make zucchini noodles with a spiralizer. But most of them are pared down to remove some element that, by G.P.’s whimsical standards, is not "clean"—except when un-"clean" items are allowed to sneak in, which is just confusing. The desserts are all vegan, but photogenic oozy-yolked eggs adorn many of the savory recipes, because … you can have one "bad" thing at a time? Or something? I don’t want to invoke disordered eating lightly, but it’s hard for me to ignore the discomfort I feel when I encounter irrational rules around food. And when irrational rules around food are being sold as healthy or virtuous, I hear alarm bells. One thing’s for sure: while there may be ease in It’s All Easy, there is little inspiration to be found there, because there is no fun. T he week after my sojourn in G.P.-land, I rebounded into the world of rival domestic goddess Chrissy Teigen, who lives on the absolute other side of the fun spectrum. Teigen first rose to prominence as a swimsuit model, which, if you are unfamiliar with her Instagram, might make you think her an unlikely proponent of fatty, salty, greasy, cranked-to-eleven food—but actually, that unexpected combination is her whole Thing. She is a model who loves to eat. To her credit, sort of, she also knows this is annoying and improbable, and she hastens many times to say that sometimes she can only have one bite of her rich, indulgent cooking. Her cookbook also has a lot of photos of its author, but instead of looking pensively out at the rooftops in a caftan a la G.P., she is cuddling in bed with her husband John Legend in silk pajamas, sharing a saucepan of mac and cheese. If It’s All Easy was reduced to a bite, it would be an austere, pristine vegetable anointed with a precise amount of vinaigrette. Cravings would be a dripping, oozing, deep-fried piece of meat dipped in spicy mayo. The titles of Teigen’s recipes are full of adjectives, piled on like toppings on a juicy burger, and every recipe has at least one ingredient that would get it banished from G.P. -world. In her headnotes, Teigen is effusive: Everything here is the best thing ever. She can’t stop eating it. She has to have the bowl pried out of her hands. You have to make this NOW. It’s convincing the first few times, but eventually the unremitting intensity becomes overwhelming, like eating bacon at every meal. Still, I was excited to see whether these recipes lived up to their over-the-top billing. I picked two recipes that Teigen suggested as companion pieces: Sweet and Salty Coconut Rice and Pineapple-Grilled Short Ribs. The rice recipe appealed to me because it seemed like an easy way to put a new spin on something I eat a lot of, and also "sweet and salty" is a winning combination. And I loved Teigen's (or her co-writer Adeena Sussman's) description of kalbi-style short ribs looking like "some kind of amazing avant garde fashion belt." The recipe has you rub the ribs with half a cup of dark brown sugar, then marinate them in still more sugar, soy, mirin, aromatics, and minced pineapple. The rice has coconut milk and, true to its name, a quarter cup of white sugar in it. As I sugared the ribs, I couldn’t help but imagine G.P. looking on with smug disdain. Not counting marinating time, this dinner came together with remarkable speed. I invited my best friend and my mom to join us at the table as the Korean BBQ-scented smoke dissipated from my apartment. "Does this rice have sugar in it?" my best friend said after a few bites. She sounded incredulous but not disgusted, and then she took seconds. No one was all that into the grilled pineapple, and I was happy that I’d also served a green salad so that there was one non-sweet thing on the table. But everyone cleaned their plate, and no one wanted dessert. (There are no desserts in Cravings, because Teigen isn’t a baker and she’d rather have another helping of dinner, which is a completely understandable impulse, especially when dinner is meat candy.) Reading Cravings, I believed that Teigen actually cooks these recipes, because for the most part they are indulgent, extra-gooey/salty/spicy versions of things everyone cooks all the time—pasta, roasted meats and vegetables, soups and casseroles and salads. They are made with humble components like ramen noodles, rotisserie chicken, bouillon cubes, and cans of cream of mushroom soup. They rarely run to more than a page, and none contain fussy techniques or multi-day prep. The more idiosyncratic and Chrissy-specific touches are in a chapter called "Thai Mom," which includes her (Thai) mom’s recipes for things like soup with cooked, pork-stuffed cucumbers and a hangover-curing rice porridge that has ground pork in it and seems more promising than the pork-bereft G.P. version; Teigen writes that she served it to Eric Ripert once and he liked it and she cried. The other headnote I really liked was in the introduction to her kale salad, which is inspired by the one at Il Buco, where Teigen has enjoyed "many a booze-fueled lunch." "Once I threw up so hard into their toilet that I hit my forehead and had to wear fake bangs for a week," she writes. Anyone who mentions puking in the context of a recipe has my respect. Though prior to my encounter with Cravings I would not have ranked "funny, internetty sensibility" and "beautiful photos of the author wrapping her perfect mouth around chicken wings poolside" high on my list of what I want in a cookbook, I did end up appreciating them, in a way. But, despite all its "you must eat this now"ishness, spending time with Cravings didn’t make feel motivated to race into the kitchen and start enacting a fantasy wherein I am a supermodel living in L.A. with her mom, some cute dogs and the guy who sings "All of Me." It may be that the food here is too all over the place—the cookbooks I keep on heavy rotation tend to have a coherent set of flavors or techniques they come back to over and over, and if Teigen has a signature technique, it’s to add more of whatever makes a dish tasty. It works, but isn’t exactly an innovation. The exception is her technique for broiling salmon skin-side up in a sweet chili sauce, which she calls out in a note to her "Instahaters" who apparently think it’s unattractive. This little note is a distillation of everything that’s fun and good about Cravings: We see Teigen being a real person who, despite being famous, engages with her Internet following, and we learn a new way to cook boring old salmon fillets. It’s simple, but it’s what’s going to keep me from putting this book out on the stoop next to It’s All Easy. So maybe I’m missing the point of both of these books, or asking too much of them: Goddesses are by definition purveyors of fantasy, not Cook’s Illustrated-style brass tacks tips. But I did return to the mortal realm with a few new ideas, plus some coconut-derived pantry items that I’ll have to find some inventive way of dealing with. At the end of the day, domesticity is hard, and anything that makes it seem new or fun counts as divine intervention. Emily Gould is the author most recently of Friendship , a novel. She works at Emily Books , a bookstore and publishing imprint. Editor: Matt Buchanan Excerpts reprinted from It's All Easy with permission. Copyright © 2016 by Gwyneth Paltrow. Photos copyright © 2016 Ditte Isager. Published by Grand Central Life & Style, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. Excerpts reprinted from Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat with permission. Copyright © 2016 by Chrissy Teigen. Photographs copyright © 2016 by Aubrie Pick. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.
Nigella Lawson
Which new type of vessel was delivered to the Royal Navy by the Electric Boat company in 1904?
Sub-Zero Wolf Australia - Nigella Lawson "Nigella Lawson enjoys the ease of using Sub-Zero Wolf's advanced appliances."   Nigella Lawson is an English food writer, journalist and broadcaster.   After graduating from Oxford University, Lawson worked as a book reviewer and restaurant critic, becoming the deputy editor of The Sunday Times in1986.   Nigella then ventured into freelance journalism, writing for a number of newspapers and magazines.   In 1998, Lawson released her first cook book, How to Eat, selling 300,000 copies and becoming a bestseller. She wrote her second book in 2000, How to be a Domestic Goddess, winning the British Book Award for Author of the Year.   In 1999, Nigella hosted her own cooking show series, Nigella Bites, and followed this with another bestselling cook book. Lawson won a Guild of Food Writers Award for her television series. She has since gone on to host and feature in many other popular shows.   Lawson has released her own cookware range, Living Kitchen, and has sold more than 3 million cook books worldwide.  
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Tarom is the national airline of which European country?
TAROM - Welcome! Online reservation conditions ATTENTION The Romanian citizens need a return ticket. Please be informed that starting with 01.07.2013, TAROM flights from Frankfurt airport will depart from Terminal 2, Module D In accordance with the grenelle law, you can display the information related to the carbon emissions: click here . You can purchase baggage allowance and meal on Air Baltic’s site – https://airbalticmeal.com Please select a departure city Please select an arrival city. Departing and arriving city must be different. The departure time must be at least 72 hours from Departure date must be sooner than return date. Total number of passengers must be higher than 0. Booking a flight by choosing agency payment, requires a 72 hour period before departure. The booking must be paid to the agency within 48 hours of its completion. Booking a flight by choosing card payment, requires a 24 hour period before departure.
Romania
On which river does Rangoon stand?
Airline Information Page 74 4 Boeing 737 700 Tarom, the national airline of Romania, started flying under that name in 1954 but has roots going back to 1920. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Tarom has been able to purchase the type of aircraft it wanted and concentrate its routes more in Europe. Tarom has a fleet of 24 aircraft, including 7 ATR 42s (a French-Italian built twin engined turboprop) used on shorter routes and 11 Boeing 737 and 6 Airbus. The airline became a full member of the SkyTeam airline alliance in 2010. 2.4 million passengers were transported by Tarom in 2015, a 2% increase from the previous year.
i don't know
Who was the first astronaut to go in to space twice?
John Glenn: 1st American to Orbit Earth, Oldest Man in Space John Glenn: 1st American to Orbit Earth, Oldest Man in Space By Nola Taylor Redd, Space.com Contributor | December 8, 2015 04:45pm ET MORE Editor's note: John Glenn, a legendary NASA astronaut and American hero, died on Dec. 8, 2016 at age 95. Read our full obituary here .  More coverage:  America's First Spaceship: Project Mercury (Infographic) The first American to orbit the Earth, John Glenn made history again when, at the age of 77, he became the oldest person to travel in space. But before he was nationally recognized as a hero, he had put his life on the line for his country many times. Born on July 18, 1921, in Cambridge, Ohio, John Herschel Glenn Jr., was the son of John and Teresa Sproat Glenn. While playing in the high school band, he met Anna Margaret Castor, and later married her. After graduation, he attended Muskingum College, where he attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Glenn entered the Naval Aviation Cadet Program. He ultimately flew 59 combat missions in the Pacific during World War II. Astronaut John Glenn photographed in space by an automatic sequence motion picture camera during his historic orbital flight on "Friendship 7" on Feb. 20, 1962. Credit: NASA After the war ended, Glenn served as an instructor for advanced flight training at Corpus Christi, Texas. He went on to fly 90 missions in Korea, downing three MiGs during the his last nine days of combat. From there, Glenn attended Test Pilot School at the Naval Air Test Center in Maryland, then went on to serve as project officer on a number of aircraft. He attended classes at the University of Maryland for two and a half years while assigned to the Fighter Design Branch of the Navy Bureau of Aeronautics, the precursor to the Bureau of Naval Weapons. In July 1957, Glenn set a transcontinental speed record, flying from Los Angeles to New York in 3 hours 23 minutes. His was the first cross-country flight to average supersonic speed. Glenn was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross six times, as well as a number of other honors for his military service. He and his wife have two children. Beyond the sky In April 1959, Glenn was selected as a Project Mercury astronaut. He became part of the Mercury Seven group, the first astronauts selected by NASA. Glenn served as backup astronaut to the first two Americans in space, Alan Shepard and Virgil "Gus" Grissom. [ Project Mercury: Photos of NASA's 1st Manned Spaceflights ] At the time, the United States was in the midst of a race with the Soviet Union to reach the stars. Russian astronaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man launched into space on April 12, 1961, beating Alan Shepard by less than a month. Gagarin's craft took him in a full orbit around Earth, making him the first person to circle the planet, as well. [ Infographic: 1st American in Orbit: How NASA & John Glenn Made History ] On Feb. 20, 1962, the United States showed that it had the same mettle as its competition. Previous flights into space by Shepard and Grissom had not traveled all the way around the planet. When Glenn blasted into space aboard Mercury's Friendship 7 capsule, he orbited Earth three times over the course of almost five hours, traveling faster than 17,000 mph. [ VIDEO: This is Friendship 7: America's 50th On-Orbit Anniversary ] But his journey was not without hazards . After the first orbit, a mechanical problem with the automatic control system required Glenn take manual control of the craft. Sensors also indicated that the heat shield, which would protect the astronaut from the lethal temperatures created upon re-entry to the atmosphere, was loose. To help protect him on his return to Earth, Glenn kept the retrorocket pack, which was designed to be jettisoned, in place. Follow-up examination of the control system revealed that the indicator had been incorrect. The shield was fine, but the experience was surely harrowing. [ PHOTOS: John Glenn, First American in Orbit ] An active retirement Glenn retired from the Marine Corps in 1965 as a colonel. He worked as a business executive for a decade before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1974. The Ohio Democrat campaigned vigorously for funding for science, education, and space exploration. In 1984, he made a failed bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. He served as a senator until 1999. STS-95 crewmember, astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn. Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth and returned to space in 1998 aboard a Space Shuttle flight. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz, Mark Sowa Despite his advancing age, Glenn was not yet finished with the space program. On Oct. 29, 1998, while still a senator, Glenn made history again when he rode the space shuttle Discovery to become the oldest space traveler. Over the course of nine days, the shuttle orbited Earth 134 times. Glenn served as payload specialist, participating in various experiments to test how his 77-year old body responded the weightless environment. The craft also carried the SPARTAN satellite to study solar wind, and hardware for an upcoming maintenance mission on the Hubble Space Telescope. In 2012, Glenn received the Presidential Medal of Freedom . He was also on hand for the retirement of the space shuttle Discovery , though he criticized the demise of the shuttle program as delaying research. Although Glenn's second flight into space was completely different from his first, both were historic, record-setting missions. But most Americans will always remember him as the first American to orbit the Earth . —Nola Taylor Redd
virgil gus grissom
Which is the cheapest property on a Monopoly board?
Who was the first man to travel into space twice? | Reference.com Who was the first man to travel into space twice? A: Quick Answer According to the New Mexico Space Museum, Virgil "Gus" Grissom was the first man to travel into space twice. Unfortunately, before his third journey into space, he was killed in the Apollo 1 fire on January 27, 1967. Full Answer Gus Grissom was the pilot of Liberty Bell 7 atop Mercury-Redstone 4 on July 21, 1961. He returned to space in Gemini 3 on March 23, 1965. He was the prime choice of NASA program directors to be the first man on the moon before his death in the Apollo 1 accident. The first woman to travel to space twice was the cosmonaut Svetlana Savitskaya, who flew missions to the Salyut 7 space station in August 1982 and July 1984.
i don't know
What is the common name of the bird Sternus vulgaris?
European Starling, Identification, All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology Rusty Blackbird Backyard Tips This species often comes to bird feeders. Find out more about what this bird likes to eat and what feeder is best by using the Project FeederWatch Common Feeder Birds bird list . Find This Bird Starlings are common around cities and towns. Look in lawns, city parks and squares, and fields. They’ll be working their way across the grass, often moving in a slight zig-zag line and seeming to hurry as they stab their bills into the ground every step or two. In the countryside you’re more likely to see starlings perched in groups at the tops of trees or flying over fields or roads in tight flocks. Get Involved You can help scientists learn more about this species by participating in the Celebrate Urban Birds ! project View and sort images of nesting starlings online with CamClickr to help scientists archive data from our NestCams If you have a bird using a nest box, report nesting activity to NestWatch You Might Also Like A Darwinian Dance : Starlings and Falcons engage in an age-old aerial ballet. Story and Photographs in Living Bird magazine. Visit the NestCams archives for a close-up view of starlings in their nest
Starling
"What does the Latin phrase ""Lapsis Lingua"" mean?"
EcoBirds Anting   Anting Perhaps some of the strangest behaviour indulged in by birds is anting. Anting occurs in two different forms and for the sake of this essay it does not always involve ants. Most anting, however, does involve ants and over 250 different species of birds have been recorded displaying this behaviour at one time or another. Anting occurs either as active anting, in which the bird picks an ant up and applies it to its plumage, or passive anting. Normally, the ant during active anting will be stroked along the feathers, usually the flight feathers. Starlings (Sternus vulgaris) actively seek out Formicine ants which suggests that the ants' ability to spray formic acid is an important consideration. It has been observed by many people that during anting the birds appear to get exceedingly excited. After the ant has been applied to the feathers it is either discarded or eaten. Other active anting birds are Babblers, Tanagers and Weavers. Passive anting involves the bird finding an ants' nest and lying down among the ants. This process often likened to bathing in ants is not as well studied as active anting. Birds which are passive anters include the European Jay, Crows and Waxbills. Because life loves diversity, Blackbirds, Redwings and other thrushes exercise a flexible strategy, being either passive or active anters as the occasion or some unknown need takes them. Strangest of all perhaps is the Grey Thrush of Japan which is a passive anter which goes throughout the actions of an active anter, but without any ants in its bill. Finally, birds have also been observed to indulge in anting behaviour using objects that are not ants such as mothballs and apple peel. What actually happens during anting is easy to observe and record, especially as many birds will display anting activity in captivity if offered ants. A more difficult question to answer is why. In truth nobody seems really sure what birds get out of anting. People have theorised that the ants help rid the birds of pests like feather mites and louse flies, other theories suggest that the anting is just a way of getting the ant to discharge its store of formic acid before eating it. The trouble with this idea is that it doesn't explain passive anting. Scientific evidence supporting the pest control theory is hard to find. However, it is known that ants are only eaten after they have discharged all of their acid. It is not unreasonable to assume that active anting as we see it today evolved from a detoxifying action to make ants edible but gave the added benefit of pest control to some extent. Nature often likes to perform several roles with one action and though scientists like to understand the order of importance and/or the order of origination of an action this is not always easy to achieve. Perhaps related to anting, but even more bizarre is 'smoke bathing'. Birds such as Rooks have been observed standing on smoking chimneys with their wings spread open in a similar posture to some birds when anting. Birds have also been seen to use smoking cigarette butts for anting. On other occasions both houses and trees have been set alight by birds taking live cigarettes back to their nests. No-one really knows why. The information on this page was contributed by EarthLife . Please send EcoBirds your comments. Search EcoPort This search facility allows you to search EcoPort directly without having to navigate the more detailed EcoPort menu. EcoPort contains record structures for all birds of the world, and can be searched on scientific or common name in any language (provided it has already been entered). As the bird entities in this knowledge system are relatively new, most records will consist of the scientific name, some taxonomic information, and at least one common name only. This facility can be used to search for any entity type in EcoPort e.g. plants, insects, fungi, bacteria, mammals, birds, and spiders. Last updated: 24 November 2002
i don't know
Barrow Point is the northernmost point of which country?
Point Barrow Encyclopedia  >  Places  >  United States, Canada, and Greenland  >  U.S. Physical Geography Point Barrow Point Barrow, northernmost point of Alaska, on the Arctic Ocean, at lat. 71°23−N and long. 156°30−W. Visited in 1826 by Frederick W. Beechey, a British explorer, and named by him for the British geographer Sir John Barrow , it has since been the object of many expeditions and has figured prominently in arctic aviation. Navigation is open for only two or three months a year. To the southwest is the village of Barrow. Farther south is a monument to Will Rogers and Wiley Post , who lost their lives there in an airplane crash in 1935. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
United States
In which Charles Dickens Novel does Esther Summerson appear?
Mark Hits The Road To Barrow, Alaska Barrow, Alaska Barrow, Alaska is the northernmost city in the United States (and the 11th most northern city in the world). It is located at Point Barrow, the northernmost point in the country. The city of more than 4,000 people is also the administrative center for Alaska's North Slope Borough, the largest county-level unit in the country. The borough covers much of northern Alaska along the Arctic Coast. Visitors come to Barrow because of its northernmost status, for wildlife sightseeing opportunities, especially polar bears, and for its summer midnight sun. Indeed, the sun does not set for about 80 straight days in the summer because the city is well north of the Arctic Circle. In the winter, however, the sun does not rise for more than 60 straight days. It's cold. Subzero highs are normal four months of the year. In the summer, normal highs are below 50 and night temperatures often drop below freezing. It's one of the cloudiest places in the country, but there is very little preceiptation - only about the equivalent of 5 inches of rain per year on average. Yes, that's a desert climate. What visitors will also notice is that Barrow isn't very pretty. It is expensive to bring supplies to Barrow, so a lot of scrap is saved for possible later use. Things don't decay in the town dump because of the cold. The surrounding landscape is flat and rather bleak. It's too cold for flower gardens. But there can be stark beauty in desolation if you look for it. You don't go to Barrow for the scenery. You go there to see what it's like to live in a place that is so very much different from where most of us live. Barrow High School (A92A0187) Barrow High School is the Home of the Whalers. The school's athletic teams have traveled all across the state. Utqiagvik Presbyterian Church (A92A0190) Polar Bear Skin (A92A0179) Hunting and fishing for food is common in Barrow. It is a cultural tradition, and non-traditional foods must be flown in, making it rather expensive. I spotted a polar bear skin stretched out to dry up on the roof of a neighborhood house. Canoe (A92A0189) Someone's boat sits out in a Barrow residential neighborhood. Permafrost Freezer (A92A0180) When I was in Barrow, a layer of permafrost existed just beneath the surface of the land. One could create a food storage freezer in this as shown here. Climate change has changed things a lot in the Arctic. The permafrost itself is slowly warming up. Birnirk Archaeological Site (A92A0186) The remains of 16 sod dwelling mounds dating back to the 9th century are evidence of the Birnirk Culture, a prehistoric Inuit culture that existed for about 400 years along Alaska's Arctic Coast. They are located along the ocean's edge at the east end of town. Local Cemetery (A92A0150)
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